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Bulletin Article Archives God Click on the title to move to the selected article and then on my name at the conclusion of the article to return to this directory. Puteoli, Appii Forum and Three Inns may have been insignificant communities on the road to Rome for countless travelers. With eyes aching for the bright city lights and all they had to offer few would expect excitement in these suburbs. For the Apostle Paul, bound by a chain, worn down by the ordeal just passed and destined for imperial detention, these villages would prove to be a Godsend (Acts 28:13-15). Never before had Paul been to Rome. He spent his life laboring in the Good News throughout Asia, eastern Europe and lately on Malta. Yet, at Puteoli Paul was welcomed into the warm fellowship of Christian love. At Appii Forum fellow Christians from Rome awaited his arrival. Buried among the unfamiliar faces were the smiles of friends from long ago (Romans 16:3). Together they lifted their voices in joy. By the road to Rome they celebrated the amazing grace of God that made them one. By grace we have been saved that by grace we can live (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 2:11-13). Through grace we can thank God for His unspeakable gift while finding the courage to step out further on faith to walk even closer by the side of God. Under grace we tread the uneven path that leads homeward. Grace reminds us that God longs for us to share His eternity. No cheap substitute can suffice. Only his amazing grace can accomplish that. October 9, 1994 Grace is the favorable disposition of God that makes provision for unworthy individuals to approach Him in confidence. God is holy. We are not. Yet God not only permits us to draw near to Him, but actively seeks communion with us (John 4:23). We are permitted to approach God in worship and prayer with confidence that He will accept us (Hebrews 4:16). Without grace God could not tolerate our presence. Without Jesus we could not pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus is the harbinger of grace, as Paul stated, "by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:5). But for the grace of God the blessings of Christianity would be an impossible dream. Without grace the promise of eternal life in Heaven would remain beyond our grasp. But for the grace of God imagine how bleak our future would be, our hope non-existent. God, help us to never take Your grace for granted. Help us never view it as alleviating our responsibility to serve. May we never rely on grace as a cover for willful sin. Father, in the security of Your grace, help us to grow into the likeness of Your Son who has made grace available through His death for us. Thank You, God, for grace. May 4, 1997 I have felt the Roman flog tearing the flesh from my back as my arms were tied helplessly around a post. The scars of five such encounters are irrevocably etched deep in my body. I have been beaten with sticks three times and with stones on one occasion. There I have known the power of comfort. Do you know the terror of fighting the angry waves of a storm-tossed sea? On three separate occasions I have clawed at the surface, gulping salt water while gasping for air, narrowly escaping the grip of death. Long days and endless nights have been spent drifting alone, with no apparent hope of rescue. I have faced robbers and cut-throats, both among those of my own heritage and those of other races. City folk, country people, and even my own friends have abused and mistreated me. In all of these I have found, time and again, the power of comfort. How often have you gazed at the starry night and marveled at the vastness of this great world? Under that same cosmic blanket I have spent many a night with nothing to keep me warm and protected from the harsh elements mercilessly tormenting my weak and weary frame. I have known labor so exhausting that at times death would be longed for, only to stand by and watch another destroy that which had been so carefully built. Yet even there I have known comfort. I have been hungry, not because I missed an occasional meal, but the hunger and thirst of days and weeks without nourishment. Nights have passed with the restoration of sleep withheld from my eyes. I have gone about with inadequate clothes to protect me from the elements. And I have known the power of comfort. I have known rejection, abuse, pain and ingratitude. But mostly I have known comfort. Because wherever I have gone, whatever man has done against me, I can always look within my heart and see Jesus. He always brings me comfort. Paul, an apostle of Jesus (2 Corinthians 11) January 5, 1992 "How does God use everything that happens to us, both good and bad (as promised in Romans 8:28), to work into His plans for our lives?" It is easy to accept that the blessings and happiness that come our way in life are all part of God's plans, but what of the setbacks and tragedies? The fact is that God fills two specific roles that address this issue. He is first life's great Architect. The very nature of God is here called into question. The Bible correctly portrays God as omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent. However, the role God chooses to play as "Planner" must not be confused with His role as "Architect." This world was created with self-sustaining laws. God does not place Himself in a position of planning out every detail of our lives, from major to minute, He has rather subjected us to these laws of nature. God is also the great Master Planner. We can greatly benefit from examining the focus of God's plans for mankind. In the unfolding of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation we are permitted to witness the single focus of God's one plan both for us as individuals and people in general (1 Timothy 2:3-6). The masterful planning of God culminates in the salvation of your soul in Jesus Christ. March 14, 1993 Should they be written, the world in its vastness could not house the deeds of Jesus (John 21:25). Yet his brief ministry stands as a mere moment compared to the eternity of God's power. This power surpasses every attempt to relate it. We find ourselves limited to observation, experience, and revelation. David observed the greatness of the universe and attributed it to the glory of God (Psalm 19). Paul urged the Roman Christians to observe the world in which they lived and recognize the all-powerful One who made it (Romans 1:19-23). One may try to avoid recognizing God in his handiwork but cannot escape the power. He inspires each word in the Bible. It radiates power. The divine energy of God's revelation has a transforming influence on those willing to yield. Test its precepts. Try its proven methods of living. Touch the power of God. How can one do justice in discussing the power of God? Who is worthy of the task? He comes in power. The image of the Father walks in the very form he created. He reveals the power of God as none other could. The power was in his words. It was in his very presence. It was in his tears. It was in his touch. It was in his glance. It was in the hem of his garment. It was in his humility. It was in his death that now it can be in our hearts. The power of God is our hope. October 3, 1993 God's people in any age find strength when they band together. Whether it's Joshua claiming the "Promised Land" or Peter and John rallying the multitudes to evangelistic action (Acts 4:23-ff), the faithful find strength in numbers. The principle is obvious. Growing up on the farm we made our own rope. Narrow strands of twine were stretched and twisted tightly together. Those individual strands were not refined in the manufacturing process, merely combined. With each added layer the rope's capacity was multiplied. The single strands easily broken became, together, a tool suitable to conduct the strenuous work at hand with apparent ease. Solomon saw that same strength at work in God's people (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Even now the strength enjoyed in our fellowship can sustain and empower. But the strength is not in our numbers but in our God. God, in strengthening each individual, makes the strength of numbers possible. His strength is always available. Therefore his trusting child is never alone. Before strength can be enjoyed in numbers, it must be found in God. November 10, 1996 Have you ever known someone for whom life was one long relentless pursuit for glory? They daily engage in a "white-knuckled" quest for distinction and everything of value is sacrificed. Thomas a'Kempis observed, "O how quickly passes away the glory dispensed by the earth." True to form, the glory sought, if attained, is at best fleeting. We also seek glory. Unlike the transient, temporary glory dispensed by the world, the glory we seek is lasting. It rests in submitting not dominating. It is found in spirituality not materialism. We seek the glory of God. In knowing we fall short of it (Romans 3:23) we find the opportunity to grasp it (v. 24). The path to glory is pave in the blood of another. Glory is transforming. It enables us to reflect more clearly the personality of God. Glory is invigorating. It empowers our worship and enthuses our praise. Glory is renewing. It equips anew for the struggles and obstacles of today. The search for glory is common if you wish to settle for common glory. Grasp the glory of God encountered in Jesus and you will find the uncommon hand of grace leading you to forgiveness, salvation, worship and service. This glory will never fade. December 15, 1996 For a moment think of how much God loves you. Consider the blessings so easily taken for granted: air, light, water. God provides these without regard to wealth, morality or spirituality (Mat. 5:45). Without these basic blessings life could not exist. Yet they all exist because of God's love. God also provided other blessings we are free to pursue. Although available to all, they are sought by few: forgiveness, grace, reconciliation, hope. These blessings are found only in Christ. So what keeps the human race from enjoying these greatest blessings of God? For some it is ignorance. To those we must carry the Word. For others it is indifference. We must convince them of the reality of God's love. To be loved is one of our basic needs. People spend billions in a vain effort to feel loved while God supplied that need at the cross. It is that pinnacle moment in time that has become the doorway to the deeper blessings of God. The world questions the existence of God. They cast doubt upon His loving nature. In raising these issues they overlook the real question. You need not worry whether or not God loves you. The real question is, "do you love God?" (John 14:15). February 9, 1997 The little epistle of Jude is nestled between John's three letters and the lofty visions of Revelation. Jude, generally believed to be the half-brother of Jesus, began with the intention of celebrating the joy of God's great promises with his reader's (v. 3). Reluctantly he was forced to address those who were denying those promises. Among the "victims" under attack by false teachers was the idea of "grace," God's offer of salvation based on the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ on man's behalf (Romans 5:8 and Ephesians 2:5). Jude must have been deeply saddened by the error parading as truth, since he abandoned his joyful theme to reveal the dangerous path of those claiming grace as an excuse to sin (v. 4). These, warns Jude, will follow in the footsteps of the unfaithful Jews in the wilderness (v. 5), fallen angels (v. 6), Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 7), Cain, Balaam, and Korah (v. 11). The promise finally endorsed by Jude is that "God will judge" (vv. 14-15). He then admonishes his readers to obey (vv. 20-21). Jude closes his letter with a reminder of the final Judge's power (vv. 24-25). Here is the message that Jude was so driven to proclaim. He permits his readers to glance into God's "portfolio" lying behind each of His promises. The POWER - to keep you from falling, to cleanse you forever. The WISDOM - to know what is best for you. The GLORY AND MAJESTY - to give it to whomever I chose. The STRENGTH - to perform each and every promise. The TIME - both now and forever. The challenge of the modern believer is not that they have forgotten the PROMISES but the POWER that upholds them. The danger is in forsaking God. March 17, 2002 Galatia still had problems that could not be met from a Roman prison. Paul dispatched Crescens to see to their needs. News also came from Dalmatia to which Titus sprang to respond. Tychicus was serving in Ephesus and Timothy was preparing to return to Paul's side. All seemed to be well at Thessalonica when Demas struck out for there, except Demas' heart that had turned away from the Lord. Loneliness crept up to the door of Paul's living space. Not even Luke, who alone remained with the apostle, was allowed to go with him when ordered to appear before Caesar. Paul felt abandoned. Even forsaken. But not alone. Never alone (2 Timothy 4:17). Windell Phillips said, "one on God's side is a majority." John Knox said, "a man with God is always in the majority." Paul said, "if God is for us, who can be against us?" Long before any of these three men lived Joseph taught us, by his example, this priceless lesson. In the closing chapters of Genesis Moses allows us to look over Joseph's shoulder as he faces and conquers the trials that besiege him so that through his example we might have a victorious life lived close to God. Then we will walk, with him, in glory! April 17, 1994 Idolatry is the practice of replacing the true God with a false one. God led Israel out of Egyptian slavery and into the Promised Land, delivering his people from their enemies. Then Israel delivered themselves from the true God. Baal became their adopted savior, having saved on one. He only existed in the minds of his admirers. The contrast is most clearly seen on Mount Carmel. Four hundred and fifty arrived to represent Baal, who failed to show. However, they were outnumbered, for Elijah did not come alone. God was with him. As the morning melted into afternoon Baal's prophets continued to call on their non-existent master to prove he existed. Faith turned to desperation. Desperation turned to panic. Still Baal refused to respond. Elijah took advantage of the obvious. His taunts hung unchallenged. Where is your god? Is he off somewhere thinking? Is he on vacation? Is he asleep? Cry louder! Awake him! Why was Elijah so confident? He knew there would soon be fire in the air for his God was near. He still is. Idolatry is replacing the true God with a false one. Gods come in all shapes and sizes, but only one saves and he is always available for his people to call upon. August 13, 1995 God is a shepherd's Shepherd. He supplies need, subdues wants and brings peace into the most unstable of life's situations. The Lord refreshes his trusting children. Souls ladened with sin are healed. Feet teetering on the edge of temptation are guided to the safety of God's path. No fear haunts His servant. There is no evil greater than God's strength and no grave so deep that God cannot rescue. There is no place one can go to escape God. The time will never come that the Shepherd is unable to comfort. His blessings are untainted testimony of His love. Unbelievers will marvel as God anoints his followers as priests. His gifts are both beyond measure and infinite. The Father's goodness and mercy follow the obedient wherever they go as long as they live until they finally enter the very presence of God to remain forever. Isn't it amazing how timely and fitting King David's words are, even after the passing of over three thousand years (Ps. 23)? Truly, His people are blessed! January 22, 1995 "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen ..." So begins the familiar spiritual from the days of American slavery. Conveyed in these opening words are the bleak outlook of hopelessness and loneliness. On the June 12, 1991 broadcast of the CBS Evening News, Dan Rather related the ordeal of an elderly couple snowbound on a mountain pass. They were trapped in their car for days until they both finally died. When the bodies were discovered authorities also found a crude diary the Mother had kept for their two children. The entries focused on the beauty of the nature about them, not their hopeless situation. One entry began, "Dad went to the Lord today. It was so peaceful, I didn't even know he left. I feel that I will be joining him soon." Perhaps the most powerful entry left behind was this one, "I realized today that not a single living soul knows where we are but God alone. But then, who better to know." Life is filled with burdens. Many they are and heavy to bear. But we are not alone. Somebody does know the trouble you've seen. And He cares. May 2, 1999 "Elijah," James tells his readers, "was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit" (James 5:17-18). Elijah was a man of prayer and of power. In an age like ours, hungry for power, nothing like this has ever been seen. What a victorious picture the author of 1 Kings paints of Elijah. The prophet's meteorological miracle must have seemed commonplace compared to raising the dead or calling down fire from heaven (1 Kings 17 and 18). You might think, "Someone that close to God would never struggle with doubts or worry over trivial matters." In what appears to be a cruel twist of fate, 1 Kings 19 reveals a defeated Elijah retreating to Mount Horeb, another name for Sinai. Here God first spoke to Moses from the burning bush. This was holy ground. From its heights God gave to His servant Moses the Ten Commandments. The prophet withdrew into the mountain's shadows, hiding in its crevices, feeling alone, forsaken and afraid (1 Kings 19:14). There on the mountaintop, safe through God's protection, Elijah wept. This same mountain that shook under God's great glory (Exodus 19:16-ff) was again encircled with His presence. In Moses' day its steep cliffs were concealed with dark clouds broken only by the sharp bolts of lightning. The ground moved at the loud blasts of thunder as God gave Israel His Law. But as a sad, lonely prophet wept on the mountaintop, God, in His "still small voice" (1 Kings 19:14) reassured His faithful servant, "Go, I still have work for you to complete" (v. 15-ff). Here Jehovah surrounded Elijah with His love. As he descended Horeb one last time Elijah knew for certain one truth, he knew he was not alone. In addition to his fellow prophets (v. 18) was the One who cradled him on the mountaintop. What a comforting picture the author of 1 Kings paints of God. October 7, 2001 Walk through the quiet streets of Jerusalem and feel the grief that hangs like a pall over the nation. The normally hectic barter shops are quiet. Faces reveal not only sadness but fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. The king is dead. For fifty-two years Uzziah ruled the nation of Judah. Under his watch they flourished. His military ingenuity lulled the people into comfortable security. Many of his subjects had never known another king. Isaiah was one such loyal minion. From the depth of his loss Isaiah made his way to the Temple, perhaps in a quest for strength. It was there that his life, and ours, was forever altered as he saw God (Isaiah 6). Here the prophet stood in the very presence of the Eternal King who exercises rule over all presidents, monarchs and dictators. The experience never left Isaiah. When you realize the majesty, glory, holiness and infinite power of God you can never remain the same. He confessed his sins and found the purity of God's forgiveness (verses 5 and 7). He worshipped with the angels and departed to serve (verse 8). Isaiah's pen blazed with rebuke as God, through the humble prophet, urged a people to return to their only True King. He spoke of a King yet to come destined for a cross (chapter 57). His ministry was at times accented with shouts of joy but more often with pain and anguish. It never lacked zeal, for Isaiah had been in the presence of God. October 16, 1999 The Christian should always seek to honor God in word and deed. As Creator, Savior and Lord, God is worthy of all reverence. The Hebrew word for reverence literally means "fear." To enter God's presence with the awareness of unforgiven sin is to fear His justice in terror. To come with the confidence of forgiveness is to approach in awe inspired appreciation of His mercy. The King James translators aptly described God in Psalm 111:9, "holy and reverend is his name." So did the translators of the New American Standard Version when rendering the same verse, "Holy and awesome is His name." The margin note indicates that the word "awesome" means "inspiring reverence." Reverend is not a title to be worn but a description of an inherent nature that inspires fear (the Hebrew word for reverence mentioned above). The title is greatly misused when applied to any mere mortal. There have been occasions when I have been addressed or introduced by such a title. Each time I shudder at the affront implicated to the awe-inspiring nature of God. The common use of words such as "gosh, golly, gee or jeez" also, when carefully studied, will be found as words of disrespect to God and His Son. Christians always seek to show God proper reverence. November 28, 1999 Thousands of years having elapsed could not suppress the cry for justice. The Hebrews writer, through inspiration, could hear Abel's voice still calling attention to the initial act of murder (Heb. 11:4). Now, so many centuries later, the pleas must be deafening. Cain and Abel's New Testament biographer attributed the offering of Abel's sacrifice to faith. It can thereby be concluded that God required this offering by the brothers, and further that the unacceptable nature of Cain reveals his lack of faith and obedience. The Genesis account further reveals Cain's failure to heed God's advice and exercise proper control: "So the Lord said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Any why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire [is] for you, but you should rule over it" (Genesis 4:6-7) He chose rather to rob his brother of the divine gift of life. In the 6th commandment God reminds us that he hears the cries of injustice. Their voice is not stilled by death. Their cause will be heard and answered by the God of Justice. December 12, 1999 |
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