Category: Facebook Articles

Short articles for the church page on Facebook

Our Warfare

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Corinthians 10:4-6).

How many wars have been fought in the name of God? In the  new covenant ratified with the blood of Jesus Christ, the concept of warfare changed. It has nothing to do with swords, chariots, horses, or bullets, missiles and ships. What does that mean? It means that the eight crusades, battles fought between the Catholics and Muslims from 1096 — 1291 were misguided. The Kingdom of Christ had no possessions or land to guard or reclaim.

It means that Medieval Catholic tortures as a part of the Inquisition, and the conversions at sword point of the indigenous population in the Americas were likewise egregious examples of the corruption of the Christian faith.

Our method of battle is persuasive.  It is the casting down of arguments, not the blowing up of city walls. Our purpose to save is accomplished through the gospel, “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

All accounts will be settled in judgment. Rewards and punishments will occur after our time on earth is over (2 Peter 3:14), with Christ as our judge (Romans 14:10-12).

 

The Consequence of Sin

The prophet Obadiah declared the coming of judgment against Edom because of her sins against “your brother Jacob.” Edom thought herself safe. “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; you who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?”’ (3). But, this judgment was inexorable, “‘From there I will bring you down,’ says the Lord” (4).

Why was Edom guilty?  Notice the following phrases used in the text.  “But you should not have” (12); “Nor should you have” (12); “You should not have” (13); etc., etc., etc.

These phrases indicate the concept of consequence.  You should not have… because this is the result! A result they did not desire, and would not appreciate. As Obadiah wrote, “As you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head” (15).

In conclusion, Obadiah wrote, “Then saviors shall come to Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (21).

There is much to be learned here. God’s will is inexorable. What He desires to occur on earth will happen. God’s people will be blessed, and the ungodly will suffer the consequences (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-10). Sin always has unpleasant ramifications. From Adam to eternity, God has and will deal with the transgressions of men. To avoid judgment, we “should not” sin against God.

Foul Odors and Ruined Reputations

“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

Odor is something to which we all can relate. All of us have some smell that is extremely unpleasant. Some are universal. Some perhaps personal. But, the idea of something that smells bad serves as a very good, visceral illustration of a damaged reputation.

As the wise man notes,  it doesn’t take much to cause the stink. We know this to be true. Consider our politicians. Newspaper reports that Edmund Muskie broke down and cried during a speech in 1972 led to his campaign defeat, as voters took it as instability. Politicians Gary Hart (1987), Gary Condit (2002), John Edwards (2008), John Ensign (2009), are examples from long list of men who have lost their campaigns or offices as a result of sexual immorality. When marijuana was an issue, almost every candidate denied smoking. Bill Clinton wasn’t able to deny it, so he decided to say he “didn’t inhale.” We could go on and on.

Some might say that it isn’t fair for “a little folly” to ruin the reputation of one “respected for wisdom and honor.” But, that’s the way it is in our world. Know this, that the world looks at your life as a Christian, and is sniffing for that foul odor that a little folly brings. Remember Christ’s words, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).

Humility Cures Worldliness

Our premise is a simple one: At the center of worldly lusts is a heart that is selfish.  In 1862 Emily Dickinson wrote a phrase that is familiar to most, “The heart wants what it wants…” Her context applied to the idea to romance, but there is truth to the saying no matter the subject of such desire.

This is what lust is. It is strong desire. It is lust because the desire is for the illicit. I want what I do not have a right to obtain, but I want it anyway. And so, I pursue it.  This is the basis for sexual immorality as demonstrated by David in 2 Samuel  11. It is the basis for all types of moral sins.

I came across a silly question recently.  “If money is the root of all evil, why do churches ask for it?” The question showed ignorance as the actual quote is: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10). The simple truth?  The heart wants what it wants (money), so greed, graft, fraud, pilfering, covetousness, etc. result.

This is true with all kinds of sin.  It all comes from a selfish desire for what I want.  It’s all about me. It is selfish, arrogant pride that causes a person to mistreat others, and neglect God, because the heart wants what it wants.

The cure?  Submit your desires to God! Resist the enticements of the devil! Draw near to God! Be selfless! As James wrote, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10).

Love for the Brethren

In 1 Thessalonians 2, the apostle Paul spoke of his great desire to come to Thessalonica to see the brethren there. But, he was unable as his efforts to visit were delayed time and again.  Finally, he wrote in chapter 3:1, “Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith.”

Consider the conflict in Paul.  He desired greatly to see their faces.  They were his “glory and joy” (2:20). He knew of their struggles in the midst of persecution, and was concerned they might be “shaken by these afflictions” (3:3). He had to know of their faith. It would be a devastating thing if they had faltered, and his labor among them to be in vain. And so he sent Timothy to minister to them.

Paul’s love for his brethren is commendable. The fact that it consumed him to such a degree is significant. It serves as a wonderful example for each of us.  “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Consider John’s words: “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:16-18).

Beware the Coppersmith

In Paul’s second letter to Timothy, near the end of his letter, he gave his friend a warning, “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You must also beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

Such identification or marking of those dangerous to the faith was done on numerous occasions in the first century. Paul also named Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), Hymenaeus and Philetus (2 Timothy 2:15). John marked Diotrephes in his third letter.

Paul not only identified those destructive to the faith, but encouraged other Christians to do the same. “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceived the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18).

The reasons this is needed and expected are obvious from the texts. First, Timothy needed to be aware of and careful about the coppersmith. If he did Paul harm, it stands to reason that Timothy could be harmed as well. Second, those who act in this way are acting contrary to the faith and the Lord. While it is never a pleasant task it is important to protect the righteous against such ungodliness. The worldly might not see it, but it is God’s way.

I Will Remember the Works of the Lord

Have you ever been in so great anguish that you asked yourself these types of questions?

  • “Will the Lord cast off forever?”
  • “And will He be favorable no more?”
  • “Has His mercy ceased forever?”
  • “Has His promise failed evermore?”
  • “Has God forgotten to be gracious?”
  • “Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies?”

The Psalmist in Psalm 77 asked just these questions.  He even said, “This is my anguish” (10). But, he knew the answers to the question even as he asked them. We know God. We know His righteousness and His mercy and love for us. We just sometimes forget them when times are difficult, or when God chastised us for our sins.

How do we overcome this? We think of all that God has done for us in the past! Hear the Psalmist’s words:

“But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the Sons of Jacob and Joseph” (10-15).

The Earth Which Drinks in the Rain

An interesting illustration is used by the writer of Hebrews to describe the danger of a Christian losing his standing with God. Yes, I know that many deny it is a possibility, but both the direct words (Hebrews 6:4-6), and the illustration that follows (6:7-8) clearly teaches it is true.

“For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is being burned.”

Ultimately, the illustration establishes that our continued standing with God is determined by how we respond to the redemptive blessing He has granted to us. We celebrate the fruitful land that brings us sustaining crops. But if the same rain brings only thorns and briers, it is not only not useful, but not accepted. Consider the phrase, “it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is being burned.”

There is hope for the unfaithful. The illustration shows, “near to being cursed,” that God’s judgment for Christians bearing thorns and briers instead of good fruit is not yet certain.  It is near, but there is time for repentance, at least until a day comes where the time is ended.  “…whose end is being burned.”

The Hebrew writer was hopeful that his warning would bring change and renewal (6:9-12). If so, diligence will bring reward. If not, rejection will be final.

 

Winning Souls Without A Word

Peter had instructions for women married to non-Christians. “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).

It is an interesting concept, winning souls to Christ “without a word.”  Of course, this doesn’t mean that there is another way of saving souls other than through the preaching of the gospel (cf. Romans 1:16). Rather, it is a strong statement about the efficacy of good influence.

Many men are not swayed by the words of a preacher. However, if they see Christian principles in action — morality, integrity, kindness, mercy and love — they may become convinced that there is “something to” being a Christian.  Then, when the gospel is shared, their heart is fertile and responsive to the truth.

It works when wives show a good example to their husbands, and when husbands show that same type of example to their wives. It also is effective in other familial relationships (an important principle for parents to consider), with friendships, and any others you may impact in the day to day exercise of your faith.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Walk in Wisdom

Paul’s exhortation is, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6). It seems that the instructions in both verses have reference to how a Christian should behave among those who are not Christians.

They are to walk wisely. This is the general admonition.  It includes the call to redeem “the time.” The word redeem is defined by Strong—to buy up, i.e. ransom. Figuratively, to   rescue from loss, (improve opportunity). Time unused is time lost.  We have limited opportunities to both influence and teach those in the world. A wise Christian will make use of such opportunities to the best of his abilities. This is wise.

A wise Christian will measure his words. His speech will be careful, with a consideration of how they might impact the lost. Graceful speech represents Christ. It is speech where He can be seen. In the words, “seasoned with salt” we see the idea of influence. These words should exclude idle words, corrupt speech, filthiness, offensiveness, curing and lying. They should include soundness, blessings, that which edifies and expresses love for God and man.

Wise talk glorifies God, and is much more likely to bring the outsider to Christ. Our love for mankind is not only seen in such speech, but is demanded by it! May we all take this to heart.

Friends and Enemies

The book of Proverbs has many pithy gems of wisdom, including this one, found in 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” These words well illustrate the concept of love that should be the foundation of our interactions with one another.

Jesus words, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12), are the basis of this bit of wisdom.

A friend will seek your welfare, even if it requires him to correct you.  An admonition or criticism, if needed, will still hurt (wound). But, as it comes from a friend the intent is recognized, and the wound can bring change and improvement.  So, the wounds of a friend are “faithful.”

Interestingly, one of the most effective tools that Satan and his minions have is flattery. Any praise of our intelligence, our accomplishments, our attractiveness can be used to manipulate and deceive.  We are all vulnerable to these tactics. It is best to be on guard!

Jude talked about false teachers in this way.  “These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage” (Jude 16). The apostles warned of this type, and Jude notes, “These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit” (19).

When receiving criticism OR flattery, the wise man’s words are worthy of consideration.

 

From Saul to Paul

In the apostle Paul’s previous life he was a successful man. A Pharisee of the Pharisees, his zeal for the law commended him to the Jewish leadership. He was a Roman citizen, a student of the respected rabbi Gamaliel, and of the tribe of Benjamin. Among the Jews, these attributes  brought him a great deal of respect.

And then, everything changed. The Lord appeared to him while traveling to Damascus (Acts 9), and Saul was confronted by a new reality. The Christians he actively persecuted turned out to be right! Their claim that Jesus was the Christ from God was absolutely true.  Saul of Tarsus was actively persecuting the Messiah and his followers.

So Saul changed. This was an indication of his personal integrity. His willingness to acknowledge fault and change direction is perhaps the most laudable thing about the man.  As he put it in Philippians 3:7-9, “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him…”

From Saul the Persecutor to Paul the apostle, he showed himself an honest man, acting with integrity. As such, he earns our respect, and we should seek to emulate him. As Paul wrote, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

The Morning Star Rises in Your Hearts

In Peter’s second letter, knowing his time on earth was short, he sought to “stir up by reminding” his readers of the Lord, and His revelation. He wrote, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease.” (1:12-15). What Peter wanted to share again was not a fable or story. Peter and others were eyewitnesses to the “majesty” of Jesus and His redemptive work. He was one who actually heard the words of God on the mount of transfiguration saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (1:16-18).

These events Peter witnessed were revealed by the prophets, and he appealed to his readers to heed those prophecies “as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (1:19). This is such a beautiful phrase to describe the illuminating nature of God’s revelation. Just as the dawn signifies light chasing away the darkness, God’s word brings light into the dark recesses of man’s mind.  Doubts are dissipated, lessons become visible, and our perspective is changed completely. The Psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalms 119:105).

The “morning star” or “day star” refers to the planet Venus. When the Greeks witnessed the planet shining just before dawn, they referred to it as phosporous, the bearer of light. In this way, the Lord Jesus and His will bring light into the world of darkness. They illuminate with a message Peter knew to be of eternal importance. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12).

 

“We do not lose heart”

The apostle Paul was thankful for God’s mercy shown to him. It is because of that mercy that God both brought him to salvation, and enabled him in the work of an apostle. He said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:1, “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”

Looking at the text, there are a couple of things to note. First, the idea of mercy indicates a compassion toward another that leads one to show pity, and help. This, God did in sending His Son to save us. Paul did not deserve salvation, and neither do we. But, God showed pity and sent His Son, “that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Second is Paul’s reaction to this mercy. Because it was received, and he was chosen to serve as an apostle, “we do not lose heart.” There are several translations of “we do not lose heart” that are found. For example: “we faint not” (KJV); “we never give up” (NLT); “we do not become discouraged” (NET). The term can refer to a weariness that leads one to fail to do what is righteous. It is also possible that such weariness leads one to succumb to temptation, and do evil.

Regardless, what Paul did was what our response to God’s mercy should be. Knowing what God has done for us, and the love He has shown, “we do not lose heart”!

 

Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!

One of the easiest ways to improve your spiritual health in the New Year is to begin a daily Bible reading. Remember, this is different from Bible study, but reading your Bible daily is very important and beneficial to you.

It is easy because all you need is a Bible and a book mark.  At its base, just start reading each day, and read for as long as you have time for, as long as you are retaining what you read.  If your mind begins to wander, it is time to put your Bible down for a while, and pick it up later.

If, however, you want some structure or some goal to attain here are a couple of suggestions you may want to try…

  • Divide the total number of pages in your New Testament by 30, and read that many pages per day. This is a fairly large commitment, but it is a wonderful accomplishment to read the New Testament through in a month.  If you do that every month for a year, it will do wonders for your familiarity with the New Covenant.
  • Read the Bible through in a year, using a different translation than the one you presently use. Might I suggestion the ESV, NASB, or one of the trusted oldies, like the KJV, ASV or RSV?
  • Use a Bible reading schedule that breaks up the readings in the Old and New Testaments. There are plenty you can choose from, just a google search away. Or, if you wish, take the schedule in the back that has been printed out for your convenience!

Bring in the New Year with God’s Word!