Category: Church - Jethro TOOLS

Members Who Serve

8/24/2025

Romans 12:1-8
What motivates you? We may be motivated by hunger so we begin a search for food. We may be motivated by self protection so we live life fearing many things. We may be motivated by greatness so we live a life focused on our fantasy of self elevation. There are many things that may motivate us. Satan even used hunger, pride and self preservation as motivating factors to tempt Jesus (Luke 4:1-13). But a temptation is only a temporary motivation, because once we yield the temptation we find that it does not satisfy. Even John, one of the disciples, mentions the fleeting nature of our worldly desires (1 John 2:17). So where should we look to find something worth living for, a lasting motivation? In Romans 12, Paul urges his audience to present themselves wholly to God because He is worthy (1-2). In other words, the believer is to be motivated serve God because of what Jesus Christ has done for them. Sin and self are no longer master of the believer. Christ has saved the believer to be conformed to Him and changed by Him. The believer is to be dedicated to God alone (1-2) and serve God’s purposes alone (3-8). Worldly thinking says that our purpose and motivation in living should be found in what we gain for our self. Ion the other hand the believer in Jesus Christ, who has been transformed by Christ, marches to a different drum beat and follows a different master. As a member of Christ body, the church, the believer in Jesus finds their significance in serving others and building the body. Self is removed from the center and Christ now rules the body, mind and action of the believer. Christ has not only saved us from sin, but He has saved us for His purpose of being a blessing that builds others for His kingdom. What motivates you?

For More See ROMANS

Member with Others

8/10/2025

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Arm wrestling is a sport that has gained popularity in recent years through one of its main participants, Devon Larratt. It may not seem like it, but arm wrestling is a very technical sport, and Devon Larratt has taken on the task of fine tuning and developing every part of his body to make it more powerful than that of his opponents. On a quick look one might think the best arm wrestler to be a big person with bulging biceps. However, Larratt has studied and developed even his smallest muscles by growing them in strength and endurance. The result is an impressive world recognition as one of the greatest arm wrestlers of all time, and he has the championships to prove it. His success is founded on very part, even the little parts doing their job. The same is true of the church. Every part of the church body is called on to serve at their maximum capacity for the benefit of the whole body and the honor of God. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12 that the church, God’s body, is like a physical body that is made up of many parts (12-14). A body that is divided leads to discord and dysfunction (15-17). Every part of the body is designed and placed by God to perform a specific purpose for the benefit of the whole body (18-20). The individual functions with in the body of Christ to bring honor to Him (21-26). Each individual member is committed to the others because they are connected through Christ (27). Christ is the unifying factor that changes our relationships with everyone, and particularly those within the church. The problem is that we live in a world that is individually centered. This thinking is counter to Pauls teaching. How can God use you and your relationship with Him to strengthen other believers to make His body, the church, stronger?

For More See 1 CORINTHIANS

Member with Christ

7/27/2025

Acts 2:37-47
What is the best group to join? As people, we are not created to be alone. To solve that we spend time searching for places that we like and people that like us. We move to neighborhoods and communities we like. We become members of a country, communities, groups, associations, and even members of a family. The Bible refers to those that believe in Jesus as members of His body, a spiritual family called the church. The difficulty is that we view the church as a building. You may be asked, “What church do you belong to?” Our normal response is some form of directions to some building. The person who believes by faith in Jesus as their savior is made a member of God’s family (Romans 6:3, 1 Corinthians 12:27). The church is not a building, but the believers that gather together in a building are the church. In Acts 2 we see the beginning of the church, and the initial steps of church growth. It begins with Peter’s message encouraging people to believe in Jesus (14-39), and concludes with many people responding (41). These new believers, or new members, of the early church devoted themselves to the teaching of God’s word, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer (42). This chapter highlights what God does as He changes people, their beliefs about Jesus, and association with Jesus. You see, the early church was made up of people who had originally been opposed to Jesus. In coming to Christ they were changed by Christ. They now desired to learn of Christ through His word and live out those truths in a spiritual community with others. They were a changed people, who are now members with Christ. They had changed hearts and expressed the transformation through changed lives (46-47). Are you relationally connected to Jesus Christ and His church? Are you growing in Christ with others?

For More See ACTS

Faith and Earning

6/22/2025

Colossians 3:22-4:1
Labor Day… We know it as a holiday, a day off work, a time for a vacation and the last weekend to get away before school activities take off. Labor Day was created as a national holiday to honor all the workers and their influence on our country and society. It is nice that workers have a day off and are recognized for their efforts, but most only look at the vacation not at the reason for the day off. Work is hard regardless of the job. It may not be physically tasking but a job can be mentally draining. Often you may hear someone stating how hard their job is or how bad the boss is. Did you ever stop to think that your work is one way to display your faith in God? In the book of Colossians, Paul seeks to apply the truth of Christ ruling as supreme in the believers life. Christ has changed the believers relationship to God, therefore all other relationships change because of Christ. Even in the work environment, the believer is to be a true image bearer of God who loves them, made them and saved them. At the time of this letter Paul addressed slaves (3:22-25) and owners (4:1). Each group was part of society, and people from each group were also believing members in the church. God desires that all Christians, who have been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, live differently. A worker is often self reliant, trusting in their abilities to perform. An employer is hoping that they can get a lot of work out of a cheap employee. Both are trusting themselves for their security through their abilities and management. However, Paul challenges the church in Colossae to trust God for their future, to work diligently and be fair in compensation. They were to live by faith, even in their work. May we do the same.

For More See COLOSSIANS

Ministry of the Word

9/29/2024

1 Timothy 4
Do you remember the children’s story about The Little Engine That Could who had to work extra hard to keep up with the big trains? One day he had to pull a heavy load up a big mountain. The little train tried to remember all that he had learned from the old wise trains and then put it into practice. As he worked hard and strained to pull the load he kept saying to himself “I think I can, I think I can.” In 1 Timothy 4 Paul is challenging, Timothy, the young pastor, to remember what he has learned and continue practicing his faith in God by being a spiritual example for others by. Paul and Timothy realize that it is only faith in God and His salvation that will save them and the people of the church. Paul encourages Timothy to do three things. First, he is to preach God’s Word because spiritual life is found in Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture (1-5). Others have wandered from the faith, but Timothy is to remain faithful. Second, lead in the practice of the Word because spiritual life is found in the truths of God’s Word (6-10). Timothy was given a check list in a way to keep the practice of his faith focused. Finally, Paul challenged Timothy to grow in the Word because the church needs a Godly example to follow (11-16). The young pastor was to be the example for all in the church to follow. How is your faith? Have you wandered from the truth or are you practicing the truth? What you believe about God and His Word, the Bible, will affect your life and the life of others. Unlike The Little Engine That Could, faith is not what we can do or think we can do on our own. The practice of our faith is God at work through us as we faithfully follow Him and His Word.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

The Song of the Church

9/22/2024

1 Timothy 3:14-16
In the days before internet there were mail order catalogs from companies like Sears or JC Penny. It was from these catalogs that you could order almost anything from jackets to jewelry or jeans, they had it all. On those long winter nights my father would pull out the catalog and tell us a story. He was a man of many talents, including an educated imagination. Dad would open the catalog to men’s section and pick a character, then flip through the catalog telling a story about this one man and his escapades. For example, the man would go to town to get a washing machine as a Christmas present for his wife. However, the story would have a problematic plot twist, like lots of snow that caused the man’s car to get stuck. So, he would buy snow boots and sled to pull the washing machine home and have Christmas with the family. Through the turning pages of the catalog, my father would point out different people and items that would visually make his story leap off the pages and into our imaginations. Catalog stories were a household activity that built the relational bonds within our family. In much the same way Paul tells Timothy that the church is to be a place of relationships in a household, and a pillar of strength and foundational support (14-15). Believers in Jesus, and the local church body that they form, need to be intentionally relational in their commitment to each other. Together their lives are built on the truth of scripture. Together they have a story to tell of Jesus who has saved them that will be remembered for generations. Just as my father made our relationship come alive through his stories, believers belonging to the local church also have a story of truth and songs of faith reminding them of their relationship with Jesus. Are you connected to a church family for support and strength?

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Proclaim the Gospel

8/25/2024

1 Timothy 1:12-17
My Grandma was one who made sure that we stayed warm by making various winter garments. I recall one Christmas my brothers and I opened our gifts to find our own matching pair of mittens plus a hat. These were not just any normal hat and gloves, these were double thick. Grandma made them with two layers of yarn that doubled the thickness and the warmth. In fact, that hat was so warm I remember sweating while wearing it in the middle of winter. Different people commented on the hat and asked where I got it. That was my cue to tell them that it was my Christmas gift from Grandma. In much the same way Paul is saying the same thing to Timothy. In 1 Timothy 1:12-14, Paul proclaims the gospel message because God has given him the gift of salvation and enabled him to serve (12), even though his past sin was great (13). He then turns and challenges Timothy to proclaim the gospel message of salvation (15-17). This is opposite of the false teachers, who had a message that was without substance and value because they did not hold to the truth of the gospel message (1:6). Paul’s exhortation to the young pastor, Timothy, is to keep Christ and His work on the cross central in his beliefs, teaching and practice. The same is true for us today. When we understand the greatness of our sin, and the greatness of God’s work, we will naturally proclaim the greatness of God and worship Him (17). In ministry, our past is to be an opportunity to display God’s grace in the present. Our guilt and shame of past sin do not limit God’s power in transforming the worst of sinners into His greatest servants. True ministers will view sin in light of grace and be an example pointing others to Christ and the gift of salvation He has given.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Participate as a Witness

8/11/2024

Acts 1:1-8
Just down the street, from my home, a new house is being built. Have you ever paid attention to the process of building a home? Several months ago several large pieces of heavy equipment arrived on the site and began digging the foundation. Then concrete was poured and now the walls and roof are going up. There is a small crew of workers at the new house site each day moving the project toward its designed completion. But what if each of the workers decided to construct what they wanted without regard or communication with the others? The end result would be nothing but disorganization and chaos. There would be wall without doors and stairs going to nowhere. However, each of the workers reads the house plans, listens to the boss, and does what is being communicated. The same is to be true in the church. The early church, in the book of Acts, saw continued growth with many people coming to faith in Jesus. In Acts 2:41 about 3000 people believed and were baptized. Stop and ask yourself why. The answer is found in looking back to the beginning of the book. In His last words to His disciples Jesus promised power through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). This promised individual spiritual power brought change to each disciple and they spoke of Jesus the savior who is alive and no longer in the grave. God gave His power to His disciples to build His church through their witness. The same is true for us today. The promise of the Spirit’s indwelling and transforming power is true for everyone who believes in Jesus. God desires that we listen to Him, point others to faith in Him and thus see His body, the church, built for Him. As believers we are empowered by God’s Spirit for God’s glory to proclaim God’s message! Let us live each day using His power by participating as His witness.

For More See ACTS

Participate in the Word

7/21/2024

Psalm 119:105-112
How often do you read directions? When I much younger I remember being at a meeting with my father. The speaker gave each attender a test with a page full of questions. The instructions were to read everything before beginning the test. I still remember that day. I turned the page and began frantically trying to answer questions before the allotted time ran out. As my time ran out I looked at my Dad sitting calmly, looking around the room. He was done, and I was not. The test was actually a test to see if you would listen to and obey the instructions. I did not listen, and I did not read everything first before beginning. The final line at the bottom of the page said this, “Now that you have read this entire page please write your name at top right corner of the page and wait for further instructions.” In life directions are important, but it also important to have reliable instructions from a reliable source. In Acts 2:41-42 the early church had a devotion and dedication to the Word of God. The apostles taught the Word of God and the new converts were faithful in listening and acting on what it said. Psalm 119:105 teaches us that the Bible contains the words of God that provide clarity in the present and direction for the future. Like a lamp the Bible allows us to see what is at our feet and guides us as we take another step of faith. The problem is that we as people do not listen carefully to instructions. We will often search everywhere else for answers without examining the truth in the Bible and God’s words recorded for us. Like the early church in Acts 2, we need to love the Lord, love His Word, and live His Word. That only happens by listening to His directions.

For More See PSALMS

Participate in Worship

7/14/2024

Psalm 95
Last night I walked outside before heading off to bed. The evening was quiet except for the singing of crickets, the occasional faint rumble of distant thunder, and the systematic staccato flash of lightning. The pitch black night sky was illuminated by the continued and consistent bursts of lightning that almost hurt the eyes to look at. Without a doubt, I knew there was a storm brewing because of what I saw. The pulsating flashes in the night sky announced that God was doing something. Just as the night sky as not silent about God’s work neither should the believer in Jesus be silent about His work in their life and world. In Acts 2:46-47 we see that the believers in the early church were beacons that displayed God’s greatness through their committed worship and devotion to God. What is our worship like? Do we have the same enthusiasm for God like the early church? Did you realize that believers in Jesus Christ are designed by God to be worshipers? Just as lightning lights up the night sky, we are to declare the praises of God who has saved us (1 Peter 2:9). So how do we worship? Psalm 95 provides a good starting point in directing our worship. The author begins with an invitation, and challenges his audience to participate in worship of the LORD (1-2). We are to worship God who is great (3-5) and proclaim His greatness (7). However, like the Psalmist, we must come to worship in humility (6). Worship is more than the songs we sing. Worship is a personal and corporate lifestyle honoring God. We are to sing and declare His praises, but we are also to daily live the reality of His power displayed through us. Like lightning, we as believers we are to be beacons that display God’s greatness through our committed worship of Him.

For More See PSALMS

The Unifying Bond

4/7/2024

Ephesians 4:1-6
Have you ever glued your fingers together? You may have been working on a project and accidentally gotten some on your fingers. That, is a problem! Glue is not the normal unifying factor for our fingers. Glue on our fingers is a false form of unity. In reality, our fingers are held together and supported by muscles, bones and skin. But, our fingers are not isolated. They are an essential part of our greater body. They must be properly united to the rest of our body for the health and proper functioning of the body. Glue on your fingers is a false form of unity that will not allow proper function. The same is true in the church. In the book of Ephesians, Paul leads the church to understand that unity comes through belief in Christ and what he as done for them on the cross. In writing Ephesians 4:1-6 Paul addresses three important factors of unity. First, our unity to Christ will influence our personal life (1). Paul was writing from prison. He was placed there because of his beliefs and teaching about Jesus. Second, our mutual unity with other believers is practical (2-3). A true believer is Jesus will live a life of faith in Christ through the practice of humility, gentleness and patience with others. Finally, our unity as believers has one foundation, Jesus Christ (4-6). Here, Paul lists seven foundational requirements for unity. Our world will seek unity based on human standards and arbitrary preferences. However, unity within the church, God’s body, is based solely on His work and His standards. Problems in the church arise when we as people decide that our unifying connection is something other than Jesus Christ. By using the glue of false unity we find that our faith has lost its true unifying connection to Christ and the ability to live using His strength and power in our life. May Christ alone be the one that connects and empowers us for His service.

FOR MORE SEE EPHESIANS

What is the Church?

1/28/2024

Matthew 16:13-20
“Throw the rocks into the woods and listen to the music they make… rock music!” We all groaned at the joke that our gym teacher had just made. It all started as the weather began to warm, the rocks began to show up and our Jr. High teacher who was also the track coach saw a need. The problem that needed to be addressed was that the gravel running track around the school was full of rocks that would cause tripping or twisted ankle hazards for the track team. His simple solution was to get each and every gym glass outside to throw rocks into the woods and thus clean the track for the runners. However, multiple rocks making multiple thuds is not music in any form. Yet, often we think of the church in that way. We look at what the church does and use that to define what the church is. The function of the church can never define the church. Instead the church finds its source in who God is as one who has a passion for people (Luke 19:10) and a desire for true worshipers (John 4:23-34). Out of that passion and purpose God created something new through the new promise given in the blood of Christ to create a new community of worshipers who are connected through belief in Christ and under the direction of the Spirit. A proper understanding of who God is leads to a correct definition of the church. This in turn directs the function of the church, one that has a passion to whole heartedly follow and worship God. In Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus states that He will build His church (18). Many people have misapplied this passage to historical or present day people. Notice however that Jesus words are a reference to Himself and His action of building His church. Still today we struggle with the idea that our actions are what build a church. In doing so we define the church by what the church does rather than by who the church is founded on. It is just like saying that rocks make music. When we believe that our actions build the church that is not music to God’s ears… it is just a dull thud, like rocks falling in the woods.

For more see MATTHEW or QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Why Serve?

2/26/2023

1 Corinthians 12:1-7
Have you looked at your garage or kitchen recently? You can have a garage full of tools, but not be a mechanic. You can also have a kitchen full of spoons and special pans, but not be a cook. Yet what do we see today? People will often go and purchase things for the house or the garage so they will look like a cook or a mechanic. However, in reality, they only look at the various pieces, and rarely or never put them to use. The more we use what we have, the more proficient we will be. The more that physical skills are practiced the better we become at that skill. The same is true spiritually. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to serve and use the gifts and abilities that God has given us. These gifts enable us to serve God in specific ways. In 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, Paul describes each believer as part of a larger body. Like a physical body, the spiritual body is made up of many parts, and each part has a different function. In order for the body to perform, each part must serve the greater body by doing what God designed it to do. The problem is that, when it comes to church, we want to do what we want, and when it comes to service, we want others to serve us. 1 Corinthians 12:18 tells us that God has arranged the parts in the body just as He wants them. That means that God enables each of us to serve with what He has given us for the benefit and growth of the larger body. We can’t say that we are servants of God, unless we actually pick up the tools that He has given us, and serve by helping others become more like Jesus. We serve because Christ first served us.

For more see 1 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Meet Together?

2/12/2023

Psalm 95:1-7
Much preparation has taken place, and now we gather with friends and family to share the joys and sorrows of a win or a loss. We honor and cheer the hero’s of the play by calling them the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT). It does not matter if it is Football and the Super Bowl, Baseball and the World Series, Hockey and the Stanley Cup, Soccer and the World Cup, or Tennis and a Grand Slam, we participate with passion, and praise the people with the greatest of plays. There is nothing wrong with enjoying sports as a participant or a passionate observer. But, let’s stop and think for a moment about how this same drive relates to the spiritual life. What if that same preparation, passion and practice were true of our spiritual lives? Those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior have become part of His family and His body the church (Colossians 1:18). However, unlike sports, the purpose of our gathering is not to praise the ones who are seen, but the One who is unseen. The believer displays the authenticity of their relationship with God through their fellowship with other believers and their worship of God. Much like a sports game, but in a spiritual arena, fellowship is a shared partnership, purpose, and participation. In fellowship the believer connects with other believers in Jesus to strengthen their faith, participate in service for God, and grow in passion for God who saved them. Our purpose of gathering in church and fellowship with other believers is to display the greatness of our Savior through our lives and our words. Everything about us is to scream and shout that God alone is worthy of our total devotion. On earth there may be people that we celebrate, but as believers in Christ we must always worship and celebrate Jesus as the greatest of all time.

For more see PSALMS or DISCIPLESHIP

Why Are You Persecuting Me?

5/8/2022

Acts 9:1-9
Years ago one of my elderly uncles caught a raccoon. I do not recall all of the details, but as you know raccoons can be a bit of a bit of a nuisance getting into garbage cans and even into your house. Knowing my uncle, this was probably the case with this troublesome critter. Rather than moving the animal from his farm he decided to make the animal his pet. To make a long story short he succeeded. The raccoon would eat from my uncle’s hand. However, if anyone else walked up the raccoon would snarl and hiss aggressively. My uncle had taught the raccoon to submit and to trust him alone and not fight him. In the same way, Acts chapter 9 records Saul submitting to Jesus Christ. Saul was a bitter enemy of the church (1) who sought the imprisonment of as many as possible (2). However, human power is no match for God’s power and God caused Saul to lose his eyesight (8). Immediately Saul realized that persecution of the church is actually persecution of Christ. Jesus asked him the question in verse 4, “Why are you persecuting me?” That question is important because it points to the reasons and beliefs behind the actions. Saul became a changed man after Jesus confronted him with the truth of his actions. He no longer sought to save himself and what he thought to be religiously correct. Instead he began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God (20). Saul’s spiritual transformation began with the submission of his will and his way to God’s will and God’s way. His action, vision, perspective, and speech all changed. Like Saul, God may use any number of things in any number of ways to get our attention and submission. God may need to break us before He can use us. Today God still asks, "Why are you doing this which is against me?"

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Not So Hot

4/3/2022

Revelation 3:14-22
Summer is just around the corner and along with it comes hot weather. If you are outside on a hot day a cool drink of water is refreshing, just like a hot coffee is soothing on a cold winter day. We desire the beverage that is opposite the temperature that we experience in order to be refreshed. However, if the coffee is barely warm or the water is slightly hot we will dump it out and get something that is truly refreshing. That is the response that Jesus had to the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3. Often we may read verse 16 as being hot in our spiritual relationship with Jesus as a good thing and being cold as a bad thing. Notice that Revelation 3:16 says… “because you are lukewarm, and neither hot or cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Jesus is not condemning either temperature of hot or cold in the illustration, but rather the compromise of being spiritually lukewarm. He challenges the church to redefine what they view as valuable (18), and calls them to turn from their independence (19). The church of Laodicea had pushed Christ out of their life. Now Jesus describes Himself as being outside and knocking to come in and renew fellowship with them (20). Like this church we need to accept Christ’s analysis of our life because He is faithful and true (14), and respond to His invitation to renewed fellowship. Christ desires for us to imitate Him in pure righteousness not compromising lukewarmness. Our passion should be one that invests in what holds spiritual and eternal value not what is temporary and worldly. If we choose to be spiritually lukewarm we choose a spiritual life that is not so hot. May that not be true of us. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get a glass of cold water.

For more see REVELATION

Opportunity for the Faithful

3/27/2022

Revelation 3:7-13
As I walked out of the store I reached in my pocket for my car keys. I froze in fear as I realized the keys were gone. What did I do with them? Then at that moment I looked through the window and saw them dangling from the ignition. Have you ever done that? It may not be car keys, but it may have been house keys that are locked or lost. Fortunately, I had learned a simple trick from my father of carrying a spare key in my wallet. I was able to open the car door and go about the rest of my day. If you hold the keys you have the power and authority to open certain doors and also shut certain doors. In Revelation 3 Jesus presents Himself as the God of all authority to the church of Philadelphia. He alone holds the key and has the ability to open and shut (7). The problem is that in the city of Philadelphia there was a Jewish temple and people who opposed the Christians. They asserted that they had the approval and acceptance of God. What they promoted was false religion that opposes true faith in Christ as savior. This false group asserted their practice over the truth that Christ alone provides salvation. Jesus tells the church of Philadelphia that because of their faithfulness they have an opportunity to be a witness to those that oppose them and teach falsehood (8). God will bring those from the false teaching in the synagogue to the point of repentance from sin and worship of Jesus as the only savior (9). Like the church of Philadelphia we have the opportunity to present the truth of Jesus to those who do not know the truth that Jesus. He is the only savior who provides the only way to gain forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation. Who have you told about Jesus recently?

For more see REVELATION

Lifelessness of Past Success

3/20/2022

Revelation 3:1-6
Have you ever had a difficult time getting to sleep. Sometimes I can’t sleep and I just lay in bed wide awake. I am not the only one. Approximately 30 percent of all adults suffer from occasional insomnia. A sleepless night can be caused by worry, depression, stress or illness. However there is help. Melatonin is a natural sleep aid that helps overcome the effects of insomnia. We can find this sleep aid in milk which is why a glass of warm milk is often used to help us fall asleep. Falling asleep is one thing, but have you ever had a hard time waking up? You know what I am talking about, when your alarm goes off and you don’t hear it. The church of Sardis in Revelation 3 was that church. Sardis had a reputation of being spiritually vibrant in the past, but in the present they were dead (1). They lacked the measurements of spiritual life and Jesus challenged them to wake up (2). However, it is often hard to wake up and be alert physically and even more so spiritually. That is why Jesus reminds the church that He will come in judgment and take the little they have, just like a thief (3). For us today, our past spiritual reputation must not be our focus. We must be consistently known as being passionate for Jesus alone. In the present, we must be seen as followers of Jesus, not casual observers. Like Sardis, Christ is calling those who are spiritually asleep and dead to a revival for a new future lived through His resurrection power. We must be continually submissive, allowing Christ to lead us by living out His words. Sardis was not awake and spiritually lifeless. The same can be said of us, if we believe that our past spiritual success is a guarantee of our present faith.

For more see REVELATION

Tolerating Corruption in the Church

3/13/2022

Revelation 2:18-29
When it was built the old shed was fine, but over the years it gradually fell into decay because it lacked a solid foundation. Having been built right on the ground the floor supports began to rot. I needed a shed, and this building was on the property. I would save a lot of time if I could salvage the foundation. So I went to work and jacked up the building and placed concrete blocks on the ground and good wood on top of the concrete to support the shed. The end result was a revitalized building that is still in use today all because it has a solid foundation. In many ways, I believe that our life can be illustrated by that shed. We need to understand the solid foundation of God’s word so the corruption of the world will not cause our spiritual life to slowly rot away. This was the problem of the church in Thaytira. They did not practice spiritual discernment and slowly fell into decay. Simply put, they tolerated the moral compromise of a sinful woman as leader in the church (20-23). Jesus encouraged those who were faithful (19) to persuade them to continue being faithful (25). Like Thyatira, we need to be discerning about spiritual authority. We need to discern that what is taught follows the authority of scripture. We need to be discerning in our own lives and follow God’s authority. Finally, we need to discern that God is the sole authority in the church. A title and a position that lack the support of God and His word will not provide an example of God’s transformative power or teaching for spiritual change. A church that lacks discernment and discerning people will be a place ripe for the rottenness of sin and decay. Our foundation must be based on Christ and nothing else.

For more see REVELATION

Tolerating Compromise of Beliefs

3/6/2022

Revelation 2:12-17
The excitement rises! You have tickets to the big game and you are going with friends or family. Your ticket guarantees you access to the big event. Over the years I have had the chance to go to only a few big sporting games. There was even one time when we were rewarded with tickets. My possession of the ticket allowed me into the door so I could enjoy the event. Today not much has changed. We may not use physical tickets, but we may be sent tickets through our phone so we can use them electronically. In Revelation 2 the church of Pergamum was challenged for tolerating the compromise of Biblical teaching. There were some in their church who held to false teaching and even joined in idolatrous practices (14-15). The church as a whole was commanded to repent from their compromise (16). If not, Jesus Christ promised to treat them as enemies by bringing judgment on them with the words of His mouth. Repentance clearly shows a willingness to be faithful to Christ alone. Even today, in a court of law, if the guilty party truly displays repentance the judge will often show leniency in some way. At the time Revelation was written a judge would show acquittal by giving a white stone as a ticket for freedom. Jesus offers Pergamum forgiveness of sin if they repent and turn from the compromise of sin (17). Like Pergamum, it is easy for us to compromise in our faith and turn away. Christ calls us to a life that depends in faith on Him. We compromise when we seek other spiritual beliefs and practices beside faith in Christ. A faith filled life consistently lived without compromise for Christ means that others will continually be reminded of Jesus through their connection with us. Uncompromising faith will be rewarded by God.

For more see REVELATION

Be Faithful

2/27/2022

Revelation 2:8-11
I had noticed the small but also big footprints that are distinct of a rabbit in the snow around my house. I was not surprised knowing that we have a family of rabbits that have made our garden their home. However, I was surprised to see a rabbit come racing out from under the steps as I was cleaning up the most recent snowfall. With typical wide eyed fear the little guy stopped for just a moment to see if I was a friend, foe, or just the obnoxious landlord. Having determined I was the latter he raced off without giving me a second glance. A rabbit naturally wants to stay out of sight or run away from what sees them. The pressure of survival easily raises their fears and places them in a state of stress. Funny; are we not like rabbits in many ways? In Revelation 2 we see John record the words of Jesus to the second church, the church of Smyrna. Jesus knew they had already suffered much which led to their poverty (9), and that their suffering was going to increase (10). For the church in Smyrna there is not much hope. However, Jesus tells them not to be afraid and to be faithful (10). Why? He does not criticize or correct Smyrna, instead Jesus reminds this persecuted and fearful church that He is sovereign and has overcome death (9). Like the church in Smyrna it is easy for us to be so preoccupied with survival that we neglect seeing Jesus as the one who has the solution even if we do die. Our tendency is to be like the rabbit and run to survive on our own. We are reminded not to be afraid, even of death. Jesus offers life to those that remain faithful even to the point of death. That is hope for those in distress.

For more see REVELATION

Lost Love

2/20/2022

Revelation 2:1-7
Have you ever seen puppy love? It is often said that the first stage of human love is puppy love. So, what is puppy love? Think about it. You are asked by a friend if you want one of the puppies that their dog just recently gave birth to. As you look at the wriggling litter of fuzzy cuteness one puppy catches your eye. You pick up the little bundle to get a better look and then lose all control as the puppy wags its tail and licks your face. Your first love may be called puppy love because of the human attraction and bond of that attraction without the wagging of tails. But what about our spiritual first love? In Revelation 2:1-7 the church of Ephesus is commended for the way that they have stood for the truth of God’s word (2-3). They have worked hard and know the truth, but Jesus Christ points out that that they have left their first love (4). Literally they have looked at the face of Jesus, the one that loves them, and they have consciously walked away. They are given the command to remember what they have left, repent and turn around and return to loving the one that loves them (5-6). Losing the excitement of our first love is human but it should not be true of our spiritual lives. This church was doing all the right things because they knew all the right answers, but they had lost their passion for Jesus who loves them. You may have known Christ for years, sat through hundreds of church services and heard all the Bible stories. You just don’t feel in love anymore. We need to have a true devotion for God, not just go through the motions for God. If that is true of you remember Jesus has not turned away, you have.

For more see REVELATION

The Vision of Jesus Christ

2/6/2022

Revelation 1:9-20
With the Winter Olympics just around the corner we wait, hoping our favorite athletes overcome the obstacles and opponents and win. Yet this one moment and victory in time is not just by chance. If it was by chance then every one of us would be in the Olympics looking for our chance. In fact the athletes that we cheer for have been preparing, practicing and persevering in their sporting event for years. They have restricted their diet and refused certain activities all to focus on their development and training. In Revelation 1:9-11 John recounts how he arrived on the island of Patmos. Very simply he was exiled to the island because of his teaching and preaching about Jesus. In the midst of his persecution and banishment he was able to be an encouragement to the people and churches addressed in this letter. John was a spiritual brother and fellow partaker in the tribulations and spiritual blessings that the audience was experiencing (vs. 9). Then in verse 10 John mentions being in the Spirit in fellowship and worship of God. In these verses we see that John does not allow his circumstance to change his relationship with other believers; neither does he allow his circumstance to change his worship. It was through his exile on Patmos that God spoke and told him to write (vs. 11) what became the book of Revelation. It is often easy for us to allow our circumstances to impact our spiritual perspective and even our spiritual life. Note that John’s life was not easy and yet it is out of the trials which he was in that God called him and used him. Perhaps God is preparing you through your present circumstances for something He has not yet revealed. Practice faithfulness to Christ in the present.

For more see REVELATION

Hope - Encouragement to Live by Faith

1/30/2022

Revelation 1:1-8
Do you remember the Merry Go Round from a school playground in your child hood. I remember one where several of us boys would get on while the others remained off. The task was very simple. If you were on the Merry Go Round you tried with all your might to stay on. If you were off the Merry Go Round your job was to spin it as fast as possible to make those that were on the Merry Go Round fall off. I remember being on the Merry Go Round and spinning so fast and so long that I thought it would never stop while my brothers and friends were just laughing at me. Have you ever wanted something to end, but had no power to stop it? The spinning problem just seemed to go on and on without an end in sight. Perhaps you feel like that now. Perhaps you see this year is a repeat of the previous year, or you feel like this month will never end. Your thoughts are sort of like being on the Merry Go Round as you scream, “Stop the world and let me off!” The book of Revelation is a reminder to remain faithful even when the world and our life seems to be spinning out of control. Revelation reminds us that in the end Jesus wins and controls everything. That was an encouragement to the churches and individuals John was writing to who were struggling to hang on amid pressures and persecution of their faith. Today we may read the book of Revelation looking for answers about the future. However, the emphasis throughout this book is to remain faithful to Jesus by obeying what is written (Rev. 1:3) and hang on to our faith. Make Jesus your focus and not the problem that is spinning out of control.

For more see REVELATION

What is the Church?

7/11/2021

Matthew 16:13-20
A while ago I was in church setting up for Sunday morning. As I walked into the kitchen a squirrel raced across the counter to the window, down to the floor and under a cabinet. The remainder of the day was spent trying to find him, catch him or at least contain him. The last time that I saw him was when he ran out from under a bench, jumped up on the piano and then raced under the organ. From my perspective and analysis I think he is very interested in music. You see, some churches may have a church mouse, some may have bats in the attic, but we seem to have upgraded to a squirrel in the sanctuary. When we think of church we often define the church by where the church building is located and what happens inside the building. Buildings are a place for the church to meet, but the people are the ones who make up the church. In Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus questions His followers regarding who He is. They responded with the common answers that they heard in society. As we read verse 15 we see that Jesus pushed back and asked, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answered by stating his belief that Jesus is God sent to be the promised one sent to be the Savior (16). That belief, Jesus says, forms the foundation of the church (18). The church is not a building, though buildings are helpful as places to meet. The church is a place where people are taught and encouraged to live their faith in Christ as they look forward to the day when Christ will return (Hebrews 10:20).

For more see QUESTIONS & ANSWERS