Category: From the Preacher’s Pen

“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:9-10).

The term “hospitable,” in this text, is easily defined. It means “fond of guests.” The concept of Christian love demands that we not be grudging regarding the keeping and care of guests. Having brethren into your home is an expression of love, care and appreciation for them.

Next week the brethren here have an opportunity to have a preacher of the gospel into their home. Brother Greer is doing us a great service in preaching the truth of God’s word. It is a great gift that we are unable to repay in kind. But, we can be hospitable to him, and we can do it without grumbling! (Spaces remain available on the meal list).

I came across a short poem the other day, and I wanted to share it with you.

Only one life
‘twill soon be past

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

The epistle of James echoes the first refrain, stating that our life is “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (4:14).

The second sentiment expressed in the poem likewise has its foundation in scripture. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Soon this life will end and all that will remain is eternity. The only thing that will matter is the answer to this question, “Have you served Christ? Well? Have You?

Stan

In his second epistle, Peter said the purpose of his writing was to “stir up your pure minds by way of reminder.”

I often have emphasized the need of repetition in teaching. It is important to be reminded even of what you know, that your mind may be stirred.
There is another emphasis in this text. Our minds need to be “pure.” The term “pure” is defined in Strong’s as: genuine or sincere. It’s literal rendering is “judged by sunlight.”

Isn’t that an interesting thought? Our minds judged by sunlight? If your innermost thoughts, convictions and emotions were brought “to light”, what would be revealed? Would you be seen as a hypocrite, or would your inner thoughts match your outward profession to be a faithful child of God?

May we all have “pure minds.”

Stan

In the Reader’s Digest the other day I found a list of 10 of the most annoying phrases that people use Phrases like “fairly unique” (either it is unique or it is not); and “at this point in time” (an overused expression that I must confess I have used from time to time).

Among these annoying phrases was “The way I see it. . . “ or some equivalent. In the list, I found it the most objectionable of all, because it has been used so often to justify a position or practice that is at odds with the word of God. People seem to feel that they are a sufficient source of authority for their religious beliefs or moral practices. It just isn’t so!

The only just reason to defend a position or practice is because God sees it that way! Remember the song, “The Bible tells me so. . .”

Stan

One of the most sobering passages I can think of is found in John 15. There Jesus said, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (vs. 2).

The text disproves the common belief expressed as “once saved, always saved” and soberly warns us to be industrious as Christian servants.

The text tells me that I need to develop the proper skills needed to be a fruit bearer. It tells me that I need to be spending the time and making the effort necessary to bear fruit. And, it tells me that I need to identify the type of fruit that Jesus expects me to produce.

It also tells me that there are a lot of Christians who need to get started before it’s too late! (Think about it!)

Stan

I recently came across a poem titled, “God is Mighty Kind”, written by Carl Flynn. The poem states that although we suffer in this life, God is merciful, and grants us bountiful blessings. Note the following verse:

“For every dark and stormy day
A week of days are fair;
However chill the clouds and gray
‘Tis always bright somewhere.

This is something to remember. Especially when we become burdened from time to time with the cares and trials of our lives. No matter how bad it may be at any one time, we all have been wonderfully blessed by our God in heaven. Remember the promise, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Stan

In Matthew 10, our Lord prepared his disciples for their preaching efforts among the Jews by saying, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves” (vs. 16).

To put it simply, Jesus told his disciples to be aware of the ungodliness of men. Men can act as wolves. They can be destructive, mean and scheming. In the next verse, Jesus said, “But beware of men. . .”

We too need to beware of men. We need to know of their ability to hurt us, and their willingness to do so. At the same time, while such wisdom is required of us, it must be emphasized that such actions have no place among God’s people. While we are aware of the potential evil in others, may it be that none of us here at West Side are ever guilty of the same. Instead, we are to be “harmless as doves” toward our brethren.

Stan

Paul exhorted the Thessalonians in his first epistle to , “…warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (5:14).

It seems to me that Paul was trying to get the Thessalonians to look out for and take care of each other. Sometimes, to take care of someone, you must warn them. Tell them of the consequences of their actions, so that they will not lose their standing with God. Other Christians may need comfort. The idea of “fainthearted” here indicates someone who is discouraged or troubled in spirit. Finally, some may be weak, and need to be upheld. We need to stick with those who are struggling, including babes in Christ, and support them until they become strong, and can do the same for others.

Simply put, we are to love each other!

Stan

With this bulletin I am beginning a new front page feature, “From the Preacher’s Pen.” It will not be weekly, from time to time we will follow the previous template. However, this allows me to teach, and exhort on a more intimate and casual level.

Consider these missives to be a direct conversation between me and you, as brethren here at West Side. Kind of like a short note, penned as a reminder, or an encouragement, or as a simple celebration of our faith together. Hence, the handwriting font. This is my own printing, transformed into a computer font. I certainly do not have the prettiest writing, but I trust you can read this without too much strain.

Brethren, we are blessed to be members together here at West Side. It is good to be part of such a loving family. I pray this new feature will help us to celebrate that fact.

Stan

(Note: The handwriting font used can’t be duplicated on the web site).