Category: From the Preacher’s Pen

It is our practice at the end of every sermon to offer an invitation to those in attendance to come forward, and express any spiritual need they may have. It may be that they desire to be baptized in water “for the remission of sins” (cf. Acts 2:38). It may be that they wish to acknowledge some public sin, and show their penitent spirit to the brethren (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:11). It may be that they need the prayers of the saints for comfort and strength (cf. James 5:16). Frankly, I couldn’t bring myself to step down after giving an exhortation from God’s word without offering an opportunity for those who heard it to respond to the message.

I don’t understand why some others have ceased the practice. Surely when we preach our desire is to elicit a response from our listeners? Even if a particular message is designed more for edification than exhortation, it may be that one of which we are not aware has a need to unburden his soul.

A favorite scripture is God’s tender invitation to close the New Testament. Coupled with the promise of the Lord’s second coming, and the further promise of a reward to the faithful (cf. vs. 12), the apostle John pens these stirring words, “And the Spirit and the bride say ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). The words express the intent of every lesson I preach. May the Lord come quickly, and may we all be prepared for that day!

I am typing this short article while away from home, and handicapped by having left my reading glasses behind. As such, my near-sightedness is making it difficult to complete the task.
Naturally, I am reminded of Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:9, “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” The things to which Peter refers are: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.

Consider that when Peter wrote these words there was no relief for a short sighted person. While I can pick up my glasses, they had no remedy. Such words would be especially poignant to one who suffered from near-sightedness, but would be a vivid picture to all. The Christian without his virtues is severely handicapped. It is difficult for him to accomplish his life’s purpose to serve God, and receive the reward.

In contrast, Peter writes, “For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (vs. 8). Peter promises the clear-sighted Christian an entrance “into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (vs. 11). This requires diligence on our part (cf. vs. 10), and it certainly takes work to mature through the process of adding to our faith. What about it? How hard are you working to for such spiritual focus?

I came across a quote from George Whitefield the other day. Whitefield was an Anglican preacher who lived in the mid 1700’s. Here is the quote:

“It is a poor sermon that gives no offense; that neither makes the hearer displeased with himself nor with the preacher.”

These words encapsulate the purpose of gospel preaching. It is designed to convict. Now, not all sermons have the intent of causing such displeasure, but many do. So, the next time you are irritated at the preacher for what he said, consider the fact that he is supposed to rile you up, supposed to make you unhappy, supposed to convict you of sin. That’s his job. If he does it well, you are going to be unsettled by his words from time to time. The question is, will you be unhappy with him (the wrong reaction) or with yourself (the correct reaction)? Think about it…

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

(2 Timothy 4:1-5)

Some are aware of the controversy that recently erupted when Joel Osteen’s wife, Victoria, said to their congregation and viewers: “When you come to church, when you worship him, you’re not doing it for God really. You’re doing it for yourself, because that’s what makes God happy. Amen?” This is one fallacy of the “Prosperity Gospel” that they preach. They contend life is about you, and your happiness, rather than being about God! In response, I came across the following quote from Albert Mohler. I thought it to be very good.

God’s pleasure in his human creatures centers in his desire and will that they come to faith in Jesus Christ and be saved. The great dividing line in humanity is not between the rich and the poor, the sick and the well, or even the happy and the unhappy. The great divide is between those who, in Christ, have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s glorious light.

Mere happiness cannot bear the weight of the Gospel. The message of the real Gospel is found in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” That is a message that can be preached with a straight face, a courageous spirit, and an urgent heart in Munich, in Miami, or in Mosul.

If our message cannot be preached with credibility in Mosul, it should not be preached in Houston. That is the Osteen Predicament. (albertmohler.com)

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

It is a fundamental concept worthy of constant affirmation: “Truth does not divide!” It is common for people today to count the Lord’s church among the many denominations that populate the religious landscape. They make no distinction, other than to charge God’s people as being sectarian simply because we seek to differentiate between truth and error!

It is error that brings division between seekers of Christ. In contrast, Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The claim we make of being simply followers of the Word of God, unwilling to deviate to the left or the right, is one worthy of examination. When it is put to the test, if it is found to be a false claim, then we acknowledge that we are no better than any other religious person who seeks to teach “as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). However, if our claim is true, then all should seek to be part of that which “came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).

Religious people clamor for diversity, freedom and change. In contrast we offer unity, bondservice to the Lord, and “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (cf. Jude 3). The appeal may not be popular, but it is the basis of our standing with God. Remember the words of the Lord, “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

Truth does not need to fear examination and debate. By nature, truth is superior to error, having a consistency and genuineness that stands in stark contrast to false doctrines that permeate religious thinking.

Last Wednesday just before leaving for Bible class, a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on our door. The lady offered me a pamphlet with directions to the JW website, and I told her I would be glad to take it. I then offered her a pamphlet in return that I just happened to have sitting by the door. It is the Welcome Visitor pamphlet that we include in our visitor packets, and has our website address on it.

She refused to take it. As soon as she saw that I had my own convictions, she beat a quick retreat, off for easier prey. It was sad, really. I was nice, and told her that I was willing to have the exchange of pamphlets and views, but she was only willing to propagate her own teaching, not willing to consider that of others.
I told her, sadly, that if she wouldn’t take my pamphlet, then I didn’t think it playing fair to expect me to take hers. I find this rather typical of false teachers. They are eager to share their message, but unwilling to speak with those who might be capable of a critical examination of their claims.

We have the truth, and have no need to fear those who wish to study, examine or test our message. “Preach the word!” (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2).

I just came across a quote from Agnes Bojaxhiu, commonly known as Mother Teresa. Most are aware of her. She was a Catholic missionary who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work in India. While her theology as a Catholic is certainly flawed, this quote is very good:

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

Examining the quote, it reminds me of Jesus’ more concise words in Luke 6:31, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” Commonly called the golden rule, the principle is shared by many faiths. The reason for this is its validity as a guiding principle for righteous lives.

The basis is, of course, a love for man. One who truly loves his fellow man is constantly seeking what is best for others. He does so despite criticism, and persists in the expression of that love even when it is not returned. It is not common, it is not easy, but it is a characteristic that must be present in our lives as Christians. Our goal is to please God, not man!

In Mark 9:35, Jesus taught His disciples an important lesson: “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.’” The path to primacy in the spiritual realm is humble service.

This is, of course, counterintuitive. Most people think that the way to be first is to dominate, lead, impose, and curry favor. This is the way of the Gentiles (cf. Matthew 20:25), “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant” (26).

Consider how this truth should impact our attitude toward this congregation and our brethren. Elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, all are to be servants of the church. But, each individual member should consider themselves to be the same. You are not a member at West Side because of what the congregation has to offer. Rather, you are here to offer yourself to God and to His people!

What are you doing for the Lord and His people? Evaluate your responsibilities and the effort you put in from week to week as a member here. Can you be doing more? Can you increase your contribution to the growth and love of this family? Do you have an attitude of “What can others do for me?”, or is it “What can I do for others?” It is a blessed thing to be a servant of all, and it carries with it the most wonderful promise!

When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray in Matthew 6, what did He mean by the words, “Thy kingdom come?” Obviously, he meant for them to pray for the arrival of His kingdom. The Old Testament had prophesied that coming in numerous places, including Daniel 2:44, “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

This prophecy was fulfilled in the first century. Remember, Jesus promised the establishment of His kingdom during the lifespan of his contemporaries (cf. Mark 9:1). Those prophecies were fulfilled at His resurrection—this attested to by Peter who wrote in Acts 2:36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. His kingdom is present with power. In fact, Paul wrote that those who became Christians were conveyed into the then existent Kingdom in Colossians 1:13.

Religious people today who continue to pray “Thy kingdom come” are either ignorant of, or refuse to grant that it already HAS! So, while a beautiful sentiment, the request should not be prayed today. Instead, we should praise God for having fulfilled His promise. Glory to God that He has exalted His Son. Today, Jesus is King in His kingdom!

Debbie and I are in the process of shopping for a new mattress. Our old one is wearing out, and making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. A few hours in the bed leads to aches and pains.

Of course, I see little children sleeping in such contorted poses, and wonder how they could possibly move when they wake up — positions I can’t even get into, and that if I tried would probably necessitate a month of traction. So, it may be that it is less the mattress wearing out, and more an indication that my body has seen better days!

The scriptures use both realities — that possessions and bodies wear out — to teach a lesson about eternity.

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

“For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven” (2 Corinthians 5:1-2)

Put simply, this life is all temporary. Possessions and bodies are not designed to last. Eternity is reserved for the transformed spiritual bodies promised to the faithful, (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:50-58). Praise be to God for the promise of eternal life!
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This past week we received in the mail an invitation to join with other churches in the area in an effort to increase evangelism in our community. The invitation was from a human organization whose purpose was to teach our members how to evangelize, and to explain to churches how the work could be done most effectively. It was suggested that we send an “Advanced coordinator,” an “Event coordinator”, and a “Youth coordinator”, but emphasized the need for every church to at least send a contact person to the seminar they would be holding.

The absurdity of this request is evident. How can a human organization instruct the God created institution in how to do the work God gave it to do? The fact that such an organization did not exist in the first century, and that such designations as the above “coordinators” is unknown to scripture shows just how truly misguided is this invitation. It is eminently unscriptural, and without Divine approval.

That doesn’t mean, however, that as a congregation of God’s people we are sufficiently active and effective in sharing the gospel message with our community. It takes diligent effort and a sharpening of the Spirit’s sword to accomplish the work God has given for US to do in this town. If we don’t do it, it will not be done. God has granted to us a “great and effective door” (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:9). Will you do your part by walking through, and teaching others about the Christ?

Seek the Lord! That is the cry of faith. It is the need for every man and woman who lives upon the earth. This sobering sentiment is expressed clearly by the prophet Isaiah in his instructions to Judah.

Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:6-9).

The most sobering aspect of these words is the realization that our success in seeking the Lord is contingent upon our knowing His thoughts. We can’t find Him is we don’t know where He is. We can’t know where He is unless He tells us. The most amazing thing is that He has, and yet people persist in following their own directions rather than His.

Consider the contrast of the text. In the same way that “the heavens are higher than the earth” so are God’s ways than our own. In other words, it is impossible for us to please God by our own devices. If you want to please God, you must seek Him. If in seeking you find Him, it will be because you followed His directions!

The last several weeks have been pretty hectic in our congregation. May is the month for graduations, and we have had our share with graduations from high school, college, law school, etc. both members, and family members of those who are members at West Side.

In this same period some have been grieving the loss of loved ones, and others are feeling the ravages of disease and sickness. Weddings, funerals, moves, trips, pregnancies, the list is long and the effect is a bit unsettling. Even good times can be a bit disruptive or at least distracting.

Two things to remember:

1. The importance of empathy among the brethren. Among other admonitions to the Christians in Rome, Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another” (Romans 12:15-16a).
2. The importance of keeping our priorities in the right place. As we live day by day we can become distracted with the common events of a busy life. Let us remember why we are here! “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” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

You may have noticed a few of my recent sermons emphasizing our need to be diligent and zealous in the dispatching of our duties before God. Complacency is a problem when seen among God’s children. “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16). I recently came across the following illustration:

There are four main bones in every organization.

• The wish-bones: Wishing somebody would do something about the problem.
• The jaw-bones: Doing all the talking but very little else.
• The knuckle-bones: Those who knock everything.
• The back-bones: Those who carry the brunt of the load and do most of the work.

Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, pp. 16-17.

So, as a member of this congregation, ask yourself, “What kind of ‘bone’ am I?” Of course, what we need are some back-bones! We need individuals to be, “…steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Are you ready to do your part? “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

I came across a poem of sorts on the internet the other day. It is intended to be an expression of hope for blessings to another. The woman who was overheard reciting the verse introduced it with the following words, “When we said ‘I wish you enough’ we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.” Here is the poem:

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

Author Unknown

A pretty sentiment. It reminds me of Paul’s words to Timothy, “And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:8). Of course, the threshold of “just enough” can not be reached unless God is present in one’s life. And if God is there, then any amount we receive suffices! Remember Jesus’ words, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).