Category: Zeal

When an obstacle impedes progress, one of two possibilities emerge. The obstacle either prevents success, or the obstacle is defeated, with success realized despite its challenge.

Many serious spiritual obstacles can be defeated through determination and persistent effort. Josiah, the young king of Judah serves as a wonderful example in this. His challenge was to overcome the evil influences of his father and grandfather. Those men were evil idolaters, who led Judah in rebellion against God. Josiah ascended to the throne at the age of 8 years. Scripture reveals that he “did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David; he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” (2 Kings 22:2). He removed the idols his predecessors had put into the Temple, and restored true worship to the Lord. And, as ruler of Judah, he “made all who were present in Israel diligently serve the Lord their God. All his days they did not depart from following the Lord God of their fathers” (2 Chronicles 34:33).

Josiah was a unique king. “Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him” (2 Kings 23:25). However, we too can overcome any spiritual obstacle that may beset us, if we “turn to the Lord” with all our heart, soul and might.

Where is self denial? Where is “giving all diligence”? Where is “striving”? Too few are willing to sacrifice for their faith and their God.

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In Hebrews 6:9-12, the writer calls us to fervency. We must be fervent in spirit, love and prayer, among other things. We need to be on fire for the Lord!

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While in Troas during his second preaching tour, the apostle Paul had a vision in the night. In the vision, “A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). The text reveals that Paul was obedient to the vision, Luke recording him as having concluded “that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them” (10).

The journey took Paul and his companions to Philippi, where they were beaten with rods, and placed into prison (cf. 16:22-24). After traveling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they went to Thessalonica, where again they fell afoul of the enemies of the cross (17:5). This necessitated a departure under cover of darkness to Berea. Some from Thessalonica followed them, and stirred up the crowds against Paul yet again (17:13). Finally Paul traveled to Athens, where his message was met with mocking (17:32).

Continue reading ““Come over … and help us”” →

Christ requires a total commitment from His disciples. This is too often lacking in our day.

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The text of Hebrews 5:11-6:8 gives us six reasons some Christians fail to grow or mature:

* They have become dull of hearing (5:11)
* They think they have grown enough (5:12)
* They will not allow the word to change them (5:13-14)
*They are accustomed only to “milk” (5:12; 6:1-3)
* They fail to “press on” to maturity (6:1)
* They have already fallen away (6:4-8)

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In Luke 10:38-42, Luke narrates an occasion in Jesus’ ministry when he went to the house of Martha. At that time, Mary was commended for sitting at Jesus’ feet to hear His teaching.

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Yesterday evening I had an opportunity to join in worship with the saints at the Elm Street congregation in El Reno, Oklahoma. This fine congregation met in the final night of our gospel meeting, singing beautiful songs of praise to God, offering up sincere petitions in prayer, and kindly listening to my final effort to share a message from God’s word as our week together concluded.

My final plea was based on the text of Philippians 2:

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (vs. 9-11).

I noted that God has given all authority to Jesus Christ, and that at the judgment all will bow down before Him. I further pled with those present to ensure that they acknowledge His Lordship now, before it is too late.

Continue reading “A Criticism of Our Worship” →

In John 4:24 Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The context reveals that the only acceptable worship is that offered in accord with God’s will. That is why Jesus endorsed the worship of the Jews (in Jerusalem), rather than the worship of the Samaritans.

The text also indicates that under the dispensation of Christ, the location of worship is of no consequence. The idea that God is limited to a particular place (Jerusalem, a mountain) is debunked by Jesus. This is because God is Spirit.

This truth requires that acceptable worship be offered in “spirit.” The worshipper must be engaged – it is an act of adoration to God, which comes from a sincere, reverent, and fully committed heart.

The worship of Israel was condemned by God during the time of Amos. They said, “When will the New Moon be past, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat?” (8:5). They weren’t interested in worship, they were only going through the motions. Though the form of worship was in accord with God’s will, the proper spirit was not present.

We are right in demanding that worship to God follow the form revealed and regulated by His will. We must be equally adamant that those who worship Him be fully engaged, with devotion and love for their God.

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As 2016 nears, it is time to examine our Christian walk, determine areas that need improvement, and resolve to better serve the Lord in the future.

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Weeds are the bane of anyone who desires a pretty lawn. They are an unsightly blight upon what would otherwise be a unmarred expanse of pretty green. Too, when they proliferate, they choke out the grass.

In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, he notes that some seed fell among thorns (weeds). He states the thorns “choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful” (Mark 4:19).

Fortunately, Jesus specifies what these things are, three in number (cf. Mark 4:19):

1. The cares of this world. Our focus is not to be on food and clothing, but upon the kingdom of God! (cf. Matthew 6:33).
2. The deceitfulness of riches. Life is not about money and possessions. Whoever thinks so is like the foolish rich man of Luke 12). “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (vs. 20).
3. The desires for other things. No matter our desire, the lack of contentment is an enemy to those who seek to live for God. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Pull up the weeds (thorns) in your life, and become fruitful in your service to the Lord!

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I have read, heard and even opined myself on the willingness of so many to attend a football game, or other sporting event or entertainment event, and willingly suffer from weather or other discomforts for the joy of the occasion.

People routinely get up in the wee hours of the morning, or stand in long lines, or suffer through extremes of heat, cold or other weather related trials to cheer on their teams, or play their games, or listen to their music. And, if the game or concert were to go into “overtime”, they consider it a positive development.

In contrast, they may view a 9:00 am Bible study to be too early, a bit warm or slightly cool auditorium not sufficiently comfortable, and a 45 minute lesson an inappropriate imposition upon their time and attention.

The issue is not the relative entertainment value. I know well that a nip and tuck football game is far more entertaining than a long winded preacher. The issue is the extent of your desire to be with God and His people!

So, how about it? Can you say with David, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord'” (Psalm 122:1)?

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 5:12-15 the Apostle Paul acknowledged that he was beside himself for God. It was his great zeal, a zeal that should be present in each of us who name the name of Christ.

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Apathy among the people of God is always a lamentable state. We must be zealous for our God!

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Numbers 13 & 14 reveal the faithfulness of Caleb. He followed the Lord his whole life, with his whole heart, despite the opposition and danger that accompanied his service. He serves as a wonderful example to us.

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