Category: Christian Living

79 of 100

#79 of 100

One very large evangelical Bible Study website makes a claim as follows: “Today, _____  is the most-visited Christian website in the world with more than 140-150 million views per month.” That same site has produced a list of the 100 MOST-READ Bible verses (i.e., read on their site). I do not question the statistics they supply. I am confident it is a very popular site. It probably has grown since the posting of those numbers. I use it occasionally myself.

I am convinced that a helpful exercise is to study about these MOST READ Bible verses. If that many people are reading these 100 verses, would I not be better prepared to reach out to those people if I could demonstrate at least a hint of familiarity with and understanding of those verses? What a great conversation-starter, at least.

So then, by one count, number 79 of 100 most read Bible verses happens to be: James 1.3. The Book of James is an amazingly practical letter. The person who spends quality time with this epistle learns much about how to be a strong and faithful Christian!

The first part of the sentence of which James 1.3 is a part is the previous verse; certainly verse 4 also needs consideration since it gives the RESULT. James 1.2-4 reads: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (NKJV).

When James writes that we should COUNT it all joy, he uses the Greek word which Louw & Nida define as: to hold a view or have an opinion with regard to something[1]. James advises Christians to have a certain view of trials. That view is influenced especially by the knowledge of the reward that comes to the one who is not swayed away from faithfulness to the Lord by the trials one endures in life.

When we read this verse something does seem out of whack, though. HOW can I count trials as something joyful? Burton Coffman quotes from Zerr and from Russel to explain: “‘James could not have meant here that Christians are ‘to pretend that they get joy out of things which are disagreeable, for that would be an act of insincerity.’<9>  ‘The true view of temptation or trial is that it is an opportunity to gain new strength through overcoming.’<10>.”

James tells us that the testing of our faith produces patience. What is involved in this TESTING? The original word only is found here and in 1 Peter 1.7. It “was used for coins that were genuine and not debased. The aim of testing is not to destroy or afflict, but to purge and refine. It is essential to Christian maturity, for even Abraham’s faith had to be tested this way (see Gen. 22:1–8). The meaning of patience transcends the idea of bearing affliction; it includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversities into opportunities. James 1:3” [NKJV Study Bible].

If I count trials I may face as joy, rather than allow them to overcome me and cause me to become unfaithful, James says the cause is that PATIENCE has been produced. David Sain wrote of it: “The word, as often used and understood in our daily usage, signifies the ability to wait, to submissively wait. However, it means far more than that in this text. Here, it signifies the ability to bear, to persevere, to endure. And it is so translated in the New American Standard Version: “…knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:3).”[2] James is teaching us that no matter what, we can overcome trials.

[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 364.

[2] David Sain, The Behavior of Faith, 2011 MSOP Lectures, p. 31.

Design of Bible Teaching

Sometimes in reading and researching I come across statements that cause me to pause and ponder exactly what is being communicated. It is a source of enrichment in my life as those moments come. I find that often they come as I am reading material written by Bible students who are no longer around to write. I would like to share some of these treasures with you.

Today please consider what needs to be done as we attempt to teach others the Bible. It was written by E.A. Elam and published in 1927. Find it by clicking H-E-R-E.

HTH Special Issue on HOPE

HTH Special HOPE issueTrying times are upon us. In such times negative thoughts seem abundant and the positive optimistic thought becomes a rarity. Such times as this call for an emphasis upon hope, especially biblical hope! House to House has produced an especially helpful discussion of biblical hope. We would encourage YOU to take the time to consider it carefully. Find the PDF by clicking H-E-R-E.

The Prayer of Intercession

Walking in Truth: called of GodWith the listening audience in the Marshall County Kentucky area, this broadcast discusses a type of prayer. People seem to have difficulty in knowing for what we should pray. Of course, the only reliable source of information for an accurate answer to that question is the Bible. We attempt to present the Bible’s answer to the question of for whom should we pray. Prayer is such a tremendous blessing of the IN CHRIST relationship (Ephesians 1.3). Those who are on praying terms with God ought to want to know more about it and how best to use this powerful resource for the good God intended. Surely prayers of faithful Christians is the thing Satan fears MOST. Let’s commit to defeating Satan’s purposes by effectively using this most powerful tool from the Lord! You can study with us by clicking HERE

Truth 1911

Truth
Truth Journal for November 2019

It is always pleasant to find in the Email box the next issue of TRUTH from Roger D. Campbell. He is a great Bible student and he teaches God’s truth in an easily understood fashion. I have high regard for his love for lost souls and his dedicated work in both domestic and foreign fields of labor. Please take a look at these important studies. Always there are four excellent articles. This issue includes:

  1. Serious Questions about Truth and Knowledge
  2. 12 Truths about the Ten Commandments
  3. The Privilege of Citizenship in God’s Kingdom/Family
  4. Thomas: A Man Misunderstood/Misjudged

Please read this PDF file by clicking H-E-R-E.

Christian Living on Walking in Truth

Walking in Truth: Christian LivingIn this radio program we consider Christian living based upon the powerful question found in 2 Peter 3.11. How we ought to live is such a vital interest for anyone who is thinking clearly. The fact is that the Bible teaches us plainly that one day there is coming a judgment day, a last day (John 12.48). If I believe the Bible, I believe that Judgment Day is coming. When I read 2 Peter 3.11, I find Peter gives me an extremely important question to consider. According to the Bible (2 Peter 3.10), it is the case that on Judgment Day, God will bring to an end every single thing that has to do with physical life on this earth.

Why is Christian Living So Important?

In pondering Peter’s question, we are wise to adopt the idea of working for things that are eternal. Christian living and faithfulness to Christ, on that great Judgment Day, will rank highest on anyone’s list. Sadly, most will not begin seeing this until that day (Matthew 7.13-14)—which will be too late. Lots of things men now think are super important, on that day will be of zero importance. It will not just be Christians who acknowledge Jesus as Lord on that day.

One day the environmentalists will find that “mother earth,” he has so diligently sought to save will have been destroyed by the Lord. On that day all will recognize that God was in control of the earth and it could not be destroyed by man. Instead, God did it in a nanosecond.

Main Points of this Lesson on Christian living…

  1. I ought to live in the flesh, but NOT after the flesh (Rom 8.1-13; Gal 5.16-26).
  2. I ought to live in the world, but NOT of the world (Jn 15.18-19; 17.11-18; James 1.27; 4.4; 1 Jn 2.15-17).
  3. I ought to live as though the eyes of the world are ON ME, because THEY ARE (2 Cor 3.2).
  4. I ought to live as though God sees me BECAUSE HE DOES (Ps 139.1-12; Eccl 12.13-14; Heb 4.13; Lk 12.2; Num 32.23; 1 Timothy 5.24).
  5. I ought to live as though this were my last day on earth, because it may be (Job 14.1-2; 16.22; Eccl 12; James 4.13-15).

Here is our August 19, 2018 recording of Walking in Truth:

That Good Part–Priorities are Important

“That good part,” are words spoken by Jesus to Mary. Throughout the Bible we read about the choices that men and women, boys and girls make. Sometimes these choices are clearly held up to us as examples to follow and at other times it is obvious that we ought not make that given choice in our own lives. Consider an incident recorded in Luke 10:38-42—please read these verses.

Jesus said that Mary had chosen that good part.  So then, Jesus is pointing out a choice that is worthy of our consideration to follow in our own lives.

Significance of Mary’s Choice—That Good Part

What joy must Mary have felt! Her action brought about the words of her Lord that indicated His approval of a choice she had made!  For a faithful follower of Jesus could there be any greater delight than to know I have made a choice which is well pleasing to my Lord?  Can we not see that here is a very significant incident that Luke has recorded for our instruction?

The choice that Mary had made was to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His word.  Now we would think that such a choice would be reckoned by all of Jesus’ disciples as a wise and good choice.  However, Mary’s sister, Martha had not so reckoned.  Martha, in fact, thought in her own mind that her sister had made a foolish choice.  Martha thought that Mary was being neglectful and was in need of rebuke from the Lord.

Instead, Jesus spoke a mild rebuke to Martha for her own misplaced priorities.  This brings to the mind of a careful Bible student that there could be many occasions on which Jesus might either question or commend choices we have made with regard to how we use our time.  I wonder how often we even consider this matter in our daily lives.

It is not as if Martha had chosen some ungodly pursuit with which to occupy her time.  Rather that which she was doing in showing hospitality is a good thing and quite often commended in Scripture (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; 1 Peter 4:9).  No, Martha had made a GOOD choice, what is troubling about her choice is that she might have made an even wiser choice–the choice made by her sister, Mary.  Mary had made a choice which recognized that the mundane things of this life become utterly insignificant when placed beside an opportunity for spiritual growth and understanding.  The Messiah was present!  Jesus, the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8), was in the building!  Is there not time to sit and listen to His teaching.

Application of Choosing That Good Part

What is the solution for the problems we face in our world today?  How do we cope with all of the unsettling and even upsetting news of the day?  Is there a lesson to learn from the visit Jesus made to that Bethany home?

Surely we need to examine our own priorities of life.  Surely we need to appreciate that we may be dwelling entirely too much upon those “Martha-things.” These things are good, in and of themselves. However, they may be hampering, even preventing,  our spiritual maturity and development into powerful servants of the Lord. After all, we surely want the Lord to use us in a mighty way.

How much time do I spend examining my priorities?  Do I ever even consider that there just might be a better use of my time?  Have I ever even considered that my Lord might have a commendation for me on Judgment day similar to the one He gave to Mary?

What about the Bible classes?  Is there a more direct comparison we could make than to consider this choice we make weekly?  What activity could my feeble mind conceive of that would take priority to listening to Jesus at Bible Class time?  If I want to choose THAT GOOD PART, where will I find myself at 10:00 on Sunday morning and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday night? What about the worship assemblies?  Gospel meetings?  Vacation Bible School? It is shameful that we have differing numbers from the Sunday morning worship assembly count on these other occasions of study.  To those of you who do not come but are truly able to be here–are you being like Martha or are you being like Mary?  Think ahead for just a moment.  On that Judgment day of John 12:48, which person would you have to be your model?

The One Thing Needful: That Good Part

Jesus said to Martha, concerning her sister, Luke 10:42  “But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  We do not appreciate the one thing that is needful to the degree that it ought to be in our day.  That one thing that is needful seems to be “pushed off to the back burner” of our lives.  That one thing that is needful will make us a great church when we go and do likewise! Mary guides us in the right and good direction as she made the selection of THAT GOOD PART.

Faithfulness versus “Ashamed of My Words”

faithfulnessFaithfulness to abide in the doctrine of Christ will be rewarded by fellowship with God and Christ (2 John 1.9). Not to be faithful to the doctrine of Christ will cause us to be lost. In Luke 9.26 our Lord presents a strong warning which ought to be powerful enough to unsettle or humble even the most strident and pride-filled sinner! Christians likely need to consider the warning as well, because it is possible for you and me, in one way or another, to exhibit the shame our Lord condemns. The very idea of doing that for which Jesus gives this warning is entirely repulsive to any lover of truth, yet Satan presses us continually to do it. Listen to Jesus’ words—For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

DO NOT Be the Person Who Does not Value Faithfulness…

Who is the person Jesus will reject when He comes again? The person who is ashamed of Jesus and His words is that person. When Jesus comes in His glory is the time that He will be ashamed of such a person. This is a clear reference to His second coming. Elsewhere we are told that there is coming a future day in the which ALL men will be humbled to acknowledge that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords—1 Timothy 6.15… Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

That day is coming, but, sadly, it will be too late for the vast majority of those who have lived their lives on earth. All men do not make that acknowledgment at the present time. The fact of the matter is that MOST do not and will not make that acknowledgment. Jesus lets us know that such will always be the case—Matthew 7.13… Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.

If someone rejects the words of Jesus now, and continues to do so unrepentantly, this same one faces JUDGMENT by those very words (John 12.48).

We think about the many examples the Old Testament provides of those who were not ashamed to be identified with God and His Word (cf., Romans 15.4). Those great examples–many of them mentioned in Hebrews 11–encourage us to “Stand Up for Jesus.” To learn from them and increase our courage is a great blessing.

David Serves Well as an Example of the Courage and Faithfulness WE Need…

Consider the incident in 1 Samuel 17 with young David [Dr. Floyd Jones in Chronology of the Old Testament, p. 94 suggests David’s age was 18-20]. Evidently he was the only Israelite sufficiently proud of God’s name and His people to risk battling Goliath. Goliath presented his challenge morning and evening for 40 days. (v. 16). The Bible tells us that The Philistine said… I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together (v. 10). David recognized that the unanswered challenge of this uncircumcised Philistine was a reproach to Israel and was an act of defiance against the armies of the living God (v. 26). David told King Saul—let no man’s heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine (v. 32). David was not ashamed of his God and was confident that God would bless him with a great victory (v. 37), which He did (vv., 46-51). What a mighty victory David’s great courage produced!

Can we determine to allow David’s complete lack of shame for His God to be our stance? This will keep us away from following the example of his brethren who cowered in shame before Goliath. In our time, people disrespect the words of our Lord and castigate them to an alarming degree. It will likely be increasingly difficult to stand strong in the words of Christ without ridicule and opposition. Let us distinguish ourselves with the courage of David in giving our defense (1 Peter 3.15). Let us find ourselves NOT fitting the description Jesus warns about in Luke 9.30.

Faithfulness Will be Rewarded on Judgment Day!

We should consider Paul’s exhortation to Timothy—2 Timothy 2.10-12… Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us. There is coming a day when the most important matter our hearts will consider is our own faithfulness to our Lord.

The reward for faithfulness will be GREAT. But, Satan would have you and me to be ashamed of Jesus. He smiles when we refuse to take a stand for truth. Satan wants us lost with him in hell forever and ever. That is our end if we are ashamed of the words of Jesus. Never should Jesus say of us:  that we have been ashamed of my words.

Consider studying also: Cain’s Complaint.

Eskew Meeting–2017

Eskew Meeting speakerThe Victor Eskew meeting of 2017 was an excellent one. We enjoyed the messages from the Bible. Victor did an outstanding job with relevant topics. The audio files from that Eskew meeting are on this website. Certainly, we hope you enjoy them and learn from them, and please tell others they can listen to them here, also.

For more audio sermons, please visit our sermons preached page.

Sunday, AM Bible Class: The Inward Man…

Sunday, AM Worship: 6 Keys to Victorious Church Growth…

Sunday, PM Worship: Resolved: to Evangelize…

Monday PM: Christ Crucified…

Tuesday PM: Resolved: To Be a Great Example…

Prayers Hindered

prayers As Christians we sometimes become discouraged and do not have the kind of appreciation and expectancy that ought to characterize the prayers we pray.  Surely we recognize such a state as this to be a problem.  Recognizing a problem is one of the first steps toward solving a problem.  For the faithful Christian, the source for answers to our problems is God’s word, the Bible.

Satan is very aware of the power of prayer. There is nothing that he fears more than a Christian who finds much time for prayer.  He will lay before us many roadblocks to hinder our approach to God in prayer.  Satan does have  his devices. He will use them to create doubt in our hearts regarding the power of prayer.  We must be like Paul and be aware of Satan’s devices (2 Cor 2:11).

Consider the roadblock of PRIDE.  Pride manifests in self-trusting; self-sufficiency; self-glorying; self-service; self-will; and self-righteousness.  One of the best examples of this hindrance in action is the Pharisee of Luke 18:9-14.  He spent his entire prayer talking about how good he was. He spoke of how much better he was than anyone else.  These kinds of attitudes and these kinds of prayers are not received well by our Lord.  Jesus noted the contrast between the Pharisee and the publican and gave commendation to the publican, who recognized himself to be a sinner (Lk 18:14).

We need to spend a little time looking into the history of God’s dealing with His people in the Old Testament.  Here we will find that there were times when the people became lifted up with pride. They thought they could do it all on their own. Those were the times when the judgment of God came upon them.  They had the same need as we have today and that is to see that our sufficiency is OF GOD (2 Cor 3:5).  Pride will keep us trying to solve our problems on our own. Pride will hinder us from turning to God in prayer.

Another huge roadblock in the way of having our prayers answered is simple DISOBEDIENCE.  What was it Solomon wrote in Proverbs 28:9?  “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.”  If we are not obedient to our God how can we expect Him to hear our prayers?  Without obedience there can be no communion with God.  Sins of disobedience place distance between us and our God (Isa 59:1-2).  It will be necessary to do those things which are pleasing in His sight (1 Jn 3:22) to be blessed with the privilege of praying to our God in heaven.  Seriously, can we think of any activity that is considered such a great privilege and pleasure here that we deem it worthy to deprive ourselves of this privilege of prayer to God?

In addition, the Bible teaches us that our prayers are hindered by IDOLATRY.  In Ezekiel 14:1-11, there is a fine discussion of the folly and fruitlessness of having idols in the heart and seeking to petition God.  The fact is that our God is a JEALOUS God (Ex 20:5). He demands our complete loyalty (Mt 6:24).  We are to keep ourselves from idols (1 Jn 5:21).  When we allow our loyalty to become divided and we begin to love the world or the things it contains we are loving things that are not of God (1 Jn 2:15-17).  When we love things that are not of God, most likely we won’t even try to communicate with Him. Even if we do, He won’t be listening.

Please consider the hindrance which Satan loves to create and has such success with: DOUBT.  If we study the first chapter of 1 Samuel we will see that God answered the prayers of Hannah.  She prayed for a son and was granted a son.  God will answer our prayers as well.  But how does God answer prayer?  Generally speaking, the Scriptures show us that God answers prayer in five ways…

  1. YES (James 5:17).
  2. NO (Mt 26:39; Heb 5:7).
  3. WAIT A WHILE (Jer 42:4, 7).
  4. SOMETHING DIFFERENT (2 Cor 12:7-9).
  5. BY GIVING MORE (1 Kgs 3:11, 13; Eph 3:20).

To create doubt regarding the power of prayer is one of Satan’s most effective tools to weaken us.  We must know better and then elevate our practice to our knowledge.

We find a seldom considered hindrance to prayer in 1 Peter 3:7.  “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”  It is important to the Lord how we treat our companions in marriage.  Is it the case that my prayer life seems to be suffering? Perhaps I need to look into how I am treating my  wife/husband.  If we do not consider the will of the Lord in our homes, our homes are not going to be the kinds of places we will want them to be.

In addition, the Lord warns us that a spirit of UNFORGIVENESS will hurt our efforts in prayer.  If we pray to God for forgiveness and we have demonstrated an unforgiving spirit, we will have no forgiveness (Mt 6:12-14).

Other matters such as not hearing the cries of the poor (Prov 21:13) and not being persistent in prayer (Luke 18:1-8) also hinder our prayers.  These are obstacles over which we can soar, if we have the will so to do!

Consider Wade Webster’s powerful lesson regarding POWERLESS PRAYERS.