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“By Faith”

Hebrews 11:1-5

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. – Heb. 11:1-5, ESV

Faith, as described in this passage, connects us to two valuable things: THINGS HOPED FOR and THINGS NOT SEEN. If you want good things you hope for in the future, of an eternal and spiritual nature – FAITH PROVIDES THAT ASSURANCE. If you want to know about things you cannot see, of an eternal and spiritual nature – FAITH PROVIDES THAT ASSURANCE ALSO.

If I want to know what I cannot see, pertaining to my relationship with God. And, I want hope of eternal good – FAITH IS WHERE I GET THAT ASSURANCE. Faith assures of things we hope for and convinces us of things not seen.

This is how we form our convictions about God creating the world and making man in His own image. This is how Abel pleased God. This is how Enoch pleased God.

When we consider with a good and honest heart – all the evidence of God’s existence around us and we take His Word as truth – then act on His Word – that’s the activity of faith – that assures us of things we hope for and convinces us of things we cannot see.

If you want to please God and look forward to a good eternal outcome, it must be by faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).

“There are three kinds of giving: grudge giving, duty giving, and thanksgiving.

Grudge giving says, ‘I hate to,’ duty giving says, ‘I ought to,’ thanksgiving says, ‘I want to.’

The first comes from constraint, the second from a sense of obligation, the third from a full heart. Nothing much is conveyed in grudge giving since ‘the gift without the giver is bare.’ Something more happens in duty giving, but there is no song in it. Thanksgiving is an open gate into the love of God” (Robert N. Rodenmayer).

I’ll be at Oaks West Church of Christ in Burnet, Tx. April 7-10, then the Northwest church of Christ in Austin, April 11-13.

It seems to be so simple and obviously good. When people accomplish something commendable, win some battle or make a new choice that is good, we congratulate them with praise. “Good job … way to go … I’m proud of you!”

We do not expect something this good and simple to contain any challenges or cautions. Yet, there is the challenge of consistency. We should guard against commending a certain group with such volume, others who are just as deserving receive little or no praise.

Two Examples: (1) When we praise those who have survived cancer, attributing their survival to their great strength of character, let’s not leave out those who lost the battle though they also had strength of character. (2) When we praise and honor high school graduates who are signed up for college, let’s not neglect our applause for those who have signed up for military service, or a vocation that is individually suitable.

And then, in all your praise for people – never leave out praise for the God who made people (Psalms 148).

Serve or Be Served

by Jay Bowman

Why do you go to church? Is it to serve or to be served? Candidly speaking, go to church for both rea­sons. The Bible teaches that we carry away from the ser­vices something valuable to our souls. Teaching and edifi­cation, spiritual fellowship, exhortation and encouragement help us strengthen our faith and meet the discouragements of life. There is nothing wrong with that. It is the pur­pose of church life. We should take something home from the assemblies and we should realize the inestimable value of that benefit. If more people knew that, they would not forsake the assemblies.

But, obviously, if nobody gives, nobody gets. Far too many Christians want their children educated spiritually but they wouldn’t teach a class to save your life. They want a comfortable place to worship, but they won’t give of their means to provide it. They insist on social fellow­ship – but want others to provide it. They want a church with lots of young people, but they sense no obligation to pro­vide this advantage for the common good . In short, they want others to provide all the benefits for their own self­ish use. And, if they will, they will gladly claim them -­until they find a church that offers better.

Such a person ignores one of Jesus’ most fundamental teachings. He said, “I am among you as One who serves (Lk. 22:27). All followers of Christ ought to serve their brethren. People with a self-centered attitude are a lia­bility, not an asset. They are good only for the attendance record.

A church is a service organization. It provides a spiritual service. But, it can never offer any more than what its members provide. If a church is lifeless and dead, it is because its members are dead. If it is vital and lively, it is because its members care.

Source: NORTH PARK CHURCH OF CHRIST

May 16, 1984

Abilene, Tx.

Also from JAY BOWMAN, THE COLLECTED WORKS, available on Amazon & Barnes and Noble

Going Home

By Marc Hinds

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?” (Luke 15:4).

Anytime I want to, I can go home. I haven’t lived in the house I grew up in since getting married almost twenty years ago, but my parents still live there. My old room has been converted to an office, but there is a guest bed is in my brother’s old room that works just fine for me when I visit.

While I lived there on a daily basis, my coming and going might not generate a lot of excitement. “Oh, you’re home from school?” they might say pleasantly. However, if I were to open the front door now, and suddenly step into the living room, I would receive an enthusiastic greeting. “You’re home!”  Coming home after being gone awhile is always exciting.

In Luke 15, Jesus tells a set of three parables about lost items. These are the parables of the lost sheep (vv. 4–7), the lost coin (vv. 8–10) and the lost son (vv. 11–32). The lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son all share being lost.  In a similar way, the ninety-nine sheep, the nine coins and the older brother all share a similar relationship.  They all seem to be safe.  Or were they?  The older brother may not have been as safe as it may seem.  He got angry and refused to join in the celebration of his brother’s return (v. 28).

Have you ever known someone who struggled with sin in his or her life and then publicly acknowledged it before the congregation? Prayer is offered, the “amen” is said and suddenly there is a “party” at the front of the auditorium where swarms of people are rejoicing with this person who has “come back to the fold.”

As a faithful Christian, you might watch this transpire and be tempted to feel like it is unfair. After all, it’s been years since you’ve disobeyed a command of God (cf. v. 29) and yet, no one has made over you in such an obvious display of congratulatory celebration. As a result, you might even be a bit resentful and “refuse” to join in (cf. v. 28).

Yet all of us have been lost. At one time in our lives, all of us were the one lost sheep or the one lost coin or the one lost son. We were all saved by God’s grace. Since that time, we have been able to enjoy everything that our Heavenly Father offers, including a close relationship with him now and all the blessings that are found in his Son (Eph 1:3). Conversely, the lost son with his “prodigal living” found out that a godless lifestyle only brings heartache (v. 13–16).

Jesus is telling us in these parables that the soul who comes back home doesn’t deserve our scorn, but our sympathy. They’ve been missing out on what we’ve had all this time. While they were lost, you’ve been safe and sound at home. What could possibly be better than that?

We have a saying. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” It’s normal for us to get excited about greeting someone that we haven’t seen for a long time. But in these parables, it’s something far more significant. The one sheep, one coin and one son were lost! They were precious and greatly valued and, as a result, desperately needed to be found. No wonder “there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (v. 7). When one sinner repents, the angels rejoice, Jesus says (v. 10).  The key is to realize we all need repentance (v. 2).

This third parable shows that we can think that we don’t need to repent of anything and yet be blind to our own self-righteousness and arrogance. It’s one thing to lament the spiritual death of someone else and it’s quite another to realize that we’re in the same sad state. I am a sinner who left the fold of the Father and was allowed to come back home. I have no right to resent the return of my brother and sister.

Yet sometimes we do, to our own detriment. We feel unappreciated, never realizing that we have taken God’s blessings for granted.

I’m so glad that I can always go back to my physical home anytime I want.  One day that won’t be possible.  My parents won’t live forever.  Someday their house will be occupied by someone else.

In sharp contrast our heavenly Father will never cease to long for his children to come home, to develop a lifelong relationship with Him while on earth and then spend eternity with Him forever.

That means I want to go home and I want to stay home.  When I do, there will be much rejoicing.  When others do, may I rejoice with them and the angels in heaven.

Marc Hinds preaches for the Parkway church of Christ, Corpus Christi, Texas. This article originally published in PRESSING ON MAGAZINE.

From the book, CHRISTIANITY IN TWELVE WORDS, this is from the chapter on “Sound” by Tony Mauck.

Sound is measured by one’s spiritual wellness, period. Sound includes both submissiveness to God in areas of corporate responsibility and submissiveness to God in the area of personal faith and holiness.

Collectively, soundness means…

• Identifying with others who are sound and engaging in God-prescribed acts together.
• Declaring the truth that saves and standing firmly against destructive error.
• Demanding and encouraging a genuine attempt at holiness among all of the members.
• Respecting God’s arrangement for the local church.
• Engaging only in work and worship that is consistent with New Testament instruction.

Individually, soundness means…

• Maintaining a “good and honest heart” (Luke 8:15).
• Paying homage to the great God and Redeemer.
• Trusting Him daily through prayer, study and meditation.
• Serving among His people and expressing genuine concern for each one.
• Pursuing love in all of one’s relationships.
• Imitating the Lord in faith, humility, service and purity.
• Shining as lights in the world in an attempt to reach them with God’s saving message.

{Author Unknown; slightly edited for this blog}

The Resume Of Jesus Christ

Address: Ephesians 1:20
Phone: Romans 10:13 Website: The Bible
Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

Hello. My name is Jesus – The Christ. Many call me Lord! I’ve sent you my resume because I’m seeking the top management position in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

Qualifications: I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19) I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7) I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7) I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13) The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

Occupational Background: I’ve only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49). I’ve never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful. My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15-17)

Skills & Work Experiences: Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18). I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Proverbs 1:33). Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7-9). I just need your consent through trust and obedience (Heb. 5:9).

Educational Background: I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6). In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3). My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a lamp unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105). I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

Major Accomplishments: I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26). I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15). I defeated the archenemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15). I’ve miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead! There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is located at: www. the BIBLE. You don’t need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

References: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

In Summation: Now that you’ve read my resume, I’m confident that I’m the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5-6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47).

When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15).

{Author Unknown; slightly edited for this blog}

Today, Matt. 6:34

Jay Taylor

The word “today” should be an important word to the child of God. Yesterday becomes part of the past with every sunset and tomorrow is not a guarantee. Yet, many believers consume hours dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Their focus should be on “today.”

During the great mountain sermon, Jesus concluded His teaching about worry by saying, “therefore do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:34). James adds that it is boastful and arrogant to assume the existence of unborn tomorrows. He then reminds us that we “do not know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14-16). We quickly see that today is the most important day of our lives. All of our focus and energy should be directed to the present day. We need to live our lives in such a manner that realizes that eternity could begin today! Eternity could begin today. What should I be today? What should my life consist of? What should I do with my time today?

Today, I will live with an awareness of God. How long has it been? Hours? Days? Weeks? When was the last time you thought about God? Today, I do not want to just have a passing thought of Him. I want to live in such a way that I am aware of Him at all times. The godly person acknowledges God in all that he does. He sees God in creation. He speaks to God through prayer.

He reads God’s word. He loves God. He recognizes God as the source of every good and perfect gift. God comes first in all his/her thoughts and actions. Today, I will be pure in heart. We are surrounded by attitudes, thoughts, and actions that are not pure. The child of God must flee from them. Jesus said that the pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). That is what we desire and live for. We want to see God and spend eternity in His presence. I must be pure in heart if that is my desire. Therefore, today, I will set nothing wicked before my eyes (Ps. 101:3). Today, I will set my mind on things above (Col. 3:2). Today, I will think on those things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report (Phil. 4:8). Today, I will resist temptation. Today, I will hate sin.

Today, I will teach someone about Jesus Christ. God has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Today, I will bring that message of hope to others. The group of people we refer to as “others” are all around us. They are next door and down the road. We see them at the grocery store every week. They deliver our mail and pick up the trash. I want to bring others to Jesus Christ. Today, I will pray for courage and wisdom to do that. Today, I will look forward to Christ’s return. He is coming again! What a thrilling thought! We will be like Him and see Him as He is on that day when He is revealed (1 John. 3:2). Eternity will begin on that day. Today, I will live like Him and anticipate His return. I will be compassionate, kind, merciful, gracious, slow to anger, touched over the infirmities of others, ready to rejoice, and loving. What will you do today?

From Expository Files Archives