God Gave the Increase

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

If one were to type in “church growth” into the search engine of his choice on the Internet or any bookstore, he would find a wide variety of websites, links to programs, blogs, videos, books, articles, and opinions of how to affect increase in the church. The modern philosophy seems to be that the church should adapt to the world, though the Bible declares that Christians are not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the word (Romans 12:1,2). As Christians, we should be concerned about the growth of the church. We love the souls of mankind and desire for all men to hear the word and obey the gospel (Matthew 28:19,20). The question that we must answer is this: how can we help the church to grow?

The answer to the problem of church growth is found in the example of husbandry. In Luke 8:5-18, Jesus told the parable of the sower and explained the parable to the disciples. The job of the Christian is to plant seed, which is the word of God (v.11). In James 1:21, the implanted word (NKJV) is able to save the soul. The farmer who plants few seeds in the field will not reap a harvest. He must sow the proper amount of grain in order to produce a crop. The field must also be cultivated and watered. In the most basic sense, if a farmer properly prepares the soil and sows the proper amount of seed, he will produce a crop (unless weather, livestock or other outside forces destroys the crop).

Brethren, if we want the De Leon congregation specifically and the church of Jesus Christ in general, to grow, then we must follow the simple pattern of God’s word: plant and water. If we do our job, God will give the increase.

Presently, we are involved in viewing the series Searching for Truth. We can pass out these DVDs for our friends and family to watch (of course it is best if we watch it together). WVBS also has a video lesson on What Must I Do to Be Saved, which is a one lesson video that we can pass out. There are other video resources of course, but there is also print media. I recommend a book to you that is a narrative about how one man and his wife became Christians. The book is titled Muscle and Shovel. It is very popular in our current culture to use this narrative style in teaching sales, business, and time management. You may prefer a more straight forward approach but what this book does is walk through the growth process, deals with the objections, and overcomes obstacles that many face in study of the Bible and how one can know the truth and be saved. There are other methods such as Bobby Bates Back to the Bible or the Fisher’s of Men series. Whatever you choose to do, one thing is certain: we will never get a harvest if we don’t plan seeds!

Are you planting? Are you watering? Do you really think an increase will come if we just sit in the pews or stay in the comfort of our homes? Think about it. Are you planting and watering? Oh, you don’t have to knock every door in town, but have you talked to your best friend…and I mean seriously sat down with Bible in hand and talked about salvation and the church that Christ purchased with His own blood? I hope you think about it as we come to the end of the year. Make it a point to talk to your family and friends about Christ in 2014.

You can get your copy of Muscle and Shovel at Michael Shank’s website for $14.95. I recommend you get several: http://www.michaelshankministries.com/

You can get your copy of Searching for Truth or What Must I Do To Be Saved? at wvbs.org (along with many other great resources for study).

Psalm 13 & 14

Psalm 13

The thirteenth Psalm demonstrates the frustration David was going through and the sorrow he felt as his enemies pursued him. Yet David knew where to place his trust. David wrote, “I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me” (v.5,6 – ESV).

As we come to the end of another year, we look back and remember all the difficulties we have faced and the great blessings we have received. Most people have the tendency to focus on the negative. We remember the hurtful things that people have done to us. We remember the financial difficulties we have suffered. We remember the hardships, heartaches, and health issues we had to overcome. We remember the pain we, our friends and our families have felt. It is easy to look back and gripe and complain, wondering what might have been. Negative thinking will not help you to have a great day.

Instead, let us remember the bountiful blessings of God. Remember the people who have touched your lives this year. Remember the people who have been benevolent toward you. Remember those who have prayed for you, who have sent encouraging words to you, and those who ask about your well-being. Remember the great opportunities for growth that have come your way, how you benefited from the struggles you were able to overcome, and the blessings or prayer as you sought help from the only One who can actually do something about our hard times. Remember the financial blessings that have been given to you (especially considering we are very rich considering how most of the world lives). Rather than focusing on the hardships, let us focus on God. His love is constant and true. He provides us with salvation when we do His will. Therefore, we praise God for all that He has done for us…for His bountiful blessings.

If you do not know God and if you do not have a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the best thing you can do as we come to the end of the year is to give your live to Christ. We would love to have you come worship with us and if you have questions about how you can become a Christian, please let us know. We would love to help you come into the bountiful blessings of the Lord.

Psalm 14

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God” (v.1). It is unbelievable that anyone would not believe in God. In fact, the Bible declares that since the beginning of the world, God has made it clearly evident that He exists. He has made it possible for the world to see His everlasting power and divinity. Therefore we have no excuse if we fail to believe in God (Romans 1:20).

Because of their unbelief, many have failed to seek God (v.2). As a result they have become filthy and do not do what is good (v.3). If one does not believe in God, then obviously, they will not want to live under His authority. Sadly, even some claiming to believe in God do not want to live under His authority. Those who love God, keep His commandments (John 14:15).

The missing ingredients are knowledge (Hosea 4:6) and fear (Proverbs 1:29). Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Our mission in life is two fold: to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13); and to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). With knowledge of God’s word and a reverence for God we should have a desire to help the lost know God. Salvation comes from the Lord (Psalm 14:7).

Friends and neighbors, there is a God. He loved you so much that He sent His Son to die in yourstead (John 3:16). Christ loved you so much that He laid down His life for you (1 John 3:16). We love you enough to tell you the truth about the Christ and His church. We want to help. If you need proof that there is a God and there is a way that will lead you to eternal life, please contact us and we will be thrilled to study with you.

Empty Stomachs

“An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.” Albert Einstein

Have you ever gone to the grocery store when you were hungry? If you have not, let me advise you that this is not a good practice. It has been my experience that when returning home, I would find myself not with healthy vegetables, meats, breads, and fruits from my shopping list, but with cookies, soft drinks, ice cream, and every item that “looks good.” This is not a healthy way to shop, nor is it economical. An empty stomach is not a good decision maker.

Einstein may have been thinking of party choices, economic decisions, governmental policy, or even wise, prudent decisions in general. Regardless of his original meaning, the statement rings true. We will not make good quality decisions when something is missing in our lives.

Each day we are faced with a plethora of decisions such as when to start our day, what to eat, what we do, etc. More importantly, we are faced with decisions about the kind of person that we will be, what we teach our children, the strength of our relationship with our spouse, and the depth of our relationship with God. These decisions are affected by what is in our “stomachs.”

If we are going to make good decisions, we need to fill those empty stomachs. Most of us remember the ads telling us we are what we eat. We understand that eating junk food will hurt our bodies and that failing to eat healthy foods can lead to many health problems. Likewise, when we fail to eat the spiritual food of God’s word, we will be facing all kinds of spiritual health problems. Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and finish His work” (John 4:34). Job 23:12 says, “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” The message is true for all men. We need to fill our spiritual stomachs with God’s word to bring forth good fruit. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6). Like the Romans, let us be “full of goodness, filled with all knowledge” (Rom. 15:14). Knowing the love of Christ let us be “filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19). Let us have love that abounds, knowledge, discernment, approving what is excellent, being sincere without offense, and be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11). With stomachs and lives filled with the goodness of God, we will make good decisions.

The alternative to being filled with God’s will so that we can make good decisions is to live making decisions out of our emptiness as did the lost son. “He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate” (Luke 15:16). The lost son thought that he had the world figured out. He thought he knew everything he needed to know to be successful in life. What he learned is that when his heart and mind were focused on the wrong things, such as the pleasures of life, money, food, popularity, and having his own way, that his life was empty.

What is sad is that most of our world feels like the lost son. Most people think they can do it their way and will be fine. So did Israel of old. But God made it clear they were wrong. Hosea 4:6 gives us a great warning: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” To fail to feed on God’s word will leave us in a situation where we will be lost eternally. We must not be spiritually malnourished.

What is your stomach filled with: Godly things or worldly ideals? Fill your stomachs with the word of God and His plan for your life. If I can help you, let me know.

— Denny Wilson

 

Thanksgiving

Some believe that thanksgiving had its beginning with the Pilgrims in the Plymouth Colony in 1621. Others believe that thanksgiving had its beginning with the institution of the national holiday by George Washington in 1789. But I suggest to you that thanksgiving had its beginning in the God of heaven.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17,18, we are told to pray without ceasing and in everything to give thanks. The Christian should be thankful for the earthly blessings he has received (Matthew 6:33) and for the spiritual blessings he has received (Ephesians 1:3). The offering of thanks giving to God is not new to the Christian dispensation. The children of Israel were to be thankful for the things God had done for them (1 Chronicles 16:8), for His love for them (1 Chronicles 16:34), for the salvation He provides (1 Chronicles 16:35), for His righteousness (Psalm 7:17), and for His protection (Psalm 28:7).

Christians should count their blessings each day and praise God for His wonderful works. With our whole hearts, let us give thanks to God, praising His glorious name every day for all that He has done for us (Psalm 86:12).

Friends and neighbors we ought to be thankful for our homes, our families, our opportunities to work with our hands, our school system, our medical community, our law enforcement personnel, our postal service, our businesses that provide for our needs, our government that strives to help us live peacefully with protection from the evil doer, and for our country which provides us the opportunities to worship God, praising Him for His marvelous works, in freedom from persecution. Take a moment out of each day to be thankful for the blessings of God: physically and spiritually.

Special Invitation: We would like to invite you to come and worship with us at every opportunity. During the week of Thanksgiving, we will be having our mid-week service on Wednesday night at 7:00. We pray you will come and join us as we will use this hour for singing songs of praise to God, reading Scriptures with reasons for thankfulness, and in prayer thanking God for all that He has done for us.

Pure Words (Psalm 12)

The words of men can be cutting and hurtful. The Psalmist declared that everyone utters lies to his neighbors, with flattering lips and a double mind. They boast with their tongues saying they will prevail over them because of their words.

In contrast to the words of men, we are told about the wonderful words of the Lord. “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace…purified seven times” (ESV). God’s word is pure and holy. We can take confidence in His promises. We have comfort because of His words of peace, hope, love, and joy.

Two things we should learn from this great Psalm: first, we need to control our tongues. It is not right to talk negatively about your neighbors and friends. It is not right to be using your mouth to lie. Instead, use your words to speak words of love and encouragement to others. Yes, the tongue is hard to control (James 3:2-12; esp.v8). Even so, we can use our speech for good things. “Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as the need be, that it may give grace to them that hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

Second, we need to remember that the Lord is in charge and His words are pure. We are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-28). He has given us the ability to communicate and He expects us to communicate in a positive manner. Let us strive to use our words in a positive and pure manner rather than the hurtful and lying words of men.

According to You

“We are living a Gospel, A chapter each day, By deed that we do, By word that we say; Men read what we live, Whether faithless or true, Say! What is the Gospel According to you?”

— Author Unknown

To the church in Corinth, Paul wrote, “You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart” (2 Corinthians 3:2,3). These words of praise should have been a great source of encouragement to these first century Christians. They were living in a rough time, in a rough city for the child of God. Yet, Paul said that they were known and read by all men. Their lives were lived for Christ and people knew it (Philippians 1:21; Galatians 2:20).

 

The prophet Jeremiah told of a day when the new covenant would be established. The new covenant was established when Christ died and the church was established (Acts 2; Hebrews 7-9; Colossians 2:14). Jeremiah said that in that day the new covenant would be in the hearts of men. “Says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (Jeremiah 31:31-34). This passage is quoted and applied to the new covenant in Hebrews 8:1-13. In its application of the passage, the author writes, “For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second… In that He says, “a new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away” (v.7,13). Jesus is the Mediator of the new covenant which went into place after His death (Hebrews 9:15-17). This is good news! “He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13,14). The Law of Moses is no longer the law we must follow. Instead, we follow the law of Christ. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” Romans 8:1,2). We are under the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). The new covenant has been recorded for us by men inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20,21; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). The New Testament is the will of God that we must know and obey.

While it is recorded in the form of the written word, the gospel must also be written in our hearts. We must hear the word in order to believe and obey it (Romans 10:17). We must believe the gospel which means we must write its truths on our hearts (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:1,6). In order to obey it, it must become a part of who we are. We must live for Christ each day (Philippians 1:20). Then with the word written on our hearts, we can impact the world with the gospel being known and read by men, letting our lights shine before men so that they glorify God (Matthew 5:13-16).

Additionally, we must teach the gospel to a lost and dying world (2 Timothy 2:2). We cannot teach the truth until we know the truth and live the truth. We must spend more time in drawing near to God in study so that we may be living epistles for God.

Questions: What is written on your heart? When others see your life, does it point them to Christ? When others look at you, do they want to know more about God, or do they turn away from God? Do people see you as an example of righteousness? What is the gospel according to you, as demonstrated by your life?

What a Great Nation!

The fourth chapter of Deuteronomy declares the importance of the child of God remaining faithful to the word of God. Moses commanded the children of Israel to remain faithful so that they would live, go in and possess the land of Canaan. In order to receive the blessing from God, there were conditions. They were to hold fast to the Lord (v.4), not adding to or taking away from the commandments of the Lord (v.2). By sticking to the will of God, they would have wisdom and understanding and the people of the land would see the Israelites as a great nation. Moses described why Israel was a great nation in Deuteronomy 4:7-9: “For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren” (Deut. 4:7-9). 

There are several wonderful lessons the New Testament Christian can learn from this powerful passage.

Just as for the Israelite, the Christian is a part of a special nation. We are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people” (1 Peter 2:9). Therefore we have several blessings that the world does not have.

We are able to draw near to God (Deut. 4:7). The Christian is one who draws near to God, avoiding the friendship with the world, resisting the devil, submitting to God, and humbling himself before God (James 4:4-10). As we draw near to God, He draws near to us.

Christians receive the blessing of being able to draw near to God in prayer. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:12). As Christians, we can approach the throne of God to receive help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 5:7). We are a great nation because we can call on God!

Christians are blessed in that we have the governing law of God to guide us. The Old Law has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). But we are under a new and better law: the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ (Romans 8:1,2); the Law of Christ; the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25); the royal law (James 2:8); and the new covenant, the last will and testament of Christ (Hebrews 9:15-17). If we will keep the law of God, we will be a great nation!

Since we have a relationship with the One True God and can draw near to Him, can call on Him in prayer, and have a law that guides our way in this life (Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalm 119:105), we have responsibilities. Every citizen must do his part to make the kingdom be a success.

For the Israelite of old and the Christian today, we must take heed to ourselves. We must watch out for the temptations that may come our way. We must examine ourselves and make sure we are walking the straight and narrow. As Paul instructed Timothy, we must take heed to ourselves so that we may save our souls and others we may influence through preaching and action (1 Timothy 4:16).

We must diligently keep ourselves. Paul wrote, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). We must take diligent care for the way we live. We must fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith if we want the reward of eternal life in heaven (2 Timothy 4:6-8). We must “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Be diligent!

Moses warned the Israelites that they must not forget the things their eyes had seen (Deut. 4:9). They had first hand knowledge of the power of God and the utter failure of the idolatry of other nations. They had ample warning. Brethren, we must not forget the past. We must learn from the Scriptures so that we can live in a way that is pleasing to the sight of God. We must avoid the sin that has occurred within the religious world in days gone by. It is said that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Let us not forget the lessons of the Bible.

Failure to draw near to God, pray to God, live by His law, taking heed to ourselves, keeping ourselves with diligence, and remember the lessons from the past results in a horrible condition: the way of God will depart from our hearts. In the parable of the sower, the seed that fell on the wayside was trampled down and the birds devoured it...Satan came and take it away. These had the word of God taken from their heart when they should have believed and been saved (Luke 8:15-18). Others had no root because they did not study and grow into maturity (Luke 8:13). Others were choked out by the cares, riches and pleasures of life (Luke 8:14). Don’t let God’s law depart from you.

We are a special and great nation. We can continue the progress of the nation by being good teachers of the gospel to a lost and dying world. We need faithful, able teachers who will impart the word to others (2 Timothy 2:2). We need parents and grandparents who will teach their family the gospel (Deut. 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:5). We can live a prosperous life in Christ when we follow the ways of God and help others to do the same. 

Brethren, if we will do our part to promote the kingdom of God by living the word and teaching it, growth will occur! What a great nation!

— Denny Wilson

 

The Lord is Righteous (Ps. 11)

The eleventh Psalm declares that the righteous are oppressed by the wicked. Even so, the righteous are not left to defend for themselves. We must put our trust in the Lord (v.1). The Lord reigns from His throne in heaven (v.4). He is watching over us each day. He knows our needs. He knows our sorrows (1 Peter 5:7). He knows our hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). He will repay the wicked (Romans 12:19,20). Often in life we try to take everything into our own hands. We want to be in control. We want to do things according to our own will. But Psalm 11 provides us with the encouragement to trust God, live according to His will and understand that God will provide.

“The Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright” (Psalm 11:7). The righteous have fellowship with the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ and with one another (1 John 1:3). John wrote, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6,7). When we live righteous lives as children of God, we have fellowship with God and with one another. However, if we do not live according to the doctrine of Christ, we are not righteous and we will not have fellowship with God, the Son, or with God’s children. The Lord is righteous and He expects His children to live righteous lives.

The Righteous Lord will watch over His children. He wants us to live righteous lives. He is not pleased when we are sinful and self-willed. When we live right according to God’s will, then we have fellowship with Him and with one another. Are you living a righteous life in the presence of a Righteous Lord? If you need help with this, let us know. We would love to help!

You Must Shine in this Dark World

I have a book in my library entitled, Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service, by Ron Zemke and Kristin Anderson. The first rule for achieving outstanding service is called, “The Only Unbreakable Rule: To the Customer, You Are the Company.”

They went on to explain, “Customers don’t distinguish between you and the company you work for. Nor should they. To your customer’s way of thinking, you are the company. Customers don’t know how things get done behind doors marked EMPLOYEES ONLY. They don’t know your areas of responsibility, your job description, or what you personally can and cannot do for them. And they don’t care. To customers, those things are your business, not theirs.”

It really isn’t much different for Christians. The world should see Jesus and His church in us. They should see our love and good works (Eph. 2:10). They should see we are Christians by our love (John 13:35). They should see our treatment and concern of people in this world and know our motivation (Gal. 6:1,2,9,10). They should see our lights shining brightly for Christ (Matt. 5:16). They should see that we are not just saying with our mouths that we are Christians but that we living a life representative of Christ and His church.

Of course we must point out that we are not trying to draw men to ourselves. “For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). The glory belongs to Christ. By our lives of service to others and faithfulness to God, we can help others to know what it means to be a Christian. It may be that someone is interested in knowing more about Christ and His church and because of our actions; they may ask us for help. What story are you telling by your actions?

Humble Servants (Psalm 10)

The wicked persecute the poor, appear to be prosperous, and generally think they will never have a problem in this world (v.1-11). It seems that around every corner that there are those who are looking to take advantage of those in need. Sadly, there are also those who through fraud take advantage of those with big hearts making it harder to get help for those truly in need. The Christian cannot let these problems distract them from being a good servant of God.

The Lord is King forever and ever (v.16). He will hear the desires of the humble. Humility is a character trait that is lacking but that is much needed in our world. It is important that we consider others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3,4). We must be servants to the world. It is essential that we help our fellowman, especially the fatherless, the oppressed, and the widows (v.18; James 1:27).

Let us humble ourselves before the Lord and He will exalt us (James 4:10). We will not need to be oppressing others to get ahead. We will not have to mistreat anyone by fraud. Fellow citizens, let us help those who are in need with love for their souls and love for the Creator of souls.

Prolong Your Days

In the final words of Moses, we find the challenge to the Israelites to remain faithful. These words should be a challenge to all who fear God and want to go to heaven:

“Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel, and he said to them: “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe — all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 32:45-47).

From this great passage we learn several key elements in faithful living toward God:

First, we must set our hearts on following God. Just as Ezra “prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10), the Christian must be preparing his heart to learn the will of God so that he can keep God’s commandments and teach God’s will to the lost. Rather than being obsessed with things of this world, we must “set our mind on things above, not on things of the earth” (Colossians 3:2). Let us make the decision to follow God’s will in all things.

Second, we must set our hearts on the word of God. Oh the beauty of the 119th Psalm: “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (v.11); “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (v.97); “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (v.105). Peter rightly declared, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Our hearts are to turn to God and His word for guidance in daily life for it is profitable and complete (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3; Jude 3).

Third, we must set our hearts on teaching God’s word to our children. There is a great privilege in having children. Children are a blessing from God (Psalm 127:3-5). With that blessing comes responsibility. The Christian must teach his children the ways of God, nurturing and admonishing them in the Lord (Ephesians 6:1-4). Teaching is not a once in a while activity, nor is it something to be left to a Bible class teacher on Sunday morning. Teaching our children and grandchildren must be done daily, looking for opportunities in all that we do (Deuteronomy 6:4ff).

Fourth, we (including our children) must be careful to observe all of the words of the law. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience is essential in gaining salvation. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him (Hebrews 5:9). In order to obey, we must first gain understanding. We must study the Bible so that we can know the truth (John 8:31,32; 2 Timothy 2:15). In order to observe the Scriptures, we must open our Bibles and look deeply into the text for instruction and in order to grasp the ways of God. Remember, faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17).

Fifth, setting our hearts on God and His word is not a futile thing. To be futile is to be worthless, useless, or have no purpose. The study and knowledge of God’s word is not a vain thing. The famous words of Hosea 4:6 declare that the children of God were being destroyed for a lack of knowledge. The Proverbs are written so that we would understand the importance of Godly wisdom. Brethren, it is very important that we study the word and follow God’s ways. The purpose of study is that it brings us closer to God and with proper application it will help us to gain life everlasting.

Sixth, setting our hearts on God and His word will bring us life. The wonderful words of life we sing about and that Peter spoke about are the words of God. There are many books produced each year for the purpose of helping the reader to be better in life. These self-help books are on everything from physical health to financial health and even some claiming to give the reader spiritual health. But there is only on Book that will ever point us to life and that is the Bible. Many of us are busy trying to be better parents, employees, or be better prepared for retirement. In and of themselves, these are good goals. But the greatest goal and the most often neglected goal by many, is the opportunity to gain eternal life. We must make Bible study a priority in our lives so that we may know the truth and be saved.

Seventh, setting our hearts on God and His word will prolong our days. While no one person is guaranteed long life in this world, the principles of God promote physical and financial health. Christians with hearts set on doing the will of God will not be brought down by drugs and alcohol that kill so many people in this world. Christians determined to follow Christ will not be involved in gambling and riotous living. Christians who love their fellow man will not take their lives or harm them in any way. Christian living is wholesome living and lends itself toward happiness and long life. Then as faithful children of God, we can reach out to the lost with the Gospel and edify the saved throughout our lives, serving God while we live so that we can rejoice forever in the next life.

The words of Moses to Joshua and the children of Israel are highly motivational for the child of God today. Let us strive to set our hearts on God and doing His will so that we can gain eternal life.

God's Justice (Psalm 9)

We should praise God for his justice knowing that His judgments will be right (v.4). God will one day judge the world with righteous judgment and will administer justice (v.7,8). There are two options for the judgment that we will receive. Either we will receive the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation (John 5:29). Friends and neighbors please let the gravity of the judgment of God sink in. We must live in accordance with God’s will to obtain life everlasting.

The good news is that the Lord is a refuge for those who are oppressed and for those in times of trouble (v.9). If we know God and put our trust in Him we have confidence that He will not forsake us (v.10; Hebrews 13:5). We must turn to God for salvation. Many seek their own paths but learn too late that only God can direct our steps (Jeremiah 10:23). Even when the way of God is made clear, there are those who will not follow God’s path but will instead say, “we will not walk in them” (Jeremiah 6:16).

The bad news is that the Lord will execute harsh judgment on the wicked (v.16,17). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Unless that sin is repented of the result will be that the soul will perish (Luke 13:3). If you are living in sin, turn to God. He loves you and does not want you to perish (2 Peter 3:9). God’s righteous judgment is coming. Are you ready?

Dedication to Bible Study and Prayer

In an article written by J.D. Tant, in the Firm Foundation, on March 23, 1909, a complement was paid to Carroll Kendrick, a fellow Texas gospel preacher. Brother Tant wrote, “Kendrick was the most incessant worker and most thorough Bible teacher I ever worked with. Seven hours a day was his limit to work in a protracted meeting, and no day fell below that.” Can you imagine seven hours a day of Bible study for many days or ever weeks? The further explanation of the meeting was listed as one hour of Bible reading followed by one hour of preaching explaining the passage, twice a day, then thirty minutes in song, thirty minutes of reading and prayer, and one hour of preaching explaining the reading. Brother Tant then went on to explain how people of that day had started to reject what had once been the norm. He wrote, “But brethren have grown so busy of late years, and have so much to care about that none have time to camp at a meeting, and at few places do they have time to have a service in the day time. So the preacher, instead of getting in seven hours a day in his meeting, is compelled to waste his time and put only thirty minutes each night, as few can stand to hear a preacher longer than that.”

Brother Tant, and preachers of that day, would weep over the condition of the gospel meeting and worship services in our day. Today we have cars to carry us quickly from work or home to a meeting location. We sit in air conditioned buildings on cushioned pews while in that day they might walk, ride in a buckboard, or ride a horse 20 miles or more to hear the preaching of the gospel and to stand up during the time, or sit on hard pews if they were lucky. There were no cold water fountains or indoor plumbed bathrooms. It was not a comfortable environment but they came not because they “had to” or because they felt an obligation. They came because they wanted to learn more about Jesus Christ and His church. 

What is our attitude about gospel meetings, worship services, Bible classes, and other opportunities for study? Do we make every effort to attend and participate in the studies? Will we drive to far away places to hear the gospel being preached? Or have we become so much like the world and denominational patterns that we expect to come and be entertained with words of human wisdom, pep rally type atmosphere, and programs such as drama, singing groups, dance, etc.? Have our jobs, our activities, our possessions and our hobbies become our “gods”? I am mindful of the words of 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” Our love for the world is standing in the way of spiritual growth.

What about our home study and prayer? Do you make it a point each day to study from your Bible? Do you read each day? Do you pray each day? Do you sing songs of praise each day? Do you honestly seek to be closer to God each and every day of your life?

In all honesty, how do you use our time? If you wrote down how much time you spent on the internet, watching TV, exchanging email, texting, talking on the phone, visiting at the coffee shop, watching sporting events, going out to eat, reading books, magazines or newspapers, listening to music, or just visiting with friends and family, how much time would you have spent on these items in a weeks time. Now if we wrote down the time we spent in Bible reading, study, prayer and singing (excluding time at the church building), how would they compare? My guess is most of us would be embarrassed to show our  results publicly. Change that today: get back to the Bible!

The Excellent Name of God (Psalm 8)

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth (v.1). God created the heavens and the earth: the sun, moon and stars (v.3,4; Genesis 1). He created man, breathing into him the breath of life (v.5,6; Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:25,28). He created the animals, birds and fish (v.7,8). How excellent is the name of God!

An interesting note to this Psalm is found in verse 8. “And the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the sea.” It wasn’t until about the mid 1800’s that man recognized there were “paths of the sea,” that is streams or currents within the oceans and seas. A man who is famous for mapping the currents of the sea Matthew Fontaine Muary, joined the Navy when 19 years old. In 1842, he became the Superintendent of the Depot of Charts and Instruments. He wrote a book in 1855 entitled The Physical Geography of the Sea. In his study, he found and charted the paths of the sea. It is said his basis for his research was this very verse, Psalm 8:8.

The Navy scientists found the paths of the sea and have been able to learn much about the ocean and ocean life as a result of this great find. We have the technology and equipment necessary to make these discoveries. Yet, the Psalmist was able to know these things about 3,000 years earlier. How? How did he know these truths? He knew because God directed him in what he wrote in the pages of the Bible through inspiration.

God created the world and everything in it. Within His word, we find everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). His word makes us mature and thoroughly furnished unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16,17). His word is able to save our souls (James 1:21). How magnificent is the word of God! How magnificent is the name of God!

By What Authority? part 4

In our continuing review of an article found in the Abilene Reporter News entitled Instrumental Music Coming to Highland Church of Christ, we will consider the arguments made for the use of instrument as recorded by the author, Loretta Fulton.

“Historically, the ban on instrumental music in Churches of Christ was based on the Bible, specifically what’s not in the Bible. In an effort to restore the church to its earliest days, an emphasis was placed on being “biblically correct” by not adding anything to a worship service not mentioned in Scripture.”

“But that’s no longer the case among most Highland members, said David Green, chairman of the elders or main leadership team of the church (there is no authority for a head elder and its obvious the author doesn’t understand the eldership—DW). Just because instrumental music isn’t mentioned doesn’t mean it’s not allowed.”

“‘No one in the eldership believes it is scripturally prohibited,’ Green said.”

It is amazing to me that the author points out the obvious and yet many of our brethren do not see it. She states that the church once went to the Bible for its authority in worship and practice but now it does not seek biblical authority and as was pointed out in past articles, points to people, preachers, other congregations, colleges and the world for what it will do in practice and worship. What makes us think as people that we know more than God? What makes us think that we can do what we want when we want and that somehow, God will not only accept it, but love it and reward us accordingly? The fact is we must worship in spirit and in truth to be pleasing to God (John 4:24). We must have our heart in the worship and we must worship according to the truth of God’s word (John 17:17). Who are we to add anything to that worship or take anything away from that worship (Deuteronomy 4:2)?

As God’s people, we must have the authority of Christ in all that we do (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18). Silence in the Scripture does not allow us to choose any method or any style of worship or behavior that we desire. Noah was told what type of wood to use in building the ark. To do otherwise would have been disastrous. Nadab and Abihu were told what type of fire to use in worship but chose profane fire and were killed. The Levites were told to carry the Ark of the Covenant and yet when placed on a cart and touched by Uzzah, it brought death. Silence does not mean we can do what we want. If the doctor gives me a prescription, do you think the pharmacy will allow me to take any drug from their shelves? Of course not! And the argument, well the doctor didn’t say I couldn’t get other drugs is not going to hold water. The pharmacists knows what the doctor authorized by the script. Likewise, we know what God authorized by His Scripture.

In worship, we are commanded to sing. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19 says, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody I your heart to the Lord.” Notice that we are to sing (not hum, not play an instrument, not make instrument sounds). We sing with words that teach and admonish one another, meaning we all sing to one another with words that encourage and motivate while praising God. We sing with words and hearts of thanksgiving. We sing with songs of a spiritual nature, not worldly nature. We sing to praise God.

These verses are not silent about music in worship. They teach us to sing congregationally. We must not add instruments of music to that worship or we are in sin. I pray for repentance!

God is My Defense (Psalm 7)

David began this psalm showing his faith and trust in God for deliverance. With boldness, David asked for God to examine his works. If David was in the wrong, he asked for God’s punishment and to be repaid for his evil (v.3-5). The confidence in David is because he knew that he had lived righteously, that is, he lived according to God’s commands. Can we with such courage ask for God to examine our hearts and actions?

David’s boldness is seen in his desire for God’s punishment on the unjust (v.9-16). That judgment would include destruction because of iniquities (sin, unrighteousness). The justice of God demands punishment for the evil doer. Are we living in such a way that God is pleased with our actions or will we receive His punishment?

David’s boldness is seen in his declaration that his defense is in God who saves the upright in heart (v.10). David had a heart that was seeking to do the Lord’s will. He knew that when he put his trust in God, the Lord would take care of him.

There is a day coming when we will all be judged. Are you ready for the judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10)? Can you with boldness declare your confidence that God will defend you, that when examined, God will reward you and not punish you? I beg you to consider where you will spend eternity. Let us know if we can help you.

By What Authority part 3

The Bible is not silent regarding the importance of worship. Jesus said that those who worship must do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We must have all of our hearts involved in worship to God and we must worship according to the biblical pattern of truth. The worship must include three key elements: (1) Worship must be directed to God. Worship is not about what I want or feel but about what God wants. Worship is not entertainment to reach the people in attendance but is a kiss directed toward God. (2) Worship must be done in sincerity. Our hearts are involved. We must put our hearts and mind and energy into our prayer, singing, giving, study and the Lord’s Supper. (3) Worship must be done according to Scripture which is truth (John 17:17). We must worship according to the New Testament direction given from God to man through His word. It is important to worship God as He demands of His people.

In the article in the Abilene Reporter News, Instrumental Music Coming to Highland Church of Christ, Loretta Fulton said, “The decision to add instrumental music to the Sunday morning worship came after a long discussion and eight weeks of gathering feedback from church members.” (Let me remind you that instrumental music is not new to Highland as they have been using it in classrooms and other areas throughout their building for over 10 years. What they are doing now is making it a part of their worship services in their auditorium.) Brethren, the authority to how a Christian and how a congregation worships God is not in a group, committee, polling the audience (which they did), an eldership, or in the opinions of men. The authority for how we worship in song belongs to God. He has recorded for us His desire in the pages of the New Testament. The truth of God’s word records for us that God wants us to sing from the heart, with gratitude, with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, to one another, teaching and admonishing one another, with words and with our voices (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). It doesn’t matter what the general consensus is...it matters what God said.

Additionally, an eldership is not to govern by finding out what the people think, what other congregations are doing, what a college or university is doing or what is popular in the world. He is given his marching orders from the New Testament. He must fulfill his role as an elder in pointing people to the word of God and show them God’s plan for worship and for life. But sadly, the eldership at Highland didn’t seek biblical authority as the source of its decision. Instead, they wanted to appeal to the people, even seeking their input and opinions of men claiming they haven’t had a single negative comment about the change to the worship (that is telling of the spiritual condition of the congregation...where are the brethren with character to stand up against the error being put forth by the eldership). Our worship is not a matter of opinion but of authority of the Scriptures.

David Green, who is called “the chairman of the elders” (I don’t know where that is found in Scripture either but apparently Bible authority isn’t necessary for worship and practice at Highland), said, “No one in the eldership believes it is scripturally prohibited.” Brethren, that is when a congregation must demand of these men repentance and/or removal from the eldership. 1 Timothy 5:19,20 says, “Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.” It is time for brethren to get out of their comfortable pews and stand up for something. It is time for those who love the Lord and who love the truth to go to the eldership and show them the error of instrumental music. It is time for these men to see the Scripture as the authority and repent of their sinful behavior and erroneous leadership. Then they can restore proper New Testament worship, leading the people to worship in a way that is pleasing in the sight of God. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, feels or wants. What matters is what God wants! Let us strive first of all to worship as He desires (John 4:24).

Steadfast Love (Psalm 6)

David prayed, “Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love” (v.4 – ESV). The NKJV says, “Return, O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake!”

David was under duress. He asked for mercy rather than the anger and the chastening of God (v.1,2). He was tired and frustrated with the attacks of other against him. Notice how much anguish he was in: “I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with tears. My eye wastes away because of grief; It grows old because of all my enemies” (v.6,7).

Have you ever had one of those nights? You know the kind of night where you just can’t sleep and your mind is racing. You struggle to keep your thoughts under control. Your eyes constantly water as you toss and turn in deep thought. That was the kind of tearful night facing David as he poured out his anguish to God (v.8-11).

Often we tell everyone else but the One who can actually do something about it: God. God loves us and wants to give us His mercy and kindness. God is love (1 John 4:7,8). His love made possible salvation for those who believe (John 3:16). Like David, we are not worthy of God’s gift because we have sinned (Romans 3:10,23). Yet, because of God’s mercy and steadfast love, we have hope of salvation.

Have you considered the steadfast love of God? He can be trusted! He will always be there for you. God loves you and wants you to repent and to be saved (Acts 17:30; 1 Timothy 2:4). Will you turn to God?

By What Authority part 2

In an article produced in the Abilene Reporter News, by the title, Instrumental Music Coming to Highland church of Christ, Loretta Fulton described the behavior and attitude of so many in our world that have chosen to follow the practice and ideas of the world rather than standing firmly on the B.I.B.L.E. The main issue under discussion is the use of the instrument of music in worship. However, I want to discuss a few other items during our study because the author promotes the ideas that are prevalent in society that the church of Christ is just another denomination. 

In the first paragraph of the article, the author described the entrance of a band into worship by saying, “Longtime members of the Church of Christ (not church belonging to Christ but “Church of Christ” using it as a denominational name) may be stunned a year from now when they walk into the primary worship space of one of their flagship churches (using the Highland congregation as one that is high in the hierarchy among the denomination by her speech when the truth is each congregation is autonomous) and see an unfamiliar sight — a bandstand.”

In the second paragraph she writes, “A cappella music has been a tradition (no ma’am it is the authorized form of worship God has required of His people) and hallmark of the denomination (this time she doesn’t hint but comes right out with it) from its beginnings in the Restoration Movement of the early 19th century (I am not a member of a movement but was baptized into Christ and added by Him to the church established on His promises, purchased with His blood, and which began on the Day of Pentecost after His death, burial and resurrection as recorded in Acts 2).

Later in the article she writes about ACU saying that it is affiliated with the churches of Christ. I will talk more about the things mentioned in regard to ACU in further articles but let me just say that colleges, schools, and educational facilities for general studies are extensions of the home, not an extension of the church. Additionally, the church is not to get it’s marching orders from a school but instead is to follow the instruction of God found in the Bible. It doesn’t matter what any school would want or what some board declares is acceptable. It only matters what God has authorized. In the discussion about ACU and its students supporting the move by Highland, we are told that instrumental music is included in the Thursday chapel sessions that students attend. The school’s position shouldn’t matter to an eldership or a congregation. The Bible is our source of how we worship God.

Additionally, since they consider us to be a denomination, they use the fact that congregations in larger cities use instrumental music so then it must be authorized for all congregations. The author brings up a congregation in DFW called The Hills (formerly Richland Hill church of Christ) as an example. The group at The Hills went through a similar process as the Highland congregation. Jonathan Storment (the preacher at Highland) used to be the preacher at The Hills. He stated that some opposed the decision but “now they like what they see.” The authority is not the opinions of men.

Amazingly, they even bring in denominations and sinful satellite churches as examples of authority in using the instrument. Many of the ACU students attend Grace Fellowship (a satellite church which is a “ministry of Highland”), Beltway Park Baptist Church, United Methodist and other denominations so they can have worship the way they want it.

What we do in worship is not determined by denomination, tradition, other congregations, a movement, a university, student opinion, preacher opinion, or denominational practice. Our worship is only to follow the authority of God (John 4:24).

By What Authority? part 1

In John 7, Jesus was attacked by the religious leaders of His day, challenging His teaching and His lack of form education. Jesus responded saying, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. Did not Moses give you the law, yet none of you keeps the law?” (John 7:16-19). Jesus powerfully declared that if we want to know what is right in accordance with God’s will, we can know the truth. We can examine evidence and know what is right and wrong.

The problem we see today is that people are unwilling to do the examination of what is and what is not authorized. People are not willing to open their Bibles and examine God’s word in comparison with man’s ideas. We must take the approach of those noble Berean brethren who did not take Paul’s teaching at face value but searched the Scriptures daily to find out what was right and what was wrong (Acts 17:11). Sadly, too many follow the example set by the scribes and Pharisees who had created their own man-made rules. They condemned the disciples of Jesus for not following their man-made rules. But Jesus made it very clear that these so called spiritual leaders were not keeping the Law of God, teaching instead the commandments of men. He said of them, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me, and in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:1-9).

I wish I could say that was the last time men created their own system of worship and that everyone has turned back to seeking a “thus says the Lord” in all that they do. Even though we can know God’s will and we should reject man’s will, such is not always the case.

Case in point: this past week the Abilene Reporter News ran an article about the Highland church of Christ and their present plan for worship. The article is one that makes me sick at my stomach and angry at the same time. It is so frustrating how the article portrays the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood. It is aggravating to hear of the world view of the church and their exuberance in these erring brethren changing worship. It is heart breaking to hear of a group of people thinking they can do whatever they want in worship (Cf. John 4:24).

Over the next few weeks I am going to deal with this article and the actions of the people that worship at Highland as well as their satellite congregation. There is so much to deal with that one article cannot get it done. I encourage you to read this article each week as we study the errors of the people and the importance of sticking to God’s Word in worship and practice.

Paul challenged the Colossians saying “If you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulation…according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion…but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh” (Col. 2:20-23). This “self-imposed religion” (called “will worship” in the KJV), is nothing more than man choosing his own ways over the will of God. This self-chosen worship and self-chosen religion will condemn a soul to eternal punishment when this world is over.

The question is not “do I like it, want it, feel it is good” but “what does God say and what does He expect from me?” In coming weeks, we will discuss the subject in detail. It is too important to let slip by. Stick with us and study your Bible!

The Straight Way (Psalm 5)

There is a deep desire in most of us to be heard. We want others to consider our ideas, thoughts and suggestions as important and worthwhile. Like the little child saying, “Watch me” or “Listen to me,” we cry out to God begging for Him to listen to our hearts. David wanted God to hear his groaning (v.1). He wanted God to listen to his cry (v.2). Every morning, he cried out to the Lord for guidance (v.3). He knew that God would hear His children (and He still does).

What about those who are not faithful to God? God doesn't take pleasure in the wickedness or evil (v.4). David declared, “You hate all workers of iniquity” (v.5). The Psalmist said that there are consequences for those who are sinful, who lie, who are bloodthirsty and who are deceitful (v.6). No, it isn't politically correct to say that God is not pleased with everyone...but it is the truth. Sin is sin because God said it is sin. Man’s opinion is not the standard on what is right and wrong.

Too often we try to do everything our own way. Like those in Judges 17:6, many in our world do whatever is right in their own eyes. Those who choose to make their own path in this world rather than submitting to God’s will are losing the greatest blessing they could ever have: the ear of the God of heaven who is ready to listen and help His children. Those who choose their own path have gone away from the path that would take them to heaven.

Rather than taking matters into our own hands, we must submit to God and follow Him. “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” (Prov. 3:5,6).  

This being the case, we need to walk where the Lord leads us and guides us through His word (Ps. 119:105). The Lord will lead us in righteousness and provides for us the straight way (v.8; Cf: Ps. 23; Matt. 7:13,14). Then, as His faithful children, we can cry out for Him to listen and He will hear us. We will be able to cast our cares, worries, fears and burdens on Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).

If you are not walking along the straight way, let me help you start heading in the right direction.

Washed in the Blood

Aaron and his sons were to be consecrated for the purpose of preparing them to lead the Children of Israel spiritually as they were instructed by God. God gave instruction that a ram was to be killed and the blood was to placed on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and his sons. Blood was to be put on the thumb of their right hand as well as the big toe of their right foot (Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 8:23).

These actions would signify that Aaron and his sons were cleansed and dedicated to God. Everything they heard, everything they did, and everywhere they went, they were God’s man. They were to be dedicated to hearing God’s word. They were to exercise holiness in doing God’s will. They were to walk carefully in doing God’s service. They were chosen for a  special service and were to act like it.

 

A similar set of instructions is given in Leviticus 14:14-19,25-28, in regard to cleansing the leper. He was to bring his lamb for the priests to make an offering for him in which, they would take blood and dip it on his right ear, right thumb, and right big toe. This action would be followed by a repeated action using oil. If the person could not afford the two male lambs, one ewe lamb, three-tenths of an ephah of fine flower mixed with oil and one log of oil, they could bring one male lamb, one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, a log of oil and either two turtledoves or two young pigeons. For the poor, the same actions would be taken: the lamb would be offered and the blood would be put on the right ear, right thumb, and right big toe, making atonement and cleansing his condition.

 

Today, Christians are washed in the blood of the lamb. “…Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood…” (Revelation 1:5). The blood of bulls and goats wasn’t good enough to take away the sins of the world but the blood of Christ, which was offered by Christ Himself, without spot, will cleans us from dead works to serve a living God (Hebrews 9:13,14). Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus’ offering of Himself made possible that remission of sins. “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28). We have been redeemed by “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

 

The offering of His life on the cross made possible our eternal life as it made atonement for our sins. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). His blood became a propitiation for our sins, that is He covered our sins with His blood (1 John 4:9,10). “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, who God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:23-26). Our sins are covered and we are justified by the blood of the Lamb.

 

We come in contact with the blood of Christ in baptism. In baptism we receive the remission of sins (Acts 2:38); we have our sins washed away (Acts 22:16); when we repent and are converted, our sins are blotted out and we will have seasons of refreshing (Acts 3:19); we are buried and baptized into His death (Romans 6:3,4); and we are added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47).

 

As Christians, we ought to walk even as Christ walked (1 John 2:6). Just as with the high priest, the priests and the lepers who needed to be cleansed, in everything we hear, everything we do and every where we go, we will be God’s man. We should strive to hear God’s word for it guides our way (Psalm 119:105). We should be involved in godly works (Titus 2:14; Ephesians 2:10). We should walk in His paths (Matthew 7:13,14; John 14:6; Proverbs 3:5,6).

 

Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? If not, why not?

Safe and Secure (Psalm 4)

Young children do not sleep well when the winds blow and lightning strikes. Neither do their parents rest when the storms of life threaten. The good news is that God will make us safe and secure. The Psalmist cried out, “Hear me when I call...Have mercy on me and hear my prayer” (v.1). Just as our children cry out, “mamma” or “daddy”, we cry out to our Father, “help me.” When we struggle with worries and fears, we can receive the mercy of God as He gives us relief from the stresses of life as we cry out to Him in prayer.  

Our God hears the prayers of the godly (v.3). Too often in life, we allow the difficulties of life to bring us low. Instead, we can meditate on God and His will for our lives which will calm the storms we face in life (v.4). We can trust that He will answer our prayers. It is comforting to know that someone is listening and cares for us. With this comfort and confidence, we can pour out our hearts to God who will provide our hearts with gladness (vs.5-7). Understand that when God hears our prayers, the joy He brings us is greater than the best harvest you have ever seen (v.7).

Even though the storms of life come our way from time to time, because we live godly lives (and I hope you do), God hears our prayers and gives us peace (v.8). When God is protecting you, it is easy to lie down in peace, to have a good night’s rest, knowing that you are safe and secure in the arms of God.

If you do not know God, and are searching for the safety and security that only He can provide, don't hesitate to contact me. I would love to help you