Category Archives: Faith

Giants in the Land

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In Numbers 13, the Israelites are about to enter the land of Canaan to fulfill the promise God had made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants would be given the land wherein these faithful patriarchs dwelt. God instructed Moses to send 12 spies to spy out the land and bring back a report. As is well known, the report they brought back was not a good one. The land was as promised, “flowing with milk and honey”, but there were giants in the land, inhabitants stronger than the Israelites. The consensus among the 12 spies was that the land could not be taken. Of course, we remember that two of these spies, Joshua and Caleb, urged the Israelites to trust in God. They were confident that with His help the land could be taken. But, alas, the Israelites sided with the 10 spies who gave the evil report and the whole assembly began to murmur and complain against Moses and against God. We know the outcome of this story. God punished the Israelites by not allowing any adults 20 years or older to enter the land of promise, except for Joshua and Caleb. They were not allowed to enter the promised rest because they did not trust God to help them overcome the stronger inhabitants of the land. They were not willing to put forth the effort to overcome.

Christians are also promised a land of rest – a beautiful home in heaven (Revelation 21). But to reach that rest, Christians face a conquest just as the Israelites did. Ours is not a physical conquest, but a spiritual one. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

There are many spiritual enemies facing Christians. These enemies can, at times, appear invincible, as giants in the land. I John 2:16 tells us what these giants are: (1) lust of the flesh, (2) lust of the eyes, and (3) the pride of life. These three “morph” into one huge giant called SIN. But they can also “de-morph” into numerous smaller giants such as those described in Galatians 5:19-21 – “idols, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, reveling and idols;” These things are all around us, everywhere, every day. It can be overwhelming at times. We may come to the point to where we feel we just can’t be righteous in the face of so much evil. But, let us not be as the Israelites who gave up without even trying.

There are three ways in which we can overcome those evil spiritual giants:

  1. Trust in God – In Romans 7:18-25, Paul realized that he could not overcome by himself. He understood the war that was waging within himself between the flesh and the spirit. He realized that the flesh would win if he relied only on himself. In verse 24, he seems on the verge of giving up, but then, in verse 25, he turns it over to God who could deliver him “from this body of death.” When we fail to trust in God, we will end up as the Israelites who perished in the wilderness instead of enjoying the promised rest in the land of Canaan.

 

  1. Stand strong – In I Kings 17, we can read of the champion giant, Goliath, who defied the armies of Israel. No Israelite was willing to stand against him. But when David heard his challenge, he stepped forward, knowing that, with God’s help, he would be able to overcome just as God had helped him overcome the lion and the bear that tried to steal his sheep. But David still had to do his part to overcome. In Ephesians 6:13-18, we can read of the spiritual armor God has provided for us to overcome spiritual giants. But this armor will do us no good if we do not equip ourselves with it, learn how to use it to fight against evil, then stand strong.

 

  1. Look for help from the brethren – Galatians 6:1-2 exhorts those who are spiritual to restore those who are caught in sin. In Hebrews 3:12-13, we are told to “exhort one another daily” to guard against “departing from the living God.” From the inspired words of Paul in I Thessalonians 5:14, we are to “warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”

With God’s help, we can overcome evil spiritual giants and enter that rest He has promised us. But we must have faith (trust in Him), we must be put forth the effort (stand strong), and we must help each other if we are to overcome.

 

By Tim Johnson

God’s Wisdom in the Cross

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The cross is such a fundamental part of what Christianity professes that it can become all too easy for us to pass it over without much thought. The cross? Of course it is vital. Of course we must preach it. Yet how often do we let the power and wisdom of the cross sink in and affect us in a practical way? Take another look at the first two chapters of 1 Corinthians.

Writing within 25 years of the actual events, Paul writes, “The word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1:18). “God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1:21). To the Jews, the cross is a stumbling block; to Greeks it is foolishness. But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek, “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1:24-25). He continues into chapter two with the same theme. It is a theme that runs consistently through Scripture: God chooses that which appears to be weak and makes it strong so that all may see that God is ultimately to be glorified.

But the cross? How does this manifest His wisdom and power? While there may be a number of ways to answer this question, please think about the following:

1. The cross shows God’s wisdom through a demonstration of the horror of sin on the one hand, and the power of His love on the other. The crucifixion of Jesus is the “show and tell” of what God thinks about sin. It is also the strongest demonstration of His love for a lost world (Rom 5:6-11). God abhors sins, and Jesus despised the shame associated with the cross, but it is due to sin that Jesus went to the cross. Hatred and love are equally demonstrated. What greater way to show both to a world that needs to understand both? Such a display shows the foolishness of mankind in taking part in sin, but also shows the extent to which God goes to show His love and bring us back to Him.

2. The cross shows God’s wisdom in that it demonstrates that the message really did come from Him. This point actually serves an apologetic purpose. Think about it. Who in the world would have dreamed up the idea of a Savior of the world dying on a cross? This is a not a message that the Jews would have concocted or accepted, for “cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” (Deut 21:23; Gal 3:13). The idea that a few Jews just made the story up and were then able to sell it so successfully is beyond credulity. Further, this is not a message that Gentiles would have made up. To think that pagan Gentiles would dream up a story of a crucified Jewish Savior is ludicrous. Neither the Jewish culture nor the Greek culture of the time can explain the story of Jesus as the crucified King who can save the whole world from sin. This is a message that can find plausible explanation only in the wisdom of God.

3. The cross displays the wisdom and power of God because it is only the first part to the story. Implied in the idea of God’s power is the resurrection. Paul did not only preach a dead Jesus. He preached a Jesus who overcame death. He preached a Jesus who “became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption” (1:30). “Christ and Him crucified” does not end at the cross itself, as if the cross, and the cross alone, did the job. God wanted to demonstrate His power in a way that could not be feasibly denied. Jesus didn’t just faint. He didn’t die in His sleep. He was violently executed in the worst and bloodiest manner. To be raised up after that would indeed be a great display of power. By the end of Paul’s epistle, the resurrection is exactly what he argues (ch. 15). God’s wisdom and power are vindicated through the death and resurrection of Jesus!

The cross is not made up by mere men. If men concocted the story of salvation we would undoubtedly see something very different from a Roman cross. We might see something akin to the pagan myths. Yet contrary to what we sometimes hear, the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is not the stuff that make up the myths. It is much simpler and based in actual time and space history. The wisdom of God displayed through the cross is a demonstration of God Himself breaking into history to deal directly with sin and evil, and to show His creation how much He desires for us to be in His fellowship.

By Doy Moyer

Not in Vain

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In our reflection on Jesus Christ, we must ever remember the fundamental nature of the gospel message:

“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared…” (1 Cor. 15:1-5, NASB).

The gospel is grounded in the facts of the death, burial, resurrection, and appearances of Jesus. Without these historical realities, there is nothing on which to base the Christian’s faith, and no particular reason to think we should be serving Him. With these realities, we have every reason for hope and living a life in accordance with God’s holiness. Paul enumerates the appearances of Jesus and claims that his own conversion was due to the fact that Christ appeared to him. He then shows that without the resurrection, faith and preaching are “in vain,” and those who died in Christ have perished (vv. 12-19). But, as Paul affirms, “now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” (vs. 20).

Paul makes a series of arguments to show why denying the resurrection cannot make sense within a Christian’s worldview and leads to other problems. If we denied resurrection, we are denying that Jesus was raised, and if we do that, what’s the point of calling ourselves His disciples? Even if we, in our finite minds, cannot understand exactly how it works, that doesn’t change the historical reality of Christ’s resurrection that assures us all of our own resurrection.

In this context is given the well-known warning: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (vs. 33). The primary reference point here has to do with influences that would cause us to doubt our conviction in the truth of the resurrection of Jesus. By doubting the resurrection, we open ourselves up to further corruption and the ultimate loss of our souls. Paul ties this doubt to the reason why some are sinning: “Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have no knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (vs. 34).

After Paul discusses the nature of the resurrection, he concludes: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

Now notice the connection back to verses 12-19, where Paul argued that if Jesus was not raised from the dead, then faith is “vain” and preaching is “vain” (vv. 12-19). That word “vain” is the same used in verse 58, and the connection should be noted. If Christ wasn’t raised, faith is vain; if He was raised, faith and all we do for Christ is worthwhile.

What makes our faith worthwhile (not in vain) is the fact of the resurrection. Because of the resurrection, we can know that we will be raised and that we are victors in Christ. The sting of death is defeated through Christ. If we have confidence that Jesus was raised, then we have confidence that everything we do in the Lord is worth our whole lives.

This is why doubt can become so destructive. If we are not so sure about the resurrection, then we will never have full confidence in serving Him. We will wonder if our labor is in vain. We may harbor that needling thought that we can spend our time doing something else more desirable. We may begin to think we wasting our time, and our “religion” becomes a drudgery.

On the other hand, if we have confidence in the resurrected Christ, then we can know the value of what we do for the Lord. This is the direct connection. This is where we can ground our faith. This is how we can learn to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. We may then rejoice in this truth:

“For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (vv. 53-57).

Never minimize the significance of the truth that Christ died, was buried, rose again, and appeared to many. This is the core of the gospel, and it is the foundation of our confidence in service.

 

By Doy Moyer

Jesus and Pilate’s Wife

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By Fanning Yater Tant

Pilate was in a dilemma. An innocent man stood before him for judgment; Pilate knew that for envy he had been delivered up, and there was no evidence of wrong doing which would justify a sentence against him. Yet the mob was howling for blood. It was a ticklish situation, a nasty mess. Pilate must have wished with all his heart that he could be relieved of the necessity of handling this case. Either way he went, he was certain to have regrets. His sense of Roman justice was outraged at the thought of condemning an innocent man; yet his political sagacity told him that he dare not antagonize the mob.

At this crucial juncture his wife sent an urgent message: “Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” How pleasant that would be! What a relief just to wash his hands of the whole affair, bow gracefully out of the picture, and refuse to render a verdict. In a sense that was what Pilate tried to do. He even called for water and symbolically “washed his hands” of the matter, avowing his innocence. Yet Pilate found that it was impossible to side-step his moral responsibility. The verdict of history, repeated endlessly in that earliest of all creedal statements, is that Christ was “crucified under Pontius Pilate.”

As it was with Pilate, so is it with everyone who has knowledge of Jesus. Neutrality is an impossibility. The advice of Pilate’s wife is incredible. Pilate’s very failure to declare himself was a declaration. Had he been familiar with the teachings of the prisoner he would have recalled his words, “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matt. 12:30) The long story of the years has demonstrated the inexorable truth which Jesus put into words, “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” His advent into the world has brought to mankind the necessity of making a choice regarding him. In theory they may postpone the choice, or try to evade it or avoid it; in practice the choice is made every day, and in every act or word or thought. Pilate’s theory was that he could avert the choice; his practice was that he delivered Christ to be crucified.

A hundred years ago the Church of Christ stood at the crossroads. For multiplied thousands of Christians an inescapable choice loomed up. They did not ask for this problem; they did not want it; they did not like it. But it was there. In theory multitudes of them tried to shut their eyes to the problem, and ignore it; in practice every last one of them made a choice. Apparently in any such circumstances there are three choices possible: a positive choice for, a positive choice against, and a neutral choice. But as the years unfold, it has been demonstrated over and over again that the “neutral” choice disappears in the cold, hard logic of practice. Men can be neutral in theory only; in practice they are compelled to declare themselves.

In national affairs, when a nation is engaged in a struggle to the death for her very existence, neutrality is regarded as treason. In spiritual affairs, it is true that the Lord’s church is perpetually engaged in a warfare that knows no respite. When a matter of truth or error is up for decision, any attempt at “neutrality” is treason to the truth!

“Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man,” said Pilate’s wife. Attempting to follow that advice, Pilate turned Christ over to his tormenters. “Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man,” is the unexpressed, but none-the-less real, determination of thousands upon thousands of our contemporaries and acquaintances. Yet every such effort at “neutrality” is disastrous to the one attempting it. For Christ cannot be ignored. He makes positive claims and demands on the life of every individual. A failure to acknowledge those claims, a refusal to yield to those demands places one squarely in opposition and rebellion against God.

In theory a man can decide to be “neutral” on the subject of baptism; he is neither “for” it, nor “against” it. But in practice he either will be baptized, or he will not be. There is no neutrality in practice. In theory a man may be “neutral” on the subject of instrumental music in the worship; he is neither “for” it, nor is he “against” it. But in practice he cannot be neutral. He will either worship with it; or refuse to worship with it. The choice may not be forced upon him all at once; but sooner or later it will come. Perhaps he thinks himself against instrumental music; but he never speaks against it; never points out to any man the error of it; refuses to discuss it either publicly or privately. He is neutral in theory only; he is not neutral in practice. His influence is on the side of those who advocate the organ.

In theory, a man can decide to be “neutral” as to the regularity of observance of the Lord’s Supper; in practice he cannot be neutral. A failure to be for a weekly observance of it inevitably puts him in the class of those who are NOT for a weekly observance of it.

“Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man.” Yes, that is what Pilate devoutly wished could be so. But it was impossible for him. And it is impossible for anybody. It is impossible for YOU! When right and wrong are involved, when truth and error are in combat, neutrality is not only treason, it is impossible. Even an attempt at neutrality marks one as disloyal to Christ. There is no middle ground between Christ and Satan.

What is Happiness?

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By R.J. Evans

How many times have you reasoned, “I’d be happy, if only…”? And then the dream usually continues with “if only I had more money,” or “if only I had married someone else,” or “if only I had more friends, a better job, a bigger house, etc.” The illusive breakthrough into happiness for many people hinges upon those two little words— “if only.”
What Is Your Concept?

Most people have little trouble coming up with their own formula for happiness. In view of the above “if only’s,” it usually consists of wealth, status, power, or freedom from frustration of any kind. If you have one or more of these as your goal, then you need to consider if it is worthwhile or not. One of the best ways to find out is to observe those who have lived in such conditions. King Solomon is a prime example of one who “had everything.” According to 2 Chronicles 6-9, he had enough wealth to overshadow any modern-day “Bill Gates.”
Consider Solomon’s Wealth
On a yearly basis, Solomon received six hundred sixty-six talents of gold (2 Chronicles 9:13). Six hundred sixty-six talents of gold would be about 960,000 ounces. Comparing that with today’s standard (say at $1,525 per ounce) it would amount to something

like $1,464,000,000 (one billion, four hundred sixty-four million) per year. Then added to that, we are told “besides what the traveling merchants and traders brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon” (2 Chronicles 9:14). There was no need for Solomon to purchase certain items. He made five hundred shields of gold, all his drinking vessels were of gold, in fact, none was of silver, for silver “was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon” (2 Chronicles 9:20). Even when the queen of Sheba came “to test Solomon with hard questions, having a very great retinue, camels that bore spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones” (2 Chronicles 9:1). And wealth was not everything, for the Bible says Solomon “loved many foreign women” (1 Kings 11:1). Of course, that is an understatement, for “he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines” (1 Kings 11:3). A total of a thousand women! And that became the major factor in his downfall — “and his wives turned away his heart” from God (1 Kings 11:3).
But Was Solomon Happy?
Being king, Solomon could do just about anything he so desired, and that is precisely what he set out to do. He wrote about those things in the book of Ecclesiastes. He experimented with almost everything under the sun, he built temples and elaborate houses, he planted gardens and vineyards ((Ecclesiastes 2). He stated, “Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them, I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure” ((Ecclesiastes 2:10). In view of all of this, from the world’s viewpoint, Solomon must have been the happiest man who ever lived. Wrong! Unfortunately, Solomon was miserable. Notice what he stated — “Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind” ((Ecclesiastes 2:17).
Now Let’s Consider the Apostle Paul


If there ever was a man who appeared to have every right to be miserable, it would have been Paul. Although a highly educated man, when necessary, he gladly made a living working with his hands making tents. He did much traveling under adverse conditions by foot or by ship. His life was one of constant danger and peril. Paul cataloged many of his sufferings, beatings, imprisonments, perils and anxieties in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. Also, there was a great deal of worldly honor that Paul was willing to give up and consider rubbish “for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:4-11). Then, on top of all that has just been mentioned, Paul had a serious physical ailment which he referred to as “a thorn in the flesh…a messenger of Satan” (2 Corinthians 12:7).
Yet Paul Was Happy!
True abiding joy and happiness today are not derived from earthly wealth, position, sexual freedom, or unlimited power. It comes as a result of becoming a Christian (Acts 8:39). And as a faithful Christian and true servant of the Lord, Paul was a contented man. A “contented” man is a happy man! Please observe some of Paul’s statements concerning this matter: “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, 11). Did Paul know something about happiness that Solomon didn’t? No, Solomon knew it, but ignored it, and it ruined his life. As an old man, he made this statement about life: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Conclusion
All children of God can and should be “rejoicing Christians” (Philippians 4:4). Think of all the joys and blessings that are ours as His children. We enjoy all the spiritual blessings which are in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). We enjoy the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We have the hope of heaven which is an anchor to our souls (Hebrews 6:18-19). Thus, true happiness is obeying and faithfully serving God. If you practice this in your life, you will rejoice; if you choose to ignore this, then the results will be much like that of Solomon. If you have not obeyed the gospel of Christ and are not faithfully serving the Master, we plead with you to start doing so now (2 Corinthians 6:2).

The Life of a Christian

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Isaac Muñoz

Scarcely will two verses so concisely summarize the life of a Christians as do 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 10:

“For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”

Notice the four things the Thessalonians did, and we would do well to imitate:

1. Turn from idols

2. Turn to God

3. Serve the living and true God

4. Wait for Jesus’ return

In these two verses we see the life of a Christian. Certainly in our individual lives and experiences, we will encounter many more incidents both good and bad, but may I suggest that any faithful Christian’s life could be summed up in these verses.

Turn from Idols

It is obvious from the text that prior to knowing God the Thessalonians were given over to idolatry. By the time Paul writes his first epistle to them, he notes how they have turned from their idolatrous ways. In short, they rejected their previous gods and changed their wrong behavior. Their repentance is clearly visible.

I doubt if any who read this struggle with worshiping a physical idol, but far too many of had our priorities out of line before knowing God. Anyone who sees a faithful Christian ought to be able to see a change in their life. All of our struggles are different, but what should not be different about our conversion is our repentance. All who profess the name of Christ should have destroyed their idols and given their back to them.

Notice the prerequisite Peter makes to baptism in Acts 2:38:

“Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

Turn to God

Idols are vain. They can do nothing. They offer nothing. They are nothing. Consequently, once one rejects the lifeless idols, he must turn to the One who offers life: God. The prophet Isaiah shows the foolishness of those who place their confidence and stock in a lifeless creation. On the other hand, the prophet also shows how wise are the people who place their trust in the One who gives life and is the Creator. All faithful Christians must have at one point in time or another have turned to the Author of life.

Only God offers true life. All men and women who aspire to live after death must believe in the One who is, always has been, and always will be. This eternal being holds the keys to life and death (Revelation 1:18) and has extended eternal life to all who come to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. True life cannot be found outside of Jesus (John 14:6).
Serve the Living and True God

Turning from idols and to God is not the end of a Christian’s life, but merely the beginning. What must follow is a life of discipleship and service to the living and true God. The faith that is required to sustain this type of service is not best described as a one-time event, but rather as a life of faith. While there may be one incident in our lives that cause us to turn to God, all of our life must be characterized by faithful, loving service to Him, and not just as a moment of faith. This is the type of faith that is real and is alive. This type of faith is needed for the difficult times of life. Ultimately, this type of faith is needed for endurance.

A faithful Christian will have ups and downs on their spiritual journey, but a true child of God that has cultivated a real faith will look to Jesus when strength is needed. “…Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Wait for Jesus’ Return

The sound of the final trumpet might instill fear and terror in the hearts of those who have not prepared for the final day, but for the child of God who has turned from idols, turned to God, and lived a life of faithful service, it is a grand moment. It is the moment in which all the hopes and scenes that were only read on paper from the Bible become reality and are witnessed face to face. Oh what a glorious moment to cap the life of a Christian!

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” Revelation 22:20

Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things

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By Jerry Curry

God’s people have always been called upon to take action. As Joshua made his farewell speech he exhorted Israel, “Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Haggai exhorted Israel, “Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house” (Haggai 1:8). Jesus, our ultimate example of a servant, says, “My meat is to do the will of Him Who sent Me” (John 4:34). Many times we are hesitant to accept difficult challenges, consequently, opportunities to render great service to God are lost. God has not always looked to great people to serve in great ways. Be encouraged to accept great challenges as we notice how God has used ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Moses was asked by God to appear before Pharaoh and demand that he let the people of God leave Egypt. As Moses contemplated this extraordinary challenge he demonstrated his ordinary character as he made the following excuses: “Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh? What shall I say unto them? But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice. I am not eloquent” (Exodus 3:4). Moses was able to rise above some ordinary traits and successfully meet the extraordinary challenges of confronting Pharaoh, leading Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness for forty years.

God spoke to Joshua and said, “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them” (Joshua 1:2). After wandering with the murmuring nation of Israel for forty years, Joshua is given the extraordinary challenge of leading Israel into the Jordan and across to the Promised Land. Following Israel’s defeat by Ai, Joshua demonstrated an ordinary lack of trust as he stated, “O Lord God, wherefore hast Thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us?” (Joshua 7:7). God calms the ordinary fear of Joshua by saying, “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed; take all the people of war with thee, and arise and go up to Ai; see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai” (Joshua 8:1).

David demonstrated an extraordinary faith as he went out to the battlefield and defeated the giant Goliath with a sling and small stones (see I Samuel 17:17-51). He is paid the extraordinary compliment in Acts 13:22 where God says of David, “I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own
heart.” Yet, what painfully ordinary traits were exhibited as he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed in the heat of battle. Please take time to read II Samuel 11:1-17.

We could write further of 1) Esther, though afraid of death, appeared before the king to ask that Israel be spared (Esther 4:16). 2) Abraham, who left his homeland and later raised the knife to offer his son upon the altar, yet earlier lies about Sarah as he feared for his life (Hebrews 11:8, 17-19;Genesis 20:9-13). Or 3) Peter, who walked on water and was with the Lord at Gethsemane, yet later cursed and denied Christ (Matthew 14:27-31; 26:69-75). May we be encouraged to accept great challenges as ordinary people striving to do extraordinary things.

Deserting the Homeland

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Isaac Muñoz

One of the reasons most commonly cited by immigrants who leave their homeland in favor of coming to this country is opportunity. The opportunity they envision will often take many forms, but almost always involves prosperity and the chance of beginning a new and better life. However, this opportunity also brings with it a hefty price to pay. Think for a moment of all these immigrants forego: immediate family, personal and sentimental belongings, and their culture among many other things. Why are these foreigners so willing to surrender these precious things to come to a country of which they know little about? I believe the answer lies in that these people recognize that although the risk of leaving everything behind may be great, the reward of that which they can gain is much greater. When weighing the pros and cons of this decision, they determine what they will give up will pale in comparison to what they can attain in this land of opportunity.

Immigrants are not the only ones who have made sacrifices in the present in order to receive something better in the future. Genesis 12:1 tells us how God commanded Abraham to leave the land in which he resided, and go to a land which He would show him. As difficult as this command would have been to keep, Hebrews 11 shows that Abraham’s active faith coupled with the hope of receiving something better allowed him to fulfill God’s command. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going….for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:8, 10). Abraham’s ability to see past his current circumstances allowed him to go in search of that heavenly country of which we read about in Hebrews 11:16.

Brethren, have we learned to have this this type of vision? The type of foresight that permits us to sacrifice whatever would pose a risk to us inheriting that which is better. Throughout the New Testament Christians are often reminded of their status: strangers, foreigners, sojourners, and pilgrims (Ephesians 2:19, 1 Peter 2:11, respectively). Furthermore, in Philippians 3:20 Paul states that our loyalties do not belong to this world. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” With our kingdom not being from this world (John18:36), are we willing to make temporary sacrifices so that we may have everlasting glory? As easy as it is to cognitively know the answer is “yes,” are we actually refusing to “enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25) so that our death might be considered a gain (Philippians 1:21)?

While each and every sin will keep us from heaven, there are certain sins that seem to keep us tied more to this life. The forceful attraction of materialism did not allow the rich young ruler to have eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22). By all accounts it appears this young man was leading a pious life, yet he was not willing to exchange the moth and rust destroyed treasures of earth (Matthew 6:19) for the incorruptible and undefiled inheritance of which 1 Peter 1:4 promises. What a sad trade! Seeing the shortsightedness of the ruler’s decision is easy, but are we making similar choices today?

There is little doubt that money is a prominent driver in our society today. The accumulation of status, possessions, and wealth is commonly set as the benchmark for happiness. No, being prosperous is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is it ever regarded as sinful in the bible; Abraham himself was not lacking (Genesis 13:2). However, without a proper perspective of the future, the love of money will consume our present. How do we overcome this? “Yet indeed I also count all things lost for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:8). If you know that your reward will be far greater than what you can have here on earth, then it will not be a challenge to say “no” to the overtime that would require you to miss services. This knowledge will help us turn down job proposals that could force us to compromise our character, or reject shady business deals that would engage us in dishonest practices. If we are confident the offers of this life do not measure up to the prize that awaits us, then let us “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), knowing that the sacrifice really is not a sacrifice at all.

As immigrants on earth, let’s be more than willing to suffer now that we may have glory later. Let’s place our heart in heaven, that our treasure may also be there (Matthew 6:21). Is there a sin you are not willing to dismiss because of the temporary pleasure it provides? Consider the words of Christ in Matthew 16:26: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Perhaps materialism is not your struggle, but whatever the sin, ask yourself if its value exceeds that of heaven.

“….and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:17, 18).

Riding Out the Storms

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Doy Moyer

Paul told the Romans that his desire was to go to Rome. He would make it to Rome, but probably not in the way he imagined. He would go as a prisoner. Even so, his journey to Rome would be filled with peril, for in the middle of the Mediterranean the ship he was on encountered a storm that threatened the lives of all on board (Acts 27). When we con-sider that the bulk of the passengers were also prisoners, one would have to wonder how these people would deal with an impending tragedy.

The storm was going to hit, but God was still in control even when the fear had gripped those on the ship. Imagine the scene: violent winds driving the ship, no control over the direction, and they begin to jettison cargo. Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and with the violence of the storm, all hope of being saved was gradually abandoned. Add to this that they were now without food. Hunger. Fear. Impending death. How could they deal with this?

Paul had warned them not to sail at that time, but the captain refused to listen (perhaps even mirroring the attitude of those who refused to listen to the Gospel for salvation). Yet Paul, not bitter, offers more encouraging words: “Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you. Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told” (vv. 22-25).

The question that then remained with whether or not they could trust God. This has ever been the question. Can we trust God? When the storms hit the hardest, can we trust that God is still in charge? Can we take comfort in His guiding hand? Can we trust that He does know what is best? Paul’s attitude is stellar. “I believe God.” Period. No second-guessing. No demanding why. Just, “I believe God.” With this in mind, we offer the following lessons:

1. When the storms hit, God is still in control. We live in a world that is storm-tossed, and we cannot escape that fact. Accepting that God is in control should never depend on our lives being storm-free. God might just be in that whirlwind, telling us to trust Him (see Job 38).

2. Trusting God is a matter of accepting His promises. “I be-lieve God” is not just a statement of believing God exists; it is a statement of believing that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). God keeps His word.

It is important to recognize that God never promised that our lives would be easy or pain-free. Some use the problem of suffering as a way to deny God, but God’s promises are not based upon a pain-free life. Rather, the ultimate promises we look to go beyond the here and now. We look not at the things that are seen but at the things unseen (2 Cor 4:17-18). We must keep this perspective in place.

3. Storms provide us with opportunities:

  • to trust God and grow closer to Him
  • to trust others (could those on the ship trust what Paul was saying?)
  • to be more like God Himself in compassion, love, and generosity
  • to pray
  • to glorify God
  • to serve God’s greater purposes

It is difficult for us to know exactly what God may have in mind when we go through those storms. It may well be that He intends for us to be a blessing to others in helping them come to a greater realization of why they are here. If our pain can help unite, strengthen, and give proper spiritual perspective to more people, then let God be glorified in the storms.

On Believing in a God Who Communicates His Will

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Doy Moyer

Faith in God is multi-layered. People can believe that there is a God, but not accept the idea that God would communicate with those whom He created. People can believe that God is, but not believe that God has anything to do with us. This, however, is not the God of Scripture.

“Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6).

This passage informs us that we must believe not only that God exists, but that God rewards those who seek Him. Yet how are we to know how to seek God? How may we know what pleases Him? This cannot be known without some kind of communica-tion from God.

Believing in God means believing in supreme Being in whom dwells all knowledge, wisdom, power, goodness, love, and much more. We believe in a Creator who took care to make, not only a universe, but a place wherein His those made in His own image would dwell. God is a God of fellowship; His creatures are made for fellowship. Does it not make sense that God would communicate Himself to those made in His image so that He may have a relationship with us?

Let’s break this down a little more. What is responsible for everything? Mindless, purposeless forces from nothing, or intelligent Mind? Christians accept, with good reason, that Mind is the ground of all. Is this Mind personal or an impersonal force? If impersonal, there is no will or purpose to reveal. There would be no personal traits and no ability to communicate. This would be a god that is unknowable and with whom no personal relationship could exist. Such a god does not make sense of who we are and why we are here. Personal intelligence comes not from impersonal forces with no will. Personal beings, as humans are, reflect a greater personality who wills and acts.

God is personal. From here, we must decide whether we believe that God cares or doesn’t care about creation. Does it make sense to think that God doesn’t care about what He made? This would not reflect a God who encompasses all that is good or loving. The only viable option that reflects any honor to One who can truly be called God (with all the glory that entails) is that God is personal, and He cares.

The term “god” doesn’t always mean much. There are many types of gods we can discuss, but the only God worth following is the One in whom exists all being, knowledge, love, power, etc. In other words, an impersonal god or one who doesn’t care is not a god we can follow. If we are going to believe that God is, then we need to accept all the implications relative to who this God really is (as Paul shows in Acts 17:22-31). This God cares. This God made people in His image. This God is relational, and desires fellowship with His creation. This God is supremely holy, so fellowship with Him is never arbitrary or capricious. Fellowship with God will always be only on the terms that fit His nature and character. Since sin violates His character, and we are all guilty, then we need Him to tell us how we who have become unholy can enter back into His holy fellowship.

It only makes sense that God would communicate His will with the creatures that He made and with whom He desires fellow-ship. The only way we can know His mind, His will, is for Him to tell us (cf. 1 Cor. 2). This is why revelation makes sense. We cannot guess at God’s will. We know His mind only as He has revealed it.

The personal nature of God is ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. In Jesus is embodied God in the flesh, the Word, God’s communication with humanity in a most personal and direct way (John 1). Through Jesus, not only do we learn that God cares, we learn that God loves in a way that is beyond the wis-dom of mere humans (1 Cor. 1:18ff; Rom. 8:31ff). In Jesus is the perfect communication and the perfect means by which God establishes and maintains fellowship in a way befitting His na-ture. In Jesus we learn how God can maintain His holy and just nature while granting forgiveness to those who have violated His glory. Grace is God’s answer to sin. To accomplish this, He gave Himself in sacrifice. It doesn’t get any more personal than that.

We believe in a God who communicates His will and makes it possible to live in fellowship with Him. Ultimately, this is the only God who can make sense out of who we are, why we are here, and what we are supposed to be doing with our lives. Our desire should ever be to seek Him diligently.