Articles

PURPOSE OF HEART

LOOKING BACK

     In Genesis 19:26, Moses states, “But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” This would have been Lot’s wife who was given explicit command and chose not to follow instruction. Prior to this text, God had sent messengers to Abraham to inform him that Sodom and Gomorrah were going to be destroyed because of their sins against God. The outcry against these cities had grown great before God as Genesis 19: 13 states. Abraham pleaded for these cities to be spared if righteous souls could be found. He first asked if fifty righteous souls could be found would the cities be spared. Abraham descended in the number of righteous that could be found. He asked for fifty, then forty five, then forty, then thirty, then twenty, then ten. At each account God stated that He would not destroy the cities if righteousness could be found.

     Sodom was the residency for the nephew of Abraham. Lot had parted from Abraham several years earlier so that greener pastures could be found for his livestock.  The same messengers arrived to warn Lot and his family of the destruction that was soon to take place.  Not even ten souls could be found in the city. Lot and his wife and their two daughters were counted as righteous, being able to escape. Lot’s son in laws were also warned but they heeded the news as a joke. When the following morning arrived, Lot and his family were told to escape for their lives. Their instruction was to stay at no place in the plains. Not only was Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed with fire and brimstone but all other cities of the plain as well. The other instruction given was to not look back. Staying in the plain or looking would be reason for destruction (Genesis 19:17). Once Lot, his wife and his daughters got to Zoar, fire and brimstone came upon the cities. They had escaped God’s judgement. However, Lot’s wife looked back. By doing this she became a pillar of salt. What were the reasons Lot’s wife looked back even though great consequence was given for doing so? Did she want to see what was happening? Was it a deeper idea of looking back in the fact that it was a society that she had grown accustomed to and was going to miss life in the city? I believe she literally looked back although a case could be made for her also missing the life she had in Sodom. Regardless, she died because of what she did.

     Going against the command of God always comes with great consequence. God dealt differently with people in the days of Abraham. When God gave instruction, those who didn’t follow were often given an immediate consequence. Though God does not deal with us in this manner today, consequence for us not obeying his command will eventually result in death.

      As God used to speak personally to man and through the prophets in days of old has spoken to us today through His son Christ Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus is clear on where we need to look. Just as Lot’s wife was given a place not to look, Christians are given a place to look. The Apostle Paul gives us great direction with his example in life. He told the Phillipian church that he forgot those things that were behind and was reaching forward to what was ahead. That which was ahead was the hope of eternal salvation in heaven that can only come through a life in Christ Jesus. Paul had a lot of mistakes in his earlier life and could not focus on what once was. The only direction for him was to focus on Christ.

     The same needs to be the focus and concentration for the Christian. It is easy to think in terms of could have, should have, would have. These thoughts are fruitless for the Christian because the past cannot be fixed. It can however be made right. Yesterday cannot be changed but today can be. Focus is not on yesterday but it is on that which lies ahead.  Learn from our past but don’t allow it to be the focus of sight. Focus on serving God and following His commandments. If total concentration is on these things, what shouldn’t will become less evident.              

     It is important in the Christian life to know where we are going. What is the mark that must be aimed for? Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  A farmer that is plowing his field must have his eye and total concentration on where he is going. If he looks to the left, he will soon be plowing to the left. If he looks to the right, he will soon be plowing to the right. The same could be said of someone who is driving a car. If focus is lost, the path of the car will be uncertain. Consider also mowing grass. Focus must be maintained on the line that is to be mown. If distraction comes, grass will soon be missed. Both time and expense are lost if focus is not maintained. The picture is vivid and so is the application that if one does not keep their eye on Christ, they will soon be off course.

     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.

Happy New Year

As the end of one year comes to a close and a New Year begins, people often make New Year’s resolutions. The resolutions are often related to losing weight, getting into shape by going back to the gym, finding a new job or even being nicer to those that irritate us. As one year comes and goes so quickly, it seems that many of our resolutions do as well. It is great to try to become a better person but the results often don’t come from the heart-felt intentions. I pray all that have made resolutions can see positive changes in their lives.

It is important to remember that physical and emotional resolutions and change are not the only areas that need to be addressed. The spiritual being needs to also be under consideration when resolving to become a better person. The spiritual aspect of a person is the area that is rewarding both now and in the time to come. The Apostle Paul told Timothy, “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). The spiritually well-kept person will have a good life now and then the great reward of heaven one day.

It is my prayer for you in the year 2019 that you consider your spiritual being and resolve to become more like God. May your health prosper not only physically, but also spiritually. If you are not spiritually healthy, God has given us a Great Physician. This great physician brings comfort in the life that is now lived and perfect healing in the life that is to come. “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

If we abide in Christ, then great profit is available to all who seek Him. The greatest of profit is in the Bible. This is the revelation of God that shows us how to return to Him. According to the Apostle Paul it also thoroughly furnishing us to every good work (2 Timothy 3:16). Our true profit will be in Christ rather than the riches of the world. Worldly riches will one day end but Christ is forever.

Being in Christ will give us peace in this life. The Philippians were told that there is a peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Because of this peace we can dwell in gladness and safety. Having this peace should also help us to be peaceful and love others. Peace with those that are around us will help us to be honest and sincere that we may be an example to all.

It is also my pray for the year 2019, that you consider your name. Are you are New Testament Christian? The name Christian means Christ-like and gives us the privilege of a great inheritance. God is our Father who is in Heaven. Those that are Christians have become fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). Because of this, the Christian should want to be around fellow heirs, remembering their blessings and preparing for that great reunion of all that are faithful in Christ and to God.

Being a co heir with Christ means that we are linked or yoked to Him. Christ is the great shepherd that leads His sheep in the way of safety. He knows the way of safety because He has traveled the way before. Because we are His sheep, our strength can be renewed in both good times and bad. Jesus has shown the way and given us the armor to protect ourselves in all situations.

It is also my prayer for 2019, that you reconcile yourself if you are not a child of God.

^“For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled  in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—  if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister” (Colossians 1:19-23).

Christ was sent so that man could return to God. If you are not a New Testament Christian and would like to learn what the Bible teaches about obedience to God and promise of eternal life, please contact me.

Happy New Year

Health- 3 John 2

Abide- Galatians 2:20

Profit- 2 Timothy 3:16

Peace- Psalms 4:6-8

Yes- Matthew 5:7

 

Name- 1 Peter 2:9

Eat- Acts 20:7

Watch- Matthew 24:42

 

Yoked- Matthew 11:28-30

Eagles Wings- Isaiah 40:31

Armor- Ephesians 6:11

Reconcile- Colossians 1:20-22

 

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. All are invited. 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, 740-493-2451.

Purpose of Heart

Which Way

“Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.  I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.  Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.  For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble” (Proverbs 4:10-19).

These are the words of King Solomon. He was the third King of Israel and the son of David. It is unknown how old Solomon was when he began to reign, but he wanted to be wise in his kingship. The only way that Solomon could achieve this was through the help of God. In 1 Kings 3:9 he asked, “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” This was pleasing to God and because Solomon asked for an understanding heart rather than a long life or great riches, God granted him his request. With the exception of Jesus Christ, Solomon is the wisest man that ever lived. He is also possibly the richest man that ever lived. It was because of these riches that Solomon also made some foolish decisions. Solomon loved many foreign women and they turned his heart to other gods. Even though Solomon ruled with great wisdom, he also had an understanding of both a wise way and a foolish or evil way.

Solomon addresses his son in the above text. He encourages him to receive his word. If his son receives the word, then his years can be many. Solomon is teaching about the way of wisdom. He understands this path and the benefit of it. He can KNOW that this is the best path because he has insight into the path of evil.  The path of evil must be avoided for the path of righteousness. In the path of righteousness, the way is clearer. Solomon says that the steps will not be hindered and one can run without stumbling. This path is to be held securely for it is a path of safety. It is a path of light. It shines bright every day. One can see where they are going.

The path of evil is the contrast. Solomon says do not walk on this path. Not only does he suggest to not walk on this path, he says to avoid and turn away from it. Don’t even come close to entering this way. This is a path that is full of wickedness and evil. Those that are on this path are full of sin and tempting others to sin with them. The sinner is encouraging others to follow along with them as though the majority adds justification to the path. On this path independent thinking is not required. Followers are welcome. This is a path that once taken is hard to find a different way. It is a path of darkness where stumbling is the norm. What makes one to stumble is unrecognizable for the path is dark.

Like Solomon, we love our children as well. We want them to find the path of .righteousness. We want what is best and right for them every step of their lives. As parents, we try to teach them to know and respect the difference between right and wrong, to be kind to others and to strive to serve God. It is the experience and knowledge of a parent that helps to guide their own children in hopes that they will not make the same mistakes—the mistakes of evil where darkness and stumbling is the norm. The way of wisdom is the only way in life that gives light to our path.

It is my prayer that you walk in the path of righteousness. It is my prayer that you are teaching your children which way to go. The way of sight and vision is not the way of darkness. The way of righteousness is a path that is full of light. God is light (1 John 1:5). God will direct the steps of the righteous. However, where there is darkness, God cannot be found. No darkness can be found in God (1 John 1:5). May you be walking in the light and teaching your children the path of righteousness.

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. All are invited. 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, 740-493-2451.

 

Purpose of Heart

Lost and Found

For many people, one of the great treasures of fall is getting to hunt. A lot of time, money and effort is spent preparing for the opportunity to, particularly, deer hunt. People will travel from all over to come to their favorite hunting spot with great dreams of harvest. For some people the hunt is about getting food for the family. For others it is about time with friends or trying to kill that record buck. Whatever the desire, dangers are present during this time. Proper dress is required so that other hunters can identify you and with more hunters in the woods, safe shooting is a must. There is also the danger of other animals in the woods. Sightings of bears, bobcats and coyotes are on the rise. Then, there is the danger of losing your way in the woods and getting lost. Over a hill, through a hollow or entering a field, one must be aware of surroundings and how to get back. The woods always look different returning as opposed to going.

My friend and his brother have rented their property to some hunters from out of state. Their land is large and spread out among the hills and hollows. It would not take one very long to lose bearing if not paying close attention. Just recently my friends were going to their family farm when they were met by one of the visiting hunters. He looked worried and said, “We may have a problem.” One of his friends had not yet returned from his afternoon hunt and it was very unlike him not to call if he wasn’t going to return on time. The fear amongst all the men was that he was hurt, had run out of gas or was lost.

Many thoughts go through the mind at a time like this. One thought is for certain; the friend must be found as quickly as possible. To the woods everyone went with the racing thoughts of what might have happened and prayers that he would be found safe. After a period of travel and yelling for the next few hours a light was seen on top of a hill. Finally, the yells were heard and a man started making his way toward those who were shouting. Sure enough it was the man that had not returned to the house following his hunt. He had left in early afternoon and at this time it was close to 9:00 p.m. Thankfully, the man was safe. He had gotten turned around while walking and lost awareness of how to get back to the house. It would seem that at this time, lots of fun would be poked at the man. This was not the case as the man was just as afraid as everyone else. Though all the men felt relief, each one continued with anxious thoughts.

I can’t help but think of the spiritual application from this true story. Every one of us live with those that are lost. Those that we know as spiritually lost have a greater tragedy that awaits them at the end of life. They are in the figurative woods of life and have no hope of ever getting out unless they find Jesus. He is the only way to freedom from being lost (John 14:6). When those friends feared the worse, it was time for action. A plan had to be developed immediately to go and find this one man. Why do we not have the same mindset, for those that are spiritually lost? The pain and anguish of those that are literally lost should be the same as those who are spiritually lost. Yet, we often fail to give those around us the directions for life that will assure safety. It is no problem to offer someone directions when they ask how to get to a certain place. We feel compassion to those that are physically lost. We offer them help because we have compassion on those who are afraid. The same compassion and urgency needs to be given to those that are in danger of their eternal lives.

 

To those that are spiritually lost because of lack of knowledge, we must take the gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). For those that have once been in Christ but have lost their way, we need to desperately seek. Jesus spoke of the Parable of the Lost Sheep. In Luke 15: 4ff., Jesus states, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’  I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

How great it is to have friends who would immediately come to your rescue when you are lost. Should we not be so worried when one is lost? The lost are around us everywhere we look yet no sense of urgency can be found. This lost hunter was experienced in the woods. He knew the woods and had spent a lifetime in them. However on this day, he lost his way. Those that know the woods came to his rescue to bring him home. For those of us that know the spiritual woods, let us with urgency send out the search party to bring the souls of the lost to the safety of 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 6:30 p.m. All are invited. 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, 740-493-2451.