gospel

The Story of God is True

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It was Wednesday night, and I sat in the sanctuary beside one of my Awana kids. It was lesson time for the Sparks (K-2). Our leader was telling the story of salvation and Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Suddenly, this first grader turned to me and asked in an almost startled voice, “Is the story of God true?” Yes. Yes, Graham, the story of God is true. You mean it’s real? Yes, it real. It’s not fiction? No, it really happened. He was amazed and excited. Apparently, the reality of what he was hearing had just sunk in for the very first time. Hopefully, all the puzzle pieces of the Bible verses and lessons he learned in Awana last year are coming together. And, hopefully soon, he’ll make the decision to become a Christ follower.

This exchange reminded me of the necessity of teaching Bible verses and stories to children. Kids love stories, and they love listening to them over and over. And when they learn that the story really happened. That it’s true. It suddenly takes on a whole new dimension. It takes on real meaning. And they will relive that story in their minds time and time again. And they will tell others.

When kids never have an opportunity to read the Bible or to even hear the Bible stories, they are missing out on so much history and lifelong lessons on morality, ethics, obedience, sin and salvation. They don’t know that God created the earth and all plants and animals and humans in seven days. They don’t know how Daniel survived an overnight stay in a den of lions, because people who hated him wanted him out of their lives. They don’t know that David killed a giant named Goliath with a stone and slingshot. They don’t know that Noah built an ark and put two of every kind of animal in it, along with his family, because a flood was going to cover the entire earth for many, many days. They don’t know that Jonah disobeyed God and was swallowed by a whale, just to be spewed out of his mouth three days later. They don’t know that God’s only son, Jesus, was born to a virgin named Mary. They don’t know that Jesus was put on trial, nailed to a cross and died in order to forgive our sins when we repented. They don’t that Jesus chose twelve men to be his disciples and spread the good news of salvation. They don’t know that Jesus is coming to gather his followers so they can spend eternity together. And there are so many more stories the kids will never know. Stories like the Sermon on the Mount. The miracles of Jesus. Saul’s conversion and missionary trips. John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. They don’t know about all the prophecies that have been told, and that many have come to pass and the remaining ones will in good time. They don’t know what they’re missing.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5-7

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalm 78:4-7

How will kids know that they need to repent of their sins if no one tells them? How will they ever hear the Good News of salvation if they’re never in church or with followers of Christ? Who will tell them if their parents choose not to attend church or read the Bible to them? How will they know? And how will they pass down the need for salvation to their own children if they don’t hear it first?

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

And we wonder why the world is so topsy turvy. We wonder why today’s culture believes dangerous ideologies. We wonder why people are resorting to horrible crimes and violent tendencies. We wonder why there is an abundance of evil and corruption in the world. We wonder why people don’t know the story of God. Perhaps they’ve heard it and rejected it. Perhaps no one has ever shared the Good News with them. Perhaps it’s time to do so. Perhaps it’s time to wake up and move beyond the fear of being rejected by our unbelieving peers and family members and present the Truth to them before it’s too late. Perhaps it’s time for Christians to get out of their comfort zone and start sharing the Good News.

So yes, Graham. The story of God is true. It actually happened. All of it. And you can choose to accept it or not. It’s your choice. But know this. If you reject it, you will not spend eternity with God. But if you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and follow him, you will be with him for eternity. So choose wisely.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

When Your Heart Skips A Beat

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What crosses your mind when someone brings up their faith or Christianity or their church service last Sunday? Are you all in for the conversation, or do you try to duck out and spare yourself some grief? Does your heart skip a beat when someone mentions that God is good or that He has answered their prayer in a great and mighty way? Do you want to be swallowed up by the earth at that very moment because you’re uncomfortable with the subject? Or would you be genuinely interested in what they had to say?

Many people, Christian or not, try to avoid conversations about the Bible or church or faith in general. Perhaps they think they’re not educated enough to speak about those issues. Perhaps they don’t have faith and don’t want others to know. Perhaps they are a believer, but don’t want others to know. Some people just want to avoid the topic, no matter what.

If you had been alive during the time of Jesus’ birth, you would have been in one of two camps. Either your heart skipped a beat when you heard the news, because you knew this long awaited event was the best thing that had ever happened to mankind. You knew this was the event that had been promised so many years ago and it had finally happened in your lifetime. This was incredible news! Or. Your heart skipped a beat because you were enraged that someone, and of all things a tiny baby, was said to be the Savior of the world. You knew you would fight this announcement at all costs. Because it just couldn’t be true. How could it be? A baby is no savior. Who cares about the stories of the star in the east and the prophesies of a Messiah. This baby is nothing special, and you were determined to squelch all rumors that he was.

And here’s what we know today. The good news of Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection still causes a mixed reaction. Multitudes experience a life-changing event when they repent of their sins and choose to follow Him. They know their lives have been changed, and they want to let others know. On the other hand, there are many others who reject the good news of salvation and want nothing to do with it. They reject it outright and oppose it as if it were the kiss of death. They will oppose all talk of the subject.

And here’s what we also know. We each have a choice as to how we will handle the news of Christ’s offer of salvation. We can accept it and follow the path to eternal life with him. Or we can reject it, which means we will wallow in sin. And living a sinful life will look different for everyone. The life of someone not following Christ may be very successful and full of material possessions. They may achieve at the highest level of corporate success. They may be able to afford all the latest gadgets and toys and vacations and pleasures that money can afford. But they reject any discussion about the Savior of the world. Success in this life doesn’t mean that someone isn’t a follower of Christ, but it also doesn’t mean they are. And just because someone doesn’t live a life that is questionable doesn’t mean they are living forgiven.

Choose this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

God isn’t afraid of our choices, but he knows the end result of what we choose. After all, he allows his angels to choose and a host of them chose unwisely. And he’s not afraid of skepticism or doubt. That’s normal in life. But when we choose to challenge him, we need to know exactly who and what we’re dealing with. When we choose to ignore him, we need to know the full extent of the choice we’ve just made.

I want to be careful when I say this, but the rejection of Christ is an acceptance of the evil one himself, Satan. Many who reject Christ may say they’re not Satan lovers, but they’ve rejected Christ. So who do they think they’re following if it’s not Christ? I know. It’s an uncomfortable thought, and it may sound harsh. Most people who don’t accept the teachings of Christ don’t claim to be Satan worshippers. They don’t claim to follow the leader of the underworld. They may believe they are self-made and self-fulfilled and don’t need God in their lives. They don’t know the capabilities of the one who thought he could out-God God. They don’t know that he lost in his quest of self importance and pride to de-throne God. And that’s exactly why he’s no longer living in the presence of God Almighty. They don’t know that God threw him and his host of angels out of heaven and has doomed them to an eternity in hell. His name was Lucifer, and he was once a high ranking angel. Now he’s known as Satan and is the leader of darkness.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:7-11

How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. Isaiah 14:12-15

Many call themselves Christians, yet they haven’t repented of their sins. But Christianity is a humbling act of confession and turning from all sinful behavior. It’s a commitment to living a life in fellowship with Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground. If we haven’t chosen Christ as our Lord and Savior, he will not recognize us on the day we stand in judgment before him.

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ Matthew 25:41

In Joshua 24:14-28, Joshua implored the Israelites to choose to serve the Lord, and they promised they would. He knew exactly what punishment would lie ahead for them if they turned their backs on God. He told them plainly that he and his household would serve the Lord, and they must choose who they would serve. Just as Joshua chose and all of Israel had to choose, so does everyone else even today. Who do you choose to follow? One more question. When you’re face to face with God on judgment day, will your heart skip a beat because you’re being ushered into his presence for eternity or because you’re not?

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

Defending Your Faith

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A few weeks ago, a young man was baptized at our church. Our church doesn’t schedule one or two baptisms a year. They baptize someone as soon as the person says they’re ready after they’ve accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. No waiting. Let’s just get it done. And this baptism was very special. Oh. Our pastor made sure to remind the congregation that every baptism is special, but this one pretty much takes the cake. Everyone who is baptized at our church gives their testimony before they go under the water, so everyone can hear their salvation story. It isn’t an act they’re playing in front of a group of people. Their salvation is the real deal.

So. You ask. What made the baptism of this young man so special? I may not have his entire story correct, but here’s what I know. This young man came to this country within the last year from an Islamic country. He grew up in a strict Muslim home. He adopted his family’s faith, of course. He taught the beliefs. He sang in their services. He proselytized. He was a firm believer of Islam. And then he came to this country. At some point, he started to have doubts. He realized he no longer believed what he had been taught. So he sought out people of other faiths, all the way from atheism to Christianity. And he soon realized that deep down Christianity was the true faith he should follow.

After wrestling with God for awhile, he surrendered his life to his Creator and Heavenly Father. Oh. He knew the personal cost. If he were to ever return to his home country, he would lose his life. He realizes he may never be allowed to return. And he will not be able to see some of his family members ever again. But he has made the decision to follow Christ, at all costs. And so, he was baptized.

Yes. There is a price to pay for our faith. For those of us born in a country that celebrates religious freedom, we don’t give our religious freedom a second thought. But to someone such as this young man, he knows the price he would pay if he were to return home. He would pay with his life.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

Then just a few days ago, I was listening to the Relatable podcast where Allie Beth Stuckey interviewed Shahriq Khan, who is an ex-Muslim. This young man was raised in this country by very devout Muslim parents. He too became very devout in his faith and loved to share it with others. He would challenge Christians about their faith and found that they couldn’t really defend their beliefs. But during college, he began to have doubts. He gave up his faith and wasn’t sure what he believed. Like the young man at my church, he considered atheism and then he looked at Christianity. When he started searching for the truth, friends suggested he read the Bible. As he read and studied the Word of God, he realized Christianity was the truth. The way, the truth and the life. When he compared the stories in the Bible to the stories in the Quran, he found that the Quranic stories weren’t factual. He had been taught lies. He became a Christian and eventually began sharing his newfound faith.

And here’s the kicker. Here’s where we followers of Christ can learn from this young man. Since he knew the ins and outs of the Islamic faith, as a Christian he knew how to debate his Muslim family and friends. He knew the strengths and weaknesses of the Muslim faith. He knew that, as a Muslim, he had been taught how to counter the arguments Christians made against Islam. As a Muslim he learned how to defend his Muslim faith, and he did so proudly. But as a Christian, he then had to flip the switch and argue the strengths of the biblical gospel compared to the defects of the Islamic teachings. So he dug deep into God’s Word to prepare himself to counter the teachings of Islam.

This young man has started a ministry that teaches Christians how to dismantle the untruths of the Islamic faith when talking to Muslims. And this ministry is helping to turn Muslims to Christ. All because faithful Christians shared the Good News of salvation with a lost Muslim, who is now sharing his Christian faith with other Muslims. His goal is not to push Muslims out of our country. He wants to win them to Christ. We should join the fight with him and learn to share our faith with not only Muslims but with anyone who doesn’t know Christ.

Believers today have a responsibility to share their biblical faith with those who don’t believe. We can’t just go to church and then do nothing. We must study God’s Word and prepare and train to share the Good News that we’ve been taught. We must know how to refute the lies that Satan has planted in the hearts of so many who are lost. We can’t wait for the next person to speak up. We must do our part in sharing the Gospel.

We all have a mission field that we are serving. Do you recognize those in your sphere of influence who are spiritually lost? Do you know and understand your faith well enough to defend it to someone who believes differently? Are you willing to learn how to defend your faith? We only have so much time to reach the lost. If each of us who call ourselves believers aren’t doing our part, who will? How will the lost be won to Christ if Christians don’t share the Good News?

But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14

Heap of Trouble

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I was in the grocery store earlier this week for my weekly shopping trip. I always start in the produce section, since it’s near the door. I’ve noticed lately that a lot of the refrigerated produce is limp or the shelves are bare. This week, there were no honeycrisp apples. Being a honeycrisp lover, I was stumped. I asked the lady stocking the produce displays if they were out of the apples. She said they were. Then she went on to tell me that that particular day was the first day of the week they had received shipments of any fresh produce. Their warehouse is in a city at least two hours away, and because of the bad winter weather they couldn’t make their previously scheduled deliveries.

When I first saw that the entire display of my favorite apples was bare, I was a bit perturbed. It was in the morning hours and the store wasn’t crowded, so why wouldn’t their shelves be full? I saw that the apples were on sale, but how could they be sold out at ten o’clock in the morning? After a short conversation with the lady just doing her job, I cooled off a little. I realized there was more to the story that what I knew. I hadn’t taken into account the harsh weather conditions of the past few days. So I made the painful decision to choose another apple variety that I had never tried and hoped it would be good. It wasn’t.

It’s easy to become disturbed when we see or hear a story in the news. It seems these days that the news stories are lopsided and political opinions of the journalists take precedent over the actual facts. And at times, the full story isn’t being told. That’s exactly what I was doing in the grocery store. Oh. I wasn’t letting my politics affect my attitude, but my attitude was affected by my expectation of full shelves of fresh produce. I was disappointed in what I saw. But I didn’t know the full story, and the full story explained a lot more than what the first glance offered. I had to readjust my expectations. It was pretty simple. The truth is not always visible to the naked eye, and at times we must dig to find the truth. It would have been wrong for me to assume that the grocery store workers were being lazy, when all along they didn’t have the produce in stock. They were doing the best they could.

 Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right. ~Charles Spurgeon

We’re in a heap of trouble. You know that, don’t you? At least, that’s what some people are saying. That’s what the news organizations and influencers would tell you. Look at all the trouble in this country and in this world. Some people point the finger at just one man for causing all the problems. Others look at someone else. No one wants to own up to any of the issues that we see. It’s always someone else’s fault. Regardless of my response, I’m not at fault. It must be him. Or you. But never me.

We even hear stories from both sides telling how horrible the other side is. And our side is always right. Right? We don’t seem to have any wiggle room in our way of thinking. It’s either them or us. That’s what we’re told.

But I just wonder. Do we have to continue down this snaking path of us versus them? Me versus you? When do we sit down and talk it out? When do we actually admit that we could be wrong? Both of us. And I’m not taking sides here. I’m just admitting that each and every one of us is flawed. No one is ever right all the time. Can’t we just agree to disagree? Or better yet. Why don’t we actually examine both sides of the argument and see where the truth really lies? Let’s be openminded and be willing to admit we’re wrong and change our opinion, if needed.

What am I really saying? Let’s think before we speak. Let’s stop and check out the facts before we repost someone else’s opinion. Let’s not make up our minds about a situation before we’ve heard both sides of the story. And let’s listen to both sides. We can’t assume the person we trust is always the most reliable news source. We might be surprised by what we learn if we have an open mind about an issue we strongly support or oppose. Not everything is black and white. There’s a lot of fuzzy gray swirling around that we don’t even consider. We just believe what’s easiest for us and we go on about our business.

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Here’s the truth. There are some black and white issues in life, and people these days don’t want to admit it. There is a red line when it comes to biblical truth. Some people and even some pastors won’t talk about it these days. It’s called the truth about sin. What is sin and what isn’t? There’s only one book that tells us for certain where the red line is. Oh. I know. There are some gray areas in that book. Not everything is spelled out specifically, but many things are. Rights and wrongs. Dos and don’ts. Some practices in the Old Testament are obsolete now that the Promised Messiah has carried out his mission by dying on the cross for our sins. But truth is always truth. Regardless of what we believe, the truth doesn’t lie.

We can’t really tell how crooked our thinking is until we line it up with the straight edge of Scripture. ~Elisabeth Elliot

For example, if we read through the Ten Commandments, which ones would we say are no longer valid today? Do we still believe we should abide by all of them, or do we pick and choose only the ones that don’t make us squirm? As Allie Beth Stuckey says, politics matter because policies matter because people matter. We can’t ignore politics because we’re a Christian, and we can’t ignore biblical truth because our politics don’t line up with it.

We can deny God’s Word, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. The Word of God stands forever. It’s also easy to twist the original meaning of Scripture to support our beliefs. We can’t cherry pick certain Bible verses or phrases and then cut out the parts that make us uneasy. If Scripture makes us uneasy, that’s where we need to stop and examine our own hearts. What is God trying to say when we feel uncomfortable when confronted with the truth? When the truth of God’s word is distorted, it is sinful.

Avoid a sugared gospel as you would shun sugar of lead.

Seek that gospel which rips up, and tears, and cuts, and wounds, and hacks, and even kills, for that is the gospel that makes alive again; and when you have found it, give good heed to it.

Let it enter into your inmost being. As the rain soaks into the ground, so pray the Lord to let his gospel soak into your soul. Open the windows of your heart; God help you to do so, by devout attention and prayerful meditation, that the blessed, perfumed gospel may come floating through, and penetrate into the deepest recesses of your soul.

~Charles Spurgeon

Be Strong in the Lord

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Our small group has been studying the book of Jude. If you haven’t read Jude, you might want to dust off your Bible and read it. Jude is only one chapter with twenty-five verses. It would probably take ten minutes tops to read it in one sitting. What I find interesting about this book is that Jude continually writes in these few verses about apostasy in the church. If you don’t know what apostasy is, well here’s the definition.

Apostasy [uh-pos-tuh-see]: A total desertion of or departure from one’s religion, principles, party, cause, etc.

Jude’s full name was Judas, but who wants to have the same name as the disciple who betrayed Jesus? No one. And Jude was the brother of Jesus, so I’m sure it might have felt a bit uncomfortable to share the name of the man who betrayed your brother. I’d probably change my name, too.

But did you know that neither Jude nor the other three brothers of Jesus actually followed Jesus’ teachings while he was alive. It wasn’t until after he had risen from the dead that they became believers. Isn’t that interesting? Perhaps we should believe Jesus when he said that a prophet is not welcome in their own hometown. What child would actually believe that their older brother was the promised Messiah? I know that I never thought that my older brother was the Son of God.

And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. Luke 4:24

When Jude began writing his letter, his plan was to write about the faith he shared with his fellow believers. But he had to quickly change the tone of his letter when he learned that their church had been infiltrated by corrupt teachers. These teachers were now leading others astray by their false teaching and immoral behavior. Immoral behavior is a sign that someone’s theology has been tainted, otherwise they would still be following the teachings of Jesus.

These corrupt teachers were way off base and trying to take a church with them down a path to eternal death. It isn’t clear why they had stumbled in their walk of faith, but what we know is that they disobeyed the Word of God. Then they crept into the church unnoticed. Now they were encouraging others to follow their unsound teachings.

In his letter, Jude was urging the church to defend their faith. He was asking them to fight for what they believed and knew to be true. There are multiple ways to contend for our faith today. We can do it by calling out false teachers. We can support and applaud biblically sound teaching. Another way is to live out our Christian faith in an uncompromising way.

Jude had planned to write an encouraging and uplifting letter to this unnamed church but found he had to divert quickly in the letter to more pressing business. The same should be said for us today when we find false teachers quietly infiltrating our churches. We must stamp out the corrupt teaching and right the wrongs that have been done. We can’t let Satan’s work take shape in our churches or in our lives. We must fight the good fight until the end. We must contend for the gospel, which means that we must stand up and speak the truth even when it’s difficult.

Who knows. These corrupt teachers may have been well liked. Perhaps some people who were led astray believed those who had come into the church unnoticed were just misunderstood and should be given an opportunity to teach. Perhaps their teachings felt easier to follow than what Jesus had taught. But Jude knew what would happen if these infiltrators were allowed to continue preaching a false gospel. Many souls would be lost and the church would have seen a devastating loss.

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

We might ask how false teachers can quietly infiltrate a biblically sound church. It seems like that can’t happen, but it has happened many times over. It was happening so soon after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, and it has never stopped. We see it in churches all around us today. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing who appear to be sincere in their faith, but are trying to thwart the truth behind closed doors. We must be on guard at all times.

Just recently, I spoke to someone who told me that most of the churches in our area do not teach biblical truths. Yet some people who attend these churches may never realize they’re being fed lies. Perhaps misinterpreting the Bible is confirmation that the sinful life they choose to live is acceptable. They’re not seeking biblical truth. They’re seeking affirmation of their choices.

We Christians must be united in our fight against the evil powers of darkness. Our faith is worth being protected. Our salvation wasn’t freely given. It was bought with a huge sacrifice by the Son of God. He paid with his life. We too must sacrifice our selfish goals and desires and maintain a steadfast faith in our Savior.

As Jesus walked with two followers on the road to Emmaus, he shared the Scriptures with them in detail. Oh. They didn’t realize he had just been raised from the dead that morning. They didn’t know who he was. So he showed them by quoting Scripture after Scripture, letting the truth sink deeply into their hearts. And then when he broke bread with them, their eyes were opened. They recognized who he was.

As I was writing this, I was reminded that we need to put on the full armor of God every single day. It’s so important that we don’t set it aside at the end of the day and forget it the next morning. We have to get fully dressed every day in order to keep the enemy at bay. Then I found a couple of quotes in “A Gospel Primer for Christians” by Milton Vincent that said the same thing.

As long as I am inside the gospel, I experience all the protection I need from the powers of evil that rage against me. It is for this reason that the Bible tells me to “take up” and “put on” the whole armor of God; and the pieces of armor it tells me to put on are all merely synonyms for the gospel. ~Milton Vincent

That God would tell me to “take up” and “put on” this gospel armor alerts me to the fact that I do not automatically come into each day protected by the gospel. In fact, these commands imply that I am vulnerable to defeat and injury unless I seize upon the gospel and arm myself with it from head to toe. And what better way is there to do this than to preach the gospel to myself and to make it the obsession of my heart throughout each day? ~Milton Vincent

Our hearts must be open to reading and studying the Scriptures so we can discern truth from lies. We’ll be caught off guard if we don’t know why we believe what we believe. We must be able to explain our faith in simple terms to those who may ask for proof. When we know the Scripture, then we will also be able to detect untruths someone else may foist upon us.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18

But No One Asked

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I moved to this state eight months ago. My. How time flies. I buy groceries every week. The problem is that none of the grocery stores where I shopped in my previous state are available where I now live. None. There is no Kroger. Or Giant Eagle. No Whole Foods. Or Fresh Thyme. And no Trader Joe’s. None of them. Oh sure. There is a Walmart. And a Meijer. I just don’t shop at those stores. So, I’ve had to visit all the grocery stores in the area to find one I like. And it took weeks to settle on one. My favorite is farther away than I want to drive. And it’s the most expensive one. The next one is owned by the expensive store, and it’s a little pricey, too. So, I’ve settled on a third choice. It’s a good store. It’s clean and fully stocked. However, it doesn’t carry some of the items I am used to buying. But none of the others do, either. And that’s not really the issue for today.

The store that I’ve settled on is a decent one. I have no problem shopping there. But I’ve noticed I think is peculiar. They offer some type of rewards program. I’m not sure what it is because no one has explained it to me, and I haven’t asked. But here’s the thing. Every week when I go through the checkout line, the cashier asks if I am a rewards member. I say no. They say ok and continue with checking me out. They don’t ask if I want to join. And they don’t ask if I want to know about the program. They don’t say anything but “ok” when I tell them I’m not a member.

I find it odd that in all these months no one has asked if I’m interested in becoming a card carrying rewards member. Maybe they’ve asked others in the past who have refused. I don’t know. Or maybe the workers are trained not to offer the rewards program unless someone asks about it. I’m not interested in the program, but I find it very odd that they don’t wonder why I’m not a member. I’m assuming they don’t care. After all, the cashiers are just doing their job by scanning and bagging my groceries and then taking my payment. They don’t have to offer anything extra. And I’ve never been approached by a manager. I’m not even sure who the manager is. Or the assistant manager. I’m sure they’re busy working in their office or scouting through the store. I just find it odd that no one has asked.

And then there’s the sub sandwich shop that I seem to be frequenting more often than I should. They, too, offer some type of rewards program. Every time I order at the drive thru, they ask if I’m a rewards member. When I tell them I’m not, they just give the total that I owe for my sandwich. And when I pull up at the drive thru window, they’ve never asked if I wanted to join the rewards program or offered any information about it. What’s up with that?

In both instances with the grocery store and the sub shop, I’m sure I would be allowed to become a rewards member if I wanted. I’m assuming they wouldn’t deny anyone access to the program. After all, it’s free, aside from making purchases at their stores. And I’m not offended that neither of them has asked. I just find it odd that no one has asked.

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! Romans 10:13-15

As Christians, we come into contact with people every day who aren’t believers. And we say nothing to them about our faith. Oh. They may know that we attend church, but we never invite them. Heaven forbid that we ask someone to visit our church. And we sure don’t tell them about our relationship with God. I mean. We may say that it’s the most important relationship in our lives, over that of even our spouse and children. As it should be. But we don’t share the good news of salvation with anyone. We say we don’t want others to be uncomfortable with such a personal question, but I can guarantee most of us have probably discussed divisive politics with them. Or our personal problems. Or other people’s problems. But we don’t share how the most important decision we’ve ever made in our lives has changed our life forever.

How will unbelievers come to a growing relationship with Christ if no one tells them? How will they know that the only path to eternity with Jesus is through the old rugged cross? How will they know that they need to repent of their sins and commit to following Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior if they want to see him in heaven someday? If we who have received eternal life don’t tell them, who will?

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. But I ask, have the people of Israel actually heard the message? Yes, they have: “The message has gone throughout the earth, and the words to all the world.” Romans 10:17-18

We have to stop assuming that the next person will fill in the gap for our lack of obedience or initiative. We must step up and reach out to the lost. If all Christians are silent, how will we win the lost? Are we ashamed of the gospel? Oh. I’m just as guilty as the next person about keeping my faith to myself. I’m preaching to myself here.

I follow several influencers on social media. They are continually telling their followers about the new and awesome products they use, hoping to gain a commission from the sales. Oh. You say. That’s different. Influencers actually get paid for telling others about their favorite products. Does everything have to be about the almighty American dollar? Do we always have to expect something in return for a good we’ve done for others? We are not building up an earthly prize when we share the love of Jesus with others. Our reward will be in eternity. Isn’t it fulfilling to see others come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, just as we have? Wouldn’t you breathe a deep sigh of relief and joy knowing one more sinner has turned from the path to hell and is now marching to Zion?

Oh. We seem to be willing to express our opinions openly about topics we disagree with. If we have a bad experience at a restaurant or hotel or with a business, we want to tell the world. And sometimes we see people posting photos and a description of the bad service they’re received. They feel free to share their experience and anger or hurt feelings with even online strangers. But tell someone that Jesus is the light of the world? Share how Jesus has changed your life? Of course, we can’t. We’re too shy. It wouldn’t be right. It would be uncomfortable. What if I’m ridiculed? That’s what we say. So, we’re quiet. Too quiet. We’re so quiet, in fact, that we never share our faith at all. And we wonder why others don’t know.

One writer asks the question, “Do we see any secret-agent, underground Christians in the New Testament church?” I think not, he writes. So, we are not off the hook for sharing the gospel. We may not all be extroverts and find it easy and comfortable to share our faith, but we still must be faithful to speak when God opens the door for such a conversation. Just because someone doesn’t ask about our faith or about Christianity or the Bible doesn’t mean they’re not interested in learning about it. Perhaps they just don’t know anyone who is versed in such topics, as we live next to them tightly clutching our faith to our chest. And if we who know don’t speak up, shame on us.

If we believe God’s ways are truly best, then out of love of neighbor we need to promote God’s ways.

Dr. Glenn Sunshine

Know Your Instructor

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I’ve never been good at what we used to call “new math.” Oh. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. That’s all I need to know for what I do in my life. I don’t need new math. I just need the old, basic arithmetic. But I remember my high school algebra teacher. Well, here’s what I remember. I didn’t learn much, and I’m not sure how I even passed the class. I never took another math class in high school. Then I went to college, and one math class was on the agenda. The instructor was amazing. She made learning math seem easy. I’m not sure that I aced the class, but I learned more than I ever had in high school. But the information didn’t stick with me because I never needed to use it again.

Years later when I went back to school, math was one of the required courses for the degree I was pursuing. But I had to take a placement test to determine my proficiency level. It was maybe a fifteen question quiz. When I took my finished quiz to the proctor, she started grading it. Then she looked at me and said that I must have mixed up the answers to the questions. I said no, I didn’t and walked out. I knew I would have to take the most remedial math class that was offered before I could take the one math class required for the program.

I began the class. The instructor was good. He explained things well. I thought I was catching on, but then I would go home and start on the homework. I wasn’t keeping up with the work. My math knowledge had reached its limits. I quit the class and the school. Years later, I opted for another school and degree that didn’t require math.

From my failed math experiences, I learned that I need a math instructor who keeps things simple and uncomplicated. If I had had that type of instructor in high school, perhaps I would have been able to go further in my “new math” skills. But ever since then, I’ve opted for a life without the requirements of too much math, and I’ve survived just fine. And I’ve decided that if math becomes a requirement in my life, the key for my success is having the right instructor. I need someone who is patient and keeps the instructions clear and simple.

I realize that math proficiency is not related to only the instructor. It lies with me, too. And I realized many years ago that math just isn’t my strong point. And I’m fine with that. But I do need to have math skills in order to be proficient in this life, whether I like it or not. It’s up to me to take the initiative to learn the basics and apply them to the areas of my life where arithmetic is needed. I can’t slough off on it just because it’s not one of my strengths.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalms 25:4-5

Life can teach us hard lessons if we live a hard life. If we always seem to go against the teachings of those in authority, we can end up in tough life lessons. And it’s not really necessary, but we do it to ourselves because we think we know best.

The same can be said for our spiritual lives. We want what we want. And we don’t want God telling us what we can and can’t do. We want to set the rules for how we live our lives. And we let our social influences lead us. Even when they lead us down a dark and winding path that moves us further from God, we seem to follow blindly.

Oh. We may think we’re following God because, after all, we’re Christians. We go to church. We give money to the church. We may even volunteer to work in different ministries in the church. But we may find ourselves following the latest spiritual leaders who aren’t leading us biblically. And we think they are because their teachings sound so easy to follow. They don’t require use to change to do anything uncomfortable or self-sacrificing. But when we don’t read and study God’s word, we can be easily led astray. It’s easy to trust anyone who tells us to do only comfortable things. But when we read the Bible and Jesus teaches us that those who call themselves his followers must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him, then we start squirming in our seats.

Just this week, I saw a conference posted online where speakers and pastors were teaching other pastors unbiblical lessons. And then those pastors will go back to their churches and possibly teach their congregations these same unbiblical lessons. What is going on?

The only instruction that believers can trust is Scripture, which was inspired by God who doesn’t lie. He doesn’t bow to the latest fads. He doesn’t show favoritism. He offers full and complete forgiveness when we confess and repent of our sins. He instructs in the way we should live. He corrects us. He shows love and justice to everyone, regardless of the color of our skin or our birthplace.

Oh sure. We need others to come alongside us to mentor and disciple us. We need pastors who speak solid biblical truths preaching to us from the pulpit every Sunday. And then we must read and study the Word of God and apply it to our lives. There’s no way around this requirement, because it’s the only way we get to know God.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. Matthew 7:15

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 2 Peter 2:1-2

God’s instructions are straightforward, not complex. The ten commandments clearly tell us how to live. The Sermon on the Mount spells out the gospel of holy living in clear and concise words. Jesus didn’t beat around the bush when he preached to the multitudes, and those same simple words of instruction are given to us today to hear and obey. And every word written in that precious Book leads us to God. The story of salvation is not rocket science, and it’s definitely a math assignment. No one needs an advanced degree to understand it. The homework given to us is to obey the message of Jesus and embrace a life of repentance and forgiveness and then walk in obedience.

As Oswald Chambers says, if God speaks to us then we either do what he asks or tell him that we will not obey. We’re more than happy to listen to what other people say about God. We just don’t want to hear from God directly, because then we have a decision to make. And if the decision to obey God may cost us something more than we’re willing to give, we turn in the opposite direction. As a pastor recently said, there is a point of no return, and it’s either at our last breath or at the second coming of Jesus. Let’s not wait too late to make the decision to follow Christ.

When Persecution Matters

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We are told throughout the Bible that as Christians we can expect to be persecuted for our faith. After all, the disciples of Jesus were imprisoned, beaten, tortured and killed for following him. Our culture may not be as barbaric as theirs was, but we should not be surprised when we face persecution of some sort. Oh. We may not be put in prison or beaten or tortured or killed. But then again, we may.

Our lifestyle of faith will not be accepted in many circles these days. Does that mean we should stay sequestered in our homes? Does that mean we should remain silent about the God we serve? Should we abstain from speaking up about our convictions when they differ from those who could make life difficult for us in our place of employment or any other place we go?

Have you ever wondered what would happen to someone else’s faith if they knew you were facing heavy persecution? Do you imagine that they were be silent and run in the opposite direction? Because some would. But not everyone. All some people need to see is that one who speaks up. The one who stands up for truth at all costs. And they are emboldened to do the same. Most people don’t really want to be the one to start a revolution, but it takes one willing soul to start it. Oh. It may be only one person who steps forward to continue the fight. But one is better than none. 

The knowledge that someone is being persecuted for their beliefs may cause some to remain silent. Not everyone is a risk taker or is willing to pursue the truth, come what may. But there are those who are willing to pick up the mantle and carry the fight through for the next generation. 

The apostle Paul knew what it meant to suffer for his faith. While he was in prison, he wrote to the church in Philippi encouraging the believers to stay strong in their faith. And because of his eloquent faith, the believers were emboldened to speak confidently of theirs, as well. Knowing full well that they could come to the same situation as Paul found himself in, they stood by him and stood strong. They were not deterred by seeing one of their own being persecuted for voicing his beliefs.

If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. John 15:18-20

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. Philippians 1:12-14

The spiral of silence theory tells us that an individual’s perception of the distribution of public opinion influences that individual’s willingness to express their own opinions. John Stonestreet of the Colson Center says that when people are silent about an injustice or falsehood, even if they personally disagree, more people will be silent. So it’s easy to see why people stay silent. But when only one person dares to speak up, others feel empowered to speak, as well. No one wants to be alone.

In his book, The 1916 Project, Seth Gruber tells the story of Anna Bowden, who was a missionary in India. She had a burning desire and calling to share the good news of Jesus Christ to a lost country. Earlier missionaries to the area had not challenged the cultural beliefs and practices, even if those practices opposed biblical teachings. But Anna was different. She courageously spoke up against the Hindu practice of the infanticide of girls and sacrificing widows on their dead husband’s funeral pyres. She was killed in an attack on her mission station due to her outspokenness against this pagan cruelty. Gruber writes that “Anna Bowden changed the world by her life and by her death because she knew the kingdom of God would have the final say. Though our circumstances may be quite different from Bowden’s in rural India, we have the same choice before us. We can hide our lives in safety and security, or we can spend them on that which is eternal.”

But this young woman’s death ignited the courage of other missionaries. Gruber continues on to say that “within India, missionary communities that had played it safe previously were emboldened and renewed their efforts. The result was the sort of fruit that hadn’t been seen in a generation.” Just as Paul’s imprisonment caused other believers to gain confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear, Anna Bowden’s death stirred other missionaries to take up the cause of the the sanctity of life regardless of India’s Hindu culture.

I wonder if the silent Germans ever looked back at the end of their lives and wished they had spoken up in support of their Jewish neighbors who were marched off to internment camps, never to be seen again. As we go about our lives, can we stand tall with a clear conscience because we speak up for our beliefs, or are we unable to look those in the eye who have suffered because of our silence? It’s not only that we must speak up for our biblical beliefs, but we must also speak up against the wrongs being doled out in the name of cultural acceptance. When we know how to biblically treat our neighbors and don’t do it, how can we expect to stand in judgment before our God and be rewarded for a life well lived?

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:8-10

Division

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He was a killer. He was a tyrant. A bully. A fighter. Oh. I’m not sure that he actually killed anyone out right. But he approved of Stephen’s killing. He stood by while an innocent man was stoned to death. And then he moved on. Looking for more victims. You see. He was looking for believers. Men and women. He would drag them from their homes and families and put them into prison.

He was a man who thought he was working for God, but instead he was working against God. He looked to bring down anyone in opposition of what he stood for. He was trying to destroy the church. He frightened anyone who came near him. His reputation preceded him. Those who had heard of him would do anything to stay out of his path.

Why was he being such a brute? His victims were believers of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He believed in God, but he didn’t believe in the risen Christ. He stood against everything they stood for. And he was determined to take down that group of believers. Oh. The devil had his soul, all right. And he didn’t care.

Who was this man?

Saul was a Pharisee. He had studied the Hebrew and Greek Bible. In his day, he would have memorized many Scriptures. He knew the law inside and out and obeyed it religiously. He once said that he was the best Jew one could find. He was a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. His heritage could not be denied. So, why was he against this group of believers?

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:18

There was another man. He was Stephen. He was a man of God. A follower of the Way. He was a member of a group who believed that Jesus Christ, the Messiah had been born and then died on a cross. He was among a group of seven chosen to distribute food to the widows. And with this responsibility came boldness. He boldly preached the new message of salvation.  He even performed miracles. He was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.

So it was widely known that Stephen was a believer of the message of the Messiah, just as Saul was well known for hunting those believers. They were on a collision course. One fateful day, their paths met and it changed the course of history. Stephen’s physical life ended and he entered heaven’s gates. Saul continued on his path of destruction.

At some point, Saul took his beliefs too far. That’s when he started persecuting Christians. He was out for blood. He was a zealot for revenge. What was he trying to prove? He was trying to protect the traditions of his ancestors instead of seeking salvation from the Savior.

History shows that Saul disagreed with the message Stephen was preaching. They stood on opposite sides of an argument that no human could settle. One group of Jews believed in the Messiah and others didn’t. They had never met, but they couldn’t agree to disagree.

Saul belonged to the group who didn’t believe in the Messiah. Stephen believed in the Messiah, the risen Savior.

So there stood Saul. Standing guard over the coats. Some might say he was minding his own business.  But really. He was an eyewitness to a murder. He could have stopped it. Or he could have gone for help. He could have spoken up. But no. He watched Stephen die. The man was stoned to death. I wonder if Saul even flinched when he saw the stones made contact.

Saul stood up for his beliefs and others paid with their lives. Stephen stood up for his beliefs and he paid with his life. It didn’t have to be that way.

You can read the full story of Saul and Stephen in Acts 6-8.

As in the day of Saul and Stephen, today’s church isn’t a perfect place. It’s filled with people who have differing opinions and beliefs. Many today have opposing thoughts and convictions about so many topics. There will always be rumblings of discontent. In the church and outside the church walls. Some believe one way. Others believe another way.

The question is. Do the beliefs point back to Scripture? Are the opinions and rumblings based on Biblical teaching or personal preference? Are we holding on to the traditions of our ancestors when they only followed rigorous laws and rules? Or are we following the teachings of the Messiah and seeking redemption for our sins?

I wonder. When we can’t agree to disagree, are we holding onto an idol of our own making? Are we more concerned with having our way instead of building up the church? If believers can’t agree, what message does that send to those who are questioning their own faith?

As believers, we really do need each other. We need to build up one another. Support and encourage each other. We must pray for each other. Times are tough. They may be tough for a long time. We’re not guaranteed an easy life. So, during these times of uncertainty and uneasiness, let’s pull together and support one another.

And if we disagree, let’s agree that we disagree.

The heart of the gospel should be the gospel of the heart.

It’s Never Too Late

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He turned and caught my eye.  He wasn’t sure if he should look.  But he did.  I wasn’t sure if I should return the look.  But I did.

He was pushing his bike in the intersection when the left arrow turned green.  It was my turn to go.  But he was in the way.  I had to wait.

Maybe he didn’t mean to catch my eye.  Maybe he was just checking to make sure I wasn’t going to charge into him.  Or maybe he was checking to see if I was going to make some obscene gesture.  Or mouth some bad words.  I didn’t do any of that.  I just looked at him.  I waited.

I continued to look.  I saw sadness about him.  Uncertainty.  Unhappiness.  Desperation.  I wondered why he wasn’t riding the bike.  I wondered why he wasn’t driving a car.

I wondered what got him to this point in his life.  Had he made some wrong decisions?  Did he have some habits he couldn’t break?  I didn’t mean to judge.  But I did.

I remember someone else I see regularly standing on that same street corner.  She holds a sign.  Need money.  No job.  Please help.  The thing is.  I’ve seen her there for over a year now.  Once a week.  I sometimes see her walking up to that corner.  I always wonder where she came from.  She pulls out her sign and unfolds it.  Like it’s her job.  I wonder if it is her job.   To stand on that street corner and ask for money.  Perhaps she’s standing on a different street corner every day.

I wonder why she hasn’t gotten a job yet.  I wonder if she’s scamming people for money.  And that’s her job.  I wonder if she really is homeless.  She doesn’t look homeless.

I don’t look her in the eye.  I look away instead.  I’ve been known to put on my sunglasses so I can look at her without looking her in the eye.  I don’t trust her motives.  I don’t mean to judge.  But I do.

Then I remember a man who was judged.  He was hung on a cross and left to die.  Three days later he shocked the world and left the tomb where he had been buried.  He could have saved himself.  But he didn’t.  He could have been the judge and jury of those accusing him of things he didn’t do.  Of things he didn’t say.  But he didn’t.

Instead, he showed love.  As he hung on that middle cross, dying.  One rebel hanging with him cursed him.  The other rebel defended him and asked to be remembered.  Jesus looked over to the man and offered salvation.  Later that day, the man was in heaven.  Meeting up with God.  Because one man, Jesus Christ, cared enough to look him in the eye.  To offer hope and salvation and eternal life.  Instead of judging him.  In the last minutes of that rebel’s life, he was forgiven.  He was given eternal life in heaven.

It’s never too late to receive Jesus’ love and forgiveness.  All you have to do is ask.  

It’s never too late to stop judging others.  It’s never too late to share God’s love.  It’s never too late to offer the hope of heaven.

Maybe I need to start looking more people in the eye.