Search Results

Hebrews 2:14-18 If you truly want to solve a problem (admittedly, sometimes we don’t!), you must face it head on and deal with the real causes. Too often, we don’t do this either, but God always goes right to the heart of a problem to get it resolved. This is what He did with the death-bringing sin problem of the human race. How do you solve humanity’s sin problem? Should it just be ignored as if it weren’t really a problem at all? Should God simply grant general amnesty because He is “such a loving God”? Should God devise a series of religious rituals and/or list of good deeds to be performed which He will accept as penance for sins? None of these, as you can see, really get to the real issue: the human race sins, continues to sin, and sin brings death. This is inescapable. So what was God’s solution? Face the problem head on. Please take the time to read our text. First we see that Jesus, the Son of God, became a human being, sharing “in flesh and blood.” Sin had to be faced in the shoes of the sinner! Jesus was “made like His brethren in all things.” He faced up to the devil and his temptations in the wilderness and did not sin. Through His betrayal, sham trials, denial, scourging, mockings and crucifixion, He faced the wickedness of the human race, Jew and Gentile, friend and foe - all without sin. His body was laid in another’s tomb. He was dead. He faced Death head on, looked it in the eye and took everything it could throw at Him. He spent time in Hades. But on the third day, He was raised - never to die again! He had conquered death. Death could not hold Him. He was raised because He was without sin. It was “through death” that Jesus broke the devil’s power because now a human being had lived a life without sin, and death had no power over Him. Now Jesus, thanks to the grace of God, has offered the blood of His death as a “propitiation for the sins of the people.” Our sins can now be truly forgiven through Christ’s sacrificial offering. The devil has lost. Death has lost. Through Jesus’ death, we win! Praise our God! ><> Jeff

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” If you don’t believe this very first verse of scripture, your view of life and the world will be totally out of kilter. In this verse is the true view of life and the very foundations upon which anything and everything exists. Three primary truths explode out of this verse. 1) God is the Force behind the universe. He is the Power, the Mind, the Designer of the heavens and the earth. As such, we would expect to see the imprint of His character and wisdom stamped upon everything. The evidence for God will be readily apparent, and the evidence for the attributes of God will also be easily seen in the heavens and the earth. 2) Our world had a beginning. Space, matter and energy have not been around forever. God brought them into existence at a point in eternity which the Holy Spirit calls “the beginning.” Not only is this the beginning of the heavens and the earth, it is also the beginning of time as we know it. 3) The heavens and the earth were created by God. The word “created” here carries with it the ideas of “initiating something new,” and “bringing into existence.” Thus, we understand that what God did was to bring something entirely new into existence. He did not take some available materials and form or reshape them into something else. He brought the material (matter, energy) into existence out of nothing and then formed it into its various entities. Understanding that God created the heavens and the earth, we should acknowledge that they belong to Him to accomplish whatever purposes He has intended for them. It is the responsibility of the creature (that’s us) to seek His purposes for ourselves as found in His word. If we fail to see that God is Creator of all, we will surely miss the purpose for which God made us, and our lives will have been wasted, lost. Investigate carefully. ><> Jeff

John 8:31-32 “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’” If we do not believe in truth, we will not understand its importance. If we do not understand truth’s importance, we will not learn to love it. If we do not love the truth, we will not seek it. If we do not seek the truth, we will not find it. If we do not find the truth, we will not know it. If we do not know the truth, we cannot follow it. If we do not follow the truth, we will not be free. If we are not made free, we will serve the devil until we die. If we serve the devil until we die, we lose everything. “Thomas said to Him, ‘Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?’” “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” – John 14:5-6 “Buy truth, and do not sell it...” –Proverbs 23:23 ><>Jeff

So, in case you haven't noticed, I'm sticking with the theme I established in my last blog of addressing hard, but important questions that Christians are often asked. So, yeah, "Why do I follow Jesus?" It's a question I feel we, as Christians, can sometimes take for granted. I'm guilty of this myself. I had an experience not too long ago where I was participating in a small outreach project, and I discovered that I didn't have a great answer to this. As a very logical thinker, I often view things from what "makes the most sense" when all of the evidence is considered. I still feel that for some, this is a very valid way of both viewing and spreading the Gospel (perhaps a topic for another blog). However, a lot of people don't want to have a logical debate as their first introduction to Jesus. I realized at this event that I didn't actually have a great "emotional appeal" for Christ. I couldn't really answer why you should follow Christ outside of "this is why it makes sense" or "this is what the Bible says." So, this encouraged me to take a step back and take a look at the reason for my faith. How is it that Christians are able to look at a world full of deceit, unrest, illness, and death and somehow find a loving God over all of it? Why are we willing to go through the persecution that we so often face for our beliefs and not back down? I'd like to share what I've found. Maybe it will help you find Jesus, or maybe it will remind you of why you already did. After my soul-searching, I came to one conclusion before anything else. I follow God because of who He is. Who is God? That's a loaded question that no one can fully answer, but Christians do get to know God through His word. Before anything else, we know that God is love. Not that God is loving. God IS love (1 John 4:8). I follow God because He is the pure embodiment of love. Everything that He has ever done is out of love, in one way or another. He created mankind in His image so that he can share His love with someone. He did this already knowing that we would fall short. He knew that if he gave us free will, many would turn away from him, and many would curse Him and try to write Him out of history. He knew this, but He made us anyway. He knew before He made the world that mankind would need a savior. He knew that if He created mankind, He would need to sacrifice His only son, Jesus, in order to save us (Revelation 13:8). Yet, He still created us. Why? Because He loves us. He loved us before we were ever born, and He loves us to this day. Our savior Jesus Christ embodies this same love. Jesus gave up His privileges in Heaven in order to come down to earth, become a human, and die. He knew from the outset that this was His fate if He came to earth. He lived a perfect life. He taught us to love each other, even our enemies. He taught us that we have a loving Father who is watching over us even now, and will guide us every step of the way if we let Him. He committed no sin, hurt no one, cheated no one, lied to no one, and was killed out of jealousy and fear. Why? Because He loves us that much. One of my favorite stories of Jesus' love is found in Mark 10: 46-52. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, knowing that His death was coming. He was about to be betrayed by one of His own disciples and be handed over for a brutal death that He did not deserve. While He's walking he hears the voice of a blind man named Bartimaeus, who is calling out to Him for healing. Jesus, with (almost literally) the weight of the world on His shoulders, takes a moment to stop, talk to Bartimaeus, and heal him. Jesus loves us all that much. That He is willing to stop and help us with our problems when the future of the entire world is on His mind. He loves us so much that He was willing to go through a brutal death on the cross when He had the power to stop it at any moment because He knew that's what was necessary to save us. After all of this, God has every right to demand anything and everything out of us. We have a debt that we have no ability to repay. Yet, what does Jesus ask of us? “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34). Yes, there are commandments and a lifestyle that we are called to live by. But, in the end, it boils down to loving each other as God has loved us. What more can I say? How can I look past the evil that's in the world? How do I get through the pain and loss that comes with being human? I know that God loves me. I know that it all serves a purpose. I know that the reward at the end of it all far outweighs the troubles of today. I know that God will help me get there. Why do I follow Christ? I follow Christ because I love Him. I love Him because He first loved me. He loved me before I was ever born. He lived a perfect life to set an example for me to follow. He died for me. Now, He still loves me, even after all of my sins. He guides me and comforts me every day of my life. For all of this, all He asks is that I turn away from the world, be baptized, and live by His example (Acts 2:38) (Romans 6:1-14) (1 Peter 2:21). If I do those things, I will spend eternity with Jesus. Why would I ever want anything else? Jesus loves you in the same way, whether you follow Him or not. It doesn't matter what you've done, or how far gone you think you are, He has this same boundless love for you as he does for anyone else. He has a place set for you at the banquet table. There's only one question that will keep you from Him. Do you love Him? (John 14:21-23). Ryan Zumpano is a member of the Shadyside Church of Christ. He's a Freshman at West Liberty University, majoring in Computer Information Systems. He is also the 2022 Valedictorian of Shadyside High School.

Ecclesiastes 12:11 Over the years, I have collected over 600 quotes and sayings from various places and people. These have been thought provoking, inspiring, insightful and challenging. From time to time, I want to share some of them with you in this piece. > You were saved to serve. > Don’t make the mistake of doing nothing because you can’t do everything. -- Edmund Burke > You just don’t see a funeral hearse pulling any U-haul trailers. > Every once in a while, remind yourself that you are not the General Manager of the universe. > Some people are so open-minded their brains fall out. -- Rick Warren > If God is your co-pilot, you better change seats! > To make little of sin is to make little of the Master. -- Jim McGuiggan > You are only young once, but you can be immature forever. > People talk and don’t act. God acts and doesn’t talk. – Haitian proverb My hope is that these words of wisdom will be as helpful to you as they have been and continue to be to me. ><> Jeff

Ezekiel 18:21-24 Our God is truly, as the song puts it, an awesome God. We may consider God’s “awesomeness” from dozens of differing perspectives, but in this piece we want to consider His mercifulness which is obviously tied to His love. God is merciful, and we humans need to begin to praise Him without ceasing for His mercy for without God’s mercy no one will be saved. To hear some people talk (even preach), God is out to get sinners. His holy indignation burns against wicked men, and God can’t wait to unleash His wrath against them on the last day. Our text, however, reveals something different about God’s whole position on the wicked. God says that if the wicked turns away from all of his sins and keeps God’s statutes that he will live. God says that (note this well): All his transgressions which he has committed will not be remembered against him. All of them. Every last one. No matter how heinous, evil, disgusting, vicious, underhanded, abusive, destructive... No matter how many times. God’s door of mercy is wide open. Today, of course, this requires faith, genuine repentance, and obedience to the gospel of Christ. Is God holding this position reluctantly? Is He being coerced against His will, or just trying to make Himself look good? Listen to these words: Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked...rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? God desires for people to repent and turn to Him for life. He has no pleasure in seeing people die in their sins and face the terrible consequences at the judgment. God is truly merciful. Isn’t it time that the church started to see the wicked this way, too? Shouldn’t Christians be praying and working for the repentance of the wicked rather than looking for their death and everlasting destruction? God sent His Son to die on a tree so people might be saved. Jesus gave His life so we all might be forgiven and receive life. This must be the main message of the church. It is the gospel. ><> Jeff

Psalm 19: 1-6 David writes: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” In many texts, David and others write of the wonders of God’s creation. Allow me to share some of the beauty and wonders in God’s world that I love. > Zebra swallowtails > Hummingbirds > The laughter of little kids playing > Meteors in a dark, starry sky > That first cup of coffee in the morning > Beautiful music > Any of my favorite hymns > Kittens (Nope; don’t want one) > The aroma of bread baking > The aroma of bacon frying > Chocolate > A genuine smile > A hearty laugh > A couple holding hands (old or young) > A gentle snow > A prayer from the heart > When a scripture touches my soul > The singing of a song sparrow > The winter rose > Sunsets > A good book > Geese in “V” formation > The Lord’s day assembly (especially when everyone’s there) What are some of the beauty, wonders and glory that you love in the Almighty’s creation? ><>Jeff

Matthew 8: 5-13 Sometimes we misjudge people. No, I’m not talking about “Judge not, that you be not judged.” I’m referring to making an honest assessment of people. We do this all the time. Often our honest assessment of a person is really off target. We can be poor judges of human character and human hearts. In our text, Jesus marveled at a man’s faith. We might find it strange and hard to believe that Jesus would marvel at anything, but He did. The man was a centurion who explained to Jesus that he had a servant suffering terribly in a paralysis. When Jesus said He would come and heal him, the centurion responds with something like this: “No, you don’t understand. I’m not worthy to have you come into my house, but just speak the word, and my servant will be healed. You see, I understand about speaking a word of authority.” At these words, Jesus “marveled” and said: “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.” Jesus was expecting faith out of His own people, but here was a Gentile with a faith like He’d not yet encountered. He was amazed. Certain people have amazed me over the years. Individuals who I thought would never even be interested in the gospel became strong believers in Jesus Christ. Some who I believed would be faithful and fruitful for the Lord turned back to the world and dried up on the vine. Others who showed such great interest and spoke such promising words never obeyed the gospel. I feel certain that you have had such experiences in your life as well. Two things I learn from all of this. Be amazed! Marvel at what the gospel of Christ can do in a person’s heart. Rejoice at their faith and their obedience to Christ. Second, don’t ever withhold the gospel from anybody because of your assessment of them. We have no idea what’s going on in another person’s head or heart. Only the Lord knows. Share the good news with everyone, and let the power of the gospel work in them. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be amazed. ><> Jeff

Acts 17:22-34 While in Athens, Paul had opportunity to proclaim the gospel in the middle of the prestigious Areopagus. When his sermon was over, Paul had immediate feedback on what he had preached. Some mocked at what he taught while others said they would like to hear more on the matter. A few joined Paul having believed the word. Preachers appreciate getting feedback on their lessons. For the devoted minister, this isn’t about him but about his lessons and his hearers. Did they find the message truthful, encouraging, uplifting, challenging, edifying, boring, insightful, snore-worthy, etc.? We offer here some ways in which a preacher gets feedback on his lesson. > More than the usual number fell asleep > There were at least two “Amen’s!” during the lesson > There were some puzzled looks in the audience > Many were listening in rapt attention > There were some tears in a few eyes > There were smiles and looks of wonder on some faces > A lot of heads were shaking “Yes” > A lot of heads were shaking “No” > More than the usual number “went fishin’” (blank stares) > More than the usual number went to the restroom (they were bored) > More than the usual number went to the restroom (the sermon was “hitting home”) > Halfway through the sermon, one sister got out her songbook and turned to the closing song > On the way out, nobody said anything (the sermon was boring OR it “stepped on some toes” OR it touched hearts) Sometimes, it’s really hard to tell. Preachers really do appreciate honest feedback. ><>Jeff

Acts 11:26 “...and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” The name Christian means “of Christ” or “of the anointed one.” Jesus of Nazareth has, of course, been made “both Lord and Christ” by God Himself (Acts 2:36). He is the anointed High Priest and King over all, and His name is exalted above every name (Philippians 2:8-11) because Jesus fully did the will of the Father. Since He is of such elevated stature, it is almost inconceivable that Jesus’ followers would be allowed to wear His name. Yet, sinners though we be, we are accorded this blessed privilege. To wear the name of Christ is an honor. Christians should wear it with humility for it is the name of the Son of God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No other name is above it.. The world will blaspheme and malign the name of Christ (James 2:7), but His disciples are unashamed to be called Christian. To wear the name of Christ is a proclamation. When a person says that they are a Christian, the name of Christ is announced for all to hear. The proclamation is made that a certain Jesus has come to save humanity, and that He now rules from heaven. The world doesn’t necessarily want to hear this, and so we see the regular adverse reaction to all that is Christian. Nevertheless, the name of Christ and His gospel is what the world needs to hear. To wear the name of Christ is a reminder. When a person says that they are a Christian, they remember they have been saved from their sinful state by the blood of Christ and brought into His kingdom under His lordship. It is a call to be true to the Savior’s name, to stand against all that’s evil and to live a righteous life. It is a sad state of affairs, that so many today who claim to follow Jesus do not use His name but call themselves by some other name. If that is the case, Jesus Christ is not being honored. Such was never the case with the first century Christians. They died for the Name. Let me ask you: What name do you wear? ><> Jeff

Philippians 2:14-15 Have you ever been around a continual grumbler or complainer? Most of us have encountered such individuals at some point. Perhaps you have one in your life right now. Maybe it’s you! With grumblers and complainers nothing is ever good enough, nice enough, long enough, enough enough! Vacation is too short. The paycheck is too small. The bill is too much. The boss is too demanding. The spouse just “doesn’t understand.” It’s the old: “I’d complain, but nobody would listen.” (How juvenile is this old saw?) The Holy Spirit has a good bit to say about grumblers and complainers. None of it is good. In a nutshell: don’t grumble or complain. Even without too much thinking, we can understand why such behavior is not pleasing to God. First, those who complain see their glass as “half-empty.” They always look at the negative or what they think they lack. Rarely do they see the countless blessings which the Lord has already showered upon them. Whether daily food, decent health, family, a job, or such gifts as prayer, salvation, the church, the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures, etc. - these are never enough and are not appreciated. Second, even when grumblers do have a legitimate problem, they rarely do anything to make it better. They aren’t working on solutions because to them their problems are caused by something or someone else. The world is against them. So, they just complain. Third, grumblers and complainers have an unfavorable effect on other people. When their complaint is uttered, it’s like a slap on the cheek. You hesitate to sympathize with them since you don’t have the complete picture. If you don’t sympathize, they might view you as uncaring. Even your word of encouragement doesn’t penetrate their bristly exterior. It’s just a whole negative atmosphere. Don’t be a complainer. Consider your blessings and thank the Lord for them. Work on your problems with His help. Learn to be a blessing by encouraging and helping others. Be like Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:15 Many evolutionary atheists maintain that human beings do not really make choices. Their position is that our responses to our environment are nothing more than a series of electro-chemical reactions in the brain. No one really chooses anything, but what we do is simply a series of pre-programmed responses to certain external stimuli. This would make us to be something like human “snack machines.” Someone (external forces) puts in $1.00 and pushes a certain button and out comes the selected snack. Every time. Doesn’t that make you feel special? On the other hand, the Bible clearly teaches that we have been created with the capacity to make choices, real decisions, and are even expected to make good ones! But sometimes when the world “spits in our face” or “slaps us around,” we react in less than a godly manner. We forget to choose to respond in a God-honoring way. So, today I choose to be kind for I know the world will turn a cold shoulder to me and many others. Today I choose to be patient for I know the world will try to push me faster than I need to go. Today I choose to walk by faith for I know the world will try to tell me that there is nothing more than what I can see. Today I choose to forgive for I know the world will be spoiling for a fight. Today I choose to keep my word for the world will betray many and break their trust. Today I choose to be joyful for the world will bring to my ears many sorrows. Today I choose to speak the truth for the world will be spreading lies everywhere. Today I choose to love for because of the world’s vicious treatment many will need someone to love them. Today I choose... ><> Jeff