When Jesus Doesn’t Come                                                   August 20, 2023

At separate times, both Martha and Mary said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (cf. John 11:21,32).

There a few ways to understand these grief-stricken words.

First, it is likely these were often repeated words around the home: “If only Jesus was here.”  It was common sentiment in that household that life was better when Jesus was around.

Second, there is an acknowledgement that Jesus has the special power and ability to accomplish feats that others cannot.

Third, it seems likely that there is also regret and confusion in these words.  When Jesus was so greatly needed, He was not there.  Why not?  Didn’t He know that they needed Him?  Did He care?  Yet, because they were so confident He loved them, they struggled to understand why He did not do anything about the situation.  Why didn’t He prevent the tragedy from occurring?

We have probably found ourselves in similar situations.  We all hurt and suffer.  It is natural for believers to ask God where He is and why He allows such painful events to transpire (Psalms 13:1; 42:9; 43:2, etc.).

The response of Jesus to these sisters, particularly His response to Martha, is instructive (John 11:23-26).

Their greatest need was not to have their brother back.  Their greatest need was to trust Jesus.

They needed to trust that, as the Lord of life, Jesus would provide for them in ways they did not yet see or understand.

He was always there.  He always knew.

The same is true for us – we must trust Jesus through the pain.  We must acknowledge that He is matchlessly powerful and that life is better when He is involved.  But we must also admit that He is always “here” (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6; Psalms 139:1-16).  He blesses and restores in ways that bring Him glory and are often surprising to us.

Let us acknowledge that, in spite of any suffering we may be experiencing, our greatest need is to trust our Lord Jesus who is “here” even now.                By Bart Warren

Showing Our Christianity                                                    August 13, 2023

“You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.  And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (II Corinthians 3:2-3)

A fundamental idea of Christianity: It must be shown.

Christianity is not merely some facts to believe (though there are some facts that absolutely must be believed – ex. the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus).

Christianity is not merely some  ideas to understand (though there are some ideas that must be understood – ex. all have sinned and stand in need of a Savior).

Christianity is a lifestyle – it is a life – that must be clearly demonstrated.  The facts that are believed and the ideas that are understood must lead to transformation.  Our lives must be lived in such a way that we make it clear that we know Jesus.

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished.  And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

“For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.” (Hebrews 11:14)

Christianity must be shown.  Let us live then in such a way that we make it clear to whom we belong!

In Luke 4 there is a major focus on who Jesus is and the way people respond to Him.  Obviously, there are both appropriate as well as inappropriate ways to respond to His presence and call. 

It is not only that we must show others we belong to the Lord.  It is also the case that we must show the Lord Himself that we love Him and long to be identified with Him!

Therefore, when we come to know the risen Lord, some appropriate responses to Jesus would be:

1) Praise Him for His powerful message (Luke 4:15).

Jesus reveals insight into ancient prophecies, the keys to heaven and salvation, how to live well, how to properly view life, how to deal with pain, suffering  and anxiety, etc.  This is a message worthy of praise!

2) Become a servant with a grateful heart (Luke 4:39).

The proper response to being healed is gratitude and action.  To fail or refuse to praise God and give thanks for our blessings is unacceptable  (cf. Luke 17:17).

3) Take as many others to Him as possible (Luke 4:40).

When there is a problem (your own or that of others), go to Jesus!

4) Beg Him to stay (Luke 4:42).

Once you have the One with the words of eternal life, don’t let Him go!  Show Him that you know He is the One! (cf. John 6:68).

By Bart Warren

Consider One Another                                       August 4, 2023

At home, we recently took on the task of cleaning out our attic!  Yes, I can hear you groaning as you think about how much fun we had.  Well, it wasn’t all bad.  In fact, when we take time to de-clutter any segment of our lives, we actually feel somewhat liberated because we have created more space and discarded things that haven’t been needed for a long time.  As my wise wife reminds me from time to time when embarking on a challenging project, “The dread is worse than the do!”  She is correct once again!  On this side of it, I’m thankful we did some work in the attic.

In doing so, I reconnected with some old pictures and reopened some chapters in my life.  I now have a “new collection of old pictures” I had forgotten about.  I am reminded of my youthful grandparents, my healthy and loving father who’s strength and smile were visible as he hugged me tight, what it was like to have little kids in the house and I revisited the harshness of life by looking into the eyes of those who would later face grief, loss, and tragedy in their life.  I am a little more older and more mature compared to the last time I looked at those pictures.  It is not news to you, but life is short, challenging, and can be flat out difficult.

We need Christ in our life and we need each other!  When I walk through memory lane, relationships are highlighted, and I see how much we need our friends, family and neighbors.  Now that I’m older, I realize that our names on letter heads, buildings, the desire to amass great wealth, and time spent stockpiling “stuff” is simply vain.  Time spent on the relationships we have and how we treat, talk, and interact with each other should be paramount.

In his commentary on “Considering One Another,” Aubrey Johnson directs us to these verses:

• “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).”
• “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Colossians 3:13).”
• “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing (I Thessalonians 5:11).”

God has much to say about our relationship with His Son and those we come in contact with.  Looking through old pictures directed me to be more considerate of everyone I meet.  May we act now to strengthen relationships, fix our faults, and seek contentment in Christ as we consider one another.        By Allen Jones

Church Hurt                                                                  July 30, 2023

Nearly twenty years ago, I was on the phone with someone in the congregation where we were attending at the time.  I made the phone call while on break at my workplace.  Unbeknownst to me, one of my co-workers was listening to the conversation.  Well, he could only hear me talking with the person I was on the phone with, but could not hear them.  The conversation was one that should have taken place in person or without anyone present who had no context or information about the topic being discussed.  Hence, my co-worker had no idea what the other person was saying.  The conversation was about some strife and conflict that our little congregation was dealing with.  As soon as I hung the phone up, my co-worker, looking across the room at me said this, “Hey Al, right there, right there is why I don’t want anything to do with church.”  At that moment in time, I realized my words had the power to influence for the good or influence for the bad.  Was I being rude in the conversation?  Could my tone have been better?  Did I say way more than I should?  All of these questions and more are still on my mind, well, nearly twenty years later!

Since that time, I have seen, over and over, brethren have conflict with one another, struggle to maintain relationships within congregations, and are just simply challenged when finding the best way to respond to someone over the simplest of things.  We all know we don’t always handle everything correctly all the time.  I know I wish life had a rewind button to repair some of my responses to others.  When conflict arises, we should seek reconciliation.  Also, we know that conflict changes relationships and a negative pattern of conflict with others changes relationships.  What’s the answer to prevent these situations from arising?

We need to realize “words matter.”  James 1:19-20 is clear when it comes to how we need to respond to anyone in any given situation.  “So then beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  Communication had to be difficult at times.  Our transmissions during discussions can be uplifting or undermining.

Brothers and sisters, if you are reading this article, you have an interest in maintaining a right relationship with God or you are seeking to know more about the saving message of Scripture.  Either way, we all would agree, our goal is to live in Heaven, together!  May we seek to find ways to live together on Earth, first!

“Angry words, oh, let them never from the tongue unbridled slip; may the heart’s best impulse ever check them ere they soil the lip.”              By Allen Jones

Experiencing Loneliness As the Lord’s Church                    July 23, 2023

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:1-6)

Why did the apostle Paul write these words to the church at Ephesus?  What was he concerned about?  They had a great eldership that loved him, prayed with him and wept out loud, embracing him and repeatedly kissed him when they heard they would see him no more (Acts 20:36-38).  So what’s the trouble?

In  Acts 20:28-32 Paul reveals his concern for the elders and the church in Ephesus.  Once he had departed from them savage wolves (false teachers) would come in among them (become a member of the church in sheep’s clothing) and would not spare the flock and even from among the eldership men would arise and speak perverse things in order to draw away members and get them to follow their new teachings.

How is this a problem?  Well, in the text quoted above, Paul would say that the unity of the Spirit would not be preserved (protected, kept) as God intended it to be if one taught something in addition to it or in fact contrary to it.  In Christendom today, how many teachings are there being taught that state that that they are of the Spirit?  Paul makes it quite clear that there is one God (no debate about that), one Christ (no argument over that), one Spirit (no problem there) and there is one body (big issue here).

The question that many in the church have asked over the years is, “Are there Christians existing today that are not members of the church of Christ?”  What likely initiated this question is that they know of some very good-living, moral people of faith and conviction that, in some ways, are more spiritual minded than they are and thus they have trouble believing that such folk will not be in heaven.  Thus they conclude that they must be a part of the church.

Do good people go to heaven because of their goodness?  If they do then Jesus died for nothing.  People go to heaven because God is good and merciful and calls them, through His gospel (II Thessalonians 2:14), to obey it (II Thessalonians 1:8) in order to have the hope of heaven. 

Honestly, it doesn’t matter who we think is a member of the church because it’s not our church to decide but Christ’s.  He decides and His words reveal who is and who isn’t a member of it, right?  He died to establish His church.  Since He is the head of the church what gives any of us the right to say who is a member of it unless it is with His consent (word)? 

Church identity.  At times it can be lonely being the Lord’s church amidst many who claim to be so but aren’t scripturally.  But we need to remember that there is only one body, the Lord’s church.  Are you a part of it?  If so, can you support your claim to be so with His authority?

Brian Thompson

Six Attitudes For Our Week                                         July 16, 2023

What kind of attitude do you put on towards others each day?  There are several that could be easy to put on, such as angry outbursts in traffic when on the way to work or an impatient attitude in the grocery store.  There are so many ways we can feel within our hearts, and even outwardly treat others, if we are not careful.  What attitude does the Bible say we need to create within ourselves and show towards others?

A Spirit of Humility

We must remain humble (Colossians 3:12) and esteem others higher than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).  We must remember that we are not better or more important than others.  As God has asked us, may we treat others with humility even when it is not easy!

A Spirit of Kindness

The Bible calls us to treat others with kindness (Ephesians 4:32).  This can be especially difficult when others have no desire to do the same.  However, we must still take this instruction seriously and be kind, even if we feel someone does not deserve it.

A Spirit of Trustworthiness

Colossians 3:9 implores us to always tell the truth and to be someone that others can trust.  May we always be someone that others know does not spread lies and can be confided in or handed a task without hesitation.

A Spirit of Obedience

Jesus tells us that we truly love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15).  To obtain the promises He has given, we must listen to what He asks us to do and not what we desire for ourselves.  Others will see this, and it can certainly influence them in various ways.  It may inspire them to do the same, or maybe build up the trust others have in you as they see your obedience.

A Spirit of Commitment

Even when times get tough, may we always press on and do the work that Christ asks of us.  Paul shows us how to put on this attitude several times and shows us why (II Timothy 1:12).  He has confidence in Christ and his labor is not in vain.  We can have that same confidence!  May we stay committed to Christ and to the work in His church!

A Spirit of Focus

We must keep the focus on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2), pressing on towards the goal of heaven and not losing sight of it.  There are many distractions in life that will try to turn us away, but may we never forget what lies ahead in eternity!

By Simon Tyson

A Faith Greater Than the Faith of Martyrs?                                  July 9, 2023

The writer of Hebrews could so easily see the dangers faced by those Jewish Christians.  The nation that killed God’s Son turned its wrath on the church almost from the day it began.  Jesus had warned them about the trials that were coming.  Obviously, they persecuted those Gentiles who had become followers of Jesus, but their persecution was even more fierce on the Christians addressed in this epistle.

They had begun their walk with Jesus and faced many trials which came their way.  Hebrews chapter ten describes this: “After you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings…you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations.”  The author then adds, “You became a companion of those who were so treated” (Hebrews 10:32-33).

How did they emotionally respond to all of this?  “You joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods” (Hebrews 10:34).  Earthly possessions are meaningless when viewed from the eternal truth about our existence.  They could so easily give up that which was temporal.  “Knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.”

Living faithfully on this earth for many years is so difficult.  We understand the faith of those who are martyrs for the cause of Christ.  At that last moment they reached deep within their souls and their faith sustained.  What we may have done is overlooked by the depth of the faith of those who face not a momentary trial, but serve Him for years and years.  We rightly honor the faith of martyrs, but perhaps  it takes a deeper faith to serve Him for years and years. 

When this letter was written their devotion was weakening.  Look again at this chapter and the admonition given to them.  “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:35-38).

Now make the application in your life.  How long have you been a Christian?  Where is your faith in Him compared to what it once was?  Remember how joyfully you served Him at first?  Remember your routine of daily Bible study and prayer?  Remember the joy of partaking of the Lord’s Supper and being part of worship, praising His name?  Is it possible that we have become “tired” because the journey seems so long?  It is not that we have walked away from Him, but have we lifted our anchor and are we slowly drifting away (Hebrews 2:1)?  God help us to remember to view our life on this earth as being only a moment compared to eternity!

By Dan Jenkins

Get the Mirror…Ouch!

July 2, 2023

  If the devil were to write his beatitudes, they would

   probably go something like this:

      Blessed are those Christians who are TOO TIRED,

       TOO BUSY, TOO DISTRACTED  to spend time with their

             fellow Christians in worship; for they are my candidates to backslide.

            Blessed are those Christians who WAIT TO BE ASKED

            and EXPECT TO BE THANKED, for I can use them to slow

            things down.

           Blessed are those Christians who are TOUCHY.  With

              a bit of luck they may STOP GOING TO WORSHIP  and get

            others to quit; for they are my missionaries.

              Blessed are those Christians who are VERY RELIGIOUS

               but GET ON EVERYONE’S NERVES; they are the most

                    effective stumbling blocks.

              Blessed are those Christians who are TROUBLE-MAKERS;

                  they are my best wrecking crew.

             Blessed are those Christians who have NO TIME TO PRAY;

                      they are easy prey for me.

                         Blessed are those who are COMPLAINERS; they are my

                            best discouragers.

                         Blessed are you when you read this and THINK ABOUT

                               OTHER PEOPLE, and not about yourself. 

Because I’ve got you!

-Selected-

Spiritual Bucket List May 21, 2023

Creating the proverbial “bucket list” can be a lot of fun. Coming up with a list of things you would like to do in the not-too-distant-future is also a good way to take the first step in accomplishing your goals.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are expected to be growing (I Peter 2:2; II Peter 3:18). We are also expected to be a positive influence on those around us, pointing people toward God (Matthew 5:13-16).

In light of these things, it may be helpful to create some sort of “spiritual bucket list.” Like a list of things you know you should be doing as you mature in the faith.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

Teach someone. Have a Bible study where you sit down, open Bibles all around, and you present the life-saving message of the Gospel (Matthew 28:19-20; II Timothy 2:2).

Reconcile a broken relationship. For many of us, there is at least one person out there that needs to hear, “Please forgive me” from us (Romans 12:18).

Really study on your own. Away from the church building, pick a book of the Bible or a topic and really dive in and learn (II Timothy 2:15).

Memorize. Maybe favourite passages or chapters…maybe several verses that pertain to a certain subject (for example, numerous verses that deal with forgiveness).

Determine to lead. Men, if you’ve never lead a public prayer, determine to do so. Same goes with leading singing, teaching a Bible class, or even presenting a lesson before the congregation.

Go on a Mission Trip. Whenever we go places near and far, be a part of that! Put into practice the things you have learned. Nearly everyone I know who has gone on a trip such as this says that it made a significant impact on their lives.

Go to more funerals. People are in desperate need when they are grieving. Few things help as much as knowing you are loved when your heart is broken (Romans 12:15).

Bake more casseroles and cakes. Go to more fellowship meals and spend time with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Encourage those who are sick or hurting in any way.

You could add many more. But remember: You are not too old! Today is the day! Get started!

By Bart Warren

Have You Hugged Your Mom Today?                   May 14, 2023

There’s no gift more precious from God to a son or daughter than having a godly mother (Proverbs 31:25-28).  For over sixty years, this writer was blessed with having a godly mother who greatly influenced my life for good.  She has since gone to be with the Lord, but her Christian influence and example still loudly speaks to me today (II Timothy 1:5; Titus 2:3-4; Hebrews 11:4).

My mother was a woman of great integrity and high moral values, instilling in me a sense of doing what is right, no matter what the outcome.  Not only was she my mother, she was my best friend, and when I visited her from time to time, we would talk about anything and everything – I sorely miss that verbal interaction with her.

But the one thing I miss the most, is another opportunity to hug my mother.  When I would visit her, her arms would be open wide to hug me and mine to hug her.  There’s just something about the act of hugging, that brings two people closer together, showing a natural affection of loving and caring about another human being.  In fact, research shows that hugging gives a child a feeling of self-esteem and self-worth – a sense of abiding security in an insecure world.

Brethren and friends, if you’ve been blessed by still having your mom with you, have you hugged her today?  If you haven’t, please do so at every opportunity, because one day, she will no longer be around to hug.  Treasure those times when you and your mom are drawn closer to one another through the simple act of hugging.  I look forward to the day when I can once again hug my mother in heaven.

May the Lord richly bless all Moms this Mother’s Day, and may you as their child, express your tender love, care, and affection for them through the simple act of hugging.

By Brother Mike Riley