“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

All the things that can be said of divine revelation in the Bible must include this statement written by James.  It is written in Proverbs, “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, let he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:5-6). Consider three areas where the priority of purity is addressed.

1. Pure in Message. Peter warned concerning “they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16).  Perverting, twisting, corrupting the word of God is sternly condemned.  The message of the Bible is to bring the lost to the condition of salvation through Christ according to God’s clear instruction.  Any deviation from that message is a path toward self-righteousness and thus condemnation.  Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ” (2 Cor. 2:17).  When truth is twisted into falsehood, no good can come from it.  It was deception and corruption of what God said that Satan used to bring sin into the world (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3).
2. Pure in Morals. Purity is a vital aspect of the life of a Christian (cf. 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:22).  When man will buy into a corrupted message, it will not be long before he will buy into a corrupted manner of living.  Paul described such a pattern in the first chapter of the book of Romans (cf. Romans 1:18-32).  Paul warned the brethren at Corinth when certain ones were denying the resurrection (cf. 1 Cor. 15:12), “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33).  The Lord demands that while keeping the message pure (cf. 1 Peter 1:12, 23, 25) one must also live holy (cf. 1 Peter 1:14-16).  The prophets called people unto repentance (cf. Zech. 1:4) to follow only the word of the Lord (cf. Jer. 6:16), which would produce a righteous people (cf. Isa. 1:18-19, 27).  The nation refused the Lord (cf. Jer. 2:13) and his word (cf. Hosea 4:6) and turned unto the immorality of idolatry (cf. Jer. 3:6-9; Hosea 4:12-14).  Those who do not learn from history often repeat it.
3. Pure in Mission. The mission or purpose of life is to be single-minded in service to God.  Being double-minded will not do (cf. James 1:8; 4:4, 8).  Jesus knew what his time on earth was designed to finish (cf. John 4:34).  While the Christian cannot do what Jesus was destined to do, he can model his life to “fear God, and keep his commandments” (Eccl. 12:13).  The world is filled with things that distract and call one’s attention away from the purpose that God has for man.  Look at how busy many people are with everything except what is spiritual.  Even spiritually minded people can get distracted from what is needful (cf. Luke 10:41-42).  Consider how important it was that the apostles fulfill their work and not go back to previous pursuits (cf. John 21:15-17).  Paul knew his place in such work (cf. Acts 20:24).  Staying on point and finishing what one began is a mark of true discipleship.  The wisdom from above must truly first be pure before any other factor is explored.

Jimmy Clark

“And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, . . . For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:1-2, 20).

The sermon recorded in Matthew chapters five through seven is one of the most challenging of the preaching work that Jesus did among followers.  This material was the defining declaration of who really are those on the way to the kingdom of heaven.  Jesus declared plainly that the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was not the path to heaven.  One must get serious about discipleship in order to enter into heaven.  Consider some serious points made by Jesus concerning the life of a true disciple of Jesus.

1. Spiritually-minded. One cannot read the material in chapter five without seeing the seriousness of the inner man being right with God.  Jesus addressed being “poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3), “pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8) along with the other spiritual qualities of the beatitudes.  He addressed being salt of the earth (cf. Matt. 5:13) and the light of the world (cf. Matt. 5:14-15) in order that one’s influence might bring glory to the Father.  Thus, the goal of discipleship is to have God receive the credit, not the disciple.  Jesus addressed several misconceptions taught about the law with the correct interpretation centered on the spiritual side of man being right to avoid mistreatment of others, destroying homes, creating a lack of trust among people and hating those whom God loves.  It is from the heart that all evil comes (cf. Matt. 15:18-19).  If one is to be serious about being a disciple, then he will be serious about his inner man.
2. Self-denying. One cannot read chapter six without seeing the seriousness of the danger of doing things simply to be seen of men and living a materialistic lifestyle.  Jesus gave three illustrations of the self-righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees in their alms giving, prayer and fasting.  Their religious practices were for show, not for serious spiritual sacrifices.  Their real God was Mammon (cf. Matt. 6:24) as covetousness was a hallmark of their being (cf. Luke 16:14).  The message that Jesus gave to his disciples found in the words “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24) would have been nonsense to these religious elite.  Serious discipleship is God centered (cf. Matt. 6:33).
3. Steadfastly Following to the End. Chapter seven gives a mix of dangerous influences and actions that sidetrack a disciple.  Jesus was the only perfect example of how distractions would not be an issue.  Judging motives (cf. Matt. 7:1-5), living by the rule of treating others as you would desire to be treated (cf. Matt. 7:12), knowing that the way to heaven is difficult and sparsely traveled, while troubled that some would start the road only to be found lacking in the end (cf. Matt. 7:21-27) demands the seriousness of mind and will to finish what one started in his walk with the Lord.  Jesus would finish his work and so must all who will run the race (cf. Heb. 12:1-2).  Jesus would live to see some quit before his death (cf. John 6:66) and see Judas betray the Lord (cf. Matt. 26:47ff).  Serious discipleship finishes the course (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7).

Jimmy Clark

“And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet” (Acts 8:27-28).

The world today has much more access to the word of God than the eunuch did on that day recorded in Acts 8.  However, the eunuch had an attitude about studying the Bible that all in the world today need.  Look at three lessons from this account to help all see how important serious Bible study is.

1. Personal Reading. It is worthy of note that the eunuch had a copy of the book of Isaiah in which he was reading.  How much of the rest of the Bible he had is not stated.  However, he saw that material as being very important to his life.  Today, copies of the Bible are accessible to anyone today with the presence of printed books, and even the Internet.  Owning one’s own personal copy of the Bible in one’s language is so commonplace in America that it is often taken for granted.  The eunuch had already been exposed to a reading of the Bible back in Jerusalem where he had gone to worship but that time was not enough for him.  He wanted to personally look into the word and seek the truths that were there.  How wonderful a practice it is to seek diligently for more knowledge from the word of God.  Ignorance of God’s word is to put oneself into a very dangerous state (cf. Hosea 4:6).  The eunuch’s personal reading demonstrated that his priorities were right.
2. Pertinent Questioning. After Philip asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading, the eunuch said, “How can I, except some man should guide me?” (Acts 8:31).  Later, the eunuch will ask Philip concerning the reading, “I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?” (Acts 8:34).  After learning that the reading was about Jesus (cf. Acts 8:35), he asked the most pertinent question of all, by saying, “See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36).  While there are some questions that are “foolish and unlearned questions” (2 Tim. 2:23), the eunuch’s questions did not fall into that category.  He knew he was ignorant.  He sincerely wanted to know the truth about the meaning of the text.  He wanted to know what might hinder him from applying what he learned.  All of these show his seriousness about Bible study.
3. Practical Application. Luke records of the eunuch’s response to the Bible study when Philip told him what he needed to do, “And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch: and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:38-39).  The eunuch knew that knowing the truth demanded applying it.  James wrote of hearing, “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:21-22).  Serious Bible students know that the Bible must be more than just knowledge in the head.  It must be applied to life (cf. 1 John 2:3-5).  The eunuch could look back on his conversion and know that serious Bible study has profit.

Jimmy Clark

“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Col. 1:2).

There are times in life when a dedicated child of God needs to reflect upon the greatness of what he has in Christ.  Doubt, despair, and the like can creep in if one is not prudent.  The letter to the Colossian congregation was of such great importance that Paul even requested that the congregation at Laodicea receive this same information for their benefit (cf. Col. 4:16).  Consider what saints and faithful brethren know.

1. Recipient of the Grace and Peace of God. This letter begins with the blessings of grace and peace.  These are two strengths that keep the faithful settled in mind.  Salvation is by the grace of God (cf. Eph. 2:5) and the peace of God is a wonderful spiritual benefit to the faithful (cf. Col. 3:15).  John wrote the book of First John to strengthen the faith of the brethren, when he wrote, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).  The grace of God continues to motivate (cf. 1 Cor. 15:10) and the peace of God continues to keep the mind at ease (cf. Phil. 4:6-7).  There are some outside and some inside the church who would say that churches of Christ (cf. Rom. 16:16) do not really believe in the grace and peace of God as a present, existing state.  Such could not be further from the truth.  One should heed Paul’s warning, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit” (Col. 2:8).
2. Reconciled unto God Through Christ. Paul wrote, “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister” (Col. 1:21-23).  While this section underscores the conditional nature of continuing to be holy and faithful in one’s walk with the Lord, it also underscores that one is still in that reconciled state from the point that he died to sin (cf. Col. 2:20; 3:3) was buried with Christ in baptism (cf. Col. 2:12) and was raised with Christ to live anew (cf. Col. 3:1).  The Father has “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13).
3. Reassured of the Hope in Christ. Hope is a constant message in the book of Colossians (cf. Col. 1: 5, 23, 27).  Hope from the Biblical perspective is a quiet confidence and earnest expectation of God’s promises being fulfilled.  If the faithful child of God could not know that he had hope, how could he have the true joy that is in Christ?  Paul stated of hope, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Cor. 15:19).  Notice in that verse that Paul stated that the child of God has hope in this life as well as the hope of the life after this earthly life in view of the resurrection of Christ.  Hope is an element of spirituality that has to do with salvation (cf. Rom. 8:24).  Faithful, hold on and press on!

Jimmy Clark

“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the Lord, and also with men” (1 Sam. 2:26).

The childhood of Samuel was characterized by a bright influence in a dark time.  Things would become even darker for the nation while Samuel grew from boyhood to manhood.  However, Samuel’s influence would grow stronger through the years.  The great power of God is seen in that a child can have a tremendous influence over a people.  The Bible is filled with great illustrations from the influence of children.  Consider three lessons found in the text of the Bible.

1. Humility. Jesus used a little child to teach his disciples a needed lesson.  “And he said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3-4).  The innocence of childhood is often marked by humility of spirit.  Jesus revealed that such a quality is key to entering into heaven.  This childlike spirit is never to be lost.
2. Helpful. A little maid (cf. 2 Kings 5:2) gave great news to the wife of Naaman’s wife.  “And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:3).  This young girl could have been silent or even given false information.  However, she was helpful in the greatest degree.  Children often combine their humility with helpfulness.  They truly have a volunteer spirit.  They are often eager to do for others when a request is made of them.  The smallest of tasks do not burden them.  They are sharers of their thoughts freely.  Many years in the future a little boy will provide his food that Jesus might feed the multitudes (cf. John 6:9-13).  The little maid and the little boy were none the worse for sharing needed things.  Such an influence did not go unnoticed by the Lord.
3. Harmless.  Paul exhorted the congregation at Corinth with these words, “Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men” (1 Cor. 14:20).  The congregation in Corinth needed to have several problems resolved.  There was division (cf. 1 Cor. 1:11; 11:18), pride (cf. 1 Cor. 4:18), open immorality (cf. 1 Cor. 5:1), brother taking brother to court over small matters (cf. 1 Cor. 6:1-4) and much more.  The childlike spirit of no ill will sought against another is to be true of the spiritual body of Christ: His church.  God’s people are to be peacemakers (cf. Matt. 5:9), not hateful (cf. Titus 3:3) and complainers (cf. Phil. 2:14).  Paul wrote to the Philippian brethren about how to walk in the world, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15).  Jesus told his own disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16).  When the age of innocence is over through the maturation process, the age of retaining childlike qualities is never to be over.  The foundation of great influential qualities seen in a child is priceless and irreplaceable.  Sometimes all need to look at the world through the eyes of a child and see the simplicity of a pure life.  There is truly an endearing quality in children that draw adults to them.

Jimmy Clark

“Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me.  And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work” (Neh. 2:17-18).

The task of rebuilding the walls of the city of Jerusalem was a monumental work.  It would take the cooperation of all the people of God to complete it.  It was done (cf. Neh. 6:15) but not without opposition.  Consider three spiritual principles necessary for a positive attitude in a negative environment.

1. Set Your Affections on Things Above. Nehemiah focused his and their attention on spiritual things.  When opposition arose at the first news of the effort (cf. Neh. 2:19), Nehemiah stated, “The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem” (Neh. 2:20).  The Holy Spirit through Paul exhorts God’s people today, “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:1-2).  Keeping the ultimate goal in constant focus helps with handling the distractions that constantly surround.  The blessed man knows this.  “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Ps. 1:1-2).
2. Surround Yourself with Right Thinking People. Nehemiah did not face his responsibility alone.  While God was ever with him, even as the enemies realized (cf. Neh. 6:16), there were many faithful people involved in the work.  Nehemiah organized the restoration of the walls (cf. Neh. 3) and the people “had a mind to work” (Neh. 4:6).  Men like Hanani and Hananiah were given responsibilities due to their faithfulness and God fearing qualities (cf. Neh. 7:2).  Ezra was there on that great day of the reading of the law (cf. Neh. 8).  While the people had spiritual problems even after the walls were rebuilt (cf. Neh. 13), Nehemiah did not stand alone in the work of the Lord.  The Bible does not say in vain, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed” (Prov. 13:20).
3. Strengthen Your Heart and Mind Through Prayer. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).  A study of Nehemiah the man is a case study of prayer.  His first step in the right direction when problems arose was prayer (cf. Neh. 1:4-11).  When about to give answer to the king for his sadness (cf. Neh. 2:1ff), prayer to God was his recourse (cf. Neh. 2:4).  Discouragement and despair can easily arise in the storms of life when viewed with fleshly eyes.  Biblical optimism is the product of full confidence in the source of all answers and strength: God.  Truly, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).                                                                                                   

Jimmy Clark

“And the common people heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37).

The English Standard Version reads “And the great throng heard him gladly” (Mark 12:37).  Regardless of the way the sentence is translated, there is no mistake that there was a great following of Jesus at this time.  It was only a little time ago from this setting of Mark 12 that Jesus entered triumphantly into the city of Jerusalem.  People were drawn to him from every direction and from every background.  The appeals of today were not what led multitudes to be attracted to Jesus.  Consider three worldly appeals that were not true of Jesus.

1. Not His Appearance. Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, “For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him” (Isa. 53:2).  While some people recorded in the Bible were attractive in their appearance as babies (cf. Heb. 11:23) or as young adults (cf. 1 Sam. 17:42), Jesus was not of such an appearance.  One might think that the Father in heaven would have brought the best looking boy into the world in the person of Jesus.  This was not the case.  Fleshly means was not the power of the Lord.  It was the spiritual side of Jesus that drew people.  Such is still true today.
2. Not His Affluence. Jesus stated of his own possessions, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke 9:58).  The life of Jesus was lived off the generosity of others and his trust in the Father to care for him.  While he had the power to perform great miracles, they were not used for personal ends.  He who created the universe (cf. Col. 1:16-17) did not come into the world to use the world for his pleasures and the pleasures of his followers.  Jesus took the form of a servant or literally a slave (cf. Phil. 2:7).  He even taught his own special disciples to trust in the Lord to provide care (cf. Matt. 6:33) and to accept the generosity of those who appreciated the gospel (cf. Matt. 10:9-13).  He did not have the appearance of a king but is truly the King of kings (cf. Rev. 19:16).  He grew up in the home of a craftsman of wood (cf. Mark 6:3) within a town of no worthy reputation (cf. John 1:46).  However, his meekness and lowliness were his strong appeal to people (cf. Matt. 11:28-30).  It is still so today.
3. Not His Associates.  Jesus was not in the inner circle of the religious elite of his day (cf. John 1:11; 19:15).  He was called a Samaritan having a demon (cf. John 8:48).  Those who followed him were people of the common occupations of the land.  He knew how to communicate to the poor (cf. Mark 5:25-34) and the rich (cf. Luke 19:1-11).  He was capable of helping the educated (cf. John 3:1ff) and the uneducated (cf. Matt. 11:25).  His closest disciples were not men of renown with the world as they had rejected such to follow him (cf. Matt. 19:27).  Toward the close of his earthly life all would and did forsake him (cf. Mark 14:27, 50).  There are people who will join themselves to a group because of the advantage that being in certain circles might provide.  Jesus was the only real advantage in the crowd (cf. John 6:66-69).  The appeal of Jesus is not appealing on the whole to the wise of the flesh, the mighty or the noble of this world (cf. 1 Cor. 1:26).  The appeal is in redemption.

Jimmy Clark

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5).

If one reads Paul’s writing to Timothy in this second letter from chapter three verse one to chapter four verse five, one will see that there were some great challenges ahead for Timothy in his work as an evangelist.  Great challenges are not unusual when it comes to dealing with converting the hearts of men to Christ.  Consider three challenges in evangelism.

1. Secularism. Atheism, agnosticism, humanism and simple secular materialism abound in various circles of the world.  There are even certain political structures that foster these philosophes.  It is not uncommon to hear certain people openly profess that they do not believe in any supernatural being or power.  Evolution and its effects have deceived people to accept the false conclusion that “this is all that there is in life, so make the most of your life while you can.”  Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, looked at life from the vantage point of living life without God and declared of such a worldview, “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Eccl. 1:2).  Peter wrote of the end of the material world, “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:11-12).  Secularism denies the spiritual, eternal side of man and offers no real hope.  The good news in the truth of the gospel is a welcomed balm for the wounds and despair of materialistic disappointments.
2. “Spiritual But Not Religious”. Those who reject any type of organized religious structure but still believe in spiritual things are indeed a challenge in evangelism.  While the Bible may be explored by this persuasion, it does not become the exclusive guide for living.  Such would be “too narrow-minded” for this way of thinking.  Paul knew the importance of divine revelation in contrast to human wisdom, religious or not (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-2:13).  The miraculously revealed and confirmed word of God stands in bold contrast to the mere thinking of “spiritual” thinkers.  Peter declared to the saints, “We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).  True, saving faith is through the inspired word of God (cf. Rom. 10:17).
3. Sectarian But Inclusive.  A popular sentiment among some is in the statement, “There are faithful Christians in all denominations, so don’t be concerned about evangelizing those.”  Such assumes that joining a human denomination is equal in substance to being added by the Lord (cf. Acts 2:47) to the church Jesus built (cf. Matt. 16:18-19; Eph. 2:19-21).  There is to be “no division” among members of a local congregation (cf. 1 Cor. 1:10) much less among people who claim to be in Christ.  Denominationalism is foreign to the prayer of Christ (cf. John 17:20-21) and the plan of God (cf. Eph. 1:10; 3:10-11).  One is not being contentious or cultic by standing up for “one body” (Eph. 4:4) and “one faith” (Eph. 4:5).  Sects are divisive by their nature with historical track records of multiple splintering.  Let there be only one gospel (cf. Gal. 1:8-9).

Jimmy Clark

“O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms” (Ps. 95:1-2).

This psalm is both a song of adoration and admonition.  The end of verse seven through the end of the psalm is quoted in Hebrews 3:7-11 to warn about the first generation of Israelites that did not remain faithful to God in the wilderness.  Therefore, they did not enter into the promised land because of unbelief (cf. Heb. 3:19).  Worship should greatly affect the way one lives and visa versa.  Consider three things addressed in the beginning of Psalm 95 that makes worship and one’s walk of life a pleasure.

1. The Great Sovereign. The Holy Spirit declared, “For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods” (Ps. 95:3).  All that may be called gods does not compare to the Lord.  Isaiah stated of the Lord’s declaration to an unfaithful people, “I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King” (Isa. 43:15).  While men sat on thrones within the nation and without, there is truly only one King, the Lord.  When one looks at the church today, it can truly be said that Christ is our King (cf. 1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 19:16).  Ultimately, he will deliver up the kingdom to the Father (cf. 1 Cor. 15:24) and He will be “all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28).  When one is singing unto the Lord, there is none greater to pay homage.  One may sing for the entertainment of the President of the United States or even a great head of State from a foreign country.  No one compares to singing unto the Lord.
2. The Great Source. The psalm continues to declare, “In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker” (Ps. 95:4-6).  These words paint the picture of God being the source of all creation as well as the majestic size of God in comparison to the creation.  The concept of God being the Creator or Maker is explicitly repeated from Genesis (cf. Gen. 1) to Revelation (cf. Rev. 4:11).  Matter is not eternal (fact from the laws of thermodynamics); therefore, the Supernatural brought about the natural (cf. Gen. 1:1).  Besides the creation of all things, God is still in control of all things.  His hands are so large that the deep places of the earth are said to be within one hand.  The largest bodies of things like the deep, the sea, the hills and the dry land are all within his possession and care.  How much more then are the people who dwell therein?  The Father seeks that His creation worship Him (cf. John 4:23).  All owe their existence and subsistence to Him.
3. The Great Shepherd. It is written, “For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand” (Ps. 95:7a).  Sheep are highly dependent upon the shepherd.  How true is that of frail human beings to the infinite God!  The early part of Psalm 23 would show how tender and kind is the Lord as a shepherd.  Sheep are led, calmed and protected by their shepherd.  Seeing that every good thing that has ever come to man has come through the Lord (cf. James 1:17), how should the worshipers sing unto Him?  How should such appreciation affect the walk of every day living?  David knew where his strength lay (cf. Ps. 18:1-2).  The triumphant Lord is truly the song of the redeemed (cf. Ex. 15:2).

Jimmy Clark

“King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:27-28).

Paul preached the truth to a man that was moved by the message but did nothing about applying it to his own life.  The contents of the gospel are very compelling; however, people make all kinds of excuses for not obeying.  Consider three common attitudes that hinder people from obeying the gospel.

1. Life Would Be Filled with Hardships and No Fun. People who are caught up in worldly pleasure as the substance of life do not realize what they are missing in the true happiness found in Christ.  While it is true that the life of a Christian is difficult (cf. Matt. 7:14; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Peter 4:16), it is also true that suffering comes from a life of sin as well (cf. Prov. 13:15; 1 Peter 4:15).  While sin has its pleasure for only a season (cf. Heb. 11:25), righteousness has its satisfaction in the life that now is (cf. 1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Thess. 1:7) and in the life to come (cf. Rev. 21:4).  There is no real fun in shame (cf. Rom. 6:21) and in knowing that living in sin is living in death (cf. 1 Tim. 5:6).  The life of the child of God is filled with joy, peace, confidence and all the good things that God provides for His children (cf. Rom. 2:7, 10).  A righteous, moral life is filled with joy; the joy that really counts.
2. Love of Family and Friends Might End. While it is true that there are people who will not approve of obedience to God and all that such entails, love for the One who loves mankind the most is the perspective to keep.  John wrote of real love, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).  Luke wrote of Jesus’ words concerning true commitment to such love, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).  All must sanctify God above all (cf. 1 Peter 3:15).  In addition, there have been people who were the first to obey the gospel in their family and circle of friends only to find that such led their family and friends to take a very serious look at the life of a Christian.  Such a commitment also has stirred up people to learn and obey as well.  The rich man in torments did not want his brothers to be where he was (cf. Luke 16:27-28).  A true friend wants what is best for his companions in this life as well as in the one to come.
3. Letting Go of Certain Things is Too Tough.  A certain young man who desired to have eternal life learned that his possessions meant more to him than going to heaven (cf. Matt. 19:16-22).  Jesus said of the “thorny ground” hearer, “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection” (Luke 8:14).  The listing of the works of the flesh (cf. Gal. 5:19-21) is just a small sampling of things that people are not willing to let go to have “promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).  Here is just another example of how sin blinds the mind (cf. 2 Cor. 4:3-4).  All things are incomparable to the worth of the soul (cf. Mark 8:34-37).  Eternal things far outweigh the temporal (cf. 2 Cor. 4:18-5:1).

Jimmy Clark