Keith McNeely
As a small boy I became aware that from time to time my father would loan money to an individual, and this individual would always secure the loan with a shotgun. Time after time that same gun would come into our house as collateral to secure the loan that was made. Early in life I learned the idea of something being entrusted to us (the gun) that was not ours, and that we would take care of it better than if it were ours. We were stewards of that property that did not belong to us.
The rule of stewards; There is a rule of stewards, it has been in our minds for years, but it also is set forth in the New Testament. Paul would state “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2). Albert Barnes comments that “Fidelity to the master” is required. Fidelity means being faithful to your obligations and duties. Thus the rule of stewards is that they be faithful.
Personal responsibility; Peter mentions receiving a gift and reminds us of our personal duties to “minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10). Two points, first it is a fact that everyone has different talents, and second that we each have opportunity and even obligation to utilize our talents in God’s service. Thus we each have personal responsibility to be stewards of our talents.
Elders as stewards; Paul would write to Titus “a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God;” (Titus 1:7). Vine writes under “steward” that the original word oikonomos means “the manager of a household or estate” (Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words p 1097). The point to learn is that the steward is not the owner but rather the “manager” of the household of another, in this case it refers to elders as managers of the “household of God” (Ephesians 2:19) which is the church. A question dear reader, is it not the case that the church is made up of souls? Then it seems we could accurately reason that the eldership of local congregations is indeed to be considered as stewards of the souls that make up that local congregation?
We must then recognize that we as Christians, all of us, not just elders, preachers or deacons, but rather all of us are stewards for the Lord. We further must recognize our responsibility to be faithful (to the Lord) in our stewardship.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
God's Word-Benefits Our Life
What Is God's Book? That is the question for a few minutes. Some might answer that God’s Book is the Bible, or that God’s Book is inspired, or that God’s Book is encouraging, or motivational. All good answers, but for a few minutes notice that God’s Book is...
For Meditation “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night” (Joshua 1:8). To meditate is to think deeply or carefully about something, the idea is that we should meditate upon the Bible, God’s Book. Before we can meditate on the Bible we must first read it, thus let me encourage you to “get cracking” read a paragraph or two right away and then meditate upon it. [Why not read Joshua chapter one?]
For Our Guidance “That thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein” (Joshua 1:8). The Bible is full of great advisements that work into all walks of life. Note just a few examples of advisements for our relationships with our families (spouses, children and parents); with our neighbors and fellow citizens (“do unto others”); and finally on what kind of employees we should be.
A Book Of Prosperity “For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8). Two immediate contexts come to mind, the prosperity of those in the Old and New Testament era’s. For example (and this is not always the case) but we tend to think of physical prosperity to the Old Testament characters. God was regularly helping Israel win physical battles and the like. In the New Testament we tend to make spiritual applications (again each testament is not mutually and exclusively divided into physical and spiritual categories). The Bible is a book for all ages, bringing prosperity to all that follow it’s guidance.
Perhaps even today, you could begin to challenge yourself and your friends to read and study a chapter or two a week, following it as a life guide. Prosperity awaits you.
Keith McNeely
Preaches for the Curry St church of Christ
For Meditation “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night” (Joshua 1:8). To meditate is to think deeply or carefully about something, the idea is that we should meditate upon the Bible, God’s Book. Before we can meditate on the Bible we must first read it, thus let me encourage you to “get cracking” read a paragraph or two right away and then meditate upon it. [Why not read Joshua chapter one?]
For Our Guidance “That thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein” (Joshua 1:8). The Bible is full of great advisements that work into all walks of life. Note just a few examples of advisements for our relationships with our families (spouses, children and parents); with our neighbors and fellow citizens (“do unto others”); and finally on what kind of employees we should be.
A Book Of Prosperity “For then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8). Two immediate contexts come to mind, the prosperity of those in the Old and New Testament era’s. For example (and this is not always the case) but we tend to think of physical prosperity to the Old Testament characters. God was regularly helping Israel win physical battles and the like. In the New Testament we tend to make spiritual applications (again each testament is not mutually and exclusively divided into physical and spiritual categories). The Bible is a book for all ages, bringing prosperity to all that follow it’s guidance.
Perhaps even today, you could begin to challenge yourself and your friends to read and study a chapter or two a week, following it as a life guide. Prosperity awaits you.
Keith McNeely
Preaches for the Curry St church of Christ
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Angel And...
Keith McNeely
Preaches for the Curry St church of Christ
West Plains Missouri
Angels are popular. We see angels mentioned in several places, one town is called “the city of angels”, television shows and sports teams have taken up the angel theme Perhaps one of the most famous of modern times would be Clarence in the 1946 movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”. For a few minutes lets think about two angels that are mentioned in the Bible.
The angel and Philip in Acts 8:26 is available to teach us a lesson that is usable in our religious life. “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise and go” (Acts 8:26). Philip had been successfully preaching in the region of Samaria was here summoned by “the angel of the Lord” to go south and eventually join himself to a man that was returning from worship in Jerusalem. This man, known as the Ethiopian eunuch was reading his Bible as he traveled along, and Philip after joining him began to preach Jesus unto the man. The eunuch having learned the full gospel story is baptized, and he goes on his way rejoicing, giving evidence that his sins were washed away by the blood
of Jesus.
The angel and Cornelius in Acts 10 saw an angel in a vision and the angel advised Cornelius to send to Joppa for Peter, another preacher of the Gospel. To summarize the gospel was brought to Cornelius house were several heard and obeyed the command of baptism (Acts 10:48).
The simple, and concise point of these two accounts is that even after the angel made visit to the humble walk of humanity those in question (the eunuch and Cornelius) were still lost until they heard the Gospel preached from the mouth of God’s faithful preachers.
It is no different today friend, for you and I to come to Christ we must come via the Gospel truths found in the New Testament. Angels, claimed visions, or religious “experiences” do not save, but rather the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
Preaches for the Curry St church of Christ
West Plains Missouri
Angels are popular. We see angels mentioned in several places, one town is called “the city of angels”, television shows and sports teams have taken up the angel theme Perhaps one of the most famous of modern times would be Clarence in the 1946 movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”. For a few minutes lets think about two angels that are mentioned in the Bible.
The angel and Philip in Acts 8:26 is available to teach us a lesson that is usable in our religious life. “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise and go” (Acts 8:26). Philip had been successfully preaching in the region of Samaria was here summoned by “the angel of the Lord” to go south and eventually join himself to a man that was returning from worship in Jerusalem. This man, known as the Ethiopian eunuch was reading his Bible as he traveled along, and Philip after joining him began to preach Jesus unto the man. The eunuch having learned the full gospel story is baptized, and he goes on his way rejoicing, giving evidence that his sins were washed away by the blood
of Jesus.
The angel and Cornelius in Acts 10 saw an angel in a vision and the angel advised Cornelius to send to Joppa for Peter, another preacher of the Gospel. To summarize the gospel was brought to Cornelius house were several heard and obeyed the command of baptism (Acts 10:48).
The simple, and concise point of these two accounts is that even after the angel made visit to the humble walk of humanity those in question (the eunuch and Cornelius) were still lost until they heard the Gospel preached from the mouth of God’s faithful preachers.
It is no different today friend, for you and I to come to Christ we must come via the Gospel truths found in the New Testament. Angels, claimed visions, or religious “experiences” do not save, but rather the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16).
What Healed Naaman?
Keith McNeely
“Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.” (2 Kings 5:1). This verse details who Naaman was, by review he was a military man of position, honourable “but he was a leper”. Though Naaman had many accomplishments and accolades yet he had a sentence of death.
What healed Naaman? He is sent to the king of Israel carrying a message from his king requesting that the king of Israel “recover him of his leprosy.” The king of Israel had strong reaction, in essence admitting his inability to heal Naaman who finally makes his way to Elisha. Elisha sends out his messenger telling Naaman to go and wash in the Jordan “seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.” What healed him, was it simply the water of the Jordan? No, if it were just the water then any and all could have followed his example and all could have been cleansed. Was it simply because he dipped seven times? No, if so others could have imitated these actions as well. Ultimately God healed Naaman, but why? Because he did exactly what God’s prophet Elisha said for him to do, in the way he said do it, at the location where he said do it. The obvious point for us today is that if we desire forgiveness from our sins we can indeed trust that we can have them forgiven if and when we come to God as he dictates. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” (Romans 6:17).
What mistakes did Naaman make? Great men often make mistakes, men such as David, Moses, or Peter just to name a few. Naaman brought money, it was refused; he went to the wrong place (to the king of Israel) even though the little maid told him to go to the prophet. We cannot go to the wrong place and expect the right answer. When it comes to matters of salvation we must go to Jesus the Savior for our answer (John 6:66-69). Naaman had a closed mind, he thought he knew it all, we all can be guilty of intellectual prejudice at times. Naaman in his anger did not agree with Elisha’s approach expecting the prophet to come out and conduct some sort of ceremony which included waving his hand over the place (2 Kings 5:11). The terms and conditions of salvation offered by Jesus and His New Testament writers are often deemed unacceptable by folks today, yet they still are backed with biblical authority. But Jesus said “Enter ye in at the strait gate” (Matthew 7:13).
You and I should learn from Naaman. To overcome our emotional response based upon anger and come to God on His terms. Leprosy similar to sin often would have a very small beginning and would grow quickly and uncontrollably (Leviticus 13:2-8). Lepers in the Bible often would carry a social stigma often being physically separated from their community, likewise our sins if known often cause us disgrace and shame. The great news is that Naaman was cured, not by himself, not by the king, but rather by coming to God (Elisha served faithfully as God’s prophet), we just like Naaman must come to God if we are to be cleansed of our sins. Will you turn from your high minded way and come to God on His terms? If so you can be redeemed from your sins.
“Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.” (2 Kings 5:1). This verse details who Naaman was, by review he was a military man of position, honourable “but he was a leper”. Though Naaman had many accomplishments and accolades yet he had a sentence of death.
What healed Naaman? He is sent to the king of Israel carrying a message from his king requesting that the king of Israel “recover him of his leprosy.” The king of Israel had strong reaction, in essence admitting his inability to heal Naaman who finally makes his way to Elisha. Elisha sends out his messenger telling Naaman to go and wash in the Jordan “seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.” What healed him, was it simply the water of the Jordan? No, if it were just the water then any and all could have followed his example and all could have been cleansed. Was it simply because he dipped seven times? No, if so others could have imitated these actions as well. Ultimately God healed Naaman, but why? Because he did exactly what God’s prophet Elisha said for him to do, in the way he said do it, at the location where he said do it. The obvious point for us today is that if we desire forgiveness from our sins we can indeed trust that we can have them forgiven if and when we come to God as he dictates. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” (Romans 6:17).
What mistakes did Naaman make? Great men often make mistakes, men such as David, Moses, or Peter just to name a few. Naaman brought money, it was refused; he went to the wrong place (to the king of Israel) even though the little maid told him to go to the prophet. We cannot go to the wrong place and expect the right answer. When it comes to matters of salvation we must go to Jesus the Savior for our answer (John 6:66-69). Naaman had a closed mind, he thought he knew it all, we all can be guilty of intellectual prejudice at times. Naaman in his anger did not agree with Elisha’s approach expecting the prophet to come out and conduct some sort of ceremony which included waving his hand over the place (2 Kings 5:11). The terms and conditions of salvation offered by Jesus and His New Testament writers are often deemed unacceptable by folks today, yet they still are backed with biblical authority. But Jesus said “Enter ye in at the strait gate” (Matthew 7:13).
You and I should learn from Naaman. To overcome our emotional response based upon anger and come to God on His terms. Leprosy similar to sin often would have a very small beginning and would grow quickly and uncontrollably (Leviticus 13:2-8). Lepers in the Bible often would carry a social stigma often being physically separated from their community, likewise our sins if known often cause us disgrace and shame. The great news is that Naaman was cured, not by himself, not by the king, but rather by coming to God (Elisha served faithfully as God’s prophet), we just like Naaman must come to God if we are to be cleansed of our sins. Will you turn from your high minded way and come to God on His terms? If so you can be redeemed from your sins.
"Weightier Matters"
Keith McNeely
(Matthew 23:23)
Jesus expects His followers to not only believe in Him, but to live a life that is effected by those beliefs. This is not a showy life of hypocrisy that is denounced in Matthew 6:1-6, but rather a life that makes decisions based upon beliefs learned from Christ and His Word.
Jesus took aim at those that would profess to be followers of God, but yet would not learn and properly react to the “weightier matters of the law”. He pronounced a woe upon the scribes and Pharisees because they firmly supported the tithing of mint, anise and cumin but “have omitted the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23).
Mint, anise and cumin “were garden herbs grown in small quantities and used chiefly for flavoring.” (McGarvey on Matthew). Thus they were evidently very exacting in their tithing even to the extent of gathering the herbs from the garden and giving ten percent of them back to God. These actions depict an individual that was meticulous to the highest degree. Understand “Jesus did not condemn the tithing of these, but condemned their scrupulousness in tithing these little things, and leaving undone, or disregarding, the weightier matters of ‘justice, and mercy, and faith’.” (H. Leo Boles on Matthew-Gospel Advocate commentary series).
The fault that Jesus addresses is a failure to be sensitive to the “weightier matters”. Jesus first addresses judgment, “means here right judgment of our fellow-men.” (McGarvey). It is a fact that we are to be our brother’s keeper (Genesis 4:9); and that we who are spiritual are to have interaction with and restore those that are overtaken in fault (Galatians 6:1). Second, Jesus mentions mercy, which is defined as “Forbearance toward the guilty and compassion toward the suffering.” (McGarvey). Third, Jesus mentions faith, it “Is both the belief of the truth and habitual manifestation of that belief in the life.” (McGarvey).
Mature Christians do not have to live very long before such individuals are encountered. Those individuals that are detail conscious yet are willing to dismiss seemingly more important things. As Jesus puts it they “strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” One writer commented that gnats were from time to time getting into the wine during it’s making, and that the gnat was considered unclean and so they would strain out these gnats, but they would commit sins enough to be a load for a camel to bear.
Christian are you conscious of the bigger things in your life? That is are you mindful of judgment, mercy and faith? Or are you spending all your waking moments on the minor issues? Be cautious that you do not “major on the minors”.
(Matthew 23:23)
Jesus expects His followers to not only believe in Him, but to live a life that is effected by those beliefs. This is not a showy life of hypocrisy that is denounced in Matthew 6:1-6, but rather a life that makes decisions based upon beliefs learned from Christ and His Word.
Jesus took aim at those that would profess to be followers of God, but yet would not learn and properly react to the “weightier matters of the law”. He pronounced a woe upon the scribes and Pharisees because they firmly supported the tithing of mint, anise and cumin but “have omitted the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23).
Mint, anise and cumin “were garden herbs grown in small quantities and used chiefly for flavoring.” (McGarvey on Matthew). Thus they were evidently very exacting in their tithing even to the extent of gathering the herbs from the garden and giving ten percent of them back to God. These actions depict an individual that was meticulous to the highest degree. Understand “Jesus did not condemn the tithing of these, but condemned their scrupulousness in tithing these little things, and leaving undone, or disregarding, the weightier matters of ‘justice, and mercy, and faith’.” (H. Leo Boles on Matthew-Gospel Advocate commentary series).
The fault that Jesus addresses is a failure to be sensitive to the “weightier matters”. Jesus first addresses judgment, “means here right judgment of our fellow-men.” (McGarvey). It is a fact that we are to be our brother’s keeper (Genesis 4:9); and that we who are spiritual are to have interaction with and restore those that are overtaken in fault (Galatians 6:1). Second, Jesus mentions mercy, which is defined as “Forbearance toward the guilty and compassion toward the suffering.” (McGarvey). Third, Jesus mentions faith, it “Is both the belief of the truth and habitual manifestation of that belief in the life.” (McGarvey).
Mature Christians do not have to live very long before such individuals are encountered. Those individuals that are detail conscious yet are willing to dismiss seemingly more important things. As Jesus puts it they “strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” One writer commented that gnats were from time to time getting into the wine during it’s making, and that the gnat was considered unclean and so they would strain out these gnats, but they would commit sins enough to be a load for a camel to bear.
Christian are you conscious of the bigger things in your life? That is are you mindful of judgment, mercy and faith? Or are you spending all your waking moments on the minor issues? Be cautious that you do not “major on the minors”.
Costume Season-Armor Of Light
Keith McNeely
Romans 13:12
We live in a world of dangers, toils and snares. Peter would say “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8). What is a person to do?
Children at times will dress up in various costumes, it is not very hard to imagine one putting on some sort of homemade armor. In fact some years ago I met an adult that was involved in real life fights on the weekends using real armor that he and his friends made.
Physical armor is one thing, but Paul writes in Romans 13:12 that we can “cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Paul advises that we first need to cast off the works of this world, or sometimes called deeds of darkness. It is a fact that many of this life’s woes come about when we are involved in various bad things, a few verses later Paul lists rioting (which is defined as unrestrained merrymaking, extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures, and orgies), drunkenness, strife and envying.
The point, there are two choices in this world, we can either serve Satan or Christ. We can have a great life if we will put on the armor of light this of course involves becoming a Christian, and faithfully living the life. When we do this we indeed will get along in this life so much better and enjoy the peace that comes from being a Christian.
These and other Bible topics are regularly studied in our various Bible classes at the Curry St church of Christ, I hope you can come be with us. Visit our newly updated website at http://www.cocacs.org/ have a great day.
Keith McNeely preaches for the Curry St church of Christ in West Plains Missouri
Romans 13:12
We live in a world of dangers, toils and snares. Peter would say “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” (1 Peter 5:8). What is a person to do?
Children at times will dress up in various costumes, it is not very hard to imagine one putting on some sort of homemade armor. In fact some years ago I met an adult that was involved in real life fights on the weekends using real armor that he and his friends made.
Physical armor is one thing, but Paul writes in Romans 13:12 that we can “cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” Paul advises that we first need to cast off the works of this world, or sometimes called deeds of darkness. It is a fact that many of this life’s woes come about when we are involved in various bad things, a few verses later Paul lists rioting (which is defined as unrestrained merrymaking, extreme indulgence in sensual pleasures, and orgies), drunkenness, strife and envying.
The point, there are two choices in this world, we can either serve Satan or Christ. We can have a great life if we will put on the armor of light this of course involves becoming a Christian, and faithfully living the life. When we do this we indeed will get along in this life so much better and enjoy the peace that comes from being a Christian.
These and other Bible topics are regularly studied in our various Bible classes at the Curry St church of Christ, I hope you can come be with us. Visit our newly updated website at http://www.cocacs.org/ have a great day.
Keith McNeely preaches for the Curry St church of Christ in West Plains Missouri
The Power Of Example
Keith McNeely
Imagine going through life without ever having any one to look to for help and advice. Life would be hard without examples on various topics. Some of societies more common phrases are “here let me help you” or as we try to find a location “just follow me, I am going right by there”. Example is a powerful tool, helping us to learn how to accomplish all kinds of topics, even the Christian life is easier to accomplish when we see it done. The Bible is not silent on this idea, Paul said in part “Brethren, be followers together of me” (Philippians 3:17).
God as our example. Moses was to tell the congregation of Israel “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2; see also Matthew 5:48). It makes perfect since, God is our Father, we as His children should indeed be inclined to be like Him. Paul stated that kindness and forgiveness had been exampled to us by our Father “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32). A quick review-God has been a example to us in so many ways, but we have here noted these few, that of holiness, kindness and forgiveness. Thus God the Father continues to be our example.
Christ as our example. The effects of being with someone can be seen, recognized and known. For example the authorities that called Peter and John into their presence were able to recognize the effect Christ had upon them (Acts 4:13), they knew that “they had been with Jesus.” Christ serves as an example in righteous living, He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) His delight was in doing the Fathers will, pursuing it with all diligence (Psalm 40:8; John 8:29). Thus Christ continues to be our example.
Christians are to be good examples. We are urged, told, even directed to follow other Christians as they follow Christ. Paul said “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul writing to youthful Timothy advised him “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). Finally, the Bible tells us that a spouse of a Christian woman that will not respond to verbal teaching at times will respond to the example of a faithful wife “if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;” (1 Peter 3:1).
Thus we can easily conclude that a Christian has the opportunity, and responsibility to be a example to those around them. Further we have great examples set before us on a regular basis. Those that set examples before us include God, Christ and our fellow Christians. Examples are indeed powerful, first follow them, learn them, and then responsibly share them.
Imagine going through life without ever having any one to look to for help and advice. Life would be hard without examples on various topics. Some of societies more common phrases are “here let me help you” or as we try to find a location “just follow me, I am going right by there”. Example is a powerful tool, helping us to learn how to accomplish all kinds of topics, even the Christian life is easier to accomplish when we see it done. The Bible is not silent on this idea, Paul said in part “Brethren, be followers together of me” (Philippians 3:17).
God as our example. Moses was to tell the congregation of Israel “Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2; see also Matthew 5:48). It makes perfect since, God is our Father, we as His children should indeed be inclined to be like Him. Paul stated that kindness and forgiveness had been exampled to us by our Father “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32). A quick review-God has been a example to us in so many ways, but we have here noted these few, that of holiness, kindness and forgiveness. Thus God the Father continues to be our example.
Christ as our example. The effects of being with someone can be seen, recognized and known. For example the authorities that called Peter and John into their presence were able to recognize the effect Christ had upon them (Acts 4:13), they knew that “they had been with Jesus.” Christ serves as an example in righteous living, He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) His delight was in doing the Fathers will, pursuing it with all diligence (Psalm 40:8; John 8:29). Thus Christ continues to be our example.
Christians are to be good examples. We are urged, told, even directed to follow other Christians as they follow Christ. Paul said “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Paul writing to youthful Timothy advised him “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12). Finally, the Bible tells us that a spouse of a Christian woman that will not respond to verbal teaching at times will respond to the example of a faithful wife “if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;” (1 Peter 3:1).
Thus we can easily conclude that a Christian has the opportunity, and responsibility to be a example to those around them. Further we have great examples set before us on a regular basis. Those that set examples before us include God, Christ and our fellow Christians. Examples are indeed powerful, first follow them, learn them, and then responsibly share them.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
RED SEA DECISIONS
Where do we go from here? That might have been the first question the Israelites would have asked after coming up out of the Red Sea. The idea at issue is one of direction. We often fail to consider the subject of direction in our lives and therefore wind up going no where, or being dissatisfied when we get there. Israel had before them the subject of "Where do we go from here?" The fact remained that God had been directing them, and would continue to do so. However they were free moral agents, and would have to determine if they were going to go God's way or not. Going God's way is the plea of our study.
Looking behind, the Israelites could see a ghastly glimpse of carnage. The Egyptian army had been drowned creating a grotesque scene behind them. God "Overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea" (Psalm 136:15). Leaving one's hindrances behind, is what Paul encouraged in Romans 8:18 when he said, "Mortify the deeds of teh body." Further we are told to "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth" (Colossians 3:5). Like the Israelites when we look behind the Christian of today we would hope to see a trail of put to death "deeds of the body". Carnage that we have thrown to the side as we continue to live the life of a faithful Christian.
Prior to crossing the Red Sea, Israel uttered random faithless phrases of provocation to Moses, God's representative. "Hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness?" (Exodus 14:11). Further, they state that they would have "been better" to have continued serving the Egyptians as slaves (Exodus 14:12). In effect they would rather remain in an immoral, and pagan country than to have faithfully followed a loving, caring God. To often, this is similar to the way we try to live our Christian lives, in effect desiring to go back to our idolatrous past. Paul advised to put such ways to death. In our Christian lives we need to stop crying after our pernicious past, and look to the bright future we now have in Christ.
Where do we go from here? A tremendous question you and I as Christians must continually ask of ourselves at every juncture of life-"which way will I go?". Each morning when we awaken, ask and decide, with determination, "Today I will serve God"!
A Red Sea decision is twofold, first, how will I relate to my past? Second, how will I follow God in the future? With urgency, decide to continually turn your back on the past and seek to follow God in the future.
Looking behind, the Israelites could see a ghastly glimpse of carnage. The Egyptian army had been drowned creating a grotesque scene behind them. God "Overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea" (Psalm 136:15). Leaving one's hindrances behind, is what Paul encouraged in Romans 8:18 when he said, "Mortify the deeds of teh body." Further we are told to "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth" (Colossians 3:5). Like the Israelites when we look behind the Christian of today we would hope to see a trail of put to death "deeds of the body". Carnage that we have thrown to the side as we continue to live the life of a faithful Christian.
Prior to crossing the Red Sea, Israel uttered random faithless phrases of provocation to Moses, God's representative. "Hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness?" (Exodus 14:11). Further, they state that they would have "been better" to have continued serving the Egyptians as slaves (Exodus 14:12). In effect they would rather remain in an immoral, and pagan country than to have faithfully followed a loving, caring God. To often, this is similar to the way we try to live our Christian lives, in effect desiring to go back to our idolatrous past. Paul advised to put such ways to death. In our Christian lives we need to stop crying after our pernicious past, and look to the bright future we now have in Christ.
Where do we go from here? A tremendous question you and I as Christians must continually ask of ourselves at every juncture of life-"which way will I go?". Each morning when we awaken, ask and decide, with determination, "Today I will serve God"!
A Red Sea decision is twofold, first, how will I relate to my past? Second, how will I follow God in the future? With urgency, decide to continually turn your back on the past and seek to follow God in the future.
THE TREASURY OF FRIENDSHIP
(Unless otherwise noted scripture quotes are from the KJV.)
Solomon said "Two are better than one... ...For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: But woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). This causes us to realize that friendship is a treasure. One would wisely remark that "A friend is a present you give yourself". Friendship is like "a soothing ointment for the cuts and bruises of life."
Do birds of a feather flock together? In nature they do and we must recognize in life this is true also. We need to learn that friendship requires maintenance. Solomon would again advise "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul." (Proverbs 22:24-25). The lesson is, if you and I want to become angry and raging people simply make friends with this type of people. Paul addressing this from another angle would advise "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Beware of the influence that friends have on you, but also be thankful that you to can have influence on your friends for good. Being a light for Christ. Yes, birds of a feather do flock together.
Selecting and keeping friends is a job that we should not take lightly. After accepting the responsibility there are certain steps we can follow that will take us to the mountaintop of friendship where the TREASURY OF FRIENDSHIP can be found. Several "be's" that buzz around friendship include;
1. Be friendly "A Man that hath friends must shew himself friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24);
2. Be helpful in adversity (Proverbs 17:17);
3. Be humble "...In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3);
4.Be unselfish (Philippians 2:4);
5. Be sincere because Christ spoke of some that would "Say, and do not." (Matthew 23:3);
6.Be tolerant "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Colossians 3:13).
Yes friendship is a ship that must be sailed. Sailing is indeed work, polishing the ship, keeping the "rigging" in order, launching the boat, and continually adjusting the sails so the ship sails true. If we will take the time, opportunity and responsibility to keep up our friendships of this life they will truly be a "Present we give ourselves." Begin now to enjoy the treasury of friendship.
Solomon said "Two are better than one... ...For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: But woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). This causes us to realize that friendship is a treasure. One would wisely remark that "A friend is a present you give yourself". Friendship is like "a soothing ointment for the cuts and bruises of life."
Do birds of a feather flock together? In nature they do and we must recognize in life this is true also. We need to learn that friendship requires maintenance. Solomon would again advise "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul." (Proverbs 22:24-25). The lesson is, if you and I want to become angry and raging people simply make friends with this type of people. Paul addressing this from another angle would advise "Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Corinthians 15:33). Beware of the influence that friends have on you, but also be thankful that you to can have influence on your friends for good. Being a light for Christ. Yes, birds of a feather do flock together.
Selecting and keeping friends is a job that we should not take lightly. After accepting the responsibility there are certain steps we can follow that will take us to the mountaintop of friendship where the TREASURY OF FRIENDSHIP can be found. Several "be's" that buzz around friendship include;
1. Be friendly "A Man that hath friends must shew himself friendly..." (Proverbs 18:24);
2. Be helpful in adversity (Proverbs 17:17);
3. Be humble "...In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." (Philippians 2:3);
4.Be unselfish (Philippians 2:4);
5. Be sincere because Christ spoke of some that would "Say, and do not." (Matthew 23:3);
6.Be tolerant "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." (Colossians 3:13).
Yes friendship is a ship that must be sailed. Sailing is indeed work, polishing the ship, keeping the "rigging" in order, launching the boat, and continually adjusting the sails so the ship sails true. If we will take the time, opportunity and responsibility to keep up our friendships of this life they will truly be a "Present we give ourselves." Begin now to enjoy the treasury of friendship.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
NO BENCH, NO TIMEOUT and NO HALF TIME
(All scripture quotes from the KJV unless otherwise noted.)
The little fellow had on one of those shirts that detail some of the rules of dedicated athletes. Certainly you are familiar with these, in basketball they say "Take it to the hoop", Nike had the famous "Just do it" campaign. The little fellow in question (somewhere between ages 9 and 12) had a shirt on that screamed out that in his game there was "No bench; No time out; and No half time". It makes me tired just thinking of it. I immediately thought there must be a lesson for those of us living the Christian life, after reflection I learn there are many. Lets look for and find a few in an effort to build up our Christian life.
FIRST, The fact is clear-Christianity is like a race- "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1). This does not bring much quick encouragement to us when we know in a race there can only be one winner! Yet the text is designed to give long term, sustaining encouragement-this makes since as we remember the deeper context of Hebrews (written to encourage Christians that are beginning to weaken).
This beautiful text goes on to give several great lessons to the Christian desiring to successfully run the race. We are told to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,". It is easy to picture runners on a track. They endeavor to find the lightest shoes, and clothing in order to win. Imagine if they had a huge back pack, say 60 pounds or so, it would guarantee instant defeat! What about you and I that continue to try living the Christan life with that huge pack of sins that we continue to carry around? Certain defeat is no less inevitable.
Second, How should you and I run? Hebrews dictates that we "Run with patience". Like wise Paul states the obvious by reminding that there can be only one winner in every race. He goes on to declare that we need to run "That ye may obtain.", that is that you may win. Thus you and I must run so that we win!
Third, the prize goes to the winner. Jesus reminds "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give ever man according as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12). Think how harsh, yet how real. The Christian life is a race, there are no second place finishes allowed and the Lord only rewards the winner! Thus we each need to live our Christian life in the model of the young man's shirt "No bench, No timeout and No half time. Christian, there are no second place trophies to be given on judgement day.
EPILOGUE
Truth has been told, No second place trophies are awarded. Yet, one noted Christian stalwart, Peter gives us encouragement to get up if we have fallen by the wayside and once again be a faithful runner. Peter strongly denied the Lord (Luke 22) even refusing to be named among the Lord's followers, yet he later becomes an ardent defender of Jesus the Christ. There is indeed room on the race track for you, come on, get up and get back in the race before it is over.
The little fellow had on one of those shirts that detail some of the rules of dedicated athletes. Certainly you are familiar with these, in basketball they say "Take it to the hoop", Nike had the famous "Just do it" campaign. The little fellow in question (somewhere between ages 9 and 12) had a shirt on that screamed out that in his game there was "No bench; No time out; and No half time". It makes me tired just thinking of it. I immediately thought there must be a lesson for those of us living the Christian life, after reflection I learn there are many. Lets look for and find a few in an effort to build up our Christian life.
FIRST, The fact is clear-Christianity is like a race- "Let us run with patience the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1). This does not bring much quick encouragement to us when we know in a race there can only be one winner! Yet the text is designed to give long term, sustaining encouragement-this makes since as we remember the deeper context of Hebrews (written to encourage Christians that are beginning to weaken).
This beautiful text goes on to give several great lessons to the Christian desiring to successfully run the race. We are told to "lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,". It is easy to picture runners on a track. They endeavor to find the lightest shoes, and clothing in order to win. Imagine if they had a huge back pack, say 60 pounds or so, it would guarantee instant defeat! What about you and I that continue to try living the Christan life with that huge pack of sins that we continue to carry around? Certain defeat is no less inevitable.
Second, How should you and I run? Hebrews dictates that we "Run with patience". Like wise Paul states the obvious by reminding that there can be only one winner in every race. He goes on to declare that we need to run "That ye may obtain.", that is that you may win. Thus you and I must run so that we win!
Third, the prize goes to the winner. Jesus reminds "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give ever man according as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12). Think how harsh, yet how real. The Christian life is a race, there are no second place finishes allowed and the Lord only rewards the winner! Thus we each need to live our Christian life in the model of the young man's shirt "No bench, No timeout and No half time. Christian, there are no second place trophies to be given on judgement day.
EPILOGUE
Truth has been told, No second place trophies are awarded. Yet, one noted Christian stalwart, Peter gives us encouragement to get up if we have fallen by the wayside and once again be a faithful runner. Peter strongly denied the Lord (Luke 22) even refusing to be named among the Lord's followers, yet he later becomes an ardent defender of Jesus the Christ. There is indeed room on the race track for you, come on, get up and get back in the race before it is over.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
The Power Of God's Word-"And God Said"
(Scripture quotes from the KJV unless otherwise noted.)
Quick-From the book of Genesis, how many times does it say "And God said"? There are several life impacting lessons available right from the early pages of Genesis, even from the first few chapters! For example, lets study the power of God's word in creation and then see how powerful it can actually be in our every day lives.
Quick-From the book of Genesis, how many times does it say "And God said"? There are several life impacting lessons available right from the early pages of Genesis, even from the first few chapters! For example, lets study the power of God's word in creation and then see how powerful it can actually be in our every day lives.
"And God said" occurs eight times in the first chapter of Genesis chapter one. Each time the phrase occurs it quickly is followed by action. For example in chapter 1:3 "And God said" and immediately following light was created.
There is a concept in Bible study called the principle of first mention. The idea is that when we see a concept that at times may be difficult or challenging in our Bible study that we can go back in the Bible until it is first mentioned and there perhaps learn more of what is meant in the text we are having problem with. Thus we respectfully suggest that here when the phrase "And God said" occurs (and seven times following) it quickly is followed by various powerful occurrances in the creation. Thus the quick and logical conclusion is that when God's word or the voice of God is brought to bear on a situation we can and should expect powerful outcomes.
"For the word of God is quick and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12). This text further emphasizes the power of God's word. In a very practical way it goes right into our every day lives because the writer of Hebrews goes on to state that it is sharp enough to divide between the "thoughts and intents of the heart." Further, we have seen the powerful word of God brought to bear on individual hearts, for example when Peter preached on the day of Pentecost his preaching (of the very word of God) caused his hearers to cry out asking what should they do? Other examples of the gospel being preached and powerfully effecting results are seen in other places of the New Testament.
Finally, the powerful word of God can and does have an effect upon your life, if you will let it. Let us imagine for a moment that you or I have done wrong. For illustration we imagine ourselves having misused our tongue, either by using foul language, or perhaps speaking lies, gossip or some other unkind words to or about someone. The illustration continues, in a few days we come in contact with the word of God (either from memory or by reading scripture) and what it says about the misuse of the tongue (James 3:1-12). This passage causes us to be sorrowful about our sin of the tongue and we then repent, thus we can see the power of God's word even in our own lives!
Until next time, kmc.
There is a concept in Bible study called the principle of first mention. The idea is that when we see a concept that at times may be difficult or challenging in our Bible study that we can go back in the Bible until it is first mentioned and there perhaps learn more of what is meant in the text we are having problem with. Thus we respectfully suggest that here when the phrase "And God said" occurs (and seven times following) it quickly is followed by various powerful occurrances in the creation. Thus the quick and logical conclusion is that when God's word or the voice of God is brought to bear on a situation we can and should expect powerful outcomes.
"For the word of God is quick and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12). This text further emphasizes the power of God's word. In a very practical way it goes right into our every day lives because the writer of Hebrews goes on to state that it is sharp enough to divide between the "thoughts and intents of the heart." Further, we have seen the powerful word of God brought to bear on individual hearts, for example when Peter preached on the day of Pentecost his preaching (of the very word of God) caused his hearers to cry out asking what should they do? Other examples of the gospel being preached and powerfully effecting results are seen in other places of the New Testament.
Finally, the powerful word of God can and does have an effect upon your life, if you will let it. Let us imagine for a moment that you or I have done wrong. For illustration we imagine ourselves having misused our tongue, either by using foul language, or perhaps speaking lies, gossip or some other unkind words to or about someone. The illustration continues, in a few days we come in contact with the word of God (either from memory or by reading scripture) and what it says about the misuse of the tongue (James 3:1-12). This passage causes us to be sorrowful about our sin of the tongue and we then repent, thus we can see the power of God's word even in our own lives!
Until next time, kmc.
Life Changing Bible Study Topics
QUICK-Can you name three or four Bible study topics that readily translate into real life-or at least that interest you? Of course each of our lives are different but we each share some of the same situations in our lives thus we surely have some shared or common interests in our Bible study.
If you could not name a couple of topics quickly, let me suggest a list of five or six that you might agree with; 1. The Power Of God's Word "And God Said"; 2. The Orderliness Of God; 3. God Given Responsibilities; 4. Family Relations-Adam, Eve, Cain & Abel; and finally 5. Husband And Wife.
See, I told you we share some common interests, both in life and our Bible study. These topics are common to all, and hopefully of interest to some. Let's study them together over the next little while.
If you could not name a couple of topics quickly, let me suggest a list of five or six that you might agree with; 1. The Power Of God's Word "And God Said"; 2. The Orderliness Of God; 3. God Given Responsibilities; 4. Family Relations-Adam, Eve, Cain & Abel; and finally 5. Husband And Wife.
See, I told you we share some common interests, both in life and our Bible study. These topics are common to all, and hopefully of interest to some. Let's study them together over the next little while.
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