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A friend recently lent me a book to read. There is much good material in it. In one chapter, the basic premise is the need to recognize that the world is broken.
It is not something that should shock us. Rather than get surprised and offended when we see evil, we should instead note its commonality, and give thanks to God for His intervention and ultimate cure for sin. Following is a quote from the book:

War is not exceptional; peace is. Worry is not exceptional; trust is. Decay is not exceptional; restoration is. Anger is not exceptional; gratitude is. Selfishness is not exceptional; sacrifice is. Defensiveness is not exceptional; love is. And judgmentalism is not exceptional… But grace is.

(Brant Hansen, Unoffendable, page 40)

It is in this way that Christians are able to be an influence for good in our world (cf. Matthew 5:13-14). In the midst of a broken world, we are to be peacemakers, to trust in God, to edify, to give thanks, to give, to love, and to forgive.

We are to be as God is, who has extended His grace to all mankind. It is easy to “walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk” (cf. Ephesians 4:17). Instead, “put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

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“I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Since familiarizing myself with the verse above, it has been my common practice to pray to God that my walk be worthy of that calling to which God has called me. In this, I acknowledge that such a walk is my responsibility. In other words, by prayer I can not petition God to overlook my sins, and find me acceptable despite any ongoing rebellion on my part. Rather, my prayer is that I am living in such a way as to satisfy the standard God has established.

That is not to say that I can’t and don’t pray that God forgive me of my sins and failures. I can and do. It is simply an acknowledgment that God requires an obedient faithfulness on the part of His children. Paul recognized this, and begged the Ephesians that they would act as God had called them to act.

His description of that behavior is not exhaustive, but certainly representative. Lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, love and a peaceful disposition should characterize the actions of every child of God.

Are you walking worthy of this calling to which God has called you?

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The wise man of Ecclesiastes used his book to consider the vanity of life lived under the sun. Put simply, life is not fair, and seeking for lasting happiness and value by trusting in the here and now is a mistake. He illustrated the main point of his treatise in chapter six by noting “an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men.” It was not an evil in the same sense we typically use it, that is, sin. Rather, it was the observation that many receive great physical blessings from God, but before they can be enjoyed, they lose their ability to enjoy their blessings. It may be illness, tragedy, or death, but “a foreigner consumes it” instead of them. “This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction” (vs. 1-2).

Consider this lesson, “For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell what will happen after him under the sun?” (12).

Rather than seeking joy and happiness in this fickle world, with all its injustice and uncertainty, the wise man instead places his hope in heaven. In order to gain that eternal reward, it is necessary to live a life of faithful obedience! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).

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It is not surprising that the apostle John is known and the apostle of love. He frequently talked about love. In his epistles, he especially exhorted Christians to show love for one another.

One such example of these exhortations is found in 1 John 3. In verse 16 he reveals the quality of that love, “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” I imagine that on our best day, we all can imagine ourselves to show such nobility, standing in the breech and laying down our lives in the ultimate loving sacrifice.

In the next breath, though, John continues, “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?” (vs. 17).

Perhaps we flatter ourselves in thinking we are capable of the grandest of sacrifices, when we find ourselves put out by the smallest of needs. The next time a brother or sister expresses a need — a ride to the doctor, a meal, a ear to listen, a comforting hug — don’t let any perceived inconvenience on your part keep you from showing your true love for them.

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” (vs. 18)!

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Why do we have gospel meetings? That is a good question. A better question might be, what are you wanting from our gospel meeting starting Saturday?

First, understand that the gospel meeting has been prepared specifically to benefit you. A decision has been made to support a man for a week in an effort to strengthen you as a Christian. A significant amount of the Lord’s money will be utilized. Plans and preparations have been made. The meeting has been scheduled long in advance to give everyone an opportunity to clear their schedule and be present at every service. The preacher has prepared as best as possible to edify those who hear him.

We have invited others from other congregations. They may or may not come. We have made efforts to invite people from our community. Typically, those efforts have limited success, but we are hopeful that a few might decide to attend. But, we are confident our own members will understand the importance of this effort — both for personal growth, and to encourage one another.

Surprisingly, some of our members don’t seem to think the meeting is important. They show this by their lax attendance. So, let me share with you my view.

There is nothing more important to me than my own spiritual welfare, (cf. 1 Timothy 4:16) . There is no better way to strengthen myself spiritually than through a study of God’s word. There is no more intense week of study that has been scheduled by the congregation this year than the one which will begin Saturday. So, I think it is one of the most important weeks of the year, period.

I’m going to be there every service. I think it will help me get to heaven. It is that important. What do you think?

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“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:20-21).

John’s words ring so true. Men have been “made in the similitude of God” (James 3:9). Thayer defines the word “similitude”, 1) a making like; 2) likeness. When we combine the facts that men are made like God, and our Christian brethren have the motivations, principles and character that He personifies, it is simply not possible to have love for Him and animus for them.

Further, we profess a love for God when we know Him only by Faith. We have not seen Him. We know of His character and person only as they are revealed in His word, His creation, and His providential care for us. That doesn’t mean our profession of love is not true. But, our brethren we know experientially. We see them, converse with them, live with them, worship with them, work with them. If we hate them, our profession of love for the God they emulate is demonstrably hollow.

If we truly love God, we will keep His commandments (cf. John 14:15). “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.”

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“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them” (Colossians 3:18-19).

Paul’s instructions are in keeping with his teaching in Ephesians 5, highlighting the importance of submission on the part of the wife, and love on the part of the husband (cf. Ephesians 5:22,25).

The difference in instructions is not because of any inequality, either perceived or actual. In fact, Paul establishes the equal worth of all humans in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

The difference in instructions comes because of the position of each in the marriage relationship. To illustrate, consider that an employer has a different position, (and therefore authority), in a company than his employees. As such his responsibilities and actions are influenced by his position. This does not mean that he has more human value. Remember our founding fathers’ words, “All men are created equal.”

The wife is to submit because God gave the headship in the home to the husband (cf. Ephesians 5:23). The husband is to love the wife (seek her welfare) because to exercise authority without that limitation leads to despotism. Consider how destructively a man might wield his authority in the home if he harbors bitterness in his heart toward his wife.

As always, God’s way brings harmony and blessings.

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“…For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Philippians 3:1).

Paul repeated a message in his letter to the Philippians, revisiting a theme that was common for him to discuss. “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation…” (vs. 2).

Have you ever thought about why a preacher might repeat the same messages over and over and over? Have you thought that surely he must be tired of covering the same themes and subjects? I fear that some men do burn out. After all, I shouldn’t have to tell the brethren over and over again. Once or twice should suffice!

But, Paul said “to write the same things to you is not tedious.” He was fine with the repetition. The warnings, (“beware”), are found in every letter. Again and again and again. Yet he did not wane in his diligent efforts to warn them about false teachers, doctrinal error, and evil men. He told the Philippians why — ”but for you it is safe.”

The Holy Spirit knows the danger of error; how the false teacher destroys faith; how the devil is ever on the prowl. Some tire of preaching the warning, and others tire of listening to it. They impatiently say “I know, I know!” when the warning is offered. Yet, the importance of the constant “beware” remains. It is to make you safe. It is important. When the warning comes, please listen!

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“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).

This past week I had reason to answer via email an article an institutional preacher had written, defending the practice of supplying a “fellowship hall” and kitchen to facilitate the common meal of a congregation.

The article was sent to me by one who believes that practice to be scriptural, but who has presented herself kindly as a seeker of truth. I prayed long, and carefully crafted a response to facilitate understanding and not to unnecessarily offend. In effect, I tried to follow the admonition of Paul in the passage above.

The intent of teaching is to convict and correct. To prejudice the hearer/reader through inappropriate rudeness or crassness is not conducive toward gaining a proper response from your audience.

Though our Lord and others spoke harshly to hypocrites and dishonest individuals, the truth seeker was always treated with kindness.

Think of that the next time you consider “shooting off” a response via email or social media. Or “shooting off” your mouth when discussing God’s word. Our purpose is to win souls, not drive them away!

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Melchizedek was the King of Salem, and a contemporary of Abraham. Hebrews 7 reveals that Abraham paid tithes to the king, and establishes two important points from that short interaction between the two men.

(1) The Genesis account of the meeting describes Melchizedek, “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). Thus, inspiration describes Melchizedek both as a king, and as a priest of God.

Remember that under the law of Moses, the priesthood (tribe of Levi) and royal lineage (tribe of Judah) were separate. Under the Old Law, one from the tribe of Judah could not serve as a priest. Since Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, it was necessary that the Old Law pass away, and a New covenant between God and man be established. Jesus serves as both Priest and King, (of which Melchizedek serves as a type), under His new covenant for mankind.

(2) Since Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, we can conclude that the priesthood of Melchizedek, (with Christ as high priest), is a greater, better priesthood than the Levitical priesthood of the Old covenant. (See the argument made in Hebrews 7:4-10).

We are blessed to have Jesus Christ as our great high priest, under His new covenant. Through this we have the hope of salvation, an eternal presence before God.

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The word “partner” is used to describe a special kind of relationship. You may refer to your spouse as a partner, or a friend, or a business associate.
The word “partner” is defined by Webster: “one associated with another especially in an action.”

The idea of action in a partnership indicates that those so associated are pulling in the same direction, striving for the same goal, helping one another to be successful. As such, the word has an obvious application to spiritual matters.

The apostle Paul wrote to a good friend, Philemon, about his desire that Philemon would forgive and receive another (the slave Onesimus). Paul wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me” (Philemon 17).

Paul’s “action” was the proclamation of truth in order to save souls. Onesimus had benefited from that work, and would be put to use by Paul, if allowed. Philemon could associate with him in that work of preaching by accommodating Paul’s request.

Being a partner in the quest to save souls is referred to in scripture as “fellowship.” It is a familial partnership. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).

If we are seeking righteousness, we are partners with Christ. If we are partners with Christ, we have access to the greatest of blessings! Something to think about!

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Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14).

The image of the veil accurately expresses the significance of passing from the Old Law to the New. Moses, in giving the law to Israel, paved the way for the redemption of mankind. The Old Testament contains so many things —types, prophecies, law — that God used to prepare mankind for His plan to bring salvation through His Son.

But, that Old Law of Moses was preparatory. It was a harbinger of what was to come. And so, when one looks exclusively at the Old Law, he gets neither the entire picture, nor the full benefits of God’s redemptive plan.

Paul wrote, “Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:16). When the gospel is preached to man, some believe it and place their trust in Jesus Christ. In Him is that which allows believers to “be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19).

The blessing we receive by this unveiling? “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Praise be to God for His great blessings toward us.

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“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).

What a beautiful sentiment expressed here by the Psalmist. A famished deer, longing for the water that gives relief and refreshment — is used to express the desire the man of God has for His maker.

Did you know that in the midst of a secular world, where evolutionary theory and humanistic influences are used to attack faith in the Almighty, fully 89% of Americans still believe in God. Only 11% deny His existence, and only 9% total express their denial in sure terms (2014 Pew Research Study).

It is hard to destroy faith in God’s existence, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Unfortunately, it is much easier to undermine the effects of that belief.

The Psalmist wrote, “When shall I come and appear before God?” He desired to return to the sanctuary to worship the Creator. His faith was strong, and His desire for the Almighty stirred His spirit. Think of that next time you are deciding whether you wish to come to the sanctuary yourself. Do you long to come and worship your God?

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“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones” (Proverbs 12:4).

The book of Proverbs was written by a father desiring to share wisdom with his son. In this case, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. We can as easily state that an excellent husband is a true blessing, but a husband that causes shame is like a cancer to his wife.

This truth is why it is so important to choose carefully the one who will be your companion for life. Jesus said, “So then they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6).

Marriage is a lifetime commitment. No man or woman has the right to renege on that commitment. The decision to marry has an impact not only on the rest of your life, but on your eternal destiny. When choosing, it is important to marry one who will help you to reach heaven. Be sure that no other person in your life will have a greater impact upon your standing with God.

It is possible to overcome a bad choice. However, it is not easy. There will always be regret and difficulty if your life companion is an obstacle rather than a blessing.

Choose wisely and well!

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God gave the apostles the work of presenting the gospel to the world. Paul wrote, “But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

By extension, any time any Christian shares the gospel of the Lord, he is acting as a steward. As Paul wrote, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).

It is logical, and also scriptural to assert that our speech when proclaiming the gospel is to conform to God’s expectations rather than men. Paul warned Timothy of a time when men would not want to hear the truth, and would instead “heap up for themselves” teachers who would tell them what they wanted to hear rather than what they needed to hear (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Two questions we need to ask ourselves:

1. Are we the type of stewards who feel compelled to speak God’s word, as God desires?
2. Are we the type of listeners who are willing to listen to and heed truth, no matter how much it hurts?

Being entrusted with the gospel is special. It requires faithfulness and dedication on our part. May we all, like Paul, take this honor given us by God, and act in a worthy manner.

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