June 25, 2023

Sardis: Your Works Are Not Perfect                                                                                                               

by Jeff Asher

Sardis was one of the oldest and most important cities of Asia Minor. The city was founded in the third century B.C. The Lydian kings revered the Greek gods, were benefactors of Hellenic sanctuaries and consulted the oracle at Delphi. In Roman times Sardis was the center of the imperial cult in the region. Current excavations have brought much to light, including a superb late synagogue. For centuries Sardis had been a principal center of the Jewish Diaspora, and was probably the “Sepharad” of Obadiah 20. Sardis was situated on the east bank of the Pactolus River about 50 miles east of Smyrna. The city stood on the northern slope of Mount Tmolus. Its acropolis occupied one of the spurs of the mountain measuring a height of 950 feet. At the base was a river that served as a moat.

The original city was an almost impregnable fortress, towering above the broad valley of the Hermus, and nearly surrounded by precipitous cliffs of treacherously loose rock. The ruins of the walls are still visible.

The most impressive building of ancient Sardis must have been its magnificent Temple of Artemis, built in the fourth century B.C. The temple was 327 feet long and 163 feet wide and had 78 Ionic columns, each 58 feet high. This massive temple still bears witness in its fragmentary remains to the wealth and architectural skill of the people that raised it.

The ancient city was the residence of the kings of Lydia, among them Croesus, proverbial for his immense wealth. Cyrus is said to have taken $600,000,000 worth of treasure from the city when he captured it in 548 B.C. Sardis was in very early times, both from the extremely fertile character of the neighboring region and from its convenient position, a commercial mart of importance.

Through the failure to watch, the acropolis had been successfully scaled in 549 B.C. by a Median soldier, and in 218 by a Cretan. The Ionians burned the city in 501 B.C., but it was quickly rebuilt and regained its importance. In 334 B.C. it surrendered to Alexander the Great who gave it a brief measure of independence, for 12 years later in 322 B.C. it was taken by Antigonus. In 301 B.C. it fell into the possession of the Seleucidan kings who made it the residence of their governor. It was freed again in 190 B.C. when it formed a part of the empire of Pergamos, and later of the Roman province of Asia. In 17 a.d., when it was destroyed by an earthquake, the Roman emperor Tiberius remitted the taxes of the people and rebuilt the city, and in his honor the citizens of that and of neighboring towns erected a large monument, but Sardis never recovered its former status.

The church of our Lord in Sardis was much like the city itself—they had a reputation but they were in serious decline (Rev. 3:1-6).

Jesus said, “I know thy works… I have not found thy works perfect before God” (Rev. 3:1-2). There was activity in the church, but the activity was not coming to perfection. They were not getting the job done. Nothing they had done from their beginning had succeeded in establishing and grounding them in the faith.

There are churches like this today. Their greatest moment was the fleeting blaze of their momentous beginning. Since then they have not amounted to much. There were several converted at first, they readily put up a meetinghouse and called a preacher. However, soon after that things began to dwindle.

Some were like the stony ground and having no root returned to the world quickly (Matt. 13:20-21; Luke 8:13). Trial and temptation will discourage the weak hearted. They are unwilling to struggle against sin. To change the prior habits of life requires discipline and prayer. The ridicule of former friends is hard to withstand (1 Pet. 4:3-4).

Others are like the thorny ground (Matt. 13:22; Luke 8:14). There are other things that compete for our time and energy. While these things are not wrong in themselves, they must assume a priority lower than the ends and interests of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 6:33). In a life “filled with thorns” there is never time for Bible study, prayer, evangelism or assembling with the saints. Yes, Sardis had a name, a reputation, but it was a thin veneer that hid the immaturity and stagnant condition of this church (cf. Heb. 5:12-14).

The remedy for the problems in this church was the few righteous and spiritual among them (Rev. 3:4). Notice that the Lord does not say give up on the rest, quit, go somewhere else and start another church. Neither does He conclude that the challenge before them is insurmountable and seeing that they “can’t beat ’em,” they had better “join ’em.”

No, Jesus says, “hold fast and repent” (Rev. 3:3). Those that are righteous must do the holding while urging the worldly and apathetic to repent. It is always the faithful few who have the greater burdens to bear. Yet, they are able (1 Cor. 10:13). Now, which are you?

June 18, 2023

Fervent In Spirit

by Gene Taylor

As Christians we have work to do. We were created in Christ for good works (Eph. 2:10) and to be zealous for them (Titus 2:14). Albert Barnes said, “An idle man and a Christian are names which do not harmonize.”

The above text points out two basic attitudes the Christian can have in relation to the work of the Lord. One can be either “lagging in diligence” or “fervent in spirit.” Of course, if one is going to please the Lord the latter is preferred.

“Lagging in Diligence”

The King James Version translates this phrase as “slothful in business.” To be slothful is to be lazy or indolent. William Barclay stated, “There is a certain intensity in the Christian life. There is no room for lethargy in it.” (The Daily Study Bible Series, Romans, p. 178).

God’s people in the Old Testament were warned against having such an attitude. Amos 6:1 pronounced woe upon those who were “at ease in Zion.” Jeremiah 48:10 says, “A curse on him who is lax in doing the Lord’s work!” (NIV).

Diligence is required of Christians, God’s people today. They are to give diligence to grow in Christ (2 Pet. 1:5); abound in diligence (2 Cor. 8:7); and be diligent and not become sluggish (Heb. 6:9-12).

Diligence is a product of commitment. The Corinthians’ commitment to the Lord was demonstrated by doing what needed to be done in reference to the sinner they had in their midst (1 Cor. 5:9-13). 2 Corinthians 7:11 says, “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

“Fervent in Spirit”

The word translated “fervent in spirit” means to boil with heat, be hot. It is used of boiling anger, love, and zeal for what is good or bad. As used in our text, it means to have a burning zeal to do the will of God.

An example of this attitude is Jesus Christ. John 2:17, in speaking of Him, says, “Then His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.'” Apollos is also an example of zeal. Acts 18:24-25 states, “Now a certain Jew named Apollos … came to Ephesus … and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord … ” Both Jesus and Apollos were successful in accomplishing their God-given tasks.

Fervor and enthusiasm are the keys to success in the Lord’s work. The church at Laodicea was chastised because of their lukewarmness (Rev. 3:14-16). Barclay says, “The one man whom the Risen Christ could not stand was the man who was neither hot nor cold” (Ibid.). He added, “The Christian may burn out, but he cannot rust out.”

Sadly, though, this spirit is lacking in some who claim to be God’s people. These are those who put off, sidestep, maneuver out of, or procrastinate with respect to that which needs to be done in the kingdom of the Lord. It seems impossible to move some “Christians” into action. The fire and enthusiasm of the first century church is missing among them. They have restored the truth but seem to have forgotten the spirit.

Conclusion

Ephesians 6:6 counsels us to be “doing the will of God from the heart.” May none of us drag our feet but instead give ourselves enthusiastically to doing the work of the Lord. Such a life of service will grant us the best life here and in the hereafter.

June 11, 2023

Don’t Confuse Me With The Facts

Teaching the Gospel is not always easy. Probably the most difficult problem the Christian faces in trying to teach the Gospel is teaching a person who has a closed mind.

How often do we meet a person with an attitude that shouts “Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!” In other words, “It does not matter whether or not what you say is true, I am going to believe and do what I want.” You could point to many Scriptures; you could provide examples from the New Testament; you could quote the very words of Jesus, yet such a person will remain unmoved. Such an attitude would be almost humorous if it were not so sad. We need to understand the world has always had such people in it and learn not to be discouraged.

For 120 years Noah preached repentance to a wicked world and warned of the impending Flood. For 120 years people slapped their hands over their ears whenever they saw Noah coming down the road. But then came the day when God shut the door of the ark and the rain drops began to fall. The only ones who were saved were those who had spent 120 years with a hammer and saw in their hands, instead of their hands over their ears.

Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet” to us today and for good reason. His mission was very similar to Noah’s and his audience was just as stubborn. For about 40 years, Jeremiah preached to the rebellious people of God to repent or face the wrath of God. Jeremiah had good reason to cry because his audience not only refused to listen to him but also, instead of putting their hands over their ears, they made fists and put them in Jeremiah’s face.

Jeremiah was declared a dangerous fanatic; beaten and put in stocks; his writings were burned by a king; he was called a traitor, beaten again and thrown in a dungeon; he was thrown into a cistern where he sank up to his armpits in mud; and finally he was carried off to Egypt. It is amazing what great lengths people went to not hear Jeremiah.

Somehow, there are those who believe Jesus was exempt from prejudiced audiences. Even the Son of God who spoke with all the power and truth of Deity faced people whose attitude expressed, “Don’t confuse me with the facts” There were those who refused to listen to Christ; others mocked Him; one occasion a mob tried to throw Him over a cliff and another time some tried to stone Him. The prejudiced against Christ and His message grew to the point that to silence Him, His critics crucified Him.

After all the “plugged” ears Christians run into, (See, Acts 28:25-27), not only should Christians learn not to become discouraged, but also learn an important lesson on dull ears and closed eyes. Christians should beware of plugging their own ears, shutting their eyes and closing their minds to God’s Truth—the Bible.

Christians can “turn away their ears from the truth” (2 Tim. 4:4) and become just as stubborn and prejudiced and even more so than those in the world (See, 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:1-4; Titus 1:13-16). If there is anything worse than a person of the world with their fingers in their ears, its a professed Christian with their fingers in their ears.

The proper attitude for the Christian is to “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good,” (1 Thes. 5:21), studying to show thyself approved, (2 Tim. 2:15), and “examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things (are) so” (Acts 17:11). It is an attitude that “thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; bears all things believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:5-7). The Christian with the proper attitude towards other and the truth has his fingers turning the pages of his Bible instead of stuck in his ears!

by Wayne Greeson

June 4, 2023

Senseless

“Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:29).

I have decided to quit trying to make sense out of the world’s behavior. A fallen world is just senseless, and no matter how hard I try to make sense of it, the task is impossible. The problem is that the world refuses to recognize its Creator.

I realize that I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, the Spirit described a world that ignores its Creator. “For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (II Timothy 3:2-4). Sounds like this time and this generation; however, this has been true of every time and every generation.

Why does the Lord allow this to continue? He holds off on executing judgment as Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9).

Christians are to be lights in the darkness of a senseless world (Matthew 5:16). We are to tell people about God (I Peter 2:9). We are challenged to love unconditionally like our God (Matthew 5:43-48). We are called to show mercy, just as we have been shown mercy (Luke 6:36). Our mission is exactly the same as our Lord and Savior’s, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Of course we don’t do the saving, but we actively tell people about Jesus. We are even to beg people to be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:20).

We are to call people out of a world that is senseless into a God-ruled world that makes sense. –

Ed Wittlif (Denver, CO)

Try as I might I too try to make sense of this world and simply am unable.  This article from Ed helped put things into a better perspective for me.  We don’t have to make sense of this world, our focus shouldn’t be on making sense of this world, our focus needs to be on God’s will and completing his mission, seeking the lost and helping them to find salvation through Christ. – Kevin

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

I Want to Go to Heaven                                                     May 7, 2023

“Every athlete exercises self-control…They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable one…” (I Corinthians 9:25)

John “Pepper” Martin played for the St. Louis Cardinals and was the star of the 1931 World Series.  Following one of those games Pepper was interviewed by a newsman.  The first question he was asked was, “Pepper, what’s your chief ambition?”  Without hesitating Pepper responded, “My chief ambition is to go to heaven.”

The newsman who interviewed Pepper Martin laughed at his response and said rather sarcastically, “Oh, you want to play a harp, eh?”  Martin shot back at him, “My friend, I don’t think that is funny.  I know you don’t mean to be a smart aleck, but there’s something with a person’s attitude when he’s flippant about serious things.  If there’s anything foolish about reading the Bible every day and believing what it says, and if there’s anything funny about wanting to go to heaven when you leave this world, then I’m afraid life here isn’t worth living.

What a goal!  To go to heaven.  I’ve often asked people, “If you could go anywhere and do anything, what would you choose?”  The responses have been interesting.  A common response is, “I’d like to go to Europe, Paris, or to Greece, etc.”  I don’t remember anyone saying, “I’d like to go to heaven.”

The Christian life is like running a race.  In the ancient Olympic games the winner received a perishable wreath of ivy or pine.  We are in a race for an imperishable wreath that will never decay.  We want to go to heaven.  Nothing we gain in life in our careers or accumulate through wealth will be taken into our caskets.  Our friends will not go with us.  We will go alone.  All earthly treasures will be left behind.  But, we look beyond these temporary trinkets to an eternal home where we will live for eternity.  In the words of our hymn, “Heaven will surely be worth it all.”

By Al Behel

Seven Guidelines to Profitable Bible Study                April 30, 2023

Profitable Bible study involves more than just opening to a chapter and reading the words on the pages.  The following are seven guidelines to help us make the most of our study of God’s word:

1)  Set aside a regular time – Unless we schedule a specific and uninterrupted time for Bible study, we will more than likely neglect Bible study.

2)  Before we start reading – Let’s ask God for help in understanding the text.

3)  Carefully think about what we are reading – Not all of the Bible’s treasures lie like pebbles on the surface.  To mine the gold, we have to dig.

4)  Seek to understand – What the author was communicating to the people who first read the book or letter before we decide how to properly apply it today.

5)  Write down at least one truth or principle – In order that we can put that into our everyday practice.

6)  Try different translations of the Bible – If we find ourselves skimming over familiar words, a new translation might focus our mind on a passage in a new way.

7)  Let’s not get discouraged – Some parts of the Bible are more interesting than others, and some we may not understand immediately.  But there’s enough that we can understand, revolutionizing our life if we apply it.

Let’s read Proverbs 2:1-9 with the above guidelines in mind.  Then try studying again tomorrow, remembering that the Bible’s treasures are found by those who dig for them.

“When reading God’s word, take special care

To find the rich treasures there;

Give thought to each line, each precept clear,

Then practice it well with Godly fear.”  (Anonymous)

By Mike Riley (Adapted)

Planting Seeds                                                  April 23, 2023

I’m no poet, but I certainly appreciate those who can create thought-provoking and vivid images with the words that they write.  I came across an ever-so-brief poem recently that has made quite an impression on me.

It is called, “Forecast” by Luci Shaw:

Planting seeds

Inevitably

Changes my feelings

About rain.

There are numerous helpful insights here, many of them theological in nature.

First, a new perspective on adversity.  Commonly, rain is seen as a nuisance.   Of course we all acknowledge that such is necessary for life, but rare is the person who is thankful the ballgame was ruled out.  Unusual is the person who picnics, ride bikes, drives convertibles, or plays golf in the rain.  However, we should be reminded that disappointment and adversity can build character.  We are all going to go through difficult stages in life.  When we do, let us look for the good.  “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).

Second, a new perspective on labor.  Hard work pays off.  The investment of time and energy pays off, even if it may not be immediate.  So, take the time to plant seeds.  Plant seeds of kindness.  Plant seeds of the Gospel.  The difficult and uncomfortable conversations matter and they make a difference.  Paul planted seeds (I Corinthians 3:6).  The Lord often used the imagery of planting seeds in His ministry.  From the way people would receive the Good News (Matthew 13:1-23) to the way the Kingdom would grow (Matthew 13:31-32).

Third, a new perspective on hope.  Let us be patient with God and His plan.  Sometimes it is difficult to see past the storm clouds.  However, without the rain, there is no growth.  We must learn to trust God to bless us with blue skies after the storm.  “He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing the sheaves with him”  (Psalms 126:6).

Plant seeds.  Expect rain.  Enjoy God’s blessings.               By Bart Warren

Why Believe in God?  The Origin of Right and Wrong                  April 16, 2023

One of the most difficult arguments to refute concerning the existence of God is the observation of objective right and wrong.  There are events and actions that take place within this life that all of humanity categorize as wrong.  Murdering, stealing, cheating, lying, injustice, and the list continues.  In any culture and in any part of the world, mankind has buried within them a moral compass.

The question that the atheist and agnostic must answer is where did mankind inherit such a standard of morals?  The premise is as follows:  If mankind has objective morals, then there must be a lawmaker, therefore God as the Creator of all humanity provides moral law.  For the atheist/evolutionist, we are merely advanced animals.  But why have we formed a conscience?  For it serves no purpose toward natural selection, advancement, and adaptation.

Most who attempt to fight this argument utilize the view of “moral relativism,” saying even events such as 9/11 attacks or the holocaust were simply an expression of radical idealism, and it is only to the victims that the events seem horrific.  This point of view is not only delusional and disturbing, but also erroneous.  Such heinous actions develop just consequences and invoke  the moral compass within many individuals to demand a condemnation.

Furthermore, Biblical passages such as Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 7:12 instruct individuals to treat others as they would like to be treated (namely with love).  Moral relativism fails on many levels, but one simple failure is shown when the one carrying out the wicked deeds retracts when those same deeds are committed to themselves.  Hitler feared death and terrorist extremists fought back when we engaged in war.  When the wicked deed is reversed on the one executing such actions, they retaliate.  Moral relativism is only occupied until the roles are reversed.

Additionally, scripture even speaks of those who have never heard the gospel or know about God.  “For when the Gentiles who do not have the Law naturally do the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they demonstrate the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them…” (Romans 2:14, 14 LSB).  When we look at humanity collectively, we find a human race who acknowledges “right” and “wrong,” and we know the One who gave that awareness.

By Tyler King