Rebuke of the Wise

“It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.”

— Ecclesiastes 7:5, ESV

Silence is golden. It is best for some people just not to talk. I have often heard it said; it is better for people to think you are a fool than to speak and remove all doubt. The ignorance that comes out of some mouths would almost be impressive if it weren't first so repulsive.

Ecclesiastes 7:5 says, “It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.”

Often what is said is not born out of wisdom but is steeped in selfish desires. Instead of speaking truth that is needed, it is easy and tempting to resort to statements of half-truths or outright falsehoods that are either self-serving or excessively non-confrontational. 

Notice carefully what the Holy Spirit writes in Ecclesiastes 7:5, it is better to be rebuked by the wise. It is curious that this concept is so difficult to hear and practice in the spiritual world, but in the medical word, it is expected and understood. When we go to get tests done, we do not expect the doctor to manipulate the results to tell us were healthy when our own body is destroying itself from the inside. Imagine the outrage if you were healthy and you go for a check-up, and the doctor diagnoses you with a horrible disease, and the only cure is costly and invasive treatments. Some go to doctors for truth yet when the great Physician, Jesus Christ, offers the prescription for an eternal life they seek only good news.

This life is fleeting, like a vapor of smoke that is here today and gone tomorrow but our souls have an eternal destination and will never die. About which is more important to hear the truth? Consider your eternity, are you willing to accept the rebuke that comes from the wise or will you cling to the soothsayers who sing the songs of fools?

Let your light shine!

The Good Ole Days

The other day I needed to call somebody, but my smartphone was not cooperating. My phone was acting glitchy in a way that would not allow me to unlock it so I could find the correct phone number and then actually call that person. I couldn’t help but laugh that 5 or 10 years earlier before I owned my first phone number, I wouldn’t have had this problem. I memorized essential phone numbers. And as far as I can remember, our wall phone never went on the fritz. It was tempting to think about “the good ole days.”

The good old days, I’ve heard that phrase a time or two. It is human nature to look to what is better; we are a creature yearning for hope. But much like with the famous catchphrase, “the grass is always greener on the other side,” we are simply looking in the past we do not remember all the events accurately. Ecclesiastes 7:10 says, “Say not, ‘Why were the former days better than these?’ For it is not from wisdom that you ask this." When I honestly consider it, I'm thankful for my smartphone. It has been years since I’ve heard a busy signal. When I pick up my phone to make a call, I don’t accidentally interrupt my sister's conversation. Long distance calls no longer cost absurd amounts. I don’t have to keep spare change on my person for a pay phone if I get stranded. As time moves along, it is easy to whitewash the past.

Do you sometimes wish you could live in another time or another place? I long for the days when I can say the grass is greener on this side, in Heaven.

During the sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:19-34, Jesus said “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’…but seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Our home is in Heaven; we should look at this world like the old hymn that said, “I’m just passing through.” When we honestly look forward to that bright and blessed day in heaven, there is no incentive to look back on the past that cannot compare.

Let your light shine!

Losing Focus

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”

— Ecclesiastes 11:4, ESV

There’s always something to distract the lazy. One may not work the field because they wonder, “Why can’t I see the wind?” while others may gaze into the skies and marvel at the infinite shapes of clouds. A farmer who lost focus would go hungry very quickly. 

What about a Christian who has lost focus? They too would go hungry. Have you become a distracted Christian? Do we somehow end up scrolling through Facebook or Pinterest when we intended to open your Bibles? Do we know more about our favorite sports team or celebrity gossip than David, Joseph, or Elisha? If we do, there is no excuse. During the Day of Judgement, there will be no when we all will give an account of everything we’ve done (Matthew 12:36).

Rather than being lazy, distracted and forced to rely on excuses consider what 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” A lion doesn’t postpone an attack because you have an excuse, and neither will the devil. No, a lion waits for your most vulnerable time to attack, when your focus is at it’s lowest.

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.”

— 1 Peter 3:13-17, ESV

The world around us is filled with opportunities if we will only pay attention long enough to identify them.

Let your light shine!

BLEST BE THE TIE THAT BINDS

In 1782, John Fawcett penned the song “Blest be the tie.” He hoped, that whenever those praising God sang this song, they would also be reminded of the blessings of being a Christian. 

Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. 

Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comfort and our cares.

We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows a sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain;

But we shall be joined in heart and hope to meet again.

This is what we sing, but is it true? Do we enjoy the kind of fellowship that is being described in this song? Do we truly love one another enough to care about the troubles and concerns in the lives of our brethren? Listen to the words of Jesus, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they may be one...” (John 17:20). We must be united together as the early church was “...of one heart and of one soul...” (Acts 4:32). Even on Pentecost they were being described as being together “...with one accord...” (Acts 2:46). There cannot be unity without fellowship. Whenever we find fellowship we must of necessity find unity. Surly this is our desire and prayer?

May God bless us as Christians with fellowship, love, and unity. Blest be the tie that binds.

MORE ON THE ISLAMIC RELIGION

The religion of Islam is complex to say the least. One does not have to go far without running into something that has to do with this religion that seems so open, but yet so mysterious. In today’s world when one hears or reads about terrorism he may associate it with the religion of Islam. The term “jihad,” means to struggle. But, in the minds of some Islamist, it refers to holy war upon the enemies of Islam. While it is true that many terrorist acts are carried out in the name of Islam, is this truly what the religion is all about? What do the people of the Islam religion believe?

First, they believe the Qur’an is the literal word of God. The Muslim world claims the Qur’an is the final revelation from God to man as delivered to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. Over a 23 yearperiod, Muhammad received these revelations in visions he originally thought were acts of demons. It was not until he was convinced by his wife the visions were of a divine nature that he began to believe he was called to be (the) prophet of God.

Second, Muslims believe in another set of sacred writings. The Hadith records the teachings, rulings, and actions of Muhammad as recounted by his early associates. While some Muslims believe these writings to be inspired others do not. Nevertheless, it cannot be overemphasized that Islam places prodigious, even monumental, emphasis upon them. The accuracy that is ascribed to the Hadith elevates them virtually to the status of inspiration in the mind of Muslims.

Third, the practice of the religion of Islam is based upon a standard of living (ethics) Muslims find to be morally right by what is revealed to them in the pages of the Qur’an. If their moral standard of living comes from the Qur’an, and they desire to follow the Qur’an, then they believe that Allah commands them to destroy those who do not believe in Allah and his ways. The Qur’an states,“Let those In the cause of Allah Who sell the life of this world for the Hereafter. To him who fighteth In the cause of Allah—Whether he is slain Or gets victory—Soon shall we give him a reward of great (value)” Surah 4:74. The Qur’an also reveals, “If any do turn his back To them on such a day—Unless it be in a stratagem of war, or to retreat To a troop (of his own)—He draws on himself the Wrath of Allah, And his abode is Hell—An evil refuge (indeed)” Surah 8:16. This sounds much like a religion that is determined to declare war on anyone that does not believe in Allah, the Qur’an, or the ways of the religion.

Gazing into Heaven (3 of 4)

This is the third of a four part series: Why are you gazing into Heaven?

You don’t have time to stare into heaven, souls here need you. So what did they do and what do we do?

They assessed the need (Acts 1:20) – When the time of the Passover was quickly approaching, the apostles numbered eleven, rather than twelve. As Peter details in Acts 1:16-18, Judas had betrayed Jesus, and his suicide left a void among The Eleven. Acts 1:20 harkens back to an Old Testament prophecy concerning that very moment in which an apostle would need to be chosen to take his place. Ultimately, the men considered every person who met the qualifications to be an apostle, and the let fell on Matthias. (Acts 1:26)

The implication of this passage is a simple one to understand, yet it is often difficult to implement. Paul tells us in Philippians 2:12 to “work out our salvation.” Paul’s statement should not be misunderstood to mean we “earn” our salvation. We take responsibility for our salvation. Part of that responsibility is a self-evaluation. It has been laid at our feet to look at the complete Word of God and identify where we are lacking, individually and collectively. The apostles lacked in number, and they addressed it appropriately.

It is too easy to gaze into Heaven and ignore our deficiencies. If we are going to be like The Twelve who turned the world upside down in Acts, we must take time asses our needs and address them appropriately.

Let your light shine!

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ISLAMIC RELIGION

The history of this religion begins with the self-proclaimed prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in Mecca in A.D. 570 into a culture characterized by polytheism and animism. While little factual information is known about the early life of Muhammad it is believed that he was orphaned at the age of six and was reared by his grandfather and uncle. In his late teens he married a very wealthy widow for whom he worked for several years. With this marriage came access to great wealth and riches.

In A.D. 610, Muhammad claimed he had been visited by the angel Gabriel and commissioned to be a prophet of God. His message was simple and elegant: There is one God to whom all people must submit and there will be a day of judgment in which all humans will be judged according to their deeds, both good and evil.Shortly after receiving the visions from God, Muhammad began to denounce polytheism and proclaim Allah the one true God. Muhammad faced much opposition to this new course in religion. It is commonly believed that due to the increasingly aggressive hostility directed against him by the traders at Mecca, Muhammad and his small band of followers fled Mecca to Medina on July 16, 622. This “flight” from Mecca, which Muslims call the “Hijra,” marks the official beginning to the Islamic religion.

Following the beginning of this religion came many bloody battles. One such battle took place in the early eighth century. A follower of Muhammad and a leader in a crusade in Armenia, Walid I gathered the nobles of Armenia in the church of St. Gregory in the town of Naxcawan and therein the presence of the townspeople, he skinned them alive, poured salt on them, and burned their screaming abused bodies to their deaths. While different divisions (Shi’its, Sunnis, Wahhabis, and Kurds) grew out of this religion, and some even peaceful, the Islamic religion will always be attached to its violent history.

The religion of Islam has experienced much growth over the centuries. It is estimated that Muslims number approximately 1.6 billionworldwide. They are estimated to be perhaps the fastest growing religion in the world. The basis of their religion is their belief in one true god, Allah. They hold the Qur’an as the final authority of their beliefs and that gives permission to go to war with any that do not believe in Allah, the Qur’an, or the ways of the religion. Their history speaks for itself. A horrifically violent past will continue to follow them in all aspects of their movements. While this writer understands that there is a radical group in the midst of those who desire peace, they all proclaim to follow the same rule.

Gazing into Heaven (2 of 4)

This is the second of a 4 part series: Why are you gazing into Heaven?

You don’t have time to stare into heaven, souls here need you. So what did they do and what do we do?

#1 – They ascended in prayer (Acts 1:14)– “All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.” (Acts 1:14, ESV) Prayer is a powerful thing. It centers our minds and opens our hearts. Someday I encourage you to consider the circumstances surrounding all of the prayers in the Bible, and note just how many occurred in preparation for trying times or important decision. We should not be astound to discover how frequently godly men and women sought out guidance from God before they looked to their own wisdom.

Let us also not forget, these prayers we not limited to personal conversations with God. We must ascend to God in prayer, together. Those in Acts1:14 ascended in “one accord”, meaning their hearts and minds approached the thrown of God through one mediator. Don’t allow great amounts of time to exist between your personal and communal prayers.

Let your light shine!

Gazing into Heaven (1 of 4)

This is the first of a 4 part series: Why are you gazing into Heaven?

I am of the impression more than a nanosecond passed between Acts 1:9 and Acts 1:11. Maybe it was a few moments, maybe longer. I’m sure their minds replayed all the things that had happened over the course of the last three and a half years. I’d be willing to bet that goosebumps covered their arms as they thought about Lazarus’ rotten body raised from the dead. I’m sure the feel of salty winds on their arms incited memories of Peter’s near-drowning experience had Jesus not reached out his hand to rescue his life. I bet they replayed the torture Christ endued on their (and our) account.

There is a time that is appropriate for us to remember, to think, and to dream. Eventually, if we are ever to spread the good news that saves souls from the grips of death we will need to gird up our loins, and get to work. That is when the men in white robes woke them from their thoughts and said, “Why do you look into heaven?” There was a message within this question: You don’t have time to stare into heaven, souls here need you.

Last night 32 wonderful souls answered the call and attended Fisher’s of Men to become better equipped and more confident to spread the gospel. Please pray for them and encourage them, souls hang in the balance.

Let your light shine!

THE CREDIBILITY OF BIBLE (Part 2)

The credibility of the Bible can be seen in that it is inspired of God. In order for man to clearly see the direction God has for him, he must have trust in the One who is directing him. While the Bible is from God, there are some who do not trust in God, the Bible, or its inspired writers. They see this collection of books simply as an historical record of the times in which they lived. The credibility of the sacred writings of all 66 books relies on the evidence of them being inspired. 

The Bible claims inspiration, Paul wrote, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” is defined, “God breathed.” This means that although, God revealed His mind to man through the minds of specially selected writers, the words recorded in the 66 books of the Bible are those of God and not of man. David proclaimed this very fact when he said, “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue” (2 Samuel23:2). The authority of the word “All” in 2 Timothy 3:16 does not allow for human inspiration, thought inspiration, or partial inspiration. If the words recorded in Scripture originated with 40 men, why would their writings contain their own condemnation (Romans 3:23)? Why would the writers not take any credit for such a masterpiece as Scripture? Instead, they gave all the credit to God? 

Fulfilled prophecy demands that the Bible is inspired by God. The prophet Isaiah spoke to the nation of Israel concerning that One Who would be born of a virgin for the purpose of saving mankind from sin, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). The book of Matthew records, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Such prophecies and fulfillment are nothing short of miraculous. Jesus challenged the Jews of His day to “search the scriptures” for those Old Testament writings, He insisted, testified of Him. Prophecies and their fulfillment are evidence the Bible is inspired and therefore deem credible.

THE CREDIBILITY OF THE Bible (Part 1)

Man’s need for direction in this life is evident throughout all 66 books of the Bible. The prophet Jeremiah penned, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). How will man know in what direction to go if he is not directed? The direction that he needs is found in the revealed Word of God left for mankind to use as a guide in this life. When one opens his Bible he can see direction concerning from whence he came (Genesis 2:7), to where he is going (John 14:1-4; Revelation 21:8), and how to conduct his life in the mean time (Revelation 2:10). The psalmist wrote, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). Not only will God’s Word direct man, His Word will also last into eternity. For Isaiah said, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah 40:8).

In revealing His direction for man, God used about 40 men to write over a period of 1600 years. These men wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). These men wrote not in words of human wisdom but in words taught through the Holy Spirit, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

The purpose for God’s revelation is for man to know who God is, the power He displays, His character of love, mercy, kindness, and His severity. Mankind is subject to all of these characteristics because God’s revelation also includes His plan to save man from his sins. The Bible presents God as the Powerful, Creator and Sustainer of all things, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Without God and the revelation of His Word, there would be no hope of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

(Lord willing, continued next week)

The Prayer Life of Paul (Part 2 of 2)

The Aptitude of Paul’s Prayers: Paul desired for the church to succeed. So, naturally his prayers would be for the success of those carrying the banner of Truth. After describing the second coming of Jesus, Paul wrote, “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power” (2 Thessalonians 1:11). As Paul prayed for the success for the church at Thessalonica, he desired they pray for him also, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

The desire of every Christian should be for the spreading of the borders of the kingdom. Part of carry out that desire is to engage in prayer for such a task. Paul wrote, “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:6). The aptitude of Paul’s prayers was for the success of the church.

The Altitude of Paul’s Prayers: Paul desired that Christians live holy lives. He approached the difficulties in the church at Corinth with a prayer that they might live righteously. The words of Paul’s prayers reach far beyond what many realize,  “Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates” (2 Corinthians 13:7). Here, Paul would even go so far as to willingly be rejected if that would cause these Christians to live holy. This was not an unusual approach for Paul (Romans 9:3).

The desire of Christians everywhere ought to be for every child of God to live holy in the sight of the Lord, and our prayers should reflect that desire, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). The altitude of Paul’s prayers was for Christians to live holy before the Lord so that Heaven would be a reality.

The Prayers of Paul can teach us many valuable lessons. The attitude of our prayers should to be with the salvation of man in mind. The aptitude of our prayers ought to be for the success of the church. The altitude of our prayers should be for all Christians to live holy lives. May God bless us all in our prayer life.

The Unexpected Chair Turn

“Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law”

— Psalm 119:153, ESV

Nearly every good spy movie has a scene with a super villain chair-turn-around scene where the hero comes into a room expecting to find something other than their arch nemesis taunting them. The feeling of victory washed away by defeat is necessary for any quality action drama. But as good as that moment feels in the cinema, it something we understandably want to avoid in our spiritual lives.

Often we go to God in prayer most readily when we are in need, or feel lost. Unfortunately, the God we find is often not the God we expected. Much of the world has a view of God as either all-loving who could not possibly do anything but accept me into Heaven or conversely as a disinterested supernatural being with a giant magnifying glass. 

In Psalm 119, the Psalmist understands the God we serve is not subject to our expectations but is a real person with a distinct message. Because of this, the 119th Psalm is full of statements like “your law,“ "your promise," “your statutes," “your rules," “your testimonies," “your commands," and “your precepts” which are all present in just verses 153-159. The Psalmist, above all else, was concerned with God and who he was, and then, only then, was he confident to approach him in need of deliverance.

Don't let the Judgement Day (Matthew 25:31-32) be the first time you discover who God truly is. Read your Bible every day. Pray without ceasing. 

And let your light shine!

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD

With the Bible identifying God as Judge, and His law by which He will judge, man needs to come to the understanding that a judgment will take place, “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). Man will appear before the “judgment seat.” The “judgment seat” is the throne of God (Matthew 25:31). This is where every man who has ever lived will stand on that day. He will hear the pronouncement of his sentence of judgment. The words will either be “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21), or “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

Every man will be judged by the Word of God according to the things he has done in this life. Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).  

While there are some that doubt there will be a judgment of mankind that will determine man’s eternal destiny, such people will be brought to their knees on that day. Paul wrote, “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God (Romans 14:11).

The judgment will be final. Our Lord drew a vivid picture of the judgment when He said, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal (Matthew 25:46). When the judgment comes it will be too late for man to prepare. Once the sentence has been handed down it will be final.

Many paint the judgment scene to be horrific, and it will be to those that disobey God. But, to those that obey Him the judgment scene will be one of beauty (Matthew 7:21-28). Those that obey the Word of God will be blessed with eternal life but those that do not will be justly cursed with everlasting punishment.

The judgment of God is sure and certain. Every man will need to make up his mind as to what he will obey, the thoughts and intents of the world, or the eternal judge that holds the key to life and death.

What it Takes to Make a Difference (Part 2 of 2)

Third, one must be committed to hard work (v.10). The most meaningful activity in life is typically associated with hard work. Paul told Timothy, “...we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God...” The end of all meaningful work has with it a beautiful ending. The same is the case with one’s work for the Lord. If a Christian is really committed to hard work, the difference he makes will last for generations.

Fourth, one must be a godly example to others (v.12). Paul tells Timothy (and us) to be the example that brings glory and honor to God. In every aspect of life the world is watching how the faithful live with the hopes of them falling so they can have company in there sorrow. Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...” (Gal. 2:20). If the Christ truly lives in the child of God then the example that he lives will be that of a Christian (ie. Christ-like).What a difference the Son of God made.

Fifth, one must be a teacher of God’s Word no matter what (v.16). Timothy is told “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” Here was his chance to make a difference in the world. It started with him and the doctrine in which he would preach. It did not matter what the occasion was. Timothy was to do what was right in the sight of God.

It seems so simple to want to make a difference in the lives of those in the world. But, often times it is more difficult to put it into practice. Timothy’s responsibility was not to be taken lightly and neither is ours today. Do you want to make a difference? Follow the inspired words of Paul as he instructed Timothy (1 Tim. 4:6-16),.