Category: Facebook Articles
Short articles for the church page on Facebook
How to Become Wise
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand” (Proverbs 19:20-21).
In these two verses is a concise explanation regarding the origin of wisdom. There are three aspects to gaining wisdom. Young people consider this carefully!
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction”
Wisdom is gained by listening to the wise. The wise have either themselves listened to others, or they have learned from their own mistakes. The problem with learning from your own mistakes is that those errors may have consequences. To avoid sadness and heartache, listen to those who have already obtained wisdom!
“that you may be wise in your latter days”
Wisdom is gained with time. The young person who recognizes his relative inexperience and ignorance is ahead of the game. Rather than embarking on any endeavor with a fool’s confidence, he seeks counsel.
“nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand”
It doesn’t matter a man’s age or experience, if he departs from God’s will, he is a fool. True wisdom has its origin with God, not man. Never depart from it!
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Nebuchadnezzar VS Jehovah
2 Kings 25:9-10, describes the fall of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonian general Nebuchadnezzar. “He burned the house of the Lord and the king’s house; all the houses of Jerusalem, that is, all the houses of the great, he burned with fire. And all the army of the Chaldeans who were with the captain of the guard broke down the walls of Jerusalem all around.”
The defeat of Judah was not because of God’s impotence. Nebuchadnezzar was God’s instrument of judgment, because of the sins of the Jewish people. Jeremiah had previously predicted Jerusalem’s fall. “Therefore thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Because you have not heard My words, … this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years’” (Jeremiah 25:8, 11).
Nebuchadnezzar’s mistake was that he did not give God credit for his victory and his kingdom. Instead, he exalted himself and his own power. “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). For his pride, idolatry, and rejection of God’s sovereignty, Nebuchadnezzar was humiliated (cf. Daniel 4:31-33); and his own kingdom was destroyed and made “perpetual desolation” (cf. Jeremiah 25:12).
The lesson? God is sovereign in the universe! As Jeremiah prayed, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You” (Jeremiah 32:17).
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REST or TRIBULATION
“…My tongue shall speak of Your righteousness And of Your praise all the day long” (Psalm 35:28).
This Psalm of David speaks of Jehovah as the deliverer and avenger of the righteous. In verse 10, he writes, “All my bones shall say, ‘Lord, who is like You, Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, Yes, the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?’” David asked for God to vindicate him against those who sought his harm. Of course, God did just that, and so showed Himself worthy of the praise promised in our text.
We too have reason to speak of God’s righteousness and praise Him all day long. As He did with David, God promises to deliver and avenge us. He must do this because He is a righteous and loving God. For this we are grateful.
“…It is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
The righteous are promised rest, but God will take “vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 8). We pray that all who read these words are warned, and are among the saints who glorify Him.
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In God I Have Put My Trust
Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.
In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?
(Psalm 56:3-4)
Fear is an understandable and common emotion. Men fear the unknown, the strange, the violent, the painful. We do not here refer to phobias, which are unreasonable fears that have no basis in reality. There is much in life that would instill a natural and appropriate fear response in men.
However, the Christian has a perspective that can help him cope with fear. In fact, our relationship with God can allow us even to overcome fear in our lives.
There are numerous examples throughout history of Christians proclaiming with joy their faith in Christ even as they suffer martyrdom. The most horrendous tortures — boiling oil, fire, the sword — were unable to quell the joy and courage of God’s people.
With God on our side, eternal victory is secured. “The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).
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Wisdom Cries Out!
“Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: ‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men’” (Proverbs 8:1-4).
The call of wisdom sounds forth in our time as well. This text does not mean that wisdom predominates, but that wisdom is desperately needed in our time. She calls out to bring peace, union and reconciliation where none presently exists. The question is, does anyone hear her?
“O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her” (Proverbs 8:5-11).
Wisdom cries out … are you listening?
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O Mighty God!
In preparation for this morning’s sermon, I came across some information about a favorite song of praise, How Great Thou Art.
The song is taken from a poem written by Swedish poet Carl Boberg in 1885, titled “O Store Gud”. The poem has a total of nine verses.
Friendship and Wealth
“Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend” (Proverbs 19:4).
It is an unfortunate reality in life that wealth brings popularity. Not that someone might actually become wealthy, but that it can bring out inappropriate reactions from others. For example, the newly rich has a difficult time knowing who is a friend because of genuine affection, and who is a “friend” because they hope to benefit from the wealth, influence or opportunities of the friendship.
The same thing is true with the poor man, whether newly minted or habitually bereft. He has no money, no influence, no opportunity to help anyone who wants to graft onto his friendship. So, he has a hard time making friends.
Wealth has nothing to do either with character or success as defined by God. It does not make a man more spiritual, and it can actually bring challenges to faith. Remember the Lord’s words 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.” Add to it, “there is neither poor or rich”, and you get the idea.
So, as Christians, we should be “wealth blind.” Our relationships should be based entirely upon genuine affection, not upon a hope for personal gain. (Read James 2:1-9).
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Do Nothing
The following illustration has made the rounds, and make a wonderful point…
An infidel died and left his farm to the devil. The court decided the way to give it to the devil was to do nothing. The farm grew weeds, the soil eroded, the house and barn rotted.
You can give your life to the devil the same way. Do nothing.
(via Cecil May Jr.’s Preacher Talk, Fall 2017)
Our Lord said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
The easy way is the way of dissipation (ruin). Those who lose their souls will do so, not because they can’t get it right, but because the simply do not try. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).
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The Lord, He is God
In 1 Kings 18, Elijah proved that Jehovah is the one true God, in his battle with the 450 prophets of Baal. Prior to the contest, the children of Israel were not convinced that the Lord was the one true God. At Elijah’s challenge, they were non committal. “And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21).
By the end, however, the Lord proved His power and unique place as the God of heaven and earth. When the people saw the demonstration of God’s power, “they fell on their faces; and they said, ‘The Lord, He is God! The Lord, He is God!’” (vs. 39).
The word Lord, found in the text is from the Hebrew YHWH, translated in other English texts as Jehovah. It is God’s name. Baal is not God. The God of the Hebrews, the Lord, or Jehovah, He is God.
Consider Elijah’s words, “If the Lord is God, follow Him.” The Lord has established, through many demonstrations of power, judgment and mercy, that He is the Creator of the universe. He is the first cause. It is to Him we will one day give an account, “according to what [we have] done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Are you following the LORD?
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Lying for Advantage
“Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel” (Proverbs 20:17).
Listening to the radio a few days ago, the hosts were asking each other, “What was the last lie you told?” Most of the answers were what they referred to as little white lies. For example, one man had gotten an email, and not responded. When his co-worker asked him about it, he lied and said he hadn’t got it. So, the other man backtracked, found the original email and resent it. Even though the man actually had gotten the email.
All of the confessed lies had a similar motivation. They were told to gain an advantage. To cover up a transgression, to put oneself in a more favorable light, or to shift fault. This is the primary allure of deception, and why “Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man.”
In the example above, I thought to myself that the man had better hope his employer, co-worker (or his friends) were not listening to the show! If the lie were to be found out, there would be consequences. Anger, loss of trust and reputation, and possibly repercussions from the employer. “But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.”
Don’t lie! The advantage gained may be “sweet” for the moment, but the [eternal] cost is too steep!
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Sojourners and Pilgrims
The apostle Peter made an impassioned petition to the Christians to whom he wrote in 1 Peter 2:11-12, “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles…” What are these fleshly lusts?
First, the terms defined. 1) “fleshly” (sarkikos) under the control of the animal appetites; 2) “lusts” (epithumia) craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden. (Thayer). So, in our context, fleshly lusts are those desires that come from the basest parts of man — desires that are forbidden by God.
The Bible explicitly names many of these. A partial list includes: premarital and extramarital sex, including homosexuality; covetousness; murder; strife; deceit; violence; pride; gossip; anger; willfulness; rebellion; envy; idolatry; lewdness; hatred; jealousy; drunkenness; partying (revelries); extortion; stealing (cf. Romans 1:28-32; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
When we become Christians, we become new creatures. This world is no longer our home, and our lives should mirror that reality. When we live righteous lives, we will be thought strange by those who act on those fleshly lusts. No matter, for our desire is for our Lord. We are pilgrims in a strange land — heaven is our home!
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“He Gave Ear to Me”
“I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me” (Psalm 77:1).
The Psalmist’s trouble is one we feel from time to time. He states that “in the day of my trouble I sought the Lord” but that “My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (2-3).
We too can be so troubled that it seems to us God has forgotten us! “Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious?” (7-9).
But, if we consider carefully, we will remember the continued faithfulness of God. “Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders…” (13-14).
When we consider that God is able to help us, and that He is willing to give ear to our petitions, we can ultimately trust in His compassion, strength and redemptive work in our lives. As the Psalmist wrote, “You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph” (15); we too can proclaim that our God loves us, and has redeemed all men through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Truly, God gives ear to those who are His!
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The Day of the Lord
The phrase, “the day of the Lord” is one that is used to indicate a coming judgment from God. Isaiah used it to refer to God’s impending judgment of Babylon (Isaiah 13). Jeremiah (46:10), Ezekiel (30:3) and Obadiah (15) all use the phrase in a similar fashion.
Such judgment was not reserved for the enemies of Israel. Numerous prophets used this same phrase in reference to God’s judgment of His own people. Consider these words from the prophet Joel, “Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as destruction from the Almighty” (Joel 1:15). Interestingly, there is the promise of deliverance that is given to the faithful even in that day (cf. Joel 2:32).
In 2 Peter 3:10, the phrase is used to designate a final judgment of God. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” In that day, there is the promise of deliverance! “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (vs. 13).
Turn to God and serve Him. Then give praise to Him as you bask in the promise of His glory!
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In Days of Old
God is powerful, sovereign, and has imposed His will on men in ages past. This was especially true with Israel, who inhabited the land of Canaan only because of God’s intervention. “For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them” (Psalm 44:3).
But, how did the Psalmist know of this great victory? “We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, the deeds You did in their days, in days of old” (Psalm 44:1).
Today, we are blessed to have such deeds preserved in the Bible itself. The annals of God’s demonstration of might, justice and mercy to His people. These things strengthen and establish our faith.
“In God we boast all day long and praise Your name forever” (Psalm 44:8)
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Be Still, and Know that I Am God
The 46th Psalm does a wonderful job of expressing the powerful protection God affords His people. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (1-3).
Our protection is sure. It is sure because of God’s infinite power. It is sure because of His constant presence and awareness. It is sure because of His great wisdom and knowledge. It is sure because He loves those who are His. Truly “the Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge” (11).
In our knowledge that God is our refuge there is strength, peace and hope. There is also a reason for us to offer Him our praise and thanksgiving! “I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (10).
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