Category: Reflections Articles

One of the best aspects of God’s word is the willingness of the Holy Spirit to reveal the faults of His people as well as their positive attributes. This helps us greatly, as we do not improperly elevate the efforts of men, knowing they are subject to frailties and sin as are we.

Because of this, the emphasis of salvation by grace has value for us as does the realization that the imperfection of all men preclude salvation by merit.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

These things are born out by the imperfections of Adam, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s children, Moses, Samson, Saul, David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and a host of others throughout the Old Testament. They were all great men, to be honored and respected, but that is all they were — men. Subject to the same failures and mistakes that trouble us all. Continue reading “They Are Just Like Us!” →

This important lesson is illustrated in 1 Kings 18.  The prophet Elijah was in conflict with King Ahab. The conflict had led Elijah to proclaim a drought in the land which lasted for several years. “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word” (1 Kings 17:1). This was in response to Ahab’s sin.

During the drought (just before Elijah’s prayer brought it to an end, and before Ahab knew it was about to end), the Lord told Elijah to go and present himself to Ahab. Continue reading “It Takes All Kinds” →

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” →

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” →

There are many examples of love shown in the scripture that help to teach us the proper response to others.

For example, we see numerous examples of a mother’s love for her child. Sarah’s love for Isaac, the son of promise, is found in Genesis 21:6-7,10. Rebekah loved Jacob, Genesis 25:28. Moses’ mother loved him, Exodus 2:1-11, as did the daughter of Pharoah. Many other Old Testament examples could be cited, such as the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, and Hannah’s love for Samuel in 1 Samuel 1 and 2. The New Testament teaches the same in Mary’s love for Jesus, chronicled on many occasions, and the directions that Paul gave to Titus in Titus 2:4. Continue reading “Demonstrations of Love” →

The following points can be instructive to all of us, regardless of our ages, but were written by a wise man to his son, and is especially beneficial to the young.

1. “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you” (Proverbs 3:1-2). Listening and obeying the rules of your parents is always a good idea. They have lived longer, are aware of pitfalls, and have your best interests at heart. (This is especially true of Christian parents). This is sometimes hard for a young person to understand, as no one likes a limit on their liberty. But as the wise man writes, keeping your parent’s law will help you to live a long and peaceful life.
2. “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:3-4). Mercy and truth, two of the most godly characteristics that men can have. A close familiarity with both will bring favor from men. Everyone likes you if you are honest and kind. And, since it is God’s desire for you, it pleases Him as well!
3. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Trust God. If your parents have more experience and knowledge than you, how much more so the omniscient, eternal Being that made you! It is our responsibility to know who we are, and who God is. He is our maker, He is our Lord, He is our guide. If we let Him, He will direct our paths. He will show us the best way to go — the way that will eventually aware us with eternity in His presence!
4. “Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10 ). Materialism and covetousness are worldly, sinful and will lead you down the wrong path. But if you put God first He promises you that you will have enough (cf. Matthew 6:33), and you will have riches beyond this world! (cf. Matthew 16:26).
5. “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction; for whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights” (Proverbs 3:11-12). When admonished or corrected consider the words, and make the change. Don’t pout because of hurt feelings. Admonitions happen, (whether your parents, others, or God Himself), out of love for your soul!

A few good words of advice for all! Please consider!

(Adapted from a sermon outline “starter” that appeared on Facebook by Mark Posey on 1/19/24)

Anyone who is familiar with the teaching of Jesus Christ will know what is called the “golden rule.”  “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

The rule encompasses the most important truth for the Christian, and that is the imperative of love. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). It is not inappropriate to call it the golden rule, though that is a name given it by man, not found in scripture. Continue reading “Five “Golden” Rules” →

This is a hard thing for children. It might be because a child thinks that if he admits he has done wrong, there will be consequences. In fact, some children will continue to proclaim “I didn’t do it” or “It wasn’t me” even if they were caught red handed!

It can be the same for Christians as well. Why would a Christian who has sinned deny, or rationalize,  or excuse their actions? Well, it may be that they fear what others may think if they admit to not being perfect! But, no one is perfect, and that shows too much concern for what others think, rather than what God thinks! “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away” (Isaiah 64:6). Continue reading “Acknowledging Responsibility for Wrong” →

In discussing the characteristics of the old man of sin, which accurately described the Colossians at one time, the apostle then told them in Colossians 3:9-10, “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

The old man is described  as one guilty of:  fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, disobedience, anger, wrath, blasphemy, filthy language, and as seen in verse 9, lying. Continue reading “The New Man Compared to the Old” →

In Colossians 3:5, the apostle Paul told the Christians there to “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.” The reason for this admonition? “Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience…” (vs. 6).

The phrase “members which are on the earth” is an interesting one. These things “members” are aspects of a person that precludes him from serving God acceptably. Specifically, while these things could be considered sinful themselves, they are also the attitudes and characteristics that lead a person to sinful actions. These “members” are characteristic of a lustful, lascivious, hateful and greedy person. So, Christians should “put them to death.” Continue reading “Put to Death Your Members Which Are on the Earth” →

I write this as a concise primer, a reminder, a help to anyone who wants to share the gospel with the world, or who themselves have not accepted God’s supreme gift to mankind. It is a bit barebones for space purposes. If any questions arise, you can talk to, email or message me and I will be sure to answer you ASAP.

First, God created man to be different from all other life. We are told we alone are created in the image of God, (cf. Genesis 1:27). This does not mean that we physically look like God (if so, we would not be unique). It means that we alone are created with a soul. We alone have been given free will, and we can choose to obey or disobey God. Both have consequences. Continue reading “God’s Scheme for Redeeming Man” →

The first epistle of John is a wonderful letter, giving us insight into God and His beneficent Person as it relates to men.

God is Light

For example, John wrote in (1:5), “This is the message which we have learned from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is not darkness at all.” There are many truths impacted by this declaration.  First, we rejoice in God’s light, as it is the illumination of eternity! (cf. Revelation 2:23).  While hell is described as a horrendous place of eternal darkness (cf. Jude 13), heaven is place of light, without the need of outer illumination.

However, the chief point of John in his epistle is that for us to walk as God would have it (“in the light”, cf. 6), we must have fellowship with God.  Or, explained differently, walking in darkness severs our fellowship with God (6).

God is Love

In 1 John 4:8 the apostle also writes, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”  Another declaration about God.  It helps to establish God’s nature, especially as we read what love is like in Paul’s discourse of 1 Corinthians 13.  “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (13:4-8).

This does such a good job of describing God, but it also indicates the importance of the concept in our faith, and the type of people we are to be!  As John put it, our love for God is the litmus test regarding our fellowship with Him. “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:4-6).

God is Life

Finally, John wrote, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20).  The Supreme Being in the universe, the One who created us, and all things material, is the One who is from eternity, the One true God.  As Jesus wrote, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” says the Lord, “Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8).  God is eternal, and so is the Giver of eternal life. We must come to Him to have eternal life!

I recently came across a sermon starter (skeleton outline) from a Facebook group, written by Mark Posey.  When I come across such items and borrow the material, I always try to give credit, but also typically change the title to something else.  I couldn’t do it this time as the title best expresses the concept to be examined in the article.

The reference is, of course, to the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, covered in Acts 8:26-40.  To summarize, an angel of the Lord sent Philip the evangelist to a road between Jerusalem and Gaza.  There Philip met a eunuch of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians.  He had come to Jerusalem to worship (indicating he was a proselyte), and was returning to Gaza in a chariot. He was reading from Isaiah 59, and Philip used the reading as a beginning point of their conversation. Continue reading “Why Stop the Chariot?” →

Jesus lived in a pastoral society. The images He used to illustrate points were very well known to his listeners. Fortunately for us urbanites, they are simple figures, and easily understood even by us 2000 years later.  For example, John records these words of the Lord, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers” (John 10:1-5). Continue reading “Jesus Our Shepherd” →

A study of the word rebuke, as it is translated in the NKJV of the Bible, is interesting and beneficial, especially as it relates to the New Testament. There are three words in the Greek language that are translated rebuke in the New Testament, each with different shades of meanings. They are: epitima?, elegch?, and epipl?ss?. A look at each of the three in turn are rather enlightening.

Let’s start out with epitima?. It is defined by Thayer, “to tax with fault, rate, chide, rebuke, reprove, censure severely…to admonish or charge severely… to charge one with wrong.”  Continue reading “Rebuke” →