Author: Stan Cox
Wait Quietly
As Jeremiah lamented the rebellion of Judah, and the chastisement of his God, he nevertheless acknowledged God’s judgement was righteous and that His nature was merciful and good. And so he wrote, “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth” (Lamentations 3:25-27).
There are a couple of truths in this passage that are worthy of examination. Taking the last words first, we should acknowledge that it “is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.” While burdens, chastisements and distress are never easy, they do build character. The prophet knew that the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and God’s judgment of the people was, though harsh, very much deserved. To live through this would help the young know of the consequences of rebellion, and cause a turn to righteousness and steadfastness as the lesson was learned.
The second truth is that God does His own will in His own time. It is not appropriate for us to complain about these things. Job did , and even to the degree of his suffering, the answer of God was basically, “How dare you?” So, when things are going bad with us, little or big, and we chafe at trouble, let us not murmur and complain. Instead, let us “wait quietly for the LORD.” He is the preeminent Creator. As His people, let us not be presumptuous!
Sermon: The Voice of the Lord
Psalm 29 describes the glory and power of God by the use of a storm metaphor. This interesting Psalm declares to us God’s worthiness for worship, and His character and power.
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The Light of the World
In our recent lesson on handling the gospel of Christ, we noted the need to live worthy of that will revealed to us by our God — a perfect and complete will that elevates those who obey. A worthy life takes knowledge and diligence on our part. Such a life lived is exemplary, and obviously so, not only to brethren, but also to the world. A Christian who seeks to live worthy of the gospel will serve as a wonderful influence to others.
This truth was in mind when I recently came across a sermon outline prepared by Joe Price a couple of years ago. Roughly following that outline, I want to share with you some thoughts about how we as Christians can be good influences to others. Continue reading “The Light of the World”
Nevertheless
In reading 2 Chronicles 12, we note a particular response of God to the unfaithfulness of King Rehoboam. The chronicler wrote that it happened in the fifth year of the king (2). Shishak, the king of Egypt waged war against Rehoboam at Jerusalem. The scripture states clearly that such a challenge came “because they had transgressed against the Lord.”
The challenge was great: 1,200 chariots, 60,000 horsemen, and “people without number who came with him out of Egypt” (3). The challenge was succeeding as the fortified cities of Judah were taken and Jerusalem was threatened. Shemaiah, a prophet of God, told Rehoboam the reason for the threat. “Thus says the Lord: ‘You have forsaken Me, and therefore I also have left you in the hand of Shishak’” (5).
This declaration brought repentance. “So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, ‘The LORD is righteous’” (6). One might think that this repentance (which of course led to the return of God’s favor), was enough to change the course of events. And it did. When God witnessed the repentance of Rehoboam and the leaders of Israel, He granted deliverance. But, the deliverance on this occasion was not total. Consider the words of verses 7-8: “Now when the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, ‘They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance. My wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.’” Continue reading “Nevertheless”
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Timothy 1:12-15
Here Paul established the basis of his standing before God. It was not his merit. His salvation came despite his condition as a sinner. He described his pre-conversion life and person by writing he was a blasphemer, persecutor, insolent, and ignorant. In fact, he wrote, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (vs 15).
Despite Paul’s shortcomings and sin, Jesus Christ chose him to be an apostle. It is understandable that Paul would state that the grace of the Lord (freely given gift) was “exceedingly abundant” toward him.
The phrase, “because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” Does indicate the good conscience of Paul (cf. Acts 23:1), but good intentions do not equal acceptance. Paul had to do what everyone has to do to receive that grace from God. (We can read from Acts 9 and Acts 22 to see what that was).
God grants second chances (and more) to the penitent and honest individuals who want to change and serve him. If he did it for Paul (chief among sinners), he will do it for anyone.
Our Basis for Unity
In Ephesians 4:4-6 Paul expresses a series of unique things that constitute the basis of our faith. Unfortunately these truths are often challenged by those who do not understand them. It is our basis for unity, a worthy walk as disciples of Jesus Christ.
- One body. The church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Not many churches. Denominationalism is sinful (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10-ff).
- One Spirit. The Holy Spirit, one of the three persons that are God (cf. John 14:26).
- One hope. The hope of heaven, available through Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 6:19-20).
- One Lord. Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Acts 2:36).
- One faith. While various truths and messages from God preceded Christ’s covenant, today it is the sole means of approaching God. The Christian’s faith in Christ, its particulars revealed in the New Covenant (Jude 3).
- One baptism. Several baptisms are mentioned in the Bible. However, only one is universally commanded and applicable to every man. Baptism in water for the remission of sins! (Acts 2:38).
- One God and Father. Not polygamy. Only Jehovah exists! (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 44:6). Paganism is a lie.
Those who do not accept these truths are heretics. (Much of the religious world included). However, those who accept it are derided by most. Accept it regardless!
Sermon: How to Handle the Gospel
Neither the religious world, not our secular society have any real idea how to correctly handle the word of God. This lesson establishes 7 truths on the matter.
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Sermon: A Divisive Christ?
A discussion of Matthew 10:21-42 showing that reconciliation and peace with God, though it is valuable and secures us blessings, sometimes will cause division with even our closest family members.
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Mining the Scriptures: 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
These two verses constitute a prayer, a petition made to God by Paul on behalf of the Thessalonians. The first verse of the prayer is an identification of God. The second verse of the prayer is the petition made.
Regarding the identification made, it is interesting that Jesus Christ is first mentioned, then the Father. Nothing else should be ascertained about this, other than the fact that the Father and the Son are so unified in their work and desires (cf. John 17) that there is no great significance in their order or appearance.
Regardless, God loves us, and by His Son He saved us, giving us consolation and hope by the extension of His grace.
Now about the petition. It was Paul’s desire that God comfort them. In other words, that the same consolation and hope would continue, and work in them. Paul desired that God would establish them (in every good word and work, cf. Ephesians 2:10). They would be persecuted and harmed from without and within. With God’s help their faith would not waver.
“These have I counted loss”
Do you have anything that is dear to you? Something that would be hard for you to give up for the Lord? Paul certainly did. He told the Philippians in chapter 3 of the text that his position as a zealous Jew — circumcised, from Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a zealous Pharisee, blameless in his attempts to keep the law of Moses — was reason for him to have confidence in the flesh. And yet upon his witness of the resurrected Christ, leading to his conversion, he wrote, “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” (Philippians 3:7-8).
Why did he make such a sacrifice? For the same reason we will, if we have his wisdom! That he might “know Him [Christ] and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings… if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead” (3:10-11).
Do you want access to the power of Christ, and the hope of the resurrection? Then it is simple. Just like Paul you must be ready to give up all that is precious in your life and give yourself totally in service to the Master. There is absolutely nothing that this world offers you that is worth sacrificing your soul! (cf. Matthew 16:26). Something sobering to think about, isn’t it?!
Sermon: The Sin of Gossip
Gossip is one of the most damaging and insidious sins that can be committed. The tongue is a dangerous weapon that needs constant surveillance!
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Sermon: The Integrity of Joseph (Genesis 50)
A discussion of Genesis 50, showing what kind of man Joseph was in his response to his brothers’ petitions.
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