Articles

PURPOSE OF HEART

A Christians Response to Crisis

     What an incredible few weeks it has been with fear and panic over COVID-19. Schools have shut down. Stores are selling out of toilet paper. Only essential employees are to show to work. We have been asked not to leave our homes except for doctor’s appointments and grocery shopping. Two of my favorite seasons have been canceled—basketball and baseball. Some days it is tough to know how to respond to everything that is going on. The course remains the same: Be faithful to God. Though I have lacked many answers, I continue to study the Bible, and God through His word has given me encouragement to meet the pandemic that we are going through.

     In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul told Timothy, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind”. Fear can dominate and change our lives. Fear can be good but also can become crippling in daily life. Fear of a dog was good for me when I was fifteen. Because of fear, I was able to climb a tree without Blue having me for an evening snack.

On the other hand, because of fear, many people lie. Because of fear many people don’t fulfill their abilities. This is a fear that is nonproductive. God does not want us to live in unhealthy fear but live with confidence that is directed toward and in Him. It is power, love and a sound mind that will help us overcome the tragedy of this pandemic regardless of what the outcome may be.

      It is important to remember that in all things, God is in control. Psalm 22:28 states, “For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations. Job in all his despair and losses said, “He makes nations great and destroys them; He enlarged nations and guides them” (Job 12:23). God, in His omniscience, is aware of everything that is going on with every person here upon the earth. Isaiah wrote, “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done saying, My counsel shall stand” (46:9-10). God is still in control and that will never change. He has already seen the end of all things that give us fear in this life.

     Having God in control should comfort us. He is powerful and has answers to any problem.  He has offered encouragement to many that we read about in the Bible. Joshua, after he took over the command of the children of Israel was given great words of encouragement by God. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage: do not be afraid, nor be dismayed for the Lord you God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Joshua was able to draw strength and comfort from God knowing that God would not leave him (Joshua 1:5). Joshua is not the only example of those comforted by God. David is another great example. In Psalm 27:1, David states, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid”. He also wrote those words that we all are so familiar with: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me”. In Christ, we can find comfort regardless of what is going on in our lives.

     God has also given us love. God loves us and wants us to love Him back. Jesus is the greatest example of love. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We should love others. Love is the greatest gift and is exemplified in 1 Corinthians 13. Love is a gift to us from God but also needs to be a gift from ourselves to others. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you all, that you love one another: as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34).

     Finally, Paul says that we have been given a sound mind. In this crisis, I think of things that will give me a sound mind. To be sound in mind is to be rational in thinking.  Three passages help me keep my sound mind. David says, “I will both lie down in peace and sleep: for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8). In Christ I may dwell in safety. I know that this world is not my home. My home is in heaven throughout eternity. I sleep better knowing that I am going to something that is far better than what is here on earth. Because of this reality, I do not have to be anxious. Paul stated, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God: and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:6-7). As one who has suffered with anxiety, I used to think that it would be impossible to not be anxious. I used to wonder how this could be done. Don’t stop reading at the beginning of verse 6. Go on to read about prayer. It is the prayer and requests that will give us peace from God.

     Paul lived a life full of prayer. When he came to the end of his life, he wrote these words, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day and not to me only but to also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). After being baptized into Christ, Paul lived a life of persecution. His certainty in life was his service to God. He goes into detail in 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 about his sufferings for Christ. He did not know what would lie ahead of him while on earth, but he was confident in his eternal future.

     I pray for all those that are affected by this pandemic. I pray for those who are sick and the ones who are not working. I pray for those who are afraid and have anxiety in their lives. I do not know what the end of all this will be. However, I am confident that God wants me to be a Christian example in all things that I do. God is our comfort. He has not given us a spirit of fear. He rather has given us power, love and a sound mind. I am comforted that God is an encourager and helps me to face trials in life with strength. I am grateful for His love. I have soundness of mind because He gives me peace. It is my hope that during this crisis, you may find power, love and soundness of mind. I pray that you not only find it but also help others to attain it. Let us be comforted by God and the hope of eternity that comes through Christ.       

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-835-6470.

     Understanding the Bible can at times be challenging. We find many things in the Bible to be written in a historical perspective. Bible history has time and again been verified with the history of old writings as well as archeological proof. History, however, is not the only presentation in the scriptures. Writings also include prophecy, parables, and apocalyptic language (signs and symbols). It can be very challenging to some readers to grasp what is being said or meant in particular passages and therefore, much falsehood and many misinterpretations can result in what is believed and shared with others.  As we begin these thoughts today, let us start with these certainties:

God does not lie.

1. Numbers 23:19- God is not a man, that He should lie. Nor a son of man that He should repent. Has His said, and will not He not do?
2. 1 Samuel 15:29- And the Strength of Israel will not lie or relent, for He is not a man that he should relent.
3. Hebrews 6:18- That by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.

All scriptures are inspired.

1. 2 Timothy 3:16- All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2. 2 Peter 1:20-21- Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

God will never lie or try to trick regarding His word. It is TRUTH. We can also understand that all scripture is given by His inspiration. No man came up with what is found within the Bible. For that matter no man could have. It is impossible for man to develop the divine revelation that was presented throughout time to those that God spoke to and be 100% accurate. The conclusion must be that there is harmony within the Biblical text. This is true even when it may appear that a conflict exists. It is my suggestion that careful study is given in those times and conclusions be sought that do not compromise the word of God or bring us to the conclusion that God is a liar.

     An example of such case would be as follows. In Genesis 2: 19, Moses states, “Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name”. Some have read this verse and stated that God does not know everything because He had to see what Adam would name the animals. However, Isaiah 46:9-10 states, “Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand”.  Others verses that would include God as being all knowing are Psalms 139:1-4; Job 37:16; Hebrews 4:13. All verses relating to a given topic must be considered in understanding the word of God, who He is and how He is conveyed to the reader. This verse cannot serve as proof that God is not all knowing because it conflicts with other scriptures. The fact that God is all knowing allows Him to send prophecy throughout the Bible.

     The Old Testament is full of prophecies concerning people and places. Some of the greatest prophecies are regarding the birth, life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God used prophets to reveal His plan for mans salvation a little a time throughout the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 18:15-18, a great prophet is spoken of that will be like Moses. He would be raised up from the Israelites and speak the word of God. This great prophet that would be like Moses, of course, is Christ. Moses goes on to warn about false prophets in this passage. Only God can give men the information to speak as a prophet. His word will come to be true. The prophecies of Jesus all came true. This includes His time on earth doing the will of the Father as a teacher.

     Jesus frequently used parables in His teaching. These lessons give us religious principles and moral attitudes. Jesus often said one thing is like another. These parables are often referred to as an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Jesus was asked why He spoke in parables in Matthew’s account of the Gospel. In short, in Matthew 13:10-16, Jesus explains that in seeing they do not see and in hearing they do not hear. Jesus needed them to understand with their hearts and turn. Even with eyes to see and ears to hear, those that heard were unwilling to understand the deeper meaning that involved their own hearts. Those that would have understood began to gain knowledge into the love of God, Jesus, and the kingdom.

     Great misunderstandings come from the apocalyptic writings. These writings are mostly found in the Revelation, regarding those things which shortly must come to pass, Revelation 1:1. Apocalyptic writings are also found in Daniel and Ezekiel. In depth study that includes an understanding of the churches, the region, the time of writing and the government are necessary for appropriate interpretation in the Revelation. Most importantly, an understanding of the signs, symbols and beasts mentioned in this great book are a must if one is to come to an understanding of the word of God. In studying apocalyptic writing, it is still important to keep the unity of the Bible in mind. The Bible will not contradict itself because God does not lie. Therefore, if a conclusion or interpretation is met regarding the text from the revelation that does not coincide with truth in other scripture, the conclusion or interpretation is wrong. The Bible will not disagree in message. A good way to understand what is more difficult is to understand what is less difficult. Parts of Revelation are difficult to understand. However, better interpretation of Revelation can come from verses that are easier to understand knowing that any interpretation will not contradict itself.      It is my prayer that you are spending time studying your Bible. If you are not studying, set time each day to better understand the word of God. In Him rests our hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. He is our promise of eternal life in heaven one day. Rest assured, the Bible is the word of God and it was given to us by inspired men. The study of His word will prepare us for anything that we may face in life. Timothy 2:15 states, “Be diligent to present yourself approved

     I have been asked both in conversation and in writing if the Kingdom exists today. This presents a very troubling question for some. For others, their reasoning brings them comfort in their belief regarding the what and when of the Kingdom. For the truth of the Kingdom establishment, the Bible must be used rather than an “I think” approach.  Undoubtedly the Bible in Old Testament passages states that a Kingdom is going to be established. Daniel states, in speaking with Nebuchadnezzar in

Daniel 2:44-45, “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold—the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure”.

The great statue that was seen in this dream by Nebuchadnezzar was made of four different materials to symbolize four different kingdoms. These kingdoms would be the Babylonian Empire, the Medo-Persian Empire, the Grecian Empire and the Roman Empire. In the days of the kings of the Roman Empire, the Kingdom would be established, and it would stand forever. The kingdom was established on the Day of Pentecost, when Peter opened the door through baptism to those believers who were pricked in their hearts. Thus, the Kingdom began on this day. Christ is the King and this Kingdom will stand forever.

     Many differing opinions are offered regarding the establishment of the Kingdom of God. Some of these opinions include that it is not yet established. I have three scriptures that the Kingdom is now in effect. These scriptures are simply un-get-overable. (This phrase was used by one of my teachers in preaching school.) These verses must be considered when considering the establishment of the Kingdom. Please examine these verses with me.

1. In Luke 9:27, Jesus states, “But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God”. If the kingdom is yet to be established where are these people that have not yet tasted death. This would make them nearly 2000 years old. It is my belief that someone who is that old would have raised some eyebrows over the past 1500 years. Are these people hidden? How can we not know of a person that would be that old? Fact is that some saw the glory of the Kingdom following the death of Christ and on the day of Pentecost. It came with power as the disciples were moved by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2).
2. Colossians 1:13-14 states, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins”. I will not write this in the original Greek. However, the language that the New Testament was written in is koine Greek. It is a dead language meaning that it is unchanged in terms of approach, understanding and sentence structure. This verse is understood in the past tense. It is something that has already happened. Those in darkness had been delivered to light. From that darkness there is a transferring to the Kingdom of God. This is not something that was going to happen at a later point in time. Paul and the Christians he wrote to had been moved from darkness to the kingdom at a previous point in time.  If the Kingdom is not established Paul could not have spoken this truth.
3. Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth. As stated in Matthew 28:18-20, “And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen”. We see Jesus in His authority, assignment and assurance in this passage. It is His authority that makes Him King and over a Kingdom. Jesus as King has all authority over all things. His authority includes the church as He is the head (Ephesians 5:22).  Death once had authority over all mankind because of sin. Because Jesus now has authority over death, we have escaped from the second death if we are in His kingdom. Only the king could bring this type of hope to those in a kingdom.

     There are many scriptures that deal with the Kingdom. Some of these have led to confusion by many. In order to fully understand the kingdom, one must look at all verses to gain understanding of what is being stated. To fully understand the establishment of the kingdom, verses easier to understand are helpful in studying the more difficult ones. Certainly, Christ indicated that some would not see death prior to the kingdom coming. Paul states that those Colossians had been led from darkness into the Kingdom of God. The tense of this scripture cannot be disputed. It is past tense. Lastly, the King claims all authority. The authority cannot be changed. It is set and the authority of Jesus will stand forever. 

     I encourage you to study about the kingdom. Study these verses. Truth has been set forth. Member of the Lord’s Church are in the Kingdom and the King reigns supreme. One day, all that have drawn breath will stand before the great King.

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-493-2451.

     A great frustration of a minister is feeling like you are not touching others with the truth of God’s word. I have watched the reactions of others from the pulpit while preaching as well as looked into their eyes as the invitation was extended. Many times, I can’t help but wonder what stops people from turning their lives to God. It is the greatest decision that we will make in life. It is a decision that is based on life and death consequences. Our eternal destination is in the balance. God has extended His grace and love through Jesus Christ. The scales can only be brought into balance for hope of eternal life based on our decision to be obedient. This decision of obedience is in all things pertaining to life from our baptism through a faithful end when death comes. Why do more not come to the cross of Christ?

     I have heard numerous excuses of hesitation and delay. I wonder sometimes if others believe that I can offer forgiveness or if my approval is needed for justification. This is a thought that scares me to death. I have no way to remove sin. I have no way to offer justification or forgiveness on behalf of God. I can only preach the truth and encourage others to make right decisions.  I can help and aid a brother or sister in need. I can live my life in a way that the scriptures demand and pray that God will fully let light shine. I cannot bear the cross of others or give answer to God for their actions. I know however, that each day I must make that conscientious decision to bear my own cross. “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul’” (Matthew 16:24-26). Figuratively speaking, I have a cross I must bear every day. Jesus had a great cross to bear as His included so great a sacrifice for the remission of sins for all that would obey him.

     I hope and pray that no one must endure death as Jesus experienced it, the death of crucifixion. Crucifixion is one of the most torturous and humiliating ways to die. However, as a Christian, I must be willing to sacrifice in my life and serve Him at any cost. Jesus asks very clearly asks a question that we all must consider. What are we willing to lose our soul over? Do we have commitments in our life that hinder us from carrying our cross? Are there materialistic desires that hinder us from being the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16)?  Are there other people or places or things that hinder us from coming to the cross? A faithful servant of God can’t meet the morning with the thought, “I can’t come to the cross today”. Rather, the thought should be to do all that is pleasing in His sight. We should be mindful to go to that cross as an example, as a servant trying to avoid sin, and as a child desiring to grow in nurture, wisdom and His will.

     I don’t write as a perfect example. I have fallen short of carrying my cross on many occasions. It is not a credit to my life. It is not something I am proud of. To be honest, as I look at those times that I have not carried my cross, those times that I have had a soul that was hidden in the corner, those times that I was silent when I should have spoken; those times when I was engaged in behavior that was not Christ-like. I am ashamed. I could blame it on immaturity. I could blame it on growing pains.  I could blame it on my friends. I could blame it on the way of the world. True blame, however, has come for the one that has not gone to the cross. ME!   I have repented in tears and great distress. I have grown old enough to know that nothing is permanent except God and His word. It is enough for me to carry my cross and not care for the ways and riches of the world. It is enough for me to be willing to die for the name and cause of Christ. It is because the glorious gospel makes it all worth it. The gospel is what gives me strength. It gives me hope. I can know that in obedience I will one day witness the glory of God and Jesus throughout all the ages.  I am a man that will meet my death. It cannot be avoided. As long as this earth stands, we will all face that time. If my soul is not prepared, all this life will not have been worth it. All things that are in this life will come to an end. We often look for ways to live longer. How do I stay younger? How can I keep my physique from when I was younger? How many treasures can we gain? Though all this, it is our soul that needs the most care. Through all our search for “THE GREAT QUESTIONS OF LIFE”, have we come to the cross today?

     We often find many reasons to not come to the cross. Thankful are we that Jesus came to this earth with this end in mind. He came to earth to do the will of His father. His dying on the cross was the end in some ways and the beginning in others. He died and so did the Old Law. He arose and so did our hope for eternal life. Could you imagine for one moment if Jesus on that day could not go to the cross? It would be easy to make excuses. “I am not going to Jerusalem. People there are trying to hurt me”. “I am not going to the cross. I didn’t do anything to deserve it”. I am not going to the cross. I am physically unable”. How greatly He must have hurt. How the nerves in His back must have felt like they were on fire. How angry He must have been for being mocked and spit on. All of this, and He did the will of the Father. He went to the cross. He endured a hurt beyond what I can imagine. He endured mockery beyond what I can comprehend. Yet despite it all, He hung there on the cross and died so that I may have hope. Jesus, without excuse and without delay, went to the cross.

     Have you ever considered why you don’t go to the cross? Have you ever considered why the thought may run through your mind on any given day, “I can’t go to the cross today”. In sports, we often hear that cliché, “No excuse”. What if Christians lived that type of life? What if we as Christians were strengthened by the desire to go to the cross rather that the mindset to avoid it. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friend”. Jesus went to the cross with love and desire. Neither the cruelties of this world nor the glory of it kept Him from suffering and sacrificing so greatly. I pray that each day that you wake, you declare in heart, mind and soul, “Today, I will go to the cross.”    

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. Scott invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-493-2451.

Many people in life try to live very quiet lives while others are thrust into a spotlight. This spotlight comes sometimes at the choosing of the individual and at other times because of remarkable talent or a set of circumstances. I guess, for all people, they are known in some way. Each of us have things in our life that gives us identification. For some, it may be stellar athletic ability, for others it may be a spirit of love and understanding. Some individuals are known because of the jobs they have or the place they live or because of their family members. How are you known? Are you known as you think you are known? Are you known how you want to be known?

     In 1995, when my pap was sick in the hospital, I had gone to visit him. It was difficult to see him in bed without strength and so tired. This was the man that took me to the oil field with him at a very young age. This was the man that I had worked side by side with in the garden while the temperatures swelled close to 100 degrees. Pap and I worked in the hay and built fence for livestock. In the best shape of my life, my pap could still work circles around me. I suppose it was this work ethic that helped me to experience success as a football player. He taught how to be tough and continue to work hard when circumstances were tough. He also taught me about being a loving father, grandfather and Christian man. I briefly speak of these experiences with my pap to say that he knew me as we worked together and knew me with what I considered successes in my life.

     While in the hospital with Pap that day, he had other visitors that came to see him. Pap was pleased to see the faces of friends from home who had made the hour and a half drive to see how he was doing. I knew that my Pap was proud of me and I knew that he would introduce me to these gentlemen. How would he introduce me though? I liked to be known as a football player. I like to be known as a college graduate. I liked to be known as working in the field of mental health. These were very important to me. I thought that these identifiers were extremely important to me in my life and surely they would be mentioned by my pap. When the introductions were made, Pap said, “This is my grandson, Scott. He is a member of the church and is working with the youth group at Waverly Church of Christ”. WOW. I have never forgotten this moment. What I thought was important was not really to my pap. And he was right. Being a Christian is the greatest compliment and identifying mark of anyone that lives. 

     I often look back on the lessons that my pap taught me. This is one of the greatest ones that I remember. Though I enjoyed being known a particular way, truly there was no life-giving benefit in it. Being known as a faithful servant and Christian is the greatest identity one can have. Jesus in teaching His disciples said this, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, bur whoever loses his life for My sake will fine it. For was profit is it ta a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26).

     Many people sacrifice a life that is of a faithful Christian to gain the whole world. What a great tragedy as the world and the riches of it will eventually come to an end. The Christian life is the life of promise. The Christian life is the life hope. Whatever we are known for in this life, make sure that you are known as a faithful Christian first. Don’t be known for that which will eventually end but be known for that which will live on forever. “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it: but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).      

     Scott is the minister at the Elm Grove Church of Christ. Meeting times are Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class and 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship. Mid-week Bible study is on Wednesday at 6:30p.m. Please visit our website at elmgrovechurchofchrist.org. He invites any questions or comments and would love to sit down and study. He can be reached at the Elm Grove Church of Christ at 740-493-2451.