God’s Revelations
Mike Johnson
Some people do not believe that God has revealed Himself to mankind. In fact, they do not even believe that God exists. These people are called atheists. Another group, the deists, believe in the existence of a deity, but they think He has not given us a specific revelation; they believe God created the earth and those who inhabit it and just went off and left. According to this position, God is not in any way involved in the affairs of people today. Finally, another group, the agnostic, does not know whether there is a god or not — there may or may not be, according to them.
It should be evident to everyone that there is a God. The beauty and orderliness of the universe say there is a God. Things did not just come together by accident — there must be some power and intelligence behind the universe and earth’s existence. Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” We know that design demands a designer. Someone mighty and intelligent created this “design.” From this, many conclude that there must be a god! This type of revelation is called “natural” revelation. Natural revelation tells us about a god but not about the God.
Fortunately, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Eph. 3:3-4; 1 Thess. 2:13). Because we have the Scriptures, we can learn about the God. We understand what His will and expectations are for us — we learn about His compassion and love and that He is a god of justice who expects obedience (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 5:8-9).
Without the Scriptures, we would not know the answers to three great questions that plagued humanity. They are: where did I come from, what am I doing here, and where am I going? Since God has given us a special revelation, the Scriptures, we can learn the answers to these questions. The Bible is such an important book; it is God talking to us.
We have a natural revelation, which tells us that a god must exist. But, thankfully, there is a special revelation, the Scriptures, which tells us about the God of heaven and through which he communicates to people today.
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So, What’s a Good Sermon
Jefferson David Tant
Out of all the thousands of sermons preachers have delivered and to which people have listened, how would we determine which sermons are good, which are bad, or which are so-so? I would suppose that even preachers evaluate themselves from time to time, and on occasion might conclude, “Well, I’ll never preach that sermon again!”
In answering the question, it would be good to go to the “Preacher’s Manual,” which we would agree would be God’s Word. I doubt that any preacher would suppose that he could measure up to the Master Teacher, Jesus Christ, in His Sermon on the Mount, but there are various Scriptures that do mention preaching that is connected to the apostles and others in the New Testament writings.
For some helpful advice, let’s consider the words of one chosen by God to be a teacher, as he instructs a young preacher. Of course, we’re writing about the apostle Paul and the young man Timothy.
“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (II Timothy 4:1-2).
Preach the Word
What is “the Word?” Obviously, it is the teaching of Jesus Christ. A good sermon is based on God’s Word, not the opinions or doctrines of men. And if preachers are to “preach the Word,” they need to spend some time studying and meditating on the Word. There may be various things that occupy a preacher’s time and thoughts, but there must be a priority set on the matter of spending time with the Bible. Within it are the “words of life.”
Oh, there may be times when a preacher says, “Let me give you my thoughts on that.” But be sure that your thoughts are in agreement with what the passage says, rather than giving a different view.
Be Ready in Season and Out of Season
What does Paul mean by this? To preach in both summer and winter? Obviously, that’s not what Paul meant, but it certainly would apply to preaching in good times and hard times. Yes, there are good times for preaching. The hearers are at peace with one another and there is harmony, and the audience/church is working together to further the Lord’s work. But Satan is still at work in the world, and sometimes brethren are distracted by his devices, and there may be some difficulties the preacher faces. Some preachers don’t want to get involved, and just ignore problems when they arise, hoping they will go away. But that’s not how either Christ or Paul dealt with problems. They confronted them.
Reprove, Rebuke
These words are very similar in their meanings, and carry the idea of “to admonish, convict, convince.” I suppose this would not always be the most pleasant duty of a preacher, but if the body of Christ is to be whole and pure, it must be done. We certainly know that a medical doctor sometimes has to take measures to remove disease from our bodies. It may not always be pleasant for us, but we know that good health makes it necessary. Is the body of Christ, the church, any less important?
Some readers are familiar with the well-known denominational preacher in the United States named Joel O’Steen. In an interview on TV, he stated, “I don’t preach on sin. I want my people to feel good.” I guess that’s how he could build a church of some 40,000 members and become a millionaire.
The greatest preacher of all time, Jesus Christ, certainly did not hesitate to rebuke the Pharisees and others for their hypocrisy and sinful deeds in his preaching. And Paul did the same, even confronting a fellow apostle, Peter, for his bad behavior when he separated himself from the Gentiles in Galatians 3:11-12.
And what is our attitude and behavior when we have to confront those who are in error? What should be the tone of our voice in this matter? Paul tells us in Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.”
I’m afraid that I know of too many situations where people may have been driven away by the harsh attitude of the preacher either in private or in public. How would we want others to deal with us if we have been in the wrong? Thus Paul said we should “look to ourselves.’
Exhort
This is an encouraging word, and Strong’s Greek Dictionary says: “parakaleo, par-ak-al-eh’-o — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):–beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), entreat, pray.”
I don’t think I need to add to that, as Strong gives a pretty good definition of what it means to “exhort.” And of course, this corresponds to what Paul said in Galatians 6:1 about a “spirit of gentleness.”
With Great Patience
Just what does it mean to be “patient?” Would this not carry the idea that we are not to be quick to anger, not use harsh words, but rather to have a spirit of love and kindness when we seek to correct others, whether from the pulpit or in person?
Brethren, if we seek to apply Paul’s instructions to a young preacher to our own work, then obviously God’s Word will work its purpose, and the hearers of our sermons/lessons will be edified and strengthened and the church will grow.
The Psalmist closes the 107th Psalm with the following words: “Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah” (Psalms 107:43)
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Come Before Winter
Joshua Welch
The first day of winter, for the northern hemisphere, occurs on the “winter solstice.” This year, winter solstice occurs on December 21st. Winter is a slower, more restful time for some households. There are no flowers to plant, grass to cut, and leaves to rake. Outdoor sports slow down in the cold. It gets dark early making for earlier evenings. While winter prohibits us from certain actions, it opens the door to other opportunities as well. So, instead of looking at winter with the dread of the bleak cold and darkness we can optimistically consider its value.
Enduring winter reminds us of a comment Paul makes in the final chapter of his last epistle to Timothy, “Do your utmost to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). In fact, if we look at the context of this passage we will find three simple things Paul wanted as he prepared for the winter ahead.
He wanted spiritual companions. Winter can be a depressing time for some. The seasonal “winter blues” can make winter difficult. Facing the holidays is not always enjoyable for those who are grieving, lonely, or who have fractured families. Brothers and sisters in Christ can offer us encouragement during these difficult times. This is why Paul says to Timothy, “Be diligent to come to me quickly” and “Get Mark and bring him with you” in the context (2 Timothy 4:9,11). Paul wanted spiritual encouragers during the winter ahead before travel by sea was impossible. Of course, for Paul, this may have been the last opportunity to see these spiritual helpers (cp. 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Who can you give needed companionship to this winter?
He wanted to be warm. Paul writes to Timothy, “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come…” (4:13). Paul writes from a cold prison with few luxuries (1:8). So, the basic necessities were needful. As we think of others during this bitter cold of winter may we do what we can to ensure others have their basic needs cared for (cp. Matthew 25:36; James 4:14-17). The “worthy woman” was “not afraid of snow for her household” because she ensured they had proper clothing (Proverbs 31:21). Worthy Christians look out for those who are poor and destitute to ensure they are properly clothed as well.
He wanted to be able to write and study. Paul adds, “Bring…the books, especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13). Winter may slow things down so we have more time to read and write and meditate. Paul planned to use the winter season to do more research and writing as time allowed. May we also use this slower season to spend more time reading about God’s Word and using our pen and parchment to journal our thoughts or to encourage others. What can you accomplish during the slow season of winter you fail to accomplish in the busier seasons? Use the slower time to read God’s Word and to purposefully write to edify and encourage others. Spring will be here before you know it. In the meantime, use your winter wisely.
Via Market Street Messenger, Athens, AL.
Audio
Sewell Hall
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The Note on the Door
Charlie T. Garner
(This is a true story. I know personally the parties involved.)
Love dwindled, unhappiness and dissatisfaction grew, daily fussing and fighting characterized the relationship of the husband and wife, and ultimately, a divorce wrecked the home, leaving two bewildered, emotionally scarred children in its wake. The father gained custody and the mother went her own way, doing her own thing.
The children loved their mother. Strange thing about love- it’s so often blind to the faults of those we love. Months went by and the mother longed to see her children. She mustered up the courage to visit. Leaving her car at the curb, she walked to the front door only to find no one at home. But, posted on the door was a note from the youngest of her two boys, the seven-year-old. It read, “Mother, I’m at the park. Please come to the park.” She hurriedly made her way to the park, and there, sure enough, was the little fellow. After the preliminary hugs and kisses, the mother, still amazed by the note, said, “Honey, how did you know I was coming to see you today?”
“Oh, I didn’t, he answered.”
“But, what made you put the note on the door if you didn’t know I was coming?”
In response, the love-starved little one said, “I put a note on the door every day, every time I leave, cause I knew you’d be coming to see me.”
“I knew you’d be coming to see me!” I wonder if there are not those out there – life’s rejects, those hurt by cruel circumstances, those whose life seems to be hopelessly going nowhere, those groping for some spiritual meaning in their lives, who are daily placing a note on their door which reads, “I’m not at home just now, but please – PLEASE – come find me!”
The world is filled with people who do not know who they need to talk to or just how to solve their heavy, seemingly unbearable problems, but they are confident that someone, somewhere has those answers and that someone cares enough to go looking for them.”
Someone is waiting for YOU! Christians, with the Good Book in their hands and love in their hearts have those answers. On someone’s door out there is a note which reads, “I knew you’d come looking for me.” Let’s not fail them. Out there, somewhere, someone is waiting on you.
via Fritch, Texas bulletin
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A Wise Man’s Heart Discerneth . . .
Time & Judgment
Alan Smith
A preacher, a politician and an engineer were led to the guillotine. The preacher was asked if he wanted to be face up or face down when he met his fate. The preacher said that he would like to lie face up so he would be looking toward heaven when he died. The blade of the guillotine was raised and released. It came speeding down and suddenly stopped, just inches from his neck. The authorities took this as divine intervention and released the preacher.
Next, the politician came to the guillotine, and he also decided to lie facing up, hoping he would be as fortunate as the preacher. So the blade of the guillotine was raised again and released. It came speeding down and suddenly stopped just inches from his neck, so he was released as well.
The engineer was next, and he too decided to lie facing up. The executioner slowly raised the blade of the guillotine, when suddenly the engineer said, “Hey, I see what the problem is…”
Another reminder that we need to learn when to keep our mouths shut. As much as we may be anxious to share with people just how much we know, sometimes things are better off left unsaid! Rarely will keeping quiet get us into trouble (though it can happen), but often do we find ourselves getting into trouble by saying something that should have gone unsaid.
Centerview Tidings, Vol. 19, No. 19, May 9, 2004
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Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org