What does it mean when we say, “I am a Christian?” We know we are supposed to be different, but that difference occasionally runs contrary to human reasoning. We have died yet live. We have been transformed, yet we remain the same. We are not of this world, yet here we are living and functioning with this world. What is involved – outside of merely making claims of being different – in being a Christian that truly does make us different.

Contradictory Ideas

Dead Yet Living. Romans 6:1-12 records Paul addressing our death to sin and the things of this world. He compares obedience to baptism with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In Colossians 3:1, Paul calls upon us to seek things that are above, being raised up in Christ, and he refers to putting our earthly selves to death in verse 5. Galatians 2:20 calls us crucified with Christ. Self is put away, and Christ lives in us as we continue living.

Transformed Yet Unchanged. In Romans 12:1, in referring to us as living sacrifices, calls upon to be transformed, to be changed. II Corinthians 3:18 and Ephesians 4:23 both call on us to transform or renew ourselves. As we are raised from the grave of baptism, we undergo no physical changes, but Paul calls us transformed.

In, Not Of the World. John 17:16 records Jesus referring to His disciples as not of the world as He is not of the world. Colossians 3:2 tells us to set our minds on things above as opposed to the things of this life. In Philippians 3:19, Paul speaks of the shame in minding earthly things.

Reconciling the Confusion

How do we make sense of these paradoxes? How can we be so changed, yet appear unchanged? The death of Romans 6 is basically a separation from sin. Where physical death is a separation of life from our bodies. When we die to sin, we remove sinful attitudes and behaviors from our lives. We are still who we are, but we’ve put away those things and that former self that keeps us from God and His mercy. We become a living sacrifice according to Romans 12:1-2. Without physically dying, we cast off all that we formerly held valuable and give ourselves entirely over to God’s will.

When it comes to our transformation, Paul calls on us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We remake our mind in the likeness of Christ. We take on a new mindset. How I may have lived, how I may have treated others, or the things I may have prioritized – these things are now part of the past. I Peter 1:14-15 calls us to fashion ourselves after God’s holiness in all things. I Peter 2:10 speaks of us obtaining mercy to undergo this change. In our death to sin, in our transformation through the reforming of our minds, we separate our priorities from this world. While in the world, we are no longer part of the world.

Conclusion

Saying we are Christians is more than believing in Christ, but there is much more involved in becoming a follower of Christ. Romans 6:12-14 warns us against letting sin reign over our lives. The changes in our lives as Christians involve us no longer pursuing sin and pursuing spiritual interests instead. In I Corinthians 6, the Christians at Corinth think that what they do with their bodies has no impact on the soul, but Paul demonstrates that theory as flawed. Our conduct, according to Romans 6:16, demonstrates our true identity.

If the world cannot tell a difference between who I am now and who I was, can God see the difference? When God looks down upon us, do we reflect Him, or do we still reflect the world in His eyes? Until the truth of God’s word is reflected in our lives, we demonstrate them to be no more than platitudes. We cannot merely listen to His word. We must learn from it and live it.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, behaviors, character, priorities

To treat others how we want to be treated, to love one another – they are ideas that look easy on paper. If we take a hard look at ourselves, though, we may find we aren’t so good at these simple concepts. God sets out expectations of how we are supposed to live and treat each other. He sets an example of love, and our challenge is to follow that example, to demonstrate the love of God in our lives.

In our character, God is the pivot point. When we know how to interact and how to react to God, we learn to better interact with those around us. We learn from an early age that God made us and God loves us. We study His power, His mercy, and the many ways He loves us. We demonstrate our love for Him, in turn, when we love others. Without loving others, we do not love God.

Foundations of Love

According to Genesis 1, we are God’s Creation, and He made us in His spiritual image. We understand that authority is a part of Creation. We are His. However, man likes to live by his own authority. In Daniel, for example, both kings Nebuchadnezzar and his son Belshazzar need to be reminded of their places. In contrast, Psalm 19 describes the glory of God’s word as portrayed by nature. The psalm speaks of a power before which we must humble ourselves. It is the testimony of I AM as God calls Himself in Exodus 3:14. We are created for the purpose of good works under this authority according to Ephesians 2:10.

John 3:16 describes the love God has for us in the sacrifice He provided and made on our behalves. Paul elaborates on this point in Romans 5:6, describing how undeserving we are of such a sacrifice. He describes our relationship with God as adversarial, but the cleansing power of Christ’s blood bridges the gulf separating us from our Father. He loves us despite the fact that we are unlovable. This love is a model for the love we are to have for one another according to I John 4:19. It is unmeasurable by our standards, but it is also a love that is unconditional. THis is the foundation upon which our love is built.

God Doesn’t Want Us to Hit

Ephesians 5:1 encourages us to be imitators of God in all things, and I John 4:7 equates loving others with loving God. God is characterized by love, and demonstrating unloving qualities separates us from our God. Without love, according to John, it is impossible for us to even know Him. Verse 20 goes as far as to say that we are liars if we claim to love God while harboring animosity and resentment in our hearts. Just as we don’t want our children to hit their friends and classmates, God does not want us striking out at each other. Doing so is contrary to His nature.

God’s will is accomplished through love. Galatians 5:14 calls love the summation of God’s law. Loving one another takes care of the details. Once love is in place, all other aspects of obedience become easier to follow. Many of us are familiar with I Corinthians 13, describing the qualities of love. We often recite these verses at weddings, but Paul is describing more than the love between husband and wife with these words. He is expounding upon the type of love all Christians should have for their fellow man, and Paul even has the audacity to say that anything we achieve ultimately amounts to nothing if we do not have love.

Where then is our love for those around us? God created us. He loves us – completely and unconditionally. In turn, He wants us to demonstrate His love in our lives.

By Kevin Heaton

Tags: attitude, godly qualities, love, one another

Download the slides (PDF, 27.5 MB)

Our world is not always a nice place. We see evidence of violence, sorrow, and hatred everywhere we look. Much of our common history is driven through conflict motivated by religious intolerance, ideological differences, oppression, or wonton cruelty. We are told by many political and even religious leaders to fear the world around us, to distrust those who are different from us, and to suspect anything we don’t understand. We are taught and reinforced to dwell on pain, hatred, and misery.

We live in a world that marginalizes the notion of peace, that chides a loving attitude as naïvety, and that demands conformity rather than embraces understanding. Too often, we laugh at those who would reflect these attitudes. So I want us to consider: what’s so funny ‘bout peace, love and understanding?

Inspiration from a Song

In 1974, singer-songwriter Nick Lowe released a song called “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” on the album The New Favourites of Brinsley Schwarz. In 1979, Elvis Costello & The Attractions released a cover of the song on the American version of their album Armed Forces, and his version is probably the most famous.

The lyrics of the song are simple, asking where is the hope in this wicked world? Who can be trusted? Is there only pain, hatred, and misery? Where is our harmony, and what’s so funny ‘bout peace, love, and understanding? We might say the answers to these question are easy. We would say our hope is in God, like David in Psalm 39:7. We might be like Solomon in Proverbs 3:5 who says he trusts in God with all his heart. What do our lives say, however? Do we live like we trust God, or do we pay Him lip-service while we allow secular concerns to stir up conflict, animosity, and distrust in our lives?

The Bible on Peace, Love, and Understanding

Jesus and the New Testament writers have a few things to say regarding peace, love, and understanding.

On Peace. We often make a big deal of Jesus saying in Matthew 10:34 that He does not bring peace but a sword. We use that passage to occasionally defend ugly behavior, and we overlook the fact that the image of a sword is consistently applied to His message in the New Testament – not His people. His word is divisive, but we are to be peaceful. James 3:17 tells us that wisdom from above is peaceable and full of mercy. Jesus, in Matthew 5:9, calls peacemakers sons of God. Peace is listed as a fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22 along with gentleness in verse 23, and Romans 12:18 calls on us to live peaceably with all men. We are a peaceful people.

On Love. In Mark 12:28-31, a scribe asks Jesus what the greatest command is, and Jesus answers with two – love God and love our fellow man. I Corinthians 13 goes into a long description of what Christian love mean – being humble, hoping for the best, being gentle, patient, etc. – and verse 8 concludes that Christian love is unfailing. Jesus, in John 13:35, calls our love our identifying trait, and I John 4:7 calls those who demonstrate love born of God. Our lives should be defined by the love we show others.

On Understanding. This understanding is more than academic knowledge. It implies empathy, caring, and concern. Galatians 6:2 simply calls on us to bear each other’s burdens. To do this, we must be understanding toward each other. In Matthew 6:14, Jesus calls on us to be as forgiving toward others as we expect God to be of us. Ephesians 4:2 calls us to be gentle and long-suffering in our walk of unity, and Philippians 4:5 says our gentleness should be evident before all. We must be understanding if we are going to be a patient and forgiving people.

What’s So Funny Then?

What, then, is so funny about peace, love, and understanding? The answer is nothing, and when we criticize or mock these qualities in others, we make a mockery of the name we wear. In Matthew 23, Jesus decries the Pharisses’ habits of making mountains of molehills while neglecting the weightier matters. I fear we too often let personal agendas, political affiliations, and societal biases inform or be reflected in our lives more than the qualities demonstrated by our Savior. We cannot be more concerned with being good fiscal conservatives than good Christians; more concerned with following in the footsteps of the GOP that the footsteps of Christ; nor should we make more of our citizenship in this nation than we do our citizenship in Heaven. Jesus was peaceful. He was loving. He was understanding. We should be also.

We have a God who understands our troubles and cares for us according to I Peter 5:6-7. John 3:16 tells us that God’s love for us is so complete He sent His Son to die, and Philippianns 4:7 tells us that we find peace that surpasses understanding in Him. Our God is one of peace, love, and understanding. There is nothing funny about these qualities, and He asks us to live likewise in His image. Our daily lives should demonstrate that we see value in peace, love, and understanding.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: attitude, love, one another, character, my thoughts

Luke 10:38-42 records Jesus visiting the home of Mary and Martha. Martha is busy doing the work of a hospitable hostess with a large number of people in the house, and she asks Jesus to tell her sister to help with the workload. She receives an unexpected answer, however, when Jesus tells her that Mary is seeking after something more important. Jesus does not negate the importance of hospitality and looking after others’ needs, but he makes a distinction between things that are important and things that are essential.

Important Things in Our Lives

Think about the things on which we place emphasis in our lives? How do we spend our energy? What gets us worked up? In Genesis 6:5, God looks upon His Creation, and He sees a people entirely focused on wickedness. Our thoughts can be focused on how we can cheat others to our advantage – how we can forward ourselves at the expense of others. Amos 6 records God proclaiming woes upon those who take comfort in the luxuries, interested in nothing but their pleasures. He calls this worthless activity.

In contrast, others spend their lives in pursuit of important things. We might focus on taking care of our bodies, these vessels given to us by God. We may spend our time on intellectual pursuits, either in school or independently sought knowledge. Developing social graces is important to functioning in our society. Community service shows a sense of love and duty toward others. These are all things that are important. They are worthwhile in their own rights. These pursuits can produce good, respectable people. We cannot, however, pursue these at the expense of the essential things.

Recognizing the Essential

Are we as concerned about our inward man as our outward man? In Ecclesiastes 12, Solomon describes a time when our bodies will begin to wither, when we will have nothing to show for the work we have put into our bodies. He concludes that our bodies will return to dust, in verse 7, but our souls will return to God. I Timothy 4:8 reminds us that exercising our souls is more profitable than exercising our bodies.

Are we as concerned with developing our spirit as we are our minds. In Rome, linguistic eloquence and oratorical skills were given great respect. The intellect was king. In I Corinthians 1:18 records Paul describing how God’s plan can seem foolish to the intellectual. He goes on in chapter 2:5 where he describes his arguments as being absent of worldly wisdom or powerful speech to avoid their faith being in his words. In Colossians 1:9, Paul expresses his desire that Christians pursue spiritual wisdom and knowledge of God ‘s will.

Are we as concerned about seeking God’s approval as we are the approval of men. Acts 4 records the apostles being brought to trial for teaching, and verse 19 shows Peter answering his persecutors, saying that his interest is in serving God before man. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus warns us to be more concerned with God’s judgment than man’s. We need to be acceptable to our fellow man, but God’s acceptance supersedes all.

In terms of our service, do we prioritize saving the community as much as we do serving it? I Corinthians 2:2 records Paul stating that he assumes nothing of His listeners except their need for Christ. Romans 1:16 describes the gospel as God’s power to save. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He not only looked after the physical needs of those around Him, but He always cared for their souls. Their are many injustices around us, but we cannot put those before our mission to save the lost.

Conclusion

When we emphasize essentials over those things that are important to the world, we may not gain the respect of the world. We may be criticized, even by other Christians. In Haggai, the prophet’s message is to prioritize serving God and rebuilding His temple over the important details of the nation’s infrastructure and economy. We may receive criticism just as Martha criticized Mary. I Corinthians 4:3-5 reminds us that the standard by which we will ultimately be judges will be God’s – not man’s. The things we might see as essential may be important, but none of these things should ever be at the cost of the spiritual, the essential, the eternal.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: priorities

Download the slides (PDF, 7.5 MB)

“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” is a folk song that grew in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. This was a time when the United States faced deep internal turmoil. We were tormented by a war of potential – a Cold War – that threatened to tear apart the world at any minute. Our nation was plagued by an established and enforced inequality and segregation of races. We were a country a deep principles and deep hypocrisies, but some individuals came together to set things right. Their path would be difficult. They would risk much and lose much. Some would die, but these people had a focus. They had a goal. They had a prize, and they kept their eyes upon that prize regardless of the obstacles standing before them.

The song says, “I got my hand on the gospel plow/Won't take nothing for my journey now/Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on/Hold on, hold on/Keep your eyes on the prize, hold on.” In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul writes about a prize set before him. He speaks of reaching forward, pressing onward, and looking upward. He speaks of a crown of righteousness in II Timothy 4:8 for which he is striving. Paul fixes his eyes on his prize, and he invites us to do the same, allowing us, like him, to overcome anything in the name of Christ.

A Persecuted People

This is a lesson about persecution. In I Corinthians 4:12, Paul writes bout enduring reviling and persecutions. Those First Century Christians faced hardships, faced brutality and trials the likes of which we can hardly imagine. The Jewish zealots would stone and beat them. The Roman rulers and military grew truly creative. With few exceptions, we don’t know what it is like to face true inhumanity, true cruelty, true persecution and come out the other side.

One group of people who did face true persecution were those same people who linked arms, singing to each other to keep their eyes on the prize, encouraging one another that the times, they are a-changin’ and edifying each other that they shall indeed overcome. Those people, who saw their mission as a completion of the work begun by Abraham Lincoln a century before, they faced persecution.

Jumping backwards a hundred years, people like Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas helped launch the Civil Rights movement in this country, attempting to bring our nation to the point of practicing what it’s founding document preached: that all are created equal. It was a mission against which our sixteenth president faced massive resistance, but, this is what he said at Cooper Union Field on February 27, 1860:

“Neither let us be slandered from our duty by false accusations…, nor frightened from it by menaces of destruction…Let us have faith…Let us, to the end, dare to do our duty…”

Lincoln basically says that there is nothing that will deter him from the goal set before him, and Paul encourages us to take that same attitude in Romans 8:37-39 when he encourages us that no man, no government, and no gulf of distance can separate us from our God. There is nothing that can tear our prize from our hands.

Those Who Lived and Died

Those activists trying to desegregate our society, working to give African Americans basic rights such as voting, striving to conclude the journey Abraham Lincoln began – they met resistance we have a hard time imagining. These were not people who were merely ignored by their peers. They were not simply called ignorant or stupid. Their persecution was not that of belittling or teasing. It was violence.

Protesters – man, woman, and child – faced high-powered hoses, attack dogs, beatings, bombings, betrayals, lynchings, and murders. In his song, He Was My Brother, Paul Simon (under the pseudonym Paul Kane) describes the atmosphere this way:

Freedom rider
They cursed my brother to his face.
“Go home outsider
Mississippi's gonna be your buryin' place.”

Writer Harlan Ellison, who participated in the 1965 march on Montgomery Alabama, describes the conclusion of his experience like this:

…They wouldn’t give us a loading ramp to get into the plane. We waited four hours. They found a bomb on the plane. It was a nine-hour flight back. Viola Liuzzo. She was killed hurrying back from Selma to Montgomery…It was a lot closer than I care to admit.

From Rosa Parks who was jailed for not giving up her bus seat for a white man, to the Little Rock Nine who faced school closure before desegregation, to Martin Luther King who was assassinated for threatening the status quo, to the countless unnamed who were beaten, battered and bloodied because they stood united against injustice, we see a true example of what it means to face persecution head-on and overcome. To many, these are heroes. They are like those heroes of faith in Hebrews 12:37-38 who “had trials of mocking and scourging and of chains of imprisonment, who were stoned, were sawn in two, were tempted were killed with the sword, who wandered in sheepskins and goatskins being destitute, afflicted and tormented.” We see men, woman, and children setting aside differences to work for a common cause. We see a people who look to a higher cause than themselves. We see the result of keeping our eyes on a prize.

Pressing Onward and Upward

How can we emulate these examples? How can we keep our eyes on our prize? God does not expect us to protest, to march on Washington, to hold rallies, or to riot. Our God’s focus is on our spiritual home rather than on secular politics, but we can press forward as these people did and as Paul does in Philippians 3. We can edify, encourage, and exhort one another toward a cause and a goal that is greater and higher than any of us individually.

In He Was My Bother, Paul Simon sings:

He was singin' on his knees
An angry mob trailed along
They shot my brother dead
Because he hated what was wrong.

What did this individual’s murderers find him doing? They found him on his knees, singing. In Matthew 10:21-22, Jesus says we too will be hated. How do we see those First Century Christians responding to such animosity? In Acts 16:25, Paul and Silas are found singing and praying while imprisoned. In Acts 5:41-42, Peter and other disciples walk away from an unjust imprisonment and hearing rejoicing, and the immediately return to their mission, hardly dissuaded by the trials.

When face with the threats associated with trafficking freed and escaped slaved to safer states, Harriet Tubman stated, “I can’t die but once.” She recognized that her life was a small thing when stacked against the accomplishments she and her supporters were achieving. She could be killed, but the Underground Railroad would live on. Likewise, in Matthew 10:28, Jesus encourages us to take this same attitude. We should not fear those who can take our lives, for our souls will live on. The cause of Christ will live on.

We may not be lynched for our beliefs. We may not be beaten, stoned, or hosed, but we never know what the future holds. Satan is always trying to distract us from our upward call. Jesus, in Matthew 6:21 tells us that where our treasure – or prize – is, so too are our hearts. Where is your prize? Upon what are our eyes and hearts fixed? When we focus on and obsess over the things of this world, then we will remain chained to the pains of this life, but we can be more.

We can resist Satan and whatever trials or persecutions he throws our way, and we can proclaim that we will not be moved. We can live in peace, and we can overcome. Time and again in our studies of Revelation, we read that Jesus wants us to overcome and spend eternity with Him, and I John 5:4 tells us that it is our faith that gives us the power to overcome. As Abraham Lincoln spoke of faith that drove him, so too our faith should drive us toward the calling of our hope.

Maya Angelou once wrote in Still I Rise:

You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Likewise, we hope to rise again. The time could come when we are beaten down, when were are trodden underfoot, when we are threatened for hating what is wrong. Like those Freedom Riders and like our Christian forefathers, we can obtain a victory over the powers of this world that none can take from us. Our hands are on the gospel plow. We are walking hand in hand, and we are encouraging one another on a journey to a land where pain and suffering are no more. We must press on. We must keep our eyes on the prize. We must hold on.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: endurance, parallels, my thoughts

We are in a time of year when we tend to be more reflective and more thankful for the things we are blessed with. We tend to give more thought to the meaning of this life. We all want purpose or a reason for living. What are we contributing? What difference do we make as individuals? Thoughts such as these take us naturally to the book of Ecclesiastes.

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon seeks to understand meaning in life so he may share what he learns with others. He calls life under the sun is unprofitable. What this means is that life has meaning, but if we only define ourselves by things of this world, we will ultimately find life meaningless.

Vanity Under the Sun

There is a certain amount of gloom in studying this book. Ecclesiastes 2:11 is only one instance of Solomon expressing distress over the vanity of worldly pursuits. Despair comes when we define ourselves by nothing but carnal standards. Time and again throughout Ecclesiastes 2 and beyond, Solomon expresses despair over his accomplishments. He speaks of vanity – of things that have no true support or continuance.

Solomon sets out to discover whether or not man can find real advantage from his works in this life. He asks this in chapter 1:3 when he asks what profit comes of his labors. He also pursues what, indeed, man should pursue in this life. Chapter 2:3 begins this exploration. He seeks purpose in work, in pleasure, and in general.

Searching for Purpose in this World

Success, friendships, education, comfort, family, wealth, glory, power, enjoyment – all of these are often cited as meaningful in life. In Ecclesiastes 2:1, Solomon begins his search for meaning in pleasures. Chapter 2:16 records him seeking wisdom and honor. Chapter 2:8 records his amassing wealth and possessions. Ecclesiastes 5:10-14 tells us that we will never be satisfied with our material possessions. In all these, Solomon finds vanity.

Ecclesiastes 6:3 explores the joys of a large family. Chapter 1:17 tells of Solomon’s search for worldly wisdom as well as madness and folly. Also, chapter 2:4 begins his search to make a name for himself and surround himself with comfortable things only to realize he would leave everything to someone else. Again, he finds vanity in these worldly pursuits.
If happiness cannot be found in all these things, then why not explore the pleasures of sin? Hebrews 11:24-25 speak about the joys of sin, but these joys are fleeting. The Hebrew author describes their effects as but a season. Romans 6:20-21 speaks of sin as a slave-master that drives one unto death. No true profit or benefit comes from sinful living. Sin does not produce love, respect, or purpose – only harm.

Meaning in Hope

Solomon concludes that life has purpose when it is focused beyond the sun. Under the sun – upon this world – we find little, but God gives us much. Ecclesiastes 2:24, chapter 3:12-13, chapter 5:18-19, all speak of doing good, for goodness is a gift from God. Chapter 8:12, 11:9, 12:13 – these remind us to focus on our Creator. In God, we find goodness and purpose. He motivates us to share that goodness with others, and Solomon assures us that remaining mindful of and obedient of God fulfills the purpose we seek.

There is much for which we can be thankful. We have many worthwhile pursuits, and many of us have professions that help us care for our families. However, the things of this world cannot distract us from the true purpose of this life – the life that is to come. Solomon concludes that God gives our lives purpose and meaning, and, because of that purpose, we have hope.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: hope, purpose

Sometimes we want to reach out and seek some confirmation that God is indeed still here. In the Old and New Testament, God interacts directly with peoples and individuals, but there has been a silence for the past couple thousand years. Like the saints in Revelation, we want some evidence that God still is in control, that He does care. One way we can reach out to God is in prayer.

In Philippians 4:4-7, Paul writes that we should rejoice in the Lord, putting off things that are out of our control through our prayers to God. Paul advocates that a life of prayer results in an inner peace that is unmatched by anything else. I Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Hebrews 4:14-16 both assure us we have a God who does understand, who wants us to come to Him. Also, I Peter 5:6-7 calls upon us to cast our cares upon our God who cares for us.

Effective Prayers

There are times when we draw near to God, perhaps in times of difficulty or stress. Jesus teachers His disciples to pray on various occasions. He goes to God several times during His ministry, and if He needed that reassurance during His work, then we do as well. Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel in I Kings 18:37, Hezekiah’s prayer when besieged by Assyrians, Daniel’s prayer in the den of lions – in each of these examples, the supplicant looks for assurance and deliverance from God.

In Genesis 18:24, Abraham begins to petition God on behalf of Sodom, and God acquiesces to Abraham’s requests to seek fewer and fewer righteous in the city. Exodus 32:8 records God growing angry with Israel to the point of destroying the people, and Moses interceded on their behalf. In II Kings 20, Hezekiah pleads for a longer life, and God grants his an additional fifteen years. In each of these cases, prayer changes God’s mind.

In Luke 18:1, Jesus tells a parable regarding prayer, speaking of an unjust judge who relents to the requests of a widow. Jesus rhetorically asks his audience how much more God will care about their petitions than this worldly judge. James 5:15 uses the illustration of Elijah praying that it will not rain. Not only did it not rain for three years, but it was his prayer that brought rain back. Verse 16 reminds us that Elijah was no different than us. God answered prayers before, and He continues to do so.

Conclusion

We demonstrate faith and confidence in our God and His plan for salvation. Why, then, do we find prayer so hard? Is it that we are afraid He has no time for us, or do we have difficulties making time for Him? Jesus led a life of prayer, and we should do the same. We have to pray in humility and pray in faith, but, like our Savior, we also have to acknowledge that God’s will may not always be our own.

Prayer to God is a sacred privilege. It is our avenue to His throne, and it is our reassurance that God is in control. Let us never take such a blessing for granted.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: prayer

Leviticus 19:23-25 is one of those Old Testament passages that seems to have little application to New Testament Christians. As the children of Israel enter the land of Canaan, God tells them that their crops for three years. Then, on the fourth year, all fruit of the land is to be given unto Jehovah. The fifth year marks the first time the Israelites would be able to eat of these crops.

Being a farmer takes a certain amount of vision, knowing where to plant. Labor is involved, and this profession takes serious commitment. It is not an easy profession in modern times, and it was that much more difficult in ancient times. It was not something easily entered into, but it was not something from which to just walk away. Being a Christian is very similar.

Investing in the Church

As Christians, we must have vision and a focus. In Proverbs 29:18, Solomon says that where there is no vision, there is no sense of direction. Proverbs 17:24 speaks of the wise having focus, but the eyes of a fool are unfocused. Jesus, in Matthew 9:36-38, looks at the multitudes as sheep without a shepherd. These people don’t know where they were going or how to get there. They have no vision or focus. Proverbs 23:7 tells us that our hearts reflect our true selves. What vision for our congregation do we have? What do we focus on? We can dwell on negativity and failure, or we can focus on a successful vision for the Lord’s church.

Labor is necessary in making a congregation work. John 4:35-38 records Jesus speaking to His disciples, telling them to look up and see the work that needs to be done. He says the one that works receives wages and life. It is a work that others have begun that will be picked up by those who come after. In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus speaks of too few laborers to do the work and that His followers should pray for more workers. I Corinthians 3:6 has Paul describing the work he and Apollos have done with the Corinth church, and verses 11-15 describe a testing of our efforts, revealing how hard we have labored for the Lord. I Corinthians 15:58 reminds us that our steadfast labor for the Lord is not in vain.

Finally, making a church grow takes commitment. Proverbs 20:4 tells of one who will not plow in the proper season, leading to his begging when harvest comes. In Luke 9:62, Jesus warns us not to commit to the Lord while looking back at what we leave behind, and returning to I Corinthians 3, Paul and Apollos demonstrate a great commitment in their work with the Corinth church. In this commitment, consider our obligation to each other. In 1519, Hernando Cortez sank his ships when they arrived in the New World. He motivated his 500-600 men to press forward because there was no going back. We should approach our service to God with a similar attitude.

Conclusion

What is our vision and focus as a congregation? What kind of work are we willing to do, and what kind of commitment will we exhibit? Will we be farmers that walk away because progress is too hard? Will we try to stay as uninvolved as possible, waiting for and expecting failure? If God asked for a five year commitment from those working in his physical kingdom, how much more does He expect from those of us working in His spiritual kingdom?

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, church, growth

Jonah is a Biblical character who is familiar to most of us. Many of us, in fact, have known this individual from childhood, but there is one element of the story we seldom give much consideration. That is the vine or gourd the Lord grows to shade Jonah. The book is set around 775 B.C. in the kingdom of Assyria. This was a nation whose leaders were focused on conquest, and their military was reputed to be extremely cruel and efficient.

In Jonah 1, God tells His prophet to go and tell the Assyrians to repent, but Jonah is more concerned with his own ideology and agenda than God’s plan. He goes down to Joppa, down into a ship, and finally down into the sea. Jonah seems to have the concept that Jehovah is his God and his alone. God belongs to Israel and no one else. He thinks politically, carrying an us-versus-them mentality that prevents him from sharing God’s grace with the Assyrians.

Jonah’s Roundabout Journey

We know the story of the great storm that leads to Jonah being cast from the ship. We know of the great fish God raises up to transport Jonah to his destination. We know of Jonah’s prayers, recounting his near-death experience and God’s saving of his body. He prays while drowning. He prays loyalty once saved. However, God is not done with Jonah, who gets regurgitated onto the land where God commands Him once again to go to Assyria.

Jonah delivers God’s message in a way that seems reluctant, simply stating that they had forty days until God would destroy their nation. Despite Jonah, the people of Nineveh believe the message, and they demonstrate a complete understanding of the depth of their sins. They humble themselves before God from the least of them to the king. They repent, and God spares Assyria.

A Lesson in Mercy

Jonah 4:1 records that Jonah is displeased. He states his displeasure to God, telling Him he knew that God would spare them. He goes so far as praying for his own death in the face of Assyria’s repentance. In verse 4, God asks him if this is so worth being angry over. In response, Jonah prepares a shelter outside the city to wait for its destruction. God provides him with some shade that exceedingly pleased Jonah. However, the next day, God allows the plant to die and great heat to pound on Jonah. Again, Jonah prays for his own death in the face of his discomfort.

What are the gourds in our own lives? Are we, like Jonah, more concerned with our wants than in the spiritual needs in others? Are we more concerned with national policies or with individual persons? We may talk about politics at the expense of the gospel. Do we grow impatient or intolerant when others’ ideologies or methods differ from those we prefer? Do we dwell on hurt feelings and fail to see the positive in others because things don’t go our way? We look at Jonah, and we call him silly because of the trauma he experiences over his gourd. We are guilty of the same.

Facing Our Own Gourds

Times of service, order of service, the seating arrangement, personal politics, tax structure, etc. – what do any of these have to do with saving the lost? The world needs the gospel, and they will come despite niggling details. However, we might leave for those same insignificant issues. We need to quit worrying about the gourds and focus on the gospel. Our concern needs to be for others’ souls more than for our own conveniences or personal ideas.

As Jonah concludes, God asks his prophet about his priorities. God reminds Jonah and us that God cares for all creation, regardless of race or background. He is full of grace and mercy, and He is no respecter of persons. We need to get rid of the gourds in our lives, seeing how much grace and mercy He has provided us. In turn, we should want to share that grace with anyone and everyone we can.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: jonah, priorities, attitude, examples

If I asked you what time it is, how would you answer? Time is a great equalizer in our lives. We all have time to spend, and, at any given moment, we all have the exact same amount of time. As stated in the song by the Byrds, there is a time for all things, and the song is based in part on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. There are fourteen points of contrast in these verses, and the word time is used twenty-eight times to remind us of our personal accountability.

What we do not have time for is procrastination. What if Noah had done things in his own time rather than God’s? We must be redeeming our time rather than spending it. In II Kings 20, Hezekiah is terminally ill, but his prayers to God result in fifteen years added to his life. How might we behave if we knew exactly how long we have left?

Effectively Redeeming Our Time

Proverbs 25:28 talks about having walls of self-control. Do we use our time to build these walls, or do we let time wear this self-control down? Before we can make a difference in others, we first have to make a difference in ourselves. If we don’t discover the weaknesses in our own walls, the devil will find them for us. He will put things in front of us that will waste and squander our time when our encouragement of ourselves and other Christians should be a constant goal of our time.

Hebrews 3:13 encourages us to edify each other daily – as long as today is today. The author encourages us to hold our confidence in Him until the end. In this, we have to protect our environment when it comes to what we allow influence our spirituality. I Corinthians 14:26 reminds us that all things should be for the point of edification, and Acts 4:26 tells us about the man Barnabas – named so based on the encouragement he was to others.

Ecclesiastes 3:11-12 reminds us that all is done in God’s time and that eternity is placed in our hearts, resulting in us dedicating our time and energy into doing good. The uncertainties of life teach us to rely on and trust in God. Birth and death, peace and war, joy and mourning: we have little control over when these times come. John 13:1 shares some insight into Jesus’ time to die, and we see that He loved those He came for to the end.

Conclusion

This life will be insignificant, in terms of time, when compared to our afterlife. The things that bring us joy or anger in this life will pass away forever. As our futures unfold, doors will open and close. Joys and sorrows will come and fade (Romans 12:15). We cannot try to hold time in a bottle, leaving our greatest deeds undone. Through simple procrastination, we let days, weeks, months, and years pass. We can either live no with some pain of self-discipline, or we can live in immortal regret.

I Thessalonians 5:21 encourages to examine things carefully and hold unto what is good. Identify and abstain from those things that affect you negatively. Finally, II Corinthians 13:5-6 tells us to examine ourselves to see if we are allowing Christ to dwell in us. In our days to come, we will be presented with opportunities that we will use how we choose. Will we spend these opportunities making difference for our own agendas and worldly concerns, or will we redeem our time, investing in spiritual priorities?

By Mike Mahoney

Note: The links are my doing, not Mike’s! I was just sad I really couldn’t find an excuse to embed this one as well.-Robert.

Tags: priorities

We see Jesus use an expression in the New Testament that is also present in the Old Testament regarding His death. He calls His death His cup. From the beginning of His ministry, He knows what lays ahead of Him, and, in Matthew 3, we see Jesus baptized. Upon this act, God declares, “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased,” combining a resurrection Psalm (Psalms 2:7) and a passage of the suffering servant from Isaiah 42:1. This is a death sentence. In Matthew 16, Jesus asks His apostles who people say He is, and in verse 21, He begins to show His disciples the things He will suffer. This becomes a continual theme of His later ministry, and His death is reaffirmed by the events of the transfiguration.

Jesus knows He will suffer and die. However, He does not approach this impending fate casually. Consider Matthew 26:36 when Jesus prays in the garden. In Mark 14:32, He is in great distress. In Luke 22:46 describes the nature of His prayers to God, and Hebrews 5:7 reinforces the emotional tone of Jesus’ prayers. To Jesus, there was nothing matter-of-fact about His death. He discusses His death as a cup He must bear.

The Cup of God’s Wrath

In, Mark 10:35, James and John ask to sit by Jesus in His kingdom, and Jesus asks them if they are able to drink of the same cup as He. Matthew 26:39 records Jesus praying that His cup pass from Him. John 18:11, after His prayers are concluded and Peter has tried to defend Him from the soldiers, Jesus tells His apostle that He must drink of this cup. This cup is one’s lot in life, but, in the Old Testament, it is almost exclusively associated with God’s wrath.

• Psalm 75:8 describes a foaming cup in describing God’s judgment against the proud and arrogant.
• Isaiah 51:17 speaks of Jerusalem drinking from the cup of God’s wrath in their punishment.
• Isaiah 51:22 promises the people that God will take His cup of judgment from their hands.
• Jeremiah 25:15-26 tells of nations that will drink of God’s cup of wrath.
  

God’s cup is associated with God pouring out His righteous anger and judgment, and this is the imagery that Jesus invokes in speaking of His fate on the cross. The New Testament authors tell us Jesus became sin on the cross. Sin brings separation. Sin brings punishment. Sin brings the cup of God’s wrath. Can we better understand Jesus’ cry on the cross in this context? Can we understand more His pleadings to escape this fate? Yet in all this, He does not seek human sympathy. In Luke 23:28, Jesus tells the women mourning His fate to cry for themselves and their children rather than themselves. Furthermore, regardless of the cost, Jesus is obedient. Despite His pleads for an alternative, He continually repeats the refrain, “Thy will be done.”

Following in His Steps

Jesus asks James and John if they are able to drink of His cup in Mark 10:35. Peter, in I Peter 2:21 calls on us to follow in His steps and suffer as He did. Jesus tells James and John that indeed they will endure what Jesus will in endure. In II TImothy 3:12, Paul says that all who live godly will face persecution. This does not mean we have to treat such trials stoically or casually. Our Lord was not stoic, but God expects us to be faithful in the face of difficulties.

Jesus was affected by His suffering, and He is affected by ours. Hebrews 4:15 and Hebrews 5:7, and Hebrews 2:18 tells us that Jesus knows and relates to what we go through. He does not treat our trials and sufferings casually. Likewise, we should not view His suffering as something common. Hebrews 6:4-6 warns us of crucifying Jesus through our actions and attitudes, making ourselves guilty of His death. We should instead humble ourselves before the cross, putting away the empty distractions that keep me from serving Him, and I should dedicate my life to His service.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: jesus, judgment, attitude

What is it that God and the world hears from you and me? In Acts 16, Paul and Silas are in jail after casting a demon from a fortune-teller. They are placed into the inner prison and put in stocks, but the prisoners hear them singing praises to God and praying. The prisoners were listening to these individuals in similar bonds yet still glorifying God.

Songs and Prayers in a Prison

Who Heard Them? The individuals listening to Paul and Silas are prisoners. These are not upstanding citizens. They are not even the common crowds that Jesus would have addressed. Furthermore, these prisoners are in the innermost parts of the prison. These are the political prisoners, the insurrectionists, the murders. These are most likely hardened criminals listening to these disciples. It is unlikely they were receptive of Paul and SIlas at the outset.

To Whom Were They Listening? What do these prisoners think of those they are hearing? Paul and Silas are among men who had been preaching in this region for many days. Much of this time, the spirit-possessed woman had been proclaiming their inspiration of God. It is probable that the prisoners had heard of these individuals. What attitude might they have? Would they have been looking down on the “self-righteous Christians?” Would they scoff? Paul and Silas had been beaten. They had been whipped. They had been locked up in stocks. How easy it would have been for the other prisoners to take pleasure in these disciples’ troubles.

What Did They Hear? We read that the prisoners hear praise and prayer. They do not hear Paul and Silas shouting at the authorities. They do not hear the disciples bewailing their state, feeling sorry for themselves. They do not hear Paul and Silas protesting their innocence. They do not hear these two blaming God for their situation. Instead of words of vengeance or protest, the prisoners hear prayers of trust and praise. They hear an attitude in submission and reverence to God. They hear Paul and Silas praise God in song despite their imprisonment. Do we have godly songs in our hearts and on our lips as these disciples did?

Will We Hear Their Lesson?

In a similar situation, you or I would probably have been scared to death. We might not have felt like singing, and our prayers would have been silent and desperate. This is not the first or last time, Paul faced this kind of trial, and we do not see him saying, “Enough is enough.” Instead, he turns to God time and again. Matthew 10:16 records Jesus telling His apostles they will be as sheep in the midst of wolves when they go to preach the gospel. He tells them they will be punished and betrayed, but He will be with them. In II Timothy 3:12, Paul writes that those who live godly will suffer persecution.

In these difficult circumstances, we see an example of two individuals who can still praise God. Their focus is on their Maker more than on self. Even when beaten and imprisoned, God and Christ are on their minds. Where we might think, “I just can’t do it,” they set an example. I Corinthians 2:5 and Romans 1:16 remind us that our trust should not be in ourselves but in God’s power. They sing and pray – even though it might be easier to stay quiet. Matthew 10:32 encourages us to confess the name of Jesus even when it is easier to say nothing.

In Acts 16, the results of Paul and Silas’ actions are profound. Once an earthquake opened the prison, what kept the prisoners inside? There were no earthly motivations to keep those prisoners from escaping. It had to have been the influence and example of Paul and Silas. The other result is the obedience to Christ of the jailer himself. Mark 12:37 records that people would listen to Christ gladly, and, while the prisoners may not have been listening gladly at first, the example of the disciples soften their hearts. Finally, I Peter 3:15 tells us to be ready to give an example for the hope that is within us, and, if our lives reflect Christian qualities, if those around us see and hear a good example, we will meet more receptive ears.

What does God hear from us? What does the world hear from us and see in us? We can be like Paul and Silas, influencing others to godliness because God and Christ are in our hearts and at the center of our lives.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: our example

Titus 3 deals with many topics we can focus on and from which we can make application. He encourages his readers to do good works in verses 3-8 as well as stimulating one another to good works. In this passage, our good works are coupled with grace. Paul states plainly that God did not save us because of any good works we may be able to demonstrate. Instead of works, mercy and grace saves us, but he calls upon us to devote ourself to good works as a direct result of that grace. Such actions are a natural reaction to His impact on our lives.

Reacting to Grace

Ephesians 2:8-10 again reinforces the role of grace in our salvation, but again, grace and faith motivate good deeds. However, according to verse 9, such works are not for credit or boasting. Compared to what God has already done for us, anything we do pales in comparison. We do not rely on ourselves with a checklist mentality. Rather, we rely fully on God, and our reliance on God informs everything we do. God has created us for the purpose of good works, our reaction to our faith in His mercy.

In chapter 2 of James, the author associates faith with works. One example he gives is in James 2:15-16 where we can simply help someone meet a need. You or I might might be the only ones who know of the need, but we can help. Hebrews 10:24-25 talks about stimulating one another to love and good deeds. In this, we should be working together and assembling to build each other up, to encourage one another to do good works.

People have many motivations for their actions. We might follow God to have our sins washed, to be closer to God, out of fear. In Hebrews 10, Paul discusses one motivation for our good works – our encouragement of one another whenever we are together as Christians, reminding each other of the many things God has done for us. James 4:5-6 reminds us He also wants to continue to give us grace as we humble ourselves before Him.

The Ultimate Example of Grace

Christ’s sacrifice is a free gift for us to accept. Through Him, we gain access to our Father’s grace and mercy. As His children, our response should be to give of ourselves as graciously. If you haven’t yet, accept His grace, and dedicate yourself to a life of good works — not for personal glory or credit but to the glory of our Heavenly Father.

by Ben Lanius

Tags: grace and mercy, faith

James 3 talks about the importance of how we use our tongues as well as the challenges and benefits of controlling our tongues. Matthew 12:33-37 reinforces this point, speaking of the quality of fruit reflecting on the tree from which it comes. Likewise, James 3 describes the impossibility of a fountain producing both good and bitter water. Both passages are emphasizing the heart and that we will be held accountable for what comes from our mouths.

Using Words for Evil or for Good

Proverbs 6:16-19 describes lying tongues, false witness, and sowing discord as things the Lord views as abomination, and all of these proceed from our mouths. Proverbs 12:18 describes our mouths as weapons. Chapter 18:6-7 describes words that cause strife and earn punishment. Our words can be a snare, and Proverbs 11:9 describes a tongue that destroys our neighbors. Chapter 16:27-28 sounds similar to James speaking of our tongues as burning fires, and Proverbs 26:20 tells us that whispers and rumors are kindling to arguments. Finally, chapter 26:22 describes these rumors as tempting morsels that will go straight to our hearts. The words linger and bring us down when they are used for sinful purposes.

Proverbs 12:18 and 12:25 describe wise words as healing and relief to those who are burdened. Proverbs 16:24 also describes how words can be used for healing, and chapter 11:9 tells us that righteous words build up and deliver. Proverbs 10:11 describes good words as a fountain of life. Our words can bring others to Christ if we use our mouths correctly. Finally, Proverbs 15:4 describes our tongues as potential trees of life. Our words can help us and others gain access to Heaven and the Tree of Life.

Wisely Using Our Tongues

In this effort, we should use honest words. Returning to Proverbs 6:16-19, these abominations directly involve dishonesty. A lying tongue, sowing doubt and discord, bearing false witness. In contrast, Proverbs 16:13 speaks of loving those who speak what is right. Wisdom uses the tongue for good, and honesty is a good place to start.

Calming words appear in Proverbs 15:1 as a means of wisely turning away wrath. Proverbs 17:27 describes one who controls his words as wise. This is someone who is not easily inflamed to a poorly considered response. He is calm and collected. Proverbs 18:13 warns us against giving an answer before we hear the whole story. Be slow to speak and swift to hear according to James 3. Finally, our words should be used appropriately. Proverbs 15:23 tells us we have the ability to share joy in what I say and how I say it. Chapter 25:11 describes our words as golden apples when spoken wisely and appropriately.

However, Proverbs 14:23 reminds us that we have to have more than words. Our actions have to reflect what we say. Proverbs 10:19-20 reminds us to live what we profess. We have to both say the right things and do the right things. In conclusion, Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that our tongues can bring both life and death. What is it you and I are spreading with our words? Do we encourage others to life, or are we condemning ourselves and others to death? Only I can choose how I will use my tongue, and only I will be held responsible for what comes from it.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: our example, character

Have you ever told your kids to do some chore or another, but they get distracted along the way? Likewise, have you ever done this yourself, wondering what it was you meant to do before you got distracted? We sometimes joke that we may suffer from an attention deficit disorder, but, in our Christian lives, we might catch ourselves suffering from spiritual-ADHD. We may have the best of intentions, but the various cares, influences, and distractions of this world pull us away from our mission as Christians.

In Luke 2:49, Jesus asks His earthly parents if they are not aware of his focus – that He must be about His father’s business. His ministry is not something that is haphazard. It is one that is planned and purposeful. It is done with the help of others around Him, and His ministry is fulfilled with great inconvenience and pain to Jesus Himself.

Focused On Our Father’s Business

In Matthew 28:18, Jesus tells His disciples to go and make more disciples from other nations. This is not something that happens on accident, nor does it come easily. This is a mission that takes planning and purpose. Jesus says, in Luke 19:10, that His mission is to seek out and save the lost. This is in the context of Zacchaeus who needs to make corrections in his life, and Jesus is setting an example to those around Him who need to change their hearts. Nothing accidental or coincidental is involved here. Jesus is prepared to complete His mission, knowing where and how to look. I Timothy 2:2 encourages us to entrust the gospel with others who will continue the cycle. Passage after passage reminds us to be active in our ministry. We cannot be distracted.

God expects us to grow, both spiritually and in numbers. God’s mission to us, however, is not to recruit members from other congregations. It happens, but this is not true church growth. When we gain members in this way, our effort should be to let them feel at home and put them to work. Our main source of growth, though, should be converting the lost. For this to be accomplished, each Christian needs to be involved. We cannot remain inactive and expect those who need the gospel to accidentally appear in our midst. Jesus’ focus is on the lost, and we should be working to maintain the same focus, not being distracted by what we think we can’t do.

To keep our focus, we have to build one another up. Jude 20, Ephesians 4:12, I Thessalonians 5:11 and 14, and many other verses stress the importance of encouraging one another. God expects us to be evangelistic, but He also expects to build each other up. When we actively work to keep each other focused on our goal, then it becomes easier for each of us to stay on the road to Jesus.

Working With Purpose

Our work as Christians does not come easily, not will it happen on accident. I may meet with discouragement and frustration, but I should be putting planning and effort into my work to help me overcome these obstacles. Remember, Jesus faced discouragement. He wept over the lost. He wept over the sate of His people. Still, He pressed on because His focus was on the Lord and the work set before Him. He planned to work for the purpose set before Him.

He brought in others to help Him, reaching out to others for their cooperation and commitment. His followers came from various locations and backgrounds, but they all worked together with one focus set before them, each one inviting others to come and share in the Lord’s work. Acts 6 shows disciples pulling together to help needy widows. Acts 8 records Peter redirecting Simon as a stumbling new convert. Acts 15 has Christians meeting with the elders in Jerusalem to scripturally work out a doctrinal dispute. Growth can produce problems, but willing cooperation helps us through these.

The Christians of the first century brought services into their homes. They changed their personal budgets. Jesus said He had no home in which to lay His head. Countless examples gave up much or all to follow Christ, putting away worldly distractions to give themselves to the Lord. Our society spoils us with instant gratification, but we might be more satisfied if we nurture patience and persistence in our lives.

Conclusion

Our spiritual mission will have periods of success. It will have periods of difficulty. Jesus gives us an example of patience and focus, and we should be emulating that example. The world may be pulling at our attention, but our purpose should be centered on God, encouraging one another, and inviting others to join us.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: priorities, purpose, teaching

In our Bible classes, we have been studying from Hebrews and James, and Hebrews 11-12 and James 1 encourage us to press forward despite all odds, despite all trials. Toward the end of Hebrews 11, the author begins to quickly cover several examples of individuals overcoming through faith. They trusted in God and found victory in that trust, these individuals like Samson, Gideon, Jepthah, and Barak.

Victors of Faith

Gideon. In Judges 7 introduces us to Gideon who is preparing for battle against Israel’s enemies. They constitute such an overwhelming force that scripture depicts them as a swarm of insects. Gideon begins with 32,000 men against these odds, but God tells him he has too many. Eventually, God whittles this number to an army of 300 against a seemingly insurmountable enemy. Furthermore, they are armed with no more than torches, clay pots, and trumpets. Gideon follows these instructions, and God delivers him and his force of 300. Sometimes, we don’t feel we have the resources we need, but God provides. He does not need us to be strong by secular standards for us to be strong in spirit.

Joshua. Joshua faces similar odds in Joshua 6 when bringing his army against Jericho. He and his men face an army behind walls as thick as a two-lane road is wide. Instead of a major act of destruction, God commands Joshua to lead his forces in marching laps around the city. No fire falls from the heavens. No plagues strike the city, but, when Joshua and the Israelites obey, Jericho’s defenses fall. We may not always understand the reason God does what He does. We may not understand His requirements and stipulations, but obedience in God leads to victory. In chapter 7, Achan leads the people in understanding the consequences of ignoring God’s rules. Achan takes of spoils that were devoted to the Lord, and the consequences are severe. With God comes victory. Without God comes defeat.

Joshua and Caleb. In Numbers 13, Moses sends twelve spies into Canaan. After returning, all report of the wealth of the land, but only two declare faith that God can deliver it into their hands. Those who lack faith are condemned to die in wilderness wanderings in chapter 14. At one point, the people decide they will try to conquer the land now that they understand the consequences of faithlessness. God does not relent, however, and only Joshua and Caleb survive to inherit the land of promise. Again, God’s absence leads to defeat for God’s people, but those who trust overcome.

Conclusion

Sometimes we don’t feel we have the support we need. We feel under-equipped and unprepared. We wonder why God requires certain things of us. Ephesians 6:10 reminds that we are in warfare like Gideon and Joshua. Unlike these, we do not face physical foes, but our assault is of a spiritual nature. Our faith in God, though, allows us to stand in the face of attack. If we allow God to guide us, if we spend time with Him, we can be victorious.

John 16:33 records Jesus telling His apostles that peace can be found in Him and that He has overcome the world. In I John 5:1-5 continues this theme of overcoming the world, and this victory is obtained through our faith in God. Philippians 4:11-13 demonstrates Paul’s willingness to endure anything in Christ because he believes that he can do all things in Christ. In Romans 8:31-39, Paul rhetorically asks who can stand against us when God is with us and that no external force can remove us from His love. Paul calls us more than conquerers in Jesus. I Corinthians 15:50-57 tells of the final victory we can have in faith – a victory over death and corruption. Finally, Revelation 15:2-4 describes those who are victorious singing praises to the Lord around His throne.

We are going to feel perplexed, alone, and outnumbered at times, but if we keep our faith with God on our side, victory is assured. Our trust is in Him. He has delivered victory to our spiritual forefathers, and He can deliver that same victory to us if we endure.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: examples, endurance, faith

Degrees of Faith

Genesis 15:6 is quoted three times in the New Testament in Romans, Galatians, and James. It is a verse that challenges us to examine the faith we claim to have, how that faith is expressed in our lives and how faith influences our actions and attitudes. The degree to which we develop our faith will have a direct impact on its role. Learning, experiencing, living, and praying about our faith helps us develop a greater degree of faith.

Romans 10:17 reminds us that God’s word is the key to our faith, and James 1:22-25 reinforces our need to experience this word. The extent to which we study and practice God’s law will correlate with the degree of faith we develop. II Corinthians 5:7 tells us to walk by, or live by, our faith, and Romans 5:1-2 says that faith grants us access to the grace of Jesus Christ. James 1:6 tells us that our prayer can increase our faith, and James 5:15 also demonstrates that faith will affect our prayers in turn.

James 2:19 speaks of a faith in the existence of God, and he acknowledges that even demons have this level of faith. Such a faith is a start, but it makes us no higher or better than those demons cast away from God’s presence. John 12:42 tells of individuals who believe on Jesus, but they leave that faith unspoken due to political and social pressures. Matthew 6:19 and the subsequent verses record Jesus discussing those who have faith in God, but that faith only goes so far before the cares of this world override that faith. Finally, James 2:22 discusses a perfected, or completed, faith.

The Faith of Abraham

In Genesis 15:6, Abraham believes God – more than simply believing in Him. In Galatians 3:6, Paul applies this passage to those who are of the faith. They are referred to as sons of Abraham, receiving the blessings of his faith by there own faith. Romans 4:3 is another reference to Abraham, and Paul here puts an emphasis on Abraham’s trust in God. A third reference is in James 2:23, combining Abraham’s trust with actions – perfecting his faith. Paul and James put a great deal of significance on Abraham’s faith, illustrating his trust and obedience in that faith.

In Genesis 15, the author is not speaking of a singular point in time. Genesis 12 records Abraham departing his homeland in faith. Chapter 13 records his faith in God in allowing Lot to choose where they would separate. Genesis 17 records a promise to Abraham for a male heir, and Genesis 22 shows Abraham willing to offer his promised son because of his faith that God can raise the dead. We may be quick to say we have a faith in God, but is it a faith that can be attributed to us as righteousness like was Abraham’s faith?

A Perfected Faith

Despite Abraham’s faults and occasional sins, his faith defines our record of his life. Can the same be said of us? Despite moments of weakness, of struggles, and trials, can it be said of us that we trust in God when it counts the most? Do we give Him control over our lives when we feel the most out of control? As God accounts Abraham’s faith unto righteousness, we can accomplish the same if we learn, if we study, if we experience and live our faith. We too can believe in God and have it accounted unto us as righteousness. We too can have a perfected faith by tying our actions to our faith.

Tags: abraham, faith, examples

Returning to the book of Hebrews for this lesson, one of the themes of the book is the difference in how the old and new testaments make an impression on our consciences. Our conscience is the instrument given to by God to prove or disprove the actions we are about to take. It is that voice in our head that says, “you should” and “you shouldn’t.”

Qualities of Conscience

It’s Role. Romans 2:14-15 describes our consciences as the law we have even when we don’t know God’s law. Our thoughts accuse or affirm our actions separate from a written set of laws. Paul writes of it as the law being written in their hearts. Furthermore, in Romans 9:1, the conscience bears witness to your and my conduct. II Corinthians 1:12 reinforces this by speaking of the testimony of conscience regarding how we behave among the world and the brethren. Our conscience convicts us, either positively or negatively, regardless of what others may tell us about our behaviors. In Acts 23, Paul is telling the Sanhedrin that he lived in good conscience even when in enmity to God’s word. It is not a faultless guide. We should temper it with God’s word. Finally, Romans 14:23 warns us that violating our standards of conscience brings sin into our lives.

The Conscience We Want. I Timothy 1:5 tells us we should want a pure conscience in harmony with God’s law. In Acts 24:16, in another of Paul’s defenses, the apostle says he has always worked to maintain a clear conscience toward all men. I Timothy 3, among the qualities of elders and deacons, Paul again speaks of a clear conscience, and Hebrews 8-9 describes a perfect conscience that can only be obtained through Christ’s sacrifice. He provides us a clean, pure, and guiltless conscience in Hebrews 9:15, 10:2, and 10:22.

Damaging Our Conscience. I Timothy 4:1-2 describes individuals who have seared their consciences. They have trained that inner voice to silence itself or adjust its standards. Our consciences can become calloused and insensitive to right and wrong. We may know our error, but we cease to care because of the calloused burns containing our consciences. Titus 1:15 writes of defiled, or contaminated, consciences. They are corrupt and unclean. In I Corinthians 8:7 and 10, Paul speaks of sensitive consciences that can lead to moral contaminations, sin through violations of moral convictions.

Conclusion

Hebrews 10:22 tells us we must cleanse our consciences, drawing near to the throne of God. Peter, in I Peter 3:20-21, describes baptism as an appeal of a good conscience toward God. These examples harken back to Exodus 24 when Moses sprinkles blood on the temple implements as well as the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant.” Hebrews 9:14 calls upon us to cleanse our consciences in the blood of Christ. Then, as stated in I Peter 3:15-17, we must continue to educate our consciences properly and exemplify that standard in our lives.

If my conscience is not blameless, fault does not lie with my Savior – with His sacrifice or with His blood. The fault is mine for violating what I know is moral and true. Jesus’ blood washes us clean, and our responsibility is to keep our conscience clean from that point forward.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: morality, obedience, sin

Trials of David

Psalm 27 is one of David’s works, and it concludes on the ideas of patience and fortitude after describing distress in his life and hope in His Lord. Several Psalms put us in wonder of David’s attitude during the trials of his life.

• I Samuel 21 records David meeting with Ahimelech for help but needing to continue to flee. Psalms 34 and 56 reflect on the despair in his life at this time.
• I Samuel 22:3 shows David looking for sanctuary for his parents, but he has to flee again into the forests.
• I Samuel 23 records David rescuing the inhabitants of Keilah from the Philistines, but they prepare to betray him to Solomon.
• II Samuel 15:13 begins recounting David having to flee Jerusalem to avoid an uprising by his own son Absalom.
  

Most of us never have to flee our home and country to save our lives, to protect ourselves from family members who want to kill us as David’s. Imagine the mortal danger he was in. Saul or Absalom would have gladly killed David. He lived with the responsibility of those who helped him on his shoulders. Many were harmed or killed on his behalf. He moved from place to place. He lived in caves and forests for months on end. Additionally, many psalms demonstrate depressing bordering on his life.

Patience Like David’s

In Psalm 27:3 and verse 8 speak of him avoiding fear, and verse 14 describes his taking courage in the Lord. That same verse speaks of him and us waiting on the Lord. Patience is difficult for us in many settings. Whether we are working with things or with people, we tend to want instant gratification and resolution, but David tells us to wait. The solution is not ours to create. Rather, we should be looking to God.

This patience takes continual communion. We cannot remove ourselves from the Lord’s presence and then expect His intervention. This also takes continual prayer as illustrated in I Thessalonians 5:17, and we have to maintain ourselves in God’s presence. Like the Hebrew author warns, we should be wary of drifting away. Finally, staying in the fight is a necessary element to our spiritual patience. I Kings 18 records Elijah’s confrontation between himself and the prophets of Baal, but, by chapter 19, Jezebel has put a price on Elijah’s head. He is depressed and frightened, and God quietly appears to him on Mount Horeb, telling Elijah He still needs the prophet to work despite the obstacles.

God’s Promise of Strength

We are promised God’s goodness and strength, but He has not promised to remove our trials. Think of the apostles in Acts 5 who stand trial before many of the same men who worked to execute Jesus. They pray for strength to face trials. God has not promised to make our lives easy. In fact, the scriptures promise the opposite to those who follow Him, and nowhere does He promise us an explanation. Remember Job. He never understands the “why” of what he goes through. God delivers him but never offers explanation.

He does promise to strengthen our hearts, however. Trials make us stronger and equip us to help others. They make us grow closer to each other and to God. If we remain in communion with God and stay in His presence, if we stay in the fight and live prayerfully, we need not fear. We can be confident as David was in Psalm 27 as we wait patiently for the Lord.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: david, hope, endurance, examples

Pre-Socratic philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus is not an individual many of you may be familiar with, but you are probably familiar with his assertion that “change is the only constant.” While there indeed may be “nothing new under the sun” in God’s eyes, we live in a culture that is ever-changing, that is always in motion.

The concept of change has been a prevalent topic this year due to one of our presidential candidates whose campaign platform is built upon the notion of change. Barack Obama uses the slogan: “Change You Can Believe In,” and on February 5, 2008, he made his now famous quote: “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” In this statement, he’s combining and paraphrasing calls to action made by other influential leaders. I think Hopi spiritual elder Thomas Banyacya coined the phrase, “We are the one’s we’ve been waiting for,” and Mahatma Mohandas Gandhi said, “We need to be the change we wish to see in the world.”

Creating or Reacting to Change

Too often, we do not live the change we want to see around us. Like Heraclitus says, “Change is the only constant.” The world around us changes day by day whether we want it to or not. It changes in ways we may like or dislike. Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, FDR, Martin Luther King, Jr., Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles Darwin, Socrates, Pablo Picasso, Herman Melville, Ray Bradbury, Edgar Allen Poe, Gustav Mahler, Francis Crick, Jackson Pollack, Bob Dylan – these and more are the game changers. They are “the crazy ones” as an ad for Apple Computer once put it. Regardless of how you personally feel about any of these individuals, they are world changers. Rather than being shaped by change, they did the shaping.

Unfortunately, we often respond to the idea of change in one of two ways. We might be “tossed to and fro” as the Christians in Ephesians 4:14. In other words, we might be unable to discern between good changes and bad changes and we just go with the flow. Alternatively, we might be more like the children of Israel as Moses was leading them to the promised land – grumbling all the time but effectively doing nothing to help. We are the perpetual armchair quarterbacks, calling shots to people who do not hear us, who will not feel the consequences nor the benefits, but fooling ourselves into believing we’re helping.

One thing all of those individuals named earlier had in common was they didn’t get anything done by sitting around on their couches and griping. Every one of those people changed the landscapes of their specific disciplines and the world because they stood up to be noticed. They took risks. They suffered indignities, ridicule, and some died for their causes, but they made a difference. Can we say the same, or are we content being swept about by change or merely complaining about it to those who already agree with us?

Living Change In the Bible

The Bible, Old Testament and New, is filled with individuals and groups of individuals who stand out as heroes to us because they lived the change they wished to see. Where others shirked, they charged forward. In this lesson, we’re just going to take a look at three isolated examples and some results of their actions.

Joshua. We are familiar with the events of Numbers 13-14, even if we tend to forget the events belong to this book. This is the initial inspection of Canaan by the spies of Israel, and, in chapter 13:27-33, an overwhelming majority say the land is unconquerable. Caleb tries to persuade the people that they can overcome the odds, but he is quickly shouted down. In chapter 14:6-10, Joshua attempts to rally the people, reminding them the Lord is with them. As a result, he is very nearly stoned.

Joshua has already seen how the people reacted to Caleb. He could have just gone with popular opinion. He could have been caught up in the fear, uncertainty, and doubt all around him. He could have also just kept quiet but complained to Caleb and Moses later about the stubbornness of the people – if only they had faith in God. He could have done these things, but he doesn’t. He tries to make a difference, and he continues this pattern for his whole life. The result? Judges 2:7 records that the people serve the Lord under Joshua and under the elders who outlive him. He makes a difference that impacts a whole generation of God’s followers.

David. I Samuel 17 records David’s confrontation with the Philistine warrior Goliath, a man described in gigantic proportions and armed to the teeth. In verses 8-11, Goliath challenges Israel to send out a champion to challenge him, but King Saul and his soldiers cower in fear. Finally, the young shepherd David answers the call, but his brother ridicules him. The king tries to dissuade him, but David is adamant, and, in verse 37, he states confidently that he believes the Lord will deliver Goliath into his hands and change imminent defeat into victory.

We know David finds success with only the most humble of tools, but would it not have been easier for him to view Goliath as someone else’s problem. After, David is not a soldier. His place is in the fields. He could have just turned around and gone home, trusting that somebody would take care of the problem. Likewise, David could have sat around asking, “Why doesn’t someone do something?” “Why don’t we just throw all of our troops at him. That will end the problem quickly.” He could have done that, but he doesn’t. He put his faith in God and makes a difference. As a result, he is remembered as a man after God’s own heart, he is in the lineage and and a shadow of Christ. He is a hero of the Old testament because he tried to live the change he wanted to see.

The Early Christians and Apostles. We wrap up with a group instead of an individual. These are the people who, in Acts 8:4, continue preaching and teaching even as they flee persecution. These are the people who, like Stephen in Acts 7, stand before the Pharisees and proclaim Christ, even unto their deaths. They are people like Peter in Acts 2, who stands and preaches Christ to the very people who had participated in His crucifixion – a mob that could have quickly turned on him as well. They are the ones praying by rivers, teaching in synagogues, enduring imprisonment, stonings, and torture while continuing their ministry. We know Paul, Peter, Barnabas, Silas, Aquila, Priscilla, Apollos, and others while many remain nameless. All of these, however, persisted in living the change the world needed and still needs.

Any of these could have dropped out at any time. I’m sure some did. I believe Paul and Peter both knew what fates awaited them should they continue to preach Christ. It would have been easier for Stephen to just give up and placate the Jews who accused him of blasphemy. Paul would have avoided many stonings had he just reentered Pharisaical practices. Peter and John could have avoided further imprisonments had they only followed the decree to stop preaching Christ in Acts 4:18. These individuals and more continued to work for change though, and the result is recorded in Acts 17:6 when the rioters cry out that these men “have turned the world upside down.”

Our Life of Change

Our goal should be nothing short of the accomplishment of those early Christians: turning the world upside down. We should be wanting to change the world, but it begins within ourselves. We cannot wait for change to sweep us off our feet, nor can we sit idly by griping about things we allow to be taken out of our hands. We need to take charge of our lives, and be the change we want to see. We can’t wait for others to do it. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. Change is constant. We can either be victims of change, or we can be instruments of change.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: attitude, examples, purpose, my thoughts, david

In Children of Dune by Frank Herbert, a character merely known as The Preachers asks this question of the multitudes looking for some form of religious satisfaction: “Is your religion real when it costs you nothing and carries no risk?” In this question, he challenges his listeners to examine what they are investing in their religion versus what they expect to get out of it.

We live in a world where ideas of service, self-sacrifice, and personal risk are avoided. It is easier to sit passively in a “moving” worship experience safe and secure than to puts one’s self at risk in God’s service. Whether we are talking about missionary work in an unfamiliar country or taking the risk of inviting a neighbor to services, we suffer from serious risk aversion. Unless we are certain the path is absolutely safe, we refuse to take it, therefore making our faith superficial and unreal.

In this lesson, we’re going to look at three examples of people whose faith cost them. They gave up security, safety, wealth, and influence to follow God and do His will. In doing so, though, they demonstrated real faith and had a positive impact on others around them. These individuals experienced true risk in their service to God.

Three Spiritual Risk Takers

Much can be said about Daniel and his companions in the early chapters of his book, but let’s focus of the most famous event in Daniel’s life: that of the lion’s den. By Daniel 6, the namesake figure has already served Babylon for many years, has survived two kings, and is now in service of Darius the Mede. Daniel oversees a third of the king’s regional governors, and chapter 6:3 describes him a distinguished above all his political peers due to his excellent spirit. This leads, predictably, to some political contrivances to bring Daniel down.

Daniel 6:6 records the other officials coming to King Darius, persuading him to sign an edict prohibiting any form of petition (including prayer) directed toward anyone but the king himself for thirty days. Daniel knows of this edict, and his initial reaction, in verse 10, is to pray to God. He did this, knowing it could cost him his career. It could cost him his possessions. It could cost him his income. It could cost him his life. Still, Daniel prays to God, resulting in his attempted execution in the lion’s den. Daniel risks all for God, and God delivers Him, resulting even King Darius being awed by God’s power. Daniel’s faith could have cost him everything, but he held fast.

Jeremiah suffers much in his service to God. He dedicates his life to the mission of reforming God’s people as the destruction of Jerusalem at the hand of Babylon looms ever closer. Other prophets, such as Hananiah in Jeremiah 28, oppose Jeremiah’s message, luring the people away with more attractive prophecies. We see Jeremiah’s life threatened for the first time in chapter 11:18-23 and again in chapter 18:18. King Jehoiakim seeks Jeremiah’s death in 26:21, and he is imprisoned for treason in 37:11 because of the content of his message. After this, Jeremiah is thrown into a dank dungeon in chapter 38:6, but he is saved only to witness the destruction of the city he worked so hard to save.

Wouldn’t it have just been easier for Jeremiah to write Jerusalem off and just go with popular opinion? Wouldn’t it have been easier for him to settle down with a wife and family and try to eek out a measure of happiness in the time he had left? Instead, he dedicates all to God, and few listen. A few are moved by his words, and those words still exist, showing God’s path to ultimate salvation and a new covenant with all nations. Jeremiah’s costly message speaks of eternal rewards.

Finally, we have Paul. Philippians 3:3-6 recounts a brief overview of Paul’s history before his conversion. He is a respected Pharisee. He is of the faithful tribe of Benjamin. Paul claims to have been blameless in the ways of the Levitical Law, and he pours his heart into defending his true faith from the heretic Christians. Philippians 4:8, though says he counts those past accomplishments as worthless when compared to his service for Christ.

Paul gives up a life of esteem and honor to be beaten, stoned, imprisoned, harassed, shipwrecked, plotted against, imprisoned again, and – quite possibly – eventually executed. In the midst of all these tribulations, however, Paul writes that he knows his Savior and trusts Him to keep His promises in II Timothy 1:12. Through this confidence, Paul sets up numerous congregation, turns countless souls to Christ, shares the gospel with government officials, and leaves us a legacy upon which we build much of our faith.

Willing to Face the Cost

In Luke 14:28-33, Jesus gives two examples of the need to count the cost of something. He cites building a tower and going into battle, how a failure to account for the cost of such projects will adversely affect the one undertaking said project. We can relate to this pretty easily. How many of us have made big purchases or started home projects that ended up overwhelming us monetarily or size-wise? Sacrifices are needed to see such projects to completion, but, in the end, we hope the sacrifices are worth it.

Jesus precedes these illustrations with the admonishment that those who are unwilling to take up their crosses cannot follow Him in verse 27. Too often, we speak of a “cross to bear” as some kind of inconvenience or physical malady, but, in the context of Jesus’ audience, a cross means death. Jesus is calling us to sacrifice self – self-interests, self-service, self-satisfaction, perhaps even self-preservation – in service to Him.

What am I willing to give up for Christ? What risks am I willing to take? Have I counted the cost in perspective of a priceless heavenly reward? Daniel, Jeremiah, and Paul serve as only three examples of faithful men who were willing to risk all and face terrible costs for the cause of Christ. Can we do any different in our service?

By Robert Smelser

Tags: examples, faith, my thoughts, paul, daniel

We are familiar with the first several verses of I Corinthians 10 where Paul draws parallels between the events of the Old Testament and the kingdom of the New. He states that the events of the Old Testament serve as examples to us, teaching us to avoid the same temptations into which those forerunners fell. He concludes this admonition by calling those who feel confidant in themselves to beware lest they fall.

We can certainly say that we would want to avoid these temptations, and, among the sins of idolatry and lust, Paul cites grumbling as a shortcoming of physical Israel. He’s not talking about constructive criticism. In Acts 20:31, Paul cites the admonishments he provided this congregation in the past. Romans 15:14 praises the Romans’ ability to admonish one another – instructing one another with the end of improvement. What Paul is talking about is complaining, often exaggerated, and often indicative of a lack of faith.

The Grumbling of Israel

In Exodus 5, in the process of Moses working on the release of Israel from Egyptian captivity, the people complain that God’s leaders make life more difficult for them after Pharaoh’s unreasonable production demands. They go so far as to say God will judge Moses and Aaron.

Exodus 14 records Israel approaching the Red Sea after being released from Pharaoh’s bondage. However, when the Egyptian forces were drawing close in pursuit, the people turn on Moses asking him if they brought them out to their graves. They claim it better to live in slavery. Exodus 15 records the people complaining for a lack of water. The next chapter, the theme is a lack of food, and the complainers offer not solutions. They merely exaggerate their woes, and this continues throughout their journeys.

Numbers 11:1 records God consuming many of the complainers in fire, but verse 4 shows that same grumbling returning, looking backward to their days of slavery with nostalgia. Numbers 14, 16, 20, 21, chapter after chapter, the people murmur and complain. In Numbers 14:27-29, God asks how long they will continue to grumble, and this specific case leads to the forty years of wilderness wanderings.

The bottom line is that this generation demonstrates its unworthiness to inherit God’s promises to to their conduct, and grumbling, murmuring, and complaining is at the core of these behaviors.

Our Application

Remembering those verses from I Corinthians, we have to ask what this means to us today as God’s people. Philippians 2:14 calls upon us to do God’s will without complaint – this in the midst of verses regarding Christ’s servitude, His mindset, and our mission to accomplish God’s will. Paul calls us to be blameless lights to the world in the example we set, and doing God’s work without grumbling is part of that example.

Romans 14:19-20 asks us to follow after things that edify and make for peace, rather than tearing down God’s work over petty matters. Do I grumble over congregational matters, over teachers, over service structure? What does it say about my heart if I am tearing down rather than building up? What example am I setting if my interactions with others consist mainly of complaints, arguments, and gripes?

Ephesians 4:11-16 speaks to the different roles people can fulfill in a congregation, and the purpose of these roles is for the perfecting and the building up of Christ’s church. Time and again, we are reinforced to edify one another. Not only was Moses, Aaron, and other Israelites discouraged by the grumbling pervasive around them; Gad was too. God brought them out of bondage to free them to serve Him, and He gives His Son in sacrifice for this same reason. Let us serve Him unselfishly, without grumbling, spiritually fit to receive His promises.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, one another, examples, behaviors

Where do I fit into the work of the church? I might look at what others are contributing and think, “I can’t do that,” “I don’t have the resources of that person,” and I might talk myself out doing what I can after comparing myself to others. We might be unable to see where there is room for the individual contributions each of us can make.

In this lesson, we’re going to look at four individuals who might have been considered insignificant but had great impacts for God’s cause.

Small Examples of Significance

Luke 19 introduces us to Zacchaeus. He is a small man in stature and in the eyes of those around him. He is a tax collector – a profession despised in all times and all cultures. Still, this man desires to see Jesus, and Jesus agrees to come to his house, causing dissension among others around Him. Zacchaeus simply welcomed Jesus into his home – showing hospitality. The end result of these actions are repentance and salvation.

Mark 12:38 leads up to the introduction of a poor widow who has no recorded name in the Scriptures. We know nothing of her outside this one simple act of self-sacrifice. While the wealthy make great shows of their vast contribution, this widow makes the greatest sacrifice – giving out of her need. Her status and monetary contribution are small, but her spiritual sacrifice is great.

I Kings 19 records Elijah fleeing to Sinai after Jezebel places a bounty on his life. After forty days and nights on Sinai, feeling himself a little man, accomplishing nothing, God appears to Elijah. A strong wind rips rocks off the mountain. An earthquake shakes the land. A great fire appears, but God is in none of these. Instead, God appears as a whisper, greatness wrapped in smallness.

Finally, II Kings 5 introduces us to a Syrian commander named Naaman. He is described as a great man who is unfortunately beset with leprosy, and he has a humble maiden who serves his wife. She’s a nobody, but her advice leads to Naaman’s cure – a cure that requires him to humbly obey Elisha’s word. These small factors lead Naaman to proclaim his knowledge of God.

Our Own Greatness in Smallness

What does God expect of us? Does he expect us to move mountains with every act, or is He looking for the small contributions we can make? Matthew 25:31 begins depicting a scene of the judgment, and Christ lists small acts of service as what His followers have done for His cause. They have shown generosity, kindness, and mercy to those around them in the small things they could do.

We should not begrudge those who can accomplish more, but we should recognize that God smiles upon those small things we can do as well. Andrew, in John 1, simply goes and gets his brother Peter to see Jesus – a small act with great consequences. Paul frequently mentions those who encourage him in his letters. Barnabas is recognized for the encouragement he is to others.

There are a lot of little things we can do, and these can add up to something bigger. Elisha, the poor widow, Naaman’s servant, and Zacchaeus all serve as illustrations of how small actions can have big consequences in our work for the Lord.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: examples, character, purpose

I Samuel 17 retells the events of David facing Goliath, and, in this conflict, David exhibits four qualities we can emulate when we face giants in our own lives. These giants may not be as obvious or as aggressive, but they provide a threat to our spiritual survival, so let’s look at these qualities and how we can apply them in our own lives.

David Facing the Giant

David displays faith when encountering the threat of Goliath. The military had withdrawn from facing the giant. I Samuel 17:34-37 recounts David making his case to King Saul, and, in this, he expresses his faith in Jehovah. Along with this faith, he demonstrates trust. Instead of trusting in the king’s weapons and armor, David trust’s God to deliver victory. He shows the correct attitude before danger. He doesn’t try to take credit from God when facing Goliath. In his eyes, the victory belongs to God. Finally, David runs out to battle, doing exactly what he said he would do.

Our Giants

We face giants in our own lives. They are distractions. They prevent us from moving forward. They blind us to the goal we hold so dear. I John 2:15-17 introduces us to the giant of worldly interests, and, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminds his audience that our priorities reflect the contents of our heart. Luke 12:15 begins the parable of a rich man who places his trust in his possessions. What he is not prepared for is meeting God.

I Peter 2:11 speaks of desires and lusts that battle with our souls. Immorality is always readily available to tear down our spiritual security. Additionally, discouragement can tear us down. Isaiah 35:3 makes a call to strengthen the weak, to comfort the afraid. Acts 11:21-23 and I Thessalonians 5:14 both speak to exhorting and encouraging among the brethren. Discouragement can lead to bitterness and self-justification.

Finally, a lack of direction can be a giant in our lives. Returning to I Samuel 17:25-27, David learns of Goliath and the rewards the king has prepared for the one who defeats him. Verses 28-30 records David reconfirming this goal, verifying the threat Goliath poses and the rewards involved. David sees a goal before him, and then he pursues that goal.

Emulating David

How do we avoid being consumed by these giants of desires, discouragement, worldliness, and lack of focus? Quite simply, we begin by setting a spiritual goal. I John 5:4 reminds us of the power in our faith. Through our faith in God, we can overcome anything, and it sustains us in difficult times. I John 4:4 and Galatians 2:20 both speak of the way we live our lives, trusting in the power of Christ within us. I have to rust God enough to put my faith into action. The first few verses of Philippians 2 reminds us of the attitude we should have, and James 2:17 reminds us that we have to take our faith into obedience and do the right thing.

If we have faith and trust in God, if our attitude is right, and if we are willing to take action, we can face those giants waging war with our souls. We can overcome, striving toward our goal of an eternity with our Father.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: priorities, hope, parallels, david

We deal with temptation and sin in our daily lives, and, in this lesson, we’re going to look at Samson as an example. He’s an individual we may be able to relate to, for, while he is referred to as a hero of faith and a judge of Israel, his struggles and flaws are identifiable in our own lives.

In Judges 13, we read of Manoah whose wife is unable to bear children, but they are promised a child with the condition that he would be a Nazarite, separated to God by an oath. Despite this, sin would deceive him, entrap him, and cost him dearly. I Corinthians 10:11-12 reminds us that these events are recorded for our benefit, to remind us of our own precarious position and help us prepare for our Christian walk.

Samson’s Struggles with Temptation

Jesus calls Satan the father of lies. The very nature of temptation is to entice us toward something that is not what it appears to be. In Judges 14, Samson chooses a woman among the Philistines to be his wife. Despite the counsel of his parents, he insists on this woman as a wife. He may have self-justified his actions to himself and others, but this engagement ends in problems. Unfortunately, he doesn’t learn his lesson, and in Judges 16, Samson finds a Philistine prostitute, and he falls for Delilah three verses later. He sees the immediate gratification of these choices, but temptation blinds him to the consequences thereof. Sin does not deliver on its promises.

Samson’s sins eventually entrap him. He continually went places and associated with people he should have avoided. Judges 16:5 begins the plot to ferret out Samson’s secret. He initially misleads Delilah regarding the source of his strength, and she continuously tries these methods out. Samson, unfortunately, does not learn his lesson, and he continues to play along until he finally divulges his true secret – allowing the Philistines to capture him. He allowed himself to be trapped emotionally and physically by this woman. His strength was something God gave him, but Samson treated it casually.

Finally, Samson’s sins cost him dearly. In verse 21, Samson loses his eyes. From here, the Philistines imprison and enslave him. The end result of these sins is his own death. Samson’s sins cost him much – up to his own life. He loses his reputation, his strength, his sight, and his life.

Our Application

Proverbs 6:27 asks if a man can hold fire to his chest or walk on coals without being burned. Have you ever tried to grab something out of the oven without protection, thinking you can avoid being burned? How does that work for you? We cannot associate with temptation and expect to remain sinless. Proverbs 14:16 admonishes us to be wise and turn away from evil. I Corinthians 6:9 calls upon to not be deceived, and Galatians 6:7-8 states likewise. I Timothy and Titus tell us to be wise and sober-minded. We fool ourselves when we think we can flirt with temptation and remain unaffected.

Psalm 1 blesses the man who avoids associating with sin, and verse 1 describes a progression of being interested in sin to being encircled by it. Think of Lot’s progression from camping outside Sodom to living in the midst of it. We begin by just sinning a little, but we can be trapped by it before we are aware of it. James 1:14 uses the imagery of bait set out before us, luring us toward a trap. Sin is an entrapment when we give into its allure.

Sin costs us our sight of Heaven, of God, and of who we are. Sin imprisons us as slaves of Satan. Sin takes our spiritual lives from us. Romans 6:23, Ezekiel 18:4 both speak of the terminal nature of sin. We lose everythiong that truly matters when sin entraps us and exacts its cost from us.

John 3:3-5 calls on us to be born again to see and enter God’s kingdom. When we are reborn, we are separated to God for holy service, not unlike Samson’s consecration at birth. We need to remember our obligations to God when we face temptation. Romans 6:6 describes our sinful selves as crucified and released from slavery to sin. We have the power and ability to overcome sin in our lives if we use the strength God gives us.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: sin, examples, temptation, parallels

Many of us use business cards to identify who we are and what we do. They serve to help us remind people of us when they have need for a specific service. In Japan, one treats a business card with respect and honor because the businessman tries to conduct himself with respect and honor. It is an extension of him. To disrespect his card disrespects him.

In this context, let’s discuss the respect we have for the name we wear, the label we identify with and that serves as an extension of our selves. Wearing the name Christian means recognizing what it means to be redeemed by a sacrificing and sacrificing in return. We often speak of respecting one another, but we might not respect ourselves. We may question our self worth, but God found us worthy of His love and mercy.

Living Our Name

When we call ourselves Christians, we are saying we are sons of God. Luke 6:40 records Jesus saying that anyone who properly receives teaching will take after the teacher. We should be conforming our lives to be our Master. We praise Christ’s glory and His character, and our lives should be reflecting those qualities. Romans 8:28-29 calls us to do good, conforming to the image of Jesus in our activities, and Galatians 4:19 records Paul asking believers to form Christ in them. In II Cointhians 3:18, the author describes how Christ should be reflected in us as a mirror reflects an image.

Matthew 10:24-25 calls us to be like Him who teaches us. We wear the name Christian, but do our actions really demonstrate that name? Jesus said He came to serve others rather than be served. Philippians 2:1-11 describes Christ’s example in detail – one who gave up all for our sakes, humbling Himself, and sacrificing Himself for us. He was holy and sinless. We wear the name of our Teacher and Master. His qualities should be evident in all we say and do if we are respecting ourselves and our God as His followers.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: identity, behaviors

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus speaks of His followers in terms of light – light that is visible to others in the good works they demonstrate. Light guides us in the darkness. Lights line our streets at night. Lights help guide airplane pilots in landing. Light draws attention. Our light should draw attention and guide others to God. Our efforts are not to glorify ourselves, but our lights should shine regardless of where we are.

Specific Points of Light

What does our clothing say about who we are. Whether justified or not, we and others often make snap decisions about people and their morality by how they dress themselves. I Timothy 2:9-10 speaks specifically to women, warning them to avoid putting too much concern in their adornments. (See also I Peter 3:3-4.) However, the application applies to both sexes. Paul speaks of respectable apparel, using self control, not drawing improper attention to one’s physical appearance. Our dress can differentiate us from the world and show that we really are trying to be different. (On a related note, what does our dress reflect when we come to worship?) We should be more concerned with people noticing our godly behaviors than what we are wearing.

Our light is also evident in our language. What attitude do we demonstrate in how we speak and the words we choose? Depending on our work or living situations, we may be inundated with improper language to the point we might become numb. However, as Christians, our standard is supposed to be God’s rather than man’s. Exodus 20:7 sets forth a principle that His followers should not take God’s name in vain – a mild curse by society’s standards. Colossians 4:5-6 asks us to watch our conduct, reminding us to watch what we say and how we say it. Our choice of words and topics we engage in can cheapen the examples we set, and, if we are digesting unworthy topics and language, that’s what we will reflect. This is why, in Philippians 4:8, Paul asks that we focus on certain qualities over others, and Philippians 5:4 warns us of the tone in our speech. Our words are to build up. We should be thinking before we speak.

Our schedules and priorities can also stifle our lights. To an extent, some of our schedule is out of our hands. We can’t predict every event that will demand our attention. Work schedules can be unpredictable. However, when we do start cutting back, it’s often God’s work that gets cut first. Mark 16:16 speaks of teaching God’s word as our primary responsibility. If we claim to be Christians, but if we schedule God out of our lives, how can we follow Him? How can we bring others to Him? God comes before anything else in our lives, and our time use should reflect that priority. We dishonor Him when other worldly concerns come before Him.

Conclusion

Matthew 7:3-5 speaks to the problem of hypocrisy, the way it hinders our ability to reach out and help others. If what we teach does not agree with what we do, then we are allowing our light to fade. These items are just three small focuses that can help us be better examples and concentrate on putting God first in our lives, and there are many other applications we can make in letting our lights shine. Our appearance and our language reflect our inner selves. These qualities demonstrate to others the true quality of our hearts, and our time use is one reflection of how we prioritize God in our lives.

We should be concerned that we avoid blinding others with our light, demonstrating our own sense of righteousness. Rather our lights should be pointing others toward God. Whether or not it is considered popular, our lives should reflect godliness if we want to draw attention to our Father.

By Kris Casebolt

Tags: morality, our example, priorities

In the Middle East, “tells” are large mounds of hill-sized dirt across the landscape that are the remains of ancient cities built upon each other. One of these mounds is identified as Abel Beth-maacah, and this city is going to figure into our study.

David, Absalom, and Sheba

In II Samuel 15 we read of Absalom planning a rebellion to usurp the throne from his father David, who flees for a time. However, in chapter 17, David’s forces combat Absalom’s, and Absalom dies in this battle. However, all is not yet well, and a man named Sheba leads a rebellion in chapter 20. David’s men pursue Sheba to Abel Beth-maacah – the town from which Absalom’s mother came. This results in Abel Beth-maacah being besieged by Joab and his men, but chapter 20:16 records a wise woman appeals to Joab regarding the heritage of her city.

In her description, the wise woman describes Abel Beth-maacah as a place of counsel and settlings. It is a place that acts a mother to Israel, a city interested in peace. This appeal takes Joab aback, and he explains the situation to the wise woman, resulting in Sheba’s head being delivered to David’s troops.

Brethren Fighting Brethren

The wise woman describes the travesty of brethren infighting. There is shame implicit in such troubles. In the New Testament, Galatians 5:14-15 warns us against biting and devouring one another, instead loving each other as ourselves. This spiritual cannibalism can lead to our own destruction, as Joab nearly destroyed Abel Beth-maacah.

If this state of turmoil exists, we fail in our role as a place of reconciliation and peace. We will no longer be place people will seek out for solace and comfort. We cannot offer a spiritual inheritance to the lost if we are consumed in infighting. Just as the wise woman points out the shame of brother fighting against brother, the same is true today if we hold enmity and grudges against our spiritual family.

Far be it from us to fail in being what God would have us to be. We need to be gracious and merciful toward each other, forgiving before judgmental. We should maintain that second-mile mentality Jesus speaks about in the sermon on the mount. Our lives should be characterized by peace and kindness, and, as Joab was unwilling to tear down and devour his brothers, we should likewise seek peace among our brethren.

By Tim Smelser.

Tags: examples, one another, parallels

We are usually willing to help others, but we are seldom willing to inconvenience one’s self or give something important up in doing so. Jesus talks about this principle in Matthew 5:38-48, calling on us, as children of God (verse 45), to go an extra mile and giving of ourselves in helping others. We should go as far as we are willing and then some. This demonstrates our efforts in emulating our Lord.

Our God and the Second Mile

What if God had been unwilling to go “the second mile?” In Genesis 1 and 2, God prepares a paradise for man to live in. What if, after man sins, God had said He had already given enough? What if He was willing to do no more for His creation?

Romans 5:8-11 records God’s mindset in His sacrifice of Christ despite of and for the forgiveness of our sins. He does not wait for us to be perfect in His eyes to save us. He reconciles us in our enmity. II Peter 3:9 recounts God’s patience and His desire that all would repent. He continues to give us time and opportunity to turn from our rebellion, and I John 1:9 speaks to God’s willingness to forgive us. He is willing to go another mile on our behalf.

Emulating Our God

Luke 6:36, I Peter 5:10, and I Peter 2:3 all speak about God’s mercy and graciousness. James 2:13 and Jude 22 encourages us to emulate that mercy. Luke 6:36 Calls us to be merciful as God is merciful. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 records that we are to be kind, patient, and forgiving toward each other – again emulating God’s forgiveness of us.

Colossians 3:12, II Timothy 2:24, and Ephesians 4:1-2 name even more qualities exemplifying God in our lives. The overriding principle in all of these these things is unselfishness. Putting others first, being willing to give of ourselves for the benefit of others, inconveniencing ourselves for another’s sake. This is second-mile thinking.

Conclusion

Matthew 5:45-48 reminds us that this mindset is part of our spiritual heritage. As children of God, spiritually born again, we should inherit the qualities demonstrated by our Heavenly Father. He gives of Himself without end. He want us to reflect Him among men, so we should also develop second-mile thinking and engage in second-mile work.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: godly qualities, character, one another

We sometimes take time to ourselves where we have experiences that give us enthusiasm, that give us energy. We might call it “recharging our batteries.” How do we maintain this kind of focus and enthusiasm in our spiritual lives – tuning out the noise and distractions of the physical world? Am I excited about being a Christian, or do I view my faith as a necessary evil? Am I enthusiastic about leading others to Christ?

Acts 8:35-39 describes the baptism of the Ethiopian, and the last we read of the individual is of his rejoicing after becoming a Christian. He has reason to be excited, and he demonstrates it. The Philippian jailer in Acts 16 actually comes close to physical death prior to his conversion. After his conversion, he invites Paul and Silas into his house and rejoices over his new life.

Maintaining Enthusiasm

We today should be excited about the forgiveness of our sins, about a potential life with God in Heaven, about being born again. Sometimes, however, we grow nearsighted and discouraged, losing focus of what is really important.

In Revelation 2:4 and 2:14-16, 2:19-20, 3:1-2, and 3:15, Jesus criticizes various congregations for different forms and symptoms of complacency in His service. It’s easier to grow lax in our service, but, in each of these messages, Jesus calls the congregations to work as a cure for complacency. Focusing on the good works we can accomplish can drive us forward while focusing on negatives or shortcomings can suck the energy from us.

Tuning out the crowding noise can be difficult, but Colossians 3:1 calls us to set our minds on what is above. Setting our mind on the bigger picture can help us maintain the enthusiasm and focus we need on this journey. Romans 12:2 reminds us to continue renewing our minds.

Engagement and action helps. Luke 22:31-32 records Jesus telling Peter that his faith would be tested, and Jesus encourages Peter to go to work encouraging others after regaining his focus. Here is a man who would fail the Lord and watch his companions also fail Him. Acts 1:12-13-15 records Peter doing exactly what Jesus asked. His faith is restored, and we see him transform into a force of encouragement in the New Testament. Hebrews 12:12-13 encourages us to help others in our work, lifting them up when weak. When we put our energy in encouraging others, we encourage ourselves in the process.

Conclusion

There is a great deal of noise to distract us from our goal, but we have to continue to work with and for our brethren to maintain the focus and enthusiasm we need on our Christian journey. We need Christ, and we need each other. Together, we can find our goal.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, hope, priorities

Do you get what you want, or do you get what you deserve? How many times have we heard the expression, “I knew that was going to happen!” We have other frustration statements we use, and many of these express an expected negativity in our lives. What makes a difference between good and bad expectations? How does our faith and hope affect our expectations, and how are these reflected in those expectations?

Hopeful Expectations

Faith, hope, and love are all elements that are supposed to fill our lives, and all of these imply a trust in our God. I Thessalonians 1:3 speaks of these three in terms of action and attitude. These work together, and they will affect the expectations we have in our lives. Faith relies on hope in God and His promises, expecting Him to deliver on those promises. I John 3:3 speaks of a hope we have fixated upon God, and I Peter 1:13 encourages us to hope in the grace of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 11:5-6 reveals some more details about the Enoch we are briefly introduced to in Genesis 5:24. He is described as having never seen death, and this is the direct result of his faith – the hopeful expectations he placed on God. II Corinthians 5:7 simply states that faith guides us, and Paul goes on to express His expectation to be delivered by Christ and present with God, an idea also reflected in Colossians 1:5.

James 1:5 speaks of us entreating God for wisdom, but verse 6 speaks to the expectations we should have when praying to God. We are to pray with the expectation that God will listen to and answer us. Our cynical expectations keep us from Him.

Triumph in Faith

Hebrews 11:1-3 gives us a definition of faith, and this definition includes expectations – hopeful expectations that may contradict what we see in this world. Then, the author goes on to describe several examples of people acting upon hopeful faith. Abel is cited as one acting upon faith based on his sacrifice to God, and Noah took action to prepare for an event he had no physical evidence on which to base expectations.

In verse 8, the author speaks of Abraham who left his home to seek a land he had not seen. Abraham expected to be led despite his ignorance of the destination. He had faith that God would work good in him. Romans 8:28 reflects this confidence, and the preceding verses encourages to have hopeful expectations and trust in God.

Ephesians 3:20 describes God as being able to deliver beyond anything we can imagine. So often, we set our expectations for God, for others, and for ourselves at such a low level, we can’t help but have those expectations fulfilled. Our expectations can only be enhanced by what we tell ourselves to expect. Edification starts within ourselves. I Peter 5:8-9 describes a devouring power, seeking to consume our souls, but faith resists this power. It gives us the hope to lift ourselves above those snares.

Conclusion

Our faith and hope motivate the expectations in our lives. We can set our bar high, or we can set it low. However, if we set it on God, we know that He will help us achieve our goal of being with Him.

By Mike Mahoney

Tags: faith, apostasy, hope

This morning’s lesson focused on the grace God has shown us and the hope we have in that. Building upon this, Peter, in I Peter 2, asks his audience to put away all carnal qualities and form themselves as living stones built upon the foundation of Christ. He calls them and us a royal priesthood, a people of God’s possession who have obtained mercy.

A Spiritual Priesthood

Back in Exodus 19, as the people congregate at the base of Sinai after escaping slavery in Egypt, God uses these same descriptors regarding the children of Israel. He calls them a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. He sets them apart and sanctifies them as His own before leading them to the Promised Land. Back in I Peter 2, He asks the same of us for the same reasons. Just as Israel was to remain righteous, we are to do so today.

Galatians 6:16 refers to the Israel of God in describing Christians, and Galatians 3:28-29 as well as Romans 9:6-8 bear this same concept out. God’s children are His spiritual Israel, and I Peter 2:5 refers to us as a spiritual house. All who follow God are priests of God, and that obligates us to offer up proper spiritual sacrifices in that role.

A Priestly Service

We have to maintain our personal holiness. I Peter 1:14-16 calls us to be holy as God is holy, quoting God’s levitical mandate. His priests were to be separate and sanctified in His service, and we are to be likewise separated. Leviticus 10:1-3 records the tragedy of Nadab and Abihu, and God tells Aaron (through Moses) that He will be sanctified by all who come near Him. I Corinthians 6:11 refers to Christians as sanctified. We are to view God and ourselves differently due to His difference that we are to emulate. Only by changing our view of ourselves, then we will not behave separately from the world. Too many examples exist in the Old Testament of priests who do not act like priests. What of us today?

We should be able to discern godliness from ungodliness. Leviticus 10:10 describes a function of the priest as creating a distinction between the clean and unclean, the holy and the unholy. Ezekiel 22:26 as well as Micah 6:8 both call on God’s people to discern good from evil and live justly before God. James 4:17 warns us to choose our action carefully when we know the right thing to do, and I John 2:6 admonishes us to walk as He walked. We know we are His if we follow His commands. Finally, Hebrews 5:14 describes a mature Christian as one who has practiced discernment in differentiating good from evil.

We have to serve each other in our service to God. In Exodus 7:16, God reveals that the people of Israel are to be freed for the purpose of serving Him, and Romans 6:15-16 states that we either present ourselves as servant to God or to sin. In their service, the priests of the Old Testament served the people and each other, and our spiritual service reflects this. Philippians 2:1-8 reflects upon the service Christ yielded to us and to God in the sacrifice He provided. In this, Paul asks us to emulate His mindset – humbling ourselves in service of God and one another.

Conclusion

God has set us apart to His service, and our life should reflect that sanctification. We are no longer of the world. Rather, we reflect the God we serve in all areas of our life. We are His priests. We strive for holiness, for God is holy.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: godly qualities, one another, morality

A couple of weeks ago, we looked at the importance of how we say what we say. When teaching God’s truth, doing so patiently and in love are essential ingredients to our ministry, and we examined many scriptures that talk about the attitude we should possess when sharing God’s word with others. In II Corinthians 10:1, Paul approaches his readers in gentleness, calling them to his side. His message was not about winning an argument or chopping anyone up with the sword of the spirit. His approach was filled with kindness toward and care for his audience.

As emphasized before, this is not advocating changing the truth or watering down God’s message. It’s not about removing backbone or becoming soft. This is about being instant in and out of season, showing others how much we care so they care about what we know.

Examples of Caring Teaching

In Acts 18:24, we read of a man named Apollos who is eager to teach God’s word and good at it. However, his knowledge about baptism is incomplete, so Aquila and Priscilla took him to themselves, explaining the truth more accurately. How might we handle this differently today? We might approach him as a false teacher – possibly even confronting him publicly. Aquila and Priscilla demonstrate care and concern for Apollos in this passage. What if they had been more callous or venomous in their approach? Would Apollos have remained a teacher?

Acts 3 records Peter and John in the temple at Jerusalem healing a lame man. When the crowds gather, Peter and John de-emphasize their own power and turn the inquiry toward God. He establishes common ground with the assembly before progressing on to the story of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. He does not soften the message, but he takes and approach that is patient and caring.

Romans 9:1-5 records Paul’s pain in regards to those of the Jewish community who reject Christ. He goes as far as saying that he would remove himself from Christ for their souls’ sakes. Later, he acknowledges the zeal they have for God despite the differences he has with them. How patient are we willing to be? To what lengths are we willing to go to save a soul (as opposed to winning an argument)?

In Acts 17:16, Paul feels stirred to speak by the great number of idols around him. When he finally gets the chance, how does he speak? Is Paul derisive of these people for worshipping the powerless idols? No, instead he begins by establishing a common ground with them before adding to their knowledge. Again, he does not alter the message, but he handles himself in a way that opens avenues of discussion rather than closing them off.

When Jesus is resting by the well in John 4 engages a Samaritan woman in conversation, and she responds antagonistically at first. However, as they speak, her opinion of Him changes. Even when it is revealed that she is engaged in an immoral relationship, Jesus interacts with her kindly and compassionately. If He had reacted otherwise, how would she have responded to Him?

Our Application

Do we have pet peeves that we jump on around individuals – for example, misuse of terms like “witness,” “testimony,” “ministry,” “pastor,” etc. Do we jump down someone else’s throat because they misapply things that we might believe are self-evident? That’s not how Jesus and the apostles operated. In John 4:35, Jesus calls upon His disciples to look to the fields of opportunity. If we just lift up our eyes, we will see opportunities all around us, but we need to have love, care, and concern for the lost if we are to approach them properly. Someone who believes differently from us is not an enemy, and we have to learn to give a soft answer to those differences. We should be building bridges rather than walls.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: teaching, attitude, examples

Say you received an invitation to a State of the Union address. Would you be excited? Would you tell your friends? Would you be curious as to why you were chosen? How would you prepare to go? Would you accept the invitation? This lesson is actually about our worship together, our act of giving reverence and honor to God, but as we progress through the lesson, think about how you answered these questions and how they apply to your approach to worship.

In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses calls upon the people to walk in the ways of God, calling it a choice between life and death. However, he would not force them into that choice. It had to be theirs to make and to own. In worship, we have to choose to be reverent, requiring a sincerity that lip-service cannot emulate.

Furthermore, Psalm 95 emphasizes the greatness of God. We are inferior beings before Him and should look upon with a certain wonder and awe. Our hearts should be softened before Him, and we should see our place before Him. In this, Deuteronomy 12:1-12 records how the people of Israel will conquer the lands of promise, but these promises contain an admonition to remember God in their successes. Finally, John 4 records Jesus’ interchange with a Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob. He reveals, in verse 24, that God is seeking people who will worship Him in sincerity, on His terms, and with the right focus.

How Do We Worship?

What are our last thoughts as we go to sleep Saturday night? Are we excited about the opportunity to praise God? I Corinthians 14:15 records Paul writing that we should praise with both body and mind. Imagine singing such passages as Psalm 3 in a distracted, uncommitted way. Do we sing with the conviction of those who truly believe? Do others around us know we enjoy praising God? Are we afraid of others’ opinions of us if they knew we consistently worship God? Phippians 4:4-7 tells us to center our lives around God and that others should be able to see the joy.

Romans 12:1-2 and I Corinthians 6:19-20 reinforce that We have been more than chosen. We have been purchased by Christ’s sacrifice, and we should sacrifice ourselves in His service. Ephesians 1 explains how God adopts us through Christ according to His eternal plan to provide salvation to His Creation. Can we turn down an invitation that has come at such a price?
Preparation is also a factor in our worship. The more prepared we are to worship, the less distracted we will be. Engaging our minds is part of giving Him our best. Think about all He has done for us, all He has prepared for us. Worshipping Him should be a priority in our lives, and He deserves our prepared and honest worship. An active and involved worship is how we draw near to God.

Conclusion

We look to our worship services to provide us strength for the week to come, but what if we lived every day in worship to Him? How much stronger could we be in our faith? God is seeking those who would worship Him in sprit and truth. It is important to Him, and He has given us the best of Heaven for our sake. Can we say the same of our worship for Him?

By Donn Koonce

Tags: worship, attitude

Paul, in the Romans 12, speaks of being distinct and separate from the world, and our attitude plays a role in this differentiation. One element of our attitude is reflected in how we speak to each other – reflecting the humility we are supposed to possess. Paul returns to the attitudes and motivations behind our actions, treating those factors as every bit as important as the actions themselves. We should be careful how we come across to others in attitude, action, and speech. Humility should underscore all of these – true humility, not feigned artificial forms of humility.

Our Speech Reflecting Ourselves

In Ephesians 4:15, Paul instructs us speak the truth in Christ, but how we speak that truth is important as the speaking. Colossians 4:6 reminds us to speak with grace, as seasoned with salt. That is, our manner of speech should be in such a way that what we have to say is easier to swallow. Our speech should always be gracious. Our speech should reflect humility.

II Corinthians 10:1 continues this theme of humility. Paul appeals to his readers, calling them to him for instruction. His manner again demonstrates graciousness and humility. Galatians 6:1 speaks of restoring sinners in a spirit of gentleness or meekness. This is not an attitude of forcefulness or self-righteousness. Rather we should be fair and kind. Hebrews 12:13-13 calls us to heal and restore one in error – not defeat him or her.

II Timothy 2:24-25 calls on us to correct those who oppose God’s word, but we are to do this patiently, avoiding a combative attitude. II Timothy 4:2 speaks of reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, and this must be done with all long-suffering – returning again to the idea of patience. I Peter 3:15 tells us to be continually ready to give an answer for the hope within us, but we should do this in humility and recognition of the individual’s value. This is not something in which to engage with a flippant attitude.

Conclusion

Returning to Ephesians 4:15, our speaking truth should be done in love. We have read passage after passage that emphasizes a specific attitude that should pervade our speech and the discussions we engage in. We may win an argument but lose a soul. This is not softening the truth, but it is a quality that compels others to desire further discussion. We inspire curiosity among others, and we draw them to God with our words rather than drive them off with a false sense of self-justification. Again, we should teach, but our attitude and our reasons for our actions will be reflected in how we fulfill that command. Do we reflect love and humility?

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, character, our example, teaching

In the first six verses of Romans 6, Paul begins asking some questions regarding Christians and there relationship to sin. From these verses, we often teach the importance of baptism and its role in uniting us with Christ. We also point to these verses as evidence that baptism is an immersion, a burial so to speak. While these are proper applications, the main thrust of these words is pointed toward those who are already saved. The primary audience is composed of individuals already baptized.

Dead to Sin

The ideas of justification through grace and faith are consistently weaved throughout the Roman epistle. However, Paul reminds us that the magnitude of grace should not serve as an excuse to sin. We should be trying to avoid sin because we have been freed from sin. We have died to it, and we have been made alive to Christ. Paul pictures sin as both a form of servitude and as a past life. Sin is pictured as a consuming power that strips us of hope for a better future. On the other hand, spiritual living is freedom and hope.

As we continue through chapter 6, Paul points out that we are always servants, whether we want to be or not. Our actions determine whom we are serving – who rules our lives. Each master bears specific benefits and consequences, but only God provides an eternal reward for service.

The Role of Grace

Going back to chapter 3, Paul speaks to the fact that we cannot earn our salvation, but, in verse 8, he grapples a false concept that it is acceptable to sin for the sake of grace. This builds up to what we have spoken about in chapter 6. Have we ever sinned anticipating the forgiveness? Have we ever been guilty of sinning and assuming forgiveness afterward? We read in II Corinthians 7:9-10 that true repentance is the result of godly sorrow. If we are rationalizing beforehand, have we really repented later?

In this, we have to realize that the more we sin the more callous we grow toward it and its effects on us. The more we justify our sin, the more our sensitivity toward that sin diminishes. We may begin by planning for forgiveness, but we may grow to a point where we cease to care. II Peter 2:21 states that one returning to sin is worse off than one who never knew godly freedom. Returning to the imagery of Romans 6, how much worse is captivity to a recaptured slave than one who never knew freedom? Also, in Hebrews 6:4-6, the book’s author states that returning to sin is like crucifying Christ all over again.

Instead of increasing our sin, God’s grace should instead drive us away from our past transgressions. II Corinthians 5:14 reads that Christ’s love constrains us, and verse 15 states that His death should motivate us to live for Him. God’s grace is repeated throughout the Old Testament, and, in Deuteronomy 15:12-15, Moses initiates the Jubilee tradition of freeing slaves. In this, they were to remember the grace God had on them. In Deuteronomy 16:12 repeats this theme in context of the Pentecost feast, and chapter 24:16-17 again returns to this in context of how the children of Israel were to behave towards others in judgment and mercy.

Grace motivates obedience out of gratitude. I Corinthians 11, beginning in verse 24, reminds us that we have something to remember just as the children of Israel had. Gratitude for that sacrifice should keep us away from sin rather than allow us to continue in it.

Conclusion

We have received a free gift from God, but we must be careful not to become presumptuous of that gift, taking Him and His sacrifice for granted. We must not assume forgiveness and salvation. Rather, our lives must be dedicated to God who saved us. We should be serving Him as master, reflecting that salvation He grants us in the lives we live. Our actions should testify of our master, and grace is the gift that drives us into that obedience.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: grace and mercy, sin

In Romans 1, Paul begins discussing signs that one is falling away from God. He describes at least some steps toward apostasy beginning in verse 21, and he does so in context of a larger falling away by an entire people. He describes the Gentile nations turning away from God and toward their own creations, but he begins by saying they once knew God. Each of us in this assembly would claim to know God, but the danger is that simply knowing is not enough. We might acknowledge God’s existence, but our actions betray a different master in our lives.

Seven Signs of Apostasy

We fail to glorify God. In John 17:4, Jesus says He has glorified God by doing the work given Him to do. In our daily lives, are we glorifying God in what we do and say? Are we following the plan He has given us? John 15:8 records Jesus speaking that bearing spiritual fruit glorifies God, and I Peter 4:16 speaks of suffering that leads to glory. FInally, Romans 4:20 describes Abraham as glorifying God in his faith. In everything we do, no matter the difficulty, we have to faithfully reflect God in our lives and thereby glorify Him.

We fail to give thanks to God. Socially, there are few traits that annoy us more than ingratitude. We are familiar with Luke 17:11-19 when Jesus heals ten lepers. However, only one glorifies God and gives thanks. I Thessalonians 5:17-18 reminds us to consistently pray and give thanks to our God for what He has done. If we are not grateful to Him, then that reveals a deeper lack of trust in Him.

We rely on the world. In Genesis 6:5, God looks upon man and sees the continual evil that fills his heart, trying to satisfy himself with the things of this world. This is what the Ecclesiastes author would say is like grasping wind. Focusing on self takes my attention away from God’s plan, spiritual things, and those others I might influence through my behaviors. We cannot find true meaning and purpose without God.

Our hearts grow hard. As God is removed from my heart, it becomes filled with the darkness and bitterness of this life. There are many things in this world that can bring us a measure of joy, but it is easy to allow the various problems to overwhelm our hearts. Bad news bombards us from every angle, and it can darken our hearts. In Matthew 13:14-15, Jesus quotes Isaiah regarding those who turn their hearts away from His teachings. When we do so, our eyes are closed, and our hearts are hard.

We glorify self. In Romans 1, Paul speaks of those who became fools in God’s eyes while considering themselves wise. In Proverbs, the term fool is most commonly used as someone bound for destruction. He is hopeless. In I Corinthians 1:20, Paul asks of the wise, and he determines that mortal wisdom is foolishness next to God, and he also concludes that trying to find God by one’s own wisdom does nothing but separate that one from God all the more. To find Him, we must take our focus off of ourselves and point our thoughts toward spiritual things. Jeremiah 10:23 admits our need for God to direct our steps.

We mold God after ourselves. In Romans 1, Paul may be directly referencing idolatry, but are we not guilty of the same when we try to fill our lives with something other than God – even a self-defined image of God? Without God, we have a void in our lives, and we will fill that void with something, godly or otherwise. II Timothy 3:1 begins describing a time of apostasy in which people hold a form of godliness but falling short of true obedience. To remain faithful, we have to keep our focus in the right place.

Conclusion

Apostasy is far more subtle than we sometimes define it. Paul warns us in Romans 1 of how apostasy grows, and we should be diligent in avoiding it in any form. If we keep God at the center of our decisions, our gratitude, our faith, and our lives, we can remain faithful in His eyes.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: apostasy

A Boy Without Legs

On January 2, 2008, one of my favorite bloggers posted this short anecdote to his weblog:

On the final day of a trip to Disney World with my family last month, I saw something remarkable: a boy, 4 or 5 years old, with two artificial legs, running around Mickey’s Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom. Running. If he had been wearing pants instead of shorts, you’d have simply thought he had a bit of a limp.

He was born without legs, but yet there he was, galloping across the playground on a warm, sunny December morning, every bit as happy, excited, and carefree as every little kid in the world ought to be.

His legs — sleek, lightweight, and impressively dextrous — were inspiring and beautiful. And they were made using technology that simply did not exist when I was his age, one generation ago. Focus solely on current events and it’s all too easy to despair at the state of the world. But science and progress march ever forward, and the world is a better place today than it used to be.

Happy New Year.

This post caught my attention for several reasons – not the least being a shaking of perspectives about this world we live in. On many levels, this world is not “getting worse by the day.” I really think that sometimes we have grown very fixated on the negative aspects of this physical life to the detriment of our spiritual life. In a sense, a hopeless and pessimistic attitude can impair our spiritual walking in a way this child’s disability fails to impede him.

Breaking Free of Obstacles

We often go to Ephesians 5 to discuss our Christian walk, and in verse 2, Paul instructs us to walk in love. If we skip to verse 8, he encourages us to walk as in the light, and the apostle concludes in verse 15 that we should walk with wisdom. Love, light, and wisdom should guide our lives. In other words, we should be able to clearly see what matters, should be able to make good choices based on what we see, and compassion for others and for God motivates every step we take.

Unfortunately, there is so much around us to tear us away from this walk. So much in the world could potentially cripple our Christian journey if we allow it to consume our energy and attention, leaving us sitting along the side rather than progressing toward our goal. We can grow discouraged at crime rate statistics, at political figures, at business decisions, at stock market trends, at individuals or groups who somehow offend our own special interests. We argue these issues over the dinner table. We complain about them around the water cooler. We blog about them. We yell at the TV about them, and, in so doing, we are sitting down and giving up. We are forgetting how to walk. We are failing Christ. We are failing our brothers and sisters. We are failing those toward whom we should be examples – over what? Over things that are temporary and insignificant in the bigger picture.

Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us that the things of this world are temporary and warns us about letting them take hold in our hearts. Also, I John 2:15-17 warns us against loving the things of this world, which are transient and will pass away. Often, we apply these passages to outward temptations and covetousness, but we fail to apply these at a deeper level. When I argue with and berate you because my politics don’t agree with yours, am I not putting worldly cares first? When I mope and complain about credit card bills (which I am good at doing), am I not allowing money to rule my life. Is not a thing of this world consuming me. In these cases, I have stopped walking that Christian walk of light, wisdom, and love, and I have allowed myself to become a helpless cripple along the side of the road. Back in Matthew 6:31-34, Jesus concludes that we should not be overly concerned with the petty details of this life, relying on God for what really matters, and Paul, in Philippians 4:8 reminds us to concentrate mainly on those things that are virtuous and encouraging.

Additionally, I can permit my own sense of helplessness disable my journey. After all, I am apparently powerless against sin (Romans 3:23). I cannot earn my salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). I deserve death (Romans 6:23), and every sin I commit reinforces the torture Christ went through millennia ago (Hebrews 6:6). I may feel myself a hopeless case. I am expected to walk the narrow path. I am expected to walk in light, love, and wisdom. I am expected to walk hand-in-hand with my Lord, yet I find I have no legs to stand on.

James 4:10 tells us that we should humble ourselves before God, and He will lift us up. I Peter 5:6 reiterates this sentiment, encouraging us to cast all worries and doubts upon Him who cares for us. In every passage that recounts our helplessness before God, his grace and mercy is described as negating those obstacles between us and Him. The imagery of God’s hand is replete throughout the Old Testament, and the prophet Isaiah encourages God’s people that His hand is able to save them from their helpless state in Isaiah 59:1 if they would but take it. We may be unable to walk on our own. We may be unable to make the Christian journey on our own legs, but remember Jesus in Mark 2 when He was helping a paralyzed man. He asks the scribes around Him which is more difficult, to make him walk or to forgive his sins. With this man, Jesus does both, and today He gives us the ability to walk with Him because of the forgiveness He offers.

Conclusion: Running Toward the Goal

The child at Disney World was not content to walk, though. Even on his artificial legs, he wanted to run, and he ran so well, he could have fooled those around him had it not been for the shorts he was wearing. Likewise, I Corinthians 9:24 encourages us to run to obtain the crown. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to run with endurance toward Christ, but to do so we have to be willing to deal with and/or lay aside anything that burdens us or weighs us down. This does not imply carelessness in our journey. I’m sure the child who ran with artificial legs had a certain learned carefulness about him that was so automatic and natural it permitted him to run without fear.

I personally like the story in John 20, when Mary Magdalene tells Peter and John of the empty tomb, and both race to see it for themselves. John makes it first, but Peter runs right past him and into the tomb itself. For all intents and purposes, these two should have been strangers to each other by now – the disciple possibly closest to Christ and the one who verbally denied and denounced Him. Still, they had set aside their differences, and now, regardless of any other cares or concerns, they ran toward Christ. We can do likewise. Though we have no legs of our own, through Christ we can run.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: attitude, endurance, priorities, my thoughts

A couple weeks ago, one of our members prayed that we be aided by God to remember who we are and the example we set for others as we engage in the celebrations and festivities typical during this season. We do have the challenge of being lights to the world, of being positive examples to those around us, without being adversely affected by the world. While Jesus was on Earth, He was no recluse, shielding Himself from the world, but he claims in John 17:9-11 that neither He nor His disciples are of the world. He prays that His disciples not be isolated from the world but instead guarded from its corrupting influences. From this, we derive the phrase, “In the world, not of the world.”

A Separate People

When we think of separateness and distinction, we can turn to the Old Testament nation of Israel for example. In Exodus 19:4-6, God separates His people and He calls them His holy nation. He has forged a special relationship between Himself and the people, but they would grow weary of their differences from the other nations and often stumble. Many of them wanted to act and think like the wold while reaping the blessings of God. This attitude does not work for them, nor does it for us.

In I Peter 2:9, we are described in terms similar to ancient Israel. Peter calls us a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Like those Jews, we are to be a separate people for God, and this is to be reflected in every aspect of our lives. Peter goes on to remind us that we once had no spiritual identity, but now we are of God, benefactors of His mercy, keeping our conduct in check and avoiding the temptations of this world (verses 10-12). Paul, in II Corinthians 6:14-17 reminds us that we are not to tie ourselves down with the world and that we are to separate ourselves from this world, and he calls us to cleanse ourselves in 7:1.

Maintaining Our Identity

We must remember our relationship to this world. When Jesus prayed in John 17, He did not encourage us to physically isolate ourselves, but, rather than be influenced by the world, we are to be a good influence upon others. In I Corinthians 5:9-10, Paul admits that Christians must interact with those in the world, but he addresses their conduct around others.

In this, we have to remember the importance of Heaven above anything in this world. There are many things of this world we place emphasis and importance on, but all these things are temporary. They do not last. In relation to our eternal lives, these are unimportant.

Furthermore, I must be willing to be changed by God’s word. I must resist the pressure to follow the tides. Rather, God’s word must move me to do what is right. In Romans 12:1-2, we are encouraged to be living sacrifices – not conformed to the world but transformed into something spiritual and new.

Conclusion

The big question for us is how we view the distinction we carry. Do we view it as a punishment? Do we feel deprived or inhibited by the lives we are to lead? (“Look at what I must give up.” “I’m not allowed to…” )However, if we take this view, it will not be long before we slip back into the world. Really, when it comes to those prohibitions, what are we asked to give up that really matters in the long run? On the other hand, what do we gain that really matters? The answer in this case is everything. When stacked against those sacrifices we are asked to make, the gains are vastly overwhelming and far more permanent than anything in this transient life.

The children of Israel continued to falter because they were busy looking back at what they thought they lost while failing to appreciate what God gave them. In I Peter 1:3-4, Peter gives thanks for his incorruptible inheritance paid for by the blameless sacrifice of Christ (verses 18-19). He goes on to speak of the purification of our souls, and I Peter 2:5 then brings us to the new identity we gain in our service to God. We can maintain our separateness and distinction if we keep our goal in mind and remain thankful for the blessings God has provided for us.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: our example, morality, identity

Like other culturally driven topics like the making of resolutions or the giving of thanks, focusing on Christ’s birth is relegated to one time of the year. In this, we remember the stories surrounding that birth like those recorded in Matthew 2, where we find the wise men following a brilliant star to Bethlehem. Surrounding this event is Herod’s plot to assassinate the Christ child and His family’s flight to Egypt.

Many questions remained unanswered about these individuals. How do the wise men know who they are seeking? Where do they come from? How many are there? What did they find, and what do we find when we seek Jesus?

The Wise Men Find...

A manifestation of God’s plan. Jesus is the culmination of God’s plan to defeat Satan and bless the nations. He is the prophet likened unto Moses who would speak the words of God. He is the son of David who would establish Jehovah’s house forever, and He is the one to be born of a virgin. In Isaiah 7:10-16, the prophet challenges Ahaz to ask for a sign. He refuses, so God offers a sign regardless – a child born of a virgin called Immanuel. John 3:16 appropriately sums this up, and Romans 5:8 reinforces that Christ’s mission is one of personal mercy and love.

A demonstration of unselfishness. In Matthew 20:28, Jesus states that His mission is to serve others and give His life for them. In verses 26-27, He encourages us to be humble and meek in our lives and the service we perform for others. Self should become secondary to the well-being and the needs of others. James 4:6-7 warns that God resists the proud, but He gives His grace to the humble.

Hope for the lost. In Ephesians 2:11-13, Paul speaks of a former state isolated from God, having no hope, but Christ brings us closer. Christ gives us hope. I Thessalonians 4:13-14, Paul states that he wishes for his readers to have hope for resurrection and salvation, and Hebrews 6:17-20 speaks of a hope like an anchor that comes to us through Jesus.

Immanuel, God With Us. Jesus is deity in the flesh as recorded in Matthew 1:22-23. John 1:1 speaks of the Word being God, and verse 14 reveals that the Word became flesh – that flesh being the being of Jesus. God walked among man when He came in the form of Jesus.

Following the Example

They first gave of themselves by seeking Him, and, in finding Him, they worshipped. Do we seek Jesus as diligently as these anonymous individuals? What do we do if we find Him. Seeking and finding is not enough. Once found, Jesus deserves our reverence, worship, and commitment. He is our hope, our mercy, and our salvation, and we should find ourselves humbled and awed in His presence.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: christmas, jesus

Today marks the third anniversary of our preacher with this congregation, and those of us who were together back then had come to a crossroads in our spiritual lives. At that time, we studied about how to move forward from where we were, and we have indeed come far since then – achieving yet another crossroads in the step we are reaching in adding on to our building. Whenever we come to a crossroads, we should stop. look, and listen.

Things We Should Stop

We should stop arguments. In John 6, after the feeding of the multitudes, after Jesus walks on water, the people come to Jesus again, and He chastises them for seeking Him for the wrong reason. In John 6:43, Jesus tells those followers to stop grumbling and arguing among themselves, such discouragement which leads to many turning from Jesus in verse 66. In Luke 22:24 and Mark 9:34, the apostles are recorded as arguing with each other, and our own disputes discourages ourselves, those around us, and our Lord.

Additionally, we should stop being judgmental. In Romans 14, a congregation is divided over the non-scriptural issue of eating certain meats, and, in verses 12-13, Paul concludes that we will all be judged by God, so we should stop trying to find fault in one another. Yes, we are to judge righteous judgment and keep each other from sin. However, our standards should be based on God’s will and not our own. In I Corinthians 14:20, Paul reminds us to not be as children in our knowledge and understanding. (However, we should be forgiving and pure as children.) Verse 1 simply states to follow after love, and, if we do that, we can avoid the problems of being argumentative and judgmental as well.

Things to Look Out For

In John 4:35, Jesus tells His followers to look around and see the opportunities that are open to them. Philippians 2:4 admonishes to look after the needs of others. Christ did not sacrifice Himself because He was looking out for Himself. He did that because of His interest in our souls, and we should be emulating that attitude. We should be looking around, caring for the interests of others. In Colossians 3:1-2, Paul reminds us to look up, and seek those things that are above. We have to look outside the walls of our congregation. We have to look out for others, and we should be focusing upward on the goal set before us.

Listening As We Should

James 1:19 reminds us to listen to one another. Instead of focusing on having our own say, we should be eager to listen to the needs, troubles, and celebrations of others. How many of us begin to form a response while we are supposed to be listening to someone. Also, this listening is to come with understanding. Think about Corinth and all of the backgrounds those people were bringing with them to the congregation, and Paul continually beseeches them to be understanding toward each other. We are to forbear with each other, and this assumes we may not always agree.

We should additionally be listening to our shepherd as in John 10:27, and this hearing leads to obedience and action as illustrated in James 1:21-25. We should be active listeners, eager to absorb God’s word and subsequently implement it in our lives.

Conclusion

Once we stop, look, and listen, then we are ready to move forward as a group of believers with our Lord. We will face many crossroads in our physical and spiritual lives, and we can face these challenges if we do so with a heart that is willing to love our brothers and sisters, look to our God, and listen to His word.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, one another

The subject of work is brought up more than six hundred times in the Bible. God views work as an honorable and desirable thing, and in I Corinthians 15 (while Paul is dealing with some resurrection doctrine issues), he concludes in verse 58 that we should always abound in the work of the Lord. Paul discusses the Lord’s work at least four times in Titus, and in Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages us to let our light shine in the works we do, glorifying the Father.

A Scriptural Work

The term “glory” carries with it an ideas of being magnified, being honored and revered. Any of our efforts must be in harmony with God’s truth if they are to truly honor Him according to Colossians 3:17. Also, in John 4:34, Jesus claims that His mission is to do God’s will, and Matthew 7:21 warns that honoring God on any terms but His is vanity. This is applicable both in public service and in private.

A Motivated Work

In our work, we should consider the motivations that drive us, and gratitude toward God should be central to the motivations we care. Gratitude brings about humility, and, in I Corinthians 15:9-10, Paul expresses his humility and gratitude in light of his calling and God’s grace – driving him to greater direction and resolve. TIme and again in his writing, Paul expresses gratitude for God’s role in his life, and that thankfulness is a definitive motivator in Paul’s life.

Faith and trust should also be primary motivators. In II Timothy 1:12, Paul expresses great faith and trust in His God, and Galatians 2:20 expresses the faith by which Paul lives. Paul does not go through the motions here. He knows his labor is not in vain, and he presses on faithfully due to his trust in God.

A sincere desire to bring others to Christ should also drive our actions. I Corinthians 9:19-22 records Paul writing that he will try by all means to save those he can, and II Timothy 2:10 continues this theme. Romans 9:1-5 contains a heartfelt expression of Paul’s deep desire to save others – expressing a willingness to give up his own soul if it could save everyone else.

We must finally be able to see the unseen. II Corinthians 4:8-9, Paul lists many of the terrible things that have happened to him, but they have not brought him to give up. II Corinthians 4:16-5:1 reveals that he can endure these things through those eternal things that he cannot see now. If we can only consider this world, we will be unable to make choices that align with God. We have to be able to see beyond this temporary world.

An Abundant Work

I Corinthians 15:58 describes the congregation’s work as abounding, and the Greek word here carries an idea of being above and beyond expectations. It is used in Matthew 5:20 where Jesus encourages His listeners to exceed in righteousness beyond the Pharisees. Our efforts should go above and beyond others. Also, the word occurs in Luke 15, during the parable of the wasteful child, and in verse 17, the son reflects upon the rations his father’s servants have – enough and to spare. They have above and beyond what they need, and our work should be enough and to spare for God. We should not be trying to meet a minimum requirement. Finally, it is in Mark 15:14 where the people cry our exceedingly to crucify Christ. It is more than they had done before.

Returning to I Corinthians 15:58, we cannot rest on past successes. We have to make a sincere effort to continually improve, going beyond what we feel is expected of us. We should always be working to accomplish more for our Creator.

Conclusion

Our work must be zealously engaged in, scriptural, and motivated properly to truly glorify God. In John 9:4, as His disciples are discussing an academic issue, Christ admonishes them to work while there is still time. We don’t know when our night will come, but we do know that God expects us to do what we can while we have time and opportunity to do so.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: scripturality, worship, paul

As we study the writings of the New Testament, we have to remember that Paul, Peter, and others are writing generically to an abstract mass of people. They are writing to specific congregation with specific strengths and needs, trying to build up and encourage these brothers and sisters as best they can. In Luke 22:31-32, Jesus singles Peter out, requesting him to make it a point of his life to strengthen other Christians, and, in Ephesians 4:12, Paul states that the purpose of working in the church is to the purpose of building up and strengthening its members.

How Can We Strengthen and Equip Each Other?

We grow through study. In Acts 18:24-26, we are introduced to an individual named Apollos who is described as eloquent and knowledgeable in God’s word, but he needs more. He is still missing some information, and Aquila and Priscilla provide him with more instruction. When discussing the Bible, both teacher and student are encouraged and built up. This is not an activity limited to designated preachers during designated times of worship. Anyone can participate in this anywhere and anyplace.

Hebrews 5:12-14 serves as a warning against spiritual immaturity, but it also speaks of a need for those willing to teach. He encourages them to build each other up and to grow more mature through study. Each day we fail to grow stronger, we weaken, and we should be concerned for each other’s and our own spiritual well being. If God’s word is not in our hearts, His spirit cannot guide our lives.

We Strengthen Through Our Example. In I Timothy 4:12, Paul encourages Timothy to be an example to others around him. When we see someone we respect or who may be having difficulties provide an example of faith, we are strengthened. We are all in a position to be a role model to someone. Younger Christians and older Christians alike can be examples for each other, and we should be humble and patient enough to receive the instruction implicit in another’s example.

We should respect what experiences others can provide. In I Kings 12, Rehoboam rejects the advice of his elders and ends up splitting the kingdom. In Romans 12:1-2 encourages us to check ourselves, trying to see ourselves as others and God does. Do I portray someone concerned with spiritually matters, or am I still an example of worldliness?

We should help each other get equipped. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul begins to describe an armor we are to wear as Christians that allows us to stand against those temptations and trials that may cause us to fall. Full preparation brings courage and hope, and we need help to fully equip ourselves. In Hebrews 6:17-20, the author writes of our anchor, hour hope, and our encouragement in God’s promises. In this, we push each other towards the goal, looking out for one another. Sometimes we simply need to remind ourselves that our hope comes from the goodness of God, and we are strongest when we are not alone.

Conclusion

We are strongest when we are helping each other, when we are being the example we should be, and when we study God’s word and let it guide us. As Christians, we should be committed to strengthening and helping each other reach our goal, maintain our hope, and stay on the path guiding us to Heaven. We cannot make it alone. Alone we are unanchored, tossed about by the troubles of this world, but we can help each other and rely on our Lord as we continue on that road.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: growth, study, our example, one another

Success in any project is dependent upon knowledge of the situation, a proper attitude, and a willingness to do what is necessary. These three things are evident in the establishment of the church in Acts 2. Here, a large crowd is gathered together who had a knowledge of God. They had gathered to observe a religious feast, and Peter and the other apostles came with more complete knowledge. They what they know, and many turned to Christ as a result of the apostles’ actions and Peter’s teaching.

Our Application

Gaining Knowledge. In our attempts to teach and live God’s word, we need to have a knowledge of that word. However, we might still have several questions regarding what is revealed. Why has God done things the way He has? Could He not have made things easier, more obvious? Like those people gathered in the book of Acts, we have some knowledge. Also, like those people, we should be able to see a bigger picture than simply what God does for us. Rather, He wants us to be like Him so we can be with Him.

In Titus 1:2-3, Paul speaks of God's eternal plan, and Ephesians 3:11 speaks of an eternal purpose. God’s desire for us to be like Him and with Him is not a new thing. This has been God’s desire since the beginning. At creation, God gave us a part of Himself, and, in the Garden, Adam and Eve were with God, and they were like Him in that they were innocent and sinless. God’s plan goes beyond simple forgiveness. It restores our purity and holiness that sin steals away.

We have to have a knowledge of this situation to help us understand Christ’s sacrifice, and we need to understand and appreciate our own guilt in sin. Romans 1:18 speaks of God’s anger with ungodliness and unrighteousness. Romans 6:23 plainly states that death is a consequence of sin. One sin separates us from God and put us in need of redemption and reconciliation. As an offering for those sins, Christ went to the cross, meeting the demands of justice, putting Himself in our place.

A Correct Attitude. We have to view these facts as something other than cold and hard. Back in Acts 2, Peter tells the crowd to act upon their knowledge – to repent and be baptized. This is not something to take under advisement or to consider complacently. Knowledge demands obedience if our attitude is correct. Hosea 6:6 records God’s desire for goodness, mercy, and knowledge over rote ritual. Repentance is more than saying, “I’m sorry.” Faith is more than saying, “I believe.” Obedience is more than simply showing up on Sunday, and baptism is more than getting wet. It is a reenactment of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. My attitude should be one of humility, and its nat an easy quality to take on.

We may know what Jesus has done for us, but we will be unwilling to submit to His word unless we can take that message to heart. What is my attitude in my treatments of others, in my conduct in the workplace, in my priorities, in how I treat my brothers and sisters? Do I behave how I want or how He wants? DO I view His word as commands or as suggestions?

Willing Involvement. Gaining a correct attitude will spur me to action. In Acts 2:38-39, Peter makes it clear that God's promises are for those who are listening to him. When he told them what they should do, Peter claims this promise is for them and for anyone who will hear the message. Romans 8:24 speaks of hope we have when we are saved, when we are obedient to God’s word. The promises we have give us that hope, and hope serves as a motivation to our Christian lives.

I Peter 3:15 tells us to always be ready to speak about that hope we have, but, wIthout involvement, no one will see my hope. Hebrews 6:17-20 makes it clear that God keeps His promises, and He does not lie. We can be confident in the promises of our God, and our attitude and hope gives us the motivation to be as involved as we should be.

Conclusion

Once many in Acts 2 learned of Christ’s role, they demonstrated a willingness to get involved in the cause. They took the facts given to them and applied them to their own lives. They viewed those facts from the perspective of a humble attitude, and they obeyed God’s word. They became involved based on the anchor of hope Peter spoke of when he invited them to obedience. Likewise, we need knowledge, a good attitude, and involvement to receive the hope of God’s promises.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, growth, obedience

Peter can be described in many ways – impulsive, reactionary, impetuous – and he had a knack for speaking or acting without thinking. In all this, he was still one of Jesus’ closest disciples. He was full of good intentions, and he eventually grows to a mature Christian. One story really seems to characterize much of what we identify with in Peter, and that story is in Matthew 14:22-33 when Peter goes out to join Jesus on the water.

Joining Peter On the Water

The boat is place of safety, but Peter willingly leaves that safety to join Jesus. He wanted to be with and like the Lord. In John 13:6-8, Peter implores Jesus to fully wash him if that is what it takes to be more like Him. Also, in John 21:5-8, Peter is so excited to see Jesus that he jumps from the boat he is in and swims to shore. Where Jesus was, Peter wanted to be. In Matthew 14, when Peter sees Jesus walking on the water, he wants to be with his Lord, and he wants to be like his Lord.

Unfortunately, once Peter sees how unbelievable and potentially dangerous his situation was, he lost faith and began to sink. We should be willing to have the enthusiasm and zeal of Peter, and hopefully we can maintain the faith needed to persevere. In Philippians 2:5, Paul entreats us to have a similar mind to Christ, and he uses subsequent verses to elaborate on what that means. He tells us to put others first, to remain humble, and these are traits found in Jesus’ example. In I Peter 2:21, Peter makes a similar request of Christians. Peter tried to follow Jesus’ footsteps, and he sometimes stumbled. In the end, though, he found the path to emulating Christ.

Additionally, we should desire to be with the Lord as Peter did. Our goal should be to live our lives so we may one day be with our Lord. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to come to Him to find spiritual rest. Matthew 16:24 records Jesus asking those listening to crucify self and follow Him. We should be living every day trying to draw closer to Him.

However, we should avoid the distractions of this world discouraging us from our goal. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus, laying aside those things in our lives that may hold us back. Like Peter, we may see obstacles that hinder our paths, but if we remained focused on Jesus, we can overcome. In Philippians 3:13, Paul claims he puts his past behind him in order to stretch towards his goal of Jesus.

Conclusion

If we want to walk on the water with our Lord, we have to get out of the boat. We may be comfortable and feel safe in the situation we are in, but if we want to be with and like Jesus, we have to get up, disregard those things that hold us back, and make the effort to follow Him. This requires work. It requires obedience. It requires humility. It requires faith. Luke 6:46-49 records Jesus asking why we might say we believe Him but put no effort in that statement. Multiple times in John 3, Jesus expresses the effort required in following Him.

There are many things in our lives we can plan for or aspire to, but none of these can be accomplished without taking the first step toward our goals. Remaining motionless will not bring us closer to Jesus. I have to be willing to focus my eyes on Christ, step out of the boat, achieve what I perceive as impossible, and go to Him.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: character, faith, examples, jesus, peter

Pontius Pilate was responding to several pressures in his decision to crucify Jesus, and different people have different assessments in how he handles the situation of Christ. Early on, Pilate comes to the conclusion that Jesus is an innocent man, and that He was brought before Pilate for political reasons. However, he displays a lack of inner conviction when put against the pressures surrounding him. In Luke 23:4-7, Pilate is recorded as trying to wash his hands of the matter, and he also tries to release Jesus three or four times. Unfortunately, he finally bows to political and social influences. He allows self interest to take priority. He bowed to the crowd, and he allows an innocent Jesus be killed.

Pilate in Our Lives

In Matthew 21:25, Jesus turns the questioning of the religious leaders back on them, and they are caught in political consequences. They fail to make a stand, and they demonstrate a lack of inner conviction. Likewise, Pilate tries to make Jesus into Herod’s problem. There are many people who profess to believe in God or Jesus but will not submit to His will. We want to be told what to believe and that we are okay doing exactly what we are already doing. We can lack inner conviction when it comes to our service in God. Do we worship because social or family pressures dictate it, or do we do this because we believe it is the right thing to do? Do we know what we believe and why we believe it?

In John 19:12-13, Pilate realizes a veiled threat in the crowd’s response to his desire to release Jesus. He knows releasing Jesus could result in political suicide, and he put self interest before justice and truth. Likewise, we might find ourselves in similar situations with our jobs or our families, where we may not want to sacrifice what we have for the cause of Christ. We might feel that our ungodly personality traits are justified because, “That’s just who I am.”

Finally, in Matthew 27:17-21 and in Luke 23:23, Pilate allows himself to be swayed by the mobs. He gives in to popular opinion, and disregards what he knows to be the truth. Peer pressure can be a difficult thing to deal with, but, if our conviction is strong enough, we can make the right decisions despite what others might say. Doing what is popular is not always the correct thing to do, and we should be able to tell the difference when such moral dilemmas arise.

Conclusion

If we start with God’s will, His word, and His promises,we can begin to build the character lacking in Pilate. When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus always falls back onto God’s word, and the psalmist describes that same word as a light to guide our feet. When we are faced with decisions, we should know those principles that guide us, and, in His word, we can know God’s will. In I Samuel 15:22-23 Samuel asks Saul what is more pleasing to God – serving God on his own terms or on the Lord’s terms? Also, Psalm 51:10-17 reflects this idea that we should be directed by His will. Wrapping up, in I Corinthians 7:1 encourages to use God's promises as motivating factors for our godliness, and Hebrews 6, as the author warns of spiritual immaturity, we are reminded to remain diligent to obtain God’s promises in verses 11-12.

We do not have to succumb to the same pressures that swayed Pontius Pilate. There are many things that influence our lives, but we can gain aim. We can strengthen our resolve to place God before self interests and social pressures. We can be more than this ruler we read of in the trial of Jesus, and we can gain strength from God in this process.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: character, examples, priorities

In Religious Literacy, author Stephen Prothero cites the general lack of ignorance regarding religions in general, and our own experiences among our brothers and sisters can speak to a lack of knowledge of Christianity among those who claim to be Christians. We laugh at the ways children might mix up Biblical stories, but, after a time, such missteps are no longer humorous. They reveal an ignorance on our own part.

Prothero gave his university students a quiz regarding Christianity, Judaism, and other world religions, and they failed spectacularly. Likewise, the Gallup organization cites its own studies demonstrating a record low of Bible knowledge among the general United States population. Some of the results to questions may provoke laughter, but the fact is, by and large, our Bible knowledge does not improve from elementary school to college to adulthood.

Our Own Religious Illiteracy

How is our specific Bible knowledge growing? As people who claim to be followers of Christ who might even look down upon people who can’t name the four gospels, how do we ourselves really stack up? Can we defend our beliefs and practices using the Bible? Can we use the Bible to show the establishment and ownership of the church? Could we defend or moral positions through scripture? Even more telling, are we willing to honestly assess what we know and what we don’t know?

I need to be willing to do more than “just enough” when preparing for services and Bible classes. If teaching, I need to be thoroughly prepared not only to facilitate discussion but to teach trough and encourage spiritual growth. If a student, I need to be willing to put in the work to get something out of the lessons. In I Corinthians 1:17, Paul discourages us from relying on human wisdom in convincing others of Christ, and verse 20 continues this theme. Chapter 2:1-7 recounts Paul’s desire for those Christians’ faith to be rooted in spiritual wisdom, not man’s.

Stephen Prothero observes a decline in Bible study and how communities were once reputed for their scriptural knowledge, but an emphasis on emotion over intellect has led to apathy and skepticism. In Hebrews, the author is speaking of the dangers of apostasy, speaking specifically to the problem of ignorance. In chapter 5:11-14, he criticizes his audience for inability to understand topics they should be ready to deal with. They have not spiritually developed as they should have, and a lack of use is specifically cited as a reason for this problem. If we don’t exercise our Biblical knowledge, we lose it.

Back in Hosea 4:6, God says His people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge. They may have known the basics, but they were unable to apply what they knew. II TImothy 2:15 encourages us to give diligence to our knowledge, giving us the ability to handle God’s word properly, strengthening our own faith and the faith of others. Finally, I Peter 3:15 reminds us that we should always be able to answer questions presented to us.

Conclusion

Merely knowing the stories is not the same as understanding application, but it is a start. There is a growth process. It’s understandable for children to mix up Bible stories, and misapplication of Bible concepts is expected among spiritually young Christians. However, as we gain experience, we should be growing out of our illiteracy and developing a strong foundation for our faith.

By Tim Smelser

See also: I Know Whom I Have Believed

Tags: priorities, study

Early in their history, Israel wanted a king, a decision that eventually left to a divided kingdom and a great deal of unfaithfulness. During the reign of the final king if Judah, in Jeremiah 4:14 and 24 the people are described as lacking understanding, as foolish children, Also, in chapter 5:1-5, God gives Jeremiah a mission to look for anyone who is living justly, and Jeremiah is disappointed in his search time and again. Additionally, in Ezekiel 22:26-28 (after the captivity has begun), the problem has not improved. Rulers and spiritual leaders are leading the people into lies. Again, God recaps Jeremiah’s unsuccessful search. No one was willing to stand in the spiritual gap in Jerusalem’s wall.

In a city’s physical defenses, a gap in the wall was a serious gap in security. It was a place easily penetrated by enemies, and God uses is as an analogy for the spiritual defenses of His people. None were willing to spiritually defend God’s word. Today, we are under assault by temptations and worldly influences, and now God relies on us to bolster our spiritual defenses – to stand in the gap and create a barrier between ourselves and our foe.

Who Will Fill the Gap?

God is looking for the willing in Titus 2:1-8, those who are willing to exercise self-control and teach others likewise. Age is irrelevant. Both the young and the elderly can serve God and defend the spirituality of His church. Both the young and the old can demonstrate wisdom, and both can be learned from, whether the focus and clarity of youth or the experience and perspective of age.

He is also looking for husbands and wives to stand in the gap in Ephesians 5:23-33. He is looking for this relationship to be as it should be, and he reminds husbands in particular to take care of their wives as carefully as they take care of themselves. I Peter 3:1-5 describes spiritually strong women who serve as an example to their husbands, and verse seven describes both husband and wife as joint-heirs of God’s promises. Husbands and wives should honor one another – spiritually strengthening one another.

Parents are additional spiritual defenders. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 describes the familiarity God wants families to have with His word. Parents should be continually looking for teachable moments with their children. Ephesians 6:4 describes the nurture and admonition Christian children should be raised in, and this is a lifelong responsibility. Our home life should be as focused on the Lord as when we are at church. Spiritual instruction is not the sole responsibility of pastors, preachers, or Bible class teachers. Knowledge of God begins at home.

In this vein, God is looking for teachers. In Acts 18:24-26, a couple examples are present of willing teachers. Apollos is an eager and enthusiastic teacher whose knowledge is imperfect, and Aquila and Priscella were willing to help him understand better. We should all be as willing to help each other out and to receive such knowledge as gladly as Apollo. Both parties involved demonstrate attitudes we should be willing to emulate in our lives as teachers and as learners of God’s word. II Timothy 2:2 describes a process of teaching and re-teaching, spreading the word from person to person.

In our willingness, we should we willing to serve Him and serve each other. Galatians 6:1-2 describes an attitude of willingness to help each other, of bearing each other’s burdens. For a congregation to be successful, everyone needs to help everyone. James 5:16 encourages us to also help each other out with our temptations and our faults. We need to share with each other in order to be able to help each other, but this requires an attitude of openness and acceptance among ourselves so none of our brothers and sisters feel impeded from this relationship.

Conclusion

We need to examine our own lives before God, and we need to help each other defend from the outward influences dragging us away from God. We cannot reach Heaven on our won. However, we can make it if we work together, if we are the people we should be, and if we help each other out. We can stand in those gaps our brothers and sisters have, helping each other reach the goal.

By Kris Casebolt

Tags: church, parenthood, growth, one another

Names can be fascinating, and, when we name a child, we go through a great deal of preparation and research in the process. We make associations with names, and they mean something to us. What does our name of Christian mean to us? The name literally means that which belongs to or pertains to Christ. In Ephesians 1:22-23 and Romans 6:3 we are described as being in Christ’s body and His death, and Galatians 3:27 we are said to have put on Christ.

Qualities of the Name

This name brings a new life. In II Corinthians 5:17, Paul states that any man who is in Christ is a new creature – a whole new being. It brings a new life including a fresh start, freedom from guilt, erasure of our past sins. We begin new, and those selfish choices that have kept us separated from God are no longer present. In this, we should now be avoiding those old sins. Hebrews 10:28 warns us to be aware of our respect for the blood that saved us, and that respect affects our behaviors. Colossians 3:5 instructs us to put that old identity to death after we take on the new (verses 12-15).

This name indicates a change in character. This ties closely to our new life. In I Peter 2:21, Paul informs us that our example can be found in Christ. We are to walk in His steps. Christ lived a life focused on others rather than Himself, and our new character should reflect a similar attitude. Kindness, forgiveness, caring, and patience a characterized in Him and should also be in us. How often do our actions reflect an image in contradiction with the name we wear? We wear a new name, and our character should be reflecting that name.

This name brings new relationships. Before becoming a CHristian, our relationships may have centered around ourselves. “I come first.” In Galatians 2:20, Paul speaks of severing his relationship with self, and his new life is centered around Christ instead. How many times do the New Testament authors remind us that we were “bought with a price,” and we are no longer our own? In Matthew 6:33, Jesus reminds us to put God first. Furthermore, this new name gives us a relationship with other CHristians. We become brothers and sisters in Christ, and we have responsibilities and obligations toward one another. I cannot have a relationship with Christ if I do not have a relationship with those that are His.

Conclusion

We take a certain amount of pride in our family names. We give special consideration to those who share our family name. Likewise, wearing Christ’s name means something to Him, and it really should mean something to us. To wear His name without His character demonstrates disloyalty, and to view the name as secondary to our identity shows divided loyalty. We are to be Christ’s, wholly and completely. I Peter 4:16 reminds us to not be ashamed of the name of Christian but to rather glorify God while we wear that name.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: character, identity, behaviors, conversion

We may define “faithfulness” in a few different ways – being full of faith, having a true conviction, being dependable or loyal. In Galatians 5:16, Paul begins speaking of behaviors we should avoid and those we should adopt. In this, in verse 22, he considers faithfulness a fruit of the spirit, a quality we should have as godly people. What kind of faith do we have, and are we full of that faith?

Faith is a topic we are familiar with. For example, we can turn to Hebrews 11 for a definition of faith and many examples of people who lived in faith. We can look at I Timothy 4:12 where Paul exhorts Timothy to remain faithful in his ministries. Also, we know there are degrees of faith. In John 12:42, some believed in Christ but felt pressured to avoid confessing Him, and, in James 2:22, the author speaks of a perfected faith.

How Do I Develop Faithfulness?

We need faith to be pleasing to God, and it is the cornerstone of our belief system, so it is imperative to develop faith in our lives. Romans 10:17 informs us that filling ourselves with God’s word will fill us with faith. Romans 1:16 speaks of the power of God working in those who live by faith – from faith unto faith. Many other passages throughout the New Testament tie faith and knowledge together. To believe, one must know in what he or she believes.

Jude verse 3 speaks of faith needing to be put into action and experienced. It is more than a simple acknowledgment. It requires implementation in our lives. In James 2:21-24, Abraham is referenced as an illustration of one who lived by his faith, putting into action the belief system he held. Abraham believed God, and he put that faith into action on many occasions. In II Peter 1:5, we are instructed to give diligence to our faith, to work on it and add godly qualities to it. Hebrews 11 offers many example of those who put faith into action.

Prayer is also necessary to developing faithfulness. In Mark 9:24, a father of an epileptic child cries out to Jesus that he believes, asking for help with his faltering faith. We can ask our Father to increase our faith, and we can use prayer (and study) to encourage others and build one another up – again exercising the faith we have in encouraging our growth and that of others.

Faithful Dependability

In I thessalonians 5:24 and many other verses, God is described as faithful in the sense of being dependable and reliable. In Exodus, He delivers His people time and again from adversity and threatening situations. He continually provides for His people even when they are rebellious toward Him. In Genesis 3, He promises deliverance from Satan through the seed of woman, and this is fulfilled in the gospels. In Psalm 16:10, the resurrection in fulfilled, and Jesus trusted in God to raise Him, to be faithful in His promises and in His plan.

We are supposed to emulate qualities God demonstrates. II Timothy 2:21 describes as needing to be useful and prepared to do our Master’s work. Can God count on me? Am I useful and dependable to Him? In I Thessalonians 1:2-3, Paul describes the efforts the members of that congregation put forth in their service of God. They demonstrated dependability, and we should be similar. We should not be wasteful of the resources and the opportunities God gives us. Rather, we should put those to use.

This reliability extends to one another. We are to be faithful to each other. In Hebrews 11:39-40, the author ends this chapter on faith by citing our responsibility to those faithful saints that came before us. In Ecclesiastes 4:12, we are encouraged to stick together, making each other stronger in the faith we share with each other. Our faithfulness to each other helps each other live how we should and continue our journey to Heaven.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: faith, godly qualities

I recently used this as a Wednesday night invitation, but I thought I'd post it here as well.

Where I have hallway duty, the media center specialist has been placing library carts of books that are being phased out of the system -- free for kids to take and keep. The carts went untouched for a couple of days until one small boy asked me, "What do those books cost?"

"Nothing," I replied. "They're free."

At this point, the boy scrambled to find his friends informing them that, "There are free books for sale over here!"

In a matter of minutes, dozens of kids had swarmed the library carts, poring over the available books, making recommendations to each other, looking for the perfect book to take themselves. I've lost count of how many carts have been emptied since.

Ephesians 2:8 and Romans 6:22-23 both tell us of a gift of salvation freely available to us through Christ. There is no way we could have ever payed the price for such a thing ourselves, so He has paid it for us -- freely offering it to us through grace.

In John 7:37-38, Jesus invites those who thirst for spiritual sustenance to come to Him, and, in Revelation 21:4-7, God proclaims that the water of life will be freely available to all those who make Him their God.

What will we do with this free gift? My young student was eager to claim his gift, and he wanted to share it with others so that they might also take advantage of the "free books for sale." Will we accept Christ's free gift? If we've done so, will we be willing to share it with others?

By Robert Smelser

Tags: attitude, my thoughts

Evangelism marketing is a very unique phenomenon. It goes beyond word-of-mouth, buzz marketing, or grassroots campaigns. A product evangelist is not merely excited about a product – he or she is a customer who believes that product actually makes the world a better place. It's not scientific market penetration. You won't find many traditional businesses using this voluntary sales force, but those that do succeed.

Think about companies like Toyota, Apple, and even Microsoft's XBox division. People don't just use these companies' products. They want to convert you to the fold. They want you to reach the same heightened state of product Nirvana they have. A product evangelist feels it is his or her duty to show you the light. (Look up Guy Kawasaki. He's considered the father of product evangelism, and guess what? He's a Mac user.)

This is in contrast to a fanboy. (Thought: Can females be fanboys? I guess the word would be "fangirl," wouldn't it?) The fanboy wants to show you how superior his or her product is. Again taking Apple as an example, think about the negative stereotype of the smug Mac user. They'll be quick to point out faults in other products and try to make you acknowledge how right they are for using one product over another.

The evangelist want to change the world. The fanboy merely seeks validation for being "right."

In spreading God's word, how do we handle talking to others? Are we evangelists or merely fanboys? Do we engage in religious discussions because we want to make the world a better place or because we want to prove our own rightness? I once heard a preacher say that it's perfectly possible to win an argument while losing a soul.

In Mark 16:16, Jesus tells his disciples to go into the world and preach the gospel, and I Peter 3:15 exhorts us to always be ready to talk about the hope we have in Christ. Too often, we Christians either engage or allow ourselves to be pulled into arguments about politics, economics, scientific principals, and the like – issues that will more than likely cause alienation before reconciliation. I know. I'm guilty as charged.

Rather, our focus should be on sharing Christ with others. We should be living in such a way that others can see Christ in us, and that should be what opens opportunities. We should be happy to talk about Christ, but our goal should be to save souls – not to prove our collective soapboxes correct. We should not be Christian fanboys waiting for a chance to prove others wrong or degrade them for opposing beliefs and values. We should be evangelists, teaching Christ because we want to make this world a better place.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: attitude, teaching, my thoughts

Remember the Pharisees in Matthew 9:10-11 when Jesus was eating with those scorned by the (self-proclaimed) righteous of the day?
"... they said to His disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with tax gatherers and sinners?"

What if we modernized the words a little?
• "... they said to His disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with gays and feminists?"

• "... they said to His disciples, Why does your Teacher eat with activists and Democrats?"

I sometimes wonder if we could then change the word "Pharisees" to "Christians." We claim the gospel is for all, that God wants all to go to Heaven, but do we live that doctrine?

Jesus shared His table with those the religiously strict held in disdain as "lost causes." Some were social pariahs unfit to belong to God's kingdom in their opinion. Jesus demonstrated the polar opposite attitude toward these individuals, and he chastised them for the hardness of their hearts.

Ask yourself: am I willing to share Heaven with Michael Moore? Hillary Clinton? Al Gore? Barack Obama? Anyone from PETA or Greenpeace? If the answer is no, I have to wonder if Jesus will share Heaven with me.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: attitude, one another, my thoughts

Are our habits keeping us from being the Christians we should be. We all have a comfort zone in which we operate, and habits form in that sphere – positive, negative, and neutral. These comfortable habits can be difficult to change, but, if they are keeping us from God, we must find the resolve to make those changes. In changing patterns, we may be able to move outside our comfort zone and accomplish more than we have.

Developing and Changing Habits

When we were growing up, we were taught a specific set of values and practices. We may have learned certain Bible foundations – the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Golden Rule, Psalm 23. We have learned to emulate or avoid behaviors we saw in others, but I Corinthians 15:33 warns us that incorrect influences can negatively impact us. However, good influences can be equally as powerful.

I Peter 1:13-14 tells us to be willing to change, but change takes time. We need to be patient with ourselves as we try to improve ourselves, and we should avoid becoming frustrated with ourselves and God while undergoing this progress.

From I Samuel 17:32, we see David developing a habit of trusting in God (Philippians 4:13), and this would be a habit to serve him well throughout his life. Joash, in II Kings 11, began his life surrounded by good influences despite the bad situations that brought him to power, and Daniel, in Daniel, in the first chapter of his book, avoided bad influences while trying to be a good influence on those around him (Hebrews 3:13).

How do we talk to each other? How do we behave around each other? What do we allow to influence us (friends, media, etc.)? Our behavior habits both reflect and influence our deeper attitude, and we have to move beyond those habits to improve ourselves as Christians. Small things can influence us, and we may not even be aware of the influence we allow other people and things have on us. I Corinthians 13:5 encourages us to continually examine ourselves, and James 1:19 describes behaviors that we should be willing to give up in favor of being the Christians we should be. By checking ourselves, we can see where we need improvements and what progress we have made.

Conclusion

Our habits and attitudes today will determine the kind of person we are tomorrow and how we face problems. We should emphasize the good habits and influences in our lives so we can be the Christians we want to be.

By Mike Mahoney

Tags: behaviors, attitude

Are You Content?

What does being content mean to you? The way the Bible uses contentment is to be self-sufficient and able to peacefully exist under any given circumstances. In Philippians 4:10-13, Paul writes about contentment from confinement, and he claims that he can find that contentment in even the most trying of times. Despite the negative circumstances, he could cope through his relationship with Christ.

If contentment is something God wants me to have, then we have to know where to find it. I Timothy 6:6-8 records Paul encouraging contentment with the simple fulfillment of needs, and he ties godliness to this state of mind. Falling into a trap of continuously coveting more – feeling like we cannot have enough – leads to discontent and losing sight of God’s role in our lives as illustrated in verses 9-11.

In II Corinthians 9:8, we are described as able to be all-sufficient in God’s grace. He provides for our needs, leading us into and providing opportunity for good works. Also, Jesus speaks to the transitory nature of possessions in Matthew 6, and, in verse 25, Jesus tells us to be more worried about the condition of our souls than the condition of our things. He tells us that God knows of our needs. As a result, our priority should be seeking Him according to verse 33.

Areas To Avoid Contentment

Our spiritual activities should provide contentment in our lives, and our primary concern should be our relationship with God. However, there are some things with which we should not be content.

• There are times we should not be content with our current lifestyles. Romans 12:1-2 and I Corinthians 6:9-11 make it clear that we should not be satisfied when we live in certain ways. If my actions, my speech, my attitude is incorrect, we need to change.
  
  
• We should not be content in merely saying without doing. In Matthew 23, Jesus is very critical of the Pharisees of His time for not practicing those things they teach. He scolds them as hypocrites for not living up to the standards they set for others, and this is a trap we should be careful to avoid.
  
  
• We should not be content in just attending services. Coming to church does not automatically mean my relationship with God is correct. We should be living His word at all times – not merely at the prescribed times we come together. In Mark 16:15, we are told to spread the gospel to all creation.

In Ephesians 4:16, Paul tells us we all need to work together in love to build up the body. Inner contentment comes from God, but self-contentment can be dangerous to our souls.

Conclusion

In John 16:33, Jesus says that tribulation comes from the world, but He has overcome that world to provide us peace. We may need more contentment in our lives while needing to avoid contentment in some areas. In all this, we can find inner peace in Jesus.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, contentment, our example

This is a process I've been playing with for a while and have ended up with some good results. In this video (which I'm calling a slidecast), you can listen to one of my lessons in tandem with the complimentary Keynote slides.

click to play or right-click to download

Size: 37MB • Running Time: 6:40 • QuickTime 7 Recommended

This short lesson covers some basics of the destinations we have after this life and the journey involved. Anecdotally, it's interesting how much shorter this recording is than live deliveries – probably the result of no page turning and a lack of that unrehearsed stuff that ends up in every sermon!

By Robert Smelser

Tags: slidecasts, my thoughts, heaven, endurance

The speaker shared his experiences with his recent hike down and up the Grand Canyon in one day, a challenge that was both extremely difficult and extremely rewarding. Great effort was involved, but the journey was a completely unique experience. This journey contains parallels with our Christian journey.

Our Christian Journey

Very few attempt this journey. Only 5% of visitors to the Grand Canyon venture below the rim of the canyon, and only 1% hike down to the Colorado River. Often, we barely scratch the surface of what it means to be a Christian, and it can be difficult to go deeper. James 1:22-25 challenges us to go beyond superficially hearing the word and to work on applying it. Matthew 7:13-14 tells us only a few will be willing to endure the journey.

The journey is long and requires preparation. The journey begins with enthusiasm and confidence, but, when difficulties set in, feelings of exhaustion and despair can become overwhelming. However, quitting is not an option (Hebrews 10:39). We have a lifetime to continue our walk, and we may question our own ability and resolve. This is part of the journey. In Luke 14:28-33, Jesus uses a couple of parables to illustrate the preparation required to continually follow God. The author of Hebrews 12:1-2 likens our life to a marathon race – maintaining endurance, keeping our goal in view.

There was great benefit in rest and refreshing. Along this hike, rest was mandatory to reaching the goal. As the church is being established in Acts 2, we read that they continued to spend time with each other in the final few verses. Throughout Acts, Christians spend time with each other – building each other up and refreshing each other. Hebrews 10:24 encourages us to keep motivating and encouraging each other. We should value our chances to worship together and to socialize with each other because those are times we can refresh and rest with one another.

We need the help of one another. During the trip, members of the group shared supplies with each other and helped each other out, sometimes even to the point of carrying others’ loads. Hebrews 12:12-13 reinforces this point in Christian living. We need each other to reach our goal, and we should be looking out for each other.

The completion will be worth the journey. Through the pain and effort of the journey, the end brings joy and fulfillment. I Peter 4:12-13 and 5:10 both speak of temporary suffering leading to ultimate joy. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul speaks of the constant effort he puts into his Christian walk – forsaking the past and pressing toward his goal. For better or worse, our past has brought us to where we are, but we put that behind us in order to push forward.

Conclusion

Are we willing to press on in our own journeys toward the goal of Heaven? Can we finish what we have started? The journey may not be easy, but with endurance and the help of each other, we can obtain the promise of rest and salvation in Jesus Christ.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: one another, growth, endurance

I Thessalonians 5:21 instructs to examine all things, and this process is not only for external influences but for ourselves as well. We have a reputation that others see in us, but it may or may not reflect the character within us – which is what God knows about us. However, that opinion others have of us can influence our self esteem. We can think highly of ourselves or very lowly.

Neither the opinions of others or our own self image can be truly accurate measures of the type of person we are. That character that God sees is the true measure – that person we are when no one is watching. It is our character by which God judges us.

The Christian Character

In James 1:27 tells us to remain unspotted, and I Timothy 5:22 warns us not to endorse others quickly in order to keep ourselves pure. I Peter 1:14-15 instructs us to remain holy in character, and Romans 12:1-2 instructs us to remain separate from worldly standards. Finally, Philippians 4:8 encourages to focus on things that are holy and pure. Our focus defines our character, and our focus is to be on God. His character should define our character.

This emphasis on purity and absence from worldly influences is to prevent our characters from being corrupted. I Corinthians 15:33 warns us not to fool ourselves into false confidence and acknowledges the negative influence others can have on us. Returning to I Peter, in chapter 2:1, Peter tells us that we are not immune to these corrupting influences, and I Corinthians 10:12 warns against overconfidence in this struggle. I may think I’m impervious to the influences around me while they slowly tear me down.

Conclusion

My character will be judged by God, and my salvation hinges on it. Galatians 5:16 instructs us to deny lusts of the flesh and walk spiritually. We should know and acknowledge the character flaws we have and work on them, and Galatians 5:22-25 gives us qualities to fill ourselves with. There is personal responsibility in this, according to Philippians 2:12-15, while we place our trust and reliance on God.

Galatians 6:9-10, Colossians 3:1-2, and Matthew 5:16 all encourage us to be full of goodness, always seeking, always aware of the example we set for others. We should be workers of righteousness – not for the respect and praise of others but to please God.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: our example, character

Christianity should be more than a label in our lives. It should be a quality that exemplifies our actions. It should be a word that characterizes our entire personality. Faith (to paraphrase Shakespeare) is not a fashion. It is a commitment, and it is a commitment that involves actions driven by that faith. If we truly apply what it means to be a Christian, we may turn out to be very different individuals.

Faith in Action

A Foundation of Faith. In I Peter 3:15, the apostle encourages to be able to explain our faith. We do not do what we do because it is tradition. Romans 10:17 explains that our faith comes from knowledge of God’s word. Our faith should be based on a foundation, and questioning and study is required to build that foundation. Jesus, in John 5:39, does encourage his audience to actively study.

Faithfulness in Prayer. THere is a direct correlation between one’s prayer life and his or her strength as a Christian. I Peter 3:12, James 5:15, and I Thessalonians 5:17 are all passages that emphasize the importance of and the power of prayer. Prayer is part of our relationship with our Father, and it is a recognition of the influence and power He has in our lives.

Faith and Love. We can defeat ourselves in the way we behave toward each other, and the way we treat each others comes down to the love we have for God and for others. The love that saves us and brings others to Christ takes effort. We are good to others because of the influence Christ has in our lives.

Conclusion

These are simple basics of our faith, but they are fundamental to how we will live as Christians. We have to be convinced of our own faith, and we should be reinforcing our faith through prayer. Then, the faith that we live should be evident to others in the love and kindness we demonstrate. We are saved in Christ, and our lives should reflect His example once we choose to follow Him.

By Derek Weaver

Tags: identity, behaviors, prayer, love, faith

The speakers grandfather once said, “If you ever find yourself in the doghouse, don’t waste time putting up curtains.” A grandmother once said, “There is no good excuse for bad behavior.” These little phrases and bits of wisdom tend to stick with us and come back to memory when needed. Secular wisdom, quotes, and truisms often help us understand our lives or give us motivation. For example, John F. Kennedy once said, “We do not do these things because they are easy but because they are hard.”

Difficulties in Being a Christian

The most valuable goals in our lives are often not easy to achieve, but we expect the reward will be worth the effort. Overcoming hardship can even be its own reward – independent of other expected outcomes. The very process of surmounting is fulfilling in and of itself. Living as a Christian, living godly, is difficult. It is so much easier to just give in to any and all temptations. Matthew 7:12-14 warns us that our path requires effort and dedication. It requires self-sacrifice and determination.

As children, we often have rules to follow that evolve into developing principles as we grow older. Simple rules no longer suffice as our moral compass. We need an internal sense of right-and-wrong to help guide our behaviors and attitudes. Once necessary as the result of sin, God gave His people a list of what is acceptable and what is unacceptable. He gave the Law. This has evolved with the sacrifice of Christ and the institution of the church. We are now instructed to follow the pattern and the principles of Christ. We are to emulate godly behaviors and attitudes.

The Bushido code follows seven basic core principles: right attitude, bravery, love, sincerity, honor, loyalty, and right actions. The key principle is honor. It is the foundation of this code as we have a foundation we build our lives upon. The morals and values we hold to provide the foundation that honor anchors us to. It is what gives us our set of principles that encourages to do what we view as most right.

As Christians, how anchored are we to what we believe? If Christ is our foundation (see Matthew 7:24-27), how strongly do we hold to the example He set and the commitment He demands? Consequences and difficulties might weaken our hold to that foundation, but overcoming those difficulties makes us stronger Christians. We are made better through those trials.

Jesus did not follow an easy path in His martyrdom and the salvation He offers, and the path we follow is difficult. These difficulties, though, make the journey all the more worthwhile. We recognize the value in things that take effort to attain, and Christ asks us to provide effort in following Him. In Matthew 11:30, Jesus talks about the lightness of His burden compared to that of the world’s, but bearing a yoke still requires effort. By taking Christ’s burden, we remove the spiritual weight and consequences of sin, but we may still face difficult choices and circumstances in this life. In the verse directly prior, Jesus asks us to take that burden upon ourselves voluntarily. We should be welcoming the challenges of our faith as the disciples did in Acts 5:40-42.

Conclusion

God loves us as a Father to His children. He loves us regardless of who we are, but He has expectations for us. He expects us to obey His word, and His standard is what we should be holding ourselves to. It is easy to create our own standard and adjust it as we need to, but God wants us to take the more challenging path as Peter points out in I Peter 1:16. As His children, we should be working to follow His will in His way. Jesus did His Father’s will when He came to this world, knowing the pain He would endure, and, in doing this, He set an example for us. Jesus took a difficult path for the sake of God, and so can we.

By Brad Rosene

Tags: growth, endurance

There is a certain familial resemblance between parents and their children. In I John 5:18 speaks of those who are born of God, and he encourages to follow a pattern of life that emulates His character. I John 2:1 opens with an encouragement to avoid sin. A parent wishes his or her child to follow the pattern set, and children inherit and learn certain behaviors and characteristics from that parent.

Being Children of God

The concept of being children of God is an important one in the scriptures. Back in II Samuel 7:12-16, Solomon is referred to in the immediate context, but this relationship is also placed between Christ and God. Psalms 2:7 continues this theme in a song of resurrections, and the Hebrew author quotes this psalm in Hebrews 1:5 in explaining Jesus’ role in God’s larger plan. The Son comes to fulfill the Father’s will.

In Galatians 3:24-28 explains our opportunity to be baptized into that relationship which overrides any other identity we might have. Then, in Galatians 4:6-7 calls us heirs of God in Christ as His children. (See also Romans 8:12-15.) He is now our Father – with the closeness and the privileges that are inherent in that relationship.

John 14:7 records Jesus saying that seeing Him is akin to seeing the Father. Our expression might be “like father like son.” When we become Christians – children of God – those around us should see His qualities in us. We now represent our family and our Father. Galatians 5:24-25 tells us to put away worldly conduct and walk in the spirit.

As a parent, God expects us to follow His expectations. Holiness and love are good starting points in following that pattern. I Peter 1 references the book of Leviticus in verse 16, telling us that we should emulate God’s holiness. In verses 13-15, Peter instructs us to mold ourselves into an image of God’s character. I John 2:29 instructs us that living righteously is a sign of being born of God. Furthermore, I John 4:7-10 tells us of God’s love and how He sacrificed for us despite our rejection of Him. The love we demonstrate toward others should replicate this. He did not wait for us to meet His expectations before He demonstrated His love.

Conclusion

God cares for us as a parent, and any parent wants the child to return that love. God’s capacity for love is great, and He desires to share that love in nurturing us and providing for our spiritual needs. He has invested in us and purchased in in adoption. It is our responsibility, then, to do our best to live up to the expectations of that Father who gave up so much for us.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: behaviors, identity, our example, godly qualities

I live with an autism spectrum disorder. I acknowledge this, and I refuse to be treated medically. My autism is part of who I am. It is my identity, and, if a person with an ASD is high-functioning enough to be self-sufficient and a productive member of society without medical intervention, I strongly believe it is wrong to force treatment on the individual. To them and myself, autism is no disease or crippling disability that needs curing. It is a part of who we are. To remove that variable would be to remove a part of ourselves, and no one but the individual affected should be allowed to make the call whether or not to eliminate that facet.

In Christianity, I think we view sin too often as a disease. To an extent, this is a valid view based on Matthew 9:11-12:

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples, "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?"

But when Jesus heard that, He said unto them, "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick."

However, this can lead to a shallow view of sin – something that can be eliminated through simple treatment.

Rather, prior to accepting Christ, sin is not a disease. It is our identity. Sin is as much a part of our being as our personality or eyesight. It takes more than "taking two Advil and calling a minister in the morning." Turning from sin takes a change of identity. See Galatians 2:20 as an example:

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Paul makes it clear that he has stopped living as Saul would have. He has stopped living for himself. He now lives like and for Christ.

Just as I will never receive any kind of treatment for my autism without conscious, deliberate decision on my part, each of us has to make the decision to change who we are when we turn to Christ. Repentance and baptism is not a simple vaccination. It is the deliberate turning away of a life that once defined our identity into a new existence defined by Christ.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: my thoughts, conversion, identity

Considering the context of this day, it is appropriate to consider the gift God has given us in the mothers He gave us. I Peter 3:6 calls Christian women daughters of Sara, and godly women, like Sara, have lessons to teach us regardless of our gender. In fact, many people can attribute their obedience to the gospel to the influence of their mothers in studying the Bible with them when young.

Learning from Godly Women

Sharing the Word. Sharing God’s word is a great contribution women can make to God’s kingdom. In Titus 2:4 instructs women to pass their wisdom on to subsequent generations. An examples of this are in Lois and Eunice. II Timothy 1:5 and II Timothy 3:14-15 speak to the influence these women had on Timothy despite the fact that his father was an unbeliever. Furthermore, In Acts 18, we meet Priscilla and Aquila, a husband and wife who – in verses 24-26 – together help a preacher named Apollos better understand baptism.

Hospitality. How often do we associate hospitality with males? Romans 12:13 instructs us to pursue opportunities for hospitality. I Timothy 3:2 and I Peter 4:9 both list hospitality along with other Christian qualities we value. Take Mary and Martha in Luke 10, John 11, John 12, and other scriptures who open their home to Jesus and His apostles. In Acts 12:12, Mary (mother of John Mark) is hosting many individuals who are praying for Peter, and Acts 16:15 tells of the conversion of Lydia and the hospitality she shows to Paul.

Compassion. Acts 9 tells us of Tabitha who showed kindness and charity to many who came in contact with her. In Romans 16:1, Phoebe is referred to as a helper of many. Also, think of the women who tended to Jesus and even continued to visit His tomb. These individuals lived compassionately, a quality we could all learn more about.

Conclusion

Many of these are examples of “women professing godliness,” and they are recorded as examples to all of us. Mother’s Day is a time allowing us to reflect on the women who may have helped raise us, but let’s also remember the lessons we have learned from them and all the godly women with whom we’ve had contact.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: behaviors, examples, one another, godly qualities

Recently, a small set of billboards have cropped up around the country claiming the Bible accepts homosexuality as a lifestyle. Three verses are cited – II Samuel 1:26, Acts 8:26-40, and Matthew 8:5-13. Unfortunately, none of these passages back up the claim.

II Samuel 1:26:

I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women.

This is the most convincing of the examples because of the lack of nuances in the English language when it comes to "love." The Hebrew word here is 'ohab, which carries with it an idea of affection or deep friendship. It does not necessitate a sexual relationship. David's use of the kindred term 'ach or "brother" here reinforces a family-like relationship rather than a sexual one, and this brotherly relationship is, to David, deeper than any lovers he has taken to this point.

Acts 8:26-40

... And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship ...

The argument here is that a eunuch is likely gay.

This just doesn't line up with the standard definition of "eunuch."

eunuch |ˈyoōnək| |ˌjunək| |ˌjuːnək|
noun
a man who has been castrated, esp. (in the past) one employed to guard the women's living areas at an oriental court.

Matthew 8:5-13

... And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, saying, "Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented."
And Jesus saith unto him, "I will come and heal him ..."

Was this servant really the centurion's gay lover? The Greek word for servant here is ophelimos, meaning one who is helpful or profitable. This is obviously an employee/employer relationship and nothing else. He must have been a good servant, but nothing else is implied here.

The Harmony of Scriptures

I Corinthians 14:33:

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

This quote specifically refers to a confusing and contradictory atmosphere in worship, but I think it speaks to a broader truth. There is no duplicity in God. His will is consistent, so if we're going to justify homosexuality through David (accepting that he was a man "after God's own heart" in Acts 13:21-23), we have to reconcile this with Leviticus 20:13:

If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

(Please note the distinction that God calls out the action. He does not call the person an abomination. There is a difference.)

When it comes to the New Testament, remember I Corinthians 6:9-11:

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Even if the eunuch or the centurion were gay before accepting Christ, Paul makes it pretty clear in this passage that such lifestyles are left behind afterwards. We were these things until we were washed, sanctified, and justified.

Conclusion

We are not to judge others unfairly (Mathew 7:1-2). We are treat all people with kindness and respect (Galatians 6:9-10), and Jesus always began teaching people where they were developmentally. However, respect for an individual does not necessarily mean approval of all his or her choices. The Bible's message is one of love and peace, but we cannot haphazardly lift scripture out of context for personal justification – whether we are trying to justify doing what we want, hating who we choose, or loving in ways God has not ordained.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: my thoughts, scripturality, controversy

In his book Studying Sin Seriously, Wendell Winkler speaks to the results of sin – its decisiveness, its deceptiveness, its disgracefulness and destructiveness. Sin is a topic we should, in fact, take seriously, and, in this lesson,w e are going to look at the basic nature of sin and what it does to us as Christians.

The Nature of Sin

In I John 3:4, sin is equated with lawlessness. It is a violation of God’s law when we set our will over that of God’s. James 4:17 also categorizes sin as omitting God’s will from our actions – the distinction we sometimes make between sins of omissions and sins of commissions. These omission sins are illustrated throughout Matthew 25, first with the parable of the foolish virgin, then with the parable of the unprofitable servant, and finally with the picture of judgment. The punished individuals in all of these are those who fail to do what they know they should.

Finally, Romans 14:19-23 defines sin as a violation of conscience (as illustrated by eating meat that has been sacrificed to idols.) A feeling of guilt is a good indication of sin, but a calloused conscience is not an indicator of sin’s absence in our lives. There is a danger that we can grow so used to a sinful activity that we no longer notice its presence.

Our Attitude Toward Sin

Proverbs 14:9 warns us against mocking sin – minimizing it in our minds. Additionally, we may be fond of specific sinful activities. We may addicted to the pleasures sin can temporarily bring us. We get caught up in the here and now, missing the larger picture. II Corinthians 5:17 states that we become something new when we become Christians, and that involves putting away our love with sin.

We cannot afford to tolerate our own sinning or minimizing our actions. We can label sin whatever we want, but that does not change the actions we are involved in. Also, unlike Felix in Acts 24, we should address sin immediately in our lives. Repentance should not be low on our list of priorities when it is needed.

How Can We Overcome Sin?

Spending time with our Bibles helps fill our minds with defense against worldly bombardment, and, the more time we spend on God’s word, the less time we have to engage in sin. Also, James 4:8 encourages us to have an active prayer life. We can use prayer to draw near to God and to obtain forgiveness for the times we do fail.

In I Corinthians 11:28, Paul encourages us to examine ourselves. This is in context of the Lord’s Supper, but it has broader implications. We know ourselves better than anyone, and we are capable of seeing things in our lives that none but God may know about. Likewise, being aware of the company we keep can be a form of prevention.

Finally, just keeping ourselves busy with the Lord’s work will reduce our opportunities to sin – both physical work and spiritual work. A sincere conviction in living each day as if it were our last will help us keep our focus. How do we want God to assess our lives: as living for ourselves or as living for Him?

Conclusion

God takes sin very seriously in the scriptures, and, if we are to avoid it in our own lives, we too must see it for what it is – a terrible force that separates us from our God when we choose to engage in it. Fortunately, even when we do sin, God's grace and mercy allows us to return to Him and be forgiven, starting over with a clean record and a clean conscience.

By Nate Mishler

Tags: identity, behaviors, sin, temptation

We know from II Kings 14:25 that Jonah was a prophet of God, and in the book named after him, he is called to be a foreign emissary for God’s word. His message is to go to Nineveh, center of the Assyrian Empire – a region on hostile terms with the lands of Judah and Israel.

Applying Jonah to Ourselves

We cannot run from God. Jonah does not comply, though, he flees in the other direction, and the Bible tells us that he is attempting to hide from God. He is seeking to avoid the Lord’s presence, going down to Joppa, down to the ship, and down into the hold of the ship. These words indicate a moral journey as well as the physical direction he is going. Really, we go through a similar process when we find ways to avoid God and His message. We go deeper into our sin, and we put a gulf between God and ourselves that still does not help us escape.

Our speech should line up with our actions. It’s fascinating that, when the lot falls upon Jonah, that he claims to “fear Jehovah,” but his actions betray a different attitude. What he says does not line up with his behavior. In modern vernacular, “he talks the talk but does not walk the walk.” When Jonah admits that throwing him to the sea will save them, but the sailors demonstrate concern for his life and initially avoid this solution.

Our spirituality should be evident to others. Finally, they have no choice. In Jonah 1:14, the sailors pray to God, begging for mercy, admitting His will in these events. Then they throw Jonah to the sea. The storm ends, and the sailors fear the Lord. These sailors’ humility and reverence stands in stark contrast to the lack thereof found in Jonah’s actions. These pagans show more concern for Jonah’s well being than Jonah shows for the souls of the Assyrians. How often are Christians made to look bad due to the lack of concern and reverence we show when compared to the world.

Repentance and rededication is always available. The great fish acts as a lifeboat for Jonah, as indicated in the prayers recorded in chapter 2 – demonstrating repentance. He recognizes that his separation from God has led to his own doom, and he recognizes God’s role in his salvation. No matter our situation, repentance is an option, and we, like him, can rededicate ourselves to the service we had once promised to God. As chapter 3 opens, Jonah is redirected toward Nineveh, and, this time, Jonah obeys.

God’s message is powerful. Little is said about Jonah’s message, but, within a day, the king humbles himself and commands national repentance. They are not presumptive about their repentance. From the highest nobles to the lowliest peasant, they turn from their evil ways. Jonah’s experience of mercy is now visited upon the Assyrians.

God’s mercy is for all. Jonah, in chapter 4, despairs due to the sparing of Nineveh. He is furious at his own success, and he admits that he had been afraid the Assyrians would repent and that God would relent. He is happy when mercy is granted to him, but he is furious when mercy is visited upon his enemies. He demonstrates a childish attitude, so God prepares one more lesson for Jonah in the form of a plant that grows, then dies. The book concludes with God asking why Jonah should be compassionate towards this plant rather than the souls in Nineveh.

Conclusion

Jonah demonstrates several character flaws, but, despite these flaws, God’s message is accomplished. God demonstrates mercy that Jonah was unwilling to extend. Like Jonah, we may feel that our enemies are necessarily God’s enemies, and we blind ourselves to the fact that God cares for all of humanity, regardless of race, history, or politics. We are no more deserving of God’s grace than those peoples we resent. We cannot allow self-centered attitudes to color our reactions toward others and our willingness to share God’s word. God has granted us free will, but His plan will ultimately accomplished – either despite our choices or because of our choices.

By Gary Fisher

Tags: examples, behaviors, our example, godly qualities, jonah

Opening in Proverbs 25, the author makes several comparisons through this chapter, like in verses 11, 14, and 28. It is this last comparison we are going to be examining in this lesson, in which the author brings up the subject of self control – comparing such an individual to an ancient city lacking its defensive walls. Without self control, our defense against temptation and sin is what is at stake. We are vulnerable, unrestrained, and volatile if our lives lack this quality.

In Galatians 5, as Paul has encouraged his readers to walk by the spirit, he contrasts this walk with the works of the flesh. In verses 22-23, he qualifies self-control as a fruit of the spirit. In Titus 1:8, self control is listed as a quality found in spiritual leaders. I Peter 1:5-9 lists this quality as something we should develop in our spiritual maturation. FInally, Acts 24:25, Paul discusses self-control in the context of talking about Christ-worship.

Why Should I Be Working On Self Control?

Matthew 16 contains the context of Peter’s confession and Jesus’ preaching that He will be crucified as part of His ministry. What it took for Christ to endure the cross was self control. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says that anyone who would follow Him should deny self for the cause. This verse speaks clearly to the concept of self control. To be a Christian, one must crucify self, with the demands and desires our selves might make that are contrary to the life a Christian should lead.

Romans 12:1-2 calls us a living sacrifice (linking to Matthew 16:24), warning us to avoid conformation to worldly standards. Living by these standards requires control over self. In the same chapter, verses 17-18 warn us against doing harm to people who wrong us in some way, and we are encouraged to try to live peaceably with all we come in contact with. In Philippians 4:8 simply instructs us to focus our minds on wholesome things, again requiring a level of self control that takes effort and focus.

How Do I Develop Control?

Apply God’s word. Psalm 119:9 makes it plain that study and application is the key starting point to getting our lives under control. We pore over information regarding our interests. We make time for which we want to make time, and it help us develop self control to set aside time to study our Bibles. Psalm 119:11 equates Biblical knowledge with avoiding sin.

Weigh the consequences. Mark 8:36 asks what good it is to gain all things but lose that which matters most. We weigh consequences in so many areas of our lives (major purchases, new jobs, a major move, etc.), and this applies to sin and temptation as well. What do I gain versus what I lose? Is the short-term gain worth the long-term loss?

Pray. I Peter 5:6-7 tells us God cares about us and allows us to bring our cares to Him. If it causes me anxiety, God cares. If I want self control in my life, I can pray for my areas of weakness.

Draw strength from God. Our struggle with sin is not a fair fight. Philippians 4:13, Paul states that he can do all things in “Him who strengthens me.” We can gain the self control we need through God’s strength and guidance.

Conclusion

Self control is not going to just happen to us. We have to put effort into developing this control. In I Corinthians 6:12-13 illustrates a lack of self control among the Christians in Corinth, and verse 12 wars us against letting anything have control over our selves. If we are going to live as Christians, we cannot allow external influences to tear us away from the path we have chosen. We need to control ourselves and follow the example Christ set for us – denying self and pressing forward.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: behaviors, growth, temptation

The song Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw came out in 2004 shortly after the artist’s own father passed away from terminal cancer. It reached #1 on the U.S. Billboard Country charts, won AMC single and song of the year, CMA single and song of the year, and Tim McGraw netted an Grammy award for the song. He also performed the song in Rome for Bono’s Live 8 concert, and his song was the most played during news coverage of the event. With the possible exception of “Don’t Take the Girl,” it is easily the single most recognizable song by this artist.

The song tells the story of a man with a terminal illness having a conversation with the narrator, telling the narrator how he changed his life with the news, and, in doing so, he expresses his desire that the narrator make these changes himself. In this lesson, we’re going to take a look at three of the improvements this individual makes (and, no, riding a bull named Fu Man Shu is not included) because we really should be living like we are dying. After all, we are.

Living Like We’re Dying

“I was finally the husband that most the time I wasn’t.” I really am just going to focus on husbands here, but these words do apply both ways. Most of us could probably quote Ephesians 5:25, but I think this “giving” of one’s self here is deeper than we usually apply. Yes, we should be willing to give up our lives for our spouses, but what about giving up our time? How do we feel about giving up a hobby or a bad habit? How do we feel about giving up a preferred activity in favor of spending time with our wives, doing something they want to do? If any of us husbands were to pass away right now, could our wives say that we were the husbands that we should be? Wives, can your husbands say that of you?

I Corinthians 13 describes love as something optimistic, patient, kind, faithful, and tender. I think how we treat our spouses and how we behave towards and around our spouses can provide a very good mirror of our true character. Personally, I would like to say one day that I spent every moment I could being the husband my wife wants to have.

“I became a friend a friend would like to have.” What do we look for in our friends? We want someone who is trustworthy, reliable, helpful in a pinch. However, do we demonstrate the friendship toward others that we want in return? In Romans 15:1 we are instructed to bear the burdens of those who are struggling or feel weakened. Paul goes on in verse two, telling us to do good toward our neighbors, being an encouragement to all.

Galatians 6:9-10 encourages not lose faith in doing good and that our friendly attitude should be demonstrated to all. In our daily lives, we sometimes seem to confuse “friend” with “acquaintance.” We call each other friends – fellow Christians, people we work with, our physical neighbors – but how well do we really know each other? Are we willing to go out of our way to help our friends out? Can they rely on us, or do we make excuses to them and ourselves to avoid a true commitment in our friendships? If I’m going to be a good friend, then I need to be the friend I want to have.

“I gave forgiveness I’d been denyin.’” We hold grudges so easily. “Never forget. Never forgive,” is a phrase used in so many contexts it’s hard to think of just one example. Unfortunately, we can sometimes get caught up in this attitude over the smallest of offenses which seem so huge from our limited perspective. In Matthew 18:21-35, after the well-known “seventy-times seven” response to Peter’s question on forgiveness, Jesus tells the story of a master who forgives his servant a large debt. Unfortunately, this servant is unforgiving toward another indebted to him, inciting the master to punish him for his callousness. Jesus simply states that our Lord looks upon us this way when we refuse forgiveness.

Likewise, during Jesus’ model prayer in Matthew 6:12, God is asked to forgive us as we forgive others. Are we forgiving, or are we denying forgiveness? Regardless of the reasons we think we have for withholding forgiveness, all we do is hurt ourselves and others when we do so. We want our God to forgive us. We should be willing to forgive others in turn.

Conclusion

At the outset, I said we should all live like we are dying because, in reality, we actually are. Our bodies mature and grow for a given time. When that maturation process ceases, we begin to slowly break down. Every day brings us closer to death – expected or unexpected. Now is the time to make things right with others and with God. We don’t want to miss the chance we have because we waited until it was too late.

By Robert Smelser

Tags: my thoughts, behaviors, priorities, forgiveness, purpose

In studying the Old Testament, one cannot ignore the role of and the importance of the temple. From David’s desire to build a temple, to the temple of Solomon, to its destruction, to the efforts to rebuild that temple. In I Corinthians, the temple is referred to but it is used two different ways: our body as God’s temple and the church as God’s temple of the New Testament.

The Temple of Our Bodies

In I Corinthians 6, Paul reminds those reading of the backgrounds the shared. In verse 12, he appeals to a mindset that anything sanctioned by government must be okay. However, Paul says that just because something is legal does not necessitate that it is spiritually beneficial. In verse 19, Paul refers to our bodies as temples that were purchased by God. This fact should affect how we behave while we live in these bodies.

What does this mean for us. Our bodies belong to God when we choose to serve Him, and “you are not your own.” Romans 6:2 says that those who have died to sin can no longer live in it. The former self has been crucified, and a new self lives – free from sin but belonging to Christ. God gave us our life back, and in this we are joined to the Lord.

Furthermore, this passage claims that my body is a dwelling place of the Spirit. Galatians 2:20 also states that Christ dwells in me, and we’ve read of God’s presence within us. We are not what we see in the mirror. These bodies are temporary shells that contain a soul that God sees. People see who I am externally, but God sees who I am internally because that is where He is present.

Our behavior, influenced by this view as our body as a temple, goes beyond the general view of exercise and eating well. Anything we put into ourselves, the media we consume, the jokes we tell, the people we associate with – these things are spiritually ingested by us and influences our spirituality, and this should have an impact on the choices we make and the way we live.

The Temple of the Church

In I Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul is speaking to the congregation, and he calls them God’s temple. Like our own bodies, this attitude should color how we view coming to worship and the role of our congregation in our lives. The church as an entity should be regarded as sacred and holy, and we should strive to keep it pure just as God wanted His temple pure and free of unclean influences.

Just as God dwells within us, so does God dwell among us as a congregation. In I Corinthians 3:4-5, Paul discourages aligning a congregation with a particular individual, and he goes on to say that the church’s foundation is Christ. Our efforts will determine what kind of congregation will be built on that foundation. In the Old Testament, people brought materials and offered services in the building of the temple. What do I bring to the work of the church?

As we are trying to build our temple, we have one another to build upon. Our strengths can overcome our deficiencies so long as we put God first and we work together. Everybody doing what they can produces a congregation that is strong and united. Do I view the church as something that serves me, or do I ask how I can serve God through it?

Conclusion

The temple is holy and set apart. Do we want to be a temple of wood and hay or a temple of gold and silver – whether we are speaking of ourselves or the church? What do I want my spiritual temple to be? This goal should affect the way we participate in the congregation we belong to and the way we live our lives.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: godly qualities, church, identity, david

In Romans chapters 7-8, there are some verses that can be very challenging to us as Christians. Beginning in Romans 7:15, Paul expresses an idea that he does not understand his own actions and that he follows behaviors that go against his desire. He is describing a struggle between good and evil within himself, and we are going to look at that struggle as it applies to our own lives.

The Struggle Against Evil

This struggle is real. Many Christians seem afraid to admit that they struggle against sin. We think that a “real Christian” should not have to struggle, and we think such difficulties reflect poorly on our spiritual maturity. However, we see some very strong characters in the Bible face this struggle. Right here we have Paul – author of the majority of the New Testament. Also Peter is an example of one who struggles with consistency in his own life, from zealousness to denial and back. Even Jesus, in Matthew 4, is faced with temptation for forty days, and in verse 11, angels come to attend to Jesus after the ordeal concludes (see also Hebrews 2:18). If these individuals find temptations to be a struggle, then I will as well.

We have a powerful opponent. Aside from God’s love and the saving blood of His son, sin is the most powerful force in the universe. Isaiah 59:1-2 describes sin as something that drives a wedge between myself and God. Ezekiel 18:4 and Romans 6:23 both describe sin as a killing force. However, we know that God will not allow our temptation to be stronger that what we can overcome. Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us to equip ourselves with the Lord’s word to help us stand against this enemy who does not fight fair. Satan knows how to make sin look god and enticing, and we have to be prepared to defend ourselves. (See also I Peter 5:8-9 and II Corinthians 2:11.) Satan is stronger than any of us unless we have Christ on our side.

This struggle is one of life and death. We have already looked at two verses (Romans 6:23 and Ezekiel 18:4) that reinforce this point. What happened when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden food – they suffered spiritual death, and their bodies began to die. Why did Satan attack Job? Job was spiritually alive, and Satan wanted Job to die. Even though we have an enemy, we are the ones accountable for our actions in II Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 12:14. The struggle is not what we should fear; it is the absence of struggle. It takes two to fight, and if we are not struggling against temptation, then we may have already lost.

We can overcome. Romans 7:24-25 begins in despair, but Paul turns attention to the salvation found in God, claiming that those in Jesus are free from the condemnation of sin (8:1). We are lost to Satan when we are Christ’s, but he will try to get us back. I John 1:5-2:6 tells us Christ’s blood cleanses us while we walk in the light and confess those sins that have temporarily overtaken us. John speaks of knowing our Lord through keeping His commandments and following His example. Still in I John, chapter 5:4 tells us that our faith in God is what helps us overcome those temptations that assail us. Our active, faithful obedience protects us in this struggle.

Conclusion

Satan is stronger than any of us, but we can find refuge and protection in Christ. We may try to win this struggle before coming to Christ, but this approach does not work. It is Jesus and His word who helps us overcome our enemy. If we but accept the help He offers and come to Him on His terms, we can be victorious in our struggle against sin.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: sin, growth, endurance, temptation

Many of us are resistant to change in general. We like the patterns and the habits we live in, and we resist efforts to shake things up. Though we may feel opposed to change, the Christian life is all about changing. Our priorities, our speech, our priorities – all aspects of our lives change when we put on the name of Christ. We then continue to change as we develop spiritually and face new challenges in our Christian lives.

In Joshua 3, the people of Israel is about to cross the Jordan River. They have a new leader and are about to enter a land new and unfamiliar to them. They are literally treading new ground (verse 4), and the people are told to follow the path of the Ark so they know where to go. God has a plan for how they are to proceed, and, despite apprehensions or expectations, the people have to follow.

Facing Christian Change

We should face change calmly. Once we are ready to head in the right direction, we simply have to trust in God. In Luke 9:57, various individuals are invited or volunteer to follow Jesus, but few do because they look back at other concerns, but Jesus says that there is no looking back once committed. There is only a calm trust in God. Hebrews 6:1 invites us to press forward, one step at a time, toward spiritual completion.

We need endurance. Hebrews 11 speaks of several heroes of faith who have pressed on before us, and chapter 12 encourages to endure as they did. We face temptations and discouragement. The changes required by Christ take continuous effort, and we need to build up endurance to persist in that life.

We should be compliant. When facing the unknown, we should fall back onto God’s word. The children of Israel had a pattern to follow in entering their new land, and we also have a pattern. Hebrews 2:1 tells us to give heed to what we learn as Christians. Otherwise we risk drifting away and back into our old patterns. Hearing, but not doing, is not enough to keep us close to God. James 1:22 tells us that behaving this way is a form of self-deception, and Matthew 7:21 continues to reinforce the role of obedience in pleasing God. When we change to become a Christian, we have to be willing to comply to the patterns and lifestyle modeled in the scriptures.

We need confidence. In Joshua 3, the Ark stands as a symbol of God’s presence before His people. It inspires confidence in those it precedes. We pray for God to “guide, guard, and direct us,” and this is exactly what He is doing in Joshua 3. Hebrews 4:13-15 speaks to the confidence we can have in our new relationship with God, and Ephesians 3:20 tells us that God is capable of things beyond or imagination. We know what He has promised those faithful to Him, and we can be confident in those assurances He has given us (Philippians 4:13).

We can face our change cheerfully. Not every aspect of our Christianity will always bring us joy, but the attitude we face these aspects will influence how much we are affected. In Philippians 4:4, writing from prison, Paul calls in Christians to rejoice. We cannot always choose what we’ll experience, but we can always choose the attitude we have. I Peter 1:7-9 also tells of the joy we should have because of the salvation of our souls in Jesus, and Psalm 118:24 reminds us to be glad for every day the Lord gives us.

Conclusion

In trying to live as a Christian, we have to make changes, and there will be new experiences and challenges as a result of those changes. We need to face these changes and challenges calmly and with endurance. We need to comply with God’s word, confident in His promises, and cheerful for the redemption we are promised in these changes.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: behaviors, attitude, growth

In John 5, we read the story of a paralyzed man healed by Jesus. He is pictured as waiting by the pool of Bethesda (from beth zeda - house of mercy) on the Sabbath, waiting for a chance to be miraculously healed. This pool would have several injured and people gathered around, and numerous individuals would wait for a chance to enter the pool and be healed. Unfortunately, because his legs are useless, other individuals consistently make it to the pool first, but Jesus takes pity on him and heals him.

In this lesson, we’re going to take a look at this story and some lessons we can take from this location and the man involved in these events.

Who Would Visit the Pool of Bethesda?

• Those Needing Healing. Apparently, an angel would come and stir the water of this pool at a specific time, and the first person in the water after this event would be healed. Whether or not this actually happened, people associated this location with healing.

• The Healer. Jesus visits this pool in verse 6, and he singles this paralyzed man out and heals him of his paralysis. Jesus did not avoid this location as many healthy individuals might. Instead, He went where healing was needed – where He was needed most.

What Can We Learn from this Man?
He speaks kindly and respectfully to Jesus, even though Jesus would be younger than him. Regardless of situation, we should emulate this quality. Also, he did not question or challenge Jesus when he was commanded to arise and walk – despite the statistical unlikelihood of Jesus’ command. We need to understand that Jesus’ word applies to us regardless of our situation or perspective. We can’t get hung up on the physical to the detriment of the spiritual.

Another interesting quality of this individual is his persistence. This paralyzed man continued to seek healing despite the odds stacked against him and the persistent failure. Philippians 2:1-8 gives us the example of Jesus’ commitment despite the trials of His purpose, and Romans 12:9 reminds us to cling to what is good. To remain persistent and to continue clinging to goodness, we need to retain a positive outlook, and Matthew 5 addresses our attitudes toward self and others right in the beginning. These defy conventional wisdom, but how much did Jesus’ command to the paralyzed man defy conventional wisdom?

Conclusion & Application

Having a positive attitude, being persistent in our spiritual goals, is being more like Christ. This paralyzed individual knew where he had to be to receive healing. Jesus knew where He had to go to find those in need. We know where we have to be. We know we need spiritual healing. We know who else needs healing, and we know where to go for that healing. Like the man in this story, we are helpless (Romans 3:23), but Jesus came to cleanse our sins (I John 2:1-2). He came where He was needed most, so sin could be done away with. Now it’s our turn to approach Him for that forgiveness and to bring as many as we can with us.

By Justin Owens

Tags: jesus, examples, attitude, salvation, grace and mercy

Over the last couple of morning lessons, we’ve been considering our ways as a congregation. We’ve looked at the Jerusalem church, the obstacles they faced, and the unity of spirit that existed there despite these challenges and differences. Acts 4 says they were of one mind and soul. Also, we looked at our purpose of good works – both individually and as a congregation. We examined teaching, benevolence, and edification, focusing on how we can emulate those New Testament Christians and better emulate the pattern set for us.

As individuals, we like being associated with something bigger. We feel comfort in identifying with a collective – a group. Those individuals in the first century were no different. They and we want to “fit in,” and that is the focus of our lesson today. How do I fit in to my congregation?

Fitting In

The problem we face is that we look for how we can socially fit in to a congregation. Which best supports my peer group? Which best fits my socioeconomic standing? The problem is, in any given congregation, you can break the membership down into several demographics, and, most of the time, no one peer group will be the majority.

This is also true of the twelve apostles. For example, one Zealot and one tax collector belonged to this group. Do you think these two ever felt any contentions toward each other? Luke 9:46 records an argument between the apostles over who is the most important? Who is the most valuable apostle? In Matthew 20:20-21, the mother of a couple of the apostles asked for importance to be granted to her sons. We do the same, referring to Peter, James, and John as the “inner circle,” three Jesus seemed to lean on more than the others.

Despite any physical differences, these apostles as well as the Jerusalem church accomplished great things when they focused on fitting in spiritually. We are capable of accomplishing the same things if we lay those physical differences and annoyances aside and concentrate on the greater bond we share as spiritual brothers and sisters. We can choose to dwell on negatives, or we can make the choice to stick together.

Our Application

How do you fit in to your congregation? Do you appreciate your fellow Christians? Do you look for ways you have been impacted positively by others. Do you look for ways to encourage others. We will always have room for improvements, and we will always need to work on relationships regardless of the congregation we decide to join. Ephesians 4:11-16 reminds us that we all have different ways we can contribute and that we should not act like children toward each other in those differences. Patience and love is necessary for this kind of growth, and it comes down to our focus. A spiritual focus and a positive outlook will help us fit in together and create a congregation capable of doing the work of our Lord.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: church, priorities, one another, attitude

Tying to our last lesson the Jerusalem church and the basis it provides for us in terms of conduct and unity, we’re going to give consideration to our being New Testament Christians that God would have us to be. Titus 2:7 tells us to be an example of good works in all things, and Titus 3:14 reinforces this life of good works. If we are individually the Christians we should be, then we will be more likely to make of the church God wants.

Our Good Works

In Ephesians 2, Paul is speaking primarily to Gentiles and he speaks to being made alive from our death in sin, and verse 10 tells us we are created for the purpose of good works. Good works are prepared for us to pursue. What areas do we usually focus on as “good works,” and how can we pursue these better?

Evangelism. We see countless examples in the book of Acts of Christians spreading God’s word. Teaching other people is something we should pursue, but we might become discouraged in doing so. We might not feel well-suited to the task.

In Luke 2, we are introduced to some shepherds working through the night who, according to verses 17-18, told others of what they had seen. These were unlikely teachers, but they shared what they knew because of the impact it had on them. Staying in Luke 2, we are introduced to an 84-year-old prophetess named Anna in verse 36 who tells people about Jesus. In John 1:40, we begin to be introduced to the first apostles, and these individuals first went to those they knew best – family. Matthew 9, Mark 1, and Mark 8 tell the stories of healed individuals who tell about their experience with Jesus.

Can I do what the shepherds did? Can I do what Anna did? Can I do what these common individuals who made up Jesus’ disciples did? These were not individuals who were necessarily good speakers or well-studied. We are equally capable of telling others about Christ.

Edification. In Acts 14:21-22, Paul and Barnabas are recorded as passing through new congregations and encouraging them to stay faithful to God’s word. We know what edification is, but it is something we have to think about in our conduct. See I Corinthians 10:23 and 14:4 – what edifies me may not edify others. Ephesians 4:12-16 talks about the building up of Christ’s body, and it is emphasized that this is a responsibility of every individual.

Each individual should be contributing to encouraging and building up others, and the result of edification is peace. Romans 14:19 reminds us to follow after peace and edification. Unfortunately, at times we forget that what edifies me may not edifies others. Conversely, we may fail to see that something that does not edify me may be an encouragement to others. Edification cannot work if it is self-centered. The principle of edification is to put others before self and acting on the knowledge we have of each other’s needs.

Benevolence. In Acts 2:42-47, the new Christians are described as so generous with each other that they basically treated possessions as communal. These were not all individuals who necessarily had much to give, but they gave anyway. Acts 11:27 records Christians trying to make sure others are provided for in the face of famine. Romans 16:1-2 tells of a woman named Phoebe who is described as a helper of many.

Acts 9:36, we read of a charitable woman named Tabitha who dies. At her wake, many were present who were showing Paul the clothes she had provided for them. She saw that the needs of others were met. In Matthew 25, Jesus depicts the judgment between verses 31 and 46, and, when sentence is passed, benevolence is cited as a driving factor.

Conclusion

Returning to Titus, we are told four times to pursue good works in this book. We have to take the initiative in doing those good things God wants us to accomplish. When every individual is concerned with evangelism, edification, and benevolence, then we will see a church that is pure and united as God intends.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: behaviors, attitude, purpose

Sometimes we are the cause of our own unhappiness. We might blame exterior reasons like our job or our family, but it often comes down to ourselves, the approach we take to our lives, and the attitudes we carry. Einstein once said that doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results is insanity, but we often live this way. Spiritually, we may want to have better Christian lives, but we follow old patterns that may be ineffective and unsatisfying.

Setting New Patterns

Are we drawing closer to God? Do we find ourselves committing to God at times but reverting back to our old ways? James 1:22-25 encourages us to be active doers of God’s word rather than just listeners, and the author of Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages to approach God’s grace with confidence. Hebrews 10:19-23 reinforces the role of confidence in our drawing closer to God. Furthermore, James 4:7-8 correlates resisting sin with drawing nearer to God.

Are we encouraging others? It can be tough to take the initiative in reaching out to a brother or sister in need. I Thessalonians 5:9-11 builds our confidence in encouraging one another atop our confidence in our relationship with God. Paul, in Romans 1:11-12, speaks of spiritual strength resulting from mutual encouragement, and Colossians 2:1-3 speaks of the relationship with other Christians that results from encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us that this encouragement begins in our fellowship.

How well do we know God’s word? We are the only one’s to blame if we are not taking the time to know and understand God’s word. II Timothy 2:15 tells us it takes diligence, and Ezra, in Ezra 7:10, is an example of one who was diligent in his mission to know God’s word. Also, I Peter 3:15-16 tells us to always be prepared to answer for the hope and confidence we have in our relationship with God. We must know the word if we are to talk about it.

How are our prayer lives? Do we only pray for meals? Do we only pray as a last resort? Are we fully casting our cares on Him, or do we have reservations? Philippians 4:6-7 says that a healthy prayer life leads to inner peace. Furthermore, James 4:2-3 speaks to the attitude we should have in prayer. We should pray, but our intentions should not be selfish, and I Peter 5:6-7 tells us to be humble in our prayers. Colossians 1:9 correlates godly wisdom with a healthy prayer life. In Matthew 6:5-13 Jesus explains and gives an example of how we should pray that ties in with what we have seen so far.

Conclusion

If we want to grow spiritually, we have to be willing to change the patterns we live in. We can’t expect to improve our spirituality if we are willing to do nothing. Do we find our relationship with God and fellow Christians lacking? We can draw closer to God and our brothers and sisters. We can encourage and be encouraged, and we can use prayer and study as avenues to God. If we aim at nothing, it has been said, we will hit it every time. Don’t get settled into old patterns. Make an aim to be more spiritually-minded, and take the steps to improve your relationship with God and other Christians.

By Donn Koonce

Tags: prayer, attitude, one another, growth

On New Year’s Eve, we can be pretty enthusiastic about the topic of resolutions, but, two weeks later most have fallen by the wayside. In fact, we sometimes jokingly talk about the resolutions that we know we haven’t kept. We tend to either make very general resolutions, or we are resolute about generalizations. “Someday, I’m going to lose weight.” “Everyday, I’m going to exercise somehow.”

Daniel made a resolution to abstain from unclean food in Babylon (Daniel 1:8). The authors of II Corinthians 13:5 and Hebrews 6:1 challenge us to take stock of where we need to improve and then make those improvements. Making resolutions is a healthy activity, but we need to make measurable objectives if we are to be consistent with that resolution. We get nowhere in particular because we try to get everywhere in general (paraphrased from Robert Turner).

Congregational and Individual Resolutions

What are some focuses we can have both as a congregation and as individuals?

Individually Be a Better Christian. This is a very general resolution, but there are specific things we can do to accomplish this.

• Perhaps we can resolve to read our Bible daily. The psalmist calls God’s word his daily meditation in Psalm 119:97, and, in Matthew 4:4 Jesus states that God’s word is to be our spiritual food.
  
  
• Additionally, spending more time in prayer can improve our spirituality. In Luke 11, Jesus’ disciples request learning to properly pray, and Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can go to God when we are in need. When Paul, in II Thessalonians, tells us to “pray without ceasing,” we are reminded to keep an active prayer life despite the distractions of this world.
  
  
• Finally, I could pick an attitude or a personal characteristic to work on. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus encourages us to be more forgiving. Hebrews 13:1 instructs us to be more loving toward others. Philippians 2:3-4 tells us to work on putting others first. Maybe I can work on patience, humility, or many others.

Grow Stronger As a Congregation. Again, this is very general. How can I, as an individual, help strengthen the congregation?

• I could commit to teach a Bible class or Bible study. Titus 2 enumerates attitudes and behaviors different individuals in a congregation should have, and these attitudes have to be taught. In teaching, one learns. II Timothy 2:2 sets up what is sometimes referred to as the “each one teach one” principle.
  
  
• My own interests and talents can provide and avenue to strengthen the group. Ephesians 4:11-12 talks about encouraging one another in our own individual ways. Perhaps I can just be a positive, encouraging person. I could visit sick individuals or cook meals for those who need it. There are so many things we can do for each other that can draw us closer together and strengthen the congregation as a whole.

Conclusion

I have to determine that success begins with me when it comes to resolutions. In I Kings 20:13-14, Ahab is promised victory, but the prophet tells Ahab that he individually had to start the initiative. In Joshua 24, Joshua tells the people to choose for themselves, but he makes the commitment before all to serve God. Finally, Ephesians 4:16 emphasizes the importance of every member of a congregation. Whether we are talking about personal improvement or congregational improvement, success or failure comes down to individual efforts.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: growth, attitude, behaviors

We don’t like waiting around – in traffic, in a doctor’s office, at restaurants, in grocery lines, at the license branch, etc. Things are never fast enough for us, and we make ourselves miserable with impatience when we are forced to wait, effecting our health and our attitudes. However, the Bible tells us to “wait on the Lord” over 50 times.

Waiting on the Lord

Isaiah 40:31 is probably the most famous scripture in terms of “waiting” on God, but this concept is a challenging one. Patience does not bring about wealth and celebrity in our society, but it can help us draw closer to God. If we can wait on the Lord, we can void unnecessary worry, compromising of morals, poor decisions, hypocrisy, and absence of spiritual focus. If we are impatient, we may make decisions that will have lasting physical or spiritual consequences.

In James 5:7-8, the author compares Christian living to tending a farm. A farmer has to continually and patiently care for his land, animals, and crops. Cultivation involves labor and study to understand how to best care for the object involved. We need to be cultivating our spiritual growth and avoid allowing cares of this world choking us. (See Mark 4:1-20.) Waiting on the Lord is not inactive – it involves giving ourselves the time it takes to be spiritually healthy Christians.

In waiting, we are learning of and following God (Psalm 25:4-7). II Timothy 2:15 reminds us that Christian knowledge and living involves diligence.

Our Application

We need to avoid distraction from God in our lives. Psalm 123 tells us to focus on God, waiting for His mercy. Psalm 25:1-5 reminds us to wait for instruction from God, avoiding the shame of impatience, and Habakkuk 2:3 records promises made during the old covenant that would not be immediately fulfilled. The people were to be patient. The prophecy would be fulfilled when the time was right.

In the beginning of Acts, the apostles were instructed to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit, and, in II Peter 1:2-8, we are told that God has promises for all His people. Like the apostles waited for the Spirit in Jerusalem, we need to wait on the Lord, but this waiting is not passive. In our patience, we are building up our spiritual strength.

Conclusion

We wait for God’s mercy, His forgiveness, fulfillment of prayers, His blessings, and the return of His Son. Psalm 25:3 says that we will not be ashamed if we exercise patience in our spirituality. This involves studying our Bibles, praying, encouraging others, focusing on our purpose. The world will try our patience, distracting us, but remember Isaiah 25:9 and Isaiah 30:18. We wait on God for Him to save us, and He is patient with us, also waiting, looking for us to turn to Him.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, grace and mercy

Some church-based commercials have made their way online that mimic the recent Mac-PC commercials. One person is a “Christian” and the other is a “Christ-Follower.” These shorts challenge the “traditional” view of formal Christianity, but they are dangerous in that they encourage us to try to follow Christ in a way that fits me rather than a way that fits Christ.

Christian v. Christ Follower

The term “Christian” literally means, “that which belongs to or pertain to Christ.” It is used three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and I Peter 4:16. In each of these, there is something about the lifestyle and actions of individuals that bring about the term of one belonging to Christ.

Really, the idea of “Christ-Follower” equates discipleship. Numerous individuals, such as Paul and Timothy, are described as disciples of Christ, and Matthew 16:24 records Jesus inviting those who would be His disciples to practice a life of self-denial.

Returning to Acts 11:26, the disciples – the “Christ-Followers” – were called Christians. In the New Testament (especially Acts), the terms “disciple” and “Christian” can be used interchangeably. Is there a distinction to be made? One cannot be a true Christian without being a Christ-Follower and vice versa.

Those who follow Christ are recognizable because of how they live – not because of self-branding or proclamations. Agrippa knew and believed, but he did not align himself with Christ, and he recognized this distinction. Those in Antioch recognized Christ in the disciples among them, and Peter said that our Christianity should give glory to God.

Our Application

Either to be a “Christ-Follower” or a “Christian” means the same: to emulate Christ and make Him the center of my life. Again, Matthew 16:24 makes it clear that those who follow Him are no longer self-centered. We are to conform our lives to the lifestyle of Christ.

Christ’s conduct, teachings, and attitudes stood out in contrast with those around Him. He led a life of servitude, both of others and of God. He lived to follow God’s plan, even to death. Following Christ means fitting into His plan – not making Him fit ours.

In all of these things Jesus did in His ministry, the one consistent message is, “You have to change.” Luke 5:32, John 5:14, John 8:11 – these and more record Jesus telling people to repent of their past lives to follow Him. Jesus, in Matthew 16, tells us to die to ourselves to follow Him.

Conclusion

We should not be ashamed of the name “Christian.” However, we should make sure we are honoring the one we claim to follow when wearing that name (I Peter 2:21-24). Our behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes should reflect the One we follow. Instead of saying, “I am a Christian no more,” we should say, “I need to be more Christ-like as a Christian.”

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude, jesus, conversion, identity

“Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish tune by Robert Burns. The title literally means “times long past.” It is a song about reflection on the past – moving on but not forgetting. It is traditionally sung at New Year’s in our culture. Others sing the song at commencements and funerals. It recalls “the best of times” and “the worst of times,” so to speak.

In a similar fashion, the book of Lamentations is a good-bye to an era of faithfulness. It is a funeral song for God’s people as they are taken into captivity. Lamentations 1:12, 1:16, 2:16, 3:2-6 are all passages that illustrate the prophet’s despair at the loss of the city and the people he has worked with for his whole life. However, Lamentations 3:21-26 stands out as a beacon of hope amidst the doom. Though they endured much, and we may feel the same at times, God is the source of hope.

Comfort in God

Mercy. In Psalm 136, the phrase is continually repeated, “For His mercy endures forever.” Through praising God as Creator and Deliverer, the idea of His mercy is visited time and again. In Luke 1:75-79, Zechariahs speaks of forgiveness and remission in the context of God’s mercy. Romans 15:8-9 glorifies God for His mercy in the sacrifice of His Son. Finally, Ephesians 2:4-5 reassures us of God’s rich mercy and great love despite ourselves.

Hope. Hope is expressed numerous times in Psalms. Psalm 130:7 calls God’s people to hope in Jehovah because of His mercy. Psalm 31:24, Psalm 38:15, and many others return to the theme of hope. One sees and cares about our needs, and that is God. In I Thessalonians 5:8, we are told to wear hope as a helmet, Romans 8:24 says we are saved in hope. Hebrews 6:18 tells us we have a hope set before us in that we reach for something better than this life.

Renewal. Jeremiah spoke of renewal in that God’s mercies are “new every morning.” We appreciate things that are “new.” II Corinthians 5:17 and 4:16 both speak of becoming new in Christ, our spiritual selves being renewed daily. In Colossians 3:10, we are told to put on a new self, not of the world but of Christ, and, in Ephesians 4:23-24, we are invited to be mentally renewed in putting on a new man that is fashioned after God.

Faithfulness. The faithfulness in Lamentation speaks to God keeping His promises. In I Corinthians 1:4-9, Paul confirms that God is faithful. Hebrews 10:22-23 assures us that we can be confidant in God’s word because of His faithfulness. Finally, I John 1:9 reminds us that God’s forgiveness is something we can rely on.

Conclusion

It’s hard to imagine just how difficult things were for Jeremiah. His nation fell despite his best efforts, and we run into situations where we feel like failures despite our best efforts. However, like Jeremiah, we can be continually renewed in God’s hope and mercy, trusting in His faithfulness as we seek God and His salvation.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: grace and mercy, godly qualities, examples

In the church, we sometimes shy away from certain expressions and phrases due to abuses of these terms in the denominational world. One such idea we may avoid is that of accepting Christ as our personal savior. However, when it comes to our relationship with Jesus, it should be personal, and, if we don’t know or accept Christ as our personal savior, then we don’t know or accept Christ at all.

An Impersonal Savior?

When we focus on Christ’s ministry, often we site big, impersonal events like the Sermon on the Mount, the feeding of the five thousand, the man needing to be lifted through a ceiling, and many others. There are many times we see “a great multitude” in the gospels. However, we cannot forget the stories where Jesus had personal, one-on-one interaction with individuals.

The Rich Young Ruler – Mark 10:17. We are told in verse 21 that Jesus loved this individual, and He knows exactly what this man needs in his life. He knew the man’s heart. Jesus quickly established a personal connection with this man.

Zacchaeus – Luke 19:1. Due to a crowd, Zacchaeus has a difficult time seeing Jesus, but Jesus knew where he was and where he lived, and he offered to eat with this man.

The Woman At the Well – John 4:5. As Jesus engages this skeptical woman in conversation, he invites her to partake of water that eliminates thirst. In this conversation, Jesus demonstrates deep knowledge of this woman’s history and her heart.

The Adulterous Woman – John 8. This woman is caught in the act of adultery, but Jesus ignores the accusations until He invites them to begin stoning if, in fact, they are sinless themselves. What does Jesus offer this woman? He offers her pardon despite her guilt and shame.

The Blind Man – John 9. This man whom Jesus healed is cast out of the synagogue, and Jesus came to reassure him. Jesus knew of this man’s separation, and He sought the man out to comfort him.

Lazarus – John 11. Jesus arrived to Lazarus’ home after he has already died. He saw the sorrow of those around Him. He knew their loss and sorrow, and He also wept, seeing the loss around Him.

Our Application

Whenever God interacts with man in scripture, it is a personal interaction. He knows our needs. He knows our hopes and priorities. He knows where we are and our history. He knows the guilt and shame we carry, and he knows the sorrows in our lives. He knows of our separations and broken relationships. Most of all, Jesus knows that our greatest need is Him.

In each of these stories we briefly looked at we see “Come unto Me;” “Salvation has come to this house;” “I provide the water;” “It is He who stands before you;” “Go forth and sin know more.” In the problems all of these individuals faced, Jesus was the answer. When Nicodemus comes to Christ, the first thing Jesus addresses is his spiritual needs. He knows our need to be born again to become children of God.

We are converted to Christ, our personal savior. We are not converted to a church. We are not converted to set of rules and regulations. We follow one who knows us and who suffered and died for each of us, and He still personally invites us to come to Him, lay our sins before Him, and wholly rely on Him.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: examples, jesus

This is the third lesson looking at Paul’s writing and the role of the cross in those works. Remember, as a Pharisee, Paul’s entire spiritual life once centered on rejecting and refuting the cross. This all changed when Christ appeared to him. In these lessons, we have looked at the problem of sin and its consequences. Then, we looked at the cross in God’s plan to remedy the problem of sin, and, in this lesson, we are going to look at our response to that cross.

Our Response to the Cross

Trust & Faith. We are wholly and completely letting go of ourselves and putting ourselves in the hands of our Creator. II Corinthians 5:7 emphasizes the role of faith in our lives, and Romans 3:28 talks about the role of faith in justification. (See also Ephesians 2:8.) Trusting in the cross requires a letting go of trust in ourselves, and we place our trust in our God. Habakkuk 2:4 states that the just live by faith, and Paul quotes this passage two times in his writing (three if you count Hebrews), and he cites faith as a central element to the Christian life. See also I Thessalonians 1:3, II Corinthians 1:24, I Thessalonians 3:10, and II Thessalonians 1:3.

Repentance. Paul had to make huge adjustments in his life when he turned to Christ, and in II Corinthians 12:21, Paul writes that he mourns for those who sin and do not repent. In II Corinthians 7:9, Paul takes joy in those who did repent as a result of their godly sorrow, and he goes on to say that godly sorrow leads to repentance that brings about salvation, free of regret. Finally, in Romans 2:4, Paul asks his audience if they are unaware that God’s goodness leads us to repentance. Left to ourselves, we may recognize our sin but not turn away. In contrast, knowledge of God leads us down a path of correction and repentance.

Baptism. In Romans 6, Paul describes the process by which his readers died to sin. Those who are baptized are baptized into Christ’s death, and we are resurrected a new person, dead to sin but alive to God. Paul saw baptism as how we come into contact with the blood of the cross. In Galatians 3:24-27, Paul explains that baptism puts us into Christ and makes us partakers in spiritual promises.

An Obedient Life. None of these responses are one-time actions. Our faith is continual. Our repentance is sustained, and the life we lead after baptism needs to be maintained. Galatians 5, Paul describes our spiritual life as a walk. In verse 16, we walk by the Spirit, and he clarifies this in verses 22-25. Ephesians 4:1, we are asked to walk worthily, and Ephesians 5 asks us to walk in love, in light, and in wisdom. Our godly life is an ongoing effort.

Conclusion

In Galatians 2:20, Paul says he has been crucified with Christ and has a new life to lead. For Paul, the message of the cross is simply that Christians are to be Christ-like. We have to place our total trust in Him and be willing to completely submit to His will, repenting from our sins, and living a life of service and obedience.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: faith, baptism, conversion, jesus, obedience

In this lesson, we’re going to look at the story of the Good Samaritan. In our Old Testament stories, we’re seeing that lack of concern for others was a huge issue both the northern and southern kingdoms had, and, in Jesus’ time, this was no different.
x

Who Is My Neighbor?

In Luke 10, Jesus is questioned, “Who is my neighbor?” Who am I to act neighborly toward? Who is included in my kindness and my caring? In response to this, Jesus tells a story that we are very familiar with regarding a man assaulted on the Jericho road – an often steep, winding path on which it was easy to take others by surprise.
x
We know of the priest and Levite who avoid the assaulted individual, but this Samaritan (considered heretical half-breeds by the Jews of the time) took compassion and helped. Jesus asks, “Who proved to be the neighbor?” Then He concludes, “Go and do likewise.”
x

Inconveniencing Self

When opportunities to help arise, do we find excuses to avoid involvement? These passers-by may have had similar excuses:
x

• “It’s more prudent to avoid helping. He may be faking.”
• “I may end up in the same problem if I stop and help.”
• “I may be accused of the crime while I am trying to help.”

x
All three of these excuses are legitimate lines of reasoning. They are probable, but none were the case in this example. The one who had the most reasons to avoid helping, stopped and acted as a neighbor.
x
Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us to avoid discouragement in doing good and that all should be recipients of our kindness as we have opportunity, especially other Christians. None should be excluded from our compassion or helpfulness.
x
In James 2:8, this concept is called a royal law just as Jesus paired it as the greatest commandment with loving and following God. James says we do well to fulfill this law. However, it can be easy to ignore or even take advantage of others. Do we pass by “on the other side?” Are we full of reasons not to help despite the one big reason to help, or do we just tune out opportunities we might see?
x

Application

As Christians, compassion should be a part of our lives, and we should act on that compassion. The Samaritan took the time to stop and help. He shared of his possessions to make sure this individual was helped. He was like those of Matthew 25 who inconvenienced self to make life easier for others.
x
We cannot tune out those opportunities to help others. We can always do more than we are specifically asked. We can find opportunities if we open our ears and our eyes to look for them. Additionally, this applies to spiritual needs we see around us. In I Peter 2:9, we are asked to reveal God’s excellence in ourselves. Not only are we to look out for each other’s physical needs, but we are to also be mindful of the spiritual needs of our friends and neighbors.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: examples, one another, character

When we lose something, we usually recognize it is lost. Where are my car keys? Where is my wallet? (Where is my voice? I lost my voice!) When we lose these things, we try to retrace our steps and find the last place we left the object. How does this apply to our faith? Our faith is not something that we just suddenly misplace. Rather it is something that can slowly fade away, and we may not be able to pinpoint an exact moment when faith is lost.
x

Strengthening Faith

Trying to avoid losing our faith, we’re going to look at three areas on which we can focus to keep our faith strong. Keeping our faith is important because losing our faith is the same as losing God in our lives.
x
Prayer. In Acts 3, Peter and John heal a paralyzed individual, and they begin to preach Christ. The result is their arrest and trial before the Sanhedrin. Now these two apostles were witness to these people judging Jesus worthy of death, and the Sanhedrin threatens Peter and John. However, beginning in verse 23, they prayed together for strength to continue teaching Christ. Their faith may have been shaken, but they used prayer to solidify that faith.
x
Furthermore, in Acts 16, Paul and Silas are arrested, beaten, and thrown into prison. Again, these are acts that could easily fracture one’s faith, but, in verse 25, the other prisoners hear these two praying and singing to God. Instead of losing sight of the Lord, they turn to and rely on Him.
x
Remember I Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” In our own personal lives, how long has it been since we took the time to talk to God – not just during worship service, not only before a meal. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us that prayer helps us find grace in times of need. We should make time in our lives to pray to God, even when our lives seem too busy. In this, we can keep the Lord in our sight.
x
Study. Hosea, in Hosea 4:6, records that God’s people were destroyed for lack of knowledge. As James makes reference, we can be “hearers” of the word without truly respecting and applying that word.
x
In Hebrews 5:11-14, the author criticizes his audience for being “dull of hearing.” He cites a lack of spiritual growth, even regression, in their spiritual knowledge. They were not using the word. They were lacking in experience (verse 14), and, as a result, they could not properly discern from the word. II Timothy 2:15 reinforces the idea that knowing and understanding the Bible takes effort.
x
Priorities. In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses daily concerns – food and clothing – but verse 32 reminds us that God knows of our needs. The result? We should put God first. We should prioritize Him, and all else is brought into proper perspective. Matthew 16:24 tells us to “deny self.” We cannot be self-centered and expect our faith to be strong. A solid faith comes from putting Jesus first.
x
When Jesus drops in terms of priorities, then faith begins to waver and fade. We let self and worldly concerns choke out the faith we have, and, next thing we know, we realize we have lost our faith.
x

Conclusion

When you lose something, you find it in the last place you look. However you can’t find something you are not looking for. Have you lost your faith? Are you willing to look for it? The key is to look in the right place, and prayer, study, and priorities can help us regain faith we may have lost.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: faith, growth, prayer, priorities, study

In our last lesson, we considered the Pharisees in light of Matthew 9:13 – Jesus instructing the Pharisees to learn of God’s desire for mercy and justice. We looked at the roots of the Pharisee movement, where they had good motives, and where they went wrong. We concluded that we must speak where the Bible speaks, remaining silent where it is silent, but we must not become unmerciful and self-righteous in our efforts.

Because Jesus emphasized mercy with the Pharisees, we are going to look at the concept of mercy and how it affects us. Mercy and compassion are not the same thing. Having compassion is not being merciful because mercy requires action while compassion is merely an emotion.

Why Is Mercy Important?

It Is a Characteristic of God. In Exodus 33:18, Moses asks to see God’s glory – God mentions grace and mercy before He shows Himself to Moses. In Exodus 34:5-6, His mercy is mentioned again in context of revealing His glory. In Deuteronomy 4:31, Moses calls Jehovah a merciful God, and Psalm 145:8 describes God as merciful, gracious, and slow to anger. In Joel 2:13 and Jonah 4:2 regard the Lord’s mercy (even though Jonah’s intentions are not exactly right).

We emphasize God’s holiness and the importance of emulating that holiness, but on the same token, God describes Himself as merciful, gracious, and slow to anger. Mercy should be important to us because it is a quality of our Lord.

It is Something We Ask of God. In Luke 18:9-14, we have the familiar story of the publican and the Pharisee. Very simply, the publican asks for mercy, and Jesus describes him as justified in God’s eyes. We recognize that we need God’s mercy, and we know we are unjustified without that mercy. Mercy is asked for around forty times in the book of Psalms. We ask for mercy because we know we need it.

It is Something God Asks of Us. Paul, in Romans 12 speaks of the opportunities and talents we should be using for the Lord. Paul speaks of spiritual gifts and natural gifts, and in this context, mercy is emphasized. Luke 6:31 is commonly referred to as the Golden Rule, and verse 36 brings mercy into this context of how God expects us to treat each other, and James 2:13 warns us that being unmerciful results in judgment without mercy. However, James also says that mercy can triumph over judgment.

Hosea 6:6 states that God desires mercy, and Micah 6:8 asks of kindness. These are qualities God looks for in His people. He takes delight in merciful people (Micah 7:18). I Corinthians 13 emphasizes love heavily, and, in verses 2-3, Paul states that great deeds done without love are no good to us spiritually. As God is merciful, we should be merciful.

Areas We Can Grow

Showing Mercy to the Lost. Do we have concern for the souls of those who do not agree with us, or do we view them as enemies. Remember how the Pharisees treated the healed blind man – casting him from the temple – and the adulteress – seeking her execution. Are we similar? Matthew 9:10-13 provides context to the quote we’ve been looking at on mercy. Sometimes we act as if the gospel is for the righteous – not for all. In that, we may be unmerciful.

Showing Mercy to New Converts. All too often, we treat a new child of Christ as if they are already matured. We expect instant knowledge and resolution on principals and scriptural interpretation. Sometimes, we come down too hard on individuals who are not at the same level of understanding.

Showing Mercy to Fellow Christians. We listen to “reports” about other brethren, within our own congregation and without. We pass judgment, but we don’t look for verification nor speak to the individuals we may be judging. We condemn on the basis appearances, and we have a difficult time giving the benefit of doubt, and we have a difficult time merely listening when differences of opinion arise. In Galatians 5:13-15, Paul warns Christians not to bite and devour each other lest they destroy themselves. This is spiritual cannibalism that can cause congregations to self-destruct. Matthew 12:7 provides a warning: judging without mercy can result in condemning the innocent. While we fight each other, we fail to fight the fight of faith.

Conclusion

Mercy is an incredibly important part of our Christian lives. We need to work hard to demonstrate mercy to others, even those it may be most difficult for. We strive to “be holy as [God] is holy,” and God expects us to be merciful as we hope for His mercy.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: forgiveness, godly qualities, growth, one another, grace and mercy

What would you think if someone began his prayer by saying “amen” before commencing with the rest of the prayer? How do we use this term “amen?” It is transliterated from Hebrew, meaning, “It shall be so,” and it is typically in response to or at the end of a statement.

Jesus, however, used it differently in his teachings, drawing anticipatory attention to what is about to be said. In this lesson, we are going to take a look at some of these instances where Jesus proclaimed, “Amen,” before teaching.

Let It Be So

Motivation – Matthew 6:2. Where “verily” or “assuredly” is said, the Hebrew word is “amen,” and here Jesus is using contribution, fasting, and prayer as illustrations. He speaks of the hypocrites who are motivated by the attention others give them. Yes, good is being accomplished, but the actions are meaningless before God because of the motivation.

Contrast this with Matthew 10:40-42 where Jesus speaks of humble acts of kindness that are noticed by and rewarded by God. What is the difference between these big acts and these small ones? Motivation.

Faith – Matthew 8:5. A centurion comes to Jesus seeking help for his servant. In this, Jesus makes the observation that none in Israel have demonstrated such great faith. Jesus prefaces this statement with, “In truth,” or “Amen.” In Matthew 10:14-15, this faith is contrasted with another “amen” statement for those that reject the apostle’s teaching.

In both of these cases, though, Jesus makes reference to those the Jews looked down on a lesson about faith. When we feel assured in our own faith, whose standards are we measuring by – God’s or our own?

The Kingdom – Matthew 11:11. Jesus makes an “amen” statement regarding the greatness of John, but He goes on to use this to illustrate the importance of belonging to God’s kingdom. We have an opportunity John never had: to be participants in God’s spiritual kingdom that is open to all people. See also Matthew 18:3-6 in how our status on Earth contrast our spiritual existence.

Conclusion

What motivates us? How would Jesus look at the faith we demonstrate? What importance do I place on God’s kingdom, and how am I involved? Jesus paints a clear picture for us, and our response should be to follow these expectations.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: jesus, faith, kingdom

In our last study, we looked at how the universal church is made up of individuals converted to Christ rather than made up of individual congregations. We are not converted to the church. We are converted to Christ. How does this apply to membership retention? Again, if we have individuals converted to the church rather than to Christ, the commitment is not as large.

If I am truly converted to Christ, what does that demand of me? How much of a Christian do I have to be if I am of the Lord’s? Far too many times, we have members converted to concepts and ideas but not truly committed to following Christ.

Followers of Christ

Jesus & Social Standing. In John 8:31, Jesus was speaking to Jews that believed in Him, but they question Him in regards to their ties to Abraham and the application to freedom. They identified with the group and had a hard time leaving that group mentality. This is illustrated in John 12:42 where many were hesitant to confess Christ because of the social implications involved. When the demands of Jesus call for a change, a stand, or true commitment, do we resist the temptation to shrink due to social pressures?

Jesus & Our Comfort. Mark 10:17 records an encounter between Jesus and a young wealthy individual. This young man was proactive in wanting to find answers, and he knew where to go. However, one item proved difficult – putting material possessions behind him. What are we willing to leave behind for our Lord? Do we truly put Him before our job, before our recreation, before all things of this life?

Jesus & Difficulties. In Matthew 26:34, Jesus predicts Peter’s denial, but Peter vehemently denies he would do so, but we know that, not only Peter, but all of the apostles flee and hide from the Jews. With Jesus, they could stand strong, but once they felt Jesus had left them, the fell apart. Do we feel that following Christ will be free of difficulties? Do we want to run away when things don’t go the way we envisioned?

Conclusion

All of these individuals showed an interest in Christ, but (in these examples) they fell short of truly following Christ. Jesus has promised us a home in Heaven in Mark 10:28-31, in spite of the difficulties we may face in this world, despite the sacrifices we may be required to make in this life. Christ makes it clear that following Him is not a casual endeavor, but it is not without reward.

Additionally, Jesus, in Matthew 16:24-26, asks us to take up our crosses to follow Him. This is a commitment of self-sacrifice and labor. How much of a Christian do I have to be? The answer is another question: How much did our Savior do for us?

By Tim Smelser

Tags: examples, jesus, attitude

During the beginnings of church history, Christians lived in risk of their own lives. Many instances in Acts record Christians being specifically threatened and the general risk that followed those who spoke of Christ.

One such persecutor was Saul, and, when he was converted, God said that he would suffer many things for His sake (Acts 9:16). What gave individuals like Paul the strength to endure despite the challenges they would meet?

Heaven and Our Motivation

This World Is Not Our Home. II Corinthians 5:1-10 explains our faith is our motivator. We have faith that we will one day be with the Lord, and this worldly existence is temporary. Hebrews 10:16 and Philippians 3:21 both speak of our home being prepared by God.
x
Looking for Eternal Rest. Philippians 1:21-23 acknowledges how much better Heaven will be than this world. Also, II Corinthians 4:17-18 speaks of the pains of this life as temporary and fleeting. The pains of this world will be nothing compared to the joys of Heaven.
x
Confidence in God’s Promises. Hebrews 6:11-19 assures the absoluteness of God’s promises, and we can look back on how God kept His promises to Abraham and many others in the Old Testament. We can’t physically see God and Heaven, but we can see what He has done for His people and for us.
x

Conclusion

How did those early Christians keep pressing on? They lived with Heaven in their view, and, if we do likewise, we can follow examples like Paul, living for Christ with confidence in the joys that will come after this life.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: heaven

Some say life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react. How we react to what happens is directly influenced by our attitudes. This lesson is going to look at various attitudes we might have and how they affect our spiritual lives.

Our Spiritual Attitudes

What Is Your Attitude Toward the Lost? In Luke 18:9 begins a familiar parable about humility, but, in this, we also see a disdainful attitude by the Pharisee toward others who aren’t as righteous as he perceives himself. (See also Romans 12:3.) Ourselves, we need to be careful how we think of and act toward those we don’t agree with on spiritual matters. Consider II Thessalonians 3:14-15. We are told to withdraw from an unfaithful brother or sister, but we are reminded that this individual is not an enemy – he or she is family. Ephesians 4:1-6 speaks to unity and the importance of preserving unity, but this preservation is to be kept through patience and humility.

What Is Your Attitude Toward the Saved? In I John 2:9-11, our relationship with fellow Christians is strongly emphasized. Are we tearing our brothers and sisters down when they are not around? Are we sincerely trying to work out problems? Are we allowing hostile feelings to live beneath our friendly exteriors? Our attitudes should help us build each other up and support each other. Romans 15 speaks to our bearing of each other’s burdens. James 2:14-17 illustrates how we should go that extra mile to help each other out. Not only should we be praying for one another, but we should also be involved in helping out struggling brothers and sisters. (See also Colossians 3:12.)

What Is Your Attitude Toward the Work of the Church? Individuals accomplish to works of the church. If the church is to accomplish anything, it has to be done by its members. Luke 10:2 records Jesus making a call for workers to help with the harvest. Christians need to be proactive in accomplishing tasks that need to be done – from spreading the word to helping our sick members to cleaning the floors.

What Is Your Attitude Toward Worship? Remember, our audience is God. Matthew 18:20 points out that God is present with those who are gathered in his name. How do we view the sermon, Bible class, singing, prayers, and the Lord’s Supper? How do we prioritize our attendance at worship? Is it important, or do we make is just when it is convenient?

Conclusion

Luke 10:23-25 addresses how are attitude toward Christ and ourselves affect our spiritual lives. Philippians 2:1-13 sums up the type of attitude we are to have – one of humility, selflessness, and kindness. If our attitude is correct, then how we treat our brothers and sisters, our worship, our work, and those in the world will be as Christ would intend.

By Tim Smelser

Tags: attitude

I can't tell you how many times I heard myself and peers being told to "get some perspective" while I was growing up. Most of the time, the person making this statement wants you to try to see the bigger picture, to obtain a wider view of events and make more informed decisions based on that wider perspective.

However, the best view in the world is meaningless if the perspective is coming from the wrong angle.

A couple of years ago, two men at the congregation I used to worship at requested to speak with me privately. I obliged, and they questioned me about what I was doing on my computer during sermons. The tones of their voices heavily inferred they suspected me playing games or working on something else while the lesson was progressing. I informed them (I'm sure with some tenseness in my voice) that I was taking notes of the sermon, thankyouverymuch.

At the time, I was angry at these individuals for questioning me. You see, I had already been using my laptop to take notes for over a year when they decided to question me. If they were concerned, why on earth had they not spoke with me sooner? Prior to using the laptop, I had used a pen and spiral notebook, but I write very slowly, and I began experiencing cramping in my right hand due to how tightly I hold pens and pencils. Since, being a fairly fast typist, I was already using my laptop to take notes in many of my college classes, expanding that to church was no problem. How dare they question my efforts to study more deeply when most people in churches sit, looking like passive daydreamers, during sermons – making no externally visible effort to retain or record the information being given?

In this story, perspecives needed to change in two places.

• The physical perspective of these individuals in the building usually did not allow them to see my note taking. You know how people mark out territory on church pews. Their normal territory and my normal territory were not in each other's line of sight. Therefore, neither of them had likely ever seen me typing notes prior to this night. I was sitting in a different place from usual because I had come in late.
  
  

• My cognitive perspective needed changing. I was irate with them because I assumed they had been seeing my typing going on for months. Once I realized they were probably seeing my computer out for the first time and that they were approaching me as the result of concern for my spiritual well-being – once I looked at the