LOVE, TRUTH, AND JOY

John was an old man—the last of the Twelve—who writes 2 John, this small, but substantive letter.  Was it literally written to a sister in Christ, or a church using symbolic language?  That debate will be for another time—for now, we recognize that it is eternal truth for us!  Three themes dominate the text: love, truth, and joy. 

We begin with LOVE, as John does. Love is used four times, (v. 1, 3, 5-6). In the first two, there is a connection to truth. Indeed, in the last two, there is the implication of truth, as love is spoken of as being commanded. Love and truth walk hand in hand. Love without truth is a toxic empathy—not really love. It is tolerating the intolerable, condoning the sinful, even celebrating the evil. It is tantamount to giving someone a pat on the back on their way to hell! Love cares enough to confront with truth, yet ever with a heart of compassion. I have never forgotten what John Maxwell said, “People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” You can have a mouth full of theological propositions, but a heart empty of real compassion. 

So, we move on to TRUTH. Truth is mentioned five times, (v. 1 [twice], v. 2-4).  We may add a term synonymous with Gospel truth, and that is “doctrine,” referenced three times (twice in v. 9 and once in v. 10). In addition, the core of the letter is a call to confront error, (v. 7-11). While we must be reminded that love without truth is toxic empathy, truth without love is cruel brutality. We must, however, equip our people to discern deception and reject it. It is not nit-picking about peripheral matters where genuine Christians may disagree, but it is holding to courageous convictions concerning the core of Christianity. John speaks particularly of the doctrine of Christ. Every cult and false religion denies the incarnation—the Only Begotten Son of God, fully God and fully man—and the only Way, the sole Truth, and the unique source of Life. We are to do all we can to defeat such deception by wielding the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!

Finally, John stresses JOY. Joy is referenced twice—once as “rejoiced,” (v. 4) and then as “joy,” in v. 12. Joy is the result of seeing the children of God walking in truth and love. Walking suggests progress—advancing in the things of God. Disciples have not arrived at perfection yet, for that awaits Heaven, but there ought to be progression in sanctification. Truth does not have to be taught with a scowl on the face and a growl in the voice. Doctrine ought to be declared with delight!  While, what I am sharing with you online I pray is helpful, there is nothing like being personally in the house of God with the people of God to hear the word of God as we engage in the worship of God for the glory of God!  John’s joy would be fully experienced as he saw his brothers and sisters face to face. May this be our reality on this Lord’s Day!

If you attend a liberal church where a false love is promoted to the exclusion of truth, get out as fast as you can!  Should you attend a legalistic church where truth is used to beat people down instead of lifting them up, find another church. If you attend a lifeless church, where it seems more like a funeral home than a joyful celebration, pray for revival to come, and if it does not, then go where you can rejoice in the Risen Lord! 

There are three other words that should claim our attention in John’s greeting: “Grace, mercy, and peace…from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ,” (v. 3). The bottom line is this: our capacity to express God’s love, to expound God’s truth, and to experience His joy springs from a genuine experience of salvation. Grace is receiving what we do not deserve—eternal life; mercy is not getting what we do deserve—no condemnation, being forgiven; peace is what results from these—peace with the Father through the Son!

POWER IN PRAYER

Concerning prayer, when all is said and done, there is a lot more said than done. How many sermons have we heard about prayer? Have many studies have we done about prayer?  These are of value to be sure. Yet, as James warned us, we must be “doers of the Word and not hearers only,” (James 1:22). John states three principles in 1 John 5:14-15 that must be practiced to experience power in prayer.

First, we must ASK, “that if we ASK anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ASK, we know that we have the petitions that we have ASKED of Him.” [emphasis added]. James also told us, “you do not have because you do not ask,” (James 4:2c). Unasked prayers are unanswered prayers. Sin is at its depraved heart about the ego. We see in center of sin the letter, “I.”  When we pray, we are not informing God of that which He does not know.  Rather, we are admitting that we know we need Him and cannot handle things on our own. He is God and we are not. As a preacher, I have found it easier to speak to men about God than to speak to God about men. But, my preaching will be without power if I do not seek Him.

Second, we must ABIDE, “that if we ask anything according to HIS WILL, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions we asked of Him.” [emphasis added]. Abiding in the will of God—being in submission to it—brings power in prayer. We are linked to Christ and can ask anything for we only want what He wills. Surely, John recalled these words from the lips of Jesus, ‬‬“If you ABIDE in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you,” (John‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬‬, emphasis added). The will of God is expressed in the Word of God—a Book of “exceedingly great and precious promises,” (2 Pet 1:4). As we abide in that Word so it abides in us, then we find ourselves abiding in Christ and in His will, which far from limiting our prayers, liberates our prayers to ask for absolutely anything. 

Third, we must ANTICIPATE, “Now this is the CONFIDENCE that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if WE KNOW that He hears us, whatever we ask, WE KNOW that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”  Our anticipation is to receive an answer. Faith is the foundation on which powerful praying rests. Our confidence in God’s power to answer and purpose for answering flips the switch that unleashes the energy of Omnipotence! Man says, “I will believe it when I see it,” but God responds, “You’ll see it when you believe it!” Our Lord—who cannot lie—stated it, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive,” (‭‭Matt.‬ ‭21‬:‭22‬‬). I suspect that one day when I stand before the Lord, I will be disappointed in knowing that I did not ask God for too much, but too little. He has limitless power, but my experience of that will be limited by my unbelief. Some of the most shocking words in Scripture are these: “Now [Jesus] could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching.” (Mark‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬-‭6‬). 

May we fervently and faithfully ask, abide, and anticipate power in prayer!  

PREACHING PROPHETIC PASSAGES: ITS NECESSITY AND URGENCY

Preachers may tend to avoid preaching about prophecy due to its difficulty and potential for controversy. Yet, Scripture itself calls us to preaching prophetic passages as a necessity and with urgency. 

Concerning the coming of Christ and the consummation of the age there are often three major views: 

1) Premillennialism—that says Christ will return and then set up a thousand year reign on earth;

2) Postmillennialism—that says the church will win the world to Christ and then He will return and receive His kingdom;

3) Amillennialism—that says the prophetic passages are symbolic and Christ will return with a general resurrection and judgment bringing the eternal state. 

Someone has suggested a fourth—panmillennialism: it will all “pan” out in the end!  I would say that is the worst of the views. It is a wish-washy approach to the significant number of prophetic passages that demand to be preached. Peter would have forcefully confronted such thinking. One third of his second epistle is devoted to the subject, and brings the climax of all the Apostle wanted to say to us. 

Preaching prophetic passages is A CALL TO REMEMBRANCE, (2 Pet. 3:1-7). The old fisherman speaks to this purpose when he says, “Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,” (v. 1‬-‭2‬‬).  We dare not forget that Christ is coming!  That fact will compel us to live for eternity and with urgency. Sure, there will be “scoffers,” (v. 3-4) who “willfully forget” how God judged the world in Noah’s day, (v. 5-7). Jesus said that the end of the age would be marked by a return to such corruption and chaos with condemnation to come. “But, as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be,” (Matt. 24:37). Our Lord warned against the complacency where people go on their lives as though there is not a day of reckoning.  

“For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matt.‬ ‭24‬:‭38‬-‭44‬‬).

God forbid that preachers fail to call people to remembrance! That is spiritual malpractice!

Further, preaching prophetic passages is A CALL TO REPENTANCE, (2 Pet. 3:8-9). The certainty and gravity of judgment on this world should compel us to preach with urgency and fervency. It is not for us to try to set dates. Jesus said that none would know the day or hour of His return—a time appointed by His Sovereign Father. As an eternal Being, God’s calendar is not the same as mortal man’s. We think a thousand years is a long span of time, whereas God considers it as a mere fleeting day. We do not know the precise time Christ will return, but we do know that time is imminent, and could be today. Every man of God must realize that his next sermon could be his final one!  It could also be the last one the congregation will hear. The clarion call to come to Christ in repentance must be issued.

I think of Ezekiel—appointed as a watchman on the wall—to sound a warning of judgment to come. The sobering words to the spiritual sentry is that failure to do so means that judgment falls, but to the man who does not alert the people, God says, “his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand,” (Ezek. 33:6b). We cannot make people repent, but we must call them to repentance!

Then, we preach prophetic passages as A CALL TO RIGHTEOUSNESS, (1 Pet. 3:10-18). Prophetic preaching is a call to sinners to repent, but also a call to saints for righteousness.  

“But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Pet.‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭13‬‬).

Since God is going to purge the earth of sin and establish an eternal kingdom where “righteousness dwells,” then we, as His people, are to begin to prepare for it, “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,” (v. 11). Indeed, in a proper response to that day of destiny, by looking forward to it, we can be “hastening the coming of the day of God,” (v. 12). Now, we do not speed things up from God’s perspective, but from man’s. How? In this sense—God knows who the final soul is that will be won to faith to complete the Bride of Christ. When that one is won then the Bridegroom will return to claim His Bride who has made herself ready for Him!  Is it not amazing that the next person you lead to Christ could be that one? This should spur us on in soul-winning!

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “they are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.”  The truth is that those who are most properly heavenly minded do the most earthy good!  Peter ends his writing by calling us to be “looking forward to these things,” that we may “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”  

Preaching prophetic passages is immensely practical:

“and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (2 Pet.‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭18‬‬)

VICTORY IN JESUS

The old Gospel song declares our “Victory in Jesus.”  Paul promised, “we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us,” (Rom. 8:37). Now, Peter proclaims the triumph of our faith in Christ and the means by which we secure it in 1 Pet. 5:8-11. 

First, consider THE REALITY OF OUR FOE,  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8). The Devil is not a fairy tale. Satan is real, and we best face this fact so as to be ready to fight.

This calls for seriousness. “Be sober,” Peter says. It is not a game. This world is a battleground, not a playground. We have an adversary on the prowl who is ready to pounce, and we must take this seriously. 

There must then be watchfulness. “Be vigilant,” is the command.  In the jungle of this world, Satan is a lion stalking his prey. Suddenly, he roars that he may paralyze us with fear. He will devour us, if we are not alert to the danger.

Second, observe THE RESISTANCE OF OUR FAITH.  “Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world,” (1 Pet. 5:9). Faith is the antidote to fear. These are mutually exclusive.

This summons us to steadfastness. “Resist him, steadfast in the faith.”  Rather than turn our back and run, we take a stand and resist. When Paul described our spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-20, he stressed that we are to stand our ground—the ground already secured for us by the victory of Jesus in His crucifixion and resurrection. One notes there is no armor for the back!  We are to face the foe. You cannot outrun the roaring lion, but you can outgun him! Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, (cf. 1 Jn. 5:4). 

Yet, there is also the fact of suffering as Peter stated, “knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” We can win, but that doesn’t mean there will be no wounds. We long for final victory, ultimate conquest, but that is secured when Christ returns. In this hostile world, suffering is a realty for the soldiers of the cross. But what the devil means for evil, God means for good—the fiery trials that refine our faith, as we find in the next section.

Third, note THE RELIANCE ON OUR FATHER, “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Pet. ‭5‬:‭8‬-‭11‬‬). While we are no match for Satan, he is no match for our Father. It is in reliance on the Lord that victory is assured.

We have the promise of grace, as He is, “the God of all grace.”  There is grace for every need. God’s resources come to those in reliance. Martin Luther put it this way in his hymn:

1 A mighty fortress is our God,

a bulwark never failing;

our helper he, amid the flood

of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

does seek to work us woe;

his craft and power are great,

and armed with cruel hate,

on earth is not his equal.

2 Did we in our own strength confide,
 our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.

You ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is he;

Lord Sabaoth his name,

from age to age the same;

and he must win the battle.

3 And though this world, with devils filled,

should threaten to undo us,

we will not fear, for God has willed

his truth to triumph through us.

The prince of darkness grim,

we tremble not for him;

his rage we can endure,

for lo! his doom is sure;

one little word shall fell him.

4 That Word above all earthly powers

no thanks to them abideth;

the Spirit and the gifts are ours

through him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

this mortal life also;

the body they may kill:

God's truth abideth still;

his kingdom is forever!

This grace leads to glory.  “[God] called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”  It is all about the glory of God and one day we shall enter that glory—to abide in it. Paul echoed this when he wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us,” (Rom.‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬‬). These sufferings will purify us as gold and temper us as steel in the fire.

“To Him be the glory and the dominion direct and ever. Amen.”

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

God is most glorious and He is above all things to receive glory. In 1 Peter 4:7-11, the Apostle focuses on how can do all things to the glory of God. 

There is to be intentional URGENCY. “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.”  (1 Pet. 4:7)

I am reminded of the words of missionary C. T. Studd, 

Only one life, ‘twill soon be past; 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Writing as a man in his seventies, who has been active in church work for nearly half a century, I can attest to the rapidity with which life races by. There is no rewind button. Every precious second that ticks by, with a significant amount spent in sleep and basic necessities, will never be reclaimed. Time is too precious to waste or as we say, “killing time.” Instead our days are to be devoted to the glory of God, as those who must stand before Christ and give account. 

Human history is linear and not circular. There was a starting point in creation and there will be a finishing point of consummation. Those who glorify God best live as though Christ might return today—for He may! 

This leads us to seriousness—“therefore be serious.”  It doesn’t mean we shuffle along with a long face as in a funeral, but rather that we run purposefully with joyful anticipation of a wedding with Christ our Bridegroom.  That is important. If you have ever been around a woman preparing for marriage, you know they take the wedding seriously!

This further inspires supplication—“watchful in your prayers.”  Those who glorify God most are those who spend time in His presence. As we gaze into His glorious face, we reflect that glory when we leave the private place of Divine communion and journey to the public place of human connection.  

There is to be loving FERVENCY, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’ Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” (1 Pet. 4:8-9)

While we ought to say to others, “I love you,” it is imperative that we show others we love them. True love is a fire exhibited fervently. As God is nauseated by lukewarmness, He desires that we “have fervent love for one another.”  

Such love is marked by humility. “Love will cover a multitude of sins.” We are to humbly forgive and not assert our own rights. We are not about exposing the flaws of others, instead humbly confessing our own failings. As Jesus said, 

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do  not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to  your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye”; and look,  a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank  from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the  speck from your brother’s eye. (Matt. ‭7‬:‭3‬-‭5‬‬)

Peter tells us such love is also exhibited by hospitality. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”  An open heart and open arms lead to an open door. How we entertain one another in our home ought to be with gladness and not a grumbling.  It is something we want to do and not just we have to do—a delight and not a duty.  

There is to be gracious MINISTRY. 

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as  good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks,  let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him  do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God  may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory  and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10-‭11‬‬)

Every church member is to be a minister. All the Father’s children are gifted children. Being born again of the Spirit, each of us has at least one spiritual gift. These are not for show, but for service. 

Every church pastor is to be teacher  “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.”  The preacher has a particular ministry of speaking the Word of God—not his opinions, but God’s oracles.

There is a sacred stewardship. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  As mentioned previously, a day of accounting is coming. Paul put it this way, 

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious  stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for  the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the  fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work  which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If  anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be  saved, yet so as through fire.  (1 Cor. ‭3‬:‭12‬-‭15‬‬)

There is a supernatural supply. “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies.” Christian ministry is a human impossibility. If we do it, then we can claim credit for it. If God does it through us, then He gets the glory. That is the way it works. The secret is to abide in Christ. Read John 15 where our Lord reminds us that He is the Vine and we are the branches. If a branch is not connected to the vine it cannot bear fruit. Now, we may think our service is something, but Christ says it is nothing—that is, of no eternal significance unless done in supernatural reliance.

When there is intentional urgency, loving fervency, and gracious ministry, here is the result: “that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

A PURIFIED PEOPLE

 

Sin separates us from God. This is a problem that we cannot solve. The distance between a Holy God and a sinful humanity is a chasm so vast we cannot cross. Since we are all sinners, we are all condemned. It is impossible to purify myself. That would be like trying to wash my hands in muddy water. Yet, God does not lower His standard. His demand is, “Be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:16). 

God did what we could never do, for God can do the impossible. There was REDEMPTION.  Enslaved by sin, God came in human flesh—Jesus Christ the Son—to free us, “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” (1 Peter 1:18). By His blood, payment was made to purchase us. “What can wash away my sins?” That is the question, the hymn writer posed, and went on to answer, “Nothing, but the blood of Jesus!”  This was God’s one and only predetermined plan—that in the crucifixion of Christ, the penalty for sin has been paid, and in His resurrection, the confirmation of His work has been sealed. “He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God,” (1 Peter 1:19-21). 

A miracle takes place—REGENERATION.  We are no longer, slaves, but sons—no more sinners, but saints, “having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because ‘All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.’ Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.” (1 Peter 1:23-25). The seed of the Gospel is sown into the soil of the soul, and those who receive it are regenerated—born again of the Spirit working through the Scripture He has inspired. 

The evidence of being redeemed and regenerated is in RIGHTEOUSNESS. Having positional righteousness through redemption and potential righteousness through regeneration, there will be progressive righteousness in sanctification. This is not the root of salvation, but the fruit of salvation. 

“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear…

 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,”  (1 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬-‭17, 22). 

As God’s children, we bear His image, and this should be an increasing reality more and more. We must choose to think properly, “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind,” take this seriously, “be sober,” and trust fully, “and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  From start to finish, salvation is all of grace. Yet, He does not do the work apart from us, but in us as we rely on God and apply His grace by a will surrendered to Him.  The Holy God is marked by truth and love, so that as His children we will exhibit obedience to the truth and pure and passionate love for the family of God.

The people of God are a purified people—not perfect yet, but progressing toward it. John stated it, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬‬)

THE WAY TO PROMOTION

Man’s way is to promote himself. We seek to climb the ladder-whether it be in a secular job, a social state, even a spiritual ministry. If we have to climb over others to reach a higher state, then so be it. We maximize our successes and minimize our shortcomings. The reality is—it often works!  Yet, no matter how high we climb, someone else will always be above us. No matter how much we possess, someone else will have more. 

Yet, there is nothing wrong with seeking promotion—if we do it God’s way and for His glory. James tells us how. “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up,” (James‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬‬). 

He speaks of ABASEMENT, “Humble yourselves.”  We abase ourselves, when we intentionally surrender to the Sovereign God and submit to His will. Now, God can humble us. He can bend us, bow us, even break us. Far better, however, is to choose to humble ourselves. 

James also points to AWARENESS, “in the sight of the Lord.”  Our aim is not to draw the eyes of men to gaze upon us and have their acclaim. It matters not how our fellow humans may judge us. Ultimately, all that matters is what God sees and knows. One day, He will reward us accordingly.  Do not seek celebrity status here, but serve to be crowned hereafter!

Trust in God’s way of ADVANCEMENT, “and He will lift you up.”  A dear mentor of mine, Dale Fisher, told me in the early days of my ministry, “God knows where you are and can get you where He wants you to be.”  The denominational executives may not know your name. Some megachurch may not have you on the radar—and would not even consider your resume. How many of God’s faithful servants labor in obscurity!  

Press on dear one—God will lift you up, in His time and in His manner. Jesus set the pattern and we are to have His mindset. 

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬-‭11‬‬)

This is God’s way of promotion—the way of the cross!

THE SOLUTION TO SLUGGISHNESS

 

Sluggishness is sinfulness. We are commanded, “do not become sluggish,” (Heb. 6:12), which implies three things. First, there is a temptation that we will settle into sluggishness. None of us are immune. Second, we need not surrender to sluggishness. It is a choice and God gives us the power to overcome. Third, there is a solution to sluggishness and it is given in Hebrews 6:10-12. 

The solution to sluggishness is a consideration of OUR FUTURE, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister,” (v. 10). Satan will whisper, “Your work is in vain. All that effort and what do you have to show for it? Nobody even notices. You need to step back and sit down.”  He is a liar! God is watching and He will reward you for all the weary work and loving labor that you do in ministry to the people of God. Just because you do not receive the recognition you merit or the reward you deserve on earth, does not mean you will not. That is for eternity, so press on!

The solution to sluggishness further calls for a consecration to OUR FAITHFULNESS, “And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,” (v. 11). Instead of being indolent, we need to be diligent. Our body belongs to God. Paul spoke of that consecration in Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” Christ purchased us with His precious blood. He gave His all for us and so now demands we give our all to Him. That is service that is “reasonable.”

Then, the solution to sluggishness requires a concentration with OUR FOCUS, “that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises,” (v. 12‬‬). When we are weary and worn, it is easy to become distracted. We lose sight of the eternal treasure and slip into playing with earthly trinkets. There are many who do, yet there are a few who have relentlessly focused on finishing the race well. We are to focus on the faithful and follow in their footsteps. Hebrews 11 will set forth such models for us to imitate in faith and patience. Church history is replete with such stories of those who did not succumb to sluggishness, but strove to success.

Nearly half a century ago, I copied the following poem in my Bible to spur me on lest I become sluggish. 

Don’t Quit
by
Edgar Guest

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
And the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns.
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than 
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up 
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are.
It may be near when it seems afar.
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit.
It's when things seem worst that
You musn't quit.

MILK, MEAT, AND MATURITY

The writer of Hebrews in chapter five, verses 12-14, chides the congregation for their lack of spiritual growth. The foundational principles ought to have been learned and built upon. When they should have been focused on growing, they were still fixated on grounding. The preacher must consider his audience and feed them appropriately.

Babes need MILK, “you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe,” (v. 12b-13). They would choke on meat. We should always have some infants in the audience. That means the church is engaged in evangelism and new spiritual babes are being birthed into the family of God. The preachers and teachers must consider them and nurture them. Only as they are given milk will they have healthy growth.

Adults need MEAT, “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). If the preachers and teachers only offer milk and do not give meat when the believers need it, then their growth will be stunted and they may well seek another local church where meat is offered. There ought always be grown-ups in the congregation, for this means the church is dedicated to discipleship. Solid, substantial Scriptural truths are given to them to chew on as growth is sustained.

Soul nourishment brings MATURITY. Babies are precious, but if they never develop then there is a problem. As that is contrary to the normal physical pattern, it is likewise in the spiritual realm. 

This is evidenced by duplication, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers,” (v. 12a). Children have matured biologically when they can reproduce. They not only have the capacity to do so, but the competency for doing so. Maturing disciples multiply disciples. The taught become teachers. 

It is also manifested in discernment, “that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” (v. 14). The immature are easily led astray. Children are naive and gullible. You have to keep poisons locked away from them or they will consume them. The church may have those prone to drink toxins as if it were truth. Cult members target such. Adults have learned to weigh what is presented to them. There is discernment that detects what is good and they swallow it, but the evil doesn’t pass, “the smell test.” They sniff it, and usually turn from it, but if they taste it they spit it out!

The healthy church family is one where new babies are being birthed and given milk to mature them, and where maturing saints are discipled as they are given meat to multiply them. The church’s preachers and teachers must be mature and model this if they are thus to lead the congregation.

EXPOSITION AND EXHORTATION

As the Word of God is expounded, the people of God are exhorted to stay true to God. The Lord is the only One who can save us and secure us. It is His grace that does so. Yet, He has chosen to use human means as the channel for providing heaven’s might. God uses the power of His Word as it is proclaimed as the seed of salvation that sown in the heart inspires saving faith in those who receive it.  Paul states this in Romans 10:14-17:

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” 

Further, the expounded Word is the means whereby God continues to channel sustaining grace into the hearts of believers. By that grace, we endure to the end. So, Hebrews stresses THE ESSENTIALITY OF EXHORTATION. We are called to exhort each other to endure. Those who remain true show true faith. While we are saved by faith alone, saving faith is never alone. Our works are not the root of salvation, but they are the fruit of it. There were Hebrews who had professed faith in Christ as the Messiah, yet a number of them when faced with pressure and persecution were going back to Judaism. By their apostasy they were revealing that while making profession of faith, there was no possession of faith. Abiding with the family of God gives us opportunity to reinforce our faith in God. We need it with regularity. As our body needs to be fed, so does our soul require daily bread. Christ overcame Satan by wielding the Sword of Scripture. In temptation, He responded, “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”’” (Matt. 4‬:‭4‬‬). 

The essentiality of exhortation is due to THE EFFICACY OF EXHORTATION. Perhaps you have heard the term,”Once saved, always saved.”  It is true, if understood as meaning, “IF saved, always saved.”  Where there is regeneration, power is provided to persevere.  Sadly, there are those who had an emotional or intellectual response to the Gospel who never had a volitional commitment to it . When the feelings faded, so did their “faith.”  Or when they seemed to embrace the facts of the Gospel in their mind, it never migrated to their heart. Well, the demons have that kind of belief—absolutely convinced in who Christ is and that He will one day cast them into hell. Yet such “belief” does not convert them, as they remain in their rebellion against God. Saving faith is when we receive Christ as Savior and Lord. We surrender our life to Him—once and for all. The reality of it is seen in that we press on and do not fall away.  In this hostile environment where we walk under the onslaught of the Devil, we need the exhortation that comes from the exposition of the Word to stand tall and stay true. 

That is what I am doing in expounding this Word—exhorting you. It is what I do when we gather as God’s people for worship as we exhort one another by “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”(Eph. 5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬‬). 

Please hear this today and do not harden your heart!

A DIVISIVE DEMEANOR AND DOCTRINAL DEPARTURE

Hatefulness and heresy are partners in crime. The one who deviates from the faith will also potentially divide the flock. Both are deadly viruses that can infect a church until it becomes sick, or even dies! 

These make mountains out of molehills while failing to embrace the fundamentals of the faith. Instead, they take a text out of context and use it as a pretext for some theological novelty they want others to embrace. Such preach that they have received some new insight—often in a “dream,” or “vision.”  What they do is package error as enlightenment. 

Paul brands such arguments as unprofitable and useless and tells us to avoid these erroneous teachings and the evil teachers themselves —unless they repent when confronted. 

To platform such and have prolonged discussions is to elevate the doctrinal deviant to the same status as the true teachers. Immersing your mind in the study of heresy is to contaminate your own thinking. You cannot walk through a coal mine without inhaling some black dust. Do you want to drink just an ounce of chicken manure stirred in your coffee?  

For a period of time, I had a section of books in my library as examples of false teaching, but I have since thrown them away. I never read them, but what if someone saw them, and it piqued their curiosity?  Or after I died, what if someone got hold of them and wondered if I subscribed to those errors as those books were found in my library?  They went where such teaching belongs—in the trash!

At best, the study of false teaching and striving with false teachers is a waste of precious time better spent immersing oneself in the study and of Scripture and proclamation of it. A bank teller can detect counterfeit money, but not because they spend hour after hour studying counterfeiters and their craft. Rather, they handle real currency continually and thus when a forgery comes their way, they spot it right away.

Study the Scriptures. Listen to and learn from faithful men. “New” truth is likely ancient error repackaged.  Don’t waste time sorting through garbage. Toss it and turn to the Truth.

GOD REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS

In Flickering Lamps, the late Henry Blackaby shared these words:

A truth I have based my ministry upon is this: If you are faithful in a little, God will give you more (Matt. 25:21, 23). God will not hold you accountable for what you do not have. But, He will make you answerable for what you did with what He gave you. What is the best way to have more? Be faithful with the little you already have! The key, of course, is faithfulness. 

In the parable of the talents, the master gave one servant five talents, another three talents, and a third servant one talent. The servants with five and three talents immediately invested what they had been given. Investing is risky; it involves uncertainty. Yet those two servants knew their master well. They understood that he despised timidity and expected growth. They invested aggressively and doubled their funds. When they showed their master what they had accomplished with the resources given to them, he declared, “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy!” (Matt. 25:21). 

The servant who received one talent, however, took the opposite approach. He feared he might lose the only talent he had. What if something unexpected happened? Better to play it safe by burying the talent and doing nothing. His focus was on his fear of loss, rather than on hope of gain. Ironically, in trying to save what he had, he lost it. The master declared: “You evil, lazy slave!” (Matt. 25:26). The little he had was removed from him. The master then declared, “Throw this good-for-nothing slave into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 25:30). 

Every church has at least one talent. The Head of the Church has entrusted something to every congregation. The onus is on us to invest our resources in what matters to the master. At the day of accounting, there will be no rewards for having merely preserved what we have. Instead, the heroes will be those who took what their master gave them and invested it so they could earn the greatest possible return for their King. 

You will never make disciples of all nations if you only attempt what you think you can afford. This doesn’t mean you recklessly invest in every church growth fad that comes along. It does mean you let God set the agenda for your church and then you confidently obey His commands, understanding that God can well-afford to accomplish whatever He leads you to do. The crucial thing is not to attempt what you can afford, but what God can afford. What will Christ find when He returns to your church? (pp. 109-111, Kindle Edition)

FROM FALLOW GROUND TO FERTILE GARDEN

Hosea 10:12 commands, “Break up your fallow ground.”  The first task of the preacher is to plow up the field. The untilled soil will not receive seed and become a fertile garden until the hard ground is broken up. The truth is that some church fields are harder than others. This is what Titus encountered at Crete, and Paul does not minimize the difficulty the young preacher was facing.

But, first the Apostle provides AFFIRMATION, “To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 1:4). Paul has no reservation that Titus would be up to the task. He was no false teacher, but a true preacher. They might work in a different field, but they shared a common faith. Best of all—heaven’s provision was available to this man of God. There was grace—so that all the resources required would be given. Titus would lack nothing he needed. He also had mercy—even though he might face fierce foes, God would spare him from being overwhelmed by them. Titus could rest in peace—calm even in the eye of a storm. 

The man of God is to practice ORDINATION, “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—” (Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬‬). The church will be in disorder unless the preacher sets it in order. That demands leadership. Elders are given that assignment. Every church needs them. A plurality of elders is preferable to share the load and provide accountability to one another. The qualifications are listed, and without such faithful servants, there will be no fruitful soil. 

There will be the need at times for CONFRONTATION, “One of them, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,” (Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭13‬‬). Churches will ask for a resume’ from a pastoral candidate—and well they should. But, pastors had best know the bio of the church as well.  Paul is direct concerning the issues of the Cretan congregation. They are described as “liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons,” and other than that, Titus should find ministry there a piece of cake! Preaching cannot always be sweet and uplifting. There are times it demands to be stinging and humbling. The sharp spade of Scripture breaks up the fallow ground to receive the seed of the Gospel and yields a fertile garden. 

Now—stop whining and start plowing!

NEVER ALONE!

Man may abandon us, but the Master will abide with us!  We are never alone. The Lord has promised to never forsake us, (cf. Ps. 94:14; Heb. 13:5). Paul was forsaken by all his friends, (2 Tim. 4:16-18). “But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” Prov. 18:24). That Faithful Friend is Jesus!  Let us examine 2 Timothy 4:16-18 further. 

There is the promise of HIS PRESENCE, “But the Lord stood with me…”. It is important to note that the Lord did not merely stand near the Apostle, nor even by Paul, but “stood WITH me,” he testified. Even in the prison cell—in solitary confinement on death row—the Lord was in the midst of a dungeon’s dismal darkness to give Paul light. When taken before a human tribunal to be falsely accused and unjustly condemned by demonic hate, His Heavenly Defense Attorney stood with him to give Paul love. Remember, dear one that when you have wagging tongues testifying against you and wicked fingers pointing at you that the Lord stands with you—and that is enough!

There is then the promise of HIS POWER, “But the Lord…strengthened me…”. When we would wither and cannot weather the storm of attacks by fierce foes and sense of abandonment by false friends, a supernatural strength is imparted by our Faithful Friend. It is the power that spoke the universe into existence, with that cosmos upheld “by the word of His power,” (Heb. 1:3). The Lord hangs the stars in place—so much so that we measure the day accurately by the sun. The Lord sets the planets in their orbit—so that we determine a year by earth’s trip around the sun. Concerning His power, did we not learn this as a child in the song? It simply, yet profoundly, assures us. 

Jesus loves me! This I know,  

For the Bible tells me so; 

Little ones to Him belong; 

They are weak, but He is strong.  

No matter how overwhelming the odds against us we have Omnipotence available to us—and that is enough!

Thus we have the promise of HIS PRESERVATION, “And the Lord will preserve me…”. 

In his first imprisonment, we believe that Paul was freed, “so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”  He was delivered to keep telling the story. God has a work for us to do and we will not perish one minute before that allotted time and assigned task is completed. As old George Whitefield stated it, “We are immortal until our work on earth is done.”  Never fear!

In his final imprisonment—and he had many, (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23)—Paul was fully freed, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” He was delivered to enter the glory!  His death was not the end, but an entrance. His life did not conclude, but would commence on a higher plane in that heavenly place! As the executioner’s sword would fall and his head would go one way and his body another—his soul would soar through space to an infinitely better place. 

However difficult the place we find ourselves in before we leave this world, the servant of God knows there is the most delightful place that has been prepared by the Master Carpenter for us, (cf. Jn. 14:1-3). 

To be forever with Jesus—that is enough!

I think of the old hymn:

1 I’ve seen the lightning flashing

And heard the thunder roll,

I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing,

which tried to conquer my soul;

I’ve heard the voice of my Savior,

He bid me still fight on:

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

 

2 The world’s fierce winds are blowing–

Temptation’s sharp and keen;

I have a peace in knowing

My Savior stands between;

He stands to shield me from danger

When all my friends are gone:

He promised never to leave me,

Never to leave me alone.

 

3 When in affliction’s valley 

 I tread the road of care,

 My Savior helps me carry

 My cross so heavy to bear;

 Though all around me is darkness

 And earthly joys are flown,

 My Savior whispers His promise:

 Never to leave me alone.

 

4 He died on Calv'ry's mountain,

 For me they pierced His side,

 For me He opened that fountain,

 The crimson, cleansing tide;

 For me He’s waiting in glory

 Upon His heavenly throne:

 He promised never to leave me,

 Never to leave me alone.

 

Refrain:

 No, never alone,

 No, never alone;

 He promised never to leave me,

 Never to leave me alone:

 No, never alone,

 No, never alone:

 He promised never to leave me,

 Never to leave me alone.

That is enough—MORE THAN ENOUGH!

THE GREAT VALUE OF GODLY LEADERS

Paul instructed Titus to seek godly leaders and install them in the churches. “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—” (Titus‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬‬)

John Maxwell says it this way, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” Godly leaders are good leaders and the question is not, “Can the church afford to call a pastor?” The issue is, “Can we afford not to?”  For this is a matter of obedience to God—He has commanded it. He will not bless our disobedience.

Henry Blackaby testified: 

Many churches say, “As soon as we have the money in the bank, we’ll … start that mission church … call that pastor … hire a children’s director.” Congregations have waited for years to obey what God told them. They might consider their behavior financially prudent. God calls it disobedience. 

I found that as we enlisted pastors for our various missions, God led us to successful leaders who were enjoying thriving ministries. Many took a cut in pay to become a mission pastor, but they were given an immense vision! They were also provided the freedom and support to pursue God’s purposes. As a result, we enlisted outstanding leaders who experienced God producing amazing results. 

When churches are small or declining, they often assume they cannot afford to recruit strong leaders. The problem with this thinking is that it prompts churches to either choose not to move forward with what God is telling them, or to settle for weak leadership. The truth is that when you are suffering decline, you can’t afford the consequences of enlisting ineffective leaders. (Flickering Lamps, p.99, Kindle edition)

If an elder is a good leader, then he will reach enough people who will more than fund his compensation. There are some men who are willing to labor in a secular job while also leading in the church. We had great lay leaders who had recently “retired,” but still had much to give to the Lord’s work. These can be set aside as elders. 

It is really a matter of faith. Will we trust God to provide as we step out in obedience? “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” So said the great missionary Hudson Taylor.  That has been my experience throughout nearly fifty years of Gospel ministry. The Lord enabled me to care for a large family and lead His church and we never lacked what we needed to do so.

NEVER TOO POOR BUT MAYBE TOO RICH

In Revelation 2-3, the letters to the churches of Smyrna and Philadelphia show the apparent woes these congregations were facing. Christ speaks of Smyrna’s “poverty,” (2:9) and intense persecution, (v. 10)  Yet, they were spiritually, “rich,” (v. 9)  Philadelphia only had “a little strength,” (3:8), but a large opportunity—fruitful because faithful. You can never be too poor to be used by God.

On the other hand, you may be too rich. The church at Laodecia boasted in their wealth, (3:14-22). Christ, however condemned them for their spiritual poverty. He basically said, “You make me sick.”

Henry Blackaby builds on this truth:

Many congregations that once were thriving have since been reduced to a handful. Christ would say of these churches, “… you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). When churches like the one in Laodicea refuse to heed God’s warnings, they will eventually be forced to admit the harsh reality of their spiritual poverty. The truth is, God can lead any church to a vibrant future. However, He requires churches to humble themselves and seek His direction. If you will do this, there will never be a need you face for which God does not have a generous supply. …

When you serve in a small church, you are constantly reminded of your dependence on God. You lack everything! You need more people, more money, more equipment, more volunteers, more leaders, and more musicians. Being continually reminded of what you don’t have is not necessarily a bad thing, as long as you don’t allow your poverty to determine your ministry. Your church’s ability to minister is never limited by your resources; it is driven by God’s provision. (Blackaby, Henry and Richard; Flickering Lamps, p. 96, Kindle edition)

You can never be too poor for God to use your church, but maybe too rich!  Trust Him whose name is Yahweh Yireh meaning, “The LORD Will Provide,” (Gen. 22:14, CSB).  

OPEN YOUR EYES!

From Flickering Lamps by Henry Blackaby:

OPEN YOUR EYES! 

Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so you may know … what is the immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength … And He put everything under His feet and appointed Him as Head over everything for the church, which is His body …” (Eph. 1:18-19, 22). The problem is not that small churches have few resources. The issue is that many churches fail to recognize the enormous power that is readily at their disposal. If churches would open their spiritual eyes to see the immensity of God’s power that is fully available to them, we would experience revival in our day. 

Our church had spent too many years focusing on what it could or couldn’t do. I taught our people to watch for God’s powerful working in our midst. Whenever we recognized God at work, we would join Him. (pp. 76-77, Kindle version)

Last night gave me a classic example of this. 

Mark and Cherry Brumbelow shared how God had stirred their hearts in a small country church—Grace Baptist—in Wild Peach, Texas. 23 members, mostly senior adults, with no big money givers sensed that God was leading them to pack 500 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. It had been a challenge for them to pack 43 the previous year, along with the money it took to ship them. This would require a miracle—and God came through as they did 532!

The church has not seen mission support drop in other areas, and they have seen the tiny flock grow to around 55 in attendance—not a megachurch, but having a mega-impact! Last year they surpassed 100,000 shoeboxes, and now have their sights set on 119,000!

It is not about making a child happy with Christmas toys—though that happens. It is not for giving some basic provision to a family, though they do. It is about sharing the Gospel. Operation Christmas Child estimates around 10 people are impacted by every shoebox. If 1/4th of those respond to the Gospel, then this small flock in rural Texas has been responsible for around ONE MILLION souls coming to Christ!

Humanly, that is impossible—BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!  Let us seek His direction and then trust His provision. Who knows what might happen in Bethel, Cruso, Dutch Cove, or some other location that people outside of Haywood County have never heard of before!

Will we stop looking back at our traditions, stop looking around at our imitations, and look up for God’s direction?  I am praying the Lord to give us an audacious faith!  Seek the Lord. Listen to His voice. Do not come up with your plan and ask God to bless it, for He is not obligated to do so. Find out what His plan is and as you pray and respond with faith and obedience, He will bless and accomplish His will!

TURNING POINT

 This is the manuscript of my message on Acts 6:8-15 delivered at at Bethel Baptist Church, Canton,NC on 9/14/25)

There have been events in American history that marked turning points. There were the gunshots at Bunker Hill that was significant in America’s fight for independence. There was the cry, “Remember the Alamo,” where men like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie were martyrs for freedom. There was the firing on Ft. Sumter that began the Civil War. There was the call, “Remember Pearl Harbor,” as America’s rallying cry in WW2. This past week, reminded us of the solemn events of 9/11 and the terror attack on America. Last week also horrified us as Iryna Zarutska was brutally stabbed to death in Charlotte, NC. She had fled from the bloody war in the Ukraine to what she thought would be a safe place and fresh start, only to have a criminal who had been arrested 14 times, kill her. It was a wake-up call to a broken justice system that coddles criminals and fails law-abiding citizens. Then, on Wednesday our world was rocked when Charlie Kirk was assassinated. He was a courageous Christian conservative communicator who was having a real impact, particularly on young people—summoning them to stand for faith and freedom. A single bullet fired from a deranged 22 year old ended the life of a 31 year old, leaving behind a wife and two young children. The organization he founded was called “Turning Point, USA.”  I believe his murder was a turning point. I do not see how this nation and the church in America can be the same. I believe there is either going to be a turning to God in revival or a turning against God in rage. It remains to be seen which—and a lot of that depends on us. Charlie Kirk was a martyr for his faith. He was not the first and he will not be the last. Jesus told us that to follow Him was to take up the cross. We are summoned to walk the Calvary Road. Stephen was the first martyr. We will focus on his story today and think about what it means to us. It was a turning point, and today may be for you. 

1. Stephen’s life was marked by FULNESS, (6:8-15). Here we have a description of Stephen. 

• He was full of faith, (v. 8a). Fear writes its message in deep lines of worry on our face. But, faith can be seen in our countenance as well. We display serenity in adversity, a courage in opposition, a confidence in crisis, and radiate light in the darkness, (v. 15). We may be tempted to surrender to fear at the hostility we face from the world. It will paralyze us. But, faith will energize us. It is contagious and inspires others to stand. Charlie Kirk was unafraid to march onto a college campus and take on all challengers in debate. He did it with respect, yet resolve. Too many of us hide inside the church house, and do not take the Gospel beyond the walls. 
• He was full of power, (v. 8b). This was not fleshly effort but spiritual power. Strength streamed from the Spirit of God within Stephen. There should be something in my life that can only be explained by the presence of Jesus in me. The magnitude of our mission is too large for us, but with God all things are possible. Paul put it, “I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me,” (Phil. 4:13). May the Lord deliver us from effeminate, squishy religion and give us spines of steel to stand!
• He was full of wisdom, (v. 9-10). Stephen spoke with such wisdom that the critics were confounded. The wisdom of God is found in the Word of God. As you read Stephen’s message, you find it rooted in a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. God has given us the answers to life’s questions, the solutions to life’s problems. He has given us a message of hope that people desperately need to hear. That is why masses of people—and especially the young, would show up at a Charlie Kirk event. Maybe they would come to our churches, if we offered the the same hope! Give them the Word of God; take them deep into the Scriptures. 
• He was full of heaven, (v. 11-15). This guy was “out of this world!”  His body may have been on earth, but his heart was in heaven. This registered on his face. His passion was for Jesus and he lived for eternity. That is the people who make a difference in the world. Do we really believe what we say we believe?  Young people see through phonies. They can spot a fake a mile away. God give us a face that radiates with the glory of God because we spend so much time with Him!

2. Stephen’s life was not only characterized by fulness, but by FEARLESSNESS, (7:1-53). In this chapter we move from the description of Stephen to the defense of Stephen. There are three basic arguments in defense of his faith that are fearlessly presented. 

• He points to the sovereignty of God, (7:1-8). In sovereign grace, God chose Abraham, called him out of idolatry, and entered a covenant relationship with him. Stephen knew that God was sovereign and supreme. All things are in His control and He does all things well—for His glory and ultimately for good. Someone who knows this can be fearless. We were shocked when hearing of Charlie Kirk’s death. But, it was no surprise to God. We are immortal until our work on earth is done. No bullet can kill us. But, when it comes our appointed time, none can save us. The issue is, “Are we ready to meet God?”  Charlie Kirk professed that he was, and we can be fearless if we know God holds us in His hands, and His will is good, acceptable, and perfect. 
• Stephen speaks of the salvation of God, (7:9-37). He rehearses how God saved His people. Notice especially verses 9-16. What man meant for evil, God meant for good. Joseph’s story illustrates that. His suffering would lead to Israel’s salvation. This is the thrust of Rom. 8:28, “For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Erika Kirk quoted that verse in her tear wringing, heart wrenching message the other night. She knew what had happened was bad, but  by faith trusted God to turn it to good. When man does his worst, God does his best. No greater demonstration of this has ever been than Christ on the cross—the worst of crimes as the best of men was slain, but in that God did the best of work in bringing salvation!
• Then, he fearlessly confronted them for their sin against God, (v. 38-53). Woven through Stephen’s sermon is the black thread of sin. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers who envied him. God later gave them His Holy Law and they stubbornly rejected it and worshipped idols. Now, the demonic descendants of these depraved people assailed Stephen, (v.51-53). Stephen fearlessly confronted them. It is our duty to call out the sins of our culture and the church. Tolerance has replaced truth and we have returned to the days of the Judges “when everyone did what was right in their own eyes.”

3. Stephen was a man of fulness, fearlessness, and more—there was His FAITHFULNESS, (7:54-60). Stephen was faithful unto death. Jesus promises, “be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life.”  Stephen would be rewarded. His faithfulness was rooted in:

• His vision, (v. 54-56). We will be faithful in the measure in which we focus on Jesus. Ref. Heb. 12:1-3. 16 times the Bible says Jesus is at God’s right hand. 13 of those times, it says He is seated. But here Jesus is standing.  Why?  It appeared that Stephen was standing alone. But, the Lord wanted him to know that He was standing with him. I think of Paul on death row recalling this, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” (2 Tim. 4:16-17). We stand to honor someone worthy of respect when they enter the room. Here is Jesus standing to honor his faithful servant to welcome him home. Charlie Kirk’s wife said that she believed the Lord said to Charlie, “Well done good and faithful servant.”  Don’t you want to be welcomed to heaven like that?  If you want the Lord to stand up to greet you, you better stand up for Him now!
• His victory, (v. 57-8:4). Death did not defeat him. It was a turning point for the church because it was the turning point for this man named Saul. His rage against the church was meant for bad but God turned it to good. The persecution Saul unleashed scattered the believers like seed across the region, taking the Gospel and seeing the salvation of souls and the planting of churches. Saul could never get over the angelic face of Stephen. His rage was due to what was eating away at him. His dreams were haunted by the man with a face like an angel. Saul’s head echoed with the prayers for his forgiveness that Stephen had spoken. It brought the conviction of the Holy Spirit and Saul was arrested by Jesus on his way to arrest Christians.  The antagonist would become an Apostle—we know him as Paul. Other than Jesus, no one has had a more profound impact on the church and this world than Paul. But, there would have been no missionary Paul had there not been a martyr Stephen. It was a turning point. 

Today could be the turning point in your life. 

Today you could repent of your sin and receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior. Today can be the turning point that gets you off the highway to hell and onto the road to heaven.

Today could be the turning point in your family. Charlie Kirk loved his wife and kids. He was willing to die for them. Are you willing to live for yours?

Today could be the turning point in this church, as you decide I am not going to go through the motions any more. I am going to stand up for Jesus. I am going to read my Bible and pray every day. I am going to faithfully attend church. I am going to fearlessly share my faith. 

“I have decided to follow Jesus—no turning back.”