Tis the Season                                                  December 22, 2024

We are rapidly approaching the time of year when many of our friends and the world in general thinks about Jesus.  In particular, the baby Jesus.  Nativity scenes are displayed, special services are held, and we see the billboards proclaiming, “Jesus is the reason for the season.”  How do we respond to this?  What do we say when we are asked about our “special” Christmas services?  Let’s look at this from a Biblical perspective.

It must be understood that nowhere in the Bible does God give us any definite date for Jesus’ birth.  Only two of the four gospels even mention His birth (Matthew and Luke).  We are told that He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and that was to be during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar (Luke 2:1).  Other than that, we are given no time of year or even the year itself.  This should tell us that the actual day is not that important.  We have already been given “everything that pertains to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:2-3).

Contrast this with the death and resurrection of which we are told the time (Passover) and the day (15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan).  We also note that the early church, led by the inspired apostles met on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) to worship and partake of the Lord’s Supper.  Nowhere in the Bible do we ever read about any special celebration for Jesus’ birth.

So, what does the birth of Jesus mean to us?  It is the fulfillment of God’s promise to man to send a Savior (Romans 8:3; Ephesians 2:4-8).  It means the delivery of God’s word to mankind (Hebrews 1:2; John 1:14).  It opened the door to salvation for us (Romans 16:25-27).

Someone may ask, “What does it hurt to pick out a special day to celebrate Jesus’ birth?”  God has given us instruction on how to worship Him.  He has set out a pattern (Hebrews 8:5; II Peter 3:1-2).  It includes singing, praying, observing the communion (Lord’s Supper), giving and teaching.  If we add to this “special days” are we not telling God that we think we have a better way than He has given us?  Jesus cautions us to “do the will of the Father” (Matthew 7:21-23).  Paul warned us about “self-made” religion (Colossians 2:20-23).

Let’s instead use the opportunity to talk to people about Jesus and God.  It is one of the few times when lots of people even think about Jesus.  Invite them to a worship service, engage them in a Bible study, tell them the real way to celebrate Jesus’ birth is by taking advantage of His sacrifice by becoming a Christian and have Him make a difference in our lives each day of the year.                            By Randy Shouse (Adapted)

Nothing Comes From Nothing                     December 15, 2024

As Maria (Julie Andrews) sang of her love for Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s hit musical, “The Sound of Music,” she stated what ought to be an obvious truth: “Nothing comes from nothing; nothing ever could.”  She was expressing her belief that there had to be a reason behind their love for each other, though she couldn’t pinpoint just what the reason was.

The truth that nothing comes from nothing applies in other contexts, too.  For example, there must be a reason the universe exists.  Many “scientists” maintain that it originated in a gigantic explosion.  Guess what exploded?  If you said “nothing,” you got it!  That’s so absurd on the face of it: the “singularity.”  But of what does “the singularity” consist?  Nothing.

Though it is called the “Big Bang Theory,” it really fails the test of being a theory at all.  By definition, a theory can be tested and must be capable of being falsified.  How would one test whether “nothing” can become “something”?  Big Bang adherents acknowledge that no human was there to observe the Big Bang.  Likewise, no one has observed “nothing” become “something.”  At best, it’s the “Big Bang Hypothesis,” and it really isn’t even a very good hypothesis.

Reasonable people know that nothing comes from nothing; nothing ever could.  But the fact is, “something” exists (the universe, including us).  The scientific laws of thermodynamics show that matter is not eternal.  The universe had a beginning.  Therefore, something or someone non-material must have brought the universe into being.  That someone or something must be eternal, existing prior to the beginning of the universe.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).

By Joe Slater

What Were You Taught?                                           December 8, 2024

In Finland, the public schools teach logic before they teach factual classes.  When I read that recently it reminded me of something I read many years ago about American public schools, “Today in American schools, children are told what to think rather than being taught how to think.”  Sadly, I’ve seen a lot of evidence that confirms that assessment.

This American approach to education is precisely the opposite of what true education should be, but more importantly, it is the opposite of what God calls us to do.  In Isaiah 1:18 we see God’s call to mankind: “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool,” (NASB).

Did you catch it?  God, Himself, is calling us to “reason” – the very act of using our logic to understand something (rather than merely being told what to think).  The specific subject in this passage is understanding the forgiveness of our own sins, but the call to use our reason (logic) is clear.

Some of the brightest men in history have, indeed, used their reason and logic to recognize God’s word as truth (as Jesus said in John 17:17).  Even Anthony Flew, (1923-2010) once known as the world’s foremost debating atheist, changed his mind about the existence of God, the one who built the universe and created man.  His last book was entitled, “There is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind.”

From creation in Genesis chapters 1 & 2 to the details about the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, we must use our logic.  From the birth of the church in Acts 2 to details about Paul’s church plantings, we must use our reason to understand what God wants us to know.  We, as His people, must read and understand God’s word, and never, ever, apply our human interpretation.  “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (II Peter 1:20-21, NASB).

So we must not apply our human ideas to scripture, but let scripture guide our understanding of scripture.  It comes from God and is not spun by man.  Yes, God gave us a book we can, indeed, understand.  But we have to read it!  As Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:4-5 (NASB), “By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit.”  God gave us a book we can understand.  He calls us to read it and not to make up human interpretations, but rather take Him at His word…again, John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them in truth, Thy word is truth.”

Then and only then can we ever hope to “not go beyond what is written,” which was God’s command through Paul’s pen in I Corinthians 4:6.  Let us take God at His word, not go beyond His written word, and continue to read and understand as we let His word guide our hearts and our minds into obedience to Him.

By Ray Wallace

Truancy (Chronic Absenteeism)              December 1, 2024

You aren’t suppose to call it truancy anymore.  It’s “chronic absenteeism.”  Most schools don’t have truant officers anymore.  Now they’re “Professional Student Advocates.”  The new title supposedly helps parents to be less defensive when approached about their children’s non-attendance at classes.  I feel better already!

I read that in Connecticut a student who misses 18 or more days out of 180 (ten percent or more) is considered chronically absent.  Hmmm.  What if we used that kind of standard for church attendance?

A typical year has 52 Sundays.  How many of us miss fewer than 5 of them?  I shouldn’t have to re-state the obvious, but to prevent any hurt feelings let me make it clear: this has nothing to do with absence due to health or other legitimate reasons.

Absence by choice has been problematic for as long as I can remember and has only grown worse post-pandemic.  In far too many cases absenteeism far exceeds ten percent, and that’s if we count only the Sunday morning assembly.  Add the Sunday evening service and Bible classes (as we should) and the picture is even more dismal.

“Professional student advocates” are focusing less on enforcement and more on determining why children are skipping school and then remedying the issues.  I can only imagine the reasons they’re hearing: Johnny doesn’t like his teacher, Susie doesn’t enjoy Biology; the cafeteria doesn’t serve what my children like.  Truth be told, they probably don’t understand the importance of education.  Maybe their parents don’t either.

Why are some Christians chronically absent?  I’ve heard a freight car load of excuses with abundant finger-pointing and blaming.  But the bottom line remains the same: failure (or refusal) to see the importance of it.  What about you?       

By Joe Slater

Promises, Promises!                                             November 24, 2024

Beginning at the second plague (frogs) Pharaoh promised repeatedly, “I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the Lord” (Exodus 8:8, see also 8:28 & 9:28).  And every time, “when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart” and went back on his promise (8:15, see also 8:32 & 9:35).  The king considered himself to be, if not a god at the present time, at a god in the making.  He had no respect for the God of his Hebrew slaves and evidently felt no compulsion to be honest.  Like a true politician, he said whatever he needed to say at the moment of crisis.  But when the pressure was off, his promise wasn’t worth the time it took to make it.

Let us rejoice while praising our God because He consistently keeps His promises!  “I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father” (Genesis 26:3).  “I am the Lord.  I speak, and the word which I speak will come to pass…I will say the word and will perform it” (Ezekiel 12:25).

The God of truth has always required His people to be truthful like He is.  David, by inspiration, commended the person “who swears to his own hurt and does not change” (Psalms 15:4).  Yes, keeping our promises can be painful!  But Jesus Himself said, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no,’ ‘no'” (Matthew 5:37).  Mean what you say!  In most circumstances you shouldn’t even need to swear an oath.

When Pharaoh broke his promises, he was simply taking a cue from his master, Satan.  Jesus said that the devil “is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).  When people of the world lie, we shouldn’t be surprised.  But let us carefully keep our word, for “all liars shall their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

                   By Joe Slater

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Does “Church” Feel Routine?

If you don’t want “church” to feel routine this weekend,

then approach it differently:

1. Pray before you leave home.

2. Sing in the car on the way.

3.  Arrive early at the church building

4. Invite someone to attend with you.

5. Bring your Bible.

6. Take sermon notes

7. Talk to people.

8. Sing loudly.

9. Serve.

10. Live out the sermon

The Peace That Surpasses All Understanding       November 17, 2024

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Why do the hearts and minds of Christians need to be guarded (protected, kept secure)?  Because they are easily affected by the negative influences and circumstances that Satan puts them in from time to time.  When Paul writes these words of encouragement he is in prison for the cause of Christ.  It is here that he shares with us how he has learned to be content in all circumstances (4:11).  His arrival at contentment and peace came when …

He Rejoiced Always In the Lord.  Even when one’s situation is difficult and even sad Paul was able to find reasons for rejoicing.  It’s interesting that Paul emphasizes this twice which may be to re-instate that yes, Christians always has reasons for joy even in sorrow or while going through troublesome times.

He Let Others Know How He Handled Difficult Situations.  The guards looking after Paul would see a different person than they saw in other prisoners.  Instead of hearing a disgruntled, cussing prisoner they saw one who was unaffected by the  circumstance he was in.  In fact, they witnessed a person who was kind, humble and in every way like Christ.  He was positive in a negative situation and the way he handled that situation was known not only to the guards, fellow-prisoners but also the authorities who imprisoned him as well as his church family.

He Realized That God’s Nearness Was Not Barred By Prison Walls.  Wherever he was Paul knew God was right there with him.  He was never alone as long as He kept busy for God in whatever way he could (John 8:29).

He Was Anxious For Nothing  & Always Prayed With A Thankful Heart.  He was determined to not worry but remained focused on the joys of the Christian life.  With such an attitude he then experienced this amazing peace that continued to fuel him for the rest of his Christian life unto eternity. That same peace is available to all who put their faith and trust in God in all circumstances as Paul did (Philippians 4:13).                            Brian Thompson

The Purpose In Remembering                        November 10, 2024

According to Ecclesiastes 3:1-10 Solomon tells us that there is an appointed time for everything and for every event under heaven such as a time to give birth and a time to die (Vs 2).  Such it is with time and there’s nothing we can do to change it.

I hate to admit it but the older I get the more forgetful I’ve become.  One minute something’s on my mind and then it escapes me five minutes later.  And for the life of me I cannot remember what it was.  I guess that’s why Solomon states that it’s so important to remember God in the days our youth when our mind can easily remember everything about Him before that “forgetful stage” of our life comes.  Yes, it’s coming and for some, it has already arrived.

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day – November 11th.  Every year on that day at 11am there is a brief period of silence and reflection on those who lost their lives in war so that we could enjoy our lives in freedom as individuals, families and Canadian citizens.  What a cost!  What a sacrifice! 

Today there are a number of events remembered and celebrated annually that have nothing to do with one losing their lives for the citizens of this country.  Such events are remembered and focused on much longer than one hour per year.  What’s deplorable is that when soldiers in the war sacrificed their rights for the rights of others that they are remembered less than those who pushed their rights over the rights of others. 

Have you ever wondered how those who lost their lives in war would feel about how they are remembered today?  If they knew then what we know now would they still have been willing to sacrifice their lives for us?

When Jesus’ crucifixion was close at hand He wanted to make sure that His death would be forever remembered (I Corinthians 11:23-34).  What a disappointment it would be to know that your death for others would soon be forgotten. 

The purpose in remembering is to instill within our hearts a deep and earnest appreciation for all those who sacrificed their rights so that we could enjoy ours.  We should never take our freedom for granted.  It came at a great cost and our lives should always reflect physically and spiritually our appreciation for those who laid down their life for ours.

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13)

Brian Thompson

A Heart Like Paul’s                                         November 3, 2024

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (I Corinthians 11:1)

And Paul said, “Whether in a short or long time. I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am – except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29)

What character traits made Paul special and worthy of imitation?

Dedication & Passion

• Paul gave all of his energy to what he believed to be right
• Half-hearted, lackadaisical effort was unacceptable
• Even when he was wrong, he was passionate (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2)
• This was part of the reason he could live with a clear conscience (Acts 23:1; 24:16)

Humility

• He was humble enough to change when he saw that he was wrong
• He went from being the man who wanted Jesus’ disciples punished, to being the man who wanted Jesus’ disciples protected
• Instead of silencing those who preached in the name of Jesus, he became the loudest voice among the throng of those sharing the gospel (Acts 9:17-22)

Courage

• He was bold enough to speak up when he knew he was right
• He knew Jesus was the Christ – he had seen and spoken with the Lord!
• His knowledge led to righteous boldness (Acts 24:24-25; 26:24-29; Galatians 1:6-10; 2:11-14; 4:16)

Hope

• He was confident he was going to Heaven!
• He trusted the Lord to keep His promises (II Timothy 4:6-8)

May we all imitate Paul as he imitated Jesus the Christ!

By Bart Warren

No Letdowns From Jesus                                October 27, 2024

“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b, ESV).

          Hank Williams Sr. sang an old love song, “If you love me half as much as I love you.”  One of the lyrics says, “You’re nice to me when there’s no one else around; You only build me up to let me down.”

          We live in an imperfect world.  Most of us have numerous friends, many of whom will let us down.  Don’t get me wrong, there are friends who will “stick closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24), who will stand by us and uplift us as much as humanely possible.  But there are others who will let us down.

          We can expect both results from those whom we consider to be our friends.  On the other hand, there is one friend who took on human form but is, in fact, deity.  This is the one true friend who will never, ever, let us down.  This friend, Jesus Christ, is the one friend so dedicated to humankind that He died for us.  “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person, though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).

          We are to love one another, even our enemies.  But our love is sometimes shallow and often fails to meet the test of true love.  Howbeit, we still strive to grow and mature in our love.  That love will, in turn, be manifested in our actions, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth” (I John 3:18).

          As we strive to grow and mature in our love actions, may we never forget that Jesus is our example.  The example that He left is that He will never leave us nor will He ever let us down.  There are no letdowns from Jesus.

                                                          By Roy Allen Crutcher (Mt. Carmel, IL)

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“Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood.  And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes.  Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.  So, remove vexation (worldly sorrow & anxiety that comes from sinful behavior) from your heart and put away pain (evil) from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting (then you’ll be old)” (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).

The Reason It’s Right or Wrong                    October 20, 2024

          Is something right (or wrong) because God said so, or did He say so because it’s right (or wrong)?  It isn’t just a philosophical question; it goes to the nature of God and of people made in His image.

          Some actions are either right or wrong based on the moral nature of God.  For example, when Cain murdered Abel, he sinned.  To our knowledge God had neither spoken nor written a law against murder.  Having been made in God’s image with a moral nature, Cain knew murder was wrong.  After the flood and later in the Ten Commandments and other places, God specifically legislated against murder; but murder was sinful even in the absence of oral or written law.  The same can be said for stealing, fornication, and numerous other immoral acts.  This may be termed “moral law.”

          By contrast, Cain’s failure to offer the right sacrifice was an act of unfaithfulness and disobedience, but it was not immoral.  Some have called this “positive law.”  Cain could not know by his moral by his moral nature that God required sacrifice at all, much less what that sacrifice should be.  We know God told the brothers what to offer because Abel did so by faith (Hebrews 11:4), which comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17).  Abel’s sacrifice was right because God said so, not because it was inherently moral.

          Building the ark was right because God said so; by faith, Noah trusted and obeyed.  Marching around Jericho was right because God said so, not because it was inherently moral.  Joshua obeyed by faith.

          God’s “positive “law” is to be obeyed even when we may not understand why or we “don’t see what good it will do.”  This applies to baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and any number of other matters that are not of a moral nature.

          By Joe Slater  (I am indebted to brother Jerry Brewer for the seed thoughts in this article)

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Things

“God isn’t opposed to you having things;

He is opposed to things having you.”

By Voddie Bauchman (via Facebook)