Category Archives: Sin

Let’s Get Busy–The Devil Never Sleeps

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The devil does many things. The Bible ascribes many characteristics to him.

1. He is a liar. “… for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44). Thus, every lie in the world is of the devil. He uses many lies to deceive people. He will cause anything to be said in order to gain people for hell. And, oh how often he achieves his purpose!

2. He is a murderer. “He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). He deals in the murder of the souls of his victims — not just their bodies. He is the great soul destroyer.

3. He is as a roaring lion. “… the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). His intent is to devour people — he is stalking you and would devour you if he can!

4. He transposes himself into a messenger of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:14). He doesn’t show his true form or true nature — he disguises to deceive and to devour and to murder.

Beware of the Devil! But, what can we do to off-set his evil influence?

1. Be sober in your thinking and vigilant in your attitude (1 Pet. 5:8). We can ward off many of Satan’s vicious attacks by being watchful for the adversary. The Lord says, “Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt. 26:41). Paul warns: “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13).

Vigilance is the price we have had to pay for every inch of ground that we have gained in “restoring the ancient order.” Let us constantly be on the guard lest Satan should gain an advantage.

2. We must resist the devil. “… and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7). But how can we resist him? We are not left alone and to our own judgment in this matter. We are told how to resist the devil. Read 1 Peter 5:9: “Whom resist steadfast in the faith.” Here is God’s own way for us to resist the devil: in the faith. What is the faith? It is the gospel of the Son of God. It is the truth! We resist the devil by using the truth — the sword of the Spirit.

Jesus said: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed: and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). If we continue in the truth, we thereby resist the devil, and he will flee from us. But if we become inactive in the faith, if we depart from the faith or fail to contend for it, we thereby yield to the devil and lose our only soul.

Thus, we can easily see our responsibility. It is twofold:

1. We must know the truth (the faith). How do we get knowledge of it? It comes to all alike — through study of the word of God. Let’s get busy in Bible study so that we can resist the devil.

2. The other is that we must get busy in the faith. We read of certain people who “labored in the gospel.” Paul said their names were in the book of life (Phil. 4:3). Therefore, we must know the word and do the word (Jas. 1:22-25).

Let’s get busy! The devil never sleeps. Attend every service of the church and be on guard every day of our lives.

 

By Forrest D. Moyer

Feeling Numb

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Feeling numb can be either a good thing or a bad thing. For example, when I go to the dentist and he is about to drill on my tooth, then I want the nerve to that tooth to be numb. But if I wake up in the morning and my left arm is so numb that I have no use of it, then I am concerned about it.

Likewise, when I am numb, or indifferent, to the sins in the world around me, then that is a bad thing. “… Righteous Lot, … was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)” (2 Peter 2:7-8). Perhaps it is true that Lot made a bad choice spiritually when he chose the fertile plain of the Jordan for his family and cattle (Genesis 13:10-11), but he never grew accustomed to the wickedness of the society in which he lived! God praised him for his righteous indignation at the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah! Lot never became numb to sin!

The moral degradation of television today stands in stark contrast to the kind of shows I grew up watching. Today’s sitcoms blatantly advertise fornication, adultery, homosexuality, cursing, etc. as that which is commonplace and accepted. Christians can get caught up in a sitcom, especially a comedy, and find themselves laughing at the things they should find abhorrent. It is easy to become numb to the sin of the world, and that is a bad thing.

Interestingly, the word “numb” does not appear in the Bible anywhere, but insensitivity to sin is warned against repeatedly! Paul referred to it as a kind of spiritual sleep (Romans 13:11). Sexual sins and strong drink take away the heart (Hosea 4:11, KJV). Jesus admonished: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).

The apostle Paul warned the brethren at Corinth of this moral numbness: “Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34).

Things will not always continue as they do now! “For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:38– 39). One day all the spiritual, moral numbness will become an acute pain that consumes one’s whole being! Christians cannot afford to get caught up in the sins of the world because they will then wind up being consumed in fire with the world (2 Peter 3:10-13)!

What should the faithful Christian do? The apostle Paul answered that question clearly: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore, He says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.’ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:11–17).

Let the “light” of God’s Word inform your mind, alarm your conscience, cause mental consternation at the sins of the world, and expose sin for what it is — moral, spiritual cancer which leads to certain death! Watch your step, and avoid sin like the plague (James 1:15)! Brethren, have you become numb to sin?

By Wayne Goff

Which Ones Have You Encouraged?

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The Lord’s church is composed of both strong and weak members. Each one needs encouragement at times, but certainly the weaker brethren need a greater amount of special attention. Also, there are some members who are not necessarily weak, but who have special physical problems, causing them to need special attention. The apostle Paul taught that the responsibility of helping the weaker members rested upon the shoulders of those who were mature, full-grown Christians (Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:1-2). In the minds of some, this type of responsibility is the work of the elders, deacons, or preachers. Indeed it is; but the instruction is given to all Christians. Sometimes elders and preachers are negligent. Sometimes there is simply more work to be done than a limited number of men can accomplish. Which ones have you encouraged?

Some Members Are Forsaking the Assembling of the Saints

This sign of weakness is obvious to any mature Christian. It takes no special training or skills to make a phone call, write a note, or drop by for a short visit to say, “I’ve missed you.” Would it be presumptuous to say almost all Christians could render service in this area?

Some Members Are Attending Without the Support (Perhaps With the Hindrance) Of Their Spouse

A mother rises early on Sunday morning to prepare breakfast and dress the children to get them to Bible class; and they leave home with the father still in bed. Sometimes the fathers have the same problem, leaving the mother at home. All recognize the special problems faced by such parents, admire their effort, and are encouraged by their faithful attendance under less than ideal circumstances. Are we not obliged to reciprocate some type of encouragement to these faithful parents?

Some Members Are Presently Experiencing Family Problems

There are parents who are struggling with a rebellious child. There are married couples who are experiencing serious problems, perhaps resulting from an immature spiritual life. There are adults who have aging parents who are sick or confined, and demand much of their time and attention. In many cases, an encouraging word may be all that can be offered. Who offers it?

Some Members Are Facing Problems Associated With Aging

The elderly and widows find it more and more difficult to do the basics, such as driving to services, shopping at the market, visiting with others, etc. Many live alone, without the encouragement or support of a faithful companion. Encouragement may be extended both verbally and actively.

This list could go on and on, but the initial question would remain the same, namely, “Which ones have you encouraged?” As the members of a congregation consider one another, the opportunities to serve are abundant. Christians may avoid the question for the present, but one day all will stand and give an answer.

By David Thomley

 

 

Count It Joy

As humans, we have a tendency to ask “why” when we experience difficulties in our lives. We may look at a situation as being the victim. God gives insight on how to handle these situations so that we may look at them as being a victor. We can expect experience difficulties as a Christian. After all, Jesus, the apostles and first century Christians endured hard times. James tells us how to approach these times in chapter 1.

We must first embrace the trial and count it joy (v.2).  Jesus said that we will have trials (John 16:33), so we should not be caught off guard when they occur.  These trials may be caused by satan, the world, our family and even brethren.   Peter tells us not to be surprised by these trials, but to rejoice in them (1 Peter 4:12-13).  Rejoicing occurred after suffering persecution for the cause of the gospel (Acts 5:41).  These times bring about perseverance (Romans 5:3).  We should look at the difficulty and thank God while adopting a joyful attitude when trials occur.  Persecution, in whatever form it may be, is a part of Christianity and when we suffer for Jesus, we should look at it as a good thing, especially since He suffered for us.

In verse 3, James says that the testing of our faith produces endurance.  Just as athletes train for their sport, we must train for Christianity.  Faith tested brings out the best in us if we remain focused on God.   Trials help us mature as Christians.  If we never have these, then we expect everything will be easy and as a result, we do not grow stronger.  Endurance denotes the ability to have consistency in the face of adversity.  We must stand firm with God, no matter what is thrown at us.  Testing can work for us, not against us (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Endurance must have its perfect result (verse 4).  Too often, we want the hard times to be over with immediately.  Instead of complaining or questioning God, we should simply endure it.   We learn to continue to seek God’s will during the hard times.

Lastly, we must look to God for wisdom (verse 5).  Wisdom is demonstrated when we take what Scripture says and apply it to our own lives.  We must look to the One who is all knowing for guidance.  Persistency must characterize our prayer life.  Especially in times of difficulty, we should become more dependent on God, looking to Him for strength, guidance and comfort.  James tells us to ask God in faith, without doubting (verse 6).

Seeing trials as an opportunity to rejoice is contrary to what the world thinks. Christianity is about seeking to please God.  It is about humbling ourselves in good times and in difficult times.  Christians are commanded to have a joy in all circumstances of life.  This joy occurs because, no matter what we endure, we have the hope of heaven.

By Randy Case Jr.

It’s Time to Hate!

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The inspired wise man who wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes said: “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…a time to love and a time to hate” (3:1,8a). Most of us probably have a pretty negative view of hate. We think of it as a bad emotion. But in and of itself, hate is not any better or worse than love. Both love and hate have proper objects, they are both appropriate feelings to have toward certain things at certain times.

Sometimes love and hate are two sides of the same coin. Love for one thing might necessitate hate for something else (cf. Matt. 6:24). That is the way it is with God and sin. If we love God, we must hate sin. The Psalmist said: “You who love the Lord, hate evil” (97:10).

It is high time for those who claim to love God to start hating sin. We must hate it in ourselves and in others, and hate it with an intensity of passion that is equaled only by the intensity of our love for God.

Sin should not be hated merely as some abstract, vague concept, but as real and specific instances of transgression. That is to say, we are not only to hate the idea of sin, but also every occurrence of sin. The Bible is very clear about this. Many plain statements of Scripture command or exemplify hatred of specific sins. These

passages need to be examined carefully. Each of us needs to ask our self: “Do I really hate this sin?”

Do I really hate pride, arrogance and a perverse mouth? Do we fully agree with the wise man who said: “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate” (Proverbs 8:13)?

Pride, arrogance and perverse speech are common sins in our society. We see them in politicians, sports figures, neighbors, and sometimes in ourselves. When we see our favorite basketball player or politician lifted up with pride and arrogance, spewing forth obscenities, do we hate it as we should?

Do I really hate lying? “A righteous man hates lying” (Proverbs 13:5). All of us, both righteous and unrighteous, hate being lied to, but the question is, “Do you yourself hate lying?” Some may only hate lying if they are caught at it or up in it. The righteous man must loathe every instance of it in his life and in the lives of others.

Do I really hate taking God’s name in vain? In Psalm 139:20-22 the Psalmist says: “Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You I hate them with perfect hatred, I count them my enemies.” There is not a day that goes by in which I do not hear someone take God’s name in vain. Expressions such as “Oh my God,” “God — it” and just plain “God!” are some of the most frequently heard exclamations in the English language. Euphemisms for these expressions are very common as well. “Oh my Gosh,” “Oh my word,” “Gosh darn it,” “Golly” and “Gosh” are merely mild substitutes for the same phrases. Language does not become correct just because it is common. We must not allow continual exposure to this sin to dull our sensitivity to it. God is to be reverenced. His Holy name is to be blessed not cursed or used in vain (cf. Psalms 89:7; 103:1). God-fearing people should consistently abhor the practice of profaning God’s name.

Do I really hate Covetousness? “He who hates covetousness will pro-long his days” (Prov. 28:16). The desire for what others possess is commonly depicted as a virtue in our materialistic culture. Covetousness is defined as unlawful desire for that which belongs to another. Rather than allowing cultural influences to lull us into accepting and participating in covetousness, we should hate covetousness with every fiber of our being.

Do I really hate violence? “The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates” (Psalm 11:5). Since the Lord hates the very soul of the one who loves violence, wouldn’t it be wise to completely remove any affection for violence from our hearts? Do you enjoy movies, television programs, or books that contain violence? Do you desire to solve problems at home, in the work place, among neighbors, or in the church through violence or threat of it? Do you hate violence, or do you love it?

Do I really hate false teaching? In Revelation 2:6; 1:5, Jesus makes it plain that He hated the false teaching of the Nicolaitans and that He expected church members to do the same. Can we honestly say that we really hate false doctrine when we refuse to “mark” and “avoid” those who teach it, because they “have been our friends for years,” or they “are such kind and caring people”? Toleration of false teaching and those who teach it can scarcely be called hatred (cf. Romans 16:17-18).

Hating evil is not un-Christ-like. It is most Christ-like. Jesus hated evil more than anyone ever hated anything. The Book of Hebrews says of Him: “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (1:9) Let us be like Christ; let us hate sin. To hate sin is to know love, for love “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth” (1 Cor.13:6). “Through Thy precepts I get understanding, Therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104).

By Steve Klein

What Did We Really Say?

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“Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.” Luke 17:3, 4

“And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’” Luke 15:21

These passages, along with many others, show that we must be willing to admit it when we have wronged someone and then humbly ask their forgiveness. The late John Clark often said that ten of the most important words in a marriage were, “I have sinned. I am sorry. Will you forgive me?” And while these can be critical to the happiness of a marriage, we must be willing to use these same words (or similar ones) in all our relationships.

However, doesn’t our stubborn pride sometimes prevent us from doing this? While we may occasionally dig our heels in and refuse to admit to any wrong, there are other times when we can’t completely avoid an acknowledgement of wrong, yet still manage to avoid an honest confession. Consider what we may be saying when we utter the following words.

“If I have offended or hurt anyone, I’m sorry.” When we say this, are we admitting we have done something wrong though we may not know what specific individuals were hurt by our actions, or could we be failing to accept responsibility with the word if? Could we, in fact, not be subtly suggesting that if others had the kind of love described in 1 Cor. 13:4-7 as suffering long, not being provoked, believing the best of others, etc., then they would not have been offended? Have we shifted the responsibility from ourselves to others?

Similarly, if I say, “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings,” am I sorry for my actions or implying that you are too sensitive? In reality, do the recipients of such words not often find themselves on the defensive and reacting as though they must apologize and dismiss our hurtful actions with words like, “That’s okay; it was really nothing,” when it really was something?

Then there are those times when we admit that we said or did something we shouldn’t have, but then seek to mitigate it by our circumstances of life. “I’ve been under so much pressure at work…things have been rough at home…I’ve been in a lot of pain lately because of my back, etc.” Life can certainly be tough, but the difficulties of life can never justify or lessen the magnitude of our wrongdoing. Joseph was sold as a slave, falsely accused of wrongdoing, and forgotten by the cupbearer, but we never see him giving in to sin. The devil sought to tempt Jesus after forty days of fasting, but He didn’t allow hunger or exhaustion to cause him to sin. When we have done wrong, let’s not blame those things we cannot control, but accept responsibility for the one person whose actions we can control.

Finally, we may make a direct attack on the person we have wronged with words such as, “I’m sorry I lost my temper with you, but I get so upset when people question my motives, ask too many questions, etc.” While there will be times when people do things that upset us, tempt us, provoke us, etc., and the Bible teaches that they will be held accountable for the stumbling block they cast before us (Matt. 18:6, 7), does anyone actually have the ability to make me sin? Instead of sinning in response to someone’s wrong, can I not heed such admonitions as those of Matt. 5:44 to “love [my] enemies, bless those who curse [me], do good to those who hate [me], and pray for those who spitefully use [me] and persecute [me]?” The confessions of David recorded in 2 Sam. 12:13 and Psa. 51 are noteworthy for what they do not contain; viz. any attempts to blame Bathsheba, the servants who brought her to him, or Joab and his cold-blooded killing of Uriah. David did not try to suggest that if Uriah had been a better husband, then perhaps this affair would have never taken place. No, instead of blaming others, David, with a broken and contrite heart (Psa. 51:17) acknowledged his guilt and took responsibility for his actions.

It may well be that I will need to go to my brother and talk to him about his sinful, provocative actions (Matt. 18:15; Gal. 6:1, 2), but not until I have acknowledged my own sin and have done so without attempting in any way to shift the responsibility for my actions to someone else.

May God help us all learn to say with the younger son, “I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.” Then we can rejoice in promises such as those of 1 John 1:8, 9. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Unless noted, all quotations from the New King James Version, copyright 1994 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

By John Gibson

Good News, Bad News Postings

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A couple of months ago we announced that we would begin to run a series titled, “Good News, Bad News” on the social media site, Facebook. While making the announcement, we also encouraged our own members to like and share the posts (of course, only if they truly agreed with the post) on their own walls as the extra likes and shares help create additional traffic for our social media site and potential visitors to our website. (Of course, the church is not in the “business” of creating viral posts, however, by reaching a greater audience we give others a better opportunity to be exposed to the word of God.)

The purpose behind the series “Good News, Bad News” was to show that in the darkest moments humans will experience in this lifetime, there is a beacon of hope if one will turn to God. The purpose of the series was intended to highlight the fact that apart from God man is nothing, but with Him man has the opportunity to live life as God intended it to be lived. The purpose of the series was to emphasize that without God there is only bad news, but with God we can see the Good News while surrounded by bad news.

I am happy to report that the series “Good News, Bad News” has been received favorably. Everyone’s efforts in helping spread the Good News of Jesus Christ are appreciated. Lord willing, the plan is to continue with the series.

Below is a compilation of four of our postings on Facebook. These are shared with the intention that those who are not on Facebook may feel a part of the work and may be encouraged by them. Hopefully those who have seen these before can also benefit from them

Troubles of Life: the Bad News and the Good News

The Bad News: The reality is that from the cradle to the grave we will all experience troubles and difficulties.

The Good News: God cares! “…Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

The Tree of Life: the Bad News and the Good News

The Bad News: When Adam and Eve were disobedient to God as recorded in Genesis 3, one of the consequences of this sin was the prohibition to the tree of life. An omnidirectional flaming sword was set to guard it (Genesis 3:24).

The Good News: When you come to the last chapter of the last book of the Bible, we are told that access to the tree of life can be ours! “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14).

The Younger Son of Luke 15: the Bad News and the Good News

The Bad News: The parable that is often referred to as the parable of the “prodigal son” begins with the younger son demanding his portion of his inheritance from his father and journeying to a far country where he wastes his possessions with prodigal living (Luke 15:12, 13). So bleak does his future appear that “he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods which the swine ate” (15:16).

The Good News: The father was a father of compassion, mercy, and second opportunities. In Luke 15:20-24 we read of one of the most tender exchanges in all of Scripture. The good news of this parable is that just as the father of the younger son eagerly received his wayward son, so does our Father anticipate our turning away from sin and coming to His arms for a joyous reunion!

Confusion Surrounding the Bible: the Bad News and the Good News

The Bad News: Religious confusion exists. For example, if you were to ask about how someone is saved today, you will, without a doubt, receive many, varied answers to your question. Such confusion is disheartening and frustrating.

The Good News: It is possible to understand God’s will (Ephesians 5:17). God has revealed His mind in such a way that anyone can come to know it! The words of Ephesians 3:3-5 are truly good news: “how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.”

Isaac Muñoz

Reacting to Immorality

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There have been many words put to print lately about various trends of immorality in the world around us. In particular, our state has recently been involved in the ongoing debate surrounding homosexual marriage and there is a movie recently released that further glorifies other forms of sexual deviancy. What is the Christian to make of all of this? Shall we take up some political campaign or protest to show our dismay? Perhaps we should go along making no comment at all because all of this “really has nothing to do with us.” It is easy to get swept into one extreme reaction or another when such extreme positions are at play but let us not look to the world for our guide but to God’s word.

In the first place, we do want to recognize that the world is always going to be at odds with the will of God. Men of all points in history have believed in their own capacity to “make the world a better place.” If we are not careful, we can get swept up in the notion that the right leader, the right law, or the right political system can save mankind. When God speaks of the world, He never speaks with the view that it will be saved but always to the view that the majority have always and will always turn away from Him (Matt. 7:13). That is not pessimism, that is reality of the history of God’s word and faith in what He says of the future. So, to some degree we must not allow ourselves too much shock and dismay when the world acts like…the world.

In addition to the recognition that the world is lost and dying, we also need to recognize the limitations of our place in this world. God has not called Christians to become political world leaders but to become quiet and consistent influences wherever they are. We influence by living lives that glorify God not ones that glorify a political party (Matt. 5:16). Our authority over those who defy God’s will is limited to those who are of our number and even that is only a matter of limiting our own contact with those persons (1 Cor. 5:9-12). So, while we may want to take some forceful action, that is simply not what God has called for. In fact, in a world that was at least as immoral as our own time, Paul called for Christians to pray for leaders to the end that we may live a “tranquil and quiet life” (1 Tim. 2:2).

Yet, while we should recognize the world for what it is and our limited capacity to bring about change, we don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking that such digressions in morality as we have seen in the last several decades are of no consequence to the Christian. In the first place, it is and should be a sorrowful thing to see immorality exalted. Some might say, “I am not surprised to see this.” Do you suppose the Lord was shocked to see the world digress into the state in which we find it in Genesis 6? The omniscient God is not shocked, but He is filled with sorrow (Gen. 6:6). We don’t need to become so calloused to sin that it fails to cause in us the reaction that it causes in God who has seen all the sin that has ever been committed and yet grieves. Many will mock us for our sorrow and even view our sorrow as another form of judgment. And yet like “righteous Lot” we are increasingly living in a world surrounded by sin and therefore our souls will be “tormented day after day by their lawless deeds” (2 Pet. 2:8). But take heart, God has promised that those who mourn are blessed, “for they shall be comforted” (Matt. 5:4).

The other thing that we must do in the face of such tremendous opposition is keep the faith. When we look at the numbers we can begin to question the rightness of our beliefs or the effectiveness of our efforts to influence. But consider the influence of men of God in other ages of debauchery. Noah is said to have been a “preacher of righteousness” and would have been so for at least 100 years. Yet the result of his preaching was the preservation of only eight souls (2 Pet. 2:5). Isaiah is told to prophesy to the people not so that they would listen and change their hearts, but to, “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed” (Isa. 6:10). Can you imagine being told that no one would listen but that you must go and preach anyway. The response to truth may not be what we would wish it to be in a world so full of sin. But if Isaiah could continue to proclaim the truth in the face of such opposition as that, then surely we can continue to proclaim it in face of what we see today.

It is a sinful world we live in. Let it break your heart, but let God also lift it back up. Don’t get carried away with the tactics of the world in trying to fight the world. But take up the armor of God and keep fighting on God’s terms (Eph. 6:12-18). And if you will do that, you will not win the world, but you and all those blessed few who will do likewise will most assuredly win the crown of righteousness (2 Tim. 4:8).

By Stephen Russell

Barabbas and Us

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Pilate had a decision to make. And, it turns out, this decision would have the biggest impact on the world in which he lived and in every generation since. Even casual readers of the Bible know what Pilate ultimately decided: to condemn Jesus to death. That fateful choice ensured not only that Jesus would die, but that He would die one of the cruelest and most painful deaths one can imagine.

Pilate made a choice to end Jesus’ life. Had he elected to go another route, Barabbas would have died, and justice would have been served. Barabbas was a notorious prisoner (Matthew 27:16) who had committed murder in the rebellion (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:19). If there was ever a man deserving of the death penalty it was Barabbas; after all, he had taken the life of a human. If there was ever a man who was underserving of the death penalty or any type of rebuke it was Jesus. In the place of taking life, He gave life (Lazarus in John 11). In the place of promoting rebellion against the Roman Empire, He taught others to pay taxes to Caesar (Matthew 22:21).

Pilate had a decision to make, but it should not have been a difficult one. His two options could not be more different and Pilate was aware of these differences (Matthew 27:23). By Pilate’s decision to wash his hands clean of the decision (Matthew 27:24, 25) he elected to take the coward’s way out and had Jesus crucified.

What must Barabbas have thought? Could a heart where rage and hate formerly dwelt have felt gratitude at this moment, or at the very least felt a sigh of relief? An exoneration did not take place here, for he was a guilty man, but that he enjoyed all the freedoms of someone formerly unjustly incarcerated cannot be denied.

Personally, I have a very difficult time attempting to understand how Barabbas felt: I have never been to prison (at least, not on the other side of the bars) and my life has never before hung on the whim of blood-thirsty crowd, so I struggle to relate with this notorious felon. I am sure most reading this understand my plight.

Yet, as I look more carefully at his situation, I begin to see some similarities of which I am none too proud. Just as Barabbas was rebellious, I have been rebellious. Just as Barabbas was a murderer, I have been a murderer.

Barabbas rebelled against the Roman Empire through the insurrection. I have been rebellious against God. Romans 3:9, 10 speaks of my rebellion. “What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: ‘There is none righteous, no, not one.’”

Barabbas took precious human life. I have taken precious life. Acts 2:36 was spoken to the Jews of Peter’s day, but could easily apply to myself as well. “Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Do you see yourself in Barabbas too? Have you rebelled against God? Are you guilty of putting Jesus on the cross because of your sins (Hebrews 6:6)? If you can see yourself in Barabbas, and I think you can, then you also can see what the penalties for these transgressions are. Like Barabbas, we were on death row, simply waiting for the day of our execution.

This is where the story changes. Yes, Pilate helped along the decision, but the decision to save us from our sins was made long before Pilate. This is the story of salvation. An innocent man (Jesus) takes the penalty for the guilty man (Barabbas). Romans 5:8 summarizes our salvation very well. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The innocent One who gives life to all, dies for the guilty one who takes life. What a marvelous story of love!

I hope we all praise God for what He has done for us and what He does for us! We cannot repay such love.

As you ponder the story of Barabbas, please don’t fail to see your own guilt as well. We scorn at the likes of men like Barabbas, but when we compare ourselves to him see more similarities than differences. Of course, the most obvious similarity is our need for a Savior who can remove our sin. Also, let us never allow the death of Jesus to become commonplace. May we all live with the gratitude He is owed and the love He deserves.

Isaac Muñoz

One Who Sows Discord

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“These six things the LORD hates,

Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:

A proud look,

A lying tongue,

Hands that shed innocent blood,

A heart that devises wicked plans,

Feet that are swift in running to evil,

A false witness who speaks lies,

And one who sows discord among brethren.” Prov. 6:16- 19 (Emphasis mine, JRG)

We can be moved to a righteous indignation when we hear about the shedding of innocent blood and we are often repulsed by even the thought of that unnatural act called homosexuality (Rom. 1:26, 27), but do we see causing division and strife among brethren as the abomination it is? Do we properly appreciate how often the New Testament exhorts the children of God to be united as brothers? Read carefully the following sampling of God’s plan for His children.

“Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Cor. 1:10

“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:3

“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Phil. 2:2

How can Christians who otherwise appear so faithful sometimes be so unconcerned about the unity of the brethren? Why are they so willing to create dissension through their murmuring about the way things are done, the decisions the elders make, the way someone leads singing, etc.? There are likely many reasons, but in so many cases the first thing on the list of things hated by God, i.e. the proud look, is inseparably linked to the last thing, i.e. the sowing of discord among brethren.

Consider the Old Testament story of Absalom. This proud young man, the son of David, used his good looks and smooth ways to create division within Israel (2 Sam. 14-19).  Absalom’s pride and the ensuing division cost many their lives and led to great sorrow for many, including his own father. Today, while pride and the desire to create a following will rarely cost anyone their physical life, as happened to Absalom and many others, it will bring sorrow to a church and cost people their souls. If we are to avoid a worse punishment than that suffered by Absalom, we must make certain we are not guilty of allowing our pride to lead to the sowing of discord among our brothers and sisters, the children of God Almighty.

Do we appreciate unity as we should? Do we abhor division the way God does? If so, lets…

  • Swallow our own personal pride, humble ourselves in God’s sight, and do everything for the glory of God and not self. 1 Pet. 5:5, 6; 1 Cor. 10:31—11:1
  • Recommit ourselves to stirring up love and good works. Heb. 10:24, 25
  • Have the spirit of submission to the elders that allows them to watch for our souls with joy. Heb. 13:17
  • Avoid the kind of whispering that separates brethren and friends. Prov. 16:28
  • Refrain from questioning the motives of people or assigning the worst possible motive to every action. 1 Cor. 13:7

All division is not sin, for our Lord Himself said that He came to bring division with His teachings and demands for commitments to the Father’s will (Matt. 10:34-37), but before we create any friction or faction among God’s people we had better think long and hard about our motives. Love for truth and love for the souls of those deceived by lies may require division from those teaching and practicing things not found in God’s word, but far too often claims of love for the truth are a thin disguise for a pride that seeks a greater sense of importance.

“These…things the LORD hates,

Yes,…are an abomination to Him:

A proud look, …

And one who sows discord among brethren.”

John Gibson

He Missed One Service

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Paul Harvey once reported on his noon news of a 73 year old man who was pinned beneath his farm tractor for four days and nights in driving rain and a terrible storm. Concerned friends went to see about him just in time. It seems that he is going to live after his ordeal, but he will lose a leg below the knee.

Several newspapers picked up on this little story and centered upon the amazing fact that a 73 year old man could live after being pinned beneath a tractor for four days. Yes, all of that is amazing, but a more amazing fact is what caused his friends to go to see about him. One friend gave as the reason for this visit that, “He missed prayer meeting Wednesday night.” That’s all? He just missed one service and his friends went to check on him?

One preacher remarked, “I believe there are two possible suppositions we can make about this incident.” Consider the following:

On the one hand we could suppose that this man was so faithful and regular in his church attendance that everyone knew that if he was not there, something had to be seriously wrong. A question: What if you had been the one pinned under the tractor? Would your absence have been noticed? Or, are you so irregular in attendance that everyone would assume you decided to sleep in, or go to the lake? How many services have you missed in the last three months? Could you honestly classify yourself as a faithful, regular worshipper?

On the other hand, we could assume that the people in this man’s congregation have such a concern for the souls of men that when anyone, no matter how regular or irregular they are in attendance, missed a service they went to see about them.

I don’t know which of the preacher’s assumptions might be the more plausible, but I would like to see more men and more congregations like what he describes.

Christians need to remember Hebrews 10:22-25. No Christian can draw near unto God, hold fast the confession of his hope, or consider his brethren to provoke them unto love and good works who forsakes the assembling of the brethren together.

I have observed some church members that pick and choose which services to attend according to their mood or according to what TV program is scheduled. These folks are here-again-gone-again and hit-and-miss at the services.

Weak brethren seem to think, “Well, so what if I’m just at services every now and then? If that’s the worst sin I ever commit, I’ll make it to heaven.” But are you sure of that? The Bible says that all sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). We can lose our souls over just one unrepented sin (Acts 8:13-24).

How many times does a person have to miss to be wrong? The first time is a sin as much as the fourth time or the fortieth time—if it is willful absence.

Jesus said, “I know thy works, that thou are neither cold not hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou are lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16).

Are you cold? Just exactly how faithful are you? Would you be missed if you missed just one service? Do you check on your missing brethren?

“…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:22-25

 

Author Unknown