What is hate? In the New Testament, hate is μισεω (miseo) and has a few definitions. According to one of the best Greek-English lexicons out there, it can mean “anything from ‘disfavor’ to ‘detest’ depending on its context” (BDAG, μισεω). In other words, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean complete detestation.
“Hate” is kind of a loaded word today. It’s been hijacked by activists seeking to condone depravity. It’s been a little watered-down as a result.
Any rational person would understand if we hated someone for good reason. Our justice system has divided homicide into categories at least partially for that reason. They’re all wrong, but some forms of hatred are more understandable than others.
That’s human thinking. The short version is that it is always wrong to hate anyone for any reason (Mt 5.43ff). What about terrorists who target civilians and use them as human shields? They are our enemies. What are we supposed to do for our enemies? Love them, pray for them (5.44). God brings justice on his terms. A soldier fighting these groups may well be that instrument of justice (cf. Rom 13.4). But most of us aren’t soldiers. That’s just an example, so apply this (minus the soldier part) to illegal immigrants, to the sexually depraved indoctrinating our children in public education, to the Federal managerial state destroying our country, and to any other group/movement/individual we might hate because of their behavior and worldview.
It can be extremely difficult to do (speaking from personal experience here), but God demands perfection in this context — we have to love our enemies, we have to pray for our enemies. We don’t usually select random people as targets of our hatred. We usually have good cause! That doesn’t excuse a poor view of even the worst of people. God will deal with them, our job is to love and pray for them.
Finally, our church family is never, ever, ever a place for hatred. Hatred (μισεω, BDAG) means “having a strong aversion to” or “to disfavor” (instead of giving preferential treatment). We’ll end by letting God speak for himself:
“We know that we have left death and have come into life. We know this because we love each other. Anyone who does not love is still in death. Anyone who hates a fellow believeris a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life” (I Jn 3.14-15).
I was originally going to call this, “The way we smell to others,” but thought that might be misleading or inaccurate. Paul uses a very unusual illustration to make an important point in this paragraph of his second letter to Corinth’s Christians. The backdrop of the illustration was when he came to Troas to take advantage of an open door to preach the gospel. It was a trying experience, as he couldn’t find Titus there. He left them for Macedonia (12-13).
In chapter three, he is going to change metaphors. But, first, he describes their work of sharing the gospel as like God sending His fragrance through them which others evaluate or judge (14-15). The same message “smells” differently to the recipients, based on the receptivity and spiritual condition of those hearers (16). But Paul makes clear that their motives and message are not “rotten,” but if it is rejected it is because the listeners are perishing (17).
Think about how so many could hear the Son of God Himself teach and preach, and thoroughly reject it to the degree that they even took Him and nailed Him to a cross!
When you share Jesus and the message of His saving grace with others, there will be those who find that “fragrance of Christ” (15) a “sweet aroma” (14). It will be so appealing to them that they leave their old life and follow Him, much as the men God chose to follow Him during His ministry. It’s attractive and satisfying. There are still so many with good, receptive hearts out there. We see that when we share Him.
However, be prepared for some to find that same message repulsive. It’s not what they want and not what they are after. Have you ever been sick in such a way that even your favorite foods nauseated you to smell them cooking? There is no more savory and appealing message than the Bible’s story of grace, but many will reject it anyway! It can leave us feeling so inadequate (16), but we must remember that it is not our message. It is Christ’s message. Our job is simply to spread it with personal integrity, honesty, and righteous motivation. His word will work its power on those who seek their satisfaction in Him.
Juliet’s poignant line, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, delves into the profound influence of names on identity and perception. This metaphor underscores that a name does not define the essence of a thing or person. In the play’s context, Juliet ponders over Romeo’s last name, Montague, associated with her family’s rival house. She asserts that his true self would remain unchanged even if Romeo had a different name. This argument posits that a name is merely a label without impacting a person’s or thing’s inherent qualities or worth.
Lawmakers in Maryland are proposing a solution to an environmental problem by changing the name of an invasive fish species known for damaging the local ecosystem. The snakehead fish, currently unpopular as a food source, could become more attractive to consumers if given a more appealing name. This example raises interesting questions about the power of names and labels in shaping our perceptions. The lawmakers suggest renaming the fish “Chesapeake Channa” to emphasize its connection to the Chesapeake waters where it currently resides. The aim is to rebrand the invasive species and replace its negative connotations with a more positive image. Given that snakeheads taste delicious, Maryland’s campaign may prove successful. This case illustrates how a simple name change can significantly alter our perception of an object, in this case, a fish.
Juliet’s perspective that a name is a label with no influence on the intrinsic qualities of an object is worth considering. It suggests that intrinsic attributes hold more significance than the names or labels we assign. This viewpoint allows for tactics like renaming a fish to enhance its appeal. However, what if a person or thing’s name reflects their identity and purpose? In such cases, it would be unwise to alter the name. This rose must remain a rose. This caution underscores the responsibility we bear when considering such changes.
Peter reminds us that a name holds significant meaning. In 1 Peter 4.16, he implies that if someone faces persecution, it should be solely because of their faith. For instance, if authorities punish a person for stealing, it does not count as persecution. Those to whom God has given the correction’s instrument should treat the offender lawfully, as mentioned in Romans 13. So Peter says, “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Peter 4.16 NASB95). Though it appears only three times in the New Testament, the term “Christian” came to describe a community of believers who followed Jesus Christ’s teachings and distinguished themselves from Jews and pagans. It is the new name God promised through His prophet, Isaiah (Isaiah 62.2).
As followers of Christ, it is crucial to identify ourselves as Christians. While being “spiritual” or “a believer” is not wrong, it does not define our identity as followers of Christ. To be faithful, we must fully embrace the responsibility that comes with the name “Christian.” This commitment involves living a life consistent with Jesus Christ’s teachings and values, actively following in His footsteps, being a part of a Christian community, and demonstrating love, compassion, and forgiveness in all aspects of our lives. Avoiding “Christian” may indicate a reluctance to accept the associated responsibility and accountability. By embracing our Christian identity, we respond to the call to serve as Jesus’ hands and feet.
In the end, while names and labels can sometimes be arbitrary or misleading, there are cases where a name carries deep significance and meaning, intricately tied to identity and purpose. Just as Juliet recognized that Romeo’s value transcended his surname, and Peter emphasized the importance of embracing the Christian name, we must carefully consider when a name represents something core that should not be rebranded or obscured. A name like “Christian” is not just a label but a calling to embody the teachings of Christ through words and actions. So, while changing names can sometimes be helpful, we must also respect when a name holds profound meaning that should be upheld rather than discarded for pragmatic purposes. Distinguishing between these situations requires wisdom and care.
After having dealt with the many witnesses to the resurrected Christ, the erroneous denial of His resurrection, and the connection of the resurrection to His second coming, Paul turns his focus not just to the impact of His resurrection on how we live but also to our own resurrection. Notice at least three more observations in the second half of this chapter, designed to unite these Christians around the truth of the resurrection.
THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE RESURRECTION (29-34)
Paul launches abruptly from the second coming to an odd argument in support of the resurrection–this enigmatic practice of being baptized for the dead (29). It has been said that there are about 40 different explanations for “the baptism for the dead.” I believe Paul is saying that some were motivated to be baptized out of their desire to be reunited with their saved loved ones after this life. I studied with and saw a man baptized (by Riley Keown and some firefighters) who was strongly motivated by a desire to be reunited with his Christian mother. That would be for nothing if the dead are not raised.
Furthermore, why would a Christian risk danger and death if there is no resurrection (30-31)? What keeps a Christian from “Epicureanism,” simply being devoted to indulging the senses through food and drink, if there is no resurrection (32)? Why strive to live morally and surround oneself with moral influences, if there is no resurrection (33-34)? At least four vital implications are covered by Paul, if the dead are not raised.
THE NATURE OF OUR RESURRECTION (35-49)
Now, Paul gets down to what our resurrection will be like in this section of his discussion. He addresses the question of how and what kind of body (35). Notice.
It will conform to God’s law of sowing and reaping (36-37, 42-44). Paul illustrates this with seed sowing in this life. You cannot reap what you do not sow. The body has to die before resurrection is possible. We will see this more in-depth, but what is raised is much better than what dies.
It will be a bodily resurrection (39-41). We cannot miss this fact. Paul refers to the “body” ten times from verses 35-49 ( in addition, “flesh and blood” is verse 50 is actually this same word, too). Our resurrection body will be of a different nature, but it will still be a body. It will be a body as God wished (38), a heavenly body (40), an imperishable body (42), a glorious body (43), and a spiritual body (44). Yes, that leaves some things unanswered, but whether or not our resurrection will be bodily is not unanswered. We will not be a disembodied spirit for eternity. We will have a new body, which Paul describes here.
It will be spiritual and heavenly (44-49). This body will be engineered to inhabit and live for eternity. Our spirits will continue to live; there is continuity. But, we will inhabit a new, spiritual and heavenly, body!
THE RESULTS OF THE RESURRECTION (50-58)
Paul lays down an order of operations or procedure here. We will be changed in an instant when the trumpet of God sounds (50-52). We will assume an imperishable, changed body (53-54). Death will die (54). It will be powerless over the saved and resurrected child of God (54-57).
There is so much richness and depth to this discussion of the resurrection, but Paul gives us enough to favorably receive his final charge. He concludes, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (58). Persevere because living the Christian life is worth it! You are not wasting your time. Obey Him! Wait and see. Because Christ was raised, we will be raised! As the song suggests, “What a day, glorious day, that shall be!”
There are some in the world who follow Christ for the wrong reasons. Perhaps they were told that everything in life would be perfect if they chose to follow Jesus. It is possible that they did it for their family and not out of their own conviction. Maybe they became a Christian to try and get some physical blessing out of it.
To put our faith in action we are all motivated by something. If we aren’t careful, we can quickly lose motivation if it is based on the wrong ideas. For a few moments we are going to turn our attention to the cost of discipleship. As Christians, we are called to follow God, and not because our faith will come with certain perks. We follow Christ because He is the Son of the Living God. The truth of His resurrection compels us to put our faith in action. The many attributes of Christ compel us to trust in Him as Lord. He is worthy of our worship, our love, and our obedience.
But even more, the beauty of the Gospel is that in trusting Jesus and acting out our faith, we find that He pours many blessings into our lives. This is not our motivation, but it is a side effect of faithfully following the Savior. I used to believe that it was wrong to think, “what’s in it for me.”
We may even feel guilty for thinking this way. We do our best to put our faith in action and often we ask, “what’s the point?”
This is NOT wrong. In fact, this is the definition of “counting the cost.” Luke 14:28, Jesus says, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
In this section, Jesus is teaching us to realize just how much it will cost us to become His follower. Faith in action is no easy task. Obeying the Son of God isn’t a walk in the park. There were several occasions where the people believed that Jesus’ teachings were too hard to obey. But that sacrifice is part of following the Son of God. Deny self, take up cross, follow Him.
Those are difficult decisions to make.
Jesus, in Luke 14, shows us the importance of fully understanding what it will cost us to follow Him. In this mental exercise, you measure the cost against what you stand to gain in following Jesus (hint, you’ll gain far more than what it cost you). As we think about the idea of counting the cost, there’s one of many reasons why Jesus is worth the Cost: Jesus Gives Life.
In John 6, Jesus presents some very difficult teachings to the crowds. He is teaching in the synagogue in the city of Capernaum to a large group of Jews. These hard teachings from Jesus actually caused many followers to leave Jesus! Verse 60 says, “When His followers heard this many of them said, ‘this teaching is hard, who can accept it?’”
How often do we respond like this?
There’s more discussion, and Jesus knew this would happen. Finally, in verse 66, it says that after He said these things His followers left him and followed Him no more.
After these people leave Him, He turns to His disciples and notice what He says: “Do you want to go away as well?’” (67).
Peter answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” Peter’s response is profound. When faced with the question, “will you also leave?”, his response is “to whom shall we go?” This is a question we must all consider. Who would you be without Christ? Who could take the place of Savior in your life? Many have made the decision to let the world be their savior.
If Christ wasn’t in your life, who could you turn to?
It is in the identity of Jesus that we find the main appeal of God’s Son. Jesus is God. Peter realized this powerful truth. Christ has the words of eternal life. This was all he needed to follow Jesus to the very end.
If Jesus is God, His words are more than just words. His words are truth. His words open our eyes to the truth of eternity. Jesus is worth following; He is worthy of our faith, because He gives us eternal Life.
Jesus gives us the option to follow or leave. But who would we turn to? He is the Son of God, His words give life. This powerful encouragement shows us that every word of Jesus pierces the depths of our souls and binds our lives in truth. This cannot be found anywhere else. Others can offer words of wisdom and words of truth, but Jesus alone gives the words that can be trusted for an eternity.
As we count the cost, we must keep in mind that Jesus gives everlasting life to those who put their faith in Him.
In each chapter of Ecclesiastes one can expect at least two kinds of verses. While one verse might make you wonder what Solomon is talking about at first, another will hit you in a profound way. It turns out that humans really haven’t changed that much over the years. Our current experiences and lives share many similarities— that fact is elucidated further in the Bible’s Old Testament books of wisdom.
Here are twelve truths found in Ecclesiastes book.
1.4-8
Some things never change.
2.24-25
Pleasing God will bring you more joy than chasing the things that bring momentary pleasure.
3.9-11
God has given us a desire to know the future. Because of this, we understand that while we don’t know the future we’re better off serving a God who does.
4.9-12
It’s by design that we can accomplish more with help. God can do more with us when we are team players.
5.19-20
There’s joy to be found in hard work and that too is by design. Satisfaction is a natural feeling produced by the work of our hands.
6.6
If you don’t find joy in life then life will drag on and feel slower.
7.13-15
When life is good, enjoy it. When life is hard— remember that it’s like that for everybody. Ups and downs are part of living.
8.16-18
This world is not just but don’t let that fool you into thinking that God isn’t just. We can’t understand how God’s mind operates in every circumstance.
9.11-12
Not everything happens for a reason! God might have a hand in any event, Satan may have something to do with it— or maybe it’s all a coincidence.
10.8-15
Every job has its dangers but wisdom can make a job run smoother just as a sharp knife can make a task easier.
11.7-8
It’s good to be alive! It’s nice to see the light from the sun. You should enjoy the life you live with eternity on your mind.
12.11
You can put your trust in any wisdom and teaching that comes from God.
Each chapter of Ecclesiastes is filled with wisdom and life changing words. What Solomon says is not only wise, but the Spirit led and guided each word. That alone is reason enough to immerse ourselves in the greatest book ever written.
The P.C. train gets longer and more unsightly all the time. Self-appointed elitists shelter their pet groups and blast and decry any who offend the sensitivities of these select groups in any way.Under the Political Correctness shelter are certain groups defending sexual immorality in various forms, anti-Christian groups, and the generally philosophic liberals.
Certain words mobilize their police force, terribly offensive words like God, Bible, work, men, patriotism, fossil fuels, and sin. Despite all the foregoing, I have decided that I want to be “P.C.” In fact, I think God wants us all to be. Let me explain.
I want a “pure conscience.” The New Testament word “good” (1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Pet. 3:21; etc.) modifying “conscience” means upright and excellent. It is possible to have an unbothered or permissive conscience, but we can get this from blindness to our own faults, improper teaching, or by being guided by feelings over truth. I want a conscience, trained, softened, and guided, by a diligent attempt to know God’s Word and please God’s heart.
I want to be a “passionate Christian.” We can get passionate about our ideas, pet projects, feelings, opinions, and worldly interests, but that’s not what I mean. I want to be in love with the Lord. I want to care deeply about those things about which He cares deeply– lost souls, truth, the church and each member thereof, etc.
I want to be a “peace creator.” It’s easy to do this through compromise and unscriptural change. That’s not true peace (cf. Jer. 6:14). Yet, I do not want to be the center of strife, division, and conflict among God’s people however I can help that (1 Cor. 1:10). I want people to be truly at peace with their Lord (Eph. 2:17). I want harmony to follow in the wake of my path.
I want to be a “pride crusher.” I do not want to be a crusader that stamps out others’ pride. That’s their cross to bear. I want to look at myself in THE mirror (Jas. 1:23) and see myself as God sees me. Wherever I find pride in my heart and life, I want to eradicate it (cf. 1 Pet. 5:5ff). I want true conviction that “pride goes before destruction” (Prov. 16:18) and that “selfish ambition” invites “disorder and every evil thing” (Jas. 3:16). I want to remember that “every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Prov. 21:2; cf. 12:5), but that does not clear me with God’s perfectly discerning eye!
Let me be “P.C.” in these ways, at least for starters. I am not out to please the world or to sacrifice my relationship with God to make either sinners or the self-absorbed happy. In these and other ways, I can truly be a “Paradise chaser.” I want that! Don’t you?
My truck overheated today. A couple of hours and $100 later, it was back on the road. Whoever worked on it last had put the thermostat in backwards, and had failed to bleed the system after a coolant flush.
Dad pointed out at lunch that we use objective standards for everything. How I feel about the orientation of a thermostat — or whether I believe its orientations makes a difference — is irrelevant. The engine will overheat if it’s not correctly installed, because that’s how it works.
We have standards in almost every field we rely on. We don’t want bankers changing their standards on us while handling our assets. We don’t want automotive or aircraft manufacturers going solely by what feels right to them. We don’t want surgeons to just wing it while we’re under the knife.
Standards keep chaos at bay, and allow for reliable, consistent, effective results. On what basis would we throw standards away in the field of morality? If everything else in life requires some kind of standard to make it functional (ie. not chaotic), why wouldn’t the same apply to ethics and morality?
There is mostly order, not mostly chaos. Good standards bring order, no standards have only ever produced chaos. When postmodern or any other progressive ideals attack your faith, find out what their standards are. There most likely are none, or they are arbitrary and reliably chaotic.
How we feel about most things could not matter less. Our feelings do not magically bend reality! Always ask, “By what standard do we believe this to be true/false?” If that standard is subjective, it’s probably safe to throw it away.
Adeulir Antonio de Carli was a priest who became famous after strapping hundreds of helium filled party balloons together in an attempt to break a world record. The stunt was part of a fund-raising plan but it would end, predictably, in disaster.
Before his flight the priest was being interviewed by a News outlet and on camera he’s informed about approaching bad weather. After hearing this he states,
“There will only be good weather during my flight…”
Moments later, the 41-year-old priest strapped himself to a seat attached to green, red, white and yellow balloons that hoisted him high up into the air.
He was reported missing some eight hours later after his final contact with port officials in which he had asked for assistance in using a GPS device that was tracking his coordinates. His final recorded words were,
“I need to get in touch with the ground crew so that they can teach me how to use this GPS tracking device. It is the only way I will be able to transmit my latitude and longitude coordinates in order for them to know where I am.”
The deceased Priest, Adeulir Antonio de Carli, was spotted in the ocean by a tugboat near the city of Macae, three months after he disappeared.
You’ve likely heard that the individual letters in the word Bible can be used as an acronym— “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.” While perhaps this has become cliche, much like WWJD (What Would Jesus Do), there’s still much truth to be found in it.
Paul tells Timothy that God’s Word is something which must be used properly. The Bible won’t be able to tell us where we are spiritually, or even how to get to our desired eternal location unless we know how to use it effectively. Why would anybody “take off” without knowing how to utilize such an important tool? If we don’t know how to apply the inspired Word in our lives then we’re hopelessly trying— like a high-flying priest.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Since the world this week celebrated Valentine’s Day, I saw it fitting for us to talk about God‘s love. In the bustling noise of life with all its hardships, trials and tribulations, there is an unwavering truth–God’s endless love,. Let’s jump through Romans and unravel the depths of this divine love that sustains and transforms our lives.
Romans 5:8 – Sacrificial Love:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Reflect on the sacrificial love of Christ, willingly laying down His life for us, even in our brokenness. It’s a love beyond comprehension, a love that saw our flaws yet chose to redeem us.
Romans 5:5 – Overflowing Love:
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Let’s dwell on the overflowing nature of God’s love, filling every corner of our hearts through the presence of the Holy Spirit. It’s a love that brings hope, assurance, and a sense of belonging.
Romans 8:38-39 – Unbreakable Love:
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Meditate on the unbreakable bond of love between us and our Creator. Nothing in this world, no circumstance or force, can sever this divine connection. It’s a love that endures through eternity.
As we ponder Romans, may we experience the richness of God’s love. Let’s embrace the truth that we are cherished, forgiven, and empowered by His love. Let this love be our anchor in the storms of life, our light in the darkest nights, and our joy in every season. For in God’s love, we find our ultimate fulfillment and purpose.
As a global learner, I enjoy having background noise serve as the soundtrack to my life. It could be music or a talking head providing news or opinions. I can block out the details and rely on the background noise to keep me going. In addition to learning strategies, individuals with ADHD like myself find certain grooves oddly exhilarating, similar to an energy drink. I frequently run errands on Thursdays each week, and this week was no exception. Therefore, it was inevitable that I would have my “symphony” supporting me. Amid the hustle and bustle, I heard a headline stating that more than half of American “clergy” have considered quitting since 2020 (see Blair, 2024).
Whenever I encounter such information, I look into it further. After I finished my errands, I looked up an article about the subject online. For the sake of brevity, the study concluded that the changing religious landscape following the pandemic was the primary source of discontent. These “clergy” have claimed that the pandemic has made it more difficult for them to interact with congregations and that the decline in in-person attendance depresses them. According to the demographics of those surveyed, the so-called Silents (born 1925–1945) and Generation X (born 1965–1980) are less likely to want to quit than Millenials (born 1981–1996) and Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964). Catholic and Orthodox ministers were less likely to feel this way than Protestants.
These attention-grabbing headlines no doubt fill our hearts with existential dread. However, we must realize Jesus’ promise that even death could not prevail against His Church (Matthew 16.18). One knows that regardless of how dire things in the world may seem, there are always those not bowing the knee to Baal (1 Kings 19.18). Hence, Satan could be the author of such headlines designed to discourage the faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Satan whispers, “You are all alone in your devotion. And would a loving God truly expect you to shoulder these burdens alone?”
But lest we grow too comfortable, we are reminded of Jesus’ words following the Parable of the Unjust Judge, also known as The Persistent Widow (Luke 18.1–8). Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” I know that contextually, Jesus is asking if His followers will have the faith to pray. At least, other preachers often say this as they exegete Luke 18.8. Well, yes. But is it so tidily summed up in the one word “prayer”? Jesus’ question is whether people will continue to believe and be faithful, even in the face of delays or challenges, just as the widow was persistent in her pursuit of justice. As a result, we can interpret this verse as an encouragement to keep the faith and pray, even when justice appears slow, or God’s promises appear delayed. It expresses a theme of perseverance and faithfulness in the Christian life, particularly in light of Jesus’ return.
Jesus expressed concern about whether He would find faithful followers upon His return. The followers can show their faithfulness to Him by exercising their faith through prayer. Unfortunately, people prefer tangible things over intangible ones, leading to practical materialism and a lack of faith. Additionally, scientific advancements may encourage disbelief by providing natural explanations. The hurried, self-centered, and financially motivated nature of the modern age can also undermine faith, which requires quiet contemplation. Faith is a moral quality rooted in the heart, not just an intellectual asset. It grows by living a righteous life, feeding on Biblical promises, and putting one’s limited faith into practice. Therefore, building faith requires setting aside regular quiet time for meditation and communing with God. Faith progresses through continual moral effort.
We are currently living in a time where people are hesitant to return to the Church after the pandemic, which was a time of isolation and a shift in priorities for many. In addition, those who provide moral leadership face challenges, feeling a growing temptation to step away from their roles. This combination of factors is worrisome in response to our Lord’s probing question in Luke 18.8. This study paints a concerning picture of the future of spiritual commitment and the resilience of faith communities.
However, despite these challenges, there remains a beacon of hope. The persistence of faith, even in a few, can be a powerful testament to the enduring nature of spiritual commitment. In the face of adversity, the true strength of faith often emerges, not just in the tranquility of prosperous times but in the tumult of trials. To answer Jesus’ question and reaffirm enduring faith and commitment, faith communities must explore ways to nurture resilience and adapt and thrive.
In today’s world, we face various challenges that can test the foundations of our faith communities. Distractions and the effects of global pandemics can make it difficult to hold onto our beliefs. However, these challenges can also provide opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal. Jesus’ question in Luke 18.8 invites us to deepen our faith, pray more persistently, and live out our beliefs with renewed vigor and commitment. As believers, we all have a unique role in this ongoing faith journey. Instead of seeing our challenges as insurmountable obstacles, let us embrace them as catalysts for strengthening our collective resolve. Doing so ensures that Jesus will find a thriving and active faith on earth when He returns.
The “good news” is that Jehoram, the son of Ahab, was not AS BAD as his father and mother (2 Kings 3:2), but that was little consolation. He still “did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2) and “clung to the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin; he did not depart from them” (3). Like his older brother, Ahaziah, he had a political and military mess on his hands. The king of Moab, Mesha (4), rebelled against Israel after Ahab’s death, and Jehoram mustered his military while leaning on a new ally, Judah, to join them in going to war with their neighbors. For good measure, they traveled through the oft-unfriendly territory of their cousins, Edom, and the king of Edom joined them in the attempted rout of the Moabites.
But, in the route they took to meet the enemy, after a week the troops and cattle were suffering from a lack of water. Jehoram’s immediate reaction is to attribute this to divine punishment (10). But, Jehoshaphat exhorts his fretting northern counterpart, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” (11). Will you notice the contrast in attitude toward faithful prophets that sets Jehoshaphat apart from the house of Ahab? Jehoshaphat held God’s spokesmen in such high regard (12). Remember Micaiah (1 Ki. 22:7). He respected the men and revered their word. But look at Jehoram. Does his servant reflect his contempt as he describes Elisha as the one who used to wash Elijah’s hands (11; 1 Ki. 19:21). In return, Elisha has complete disdain for Israel’s king but condescends to them on behalf of Judah’s righteous king, Jehoshaphat (12-19). Elisha works through the words of a minstrel to prophecy an incredible act of God to both water their men and animals and facilitate the destruction of Moab in an unthinkable way.
The miraculous induction of water came via Edom, filling the country with water (20). To the Moabites, the water appeared to glisten like blood. Their king made the reasonable deduction, given the turbulent history between Israel, Judah, and Edom, that they had turned on one another. He took this as an invitation to despoil his enemies (23-24). Only when he reached the camp of Israel did he and his army discover their fatal error. Israel and her allies handily defeat Moab and mar their land, and after one last-ditch effort to break through to Edom, King Mesha retreats to his citadel and offers his son, also his heir, as a burnt offering on the wall (27).
What do we learn from this unusual incident? Among the many potential lessons is one overriding reminder. God’s Word and will are sure. He cannot be thwarted, surprised, or overcome. He sees the end as the beginning (Isa. 46:10). He had already foretold the demise of Ahab’s house (1 Ki. 21:21-24). He not only foresaw what for man was the unforeseeable fate of Moab, but He produced it. He knew that Israel would persist in the ways of Jeroboam and would eventually reject Israel and allow her destruction (2 Ki. 17), but He was engineering the incarnation of His Son through Jehoshaphat’s lineage (cf. Mat. 1:8). Providentially, he protects the seed of David in times of war and peace until the Messiah descends through this family tree. There were human heroes throughout these centuries, kings like Jehoshaphat and prophets like Elisha, but they simply submitted to the sovereignty of Jehovah!
Today, God has promises yet to be fulfilled (Matt. 25; Rom. 8; 1 Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Pet. 3:9-13). It will happen as surely as these past events occurred. We have the choice to follow the legacy of the wicked like Ahab and Jehoram or the legacy of the righteous like Jehoshaphat and Elisha. If you stop and examine it, it’s not much of a choice, is it? Victory or defeat?
Godly men and women can voice their views and opinions in a healthy and helpful way by adopting some basic principles found within scripture. Even if some disagree with you (eventually they will!) everyone can leave encouraged if it’s approached appropriately.
First, they understand that the truth must be spoken in love (Ephesians 4.15). The faithful are able to tell the difference between matters of opinion and matters of salvation.
Second, they are eager to maintain a unity of spirit and a bond of peace (Ephesians 4.3-6). Godly members are not purposefully divisive or quick to start heated debates.
Third, the older Christians recognize the responsibility they have to share their wisdom with the younger generation and the godly youth respect the wisdom that is given from the older generation (Titus 2.2-12).
When the body of Christ is unified it’s also unstoppable. The church family that respects those God-given roles that we are all assigned will find that Bible classes, Biblical discussion, and relationships are enriched and strengthened. Knowledge is both shared and received in love and humility.
A Deep Dive Into Jesus’ Teachings In Matthew And Luke
Brent Pollard
I am unsure if the statements made by Jesus in Matthew and Luke regarding the eye as a lamp qualify as one of the “hard sayings” of our Lord, but I am willing to confess that they have caused me difficulty. These words require more contemplation, like all of Jesus’ metaphors and parables. I’m not sure we’re always willing to give Jesus’ words the consideration they deserve. Therefore, let us examine these texts, think about them, and explore their meaning more thoroughly.
“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6.22-23 NASB1995).
“The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness.” (Luke 11.34–35 NASB1995).
We must begin by looking at the setting where Jesus said these words. Even though they sound alike, Jesus spoke these words at separate events. Matthew includes these words in the context of the Sermon on the Mount. But these words appear in Luke at a time when the Pharisees have blasphemously said that Jesus could drive out demons through Beelzebul rather than the Holy Spirit and when people are pressing Jesus to perform signs for them. As a result, the meaning of Jesus’ words will take on the nuance intended for their context.
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stresses the importance of inner purity and sincerity. He uses the metaphor of the eye as the body’s lamp to illustrate the significance of having a clear and uncorrupted perspective. This metaphor highlights that a sincere heart and faith lead to a life of righteousness and truth. This mindset contrasts with a life of hypocrisy or merely following religious laws without proper understanding or commitment.
The book of Luke emphasizes distinguishing truth from falsehood, especially in situations involving religious leaders like the Pharisees, who were outwardly religious but inwardly corrupt or misguided. In this context, the teaching that the eye is the lamp of the body serves as a warning against spiritual blindness and the danger of misjudging what is true of God. It is a reminder to examine oneself and ensure that hypocrisy, legalism, or false beliefs are not hindering one’s spiritual perception.
The metaphor of the eye is a powerful tool used in both Matthew and Luke to emphasize the importance of spiritual perception and integrity. In Matthew, Jesus uses the metaphor to teach about sincere and authentic religious practice, while in Luke, it addresses the issue of correctly discerning spiritual truth. This latter point is critical in the face of misleading religious authorities, such as the Pharisees. Although the passages may appear similar in wording, they have distinct emphases based on their contexts.
Upon examining these passages, we can identify four recurring themes:
The metaphor of the eye
Light versus darkness
One’s inner spiritual state
A call to self-reflection
The metaphor of the eye represents one’s perspective on life. When the eye is clear, it suggests a spiritually enlightened or morally sound outlook. This clarity of vision allows the light of understanding, wisdom, or divine guidance to fill and guide the entire body or being.
In the Bible, the contrast between light and darkness is a frequently used theme, representing good and evil, knowledge and ignorance, or God’s presence versus the absence of it. Light is often associated with goodness, purity, truth, and guidance from God, while darkness usually symbolizes evil, sin, or ignorance.
The texts suggest that a person’s inner spiritual state impacts their entire life. If a person’s internal state is “clear” or “healthy,” it denotes an alignment with spiritual truth and moral clarity, leading to a life filled with light, including understanding, moral integrity, and closeness to God. On the other hand, if a person’s inner state is “bad” or “unhealthy,” it represents a corrupted, selfish, or misguided outlook, leading to a life full of darkness, including ignorance, sin, and separation from God.
Luke 11:35, in particular, warns us to be vigilant and examine ourselves, ensuring that the light within us is not darkness. It calls for believers to constantly evaluate their spiritual health and motivations, verifying that what they perceive as light or good is not misguidance or darkness.
These passages urge people to develop a spiritually and morally sound outlook on life, as this inner state profoundly impacts their well-being. They encourage individuals to seek spiritual wisdom and moral integrity, ensuring their lives are guided by what is truly good and enlightened rather than misguided or harmful perceptions.
Jesus uses the metaphor of the eye as a lamp to stress the immense impact of our spiritual state on our lives. A clear, sincere, enlightened perspective fills us with moral wisdom and brings us closer to God. But, a corrupt outlook marked by hypocrisy, selfishness, or falsehood leads to ignorance and separates us from the truth. Jesus urges us to examine ourselves through honest self-reflection and ensure that we walk in the light of authentic faith instead of darkness masked as light. As we ponder upon these teachings, may we assess our inner state, align our vision towards godliness, and allow the light of Christ to fill our entire beings.
Concerning Money: Don’t judge a book by its cover (7). The wealthy face threats and dangers that the poor do not (8). Get rich quick schemes usually fail (11). People who are “too smart” to learn earn poverty and disgrace (18). A good name is better than wealth (22; cf. 22:1). The resources of the poor are often robbed by injustice (23).
Concerning Desire: You can tell a lot about a person by what he wants (2). Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life (12). A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools (19). Godliness with contentment is great gain (25; cf. 1 Tim. 6:7).
Concerning Laziness: The lazy person wants but never gets, but the hard worker gets by diligence (4).
Concerning Teachability: A scoffer ignores rebuke (1). The wise take advice, but strife follows the rebellious (10). Those who hate the word destroy themselves (13). Good teaching is a fountain of life helping us avoid deadly traps (14). Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly (16).
Concerning Speech: The difference between life and ruin is determined by how well you control your tongue (3; Jas. 3:2ff). A faithful messenger brings healing (17).
Concerning Character: The righteous hate falsehood (5). Righteousness paves a protected path (6). The light of the righteous rejoices (9). The righteous are rewarded with good, not disaster (21). The righteous have enough, but the wicked never do (25).
Concerning Common Sense: Good sense wins favor (15). Every prudent man acts with knowledge (16).
Concerning Friends: To be wise, walk with the wise (20).
Concerning Child Training: Spare the rod, spoil the child (24).
Proverbs are general truths, tried and found to be the rule rather than the exception. All of God’s Word serves as a guidepost for success in every way it can be measured. These proverbs are short, insightful, and inspired tidbits of helpful guidance, intended to help us know the way to strengthen our relationships and steward our resources. Many are the sad, foolish persons who ignored these instructions to their own hurt. Many who thought they came up with brilliant insights do not know that they are merely echoing the sounds of God’s wisdom.
He was born of a virgin, foreseen by the few A miraculous event— many know to be true He would save those in sin both friend, neighbor, and stranger But all that happened when He got out of the manger
His life was a short one, at least on this earth Some overlooked Him, his power, and worth He faced many challenges, his future looked bleak He was tortured and beaten, but turned the other cheek
A beautiful life— filled with joy and with danger, But all that took place once the Lord left the manger He holds many titles, king of kings and Lord of Lords He established His kingdom without even a sword
He’s the healer, our Savior, and any-life-changer But there’s more to His story He’s coming in glory Because Jesus left the manger
1 Chronicles 12 describes David’s loyal followers gathering and supporting him as he prepared to become King of Israel. This chapter emphasizes the unity and strength that resulted from the various tribes rallying behind David, laying the groundwork for his reign and the kingdom’s unification.
The men of Issachar stood out among these tribes for their understanding of the times and their knowledge of what Israel should do (1 Chronicles 12.32). They understood that God had anointed David as king while Saul was on the throne. Their kinship with their brethren and willingness to support Israel led them to assist David and his men at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12.40). Their leadership in this matter served as a model for other tribes that were still undecided.
We can draw inspiration from the men of Issachar and apply their lessons to our modern world during our current cultural civil war, characterized by fierce rhetoric and ideological conflicts.
We need wisdom and insight above all else. We must understand the complexities of our times like the men of Issachar did while avoiding falling prey to mere sentiment or rhetoric. We must recognize the cultural shifts, ideologies, and conflicts shaping our world today.
A usurper rules the world (1 John 5.19). We recognize that this usurper is a master manipulator who duped our mother, Eve, into sin (Genesis 3.1–7). Jesus referred to him as the father of lies and a murderer from our beginning (John 8.44). On the other hand, Revelation 19.16 reminds us that Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, God’s anointed (Acts 10.38). Yet, unfortunately, many people, including some of our family, friends, and neighbors, still regard Satan as their king.
We must demonstrate the men of Issachar’s willingness to put our efforts into action since we know what we must all do. When making decisions, we must use sound judgment by weighing various options and understanding the consequences. The Gospel’s teachings give us a sound mind, which leads to discipline. These characteristics enable us to face our opponents and carry out our duties without fear (2 Timothy 1.7). Amid our cultural civil war, it is critical to make decisions guided by God’s truth and values, contributing to the well-being of others and the pursuit of justice.
Second, even in discord, we should strive for harmony, following in the footsteps of the men of Issachar, who were instrumental in establishing and maintaining national peace. Even though we offer peace terms to people whose sins have gotten the best of them (cf. Matthew 5.9), they must know that their rebellion against God warrants death (Romans 6:23). Nonetheless, we bring the good news of God’s gift of eternal life through Christ. Regardless of contentious issues, we are encouraged to approach discussions and conflicts humbly, preaching the truth in love (Ephesians 4.5). We can contribute to a more constructive and peaceful engagement with those harboring different points of view by encouraging dialogue and building bridges.
Third, Christian ethics should guide our responses to current issues, just as God’s commandments guided the men of Issachar. God has given us everything we require for life and godliness (2 Peter 1.3). We look to the Scriptures in our cultural context because the words of Christ will judge us (John 12.48). We can apply Christian ethics to issues of cultural civil war by drawing on Christ’s teachings and grounding our engagement in love, truth, and reconciliation. Even during heated debates, our words and actions should reflect Christ’s character (1 Peter 2.23). Peter reminds us that Christ suffered for us, leaving an example for us to follow in His footsteps (1 Peter 2.21).
Finally, the example of the men of Issachar encourages us to develop a voice of reason in these contentious times. We must cultivate a reasoned voice that speaks the truth, confronts sin, and offers hope, just as the men of Issachar did.
An event in the divided monarchy’s history illustrates this task. Ben-hadad, the Aramean king, had besieged Samaria, resulting in extreme conditions and even cannibalism. In a twist of events orchestrated by God, the Arameans were frightened into fleeing, leaving their supplies behind. The discovery of the abandoned camp by four lepers resulted in abundant riches and food.
Their consciences, however, troubled them, and they realized they couldn’t keep the good news to themselves (2 Kings 7.9). Likewise, we have information that is too good to keep to ourselves. As a result, we, like Issachar, should provide leadership and point people to the transformative power of the cross.
By incorporating these insights into our understanding of the men of Issachar, we can navigate the challenges of the cultural civil war with discernment, seek unity amid division, apply Christian ethics, and cultivate a reasoned voice. As a result, we can contribute to a more constructive and transformative engagement in our culture, even amid heated rhetoric and ideological clashes.
May the Lord give us the wisdom and courage to apply these principles daily. May we be reconcilers, peacemakers, and bearers of Christ’s transformative power.
In 1 John 4, we read from John some warnings concerning spirits. He says in 1 John 4:1, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” John tells us that not every spirit is from God. He goes on to say in verse 6, “We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
These verses clearly teach us that there is the Spirit from God, and then there are spirits in the form of false prophets. These false prophets are from the world. The teachings of the apostles were and continue to be the standard for the church. John 13:20 says, “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.’ The one whom Jesus sends is His apostle. God sends Christ and Christ sends the apostles. Therefore, If you accept the apostles you accept Christ, and if you accept Christ then you accept God. We wouldn’t even know of Christ if it were not for the apostles. They were to distinguish these spirits by seeing if those speaking were speaking things that were of the apostles and God, or of the world (1 John 4:5). 1 John 2:25 says that these people were teaching things that were contrary to John’s teachings.
So what does all of this mean? Who is the Spirit of Deception? We can piece together through 1 John, that the Spirit of Deception is that which teaches against John. By doing so, the spirit of deception has gone against the Spirit of Truth.
The Spirit of Deception can be described as someone/something that does not teach that which is in accordance to the apostles or God, it is that which does not obey the commands of Christ, and it is that which tries to mislead Christians. The Spirit of Truth is contradicted by the Spirit of Deception. We see in the early church that one of the gifts of the Spirit was discerning spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10).
The Holy Spirit (Helper) was given to the apostles to help them remember what Jesus had taught them, to preach about Christ, to tell the world of its sin, to preach righteousness and judgment, and to bring glory to Christ (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7- 8,13-14). Demonic spirits spoke through false prophets to confuse and convert God’s people (1 Timothy 4:1ff). This spirit of deception was the reason for John’s writing. He says he is wrote, “concerning those who are deceiving you,” (2:26). He also said, “Children, let no one deceive you,” (3:7). The Christians John wrote to needed to learn how to distinguish these Spirits.
Sadly, we are still in the same circumstances today. People are still advocates of the devil. We find false teaching everywhere and it is up to us to test and discern between what is from God and what is from the world. May we always be vigilant and wary of the teachings that comes from the mouth of Satan!
Praught definition: (nonstandard) Simple past tense and past participle of preach
Speaking of praught…
Matthew chapter five records the greatest sermon ever praught. This has been known as the “Declaration of the Kingdom” and the “Sum of Jesus.” It’s powerful and it covers nearly all aspects of the Christian walk. It covers topics that are still relevant and close to home for every person on the planet— past or present. It breaks down as follows.
1-12 “The blessed ones”
13-16 “salt, light, cities”
17-48 “understanding the law of God”
Jesus makes His way to the top of the mountain and His listeners stands while Jesus is seated.
“After sitting down He opened his mouth to teach.” 5.2
Someone commenting on this seemingly small detail said,
“It is not superfluous to say that ‘he opened his mouth, and taught them,’ for he had taught them often when his mouth was closed.”
The sermon on the mount is a lesson on the totality of life. Jesus teaches the objective truth. He said what was needed, and not what was necessarily easy to say. He preached the truth and He did so perfectly and with perfect love. It would be worth our while to familiarize ourselves with this lesson especially in the world we’re living in today. Jesus told us what to tell others. Let’s live for and like Jesus this week.
This is a fun question to tackle. We won’t be able to do it justice in article format, unfortunately. But it’s very difficult to find out what’s actually true when it comes to almost anything. Many scientific disciplines are riddled (ironically) with dogma, bias, conflicts of interest, and corruption. Religion is surrounded by deafening opinions, zealots, and detractors. History is clouded, uncertain, and subjective. Everyone has an opinion and too much information bombards us relentlessly.
So we’re told “reality is an illusion” or “reality is a simulation” or “reality is undefinable” or “there is no good or evil, only balance,” etc. While each of these is an intriguing study, we’ll focus on what we know is true.
Christianity believes this to be true — God is real. He took a shapeless, empty rock and turned it into the beautiful earth we have now. He’s the only entity with unlimited power, but cares most about one group: us. We are nothing in the vast universe, but God cares about us (Ps 8.4).
The collection of books we call the bible is God’s message to humanity. I am fully convinced that the origins of this library are from not earth. Since the bible claims to be from God, and internal/external evidence overwhelmingly suggests a non-earth origin, I believe that it really is from God.
So what’s true? God made reality (Gen 1). He gave us consciousness and the ability to interact with the reality he made. He gave us complete freedom to choose our own destiny. He let humanity kill his son, just to bring his son back to life as tangible hope for all people. If we do what God wants, we get that second life too. There is good and there is evil, function and dysfunction. Good will last forever, but dysfunction will be destroyed permanently when Jesus comes back (Rev 20.9-15).
This earth is not going to last forever, a fact supported by both the new testament and mainstream science. This is truth. Where we’re going when the earth is destroyed is up to us.
That’s all we really need to know about reality — it’s as real as God is, and our next life will be as real as this one.
The Preacher Pollard Blog 