Sunday Sermon Outline: The Parable of the Dinner

Luke 14:16-24

The Parable of the Dinner

 

Introduction:

Luke 14:16-24, “A man was giving a big dinner, and he invited many; [17] and at the dinner hour he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ [18] But they all alike began to make excuses. The first one said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land and I need to go out and look at it; please consider me excused.’ [19] Another one said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please consider me excused.’ [20] Another one said, ‘I have married a wife, and for that reason I cannot come.’ [21] And the slave came back and reported this to his master. Then the head of the household became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ [22] And the slave said, ‘Master, what you commanded has been done, and still there is room.’ [23] And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the highways and along the hedges, and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. [24] For I tell you, none of those men who were invited shall taste of my dinner.’”

Luke 14:1, “went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread.”
 

I. The Places of Honor

 

“noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table” (Luke 14:7). 

 

II. The People of Honor

 

“When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, otherwise they may also invite you in return and that will be your repayment” (Luke 14:12).

“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him” (John 1:11). 

 

III. The Purpose of Honor
 

“those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6)? 

 

Hebrews 5:12, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.”

“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). 

 

Matthew 21:31-32, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him.” 

Conclusion:

“How much severer punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled under foot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? [30] For we know Him who said, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY.” And again, “THE LORD WILL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.” [31] It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:29-31).

 

 

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Sunday Sermon Outline: The Importance of Death

 The Importance of Death

 

Introduction:

“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures ...” (1 Corinthians 15:3).

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

 

I. The Role of Death

John 20:30, “many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book.”
 

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). 

 

John 3:14, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”  

“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19).

“the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh” (John 6:51). 

 

John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). John 12:31-33, “'Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. [32] And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.' [33] But He was saying this to indicate the kind of death by which He was to die.”

 “I have come to cast fire upon the earth; and how I wish it were already kindled! [50] But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!” (Luke 12:49-50). 

 

James and John's mother “said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit one on Your right and one on Your left.” [22] But Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”” (Matthew 20:21-22).

Matthew 16:21 says, “From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.”  

 

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). 

II. The Preaching of Death

“to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood” (1 Peter 1:2). 

 

“you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, [19] but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19).

“you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:24).

“Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). 

 

“since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose” (1 Peter 4:1).

1 Peter 5:10 says, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.”

“Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, [2] by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

 

III. The Future of Death

Revelation 1:5, “To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood ...” Revelation 2:8, “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life.” “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

“For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; [17] and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:16-17).

“the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, [7] so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [8] and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, [9] obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9). 

 

 

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Surpassing Greatness

We live in a world that is fairly easily impressed ... then and now. Jesus compared the people of His day to selfish children easily upset when they don't get what they want (Matthew 11:16-17) ... and not much has changed since then. The modern church has become obsessed with entertainment. It pervades every service and event. Then, if they do not get the entertainment rush they desire, they complain about the leadership, threaten to leave the congregation, and/or withhold their money.


Acts 8:9-11, "Now there was a man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of God.” 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts."


See how easy it is to draw a crowd? Everyone in Samaria knew this man's name. They saw his trickery, and dubbed him "the Great Power of God." Oh, how wrong they were! And the same error is being made today by those who believe that the "power" in a congregation has to do with so-called miracles, or in swelling numbers, or in community popularity.


This is why the Apostle Paul prayed desperately that Christians would know the truth, and that such truth would set them free from such shallow, earthly constructs. In Ephesians 1:18-21, he writes, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come."


An "enlightened" Christian knows that our only hope is in being called out of this world. Our only glory is in what we will someday inherit in heaven. The true power of God - a "surpassing greatness" - is found only in those who place their full trust in Jesus Christ. Such brethren will - like Jesus - be raised from the dead and seated in heavenly places.


The kind of people who were enamored of the Samaritan charlatan quickly lost interest when better entertainment presented itself. Those though who are enamored of the "surpassing greatness" of the One "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion" "may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). Jesus wants us to be edified, not entertained!

Winter Woes!

It may be one more week before the messages resume and the series on Romans concludes. Last week, we traveled on Christmas Eve to be with our son and his wife in Logansport, IN. The trip took us three hours to get there ... and four and a half to get back thanks to a 5"-6" snow that fell while we were there. The return trip, late that evening, was one of the most hair-raising, white-knuckle experiences I've had in awhile. Fortunately, we made it home safely, although very late.


This week's message will be delayed by yet another of winter's surprises ... below-normal freezing temperatures. For those of you who do not know it, my wife and I have been living full-time in an RV for the last five years. While we can and do plan for many weather events, some are beyond our control. Our drains are frozen solid, and there is a crack in at least one of those pipes. The water is working, but has nowhere to go.


Therefore, we must ... go, that is. The water will be shut down, the heat turned as low as possible to keep things from freezing, and we will skedaddle to our daughter's house until the temps come back up above freezing and thaw the mess out. I'm sure she wasn't planning on houseguests for the next week or two, but I'm grateful that at least we have somewhere to go. We would be in a real pickle if it wasn't for Andrea and Josh.


Please pray for us ... for our sanity as a family. Small house, cold temps, seven people and two dogs can be a recipe for frayed nerves.

Merry Christmas .. and thank you!

May I offer my deepest thanks and warmest regard for those who have sent gifts to help us maintain this website and keep the Bible lessons coming! My hope for the new year is to get my writing back on track and start producing more articles on a regular basis. For anyone else who would like to send a gift to aid us in our continuing effort to preach the word, Paypal payments may be sent to jipreacher@yahoo.com. In addition, if there are any particular topics for articles or Bible books/passages you wish to have covered, email me. I would love to hear from any or all of our listeners!

Signs, Wonders and Miracles

I recently received the following question: “I've been studying signs, wonders and miracles. Can I ask what you think the definitions of each are or are they the same thing?” I post the answer publicly, hoping that perhaps this information will prove useful to others as well.

The terms are used concerning Jesus in Acts 2:22, “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know.”

These identifiers were also associated with the apostles in both 2 Corinthians 12:12, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles,” and in Hebrews 2:3-4, “After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, [4] God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”

Signs were used to authenticate the message of God's spokesmen. They accompanied the revelation of the word, as inspired by the Holy Spirit. An excellent example concerns the deacon, Philip, in Acts 8:6, “The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.” The signs manifested confirmed the word preached.

Wonders are events that are supernatural and extraordinary. As Thayer's lexicon states, a wonder is “something so unusual it arouses close observation.” Examples of wonders are the healing of a man who had been lame from birth (Acts 14:8-10), casting out a slave girl's spirit of divination (Acts 16:16-18), and the raising of Eutychus from the dead in Acts 20:9-12.

Miracles are special demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's power. Paul described such miracles in his second epistle to the Corinthians. “For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; [9] indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; [10] who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope” (2 Corinthians 1:8-10).

He further clarifies that thought later in the letter. “Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. [25] Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. [26] I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; [27] I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure” (2 Corinthians 11:24-27).

The point the apostle makes isn't that such things don't happen to others, but that the escape provided from these particular predicaments were very clearly not of human origin. Such miracles are clearly associated with the grace of God. By definition, grace is what God provides for us that we could not possibly provide for ourselves. As we near one of our primary texts, this association is made clear as Paul writes of the Lord, “He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. [10] Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong”” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The difference between wonders and miracles is that wonders cause one to focus on WHAT was being done, while miracles should focus one's attention on WHO is receiving them and WHY.

In 2 Corinthians 11, Paul identified those who were “false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:13). While it is popular to associate everything miraculous today with the Lord, we should know this is not the case. Jesus stated clearly that “false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24). The deeds of such men are anti-Christ, and thus are to be associated with “the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, [10] and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10).

Again, wonders cause one to focus on WHAT was being done, while miracles should focus one's attention on WHO is receiving them and WHY. True miracles are the result of God's divine providence, as He proves without question that He cares for His own. As it is written, “He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (2 Timothy 1:9).

The differentiation between true workers and deceitful workers is not as difficult as most would make it. Supernatural evidence can be rejected as false if either the life or the message of the worker are not in harmony with the word of God. False teachers “are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them.” But an inspired apostle writes, “We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:5-6). As he had earlier stated, “By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother” (1 John 3:10).

I hope this answers covers the subject sufficiently. I always welcome sincere questions concerning the word of the Lord! :)

The Words of God

Consider mankind. People are often careful in what they say for various reasons – political or business advantage, social position, politeness, fear, embarrassment, insecurity. But the Lord suffers from none of those things. He is God. He is Creator.

How many times have we read, “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16), yet we live and act as if were the work of “mere men” (1 Corinthians 3:4)? We project our thoughts and ways upon the word of God, forgetting His declaration, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

God doesn't have to watch what He says. He has no superior to fear. He has no higher position to seek. The social conventions of men are beneath Him, and their scheming is not the product of His mind but of Satan's (Ephesians 6:11). In fact, God has taught us in His Son, “Let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

So why do men so often approach the Scriptures looking for hidden meanings? I believe that in order to properly understand the Bible, we have to start by assuming a literal meaning. Absolutely, there are figurative statements within God's word, but don't start your journey to understanding assuming that God is trying to hide something from you. As Moses learned so long ago, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).

The word of God is what He wants us to know, otherwise He would not have revealed them in the first place. He has spoken not for His own advantage, but for ours (Romans 1:17). So as you read the Bible, know that God speaks plainly.

Perhaps we would never have the boldness to say to someone, “You serpents, you brood of vipers, how will you escape the sentence of hell?” (Matthew 23:33). But Jesus did, because “He is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14).

“Oh, but He's God, and I'm just a man. I could never say something like that.”

Really? Not even if the Spirit of God were within you? Acts 13:8-10 says that “Elymas the magician ... was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. [9] But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his gaze on him, [10] and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of the Lord?”” See? In the Spirit of God, Paul spoke plainly.

Haven't you ever once wondered why the modern church doesn't see the same spiritual success as the first century church? I believe it is because today's church leaders are preaching acceptance, tolerance and a non-judgmental spirit, while the church that Jesus established and the leaders He chose were more concerned with accurately relaying the words of the Lord. As Paul said, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. [3] I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, [4] and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, [5] so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:2-5).

But the faith of the modern church is no longer resting on “the power of God.” As the apostle forewarned, we have around us men who are “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.” The word of God is plain and direct, “Avoid such men as these” (2 Timothy 3:5).

“Then who should I listen to?”

God.

“But my preacher said ...”

If he hasn't set aside his opinions and pointed you directly to the word of God, he is no real servant of God.

We read of the birth of the church in the beginning of the book of Acts. It is said that “the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32). Why? Because “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31).

“But our church doesn't believe ...”

But Christ's church does. Those who truly belong to the Lord believe in the word of God. “The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

Thus David said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Thus Jesus said, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

The question is, what do you say? I would only point you to the Scriptures, “in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. [22] Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:21-22).

Christian Communication

Speech is required to accomplish the work of Christ. But I truly wonder what work – if any – is being accomplished within the modern church, since true speech … honest speech … real spiritual communication … is almost non-existent.

Consider first the society in which we live. We are an aggressive people, prone to sarcasm, insults, argumentative rebuttal and fits of anger. Then consider today's church. A majority preach love and tolerance, yet the American spirit is much stronger within them than the Holy Spirit. Underneath a thin veneer of Christian love lies the real substance of their character … and it is not pretty.

How many times I have stood in a congregation's foyer listening to shallow conversations concerning weather, sports, politics, music, movies, travel, work and family. Supposedly such communication allows me to “get to know” a person, yet all I “know” after years of such discourse is that most people are interested primarily in themselves.

How often I have heard “church problems” discussed behind the closed doors of leadership meetings. Opinions flow freely, while the word of God remains closed. Polite discussion – when it does not get its way – often gives way to sarcastic insinuation, and sometimes even to angry debate.

Considering the Bible's reminder that “the tongue is a fire” (James 3:6), “a restless evil” and “full of deadly poison” (James 3:8) … and seeing much proof of that within both our society and our Christian congregations … one could wonder whether honest communication is even possible anymore.

How do I explain to a sinner the ramifications of his sin and his need for a Savior if his first instinct is to be insulted and angry? But wait! The same thing holds true if I want to discuss the Scriptures with a neighbor or co-worker, or teach a body of church members, or train a group of church leaders. For all the rhetoric that is spewed concerning love, tolerance and acceptance, the first instinct is still to become insulted and angry.

There is a simple two-fold answer … but it is difficult, because it flies in the face of the world in which we live. First, we must deny ourselves. Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). This theme is then repeated within the apostles' doctrine. “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; [4] do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

“Oh, our congregation is all about others!”
While I know you want that to be true, it's probably not. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. [21] For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:20-21).

If you want honest speech … genuine spiritual communication … then you must first fight against yourself and your own desires. Insults and sarcasm were never utilized by those filled with the Holy Spirit and “the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). The Spirit insists, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [32] Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31).

“But it's so difficult ...”
Then work harder.

“But I can't ...”
Yes, you can.

“It's just the way I am.”
So in other words, you refuse to deny yourself? Even knowing what's at stake? After all, the Bible has made it clear that “those who practice such things … “enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, [and] factions” … will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:20-21).

Self-denial, that's the number one prerequisite to real Christian communication. Then second, is “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). No Christian – or congregation – can “grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,” without “speaking the truth in love.”

“Oh, but we do!”
No, I don't think you do. You see, Paul wasn't writing to pagans, but to Christians, saying, “laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

In fact, isn't it interesting that the referenced epistle was written to the exact same people whose leaders were warned that “savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; [30] and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30)?

“But our leaders would never do such a thing!”
Don't you think the Ephesian congregation said the same thing? Yet the apostle warned them not to be “carried about by every wind of doctrine.” He warned them about “the trickery of men” and of “craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14). He preached to them of “laying aside falsehood” (Ephesians 4:25). He was inspired by the Spirit to write, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).

Why would he write that, unless he knew it was a pressing need? Why would he warn them against “filthiness and silly talk, [and] coarse jesting” (Ephesians 5:4)? Why would he say, “Let no one deceive you with empty words” (Ephesians 5:6)? Because these were real issues within a real congregation. And my guess is, these issues exist within your congregation … and your family … and you, as well. These are not words for the first century. These are words for every century.

If you want to see real change within yourself, then deny yourself. If you want honest communication within your congregation, then “SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.”

What does it mean to “speak truth”? Christ prayed to His Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). Therefore, the word of God is our source for truth. Christian communication is not achieved by sharing our personal interests or opinions, but by “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19) … by “speaking the truth in love.”

The more we speak of God, the less we speak of ourselves. The more we consider His word, the less we consider those who are “speaking perverse things.” We cannot allow sarcasm, insults and anger to control us. If the Holy Spirit resides within us, then “the love of Christ controls us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). And if such love controls us … if we remember that in Christ “we are members of one another” … then we will begin “speaking the truth in love,” which is exactly the kind of communication Christ wants within His kingdom.

The Imperative of the Church

The Christian Churches/churches of Christ have long been established as a vehicle fueled by the Great Commission.

“Our job is to make disciples!”

But what if that's not our job? What if we've been putting the wrong gas in the tank all these years? What if instead of getting 10 mpg, we should be getting 100 mpg, spiritually speaking?

Yes, the Lord did indeed offer a commission to the apostles at the end of each of the gospels (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21), and again at the beginning of the book of Acts (Acts 1:7-8). But if those verses were to be intended as the rallying call for the New Testament Church, then why doesn't even one of the epistles from Romans to Revelation repeat said commission? Why do we not find in even one book a reminder to the church to go “make disciples”?

In fact, the word “disciples” is never again even used beyond the book of Acts. Kind of a weird omission if that is in fact the church's primary directive. That Great Commission is at the heart and soul of almost everything we do ... our evangelistic outreach, our missionary programs, and our church planting societies. If it were ever recognized that the Great Commission was addressed to the apostles and NOT to the church as a whole, then 1) we would have to determine Christ's real purpose for the church, and 2) how to rebuild the entirety of our brotherhood once the missionary impetus has been removed.

Answering point #2 is beyond the scope of this article. For now, let's just focus on the main thing. If not evangelism, then what is the imperative of the New Testament Church? If would have to be something that – unlike the so-called Great Commission – is addressed to the entirety of the church, and not just to a select few. One would assume it would be oft-repeated. And it would be something foundational that would then affect everything else that follows after it. That foundation … that driving force … that REAL Great Commission … that which would exponentially increase the effectiveness of the Church … is holiness.

Consider the following Scriptures closely:

• “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1).
• “If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are” (1 Corinthians 3:17).
• “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
• “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4).
• “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, [26] so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
• “And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, [22] yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach” (Colossians 1:21-22).
• “May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; [13] so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
• “He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).
• “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, [15] but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; [16] because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY”” (1 Peter 1:14-16).
• “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).
• “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
• “Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11)?

How would the Church change if we were focused on holiness, rather than evangelism? We would no longer be concerned with attendance numbers, but with training those who are really hungry and thirsty for righteousness. Quantity would be exchanged for quality. We would no longer place before us as shepherds and leaders those who are good men, but those who are godly men. We would be less focused on the church buildings and more focused on building up the church, which is the body of Christ. Willful and continued sin in the camp would no longer be tolerated, for the good of the whole.

Haven't you ever wondered why modern statistics show that sinful behaviors are just as high – if not, at times, even higher – among those who attend church as with those who do not? It's because we're building on the wrong foundation. “If the first piece of dough is holy, the lump is also; and if the root is holy, the branches are too” (Romans 11:16).

“But what about evangelism? Are you saying we shouldn't win people to Christ?”

To answer that question, let's utilize the analogy that the Scriptures consistently offer of the Lord's people as sheep. Does a real shepherd have to tell real sheep how to procreate? Do those sheep have to form societies through which reproduction takes place? Do they need constant seminars on the most effective breeding techniques? Or are some things just basic Biology 101?

The shepherds of the flock (the elders) have two main tasks: To feed and protect the sheep. According to Titus 1:9, they are responsible for “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine (feed the flock) and to refute those who contradict (protect the flock).” If a real shepherd protects and feeds real sheep, they will reproduce all on their own.

I believe that for too long now Christians have been focusing all their attention upon that which should come naturally and take no effort, and not spending any discernible time in “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1) … which takes a supreme effort, because sin “so easily entangles us” (Hebrews 12:1). “IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?” (1 Peter 4:18).

Yes, I know … in accepting what I'm saying as truth, you will have to set aside centuries of tradition. But don't take my word for it. Do your own research. Examine the letters written to the churches. Look for the apostolic focus upon evangelism and missions … give your head a good scratch, wondering why there's so little to find … and then start researching the abundance of Scriptures turning the churches attention to holiness, righteousness, perfection and “the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

Then, as a conclusion to your study, reread the letters to the seven churches from Revelation 2-3, which form a symbolic 'last word' to the church. Not one word is spoken concerning their evangelistic outreach, whether positive or negative. The only notes of praise or condemnation are reserved for the behavior of those who call themselves Christians.

Therefore, based on the evidence of Christ's New Covenant, I believe we must reexamine the imperative of the church and refuel the body with that which will bring about real spiritual growth and productivity, which is holiness. “For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).

Examine your congregational priorities

If “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4), then why is that which is being produced by the churches – sermons, lessons, members, music and youth – focused more on the flesh and less on the Spirit? Prayer times are spent listing out physical concerns rather than spiritual ones. Sermons and lessons are preferred which are 'relevant to real life,' rather than relevant to “the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Any shepherding of the flock that is actually accomplished seems to be focused on feeding the ego more than nourishing the soul. Music is selected because of its ability to tug at the heartstrings or cause the toe to tap rather than for doctrinal words which teach and admonish (Colossians 3:16). And our youth are submersed in 'activities' rather than taught that which will cause them to grow “in favor with God and men” (1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52).

The warning has been given on so many occasions. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). “Do not be worried about your life” (Matthew 6:25). “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Paul taught, “If you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). Peter taught, “Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). “I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). John taught, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15).

If the body of Christ is to grow … if it is to achieve “the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13) … then there must be less attention given to the world, and more attention given to Christ. It should be every Christian leader's first priority to weed out that which is worldly and temporary within their congregations and replace it with that which is heavenly and eternal. If those who lead us follow a Biblical pattern - “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30) – then that which is of man should never outweigh or obscure that which is of God.

Confirmed as a Servant of the Lord

When God announced judgment upon His people through the prophet Jeremiah, He made a rather interesting statement at one point. “Then the LORD said to me, “Even though Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me, My heart would not be with this people; send them away from My presence and let them go!”” (Jeremiah 15:1).

I suppose I could talk about the Lord's obvious displeasure with His people, but I'm more concerned with the fact that He singled out – above all others – Moses and Samuel. Yes, I know that Moses represents the Law and Samuel the prophets, but surely this speaks more of their character than of their representative status.

Exodus 33:11 says that “the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” High praise indeed! But what about Samuel? Why is he regarded so highly by the Lord? I believe we can find the answer clearly in 1 Samuel 3, which relates how God called Samuel, even while still a youth.

It is a true statement that – of all the things that we do in this life – only what is done for the Lord will last. He wants us … His people … Christians … to be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). So why not examine a man like Samuel, with the intent of seeing what separated him spiritually from everyone else.

I believe the first quality made very obvious in the text is his OUTSTANDING DEDICATION.

1 Samuel 3:1 says, “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent.”

Here is a boy, no more than fifteen at the most, who is already committed to a life of outstanding achievement for God. In today's society, a boy like Samuel would be called strange and unusual because of his early attachment to the Lord. Children today – even those raised in religious homes – are too often being allowed to "sow their wild oats" in the hopes that they will "get it out of their system." Satan has convinced many that it’s normal for kids to get into trouble when they're young. So-called experts are teaching that it’s okay if teens take a smoke or a drink ... or watch a dirty movie ... or whatever ... because – according to these intellectual experts – it solves a child's curiosity problem. They say that once a child's curiosity concerning something bad is satisfied, then he or she will not want it anymore.

Seriously? What horrid logic! But unfortunately, that’s the way many adults think. "Don't judge it till you've seen it (… or done it)." “Don’t take a step, until you walk a mile in the other man’s moccasins.”

Now all that may SOUND good from some human perspective, but it is not biblical. Oh, I’ve heard some people say that their encounters with evil strengthened their faith … but as far as I'm concerned, they don’t know anything about real faith. I do not have to stick my hand in the fire to know that it’s hot. I do not have to walk a mile in a prostitute’s shoes to know that it’s sinful behavior. And neither do children have to commit sin in order to know what sin is and what it does.

It is never suggested that young Samuel felt the urge to go and "sow his wild oats." He was too busy being the best he could be for God. Most of the credit has to go to Samuel's mother, Hannah, who was concerned enough about her son that she dedicated him to the service of God even before he was born. She didn’t wait until he was out of college, or until he was old enough to make up his own mind. She began as early as possible to insure that his life would become outstanding for the Lord.

Why would anyone think that God wants only our adult years, and not all of our years? We’ve all known of teenagers who have died in accidents. We’ve heard of youth who have died as a result of things like drug overdoses, gang violence, or suicide. Do you really think that "I was sowing my wild oats" will be an acceptable excuse before God Almighty? Nowhere in Scripture does the Lord say that its all right to sin when you're young, because you'll have plenty of time later to repent and be saved. Nowhere in Scripture do we find the Holy Spirit teaching us to let our kids and grandkids wait until they grow up to choose their own religion.

Maybe every other kid was out causing trouble in the neighborhood, but our text tells us that “the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD.” Such outstanding dedication to the Lord was the first reason why God eventually confirmed Samuel as His servant. And how like Jesus, who – at the tender age of twelve – challenged His earthly parent's understanding, saying, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?” For all the money that has been spent by the modern church over the last forty years in “youth ministry,” where are such righteous results being found?

But in order to see why God singled out a man like Samuel, we also have to consider his OUTSTANDING PREPARATION. Look at vs. 2-10, “It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), [3] and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, [4] that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” [5] Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. [6] The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “I did not call, my son, lie down again.” [7] Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him. [8] So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. [9] And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.””

In these verses, we notice that three times the Lord called out to Samuel in a strikingly human voice. In fact, Samuel mistook it for Eli's voice. There were no fireworks ... no flashing lights in the sky ... no strange unknown mystic languages. In fact, there was nothing dramatic about the communication at all. It was just an ordinary voice calling out to the youth, which he confused for his teacher's.

Actually, I believe the fact that Samuel was confused tells us a lot about why he turned out to be such a great man. It all boils down to training. He was in the Temple being trained and prepared as a servant of God. Years of eager and willing obedience had made Samuel alert to the voice that he heard. This call came either at night or at a resting time, because the Scriptures tell us that both of them were lying down ... but that didn’t stop Samuel from being alert.

When the first call came, v. 5 says that Samuel “ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”” He showed a responsiveness that not many people today could claim, and not once did he let disappointment dull his ear.

This situation could have turned out to be a "boy who cried wolf" scenario, but it didn't. When Samuel was called a third time, he could have said, "Ah! It's just my imagination. Eli said he didn't call me the first two times, so I'm probably just hearing things." Samuel could have done that, but he didn't. He showed a responsiveness to each call.

Then, after Eli finally figured out what was going on in v. 8, we see another outstanding attribute of Samuel's in vs. 9-10, “Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.””

We saw responsiveness, and now we see obedience. Samuel took it for granted that Eli knew what he was talking about, and never once questioned his instructions. Samuel showed through his actions that he was prepared to be called as a servant of the Lord.

Outstanding dedication … outstanding preparation … and then, finally, we see Samuel’s OUTSTANDING PROCLAMATION. Look at vs. 11-18, “The LORD said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. [12] In that day I will carry out against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. [13] For I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them. [14] Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.” [15] So Samuel lay down until morning. Then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. But Samuel was afraid to tell the vision to Eli. [16] Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he said, “Here I am.” [17] He said, “What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you.” [18] So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him.”

The job that the Lord gave to Samuel was difficult: To pronounce judgment upon the house of Eli the priest. Not that Eli didn’t deserve it. 1 Samuel 2:12 tells us that “the sons of Eli were worthless men; they did not know the LORD.” Yes, Eli was a priest in the Temple, but he had obviously failed as a father.

God has always had high expectations for those who would be His servants, and especially for those who would serve as leaders. According to 1 Timothy 3:4-5, one who serves as an elder “must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity [5] (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?).” 1 Timothy 3:12 likewise says that “deacons must be ... good managers of their children and their own households.”

But Eli had failed in this regard. His own sons would not listen to him. Thus God was making it clear that Eli could not possibly direct the religious lives of God’s people if he could not even control his own family. So God gave Samuel the very difficult task of announcing His judgment upon Eli. Literally, God sent a boy to do a man's work. But again, we see Samuel's outstanding character.

In v. 15, the Scriptures make it abundantly obvious that Samuel was human ... a kid that was afraid of the job before him. But that didn’t stop him from carrying out the task. After being encouraged by Eli, v. 18 says that Samuel told the old priest everything and hid nothing from him. He once again showed his outstanding obedience. I’m sure it must have been difficult for Samuel to speak the Lord's judgment – especially to someone so close to him – but he did it anyway, because that's what God had commanded.

From the time he was a baby, Samuel had been trained and prepared to respond to the Lord's call … and ultimately, he was confirmed as a man of God. Samuel was divinely appointed for the difficult job of pronouncing judgment upon his mentor. Samuel obeyed … and because of his obedience, vs. 19-20 record that “the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. [20] All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.”

No matter what our age, we must pay attention to the call of God through His Word. May we be as responsive as Samuel. May we teach our children and grandchildren from the earliest age possible to do likewise. Just like the prophet, alertness to God's Word and obedience to His commands will develop within us an outstanding character.

Oh, that it can be said of us, "The Lord was with [insert your name here], and all the world from [insert your location] outward recognized [him or her] as a servant of the Lord."

But it will not happen unless we prepare ourselves. In Luke 6:40, Jesus says, “A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher.” So “be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Don't let the world (or, more to the point, Satan) convince you that a little sin is OK. “If anyone cleanses himself from these things , he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).

The real question is: Do you want to be confirmed as a servant of the Lord?

Real Encouragement

Of late, I have been distressed by some of the postings I have seen offered on Facebook. It brought to light a disturbing trend which I have witnessed throughout the years, and particularly in the churches. People are encouraging one another.

“Now, I'm confused, Jonathan. You believe that people encouraging one another is a bad thing?”

Just like a weapon, encouragement can be a useful tool when utilized properly, but can be deadly when mishandled. Let me offer an example:

      Betty is worried because her husband lost his job and they have had trouble paying the bills.
     Wilma – a church friend – encourages her, “Hang in, there! Things will get better. I'm praying for you.”
     Betty appreciates having someone nearby who cares for her. “Thanks, Wilma. I don't know what I would do without you.”
     To which Wilma replies, “That's what we're supposed to do as Christians, to encourage one another!”

Here's one more example:

     Fred is struggling to fit in at work. In order to be recognized and promoted, he feels it necessary to do what everyone else is doing, even though many of those things are sinful. He takes the problem to his minister, Barney.
     After listening to the situation, Barney “encourages” Fred to just be himself. He suggests that Fred's co-workers should accept him for who he is, not who they want him to be. He then prays with Fred, asking the Lord to intervene in his workplace and soften the hearts of Fred's co-workers. Barney then closes by offering a verse of Scripture, “Remember, Fred … God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him!”
     “Thanks for the encouragement, Barney. You're a great minister and a great friend!”

Now, one might look at those two situations and believe that encouragement has in fact taken place. Fred and Betty “felt” better after talking to their friends, right? But “feeling better” is not what Biblical encouragement is at all about. In the Scriptures, encouragement is about pointing you to the Rock (Christ) and exhorting you to stay there until rescued.

The Greek word primarily translated as encourage or encouragement is parakaleo, which comes from two Greek words which mean to call to, or to call beside. What is God doing through Christ? Calling us to Himself. We are “partakers of a heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1). Even though this world is fraught with trials and tribulations, we “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

Encouragement then is that which causes us to maintain our conviction that Christ has overcome this world and move forward in the hope that we also will overcome through Him (1 John 5:4). It is solely a by-product of faith in God's word. “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

The reason that encouragement is necessary is because Satan strives to pull us from the narrow way (Matthew 7:14). Therefore, there is no Christian encouragement that does not urge us to return to or remain on that straight path (Acts 13:10). So let's go back to our examples and reconsider them in light of this new information.

Betty was struggling with financial problems, and supposedly Wilma encouraged her. I would challenge such thinking, because it does not fit the Biblical criteria for encouragement, which is to point people back to the word of Christ. Why didn't Wilma remind Betty that Christ has said not to “store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19), but “in heaven” (Matthew 6:20)?

“That seems awfully insensitive.”

According to whom? Was Christ then insensitive to a people struggling financially under the iron rule and heavy taxation of Rome? His encouragement to them was, “do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25). He reminded the people of God's providence and His upward call by saying, “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

Is there a reason that Wilma did not point Betty back to the word of Christ? Or why didn't she at least urge Betty to remain faithful to the Lord under such trials? When the Christians of Thessalonica were being persecuted by the Jews, Paul sent them Timothy for a single purpose, “to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, [3] so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. [4] For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. [5] For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain” (1 Thessalonians 3:2-5).

Personally, I would have encouraged Betty not to be disturbed by trials which are “common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13), and not to allow Satan to tempt her to worry about this physical life or to waver in her faith. I would have followed the example of Barnabas – the son of encouragement – in speaking to a group of Greek Christians in Antioch who had been born out of suffering, as he traveled from Jerusalem “to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord” (Acts 11:23). I would have imitated the pattern of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God”” (Acts 14:22).

“But that might not make her feel any better.”

She doesn't have to feel better. She needs to be “firmly rooted” and “built up” in Christ (Colossians 2:7). That's real encouragement.

Then consider Fred. Why didn't his minister – when hearing of a temptation to participate in sinful activities in order to succeed – immediately follow the pattern established in Hebrews 3:12-14? “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. [13] But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. [14] For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”

What kind of a minister avoids the real issue at hand? (The answer is a false one.) Instead of dealing with Fred's potential sin, Barney turned the whole situation around and made it about Fred's co-workers. THEY were the ones who should accept Fred. Barney's prayer was for the Lord to soften THEIR hearts. Way to shirk your responsibility, Barney!

The Bible tells us what the real minister will do in such a situation. Paul told Timothy, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). What a great outline for Christian service. Sinners are to be convicted of their sin (reproved) and urged to accept Christ. Upon accepting Him, if they continue in sinful behavior they should be rebuked and pointed back to the Rock. And when temptations arise that would lead someone away from the Lord, they should be exhorted (or encouraged, same Greek word) to remain faithful.

Shame on Barney for not addressing Fred's most basic Christian responsibility. Titus 2:11-12 tells us that “the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, [12] instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age.” Why didn't that “great” minister remind his Christian disciple of that fact? I would have encouraged Fred to live in a Christ-like fashion, regardless of the behavior or expectations of his co-workers. Christ “gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:13-14).

“But if Fred doesn't fit in, he could lose his job!”

You don't think the Lord knew that when revealing His word to man? If Barney had been any kind of a real minister, he would have known the Scriptures and directed Fred's attention away from the physical job and right back to the Rock. “Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; [6] not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. [7] With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, [8] knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free” (Ephesians 6:5-8).

It is important to note in this discussion that not everyone needs such encouragement. To those who do not belong to Christ, the only encouragement needed is to leave sin, listen to the upward call of God and accept Christ. For those in Christ though, not all of them need to be persuaded of the Scriptures. Some Christians know well that the difficulties endured are only temporary and that heaven awaits. Some brothers and sisters – despite life's hardships and Satan's temptations – refuse to leave the narrow way. There is no need to point someone back to the Rock to which they are already firmly clinging. Thus wisdom must accompany knowledge.

Solomon writes, “There is an appointed time for everything. … A time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7). Perhaps your Christian friend doesn't need you to speak at all. Maybe they just need to know you are there for them. Perhaps the best thing to do is to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) … and keep your mouth shut.

But if the situation calls for it and you want to be a real encourager, stop focusing people's attention on the physical. You want them concentrating upon Christ and His spiritual blessings. God is calling us heavenward. Remembering that call and reminding your spiritual brother of its insistent righteous pull is the heart of real encouragement. As the apostle has written, “You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; [11] just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, [12] so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

Merry Christmas!

That's right, I said, "Merry Christmas!" The only reason this season means anything is because of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).

I am grateful to the Lord for those who have helped make this internet ministry possible through their financial support. Some have provided single gifts, while others have included us in their pattern of regular giving. What a true blessing ... a spiritual blessing ... it is to see the Scriptures fulfilled. I have endeavored to provide "sound teaching" (Proverbs 4:2), to which some are responding with their whole hearts. Having received "spiritual things," they are responding by providing for my physical needs (Romans 15:26-27). What a grand restoration of the simple plan of sharing and fellowship established in Acts 2 ... “not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:17).

In the next year, I will try even harder to provide more ... more of the gospel, more of the apostles' doctrine, more of the Law and the Prophets ... more of that which is foundational to our life and growth in Christ. Whether by articles or audio sermons and lessons, I want to provide you with "strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. [19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast" (Hebrews 6:18-19).

It is a dark world in which we live, and we need all the light we can get. Pray for me, please, and for all those who would shift your attention from earthly things to "things above, where Christ is" (Colossians 3:1-2). However you may choose to support this mission, I covet your partnership in providing good spiritual food. I desire to prove myself a good workman, "accurately handling the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

I would also love to hear from those who are benefiting from this site. My email is available through my profile, which is always found to the top right of the page next to my picture. I am still amazed at the growth in activity over the last six months in particular. Traffic (both visits and page views) has tripled since June, and I pray that trend will continue. I truly hope that - as our nation falters - there will be a renewed interest in the things of God and a desire to "see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it" (Jeremiah 6:16).

Again, Merry Christmas! Why? Because of the One whom God has made "both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). "To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: [2] Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord" (2 Peter 1:1-2).

Consider Your Gifts

In the traditional Christian congregation, the time period between Thanksgiving and Christmas generally sees an increase in “benevolent” giving. Suggestions abound, usually involving toys for faceless children, canned goods and clothing for the unnamed homeless, or – keeping it closer to home – “upgrades” for the congregation itself. What a perfect time to take up a collection for a new van, a sound system, carpets or a trip for the youth group.

But – if you are really serious about offering a “gift” for the holidays – why not consider that which benefits the spirit, rather than the flesh? The strong majority of monetary gifts received by congregations this year will be completely physical in nature. They are tokens offered … some in sincerity, some to be seen of others and some given simply to make oneself feel better. But surely our God wants more than just a token? Did we learn nothing from Cain and Abel?

“So you have a better suggestion than giving to homeless orphans, Jonathan?”

As a matter of fact, I do. “Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the leper, [7] a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table.[8] But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? [9] For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” [10] But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. [11] For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me”” (Matthew 26:6-11).

The poor will always be there … in abundance … but how often will your minister be there to faithfully preach the word of the Lord? How often will your Sunday School teacher continue to present godly, biblical lessons? How often will the elder come to visit you and pray with you, offering sage wisdom from the Scriptures? Hebrews 13:7 says, “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you.” Perhaps this would be an appropriate time to do so … to say thank you … to consider what has been spiritually provided to you.

I'm not asking you to take food out of a child's mouth. If you feel so inclined to give a gift for the meeting of physical needs, by all means do so. But “it is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’” (Matthew 4:4).

If the apostle Paul were currently alive and preaching, would you support him? There are people out there today sending $19.95 to spiritual charlatans for sa upposed blessing and a prayer cloth. Certainly I don't recommend the support of false teachers, but why would we ever be reticent about providing financial support to those who have truly been appointed by God as preachers and teachers “in faith and truth” (1 Timothy 2:7)?

Not all did support Paul though. He wrote to the church at Phillipi, saying, “at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; [16] for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. [17] Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:15-17).

The Philippians apparently were the only ones who recognized the spiritual value of what the apostle was providing at that time. But such recognition not only met the apostle's needs, but profited the Philippians spiritually. The hope I have in writing this article is that you would so profit. Jesus taught that “the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, [46] and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:45-46). I pray you would be so motivated in the consideration of your gifts.

Frankly, the majority of giving during the holidays is either driven by consumerism or emotionalism. Neither of those will produce a spiritual result though. What is it that you find valuable? If you need a heart transplant, you will find the best surgeon. If your car needs engine work, you will secure the best mechanic. If you want to save big on your taxes, you will find the best accountant. If you are in legal trouble, you will hire the best attorney. But concerning the word of the Lord, people are content to follow shepherds leading them in the wrong direction and to listen to the mediocre preaching of those whose highest title is “good Joe.” Where is the desire for “better things”? For “things that accompany salvation” (Hebrews 6:9)?

Ever hear the old saying, “You get what you pay for?” Nowhere is it more true than in spiritual matters. If you pay for a bowl of fake fruit, don't be surprised to find it inedible. “Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2). But if you buy a Rolls Royce, you expect a quality product. Unfortunately, there are – among our churches – many “old junker” preachers and teachers. I do not say that concerning the quantity of dollars they are receiving, but regarding the quality of instruction which they are providing.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). I've never heard a Bible college graduation ceremony that doesn't somehow work this verse into the program, yet why is it never taught to the graduating preachers or to the hiring congregations that “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (Luke 10:7)?

The saints in Jerusalem were losing everything materially in their stand for Christ, yet they were still willing to share the word of the Lord with others. Paul writes to those who had received the good word of God, “Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. [27] Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things” (Romans 15:26-27).

Notice how the apostle makes a clear distinction between the spiritual and the material? And it is obvious that the spiritual is the more valued commodity. No wonder the early church were “selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need” (Acts 2:45).

What a shame to see the ideal vs. the real though. In Acts 4, “the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them” (Acts 4:32). Come Sunday, some family will claim a tag off of a Christmas tree, buy a $20 pair of shoes for someone they don't know … and feel good about themselves.

In Acts 4, “all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales [35] and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.” This season, your pantry will be cleaned out of all your old canned goods … and you will receive an emotional lift because you dropped a bag of groceries off at the church building and never even saw where it went?

Certainly, it's a shame that there are people in financial difficulty. But the real shame is that Christians are not recognizing the real value of receiving sound spiritual instruction. “Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock?” (1 Corinthians 9:7). “The plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.[11] If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (1 Corinthians 9:10-11). “Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? [14] So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14).

“Why is it you preachers are always begging for money?”

As Paul said, it is “not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account” (Philippians 4:17). I want those who are reading this to realize that there is greater value in what you have received spiritually than in what you possess materially. And if giving a gift this season is really what you feel you need to do, then let it be according to the Scriptures. “The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him” (Galatians 6:6).

The church is supposed to be “the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). So let's start supporting those who provide us with truth. “Buy truth, and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23).

I guess that's my real point in this article. What are you supporting … the local institution or eternal truth? What are you buying with your gifts … an emotional placebo or that which feeds your soul? If you know a preacher or teacher who is more than just a scratcher of itching ears, then give your gift to them. As the word says, “we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth” (3 John 7-8).

Perception vs. Reality

Perception is not always reality, especially for Christians. Having been reminded that “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), then perhaps what is seen is not always the whole story.

Over the course of a twenty-five year ministry, I was fired four times. That sure doesn't look good. I know of other ministers who have spent fifty years with the same congregation. That looks great! For the last two and a half years, I have not received a paycheck from a regular employer. That doesn't look good. I know others who have steady jobs and do a wonderful job of financially supporting their families. That looks great! But haven't you heard? Looks can be deceiving!

To the world (and even most of my family), it seems as if I do nothing. I am not employed by any congregation, and I have been unsuccessful – to the present – in securing any secular employment. There was a time when I, too, worried about such things, until the word of God reminded me that “the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14).

“But no church will hire you!”

You see, it is in response to that observation that I found spiritual truth. The local congregations that I have served were never my employers. The One for whom I have consistently “worked” is the Lord. I have served Him faithfully for almost twenty-eight years. Every message preached, every lesson taught, every article written, every person counseled or consoled, edified or evangelized has been under His employ. What support I have received – whether from congregations or individuals – has been at His discretion.

Like Timothy, I have been instructed, “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). Such a command is in no way dependent upon a paycheck. The apostle Paul did not minister because of compensation, but because he was compelled to do so. “For I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Not“woe is me” I won't get paid, but “woe is me” if I don't respond to the Lord's call.

Therefore, I continue to go where the Lord leads, preaching and teaching the truth of the gospel as God provides opportunity. I have never stopped being “eager to preach the gospel” (Romans 1:15).

“But you don't get a paycheck! How will you pay your bills and support your family?”

I used to worry about that, as well. Then I remembered the command of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ [32] For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. [33] But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33).

“But … but ...”

But what? Consider Elijah, called by God. Upon delivering the Lord's message of impending drought, the prophet's “work” took him to the brook Cherith where he spent the next two and a half years being fed bread and meat by ravens (1 Kings 17:2-6). Then, when the brook dried up, the Lord led him to a nearby widow who continued to provide for his needs (1 Kings 17:7-16).

“But that's not a REAL job!”

Isn't it? Upon whose reality do we make such a determination – man's or God's? The end result of his time spent with the widow seemed to produce exactly the spiritual result that God intended, as “the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth”” (1 Kings 17:24).

Consider Jesus' apostles. What evidence is there to suggest that any of them ever again held secular employment after submitting to the Lord and becoming fishers of men? The brothers never again worked their father's boat for profit. Matthew never again sat at the tax collector's table. After the birth of the church, they didn't even have time to wait tables, “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4).

And what of Jesus Himself? What “work” did He do to provide for Himself? The answer is: He didn't. Didn't receive a paycheck, that is. Absolutely, He worked! “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” (John 5:17). But that “work” didn't provide a roof over His head, as He states, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). Nor did that “work” pay His taxes, but when confronted about what was “owed,” the Lord sent Peter fishing! “Go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me” (Matthew 17:27).

“So you believe that the Lord is going to pay your bills?”

Does it matter? What matters is my obedience to the Lord. So far, I have not missed a meal in two and a half “unemployed” years. I still have a roof over my head, and I still have clothes on my back. The majority of this provision has been the result of three individuals who have not “paid” me for a “job,” but who have supported the ministry to which they know the Lord called me.

“But what do you do when the bill collector's call?”

Perhaps the Lord will provide me with vessels of oil to pay the debts (2 Kings 4:1-7). Perhaps he will eventually provide a means of secular employment. Or perhaps I'll end up in debtor's prison. If so, there are ample biblical examples of men who accomplished great things for the Lord from behind bars. Regardless, I cannot prove disobedient to my heavenly calling (Acts 26:19). Just because I don't know where God is leading me, doesn't mean He's not leading me. Again, perception is not always reality.

I no longer own a house. I own no property. I have a 240 sq. ft. RV, and a burning compulsion to share the word of the Lord. I haven't been provided with gas money, so obviously the Lord doesn't want me going anywhere at the moment. Therefore, I will sit and write. I will reach out via the Internet as long as I still have that access available.

God Himself declares, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; [11] So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11). I believe that with all my heart. Therefore, I will continue to obey! I must “work the works of Him who sent me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4).

Certainly I don't like to be in debt. Without a doubt it is uncomfortable not knowing whether I will be able to pay next month's lot rent. No one likes to scrape through the change jar for enough to buy a gallon of milk. And – like Paul's “thorn in the flesh” – I have prayed that the Lord would alter the situation. But His response to me is ultimately the same one given to the apostle, ““My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. [10] Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

My marching orders have been issued: “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). If the Lord has so employed me, then I know He is able to fully supply my need (2 Corinthians 11:9; Philippians 4:19). Spiritual reality trumps worldly perception every time.

Audio Sermons

Some have asked for regular access to audio recordings of the Sunday messages. That feature is now available, and will be updated weekly (at least by Saturday evening).

On the right hand column (you might need to scroll down just a bit) is a gadget called Sermons. The most recent message will always be at the top of the list. You may either click on it to begin listening to the recording, or right-click on it and hit Save As to download it to your computer for future listening.

The link has been checked on the PC as well as the iPhone. If anyone has a problem with the sound file - or with accessing it - please let me know.

The People of Lawlessness

Most of the people calling themselves Christians with whom I have been associated all of my life would be considered politically as conservatives. I have heard much talk over the last several years about the wave of liberalism that is sweeping the country. They show frustration that are nation is being subverted before their eyes. They are angry because of the impotence of our national leaders. What they do not see is that they – the so-called church – have become exactly what they claim to despise within their nation.

One of the most terrifying passages of Scripture for the church today should be 2 Thessalonians 2. It speaks of an “apostasy” in which “the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction” (v. 3). We are warned of one “who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (v. 4).

Wait! I haven't gotten to the scary part yet. I'm not worried about “that lawless one,” because v. 8 tells us “the Lord will slay [him] with the breath of His mouth and bring [him] to an end by the appearance of His coming.” I'm more concerned about the PEOPLE of lawlessness that have subsequently been produced.

The contemporary church has become the very thing that they claim to hate. They have become spiritual liberals who have traded facts for feelings. Education and edification have been shelved for the more pleasant commodities of emotions and entertainment. What Paul is describing in our text is not just some future event, according to v. 7, “The mystery of lawlessness is already at work!”

Unfortunately, that “mystery” is a mystery no longer. Paul warned, “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, [4] and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). That day has already come. It is “the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world” (1 John 4:3).

“But how can you say that such evil exists within the church? Our preacher only preaches from the Bible!”

This is the answer I fully expect. What church would ever raise her hand and say, “It's us! We're preaching false doctrine!” What congregation is going to admit to having an evil minister or satanic leaders? This is why that 2 Thessalonians 2 passage is so terrifying! The people of lawlessness are completely deluded!

“... they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. [11] For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, [12] in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness” (vs. 10-12).

The problem isn't that they haven't at some point received “the truth,” but that they haven't loved it. David says, “O how I love Your law!” (Psalm 119:97) … “I love Your testimonies” (Psalm 119:119) … “I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold” (Psalm 119:127) … “Consider how I love Your precepts” (Psalm 119:159) … “I hate and despise falsehood, but I love Your law” (Psalm 119:163) … “Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psalm 119:165).

This is why I am able to say with certainty that the people of lawlessness are occupying the membership rolls of the modern church, because there is no love of the truth! There are none who “hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matthew 5:6). Today's ministers, leaders and members are like men who have built their spiritual house upon the sand. They are not hearing the word of Christ, nor are they acting upon it (Matthew 7:26). What foolishness!

“Oh, but our church is growing! It must be the Lord!”

Our text spoke of what is occurring among the people of lawlessness. “The activity of Satan” is accompanied “with all power and signs and false wonders, [10] and with all the deception of wickedness” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). This is what Jesus warned us about,“False Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).

“But I don't see anyone like that in my church!”

Of course you don't! “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). “Satan disguises himself as an angel of light [15] Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

“But how could I have known if they deceived me?”

You allowed yourself to be deceived, because you “did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). And if someone did try to warn you … if they did point you back to the word of God … if they did plead with you to open your eyes … the “deluding influence” (2 Thessalonians 2:11) was too strong … you “did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12).

“Aren't you taking all of this just a bit too seriously?”

How seriously do you take salvation? Isn't that the topic of our text? “... they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved.” If you want to be saved, then you must love the truth as did the Christians of Thessalonica. Paul wrote in his first letter, “For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Stop accepting preaching that is more “the word of men” than “the word of God!” Stop following leaders who are not leading you along “the Highway of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8)! Stop attending congregations whose sole purpose is to entertain you and make you feel good! The people of lawlessness are not your friends, but your enemies!

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! [2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. [3] He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers. [4] The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. [5] Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. [6] For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Psalm 1).