Author: Warren Berkley
I'm a gospel preacher working in McAllen, Tx.
A Change Of Platform Coming Soon
Early in January, I’ll leave the WordPress platform. I’ll continue to post various info/graphics but not on this platform. Two reasons: (1) the cost of this platform hits annually and our budget needs some space. (2) There are other platforms that may reach more people yet without the cost. So, this year brings to a close Berksblog. Posts already scheduled for 2025 will appear on my Facebook page and perhaps on X (formerly Twitter). I want followers of this blog to know how much I’ve been encouraged by your favorable comments. Thank You. Likewise, those who have taken issue with a few posts, thank you. Being open to honest criticism is always welcomed. Also, I’m a member of the Northside church of Christ in Greenwood, Arkansas. I’ve tagged that site below. On Facebook, in addition to my personal presence there is an Expository Files group I share with Jon Quinn. You will find some of my posts at that location as well. Also, I write two regular columns for Presssing On Magazine and that link is also here (see below). Farewell.
Northside Church of Christ, Greenwood, Arkansas – Click Here
In Him All Things Hold Together!
How?
What God Expects
AWE
Complacency Illustrated
Where Complacency Takes You
Warren E. Berkley
Zeph. 1:12 — At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing, either good or bad.‘
When wine or grape juice is allowed to set out and settle, “without having ever been drawn off or emptied from vessel to vessel” – it becomes thick and goes bad.
This is the picture God gives through Zephaniah in the above text. Over the years, the people gradually settled into a very low place of prosperity, affluence and the available carnal pleasures. The “wine” lost its flavor and went bitter. As one commentator wrote: “…as good wine becomes better and bad wine worse from being allowed to settle,” so godly people can become better through their continued growth and response to God’s grace. Those who slowly settle into worldly living suffer a loss of their previous goodness and become more and more comfortable in their worldly entanglements.
The slow deterioration illustrated in this text can be avoided by our determination to excel in everything that is good and holy. “…Excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love…,” (2 Cor. 8:7).
Resources:
Commentary on the Minor Prophets, Homer Hailey
Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 14
Wings Like Eagles, by David King, Vol. 3, p.#307
Busy? Tired?
May It Never Be
YOU SHALL…
