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John 20:19-29 ; Hebrews 10:23-25             We have been discussing one of the faulty conclusions drawn from the fact that Thomas was not present with the other disciples on the first evening when Jesus appeared to them.  Many have come to believe that attendance at every church gathering is the truest mark of faithfulness.  From where has this come?  I don’t know for sure, but from many sermons I’ve heard and articles I’ve read, I have an idea.             In our Hebrews text, we have words of exhortation to these faltering Christians about continuing in the faith in the face of persecution.  In fact, the whole letter is about this, and later in the chapter the author notes that some of them have already experienced sufferings and the seizure of their property.  They are encouraged to “hold fast” and stir up one another “to love and good deeds” and not to forsake “our own assembling together.”  The problem was that they were tending NOT TO ASSEMBLE AT ALL (!) for fear of being found out and arrested, jailed, etc.  The “day” is the Lord’s day.             Many a sermon has been preached using Hebrews 10:25 as a whip to promote 100% attendance at every church function.  It is most interesting to note the veritable lack of sermons preached from verse 24 which appears to be of at least equal importance - if not more!             Another point to be made is that attendance is easy to see and track.  It’s easy to count heads and check off names, isn’t it?  So if someone is present in the pew, we tend to think that all is well.  How deceptive this can be!  How many have “gone fishin’” or planned their afternoon during the message?  How many have mouthed the words of the songs with no real praise in their hearts or minds?  What of the brother who’s always there but who tells and laughs at vulgar jokes with the guys at work?  What about the husband who sits in the pew every time the doors are open, but treats his wife like a household slave?  What about the sister who is always present but spends all Sunday afternoon phoning and texting the latest juicy gossip.  Well?  Did their attendance mean anything?             What is the true measure of Christian faithfulness?             Now, there is a question truly worth considering.                                                                         ><>  Jeff

John 20:19-29             Most of us are familiar with the account of Jesus’ appearing to the disciples on the evening of His day of resurrection when Thomas was absent.  The disciples present saw the Lord and the nail prints in His body while Thomas did not.  He, however, was afforded the same opportunity one week later and exclaims, “My Lord and my God!”             Some people try to make this a lesson about attendance.  (I have heard and read such presentations.)  The thought goes something like this: “Thomas should have been assembled with the other disciples, and he would not have missed out on the opportunity to see the resurrected Lord.  We should always assemble at every service of the church so we won’t miss out on anything.”             Really?  Seriously?  That’s the lesson we are supposed to get from this?  Let’s be kind and label such exegetical work as “poor.”  Where’s the rebuke from the other disciples for Thomas’ being absent?  Where’s the rebuke from the Lord one week later?  Well?             Such positions come from pre-conceived notions which set outside of scripture.  In this case, some individuals believe that the truest test of a Christian is their attendance at every service, Bible study and gathering of the church.  This means a person is “faithful.”  Where this has come from I do not know for certain, but we’ll touch on that next time.  Now let’s not draw any unwarranted conclusions here.  We’re not saying that assembling with the saints isn’t necessary, important and even vital.  It most certainly is.  But the emphasis placed on it to the diminishing of other equally important (some more important) aspects of the Christian faith is faulty.             Let’s go back to Thomas.  We’ve already seen there was no rebuke for his being absent that evening.  What might he have been doing?  Attending the evening sacrifice?  Caring for a sick mother or wife?  Perhaps he was the only one who was not afraid of the Jews, and he was out looking for the Lord!  (After all, they had heard reports that He was alive.)  Or maybe he was in deep mourning over his own cowardice when he fled in the garden.  In any case, he wasn’t there.             More next time.                                                              ><>  Jeff

Philippians 2:1-4             Peripheral vision is a great blessing from our Creator.  Not only can we humans see what is straight ahead of us quite clearly, but we can also “see” what is to either side of us as well as above and below.  The images are not very clear, but we can certainly be aware that something lies in our peripheral vision.  This is a safety feature for as we move about, sometimes quite rapidly, we are able to see what objects or people are around us, and we can take appropriate action to avoid any collisions.  We would all be moving much more slowly and cautiously without peripheral vision.             Likewise, God has given us “peripheral vision” for daily living.  Through media platforms, texts, conversations, and interactions of all sorts, we become aware of people around us.  These provide great opportunities for learning, new relationships and service.             Some people live as if they are the only people on the planet, or, at least, the only ones who matter.  These folks live with “tunnel vision.”  Have you encountered anyone who drives as if they are the only ones on the road?!  The person who is always interrupting the conversation to interject their thoughts?  The person who never says “Thank you”?  The person whose opinion is the only one which matters?             Christians, especially, should be adept at using “peripheral vision.”  Throughout the day, we need to be aware of the other people in our life’s locale: family, church members, neighbors, co-workers, class mates, fellow shoppers, etc.  Paul wrote that we should not only be looking out for our own interests, “but also for the interests of others.”  (This means a whole lot more than not knocking them down as we hurry out of the church building!)             How can we look out for the interests of others if we don’t even know these others? ...if we don’t know some of their daily concerns and problems? ...if we don’t have some clue about what they are dealing with? ...if we never engage them in conversation?             Reality check:  Do you live with “tunnel vision,” or do you have “peripheral vision”?  Hmmm?                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             Here’s some more of the wise sayings and quotes I’ve been able to collect over the years.  Reflect, consider and be blessed!   >                    Reality is the leading cause of stress.   >                    If you’re afraid to offend, you can’t be honest.                                                 – Patrick Henry   >                    Living your life is a task so difficult, it has never been attempted before.   >                    The Bible does not yield its meanings to lazy people.                                                 – Arthur W Pink   >                    Don’t give me a man who only talks about Jesus.  But don’t give me a man who never talks about Jesus.   >                    You can protest against the evil in the world only if you believe in a good God.  Otherwise the protest doesn’t make sense.                              – Miroslav Volf   >                    God calls us imperfect people to love other imperfect people, and we do so imperfectly.   >                    A church that lives within its four walls is no church at all.                                                 – Morgan Chilulu   >                    Thinking a lot is not the same as praying a lot.                                                 – Andree Seu   >                    Christianity is not just a way of looking at certain things.  It is a way of looking at everything.                                                               ><>  Jeff

Psalm 40:1-3             Despite all of the barricades, yellow caution tape and warning signs, a man fell into a pit and couldn’t get himself out.   >                    A subjective person came along and said, “I feel for you down there.” >                    An objective person walked by and said, “It’s logical that someone would fall down there.” >                    A Pharisee said, “Only bad people fall into pits.” >                    A mathematician calculated how deep the pit was. >                    A news reporter wanted the exclusive story on the pit and took photographs. >                    An IRS agent asked if he was paying taxes on the pit. >                    A self-pitying person said, “You haven’t seen anything until you’ve seen my pit.” >                    A fire-and-brimstone preacher said, “You deserve your pit.” >                    A psychologist noted, “Your mother and father are to blame for your falling into that pit.” >                    A self-esteem therapist said, “Believe in yourself, and you can get out of that pit.” >                    An optimist said, “Things could be worse.” >                    A pessimist claimed, “Things WILL get worse.” >                    Jesus, seeing the man in the pit, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.                                                 – via “ MikeysFunnies.com ”               We can scrutinize, analyze and sympathize ‘til the sun goes down, but until we DO  something to truly help another person or rectify a situation, nothing is accomplished.  “Pit-lifting” takes time and work, and often involves getting sweaty, dirty and shedding a few tears.  Jesus left the glory of eternity and came down to rescue “filthy” humanity hopelessly stranded in a pit of sinful mire.  Even to this day, He still reaches down into that pit to lift out those who will but trust Him.  He is reaching down to you - Will you take His hand?                                                             ><>  Jeff

2 Corinthians 5:10             The New Testament contains several scriptures and teachings about the day of judgment.  Of some of the things which will happen that day we can be quite sure, but of others we are a little hazy.  One thing which the word teaches for sure is that we need to be ready for that day.  Being ready means simply that we are living a life which is pleasing to God as outlined in the scriptures.  So it should come as no surprise to us what kind of questions God may ask us that day.   *                     God is not going to ask you how many years you were able to prolong your life on the earth through good health practices.                                    >           He is going to ask if you used your years to be a help and encouragement to others and to spread the gospel. *                     God is not going to ask you how much money you were able to accumulate or how much stuff you were able to collect.                                    >           He is going to ask if you used your wealth to aid those in need and support the work of the church.                                    >           He is going to ask if you gave generously and freely. *                     God is not going to ask you how many athletic contests you won.                                    >           He is going to ask if you played by the rules, were a good teammate and practiced good sportsmanship. *                     God is not going to ask you how many church services and Bible classes you attended.                                    >           He is going to ask you if you worshiped in spirit and truth, encouraged the others who were gathered and put into practice what you learned. *                     God is not going to ask you the size of your house or apartment or how well-decorated it was.                                    >           He is going to ask you if you used your place to glorify Him by creating a loving home, having guests around your table, and being a welcoming place for visitors.               Will you be ready with good answers for God’s questions?                                                             ><>  Jeff

Matthew 28:1-4 , 11-15 Webster defines integrity as “the quality or state of being of sound moral principle, uprightness, honesty, and sincerity” ( Webster’s New College Dictionary ).  This moral wholeness so completely affects a person of integrity that every aspect of their life is guided by honest behavior.  Let’s look at some men who did not possess this most needful quality.             The guards who were assigned to watch the tomb where Jesus’ body was placed had quite a story to tell on that momentous first day of the week.  The peace of that early morning was suddenly and loudly disrupted by an earthquake: rumblings and shaking of the ground.  An angel of the Lord appeared and rolled the stone away from the door of the tomb.  And he sat upon it himself as a watchman over the holy place.  The guards observed all of this but could do nothing because of their fearful shaking (v 4).  They had been eye witnesses to arguably the most awesome and significant event in history!             Like well-trained soldiers, they reported to their superiors all that had transpired.  But the marvelous happenings they saw on their morning watch died with them.  Their lips never spoke again of the glorious sights which their eyes had seen.  They sold out for “a large sum of money” and lied about what they had witnessed.  They were not men of integrity.             Are you a person of integrity?  What do you do with the “many infallible proofs” ( Acts 1:3 ) that Jesus of Nazareth was in fact resurrected from the dead?  What do you do with the insurmountable evidence that the Bible is the book from God and is pure truth through and through?  Do you turn your back and sell out for your current lifestyle?  Is your family religion more important to you than finding the faith which was held by first century Christians?  If these or other things cause you to reject the Word of God, you are numbered with a certain group of soldiers who chose not to speak of the glorious events they witnessed early one morning some two thousand years ago.             However, if you do believe the Bible witness about Jesus’ resurrection, do you share this or keep it to yourself?  Hmmm?                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Proverbs 8 In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a lady whom everyone needs to get to know and to whom we should all listen.  In chapter eight, she promises that only truth will come from her lips and that her words will contain no wickedness, only righteousness.  Her sayings are noble and right.  My, how desperately we all need wisdom these days!             Wisdom puts forward as her credentials (thus good reason for us to listen to her) that she was in the beginning with the Lord “Before His works of old” (v 22), and that “From everlasting I was established” (v 23).  She maintains she “was beside Him, as a master workman” (v 30).  This is a clear declaration by God that not only was His creation accomplished through wise design, but also that there was a certain correctness to it.  In other words, if God had tried to do things any other way (within the parameters which He had set) there would have been serious deficiencies if not an utter failure in creation.  Wisdom was absolutely necessary for the creation to flow together and function in a beautifully synchronized  manner.             But wisdom claims that not only was she necessary in the Lord’s forming the heavens and the earth, but also she is needed for a person to live their life in the right way on earth.  She claims there is a right way and a wrong way to live one’s life (vv 35-36).  She is seen standing beside the city gates ( v 3) which says that we need her to guide us in our daily comings and goings.  She stands “Where the paths meet.”  These would represent the path of wisdom and therefore life, and the path of foolishness leading to death.  Kings and rulers need her to “judge rightly” (v 16).  She promises blessings to those who keep her ways (v 32).             Yet, despite wisdom’s warnings of certain trouble if we don’t listen to her and her promises of even riches and honor if we do, so few people actually seek her out.  We let our feelings guide us, “listen to our hearts,” and follow the ways of the world.  No wonder we find ourselves in such big messes!  Better we find wisdom for she is more precious than silver, gold and all desirable things (vv 10-11).

Proverbs 30:7-9             Sometimes life is a perfect summer with breezy days, pleasant temperatures and just enough rain to keep the vegetables growing and the flowers blooming.  The blessings of God seem to especially flow at times like these: good health, success in business, friendships are easy, temptations are less powerful, joy and peace flood the heart - everything rolls along smoothly.             But then a cloud or two appears above the ridge line, and the cold air begins to sweep down the hillside.  Life turns into a hard winter: bitter cold days, biting winds, snow storms and freezing rain.  Nothing seems to be good: health wanes, business is a struggle, the spouse is distant, the neighbor complains, temptations are strong, fear and doubt are constant companions.             Agur has a prayer which addresses the extremes of life.  (Please take a moment to read our text).  He asks God not to make him rich because there is a great temptation when everything is good and a person is “full.”  He will begin to think (contrary to all that he knows in his heart that is true) that God had no part in preparing the bountiful table before him.  He looks at the gift and not the Giver.             Agur also asks God not to bring him to poverty where he must beg for then he will be tempted to steal and thus “profane the name of my God.”  In dire need he will also tend to forget his God and focus upon that which he does not have rather than the Giver who can provide everything which he needs.             In contrast to these two extremes, Agur asks for “the food which is my portion.”  In other words, he prays that God will give him just what he needs - a good balance in life.             In times of wellness and sickness, in plenty and in want, in turmoil and peace, in sadness and joy, there is the ever present temptation to forget the One who always rules and who rules in and over all the circumstances of life.  Whether we are experiencing the blessing or the “curse,” let us remember that it is God who is ruling over all things and to seek Him with our whole heart.                                                                         ><>  Jeff

Colossians 3:12-14             Relationships are at the very center of life.  From husband and wife, parent and child, and other family to neighbors, schoolmates, co-workers and brothers and sisters in Christ - relationships are everywhere.  The Bible is filled with God’s instructions about how to get along properly with the other people in our lives.             But a strange thing happens on the way to building strong, loving relationships - people!  How ironic that the very thing with which we try to grow close or get along is the very thing which prevents our achieving that goal!  We are all sinners with weaknesses and faults.  We have different perspectives, personal desires and unique personalities.  We offend one another through both words and actions, even by silence and inaction.  We all do it - some more often and worse than others.             The offense, then, becomes at the same time both a barrier between the two persons and a chain which holds them together.  The offense is a barrier because it inhibits the two people from growing closer together.  It is a fixed occurrence in the history of the two parties which must be removed if the relationship is to grow or perhaps even continue.  In addition, the offense becomes a chain linking the two people together because as long as it exists neither person can escape from its harmful effects.  No matter where they go, that offense binds them together through that particular event in their history.  They cannot be free from it unless the chain is broken.             So, how can this barrier be destroyed and the chain broken?  Only by forgiveness.  When forgiveness is sought and granted, the offense is removed.  This is the essence of forgiveness - removing barriers.  When the barrier is taken out of the way, then the chain is also broken.  That event, the offense, is no longer a factor in that relationship, and the two people are free to draw closer together and strengthen their bond of love and friendship.             Thus, both persons are released from the debilitating effects of the past offense.  Freedom returns.  Forgiveness is a beautiful thing!                                                             ><>  Jeff

Matthew 7:13-14             In our text, Jesus contrasts the way of sin with the way of righteousness.  The gate leading to destruction is wide, and the way is broad, making it easy to enter and travel.  The gate to life is small, and the way is narrow, making it difficult to find and follow.  On our journey through life, we are confronted with numerous pathways to follow.  We must be alert to choose the way leading to life.   It’s easier to fret and worry...             than to get down on our knees and pray. It’s easier to sleep in on Sunday morning and watch the live stream... than to get up and go to the assembly. It’s easier to pretend you don’t have a problem...             than to ask for the help which you need. It’s easier to blame someone else...             than to accept the responsibility for what you did. It’s easier to keep bitterness in your heart...             than to go and offer forgiveness. It’s easier to be on social media, play video games or watch movies...             than to read and study your Bible It’s easier to lie...             than to face up to the truth. It’s easier to “go fishin’”...             than to concentrate on the lesson being taught. It’s easier to keep your mouth closed...             than to speak up with the gospel message. It’s easier to say, “Just one more time”...             than to say, “No more.” It’s easier to let someone else do it...             than to accept some responsibility and get involved. It’s easier simply to agree with these words...             than to take some action in your own life. It’s easier to be a dying branch...             than a fruitful vine.                                                             ><>  Jeff

Ecclesiastes 12:11             Here we go with another installment of the quotations and sayings I’ve collected over the years.  Read, ponder and be blessed!   >                    No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.                                                             – Charles P. Steinmetz   >                    It’s just so easy to be average.  – Urban Meyer   >                    Just because you don’t believe it doesn’t mean it isn’t true.   >                    The reason that Bible class teachers, elders and ministers continue to study the Bible is they want those they teach to drink from a running stream rather than a stagnant pool.   >                    It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.                                                             – Yogi Berra   >                    We tend to forget what we should remember, and to remember what we should forget.   >                    I don’t have time to think about where I’m going because I’m in such a hurry to get there.   >                    God cannot lead a man who stands still.                                                             – Gerald Paden   >                    I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.                                                             – Abraham Lincoln   >                    God doesn’t give us what we can handle; He helps us handle what we are given.                                                                         ><>  Jeff