Sermon on God's providence

Chance or Providence?

There are some things we clearly know from Scriptures because God has chosen to reveal them to us. We know exactly what God would have us to do to be saved because He has clearly told us through His word. We know that God hates divorce, a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood and many other sins that we might commit against each other (Malachi 2:16; Proverbs 6:16-19).

But when it comes to knowing how God interacts in our every day life, we cannot be as sure. Things happen in our lives and in the lives of others that cause us to wonder, is this God's providence or just something that is happening by chance? The wise man made this observation in Ecclesiastes 9:11-12, “I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all. For man also does not know his time: like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them.”

God not only has spiritual laws through Christ which are always true but He also has natural laws which are always true. Heat will burn you, electricity can kill you and gravity will bring you back to earth. Often a person’s interaction with these laws brings about serious harm or even death. Sometimes this occurs because of our own actions and we suffer the consequences. But at other times we suffer the consequences of the decisions of others who violate God's laws of nature.

But herein lays our uncertainty. Are there times when God's providence enables us to avoid situations that could have terrible consequences? Yet when tragic things happen we can't help but second guess our own actions and maybe even ask God, "why?" The wise man, by inspiration said “For man also does not know his time:” (Ecclesiastes 9:12). To these questions we simply do not have the answers to the "why".

Let us not forget some other great truths that we know about our great God. Hear Peter's words in 1 Peter 3:12, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” The conclusion is this: it doesn't really matter whether things happen by chance or through God's providence. You see, our God is able to help us through anything this life can bring our way. “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you…” (2 Cor. 9:8). Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28 that “...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

While we aren't given to know all the "why's" we can be assured that God works in the lives of His children. He will not allow more to be demanded of us than we can endure. Not even "chance" will be allowed to do so. God's providence and promises will see to that.  “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (I Cor. 10:13).

- by Ben May

 

When you have truly thanked God For every blessing sent But little time will then remain For murmur or lament

Truly Thankful

 

Ben had fallen into the habit of grumbling about this and that.  He complained about the weather; he found fault with his friends and with the members of his family.  He wanted to stop it, but somehow, as soon as anything would not go his way, he found himself grumbling again.  Then he came across this verse:

 

“When you have truly thanked God

For every blessing sent,

But little time will then remain

For murmur or lament.”

 

“I see now what the trouble has been,” he told himself.  “I've been grumbling so much that I've almost forgotten to be thankful for the things I have.  Every time I find myself starting to complain about something I don't have, I'm going to say 'Thank You' to God for something that He has given me.”

 

Ben found that the idea worked.  It was much easier to keep out the grouchy, grumbling thoughts when he filled his mind with thankful ones.  There simply was no room for the trouble makers, and after a bit they disappeared.

 

Ben was surprised, too, to see how many things a plain, everyday boy had for which to be thankful.  There are many things like the sunshine, the flowers, his friends, his home, which he had been taking for granted.  As he began thanking God for these things, he had a better appreciation of them.*

 

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17

 

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

The greatest gift that God has given is His Son.  When we were lost due to our sins, God, because of His great love for us, gave His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins.

 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

 

Through Jesus, we can be saved from our sins and receive the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).

 

God will save those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

 

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

– 2 Corinthians 9:15

 

Won’t YOU accept God’s gift on His terms today?

 

-- David A. Sargent

 

*Source: Junior Life, quoted in www.moreillustrations.com

The Bible is full of errors.

Is It A Contradiction?

Years ago I was talking to some fellows who asserted the Bible is full of errors. When I asked them for an example, they cited the four accounts of the inscription on Jesus cross. John’s account says it read, “Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). The others give slight variations, yet no two are identical (Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38). Is that a contradiction?

Have you ever seen a sign that said, “Warning: shoplifters will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law”? If you asked multiple people who saw that sign what it said, you might get several technically different answers. One might cite it word-for-word, others might abbreviate it to varying extents, another might just paraphrase it.  Would you conclude that none had actually seen the sign or knew what it said? Of course not.  Then why treat the gospel writers that way?

The gospel writers are too often in a no-win situation with critics: if they say exactly the same thing they are accused of collusion, and if they differ they are charged with contradiction.

- by Frank Himmel

 

How many times are we like Sarah, or Eve?

Young miss Sarah, our great niece, has lovely hair that flows down over her shoulders. Her grandmother, my sister had a new hair brush, one of the round ones with fine teeth on it, about which she specifically told her granddaughters "do no use my hair brush". Of course as you can probably already guess, Sarah used her grandmother's hair brush. How do we know? Because while we were finishing a family supper, Sarah came down from upstairs with the hairbrush terribly tangled in her lovely long hair. Not just tangled, but knotted into a large mass on the side of her head.

Being a man I guess I could not imagine how you could ever get the hairbrush out of her hair without cutting her hair. But, three of our family's women worked on her hair for about an hour and got it out. Of course they had to get wire cutters and cut the bristles off of the brush one by one to do so.

When she saw her granddaughter's hair; what do you think was the first thing my sister said? How about, "Didn't I tell you not to touch my hairbrush?" Isn't it amazing that since the creation that type of question is probably the most repeated in history? In the very beginning God asked almost the same question of his very first children. In Genesis 3:3 after Satan whispered in her ear that she could get away with disobeying, the first woman, Eve, admitted: "God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it…"But of course you know how that that went… she touched it anyway. Later God asked, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Her life had become a tangled mess because she didn't obey a simple rule which was given by her father, God.

How many times are we like Sarah, or Eve? It's a simple thing, no one will know, it will just take a minute, one puff, one joint, one drink, one word; one time in a compromising situation, and after all, no one will know… How many lives have become tangled messes because of "just one time"?

My sister's response to her grand daughters predicament was and destroying her new hairbrush was: "Hairbrushes can be replaced, kids can't". The world if full of people who are suffering the consequences of "just one time". Thankfully we have a loving God who always accepts us back when our lives become tangled messes.

My favorite verses in the bible come from 1 John 1:7-10 that talks about our struggle in life and our far too often failures. John writes: "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." Now there is a little more to getting into contact with the Blood of Christ to begin with (Romans 6), but in understanding that there is always forgiveness when we get tangled up we find hope to overcome and go on with life.

May you life be without tangles, but if it's not, God can fix it.

--Russ Lawson

Christians and modest dress

Styles and Fashions

"In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety ... which becometh women professing godliness" (I Tim. 2:9, 10).

The above instruction on dress is just as vital to a woman's spiritual welfare as is baptism, communion or any other commandment of the Lord. Yet many women in the Lord 's church allow the styles and fashions set by sinners to determine their apparel. Many of the creations of the fashion salons are not that which becometh women professing godliness. Instead, they are the productions of men whose minds are filled with corruption and think of the woman's body as being built for display and seduction. Women who are Christians should consider carefully any attire they adorn. The standards of the Christian should be much higher than the standards of the world.  Women's dresses of today are so short, tight, low cut and revealing that it is impossible for them to avoid revealing more of their body than is becoming to women professing godliness. Such attire may be perfect for women without morals or conscience, but not for children of God. Even in the assembly of saints, some women dress in this ungodly fashion. This is not to say that such attire would be proper in other places as long as it was not worn to the assemblies. Of all the women on the earth, members of the Lord's body should be modest, not only in the assembly, but at all places and at all times.

The women of the world are not ashamed to reveal their nakedness. Instead, they glory in their shameful practices. No woman is complimented when men look and lust upon her. Let all such lasciviousness be put away from the Lord's people.

- by Bill Echols

 

Is social drinking wrong?

Concerning Social Drinking
 

• Can you say, "I drink alcoholic liquor because it makes me a stronger Christian.”? "A better husband.”? "A better wife.”? "A better mother or father.”?
• Can you say, "I drink because it helps me in deciding what’s right and wrong.”?
• Can you say, "I drink because it makes me a more effective teacher of God's Word and helps me to exert a strong influence for truth and right.”?
• Can you say, "I drink because it helps me to have more interest in spiritual things, like the study of God's Word or His worship."?
• Can you say, "I drink because it makes my life richer, fuller and better in every way."? 
• Can you say, "I drink because I know that no harm can possibly come from it"? 
• Can you say, "I drink because I know that drinking is far better than total abstinence."?
• Can you say, "I drink because I know the Lord wants me to."?                           

- by Ernest A. Finley

 

Petra Pazsitka

There was a disappearance and a murder confession.  So, the last thing police expected when they stopped at "Mrs. Schneider's" apartment in Dusseldorf, Germany, was to find the 1984 murder victim, Petra Pazsitka, talking to them.  Thus began the unraveling of an elaborate plot by Ms. Pazskitka to disappear and reemerge with a new identity.  She was successful for 31 years, living in several West German cities without a passport, driver's license, and social security card. She supported herself by "living off illicit cash-in-hand work" (via uk.news.yahoo.com). Why did the college student who had just completed her thesis on computer languages leave the grid and go into hiding? So far, there has been no explanation given. Perhaps there will eventually be more details and insight into this bizarre situation, but for now a grief-stricken family can take some measure of comfort in knowing their loved one they thought was dead is alive.

Spiritually, we are surrounded by the living dead.  It is the result of choices they've made.  This is even true for some who have abandoned God's family and reemerged in the world having cast off the privileges and position of that honorable name they took on when they were baptized into Christ.

Paul says, "The mind set on the flesh is death" (Rom. 8:6). He tells Timothy, "But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives" (1 Tim. 5:6). God diagnosed an entire church, Sardis, "having a reputation of being alive" as being dead (Rev. 3:1). Of course, nothing illustrates the point better than Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son.  The younger son was off in the "far country," and through that lifestyle he reached the point of desperation and despair. He repented and came home, where his father declared "my son was dead and is alive again" (Luke 15:24).

Sometimes, it makes no sense to us why a brother or sister leaves God's family, abandoning spiritual life, hope, and heaven for spiritual death, hopelessness, and hell.  Yet, we must continue to search for them.  Let us pray that we can find those long since declared dead and encourage them so that we "save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins" (Jas. 5:20). Search for them. Appeal to them. Help them reclaim the blessed identity they had when they had "life and peace" (Rom. 8:6).  – Neal Pollard

 

Unobtanium

I have been a fan of Science Fiction most of my life. I like the ability it gives me to dream of places I will never see and imagine things that are greater than our world. It allows me to travel in space in my mind and participate in heroic adventures.

One of the concepts that has been used more in the past few years is the concept of an element called "Unobtanium". You can actually find the word in the dictionary and it is defined in this way: "Since the late 1950s, aerospace engineers have used the term "unobtainium" when referring to unusual or costly materials, or when theoretically considering a material perfect for their needs in all respects, except that it does not exist." Laughingly "Unobtainium is described as being stronger than helium and lighter than airium". The term came more to the forefront of thought by its use to describe the element they were mining in the movie "Avatar".

To many people God is like Unobtanium. The idea of someone loving them for who they are with no reservations is like Unobtanium. The idea of having all of the bad things they have done in their lives erased and starting with a clean slate is much like Unobtanium, something which just does not exist.

We are not alone when we struggle with that problem. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with this issue in his life. Notice what he says in Romans 7:24: "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"

Isn't that the same things we want to know? Who will rescue us from this body that is subject to death?"

Paul continues in verse 25a with the answer to the problem. He tells us how to find the Unobtaniam. He writes: "Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord."

We sing a song in our churches that says: "He is able to deliver me!" But far too often we really don't believe it. God's word says that if we serve him, when we die, we are going to heaven! Do you really believe that, or are you one of those who say, "I hope I am." Heaven is not unobtainable, it is a free gift, a promise to those who love God and obey his word.

Let me share one last verse that is so very hard for some to really, really believe. John says in 1 John 5:13: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life!" Like the old fellow said, "God said it, I believe it and that settles it!"


How would you like to get your share of Unobtainium? It's there waiting for you to Obey God and serve him.

--Russ Lawson

Sermon on Launch Out Into The Deep

When Jesus met Peter, it may have seemed like an ordinary day to the Galilean fisherman. Simon Peter and his partners had just spent a long night fishing with no results.  You can imagine they were irritated and frustrated, maybe even feeling sorry for themselves. Then, Jesus commandeered Simon's boat and used it to teach. This presumably would have been Peter's first impression of Christ, though we do not know how closely he was paying attention to the Lord.  In Luke 5:4, Jesus stops preaching to the crowd and addresses Peter. He says, "Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." Jesus has ulterior motives, but the command is for Peter to literally cast his nets to try to make a literal catch of fish. Immediately, though, Peter is exposed to something far greater than anything earthly or material. Notice how this account illustrates the call of scripture in which Christ tells us, like Peter to launch out into the deep in faith to do great things for Him.

Launch out into the deep...even if, despite great effort, you have failed in the past (Luke 5:5). Simon explained that he and his associates had struck out overnight. Jesus was telling him not to worry about the past. He tells us the same things today. If you have failed in trying to do right or have succeeded in doing wrong, don't give up hope. Launch out again!

Launch out into the deep...at the prompting of God's Word (Luke 5:5). Simon was willing. What a great character trait. He tells Jesus, "Nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." Simon says, "I value and respect your word enough to try again where I failed in the past." Do we trust God's promises and revere God's commands enough to keep trying and biting off big things for the Lord?

Launch out into the deep...and involve others with you (Luke 5:7). Of course, with the Lord's help, Simon became a success. In fact, the disciple knew immediately that he was not big enough to tackle his opportunities alone. He got his partners involved. In the Lord's church today, each of us as Christians are partners and associates together with Christ (2 Cor. 5:18-6:1). Launching out into the deep requires involving as many as possible, for the task is so great and too much for one alone.

Launch out into the deep...and astonishing things can happen (Luke 5:9-11). First, the catch of fish is astonishing to them. Then, Jesus' commissioning of them is astonishing (to turn from fish to men). Finally, their response is astonishing. They get to land, leave their boats and all they have, and follow Jesus. Eventually, they change the entire world! Launch out into the deep.  Who knows what you can do through Christ (cf. Phil. 4:13), but it will be astonishingly amazing.

Obviously, this was about men and not about fish.  Jesus was not interested in making them rich fishermen in Galilee.  He was looking to enrich the people of Galilee and far beyond through these fishermen. All it took was for some men who believed in God's power to launch out into the deep.

 

Neal Pollard

 

 

What is a theologian?

I was reading an article yesterday about some of the current social turmoil in our country regarding same sex marriage, in which the headline said (in part) "The Theologian said". Now according to my dictionary, a "theologian" is a person who is an expert in religious faith and practices, or an expert in understanding God.

Well, I guess I am not a Theologian according to the world's standards. The reason being is that this "Theologian" who was quoted in this national publication, said that God nowhere condemns certain lifestyle choices. She even quoted out of context a few Old Testament passages, while completely ignoring clear statements to the contrary throughout God's Word in both the Old and New Testaments.

Our world likes titles! It loves people who have letters behind their names, supposedly proving they have achieved some higher level of understanding. That is the problem we see when we begin to heap respect and recognition on men and women because they have a title of some kind. The words they utter, the stances they take are accepted by many, just because they claim to be an "expert" is some area (perhaps a theologian). Many say, "Everyone has a right to their own beliefs," and that's true, as long as you are willing to accept the consequences of your decisions.

Jesus had some very clear words for people like this in Luke 11:52: "What sorrow awaits you experts in religious law! For you remove the key to knowledge from the people. You don't enter the Kingdom yourselves, and you prevent others from entering."

Now I don't claim to be an expert, but I have read my bible through from front to back every year for over 25 years. I do put a fair amount of study into trying to understand God's will for us today. What that makes me is a disciple of Christ, an ongoing learner, one who walks by faith and accepts God Word as true even if it different from what is "Socially accepted," or "politically correct. It makes me a Christian who says that God is in charge telling our world what is right or what is wrong. It makes me one who believes that "God judges the living and the dead," (1 Peter 4:5), and that we are all accountable to Him for our choices here on this earth.

Yes, people in our world want to believe what they want is right and nothing else matters. That's not a new desire, the thought was planted in the mind of Eve in the Garden of Eden by Satan in the very beginning and he continues to spread the same lie. Jesus however did not agree, in fact he condemned the idea in Matthew 7:21. Notice his words (another clear proclamation of Jesus which the many "theologians" reject). "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

--Russ Lawson

How powerful is God??

It is something we cannot truly fathom,

Creating all people, beginning with Adam (Genesis 2).

 

He shaped and formed the world with His power,

Everything from huge galaxies to a little flower (Genesis 1).

 

He made nature so we could stand in awe.

Truly His strength is without flaw (Jeremiah 32:27; Romans 1:20).

 

No one can dare to challenge His might.

Not even Satan will win the fight (Revelation 20:10).

 

Yet His power is often intertwined with love,

Especially the sending of His Son from above (John 3:16).

 

God's power can save us from our sin,

If we would but give our lives over to Him (Luke 9:23-24).

 

So let us fear God and keep His laws (Ecclesiastes 12:13),

And His power will deliver us from hell's jaws (Revelation 20:15).

 

Therefore, let us fear God and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:7),

And by God's power we will experience our soul's retrieval (Colossians 1:13-14).

 

Brett Petrillo

Free sermon outline on the incarnation of Christ

The writer of Hebrews exhorts that Christ should be faithfully served, not abandoned, because He is a superior messenger to all other heavenly messengers (chapter one). Then, he gives another reason for holding fast to Him in chapter two. His readers were apparently struggling in their faith and gradually slipping back into the religion they had left. They lacked incentive, but the epistle gives reason after reason for why it should be restored.
In chapter two, he refers to Jesus' humanity. Through it, He perfectly fills the role of High Priest in a way no Levitical priest could do under the old law. He enumerates the reasons why Jesus became flesh, and each reason was for each of us as individuals.

• He became flesh to taste death for every man (9). He exercised God's grace on our behalf. He was willing to make God's understanding of our frailties empirical (experienced by human senses) by tasting death in a human body.

• He became flesh to render the devil powerless (14). Before the cross, where Jesus gave up His physical body in death, the devil had the power over man. All mankind sinned and there were various sin offerings provided by God in the different ages. Yet, they could not "take away" sin (10:4,11). But, when Jesus died and was raised from the dead, He rendered the devil powerless over those who faithfully obey Christ and remain faithful unto death.

• He became flesh to deliver the enslaved (15). Knowing no hope of deliverance from the horrible state of sinfulness makes for a miserable experience (Rom. 7:25). Christ came to deliver us from the awful slave master of sin (John 8:34).

• He became flesh to become a merciful and faithful High Priest (17). 12 times in Hebrews, Jesus is called the Christian's High Priest-the High Priest of our confession (3:1), in Heaven (4:14), sympathetic and sinless (4:15), appointed by the Father (5:5), without predecessor or successor (5:10), who went before us (6:20), holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens (7:26), seated at the Father's right hand (8:1), an offering priest (8:3), and offering His own blood (9:11). His service in administering His blood on our behalf is merciful (kind, forgiving, protecting) and faithful (trustworthy and sure).

• He became flesh to come to the aid of the tempted (18). He well remembers what it is like to suffer in a human body. Not just that greatest moment of suffering, up on the tree, but the daily discomforts (Mat. 8:20), abandonment (John 6:66), and betrayal (John 18:27; Mark 14:45). Therefore, He can help me right now with my problem. Nothing is too big, too mysterious, or too difficult for Him.

Five reasons from Hebrews two are given for why Jesus became flesh, but all of them are for me (and for you)! What a thrilling though. Let's serve this wonderful Savior!


Neal Pollard

One is either "in Christ" or not

Worst or Best?

In Ephesians the second chapter, Paul in just a few verses shows the worst and best condition in which one can find himself.  Consider the following:
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” (Eph. 2:11-13).

One is either “in Christ” or not.  “Without Christ...having no hope...without God in the world” -  can it get any worse than that?  In such a state one is doomed to eternal damnation in the fires of hell.  That’s exactly where the Ephesians were prior to their conversion.

On the other hand, when one obeys the gospel, is “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:27), and remains faithful to the Lord (Rev. 2:10) - can it get any better than that?  In such a state one looks forward to eternal bliss in the joys of heaven.  Thankfully, the Ephesians got there.

Which scenario will it be for us, the worst case or the best?  It all hinges on what we do with Jesus.  In Christ, or without Christ?  The choice is yours.  Please choose wisely!

- by David McPherson

 

Jesus Christ truly is the most inspirational story!

In 2008, four-year-old Reece Delashmit was involved in a serious car accident. He suffered brain damage, went into a coma for four months, and was put on life support. The damage he sustained made activities like standing nearly impossible. The family spent every day since the accident focused on helping Reece to recover.

 

Over time Reece was able to stand with the help of a brace. Then, a couple of years ago, Reece's father, Rick, took a look at himself and realized he had reached an unhealthy weight.   Rick explained, "Finally, I said, I've got to change this. Here I am and I've got the most inspirational, toughest kid in the world right under my roof, and I'm now taking that example and doing it myself...He used to be in a coma, I used to be a fat guy. My son is recovering from a brain injury. We have a deal now. If he's standing, I'm running." Rick's running encourages Reece to stand, and Reece's standing encourages Rick to keep running. Since their pact, Rick has lost 70 pounds, and Reece can now stand for 90 minutes at a time (Yahoo).

 

About 2000 years ago, our Savior went through one of the most horrific experiences. He was rejected by those He healed, helped, and taught. He was persecuted by those who claimed to follow God. In the end He was placed upon the cross and slaughter without cause. Although He was unjustly killed, not even death could take Him out. Ephesians 1:20-22 says, "which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 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. And He put all things in subjection under His feet..."

 

As for us, we were lost in our sins and dead in our trespasses (Colossians 2:13). Then Christ came along and offered us salvation through the blood He shed on the cross (vs. 14). Because of this amazing sacrifice, we should want to keep running towards Him. Through the power of God, Christ is now reigning up in heaven. Therefore, along as He is reigning, we should keep running! And Scripture makes it clear that He will always reign (1 Timothy 1:17; Psalm 10:16), so we must keep working to be with Him in heaven.

 

Jesus Christ truly is the most inspirational story! He received so much of what He didn't deserve, and did for us far more than we deserve. He is reigning, so let's keep pressing towards heaven (Philippians 3:14).

 

-- Brett Petrillo

Weak preachers

 

John warns, "For many deceivers have gone out into the world..." (2 John 7). The particular deceiver in that passage denied that Jesus came in the flesh. Looking at the religious landscape today, John would no doubt repeat himself. There are so many deceivers who are leading people away from the truth of Christ and about Him. Consider several identifying marks of false teachers, which the Holy Spirit makes known.

• They turn the grace of God into lasciviousness (Jude 4). They distort what grace is, making it a blanket that hides blatant, willful sin, lust, and materialism. Some rationalize and condone the practice of sin, with the false assurance that God's grace will cover it without an abhorrence of sin and genuine repentance.
• They cry "peace, peace" when there is no peace (Jer. 8:11). Superficial comfort is given to people in their sin. How many preachers, rather than confronting sin, tell people they're OK?
• They overthrow the faith of people (2 Tim. 2:18). Teaching which distorts or waters down the potency of scripture is to faith what a virus is to the immune system. False teaching destroys people's faith in God.
• They teach for doctrines the commandments of men (Mark 7:7). If it contradicts or nullifies revealed truth, it is of man rather than God. Looking at Christendom today, so much of what is widely embraced and assumed to be true are blatant departures from the Bible.
• They cover up their true intentions (Matt. 7:15). Jude describes the various motives of false teachers. Some do so for the sake of being accepted. Others do it for illicit gain. Some do so out of an arrogant sense of self-importance. Yet, they usually insist they are trying to help people get closer to God. Jesus insists that they deliberately hide their agenda.
• They are well-liked (Luke 6:26). Few preachers relish offending people or upsetting them. Yet, preaching the whole counsel of God means that, sometimes, some will not like it. Preachers and teachers should proclaim the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), but truth taught will sometimes offend no matter how pleasantly and gently it is delivered. Those who compromise truth to placate their hearers may have their acceptance, but God will reject them.
• They secretly introduce their teaching (2 Pet. 2:1). Why? Were they to publicly proclaim such ideas, they would be exposed. Their ideas can only survive if spread to weak-faith individuals who are not so discerning in more intimate settings. Truth is not afraid of inspection. Error grows in darkness rather than "Sonlight."
• They are destined for eternal torment (Rev. 20:10). No matter what success they achieve in this life, there will be an eternity to pay for it. Take soberly the warning of James 3:1.

Preachers (and teachers), have backbone. Preach the truth, even if it is difficult and opposed. Have faith. Whatever it costs to be faithful to the Word, know that heaven will surely be worth it all. Have conviction. Do not let circumstance determine content (2 Tim. 4:2-5).

 

 

--Neal Pollard

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If you don’t use it, you lose it

Then they said: there are only 7 musical notes in the scale, but look at what Beethoven, Mozart and many others (yes, even Elvis and Johnny Cash) have done with those seven.  (Personally I don't think we can consider our current brand of rock music because it seems to me that they only use a couple of the notes over & over).

 

The third thing mentioned is: there are only 10 numbers, but look at what great entrepreneurs have done with those ten.  And not only them, but scientists and mathematicians too.  Example: atomic energy.

 

The point that I believe the author of the above three things was getting at is, for us to look at how we've been able to use the things that God has provided to mankind.  How a small number of things can be tremendously enlarged on.  I'm going to liken these 3 things to the parable told by Jesus that's generally known as the Parable of the Talents.  Please read this parable in Matt. 25:16-30.

 

Briefly, in this story told by Christ, that relates to the "kingdom of heaven (the church) is like," He talks about various employees being given a varied amount of money (talents) to use while the "master" is away for a period of time.  In our lesson today I'm equating the "talents" to abilities.

 

The actual details as to how much or how many "talents" are involved in the story is unimportant as far as the meaning of the story.  What is important is how they were used, or not used.  I'm going to apply the principle of Jesus' story about the "talents" to helping us see the spread of the Church, the kingdom, throughout the whole world and I'm going to use the principle seen in our aforementioned 3 interesting things.

 

 

There were only 12 Apostles on the Day of Pentecost , yet through their teaching and preaching they saved "about 3000 souls" that very day.  (Acts 2:41)   That effort began the spread of "the kingdom" throughout the world as those who had been "added to the church" went about "adding" others on a daily basis.  And, it hasn't stopped yet, nor will it cease until time ends and the "kingdom" is called home.

 

Now, let's return to the parable for a few thoughts and here are mine.  We all have varied amounts of ability.  Some, like the parable, more than others and with the understanding that, if given a lot, a lot in return will be expected. 

 

And here again, as in the lesson of the parable, the amount IS NOT the important factor.  How we use whatever amount of ability we have IS the important part.  This is the principle I see as being brought out by this parable.  That we use whatever ability we've been blessed with to increase the "Master's" business. 

 

When you read the parable you'll notice something I mentioned earlier.  That some had been given more than others.  However, one who had only been given a small amount, failed to produce anything with that "talent."  Instead, he "hid" it and when called for an accounting offered up, in today's vernacular, a lame excuse.  Let's look for a moment at that excuse.

 

Let me just cite his words here: "Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.  So I was afraid and I went and hid your talent in the ground.  Here you have what is yours."  (Verses 24-26)   The account goes on to say that he was punished severely for the non-use of his "talent."

 

You know, by man's way of thinking, he might be seen as being prudent or wise to not have invested his master's money, thereby being able to return it when the master came back.  But, that's not the true picture shown by the Master's statement regarding his saving of the "talent."  It wasn't "saved."  It was not used.  There's a big difference.

 

That difference can be seen when we understand that the "Master" in the story is God.  The "talents" are His gifts, through His grace, of the natural abilities given to all His servants with the expressed thought that they are to be used for, and to, the glory of the "Master." 

 

Think of it this way: a rich man, a "Master" provides monies (abilities) to his employees (servants) with the expectation that they produce an increase for him.  Just as God expects His "kingdom" to increase by the use of the abilities He bestows on His servants - Us! 

 

 

There is an old saying that I've always found to be true in all situations.  That old saying is: "If you don't use it, you lose it."  And, like the non-user in the parable, the end result of neglecting our God-given amount of ability can only be described as disastrous to usward.  Most definitely pointed out by the "Master's" pronouncement of judgment on the non-user is that to "bury" our God-given ability is a sin and will be recognized as such.

 

Ron Covey

Examples of a paradox

It is a true paradox. Today,  I've been married longer than I have ever been.  I've been a father longer than I have ever been.  The same is true for me as a Christian, a preacher, and every other relationship I am in.  My experience in all of these has never been greater than it is right now.  Yet, as I examine things, I realize just how much I do not know.  I am not saying that truth is unknowable, for such a statement would be false and contradictory to what God affirms in Scripture (John 8:32; Eph. 1:18; 1 Tim. 3:15; etc.).  It is just that I realize how little I understand compared to what needs to be understood, that I find the challenge of putting truth into practice in every situation requiring wisdom and understanding as daunting as I ever have.  Yet, despite such a realization, my optimism has never been greater.  Why?  Because I have never believed more strongly in the power and wisdom of God, nor have I ever depended more on Him for strength and provision where I am lacking than I do today.  I feel smaller, but He seems bigger.  While the walk on the narrow way seems a steeper, more strenuous, incline each day and the challenges to faith more daunting, more than proportionate to this is my realization that God "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Eph. 3:20). My conviction about what the Bible says has never been stronger. My belief in God's existence, involvement, concern, and righteousness has never been more than this moment.  Yet, my awareness of my finiteness and limitations, the transiency of this life, and the ferocity of the adversary is acute.  Incredibly, this doesn't cause me to despair. It causes me to hope. It takes the focus off me and puts it where it belongs-on Him! He is able to establish me through His Word (Rom. 16:25). He is "able to make all grace abound to" me, that I, "having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work" (2 Cor. 9:8).  The most important thing for me to know, every day in every challenge and responsibility, is that God is able (Rom. 14:4; Phil. 3:21; 2 Tim. 1:12; Heb. 2:18).

Don't misunderstand me. I am not despairing. I am not even frustrated. I am hopeful and excited.  One of the greatest promises of Scripture is, "But He gives more grace" (Jas. 4:6). He will walk with me through the darkest valleys (Psa. 23:4). As He holds my hand and guides me through His word and His providence, He also points me toward His house.  He tells me He will help me get home and when the narrow way becomes too steep or arduous for me to walk alone, He will carry me in His everlasting arms (cf. Deu. 32:7). I will keep studying His inspired guidebook and striving to apply it to my life.  And as I do, I will increase my dependence and reliance upon Him, confident that "He who has begun a good work in [me] will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6).  That's really all I need to know!

 

Neal Pollard

 

Youtube videos

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Church attendance

A Positive Article on Church Attendance

“Church attendance is as vital to a disciple as a transfusion of rich, healthy blood to a sick man.”

Dwight L. Moody

 

For many years I have clipped and filed various articles from church bulletins, magazines, and printed off e-mails on a wide variety of topics.  I have accumulated numerous file cabinets packed with files on just about any topic you can imagine. These have been invaluable to me over the years in my ministry in counseling and personal study as well as sermon and class preparation. 

One thing I have noticed over the years is that my file on “church attendance” has countless articles spanning 30 years, but there are very few positive ones in the file. 

Most begin with guilt or a sarcastic comparison to our attendance at work or sporting events and then a threat of eternal damnation and then a pointed exposition of the first half of Hebrews 10:25.

I’d like to offer another approach: 

While it is true that some folks attend worship out of: guilt, pressure, habit, tradition, or for the social aspects there is a growing group of folks that see the gathering of the saints for what God intended it to be. 

If you broaden your scope past the “not forsaking the assembly” part of Hebrews 10:24-25 you glean a better understanding of why we need to be together.  In verse 24 we are challenged to “stir up one another to love and good works” and in verse 25 we are called to “encourage one another.”  If you aren’t present, you miss out on that part. 

When the church meets it is a chance to share our lives together as we worship an omniscient God.  We get to pray, sing, commune, and give as a family.  We get to hear the Word of God taught, explained and applied to our present context.  We are made aware of the needs of our forever family members and we get the opportunity to meet needs as they arise.

The early church Luke described in Acts chapter 2:  devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship to breaking of bread and the prayers (v. 42),  sold their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need (v. 45),  attended the temple together and broke bread in their homes (v. 46), received their food with glad and generous hearts (V. 46), and praised God and had favor with all the people (v. 47).  With that mindset and outlook it is no wonder the early church grew.  They loved being together and their attitude and lifestyle was attractive and contagious. 

When you read through Acts and get a sense of the spirit working through the early church you pick up on the fact that they didn’t HAVE TO go to church; they GOT TO go to church. 

That’s my approach.  I come to worship to be with my forever family and to get and give hugs from folks who I have grown to love as we share a common mission and vision.  I am encouraged through the prayers and the singing of my brothers and sisters in Christ and I am humbled to have the honor of standing on the stage week after week presenting a message from God’s Word that always encourages and challenges me as well as the hearers.

No, I don’t HAVE TO worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ  I GET TO ...and I hate to miss it. 

So rather than “brow beat” or resort to guilt or preach attendance sermons to those who are actually in attendance my prayer is that folks will participate in worship with a sense of eager anticipation and grateful wonder. 

—Kent Jobe

 

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Earnestly contend for the faith

Proper and Improper Controversy

 

We should all recognize that a certain bit of controversy is inevitable if there is to be growth and if the church is to be kept pure. Faithful servants of the Lord are to go out into an unbelieving world and earnestly contend for the faith. Reproving and rebuking are in order when error in practice or in doctrine appear. Christ and the apostles fought a good fight. They were worthy controversialists. They abhorred sin and opposed it, and so should we.

The church at Jerusalem was not destroyed when there was “much disputing” over the necessity of the Gentiles keeping the Jewish ordinances (Acts 15:7). Brethren then studied and taught calmly and avoided bitterness, so the serious question was resolved and unity that pleased the apostles and the whole church prevailed (Acts 15:22). Brethren, we should be able to differ without anger and malice as we study topics about which there are differences in understanding.

Avoiding foolish and unlearned questions would do much to avoid the envy and strife and the useless and improper controversy. This requires skill in discernment to separate truth from the error, and there should be special concern for the humble babe in Christ who does not understand.

It is a very significant danger signal when brethren begin to object to all study of subjects about which there is controversy. Truth can be tried in the fire of debate, but error thrives under the wet blanket of “no controversy allowed.” Heresy is brought in “privily” (2 Peter 2:1). Let some vigilant elder or preacher cry aloud when some perverse doctrine or practice is slipping into the family. Let us pray that we may come to learn by studying topics which are not understood by all rather than developing factions with closed minds and bitterness. There will, of course, always be different levels of understanding between the babes in Christ and the well taught giants among us. The “great plainness of speech” is used to help (2 Cor. 3:12). Please do not object to that which is necessary to the spiritual well-being of the church.

- by Irven Lee

 

Bible study sites for women

One great Bible study site for women is http://whatthebiblesaysaboutwomen.abiblecommentary.com.  This site offers a variety of Bible studies for ladies.  If you want to know more about Christian womanhood, check out this site today!

church song leaders

Song Selection

Song leaders face a difficult challenge in selecting songs for worship services.  There are the ‘old standards’ that have been known and loved for many years and there are the newer songs preferred by many of our young people.  What I favor is variety among scriptural songs.

When we sing only a few songs over and over again, they can become stale, and it is easy for us to simply mouth the words without thinking about them. So I try to make sure that the congregation where I am a member gets to use a variety of songs. Since several other song leaders are more comfortable with songs they have known for a long time, it's often my job to introduce some that are newer or less familiar. But one of my goals is enough variety that our minds remain occupied with the objective of worship, not overly confused by a wave of new & unknown things, and not lulled to sleep by endless repetition of a few familiar hymns.

Of the newer generation of songs, there are some that I will not lead because they seem to be written for their performance value rather than for edification. I am aware of a song in which the four vocal parts are singing four different sets of words at the same time, and it seems to me that this cannot lead to us edifying one another any more than (in the 1^st Century) having four different prophets speaking at the same time rather than in turn (1 Cor. 14:29-30). I am aware of another song where the first verse is intended to be sung only by a few people, and those who sing soprano are invited to join only in the 4th verse, and I won't lead that one, either, because I don't think it's right for most of the audience to be sitting idle while 3 verses go by. I also think that the newer generation of songs tends to be more ‘emotional’. What I mean is that they seem to be written to express more awe than praise - to emphasize our own reaction to God, and that tends to lead many of them to focus more on us than on God. That's not always a bad thing in small doses, but a couple of songs are written with so much ‘mush’ that I literally cannot understand what they are expressing. If I don't understand the message, I don't lead the song.

Our objective is to worship. Scriptural content is the first goal, and the second is an atmosphere where the focus is worship. Too little variety and too much novelty are both distracting, as I said above.  Furthermore, a song should be within the vocal capabilities of the people in the audience, or it will fall flat and disrupt the mood.

- by Erin Percell

 

The book prophecy and history

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narrow minded Christians

Is It Narrow Minded?

I don’t know about you, but I get a little weary of hearing the word “narrow” used as a slur against preachers who adhere to the Bible in their preaching.  Sure they are “narrow,” but so are factory workers, surgeons, druggists, and teachers.

The factory worker is so “narrow” that he uses micrometers and measures to the thousandth of an inch the bores and pistons of engines, electronic components and balancing wheels in timepieces.

The surgeon is so “narrow” that he insists on ultra-technical laboratory analysis and meticulously sterilized instruments of special design.  Why is he so “picky narrow” that he makes his assistants wear cloths over their faces?

The druggist is so “narrow” that he just has to have a prescription before he will let you have certain drugs.  He says he has to be “narrow” because government regulations are narrow, and even thinks it is for your good!

As you think about it, it’s a blessing that somebody is “narrow-minded.”  And however much we need to be narrow about vital material matters, we must be infinitely more careful and exact about spiritual laws.  God will not be mocked!

- by Jere Frost

 

The Conversion of Saul

That Familiar Ring of Truth

The preacher's topic: "The Conversion of Saul." But why that topic? Aren't most of us familiar with that? Shouldn't the preacher choose something new and more challenging? Why preach what is familiar?

1. It confirms convictions we have formed through the years. Most of us have strong beliefs concerning what a sinner needs to do to be saved, what constitutes the pattern set by the apostles for each local church, what the Lord wants of us on a daily basis, and on many other issues. When we hear sermons confirming these convictions, it builds our confidence that we are indeed doing the Lord's will and strengthens our hope of eternal life.

2. It conforms our teaching to the example of the apostles. Peter wrote that he was reminding his readers of certain things, that he would continue to do so, and that he would see to it that they would continue to "have a reminder of these things after my decease" (2 Peter 1: 12-15). Peter knew that Christians need to hear the truth - familiar truth - again and again.

3. It builds convictions in those who are young and those who are new in the faith. There are reasons why we who have been Christians for many years are familiar with these scriptures. It is because of the preaching we have heard since our youth. Today's young people and newer converts need this same opportunity.

4. It thrills listeners to hear again that which has brought joy to them in the past. A sports fan views a rerun of an exciting game his team has won. He knows exactly the moment when the running back scoots through the defense and scores a touchdown. He knows when that moment is near, and he can't wait to see it again. It never gets old to him. So it is when we love the scriptures. We rejoice to hear the message. It never grows old. We anticipate certain scriptures and points that are about to be presented. We never tire of the old, old story.

Catherine Hankey said it this way:

I love to tell the story,

For those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting

To hear it like the rest;

And when, in scenes of glory,

I sing the new, new song,

Twill be the old, old story

That I have loved so long.

Our purpose is not "to tell or to hear some new thing," as seems to be the trend. Our purpose is to preach truth. If we are bored with that message, something is wrong with us spiritually. If we need to apologize anytime we preach it, something is wrong with our audience. The ring of truth! The familiar ring of truth! Preach it, Brother! We thank God for the joy of hearing it again and again.

- by Bill Hall

 

We have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us

Abraham Lincoln said of Americans:

"We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us."

 

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God is the Giver of all things

Jas 1:17  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Psa 100:3  Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Ecc 11:5  As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

Isa_44:24  Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

·       The world wants to believe they are their own god. To this end, they mock and despise us when we say that God gives us anything at all. The more liberal religions, and even some that would call themselves our brethren, also deny that God works at all in the world today, believing and teaching that God does not “meddle” in the affairs of men.

1Co 1:20  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

·       How can we see this?

·       The world believes that YOU are the master of your own destiny, YOUR efforts have made you what you are today, when you succeed at something it’s because YOU made it happen, YOU make yourself strong, YOU make yourself smart, YOU make yourself successful, etc. God has revealed to us that this is foolishness:

Ecc 9:11  I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

·       Why does God do this? The logical order of existence would be for the fastest or strongest people to always win, the wise men (regarding wisdom of the world) to never lack for food, the savvy individuals to be rich, and the most skillful people to be favored above those with lesser abilities. Is there a good reason why God doesn’t allow this to be the case? (notice how that question is phrased…)

1Co 1:26  For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28  And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29  That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31  That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

1Co 3:21  Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1Co 4:6  And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 7  For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

2Co 10:17  But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

·       The Lord wants to make absolutely clear to us that if something happens, it’s because He CAUSED it to happen! He goes even further by pronouncing some pretty bad consequences for those who don’t believe or follow this.

Jer 17:5  Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.

Mar 10:24  And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

·       God made this earth for us to seek Him

Act 17:24  God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25  Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26  And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27  That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

·       When we don’t seek Him, it will lead us to pride, believing that we are our own masters, and we will not glorify God as is required of us. Belshazzar learned this the hard way.

Dan 5:23  But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified:

·       So does everyone who refuses to glorify God for the works He does.

Rom 1:18  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

·       Even our speech must be carefully regulated, so that we always glorify God in all things. This is even how God tells us we can tell a false teacher from a one who teaches truth!

1Pe 4:11  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Joh 7:18  He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

·       God doesn’t take it kindly when we take His glory for ourselves. At best, we receive no reward from the good things that we do, and at worst God may decide He’s had enough!

Mat 6:2  Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Act 12:21  And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them. 22  And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. 23  And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Jas 4:13  Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. 16  But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

·       If we are properly working to glorify God in all things, people will glorify God for the good we do, not us. He is The Giver of all things, so it is only right that we make sure He is glorified for it! (UPS man taking credit for a gift he simply delivered)

Mat 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

1Co 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

--Miles Johnson