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Luke 7:23             Many people believe in a “sweet” Jesus, and some churches teach this kind of a Savior.  Such a Jesus is one who offends nobody.  He is so kind and ingratiating that He speaks only the sweetest words and accepts everyone as they are.  Yet the gospels reveal a different Jesus: One who offended many, even His own disciples.  He didn’t do this just to cause hurt but because people needed to hear the truth.             With all of the mental health problems out there today, Sweet Jesus would never tell anybody he had to hate his own life, deny himself, and take up his cross.  How insensitive.             With all of the sexual images on the internet and social media, and lewd conduct on TV and movies, Sweet Jesus would never dare say that if you look at a woman to lust after her that you’re committing adultery with her in your heart.  So unreasonable.             With the high prices and struggling economy these days, Sweet Jesus would never say that you had to forsake all that you have to be His disciple.  Would He even dare to say that it’s hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven?  How unrealistic.             With all the emphasis on lifestyle choices, Sweet Jesus would hardly think to recall the creation of a male and a female to remind His hearers that God made them to be husband and wife, and that two men and two women do not meet this criteria.  How calloused.             With all the focus on visual display and self-image, Sweet Jesus surely would not warn folks about parading their religion by wearing robes and such, and using special titles.  How restrictive.             With all the knowledge men have accumulated over the years, Sweet Jesus would never suggest that to devise rules which are not found in the Bible and bind them on people would be harmful and directly contrary to God’s will.  Truly out of touch.             The real Jesus, who is sweet but also salty, is revealed in the gospels.  He said this: “Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”  He loved us enough to tell us the truth about ourselves and the way things are.  And for doing that, He paid with His life.  Jesus wasn’t crucified for being sweet.  He was crucified for being Jesus.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ezekiel 14: 1-8 In the days of Ezekiel, idolatry was a huge problem with Israel, and the Lord God had some extremely strong words for His people who had “set up their idols in their hearts.”  (Please see our text.)  Even though these idols were real objects of stone, or wood, or molten images of silver or gold, they were first erected in the hearts of each person.  This is where idolatry begins and flourishes - in the heart.             As it relates to our discussion, Webster defines an idol as “any object of ardent or excessive devotion or admiration.”  We all have objects in our houses: paintings, photographs, maybe some decorative figures.  But we aren’t into giving them any kind of devotion or worship.  We may admire them for beauty or appreciate the memories they might bring, but we do not “idolize” them.             However, this is where the true danger lies.  We can and often do begin to give excessive admiration to certain persons or entities in our lives.  It’s quite easy to do without realizing it.  One of the best examples of this is, as we’ll call it, “the ol’ school spirit.”  The school wants everyone on board to champion its programs, its academics, its athletics, its everything!  This is OK, but people begin to idolize the school.  Everything about your school is best.  All other schools are inferior.  If your team loses, the other team cheated, or the officials made bad calls.  It’s excessive admiration.             We do this with political parties: send our money, vote a straight ticket, espouse every program it puts forward without batting an eye.  That’s an idol in our heart.  We can do this with companies, unions, our country - virtually anything can be idolized.             People, too.  Spouses, parents, children, our family, sports heroes, your doctor, some celebrity, et al.  Anybody can be raised to a place of excessive devotion in which they take on unrealistic qualities: only good is noted.  The faults are overlooked and/or minimized.  They can do no wrong.  “How great he is!”  “She is the absolute best!”  They now rival God in their goodness.  They compete with God Himself for our devotion, our time, our hearts.             Beware the prophet’s words.  Beware of idols in the heart.                                                             ><>  Jeff

John 11:35             As youngsters, we soon learned that the shortest verse in the Bible was “Jesus wept.”  This was a great accomplishment for little beginning Bible students, but over the years how much time has been invested in understanding the importance of that little verse?  Never has there been so much meaning packed into two words as those two recorded by John.             “Jesus wept” means that Jesus’ love was deep and genuine.  The text indicates that when He saw Mary and the others weeping that “He was deeply moved in spirit and was troubled.”  He was grieving with Mary, Martha and the others, but He was also grieving FOR them.  He knew their heartache.  He had loved Lazarus, but He also loved them.             Those two words mean that God had fully identified with humanity, our sorrows and grief.  God was not on the sidelines watching the battle play out in front of Him.  As Jesus, He had entered the fray with vigor, accepting the title of Captain of mankind’s salvation, ready to take on the forces of darkness to effect humanity’s freedom from the clutches of Satan.             “Jesus wept” means that now there is real hope.  Jesus has just said to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Lazarus, a man like the first man into whose nostrils God had breathed the breath of life, now lay dead - lifeless.  Jesus is moved (and has planned - John 11:4 ) to preview His coming victory over death and Hades through Lazarus’ death and raising.  The time has come.  The gloves are off.             “Where have you laid him?”             “Remove the stone.”             “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”             “Father, I thank you that you have heard Me ... so that they may believe that You sent Me.”             “Lazarus, come forth.”             “Unbind him, and let him go.”             Jesus wept.   Aren’t you glad He did?!                                                             ><>  Jeff

Matthew 24             Well, it’s finally here - the day for which you’ve been waiting breathlessly since January the 2nd.  (Well, maybe not.)  But it’s Ground Hog Day!   Whistle pig, if you prefer.  That is what my grandfather called them.  This is the day when Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob and makes a grand meteorological prediction.  If he “sees his shadow” (How would we know?!), there will be six more weeks of winter.  Otherwise, we get an early spring.  It’s all in fun, of course; a bit of American folklore.  But I do wonder if anybody takes Phil’s prediction seriously.  In this day and age, it wouldn’t surprise me.             This brought to mind the many other “Phils” out there who like to make predictions about “end times.”  You know, mashing together the prophecies from Isaiah, Matthew 24, Thessalonians, Revelation, etc., and then telling you what’s going to happen and in what order.  Right now, I have a page open in a catalog which has three books which are exactly what we’re discussing.  Two are relatively new.  It seems every couple of years, someone feels compelled to write such a book.  Usually, it’s when something happens with Israel or the Chinese Communists or Russians start to do some “saber rattling.”             The scriptures are filled with prophecies about things yet to come, and we can learn a great deal from them.  Yet, many are set in highly figurative language, and they are given to us in several different books.  This makes assembling a composite view extremely difficult at best and next to impossible at worst.  The many differing views which have been presented over time prove this point.             Even in Matthew 24, there is disagreement about the predictions which Jesus is making.  He speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem, of a great tribulation, and of His second coming.  He uses parables, and He says more than once that nobody knows the day when He is to return.             There is one prediction, though, of which we can be 100% sure.  No Punxsutawney Phil shenanigans here.  Jesus is coming back.  The King will return.  And you and I need to be ready.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Revelation 3:14-22             Last time we observed that it is unwise, even detrimental, for a Christian or a church to stay inside the comfortable confines of the various “boxes” which they construct, and that God has been instrumental in moving His people out of such “boxes” when He sees it’s necessary for them to mature and more perfectly do His will.             The church in Laodicea is a case in point.  They had built themselves a very spacious and comfortable box.  It was finely appointed, even ornate, and was furnished with everything imaginable which they thought they needed.  They were quoted as saying: “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.”  From their view inside this box, they had achieved a superior place, and Christ could do nothing more for them.  They had arrived!             The problem with this view from inside their box was that it was imaginary !  You see, they could not see themselves at all - the Lord told them they were blind!  So, instead of being able to objectively and honestly evaluate themselves in light of God’s word, they had constructed this imaginary view of themselves which, of course, was quite favorable, but not consistent with reality.             Christ tells them that they are also naked which seems to mean that they are wholly impure and are not properly clothed with Him ( Galatians 3:27 ).  Their deeds are wishy-washy, inconsistent.  They need to make up their minds if they are going to serve Christ or themselves!  He calls them to repent and turn to Him to get a true view of themselves.  They need to “get out of their box,” get the “eye salve” from Christ so they can see what they need to do differently!             Boxes are easy to construct.  Floors of self-satisfaction and pride are laid, and walls of habits, tradition and fear go up quickly.  Soon the view of Christ and His word are obscured, and honest self-evaluation becomes impossible.  Everything looks good from the inside.  But Christ has been left on the outside!             Whether an individual Christian or a church, let us tear down the walls of the “boxes” we’ve built which keep Jesus and His word out.  Only He can “build” us into what we should be.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Acts 8:1-5             We are familiar with the idea of “thinking outside the box.”  In short, it means to consider and then do something differently from what you’ve been doing.  This is to effect another, hopefully better, outcome.  To put it another way: Stupidity is to keep beating one’s head against a wall and wondering why you have headaches.             It’s easy to end up in a box.  In fact, we all live in boxes of various sorts.  For example, we all have a morning routine.  It’s virtually the same every morning.  Get up at the same time.  Coffee.  Cereal/toast.  News.  Etc.  That’s a box.  You don’t think about doing anything differently because there’s no need to.  What if something changes, however?  Suppose one of the kids wakes up sick.  Then you have to think “outside the box.”  What’s wrong?  Is it a cold or tummy ache, or do they need to go to the clinic?  Call the school.  Should I go to work/stay home from work?  Who will stay with them?  Dozens of questions “outside the box.”             Another example.  You find that you and your spouse have been very distant.  She’s been irritable; you’re judgmental.  Neither of you have been smiling much.  Same old routine.  It all seems a drag.  You’ve fallen into “a box.”  It happens from time to time to every couple.  To get out of that box, you have to think outside of it.  What do you need to do differently to bring back the real love to your relationship?  To add some sizzle and smiles?  Some purpose?  Do it!             God is a master at getting people out of boxes that are harmful to them and His kingdom.  The church in Jerusalem had gotten comfortable in a box.  The gospel had been spread in the city, and the number of men in the church was now about 5000 ( Acts 4:4 ) and continuing to increase ( Acts 6:7 ).  But the disciples weren’t budging to take the gospel anywhere else ( Mark 16:15 ; Acts 1:8 ).  So God went to work, and “a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria ... those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”  God pushed them out of their box!             Are you in a box?  Are we?  Hmmm?  More next time.

Ecclesiastes 12:11             To help us cope better in the new year, here’s another installment of the sayings and quotes I’ve collected.  Read, reflect, enjoy, and put them to use.   >                    “Spend” the afternoon.  You can’t take it with you.                                                 – Annie Dillard   >                    Let your choices reflect your hopes and not your fears.   >                    The one who says it can’t be done should get out of the way of the one who is doing it.                                                 – Chinese proverb   >                    I am not as good as I should be.             I am not as good as I could be.             But thank God I’m better than I used to be!   >                    There is no defense for love.   >                    ...becoming children of God in the fullest sense makes us who we truly are.  It doesn’t make us into something different.                                                 – Michael Lloyd   >                    I joined the new “Don’t Worry” club,                         And now I hold my breath.             I’m so afraid I’ll worry,                         I’m worried half to death!   >                    Just because you believe it doesn’t mean it’s true.   >                    It may well be that the deepest form of prayer begins when we run out of things to say.                                                 -- Darryl Tippens                                                                         ><>  Jeff

1 Corinthians 15:1-8             The gospel is the message of the entire Bible, but its full meaning is revealed in the pages of the New Testament.  Gospel means “good news,” and it is really the message of God to all humanity.  Today, Christ’s church is given the great privilege and task of proclaiming this good news message to all people.             The gospel is like the rescuers’ light shining into a dark cave which signals those who are lost that someone has found them.  It is a multi-faceted message.  The gospel tells us that we are loved by God which, by inference, tells us that there is a God, and that we are His creation!  So many balk at the idea of there being a God, but this truth should give us great comfort.  We are not alone.  Someone greater than ourselves is overseeing the affairs of this planet.  What a relief!  We have come from Him, and He cares for us.             More specifically, the gospel tells of God’s entering into His created world in the person of Jesus of Nazareth.  It was His purpose from the very beginning to do this in order to demonstrate His love and graciousness to all the powers in the heavenlies.  It was His purpose from before the foundation of the world that His people should receive “adoption as sons through Jesus Christ” and to sum up “all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Ephesians 1:5-11).             Paul spells out the core truths of the gospel for us (see our text).  First, Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.  As prophesied, Jesus became a sacrifice for the human race so that God could forgive our sins, and we could be reconciled with Him.  He was buried, indicating that He truly died and would have gone to the place of the dead.  But He was resurrected from the grave according to the scriptures.  His resurrection tells us that He truly is the Son of God and that every word He spoke and every claim He made were true and still stand true today.  And through Him, through faith in Him, Jesus offers the gift of eternal life.             Jesus Christ is the centerpiece of the gospel.  Listen carefully...Jesus Christ is the gospel.  Thanks be to God!                                                             ><>  Jeff

Proverbs 4:20-27             Well, here we are at the end of another year - 2024.  Can you believe it?!  For some, the year couldn’t be over soon enough.  For others, it was “It’s going too fast!”.  Whatever it was for you, it’s a good time to pause and reflect.  All throughout scripture, God’s people have been challenged to consider their ways (cf Haggai 1:5, 7, et al).  Please take some time and do this.  It will be a blessing for yourself, your family and your church.  Your Lord will be pleased, also.             What kind of person were you in 2024?  I know that’s a very broad question, but, generally speaking, how did you come across to people?  Joyful, helpful, positive?  Or distant, grumpy, negative?             Did you address those bad habits?  Those nagging weaknesses?             Maybe you’re still hiding that “little sin” of yours?  Is it time to bring it out into the light and handle it?             If you are married, would you say your relationship is better now than at the beginning of the year?  What do you still need to work on?  Are you helping each other grow in the Lord?             What about prayer?  Have you been talking with God more as the year progressed?  Are you becoming more dependent on Him?             What about your personal Bible reading and study?  How’s that going?  What truths have you learned which changed your life or just helped you grow to be more like Christ?             What about the assembly and Bible class?  Did you make every effort to be there, to participate and to encourage others?  When you didn’t make it, do you think God was pleased with your reason?             Were you a servant, or did you wait to be served?  How well did you use your gifts, skills and resources for His kingdom?             We could go on.             Please take a little time and read our text from Proverbs.  What is the Holy Spirit teaching you?  Admonishing you?  It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: If I continue down the same path, doing the same things, nothing will improve; nothing will get better.  I’ll be in the same place next year, perhaps even further away from the Lord.  And that’s not a good place to be.  Hmmm?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ephesians 5:20 >                    Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise.                         There are many who are bedridden.   >                    Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short, and my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family.                         There are many who are lonely.   >                    Even though our breakfast table never looks like the picture in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have.                         There are many who are hungry.   >                    Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work.                         There are many who have no job.   >                    Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life itself.                         There are many who have destroyed theirs. (jak)                                                             via mikeysfunnies.com               Perhaps one of the biggest weaknesses (sins?) that we all have is our neglecting to give thanks to God for what He has given us.  We fail to truly appreciate what we have, and we tend to always be looking for more.  There is no sin in trying to improve one’s lot in life, but covetousness or greed is idolatry.             Paul encourages his readers to give thanks always and “for all things.”  We may have to do some searching, but there is always, always, something for which to give thanks.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Colossians 3:12-15             Throughout scripture, we can read of the kind of people which the Lord wants His to be.  Since we are being conformed to His image, those character traits and actions will reflect the Lord Jesus.  It is widely known that whatever a person is on the inside will be reflected in their words and actions, and will be an influence on those around them - either for good or bad.  Consider these thoughts.   >                    Hurting people hurt people.   >                    Troubled people create turmoil.   >                    Friendly people produce friendships.   >                    Fearful people spread fear.   >                    Joyful people generate joy.   >                    Confused people cause confusion.   >                    Hopeful people lift spirits.   >                    Selfish people disregard other people.   >                    Doubting people provoke doubt.   >                    Kind people extend kindness.   >                    Worldly people promote the world.   >                    Blessed people bless people.               What kind of person are you?  Hmmm?                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Mark 2:15-17             Whether in the temple precincts or by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus continually astounded those who heard His words and observed His conduct.  He did not teach like the scribes but spoke as one with authority.  He healed the infirm immediately and completely.  He touched the leper and allowed the woman to touch His feet with her hair.  Demons confessed Him and at His word came out of their captives.             The way Jesus lived was also different from what was usually expected.  He spent a lot of time mingling with and teaching the undesirables  of the day: tax collectors, women of questionable background, known sinners, etc.  He had no house of His own but traveled about accepting lodging wherever He could find it.  He sought no glory for Himself but always sought to honor His heavenly Father.             But perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the person of Jesus was His view of life.  He saw everything differently.  He saw everything from a spiritual and a heavenly perspective - the true perspective.  The storm on the sea sparked no fear in Him.  He admonished the crowds not to seek the food for the stomach but the bread of life for the soul.  He rebuked His disciples for wanting to have the first place in the kingdom and not wanting to be servants.  Two copper coins were worth much more than a handful of gold ones.  Living water was more to be sought more than a drink for parched lips.  A house filled with worldly wealth would likely keep a person out of the kingdom of heaven.  A visit to the bedside of the sick or the jail cell reached into heaven itself.  Cloaks were to be given away and not accumulated.  Fishing for men was to be desired above fishing for fish.  The right heart was to be chosen over ritual acts.  Man-made traditions were to be jettisoned in favor of doing what God truly called for.  A cross of wood was to be embraced rather than disobeying one’s heavenly Father.             Do we see life the way Jesus did - with a true perspective of things?  Have we taken on the challenge of becoming like Him?