What Happens After Death?

What Happens After Death—and How It Ties to the Second Coming of Christ

Death is one of the great certainties of human existence. No matter our wealth, education, influence, or accomplishments, unless Jesus Christ returns first, every one of us will eventually face death. The Bible declares, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, KJV). Yet death is not the end of our existence. Scripture presents death as a separation of the spirit from the body, followed by a conscious existence in the unseen realm, and ultimately by the resurrection, the judgment, and eternity when Jesus Christ comes again.

James gives one of the clearest biblical descriptions of physical death when he writes, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26, KJV). At death, therefore, the physical body ceases to live because the spirit has departed. Solomon similarly wrote, “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7, KJV). The body returns to the earth, but the spirit continues to exist. Death does not destroy the soul, nor does it bring man's existence to an end.

Jesus provides one of the clearest pictures of what happens after death in His account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19–31. Lazarus died and “was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom” (Luke 16:22, KJV). The rich man also died and was buried, but Jesus continued, “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments” (Luke 16:23, KJV). The word translated “hell” in this passage refers to Hades, the realm of departed spirits. Both men were dead physically, but both continued to exist consciously. Lazarus experienced comfort, while the rich man experienced torment.

This distinction is important because the Bible does not teach that the final judgment has already occurred when a person dies. The rich man was conscious of his condition, remembered his earthly life, recognized Abraham and Lazarus, and even remembered his five brothers who were still living (Luke 16:27–28). Abraham told him, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things” (Luke 16:25, KJV). Death had not destroyed his memory, personality, awareness, or concern. Furthermore, a great gulf separated the place of comfort from the place of torment so that one's condition could not be changed after death (Luke 16:26).

Jesus Himself entered the realm of the dead when He died upon the cross. Peter quoted the prophecy concerning Christ: “Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Acts 2:27, KJV). Peter then explained that David “spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption” (Acts 2:31, KJV). Here again, “hell” is Hades. Christ's body was placed in Joseph's tomb, while His spirit entered the unseen realm. On the third day, His spirit and body were reunited in the resurrection.

Jesus' words to the thief on the cross also demonstrate conscious existence following death. He told the penitent thief, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, KJV). Jesus did not say that the thief would cease to exist until the resurrection. He promised that the man would be with Him in paradise that very day.

This brings us to the connection between death and the second coming of Jesus Christ. Death is not the final event. Hades is not the final eternal state. There is coming a day when every grave will surrender its dead and every person who has ever lived will stand before God. Jesus declared, “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth” (John 5:28–29, KJV). Notice that Jesus spoke of one coming “hour” in which both the righteous and wicked will be raised. He continued, “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (John 5:29, KJV).

The resurrection will occur in connection with the second coming of Christ. Paul described that glorious event in First Thessalonians: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). He then declares, “and the dead in Christ shall rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). Christians who are alive when Christ returns will not precede those who have died. Instead, the dead will be raised and the living will be changed so that all the faithful may forever be with the Lord. Paul concludes, “And so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, KJV).

Paul gives additional information in First Corinthians 15. He writes, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:51, KJV). When will this change occur? “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump” (1 Corinthians 15:52, KJV). The resurrection will be instantaneous. The bodies of the dead will be raised incorruptible, and those who are alive will be changed. “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:53, KJV).

The second coming will not be a secret event. John wrote, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7, KJV). Paul described the Lord coming “from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8, KJV). The same coming that brings comfort and victory to the faithful will bring judgment upon those who have rejected God.

When Christ returns, there will be no opportunity to prepare afterward. Peter warns that “the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10, KJV). The heavens will pass away, the elements will melt, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Peter therefore asks a powerful practical question: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness” (2 Peter 3:11, KJV). The doctrine of the second coming is not merely intended to satisfy our curiosity about the future. It should change the way we live today.

The resurrection will be followed by judgment. Paul declared, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV). Every individual will answer for the life he or she has lived. Jesus described the final separation in Matthew 25:31–46. When the Son of man comes in His glory, all nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The final result is stated plainly: “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46, KJV).

At that time, death and Hades will have fulfilled their temporary purpose. John wrote, “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (Revelation 20:14, KJV). Hades is therefore not identical with the final lake of fire. Hades is associated with the intermediate state of the dead; the lake of fire represents final punishment after judgment. Revelation 20:13 says, “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them.” The dead are delivered up for judgment, showing that the intermediate state gives way to the final eternal condition.

For the faithful Christian, the second coming is not intended to produce terror but hope. Paul wrote that Christians should be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13, KJV). Jesus comforted His disciples by saying, “I go to prepare a place for you” and then promising, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:2–3, KJV). The Christian's ultimate hope is not merely escaping death; it is resurrection, victory, and eternal fellowship with God.

The biblical sequence can therefore be understood clearly. A person lives upon the earth. Physical death occurs when the spirit leaves the body. The body returns to the earth while the spirit enters the unseen realm. The righteous are comforted while the unrighteous experience torment. Then, at the second coming of Jesus Christ, the dead will be raised. Those still living will be changed. All humanity will stand before the Lord in judgment, and each person's eternal destiny will be revealed. The righteous will enter eternal life, while the wicked will enter everlasting punishment.

This truth makes our present life tremendously important. We cannot change yesterday, and we have no promise of tomorrow. James asks, “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14, KJV). Amos warned Israel, “prepare to meet thy God” (Amos 4:12, KJV). That admonition remains worthy of consideration by every person today.

The gospel provides the means by which sinners may prepare. Jesus commanded, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16, KJV). Peter commanded believers on Pentecost, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, KJV). Those who gladly received the word were baptized (Acts 2:41), and the Lord added the saved to the church (Acts 2:47). Christians must then remain faithful, remembering Christ's promise: “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10, KJV).

Death is certain, but death does not have the final word. The grave is not the end. Jesus Christ conquered death when He arose from the tomb, and because He lives, resurrection awaits humanity. The great question is therefore not simply, “What happens when I die?” The greater question is, “Will I be ready when Jesus comes again?”

One day the trumpet will sound. One day the graves will open. One day every eye will see Him. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11). On that day possessions, popularity, earthly accomplishments, and human praise will mean nothing. What will matter is whether we belong to Christ and have faithfully served Him.

Therefore, while we have life, we must prepare for death; and while we await death, we must also prepare for the return of Christ. Jesus closes the Bible with this promise: “Surely I come quickly.” The faithful response should always be the response of John: “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV).

We Are Not Campbellites: We Are Christians

WE ARE NOT CAMPBELLITES: WE ARE CHRISTIANS

Through the years, members of the churches of Christ have sometimes been called “Campbellites.” This title is associated with Alexander Campbell and his important role in the nineteenth-century Restoration Movement. However, calling members of the church of Christ “Campbellites” is both historically misleading and biblically inappropriate. Alexander Campbell did not establish the church of Christ, nor did faithful Christians claim him as the founder of their religion. Campbell himself opposed the use of his name as a religious designation. The church described in the New Testament existed approximately eighteen centuries before Alexander Campbell lived. Our allegiance is not to Campbell, Barton W. Stone, Walter Scott, or any other religious leader. Our allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Paul condemned the practice of attaching religious allegiance to human teachers when he wrote, “Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:12, KJV). Paul immediately asked, “Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13, KJV). Alexander Campbell was not crucified for us, we were not baptized in his name, and therefore we should not wear his name religiously.

The church belongs to Jesus Christ because Jesus is its builder. Long before Alexander Campbell was born, Jesus declared, “Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18, KJV). Notice carefully that Jesus called it “my church.” He did not promise to build Campbell's church, Luther's church, Calvin's church, Wesley's church, or the church of any other man. Christ built the church, purchased it with His blood, and serves as its only head. Paul instructed the Ephesian elders “to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28, KJV). Paul also wrote concerning Christ, “And he is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18, KJV). Ephesians 5:23 declares, “Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Therefore, if Christ built the church, purchased the church, governs the church, and saves the church, then the church rightfully belongs to Him.

The church of which we read in the New Testament began in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, commonly dated around A.D. 33. Jesus had promised that His kingdom would come during the lifetime of some who were standing with Him. He said, “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1, KJV). Immediately before ascending into heaven, Jesus told His apostles, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you” (Acts 1:8, KJV). Acts chapter two records the fulfilment when the apostles received the Holy Ghost on Pentecost. Peter preached the death, burial, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ, and the people were “pricked in their heart” and asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37, KJV). Peter answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, KJV). The response was immediate: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41, KJV). Acts 2:47 then tells us, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” There was the church of Christ functioning in the first century, approximately eighteen hundred years before Alexander Campbell's work in America.

Alexander Campbell should therefore never be described as the founder of the church of Christ. He was an influential preacher and religious reformer who sought to call people away from denominational traditions and back to the teachings and practices of the New Testament. Other men were making similar efforts, sometimes independently of Campbell. Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell, Walter Scott, and many others participated in what became known historically as the Restoration Movement. Their purpose was not supposed to be the establishment of another denomination bearing Campbell's name. The restoration principle was that Christians could discard human creeds and denominational traditions and return to the Bible as their authority. There is an enormous difference between establishing a new church and seeking to restore the pattern of a church that already existed in Scripture. If a man discovers an old road that has become covered with weeds and debris and clears away the obstruction so that people can travel it again, he did not build the road. He merely helped people rediscover it. Likewise, restoration leaders did not travel back to Jerusalem and establish the church of Acts 2. That church had already been established by the authority of Jesus Christ.

The designation “church of Christ” is appropriate because the church belongs to Christ. Paul wrote, “The churches of Christ salute you” (Romans 16:16, KJV). This expression should not be viewed merely as a modern denominational title. It describes congregations belonging to Christ. The New Testament also uses such expressions as “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2), “the church of the living God” (1 Timothy 3:15), and “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each expression directs attention toward God and Christ rather than toward a human religious leader. If the church belongs to Christ, then there is nothing unreasonable about referring to it as Christ's church or the church of Christ.

Furthermore, followers of Jesus were given a name long before Alexander Campbell appeared upon the pages of history. Acts 11:26 says, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” When Paul preached to Agrippa, the king responded, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28, KJV). Peter later wrote, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16, KJV). The name Christian honors Christ. The name Campbellite honors Campbell. Since Christ died for us, Christ redeemed us, and Christ is our Lord, Christians should be satisfied to wear the name that glorifies Him.

Someone might ask how Christians living today can claim connection with a church that began nearly two thousand years ago. The answer is found in the principle of the seed. Jesus said, “The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11, KJV). A seed produces according to its kind. When the same gospel seed is planted today that was planted in the first century, it will produce the same result. On Pentecost, people heard the gospel, believed its message, repented of their sins, and were baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:37–41). When people today hear that same gospel and obey it in the same manner, they do not need to become members of a denomination established centuries later. They can simply become what the people in Acts became—Christians.

Consider the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts chapter eight. Philip “preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35, KJV). As they travelled, they came to water, and the eunuch asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36, KJV). After confessing his faith in Christ, “they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38, KJV). What denomination did the eunuch join? He did not become a Campbellite because Campbell would not be born for more than seventeen centuries. He did not become a Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, or member of some other later religious movement. He simply obeyed the gospel and became a Christian. The same was true at Corinth, where “many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8, KJV).

The Bible further teaches that baptism places the believer into Christ. Paul wrote, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27, KJV). Romans 6:3 states, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” First Corinthians 12:13 says, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” What is that body? Paul answers in Colossians 1:18: “And he is the head of the body, the church.” Therefore, the New Testament picture is wonderfully simple. A sinner hears the gospel (Romans 10:17), believes in Jesus Christ (John 8:24), repents of sin (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38), confesses Christ (Romans 10:10), and is baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). The Lord then adds the saved to His church (Acts 2:47). No human founder is necessary because Jesus Christ has already established His church and provided the gospel by which people enter into fellowship with Him.

We must therefore reject the idea that Alexander Campbell founded the church of Christ in nineteenth-century America. Historically, Campbell was enormously influential in the Restoration Movement, and we may appreciate his efforts to encourage people to return to New Testament Christianity. However, our faith cannot rest upon him. Paul declared, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11, KJV). Christ is our foundation. Christ is our Savior. Christ is our King. Christ is the head of the church. Christ purchased the church with His blood. Christ alone deserves the glory.

Our plea, therefore, is not that people return to Alexander Campbell. Our plea is that people return to Jesus Christ and the New Testament. We do not seek to restore Campbellism; we seek to practice New Testament Christianity. We do not want to be Campbellites, Stoneites, Lutherans, Calvinists, or followers of any other man. We desire simply to be Christians. We want to believe what first-century Christians believed, obey what they obeyed, worship as they worshiped, teach what they taught, and organize congregations according to the pattern revealed in Scripture. Jeremiah expressed a principle that beautifully illustrates the restoration plea: “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein” (Jeremiah 6:16, KJV).

The church of Christ did not begin with Alexander Campbell in America. The church belongs to Jesus Christ and was established in Jerusalem in the first century, commonly dated around A.D. 33, when the gospel was preached and approximately three thousand souls obeyed it on Pentecost. Jesus had promised, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18, KJV), and Acts chapter two records the beginning of that church in its established form. Alexander Campbell lived many centuries later and sought to restore New Testament principles, not to replace Christ as the founder of the church. Therefore, calling Christians “Campbellites” gives a man a position that belongs only to Jesus. We are not Campbellites. We are Christians. We do not belong to Alexander Campbell. We belong to Jesus Christ. We seek to be members of the church that Christ built, purchased with His blood, and established in the first century.

The Five Acts of Worship

THE FIVE ACTS OF NEW TESTAMENT WORSHIP

Worship is one of the greatest privileges given to the Christian, but worship must be offered according to the will of God rather than according to human preference. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, KJV). The word “must” is significant. Worship is not simply whatever makes us feel religious or sincere. To worship “in spirit” requires sincerity and reverence from the heart, while worship “in truth” requires conformity to God's revealed Word. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17, KJV). Therefore, if we want to know how the church should worship, we must turn to the New Testament and follow the pattern revealed there.

The first act of worship is singing. Christians are commanded to praise God and teach one another through vocal music. Paul wrote, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, KJV). He similarly commanded, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16, KJV). The writer of Hebrews declared, “In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12, KJV), and again, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips” (Hebrews 13:15, KJV). The New Testament instruction is consistently to sing. Every Christian can participate because the instrument God desires is the human heart and the fruit of the lips. The New Testament does not authorize mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship. The issue is not whether an instrument sounds beautiful or whether we personally enjoy it; the question is whether Christ authorized it. When God says to sing, our responsibility is to sing.

The second act of worship is prayer. The early church was devoted to prayer. Acts 2:42 says, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Christians are commanded, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV). Paul instructed Timothy concerning the worship of the church, saying, “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8, KJV). Prayer allows Christians collectively to praise God, thank Him for His blessings, confess dependence upon Him, and make requests according to His will. Jesus taught His disciples, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9, KJV). Prayer is directed to God through Jesus Christ, for Jesus said, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you” (John 16:23, KJV). Prayer is therefore not entertainment or performance; it is the reverent communication of God's people with their heavenly Father.

The third act of worship is preaching and teaching God's Word. The first Christians “continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine” (Acts 2:42, KJV). When the disciples assembled at Troas, Luke records, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them” (Acts 20:7, KJV). Paul commanded Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2, KJV). The preacher's responsibility is not to entertain the congregation, deliver motivational speeches, promote political opinions, or substitute human philosophy for Scripture. His responsibility is to preach the Word. Paul told Timothy, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13, KJV). Biblical preaching teaches sinners how to be saved, strengthens Christians, corrects error, warns against sin, encourages faithfulness, and exalts Jesus Christ. Faith itself comes through the proclamation of God's Word, for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV).

The fourth act of worship is partaking of the Lord's Supper. Jesus instituted this memorial on the night before His crucifixion. Matthew records, “Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body” (Matthew 26:26, KJV). He then took the cup and said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matthew 26:28, KJV). Paul repeated the Lord's instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 and explained, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26, KJV). The early church observed this memorial when it assembled on the first day of the week. Acts 20:7 states, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread.” The Lord's Supper directs the Christian's mind back to Calvary, where Christ gave His body and shed His blood for our sins. It also looks forward because Christians proclaim His death “till he come.” We should neither neglect the Lord's Supper nor alter what Christ established.

The fifth act of worship is giving of our means. The New Testament church supported the Lord's work through the voluntary contributions of Christians. Paul instructed the Corinthians, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:2, KJV). Christian giving is not based upon coercion but upon willing hearts. Paul wrote, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7, KJV). Christians recognize that everything they possess ultimately comes from God, and giving is an expression of gratitude, stewardship, love, and concern for the Lord's work. The contribution can support the preaching of the gospel, assist needy saints, and accomplish the work God has assigned to His church. We give because we have first been given much by God.

These five acts—singing, praying, preaching and teaching God's Word, partaking of the Lord's Supper, and giving—are found in the worship and instruction of the New Testament church. The question then becomes whether mankind has the authority to add other acts of worship simply because they are popular, entertaining, traditional, or emotionally appealing. Scripture repeatedly warns against changing what God has commanded. Under the Old Testament, Moses warned Israel, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2, KJV). Proverbs 30:6 warns, “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” Revelation similarly warns against adding to or taking away from the words of God's revelation (Revelation 22:18–19). These passages establish an important principle: mankind has no right to tamper with God's revealed will.

The danger of unauthorized worship is dramatically demonstrated by Nadab and Abihu. Leviticus 10:1 records that they “offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.” Notice the problem. They offered something God “commanded them not.” Verse two records the terrible consequence: “And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.” They may have considered one fire as good as another, but God had given instructions concerning worship. Their mistake teaches an enduring lesson: God's silence does not give mankind permission to invent whatever he desires in worship.

Jesus also condemned worship based upon human authority. He said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9, KJV). It is therefore possible to worship God and still have that worship described by Jesus as “vain.” Sincerity alone does not make worship acceptable. Cain offered worship to God, but God “had not respect” unto Cain and his offering (Genesis 4:5, KJV). Nadab and Abihu were involved in religious service, yet God rejected their unauthorized offering. The lesson is unmistakable: God determines how He is to be worshiped. The worshiper does not.

The New Testament teaches Christians to act under the authority of Christ. Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17, KJV). To do something “in the name of” Christ means that we act by His authority. Before introducing something into the worship of the church, therefore, we should ask, “Where has Christ authorized this?” It is not enough to ask whether we enjoy it, whether another congregation practices it, whether it attracts larger crowds, or whether it has become a religious tradition. Our question must always be, “Where is the authority from Christ?”

The principle is beautifully expressed in 1 Peter 4:11: “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” Paul likewise commanded, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV). The Bereans were called noble because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11, KJV). That same attitude should characterize the church today. Every doctrine, practice, and act of worship should be examined in light of Scripture.

Therefore, Christians should be content with the simple pattern of worship revealed in the New Testament. We sing because God commanded singing. We pray because the church was commanded to pray. We preach and teach because God's Word must be proclaimed. We partake of the Lord's Supper in remembrance of Christ. We give as God has prospered us. We do not need to make worship more entertaining, more spectacular, or more appealing to the world. Our responsibility is to make certain that it is acceptable to God.

True worship is not about what pleases us; it is about what pleases God. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24, KJV). If we love God, respect the authority of Christ, and believe the Scriptures are sufficient, we will neither add to nor take away from the worship He has authorized. We will approach Him with reverence, humility, sincerity, and obedience, seeking not to redesign His worship but faithfully to offer the worship revealed in His Word.

Is Jesus Coming Soon?

IS JESUS COMING SOON?

Every generation seems to have people who believe they are living in the final days before the return of Jesus Christ. Wars erupt, nations threaten one another, earthquakes occur, diseases spread, morality declines, and religious teachers announce that these events prove that the Lord must be coming soon. Some set dates, others construct prophetic timetables, and still others attempt to identify modern nations and political leaders with biblical prophecy. Yet the Christian must ask a more important question: What does the Bible actually say about when Jesus will return?

There is no question that Jesus Christ is coming again. Jesus promised, “I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:3, KJV). When Jesus ascended into heaven, two angels told the apostles, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11, KJV). Paul likewise taught that “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). Therefore, the second coming is not speculation. Christ will return.

But does the Bible tell us that His coming is “soon” according to a timetable that we can calculate? Jesus gave a very plain answer concerning the time of His return: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36, KJV). After His resurrection, the disciples asked about God's timetable, and Jesus answered, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power” (Acts 1:7, KJV). If the apostles were not given a date, Christians today should be extremely cautious about anyone claiming to know when Christ will return.

Some attempt to use wars, earthquakes, famines, and political turmoil as signs that the second coming is immediately approaching. Matthew 24 is often used for this purpose. However, we must carefully consider the context. Jesus' disciples had called His attention to the temple buildings. He answered, “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2, KJV). Much of the chapter concerns the coming destruction of Jerusalem, which occurred in A.D. 70. Jesus even said, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matthew 24:34, KJV). Those signs served a purpose for people who could recognize them and flee. Jesus instructed, “Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains” (Matthew 24:16, KJV).

When Scripture discusses Christ's final return, however, the emphasis changes from recognizable signs to unexpectedness. Jesus said, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42, KJV). He compared His coming to a thief: “If the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched” (Matthew 24:43, KJV). His conclusion was unmistakable: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44, KJV).

Paul taught the same thing. “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2, KJV). Peter likewise wrote, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10, KJV). A thief does not ordinarily announce the precise hour of his arrival. The comparison stresses that the Lord's coming will be sudden and unexpected.

Peter also warned Christians against becoming discouraged because Christ had not yet returned. Some would ask, “Where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Peter 3:4, KJV). Peter answered, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8, KJV). God's measurement of time is not ours. What appears to mankind as a long delay does not mean that God has forgotten His promise.

Why has Christ not already returned? Peter explains: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). God's patience provides mankind additional opportunity to repent. Every day before Christ's return is another opportunity for sinners to hear the gospel, obey Christ, and prepare for eternity.

When Jesus does return, it will not be a secret event. John wrote, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7, KJV). Paul says the Lord will descend “with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, KJV). The dead will be raised. Jesus declared, “The hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth” (John 5:28–29, KJV). This will be a universal resurrection leading to eternal consequences.

Christ's coming will also bring the present world to its conclusion. Peter wrote, “The heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:10, KJV). He continued, “The heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:12, KJV). This description should cause us to think less about predicting dates and more about preparing our souls.

The great question, therefore, is not merely, “Is Jesus coming soon?” The greater question is, “Am I ready if Jesus comes today?” Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or a thousand years from now does not change our responsibility. Our lives are brief. James wrote, “For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14, KJV). We may meet Christ through His return, or we may first meet death. Either way, our opportunity to prepare is limited.

Jesus illustrated this truth in the parable of the ten virgins. Five were wise and five were foolish. While they waited for the bridegroom, “they all slumbered and slept” (Matthew 25:5, KJV). Suddenly the announcement came: “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” (Matthew 25:6, KJV). Those who were prepared entered the marriage celebration, and “the door was shut” (Matthew 25:10, KJV). Jesus concluded, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:13, KJV).

Christians should eagerly anticipate Christ's return. Paul spoke of those who “love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8, KJV). Titus describes Christians as “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13, KJV). John concluded Revelation with the beautiful prayer, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20, KJV).

Is Jesus coming soon? He may come today, tomorrow, centuries from now, or at some other time known only to God. Scripture gives us no authority to set a date. What Scripture does tell us with absolute certainty is that Jesus is coming again. The date is God's business; preparation is ours.

Instead of watching the news trying to calculate the day of His return, we should watch our lives. Instead of attempting to identify supposed modern prophetic signs, we should examine whether we are faithful to Christ. Jesus' warning remains as urgent today as when He first spoke it: “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 24:44, KJV).

Jesus is coming again. We do not know when. Therefore, we must be ready all the time.

Is Baptism Necessary?

Is Baptism Necessary for One to Be Saved?

Few questions are more important than the question, “What must I do to be saved?” Our eternal destiny depends upon our response to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Because salvation is too important to rest upon human opinion, denominational tradition, or personal feelings, we must allow the Bible to answer the question. Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48, KJV). When we examine the New Testament, we find that faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are all connected with God’s plan for saving mankind.

Salvation certainly begins with hearing and believing the gospel. Paul wrote, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV). Jesus declared, “Except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins” (John 8:24, KJV). Yet the Bible never teaches that a faith which refuses obedience will save. James wrote, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24, KJV). Saving faith is an obedient faith. Hebrews 5:9 says that Christ “became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.”

Jesus Himself connected baptism with salvation. Before ascending into heaven, He commanded His apostles, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15–16, KJV). Notice the order given by Christ: believe + be baptized = saved. Jesus did not say, “He that believeth and is saved may later be baptized.” He placed baptism before salvation in the sentence.

The same truth appears in the Great Commission recorded by Matthew. Jesus commanded, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). Baptism, therefore, is not a church tradition invented centuries later. It was commanded by Jesus Christ Himself.

When the gospel was first preached in its fullness on Pentecost, sinners asked Peter and the other apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37, KJV). Peter did not tell them that they had already been saved simply because they believed his preaching. Instead, he answered, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, KJV). Approximately three thousand obeyed that command: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized” (Acts 2:41, KJV). The chapter concludes by saying, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47, KJV).

The conversions recorded throughout Acts follow this same pattern. The Samaritans “were baptized, both men and women” after believing Philip’s preaching (Acts 8:12). The Ethiopian eunuch heard Philip preach Jesus and immediately asked, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36, KJV). They went down into the water, Philip baptized him, and the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38–39, KJV). His rejoicing followed his obedience.

Consider also Saul of Tarsus. Saul encountered the risen Christ and spent three days praying and fasting (Acts 9:9–11). Nevertheless, Ananias later told him, “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16, KJV). If Saul had already received forgiveness merely by believing or praying, why was he subsequently told to be baptized and wash away his sins?

The conversion of the Philippian jailer provides another clear example. After asking, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30, KJV), he was told, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:31, KJV). Paul and Silas then “spake unto him the word of the Lord” (Acts 16:32, KJV). After hearing that message, the jailer and his household were baptized “the same hour of the night” (Acts 16:33, KJV). They did not postpone baptism until a convenient church service weeks or months later.

Paul explains why baptism is so important. He wrote, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Romans 6:3, KJV). He continued, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death” (Romans 6:4, KJV). Baptism beautifully portrays the gospel itself: Christ died, was buried, and arose again; the sinner dies to sin, is buried in water, and rises to “walk in newness of life.”

Galatians 3:26–27 makes the relationship equally clear: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Faith and baptism are not enemies. Biblical baptism is faith responding obediently to God's command. Colossians 2:12 even describes baptism as being “buried with him in baptism” and raised “through the faith of the operation of God.”

Peter makes perhaps the most unmistakable statement concerning the matter: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21, KJV). Peter immediately explains that the saving significance of baptism is not merely washing dirt from the physical body—“not the putting away of the filth of the flesh”—but is connected with a proper response toward God “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Therefore, the power is not in the water. The saving power belongs to God through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Does this mean that we earn salvation through baptism? Absolutely not. Salvation is by God's grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, KJV). No amount of human goodness can purchase forgiveness. The blood of Jesus saves us: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Ephesians 1:7, KJV). Baptism does not compete with grace or Christ's blood. Rather, baptism is the God-appointed response of faith in which the sinner submits to Christ.

Naaman's cleansing in 2 Kings 5 illustrates an important principle. The water of Jordan possessed no magical power to cure leprosy. Nevertheless, Naaman was not cleansed until he obeyed God's command and dipped seven times in Jordan (2 Kings 5:10–14). His obedience did not earn the miracle; it accepted God's gracious provision. Likewise, baptism does not earn salvation. It is obedient faith accepting the salvation God freely provides through Christ.

The New Testament therefore presents a consistent pattern. One must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Christ (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6), repent of sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30), confess Christ (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9–10; Acts 8:37), and be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21). The Christian must then remain faithful to the Lord (Revelation 2:10).

We should never ask whether baptism is necessary because a particular church teaches it. The question must be: What did Jesus and His inspired apostles teach? Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15, KJV). He also asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46, KJV).

The biblical evidence is compelling. Jesus commanded baptism. The apostles preached baptism. Every conversion account in Acts that mentions baptism presents it as an immediate response to the gospel. Paul taught that we are baptized into Christ and into His death. Peter plainly declared, “baptism doth also now save us.” Baptism does not replace faith, repentance, grace, or the blood of Christ. It is the submissive act of faith commanded by the One who saves us.

If Jesus says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16, KJV), we should have neither the desire nor the authority to change His words. The safest course is simply to trust Christ enough to obey Him. As those on Pentecost were commanded: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, KJV).

If Jesus Built One Church

If Jesus Built One Church, Can We Choose Any Church We Want?

Bill Myers

 There is a question that every sincere follower of Jesus Christ ought to consider carefully: “If Jesus Christ built one church, do we have the right to choose a church simply because it suits our personal preference?” We live in a religious culture where people commonly say, “Go to the church of your choice.” The idea sounds harmless. We are told to find a church that makes us comfortable, agrees with our preferences, has the music we enjoy, teaches what we believe, has programs that meet our needs, or fits our personality. Church selection can become much like selecting a restaurant, a school, or a store. We look at our options and choose the one we like best. But there is a serious biblical question behind that approach: “Did Jesus give us the authority to choose His church, or did He already establish His church for us?”

 Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, “I will build my church.” Notice what Jesus did not say. He did not say, “I will give everyone the freedom to build the church of his or her choice.” He said, “I will build my church.” The church belongs to Christ. If Jesus built the church, then it is His church. If it is His church, then He has the right to determine what it is, what it teaches, how it functions, how people enter it, and how its members are to live. That changes the entire conversation. We may choose where we shop. We may choose where we work. We may choose what kind of vehicle we drive. We may choose where we live. But when it comes to the church, the question should not be, “What church do I prefer?” The question should be, “What church did Jesus establish, and am I willing to submit to it?” That is a completely different way of thinking.

 Imagine that someone built a house and then invited you to live in it. Would you have the authority to walk in and say, “I have decided that I do not like this room, so I am going to remove it. I do not like the color, so I will change it. I do not like the owner's rules, so I will create my own”? Of course not. The house belongs to the owner. In the same way, the church belongs to Christ. Paul said in Ephesians 5:23, “Christ is the head of the church.” Colossians 1:18 calls Christ “the head of the body, the church.” The church is not ours to redesign according to our preferences. We may choose many things in life according to personal preference, but when it comes to the church, personal preference cannot become the final authority.

 Jesus said, “I will build my church.” The New Testament repeatedly speaks of the church as one body. Ephesians 4:4 says, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” First Corinthians 12:12 says, “For as the body is one, and hath many members... so also is Christ.” Colossians 1:18 identifies the body as the church and declares Christ to be its head. The biblical picture is not of Jesus establishing numerous independent churches teaching different doctrines and allowing each person to select whichever one he prefers. The picture is of “one Lord, one faith, one body, and one church belonging to Christ.”

 This should cause us to pause before casually saying, “Just go to the church of your choice.” Which church did Jesus build? That is the question. One of the greatest problems with the statement “go to the church of your choice” is that it can make human preference the final authority. If I choose a church because I like its music, am I allowing Jesus to determine my worship, or am I determining it? If I choose a church because it teaches what I already believe, am I submitting myself to Scripture, or am I looking for a church that submits to me? If I leave one congregation because it teaches something I do not want to hear and find another congregation that tells me what I want to hear, have I really submitted to Christ? The Christian life is not supposed to be built around the question, “What do I like?” It is built around the question, “What does my Lord command?”

 Jesus asked in Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” That question strikes at the heart of religious consumerism. If Jesus is Lord, then His will must take priority over my preferences. We must therefore distinguish between choosing a local congregation in which to worship and serve and choosing or inventing a church according to our personal desires. The New Testament shows Christians assembling with one another, and circumstances can require Christians to worship with different local congregations. Finding a faithful local congregation in which to worship and serve is not the same thing as inventing one's own church. The real problem arises when people treat the church as though it were something humans are free to redesign.

 A person might say, “I do not care what the Bible teaches about the church. I will attend whichever religious organization makes me happiest.” That attitude puts the individual above Christ. The issue is not whether we have preferences. Of course we do. The issue is whether our preferences have authority over God's Word. They do not.

 Think about what happens when everyone becomes his own authority. One person says, “I believe baptism is necessary.” Another says, “I do not believe baptism has anything to do with salvation.” One says, “We must follow the biblical pattern of worship.” Another says, “Worship can be whatever makes us feel close to God.” One says, “The church should follow the teachings of the apostles.” Another says, “The Bible is only a guide, and we can adapt Christianity to modern culture.” One person says one thing, another person says something different, and eventually we have thousands of religious bodies teaching different doctrines. Then someone says, “It does not matter. Just go to the church of your choice.” But if Jesus built one church, how can thousands of contradictory teachings all represent the church He built?

 Truth does not become truth simply because someone sincerely believes it. Sincerity matters, but sincerity does not make error correct. Paul warned in Galatians 1:8 that even if an angel preached a gospel different from the one delivered by the apostles, that message was not to be accepted. The standard is not personal preference. The standard is the Word of God.

 Jesus has authority over His church. Jesus declared in Matthew 28:18, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” If Jesus has all authority, then He has authority over His church. He determines the terms of discipleship. He determines what His followers are to believe. He determines how His people are to live. He determines how His church is to function. He determines what constitutes faithfulness. We do not have the authority to say, “Jesus, I appreciate what You established, but I prefer something different.” That is not submission. That is self-rule. The very meaning of Christianity is that Jesus is Lord.

 Modern religion can easily become centered on the individual. We ask, “What can the church do for me?” “Does the preacher make me feel good?” “Does the worship service entertain me?” “Does the church agree with my opinions?” “Does the congregation have enough activities for my family?” “Does it make me comfortable?” But Christianity begins with a different question: “What does Christ require of me?” Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Notice the language: “deny himself.” Jesus did not say, “Choose the religious environment that best satisfies yourself.” He said, “Follow me.” Discipleship means that Christ becomes Lord over our preferences.

 The church does matter. Some people react to this discussion by saying, “It does not matter what church you attend as long as you love Jesus.” But if Jesus built the church, then we cannot say the church does not matter. The church matters because “Jesus cares about His church”. He purchased it with His blood, according to Acts 20:28. He is its Head. He is its Savior. He is the One who established it. Therefore, if we love Christ, we should care about what He has taught concerning His church. The question is not whether church membership is a magical formula for salvation. It is whether we respect the authority of the King who established the church.

 Perhaps we should even change our language. Instead of constantly saying, “My church,” we should remember that it is “Christ's church”. It is not the preacher's church. It is not the elders' church. It is not the congregation's church. It is not the denomination's church. It is “Christ's church”. Jesus said, “I will build my church.” That means we should approach the church with humility. We should ask, “Lord, what have You established? Lord, what do You teach? Lord, how do You want Your people to worship? Lord, how should Your people live? Lord, what does it mean to be faithful to You?” Those are the questions of discipleship.

 Ultimately, this discussion is not about whether one religious group is better than another. It is about “authority”. Who gets to decide what Christianity is? Do I? Does my family? Does my preacher? Does my denomination? Does popular culture? Or does Jesus Christ? If Jesus is truly Lord, then He must have the final authority. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” Love for Christ cannot be separated from submission to Christ.

 There is nothing wrong with desiring a loving congregation, faithful fellowship, good preaching, and biblical teaching. But those things should not be measured primarily by what we personally enjoy. The first question should be whether the congregation is striving to follow Christ faithfully. A congregation may have beautiful music and weak doctrine. It may have exciting programs and little biblical substance. It may have a charismatic preacher and an unfaithful message. It may be comfortable and yet compromise the truth. The Christian must therefore examine everything by Scripture.

 The Bereans were commended because they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). That should be our attitude. Do not simply choose a church because you like it. “Search the Scriptures.” Do not choose a church because your friends attend. “Search the Scriptures.” Do not choose a church because it makes you comfortable. “Search the Scriptures.” Do not reject a church because it challenges you. “Search the Scriptures.” Let God's Word be the standard.

 If Jesus built one church, then we should not approach Christianity as though we are shopping for the religious organization that best fits our preferences. We should approach Christianity as disciples approaching their King. Jesus has spoken. Jesus has established His church. Jesus is its Head. Jesus is the Savior. Jesus is Lord. Our responsibility is not to redesign His church but to faithfully follow Him.

 The question, therefore, is not simply, “Where do I want to go to church?” The better question is, “Where can I faithfully follow the church that Jesus built?” There is a world of difference between those two questions. One places “me” at the center. The other places “Christ” at the center. And if Jesus truly is Lord, then He deserves to be at the center.

 Let us therefore stop treating the church as though it were merely another consumer choice. Let us stop asking only what church makes us comfortable and start asking what church is faithful to the Word of God. Let us search the Scriptures, examine our traditions, test our assumptions, and submit our preferences to the authority of Christ.

 Jesus did not say, “I will build whatever church you choose.” He said, “I will build my church.” And if it is “His church”, then our responsibility is not to choose whatever church we want. Our responsibility is to “seek, know, enter, and faithfully serve in the church that belongs to Him”.

 One Lord. One faith. One body. One church. And one King whose authority must stand above every human preference.

Come Let Us Study

Come, Let Us Study the Word Together

Bill Myers

The Word of God is not merely a book to be read; it is the living truth through which God reveals His character, His will, His promises, and His plan for humanity. In a world filled with competing voices, opinions, philosophies, and distractions, we need the sure foundation of Scripture more than ever. The invitation is simple: Come, let us study the Word together. Isaiah 1:18 says, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD.” This invitation reminds us that God desires us to come into His presence, open our hearts, and seek understanding through His truth.

The Word of God is our foundation. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Just as our physical bodies need food to live and remain healthy, our spirits need the Word of God for strength and nourishment. The Bible strengthens us when we are weak, corrects us when we go astray, encourages us when we are discouraged, and teaches us how to walk faithfully with God. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” God's Word gives us direction when we do not know which way to turn and provides light when the road ahead seems dark. When we study Scripture, we discover God's wisdom and learn how He desires us to live.

We must also study the Bible with open and humble hearts. Bible study should be more than simply collecting information or gaining knowledge. We should approach God's Word with a sincere desire to hear His voice and understand His will. The psalmist prayed in Psalm 119:18, “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” This should also be our prayer. We need God to open our understanding because it is possible to read the words of Scripture without fully grasping their spiritual meaning. Therefore, whenever we open the Bible, we should pray for wisdom, listen carefully, and allow the inspired word to guide us. Jesus promised His apostles in John 16:13 that the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth.

The Bible also calls us to search the Scriptures carefully. The Bereans provide an excellent example for us. Acts 17:11 tells us that they “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” They were willing to listen, but they also examined what they heard in the light of God's Word. This is an important lesson for us today. We should not build our faith solely upon personalities, traditions, popular opinions, or human philosophies. Instead, we should continually ask, “What does the Bible say?” Studying together gives us an opportunity to ask questions, examine Scripture carefully, compare Scripture with Scripture, and grow in our understanding of God's truth.

The ultimate purpose of studying Scripture is to know Christ. Bible study is not simply about becoming more knowledgeable; it is about developing a deeper relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus said in John 5:39, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” Scripture points us toward Christ, His character, His teachings, His sacrifice, His resurrection, and His promise of salvation. As we study the Bible, we should seek to see Jesus more clearly and understand God's love more deeply. The more we learn about Christ, the more we should desire to follow Him and reflect His character in our lives.

However, studying the Word is not enough if we do not put what we learn into practice. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Bible study should result in a transformed life. If Scripture teaches us to forgive, we should forgive. If it teaches us to love our enemies, we should seek to love them. If it teaches us to be honest, humble, compassionate, patient, faithful, and holy, then these qualities should become evident in the way we live. The purpose of studying God's Word is not merely to know more about the Bible but to allow its truth to change our hearts, guide our decisions, and shape our daily lives.

There is also great value in studying God's Word together. We are not meant to walk the Christian journey alone. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” When believers gather together around Scripture with humility, love, and a sincere desire to learn, we can encourage one another, strengthen one another, and learn from one another. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers to consider how they may encourage one another toward love and good works and not forsake assembling together. When we study together, we have the opportunity to grow not only in knowledge but also in faith, fellowship, encouragement, and obedience.

So, come, let us study the Word together. Let us open the Scriptures with hungry hearts and willing minds. Let us ask questions, seek understanding, examine what we believe, and allow God's Word to speak for itself. Let us seek truth rather than simply looking for confirmation of our own opinions. Let us compare Scripture with Scripture, pray for understanding, learn from one another, and above all, seek Jesus. As we study, may God's Word take root deeply within our hearts and produce faith, obedience, wisdom, love, and hope in our lives.

Second Timothy 2:15 gives us this powerful instruction: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” May we take this responsibility seriously. Let us not be satisfied with a shallow knowledge of God's Word, but let us become diligent students of Scripture. Let us read it, meditate upon it, discuss it, apply it, and share its truth with others. The invitation remains: Come, let us open God's Word. Let us learn together. Let us grow together. Let us encourage one another. Let us draw closer to Christ together. And let us allow the truth of Scripture to transform our lives. Come, let us study the Word together.

Built-in Mirrors

Dress-up occasions. Did you ever attend an event where you need to look especially formal, with a nice suit or classy dress, and wonder when you arrive if everything looks right? As a preacher, this happens all the time. And then I’ll start thinking, “Is my tie straight? Did I cut myself shaving and not stop the bleeding?” I worry about that stuff because, over the decades, it has happened many times.

Earlier this week, I woke up in the night, and as I did in the total darkness, I could see eyes looking back at me. This has happened before and I don’t know if it is a reflection off the insides of my eyelids, or if my brain is just trying to accustom me to wakefulness. But, in any case, I think it would be helpful to have automatic mirrors so I could see myself, especially in those formal situations.

God also wants us to be constantly aware of ourselves; not so much our physical appearance, but what really matters: how do we look to God – our spiritual appearance. Remember, He can see to the very core of our souls (Psalm 139)!

God gives us plenty of warning about checking ourselves out.

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NKJV). You mean we can be disqualified! Now that’s attention getting.

“For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load” (Galatians 6:3-5). We can, indeed, be fooling ourselves.

“Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it” (Hebrews 4:1). Coming just short of God’s finish line is the worst of tragedies.

You might be wondering exactly how you can examine yourself, so the above horrible results don’t happen to you. Where is this spiritual mirror we can use?

God gives us one, His message to us: the Bible. “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:22-25).

How do you look?

 Jeff Greene

The Great Keeper

The last three years of my mailman career were spent in northeast Ohio. We had record snowfalls all three years, each surpassing the former. I have a sort of romantic love of snow, like I’m living out a scene from It’s a Wonderful Life, but after walking through a foot of it all day, the legs become rubbery, and I would end up stumbling into my house and immediately falling into my bed. “Just pull my boots off and let me sleep!”

Most of us know that feeling of just stumbling around seemingly aimlessly, either because we’re tired or maybe because we are sick. That was always a tale tell sign of our kids’ lack of wellbeing. They may have wanted to play with their friends, but if they could barely stand up, we knew something was wrong.

At times, God’s people were found to be stumbling through life, not due to the weather, but their own sin (Hosea 5:5). Isaiah draws a well-known comparison, “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:29-31 NKJV). It’s an interesting paradox. The young, who are supposed to have all the vim and vigor, are weary and falling; while those who wait on the Lord are overflowing with spiritual vitality. Notice there is no age limit on these godly ones!

So, what brings on this surprising strength? Like Isaiah, Jude informs us, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy” (Jude 24). It is a heart-inspiring thought that God is right there with us during circumstances, that would bring others down, we can survive with His great energy!

It reminds me of those giant offensive linemen in football. The quarterback tries to sneak the ball over the goal line, but just as he is falling down short of it, his teammates grab him and push through for the score.

But we have a role in this as well. As God keeps us from stumbling, He says, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 20-21). God keeps us as we strive to keep ourselves in His love. Beautiful and lifesaving!

We conclude as Jude did, “To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.” Are you stumbling, or strutting your strength right now?

Jeff Greene

Stress Relief

What bank have you deposited your money in? When the news of failing banks first appeared, I wasn’t too concerned. They are far away. No problem for me. But then I saw an article this morning about other banks that were starting to have trouble and, lo and behold, there mine was. No!!! Instant stress. What do we do?

Stress, anxiety and worries are a part of life. It’s not all bad, and can motivate us to make good changes in our lives. However, we know they can actually take over and be detrimental to our health.

I had an anxiety lesson the other day when I was driving my car. I have a hybrid with all those mpg indicators on the dashboard, but as I was going along the road I realized I didn’t need to think about them anymore. I instantly felt more relaxed, and I was amazed. No more fretting about getting one more mile, per gallon of gas. I’m free and it feels great!

There are two main things we can do to decrease our anxiety. First involves our own minds. We need to rearrange the priorities of our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (NKJV).

Sometimes what we think is most important, plainly shouldn’t be. Isn’t life more than stuff? Jesus pounds home the point by noting that some of the things we are anxious about can’t be changed, anyway. “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (6:27). It makes us look rather foolish, doesn’t it?

The second thing we can do to relieve anxiety is to involve God. Matthew 11:28-30 is well known, but the truth spoken by Jesus here is quite interesting. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” We see the rest Jesus offers from our worrisome burdens, but it comes from adding more burdens. Say what!

Taking on Jesus’ light burdens helps decrease our own, perhaps most of all, by drawing our attention away from our own selfishness, again to a much higher priority: our relationship to God and His service. Nifty!

Though we might not be able to explain how this exactly happens, we know we can trust God’s almighty power to help us. “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). It’s important to remember that God actually wants to help us. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Do you want peace of mind?

 Jeff Greene

The Gonfalonier

Gonfalonier, now there’s a word that has fallen out of use. Literally, it means a standard bearer – one who carries a flag or banner, for example. It later evolved into a prestigious position in hierarchical circles. Back in the days of more hand-to-hand combat, the soldiers would stay close to the gonfalonier in combat, and of course the raised flag would make him much easier to see. From thus comes the old battle cry, “Rally ‘round the flag boys!”

We’re in the midst of our country’s most patriotic season, what with Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day. We’ll see a lot of our flag. It still has great meaning!

In Numbers 2, we are told that each of the twelve tribes of Israel had their own banner or standard. Psalm 20:5 informs us, “We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!” (NKJV).

The term is also used metaphorically. “Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner” (Exodus 17:15). Psalm 60:4 speaks similarly, “You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.”

Isaiah 11:10 foretells, “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” Jesus says of Himself, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

I’ve often wondered at the extra bit of courage a soldier needed to become the flag-bearer. The enemy is fast approaching with guns and swords and all he would have is a pole with a flag on it. I’m sure many wanted to do it because of the honor of bearing the flag, but how many died for that honor.

We quickly observe in the scriptures that The-Lord-Is-My-Banner, though an excellent statement about our relationship with God, was not a guarantee of the defense of our earthly lives. In fact, many “had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held” (Revelation 6:9). It is still happening in our evil world.

In fact, it falls on all Christians to hold up our Banner, Jesus, for all in this evil world to see. Yes, it takes great courage sometimes, but that is why Jesus said, in warning Christians of the approaching life-threating situations, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b).

What is your level of honor in wearing the name of Christ? Do you have the faith and courage to face any threatening occasion that may come your way because of the One whose name we are lifting up? Are you a faithful gonfalonier?

Jeff Greene

How about Some Consistency?

Have you flown any kites yet? As we know, ‘tis the season. When I was walking into the church office a couple days ago, the wind was surging across the back of the building. There were a few leaves piled up in the corners and so I thought I would get a broom and loosen the leaves up and let the wind do the rest. In those few short minutes, however, when I opened the door again with the broom in hand, the wind had completely changed direction and would not achieve my desired goal. Foiled again!

I doubt if any of you are surprised by this. That’s what the wind does. It’s unpredictable and inconsistent. While that inconsistency is okay in nature, God considers it a flaw in His followers. Last Wednesday night in our adult Bible class we were studying about the church in Laodicea. Jesus uses some strong words in reprimanding them, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:15-16 NKJV). It was remarked that at least they weren’t cold, so why is Jesus so angry with them? Point: inconsistency. God hates it.

James reaffirms this in his remarks about prayer, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:6-8). Are you unstable because you can’t make up your mind about your relationship with God? God hopes you’ll figure that out sooner rather than later.

One of the goals God has in mind in the organization of the church, the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23), is “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head — Christ — from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:14-16). If we would truly grasp the unity to be had in Christ, the inconsistency would end, and we could accomplish so much more for the Lord.

We can do that! “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). Not only does this benefit God, it gives us all peace of mind and confidence in our lives. Will you be strong against Satan’s winds of doubt?

Jeff Greene

“I Will Run the Course of Your Commandments”

I love the 800 meters race. It is the perfect mix of tactics required in a long-distance event and the sprint speed needed for the final “kick.” There have been a few runners over the years who have tried to run it as a sprint, but when they get to the last stretch, the “kickers” catch up and win.

Why is this? Much like a NASCAR race, they have been running as fast as they can, but then there’s not enough gas in the tank to finish. Memories of this from my younger days still literally burn in my memory. I would always try to finish any race strong, but while doing this, my chest would feel like it was on fire, and I would cross the line gulping the air down as quickly as possible.

In the great chapter of the Bible completely dedicated to God’s word and all things connected to it, Psalm 119, we get a taste of our spiritual race. “I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart” (119:32 NKJV).

We understand that when we make obedience to God’s commands our goal, that is a tremendous and worthwhile effort! Yes, there will be huge challenges along the way, when you don’t feel that you can make it, but that is where God “enlarges your heart.” You can do it!

Hebrews chapter 11 gives us several examples of great men and women of faith. They obeyed God, even if they were severely persecuted or even killed. Then they are considered as witnesses to our race of faith and obedience in chapter 12:1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

It's all in there: 1) We run the course of His commands. 2) Sin hinders us from doing that, so we set it aside. 3) We are determined to have the endurance to finish faithfully. 4) God enlarges our hearts by providing the example of His Son, Jesus, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2).

So, how is your race going? Are sin’s temptations slowing you down because you haven’t completely rid them from your life. Does your life seem difficult due to the day-in-day-out responsibilities? Are you trusting too much in yourself and not enough in the Father and Son? Join us at the South Stokes Church of Christ as we run together to be rewarded with the “crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Victory will be oh so sweet!

Jeff Greene

A New Low

I got some bad news at the doctor’s last week. No, I’m not dying of cancer; the nurse said I measured five feet, ten and a quarter inches. 5’10.25”! I used to be six feet tall. What happened? I suppose my thirty plus years carrying a mail satchel should get the most blame, but still, only 5’10, what a disappointment! Can I get the doc to inject some of that artificial cartilage into my backbones?

We all know that getting older offers its challenges, but sometimes my prayer to God is, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails” (Psalm 71:9 NKJV).

Another negative about the passing of time is the general deterioration of spirituality among the masses. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Tim. 3:1), and “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (3:13).

Those are not very encouraging truths to dwell on, but all is not lost for the child of God. One key to lifting ourselves up above the physical and spiritual decline is Psalm 73:25-26, “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Of course, we’re not doing the lifting, we’re relying on God to be our strength.

In Paul’s comments on the physical part of Christianity, what he calls “earthen vessels,” he says, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed — always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

That’s a whole lot of heavy burdens that faithful Christians deal with, but he concludes with this encouraging thought, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (4:16-18).

So, if you’re an inch shorter than what you were at age twenty, fear not! Look to our Almighty God. Whom do we have in Heaven but Him! By the way, that works for you if you’re not twenty and still growing.

Jeff Greene

Hero, Don't Go!

I was watching a documentary on the painter, Norman Rockwell, the other day and my feelings were stirred at his amazing power to bring inspirational images of everyday life to his canvases. Though his works ranged from the serious to the humorous, almost all of them moved me to appreciate life as it should be in these United States.

Unfortunately, Mr. Rockwell died over forty years ago. As my mind pondered that, a deepening sadness overtook me. Has any artist replaced him? Hero, don’t go!

So many of our heroes have come and gone, even in my short lifetime. We think of those who were known nationally or even around the world. Then when we add in our personal heroes, it seems like their leaving means our lives will never be the same again. I’ve had the privilege to be in many a hospital with families of departing loved ones. Hearing, “Daddy, don’t go,” is no surprise. I’ve felt the same way a number of times.

When the biblical patriarch, Jacob, died in Egypt, even the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days, and when his family carried his body back to Canaan for burial, they mourned “with a great and very solemn lamentation” an extra seven days (Genesis 50 NKJV). A similar scene is repeated with Israel’s good kings, and, of course, with Jesus. Why do you think Peter was so adamant, when Jesus was foretelling His death, and Peter said, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” (Matthew 16:22 NKJV)? Hero, don’t go!

We understand the brevity of life on earth. King Hezekiah put it this way, “My life span is gone, taken from me like a shepherd's tent” (Isaiah 38:12). Here today, gone tomorrow, is the way it goes.

Our heroes do go, except for one. As Moses concluded his 120 years, he said to what I’m sure was an anxious Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Christians are reassured with the same words in Hebrews 13:5.

I’ve thought a lot about reasons to believe over the last forty-plus years, but as I write this article, it’s really coming home to me. Everything (James 5:1-3) and everyone we put our trust in will go from our lives. It’s all like autumn’s falling leaves, blown away and never to return. Then there is only one left standing there, Almighty God. He is my never-go Hero. How about yours?

Jeff Greene

Zelophehad, Passover and You

Is God fair? Obviously, we should be concerned about the answer to that question, and many are, even in Bible times (Ezekiel 18:25).

When we consider the law that God dictated to Moses for the Hebrews (Exodus 20 – Deuteronomy 34), unfairness may rise in our minds. Why did God have His own chosen people back then? Why was the law for them so strict? For example, why couldn’t they wear clothes made of different fabrics (Deut. 22:11)? The “law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2), for all mankind since Christ’s death, isn’t nearly so particular.

However, even in the Mosaic Law we constantly see the true justice of God. When Moses gave the order of how the Promised Land was to be divided among the twelve tribes of Israel, each tribe (the family descended from one of Israel’s [Jacob’s] twelve sons) received an area of land that was to be further divided amongst the current fathers of that tribe. There was a problem, though, a man named Zelophehad only had daughters. Were they to receive nothing to have for the future generations of their father? We see God’s fairness when Moses consulted with Him on this matter (Numbers 27:1-11; Joshua 17:1-6) and special provision was made for them.

Another incident arose concerning the Passover feast. All Israel was to gather for it on the fourteenth day of their first month. But there were some men who were “unclean” because of a dead body they apparently touched and were unable to partake of the feast. These men didn’t understand why they could not participate, so Moses again consulted with God, and special provision was made for them to celebrate the Passover in the second month (Numbers 9:6-13).

In case you haven’t noticed, people are getting more and more proud and self-righteous, even to the point of questioning God’s authority, and further, His existence. This may be having a negative impact on Christians in light of the fact that a final Judgment Day is coming for all. “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (Revelation 20:11-12 NKJV)”

Should we feel anxious about that moment? Does God know what He is doing? Faithful Christians should feel completely at ease in trusting the power and wisdom of God’s judgment. The only anxiety we should feel is if we are not faithful. Are you?

Jeff Greene

A Delicious Delicacy

Have you tried dry land fish? A ginseng-hunting friend of mine in Tennessee was always going on about this tasty treat. Dry land fish, otherwise known as morchella (or morels), a genus of the fungus family, are mushroom-colored and remind me of tiny pale pine trees.

I seldom eat mushrooms by themselves, but they augment burgers and steaks very nicely. Though my old buddy always raved about dry land fish, I think they tasted pretty much like most other mushrooms.

What is a delicacy, anyway? Relative to food, it’s something that tastes very good, but also has the meaning of being rare, hard to find. As I’m writing this, a bowl of mixed nuts is open at my desk. There are a few pistachios mingled among the rest of the nuts. Are they a delicacy because they taste good, but I must dig through the container to find them?

Is the Bible a delicacy? It, after all, is the message from the One and Only True and Living God. It also is declared to be figuratively delicious. “How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103 NKJV).

However, in terms of rareness, over one hundred million copies of it are sold every year. A complete copy, containing the old and new testaments can be purchased brand new for a couple of dollars. I have had a hand in giving away thousands in foreign countries and our own prisons.

We’re always told how wonderfully delicious caviar is, but when I see a picture of the dark goop made from fish eggs, I’m not so sure. Isn’t taste like beauty, in the eyes of the beholder? How many places in our little town of King can you buy a hamburger? At least ten? Why so many? It’s the old supply and demand principle. Demand means desire, desire, desire

Desire is the key in utilizing the grand gift from God of His word. It is said of those words, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold” (Ps. 19:10). “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). The righteous man’s “delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Ps. 1:2).

If modern polls are right, people may be buying Bibles, but they’re not reading them. What gives? Is just having a Bible, your ticket into Heaven? Can we add to the excuses people will give to God when He bars them at the gate, “But Lord, I own a Bible!”?

Again, desire is the key. Immerse yourself into the pages of the awe-inspiring word that can save your soul (Romans 1:16). Delight in it completely. It’s not just the double burger; it’s the ice cream dessert, too.

Jeff Greene

The Wrong Way on the Right Way

A traffic accident that is particularly tragic is when someone travels on the interstate in the wrong direction. They are likely going to be involved in a head-on collision which will increase the chance of serious injury or even death, and also there will be innocent victims in the other vehicle.

Add to that the frustration of figuring out how the whole scenario occurred. Did they go down the on ramp and turn left? Were they unfamiliar with the traffic pattern and thought the exit ramp was actually the entrance ramp? We would say that was impossible, but out in the rural areas at night with little traffic, it’s easy to do.

The great shame for a driver in that situation is he thinks he is going the right way when suddenly he faces death.

Did you know that Jesus calls Himself the Way and that the kingdom He established, the church, is also referred to as the Way (John 14:6; Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22)? Yes, we all want to “come to the Father” through the only Way, Jesus, and spend eternity in their presence.

However, Jesus warns us, “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14 NKJV). Peter acknowledges the reality of some who found it too difficult, “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray” (2 P. 2:15a).

As a matter of fact, much of the content of the letters of the New Testament is directed at keeping those who are already Christians on the right road to Heaven. There is only one way!

Don’t you love it when your GPS says, “Make a “U” turn”? You have wandered off the most direct route and it will say that over and over again till you get back on course. That sounds a whole lot like the prophets of the Old Testament, trying to redirect wayward Israel. “Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!’” (Isaiah 48:17-18a).

Christians know they’re on the right way when they follow the inspired directions of the New Testament. I love 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” I would think that I could preach that one verse every week and all Christians would stay on that right road. Unfortunately, the surrounding verses remind us of the reality that many so-called Christians “walk in darkness.”

The moral of this story: Read and obey Christ’s roadmap!

Jeff Greene

Pray for Forgetful Squirrels

Have you been looking out your windows lately? Lots of things are going on as we transition to winter. As I have been told many times over the years by fellow Christians, “Watch out, Jeff, the squirrels are gathering nuts for the winter.”

God has given squirrels amazing talents. I have been observing them checking out some black walnuts I dumped in the yard a few weeks ago. It seems that after just a few sniffs, some they take and others they leave, and there are still a couple laying there. We see the same activity from humans in the produce section of the grocery store. I still can’t figure out what differentiates a good cantaloupe from a bad one, and I used to work in the produce department.

Squirrels are an excellent example of the symbiotic world God created. Like bees spreading pollen, they spread the nuts, and don’t always dig them up, and thus we have more trees. I don’t know how often they forget. I’ve seen them digging through six inches of snow for a buried nut. How’d they know where to dig? If you want more hardwoods, pray for forgetful squirrels.

If you think about it, God created one incredible universe. Psalm 104 elaborates on this in some detail and sums it all up with verse 24a, “O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all” (NKJV).

Not only did our Almighty God make it all, but there is one more important detail brought forth in His Holy Word. “Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep; O Lord, You preserve man and beast” (Ps. 36:6). God keeps all this going. Not only is He the Great Creator, He is also the Great Sustainer of life! Isn’t it amazing that he created squirrels to save up nuts for future use?

We must remember this in those critical times when we get anxious about the future. Did your favorite politicians win? Are the COVID numbers going up? Are you worrying? How much toilet paper is in your closet?

We will be all right. Remember Jesus’ words, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

When Jesus addressed these earthly anxieties in the Sermon on the Mount, he emphasized priorities, “Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33). All I can add is, “Go and do likewise!”

 Jeff Greene

Watch Out for the Waves

The first wave is over. You might be thinking I’m talking about COVID-19, but actually it’s my yard, which is surrounded by poplar trees. The huge leaves have finally stopped falling. However, I can’t rest yet; the dozen or so Bradford pears are just beginning to turn red and pretty soon they’ll be blowing over my way, too. Another wave of work!

Funny thing about those waves: we tend not to be ready for the next one. In the two times I have fished in the ocean’s surf, I’ve had the same shock. I like to stand out in it almost waist deep, but the last time at Cape Hatteras, even though it was a relatively calm day, I was bowled completely over a couple of times. Too busy casting to watch out for the waves.

The one-chapter poetical book of Jude offers us another theme of waves. Jude thoroughly points out the vast corruption of the “ungodly” by stating they are “raging waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame” (v.13 NKJV). Yes, sin keeps on coming, doesn’t it?

Pity the “young man devoid of understanding” as he encounters the harlot in Proverbs 7. He wasn’t even able to fend off this first wave of sexual temptation and suffered “as an ox goes to the slaughter.” Yet that is not the end of this one Bible book’s warnings about this type of temptation. Why? Because the waves keep on coming!

Jesus tells a parable of an “unclean spirit” going out of a man seeking a place to “rest” elsewhere, but finding none. He decides to return to the man and finding the man’s “house” “swept and in order,” and “takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Luke 11:24-26). While there is much conjecture about Jesus’ actual meaning, we see one thing missing from this man succumbing to further waves of evil. He did not improve his defenses against future evil.

A long time ago I was on the job in my old mail Jeep, when I pulled out at an intersection in front of a motorcycle. I screeched to a halt just in time, but I did what most all of us would do: I made a mental note to take a moment longer to look out for those small vehicles. We all must constantly be watching out for evil. As Peter said, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 P. 5:8). You may have fought off Satan’s first wave. Be ready for the next!

Jeff Greene