15

Jump Start # 2759

Posted on January 15, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2759

Romans 16:17 “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.”

In the wonderful musical “The Music Man,” flimflam con man, professor Harold Hill tries to convince the citizens of a small Iowa town that a pool hall is terrible influence upon their young folks. Hill proposes forming a youth band, with uniforms, instruments and instructions, all of which are bogus. To sell this idea, he tells the people that there is “trouble in River City.”

Our verse today reminds us that there was trouble in the church. This wasn’t the voice of a con man trying to bilk the naïve out of their money. This was a Heaven-sent warning. There were those among them who were not settled on the apostolic way. They were moving a direction different than what God intended. The following verse states, “…by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.”

The ESV translates our verse as: “watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught.” The ESV ends this passage by saying, “avoid them.” The NAS says, “turn away from them.”

Some thoughts:

First, some are never satisfied with the New Testament plan. They are always looking for something new, different and exciting. And, those with such an inclination, will be drawn to the writings of those who do not appreciate, accept nor understand the New Testament authority. There are always radical ideas being expressed by those who do not follow God’s way very closely. They’d have the church engaged in business, and bring in marketing teams to explore new ways of growth and expansion. They do not feel governed by the N.T. For these folks, the Bible is just a guideline and what works, works. And, those among us who dip their buckets into such wells, will be influenced and led to places they should not go.

Second, the core foundation of Biblical authority is proof. Flattery speech, deceptive talk, smooth language, is just that, all talk. Where’s the proof? Where’s the Biblical proof that allows the doors to be opened to what they are advocating? Some will run to the writings of others. But that’s not Bible. Some will try to use emotional appeals. But that’s not Bible. When questioned about divorce, Jesus went to the word of God. When questioned about resurrection and marriage in Heaven, Jesus went to the word of God. When tempted, Jesus went to the word of God. When the early disciples were hearing new things, they went to the Bible to see if they were true or not. Culture, what feels right, what I want, and what makes me happy, all must take a seat to what the word of God says. Where’s the proof?

Third, some have a destructive mentality within them. Rather than building up, they want to divide. Rather than making stronger, they want to create doubt and suspicion. Rather than encouraging, they discourage. Some do these things to draw people after them. They are interest in position and power. Some want to make a name for themselves. Some are jealous and want to tear up the good that is being done by others. Some are just mean and they have no place in the work of the Lord.

Fourth, Paul’s words here are to keep an eye on these people and avoid them. It sounds like a snake in the grass to me. If I saw one, I’d watch it. I’d definitely avoid it. And, I’d likely try to destroy it. Keep an eye on. Don’t allow troublesome, unsettled people to have teaching roles. Don’t allow them to influence others. In some congregations, it’s these unsettled, troublesome spirits that are eager to teach. They will use that opportunity as a platform to push their agendas and spread their poison. Weak congregations are happy that anyone is willing to volunteer to teach, so an open door is granted to these wicked and false teachers. And, once they are in the spots of teaching, it’s hard to get them out. The damage has been done. Truth is undermined. The leadership is questioned. And, these smooth talking snakes win the hearts of others. The direction of the church changes and those who remain true to the integrity of the Scriptures are forced out and forced to leave. It is imperative that leaders are aware of what’s going on. What are people reading. What are they talking about. Who are they being influenced by.

So serious is this that Paul begins this passage with, “I urge you, brethren.” Don’t think this is not a big deal, because it is. Too often, we give people a pass who do not deserve that. Too often we believe that this guy would never do that, when he has been engaged in spiritual treason for years.

Finally, the safety, unity and wellbeing of the church ought to be all of our concern. A person will not recognize what is crooked if he doesn’t know what straight looks like. We must keep teaching and preaching the word of God. Drop the psychology. Quit trying to be cute in the pulpit. Hammer away at those ancient truths. Build a foundation upon the authority of God’s word. Strong churches stand upon strong teaching. Strong doesn’t have to be mean or offensive. But it does have to draw lines where God does.

By keeping an eye on these folks, one hopes that they can be reasoned with and brought back to an understanding of God’s word. Troublesome times have always been here. Satan will use anyone, including one of us to wreck the good of God’s kingdom. Soldiers of Christ must arise. We must work to keep God’s kingdom true, faithful and pure. Sometimes that requires us to watch and even avoid one of us.

Trouble in River City…Satan won’t stop until he is stopped.

Roger

14

Jump Start # 2758

Posted on January 14, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2758

Jeremiah 46:17 “They cried there, ‘Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a big noise; he has let the appointed time pass by.’”

In our verse today, Jeremiah is revealing God’s prophetic word against the nation of Egypt. The universal God had lessons and instructions for all people. There was a window of opportunity in which Egypt and the rising Babylonians could have merged and worked together. But Pharaoh drug his feet. The window closed. The opportunity passed. Now, Egypt would be struck down by Babylon.

In our passage we find this powerful expression: he has let the appointed time pass by. Others express it this way:

  • ESV: one who lets the hour go by
  • KJV: he hath passed the time appointed
  • NIV: he has missed his opportunity

The idea of missing the opportunity is sprinkled throughout the Bible. Think about the days of Noah and while he was hammering on that ark, he was also preaching. Matthew tells us that they were eating, drinking and getting married up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the rain fell. Missed opportunity.

The rich man in Luke 16 is another example of this. Poor Lazarus was at his very gate. Everyday he could have seen Lazarus if he only looked. Everyday he had the opportunity to do good, if he wanted. Then he died. Missed opportunity.

Paul used the very word opportunity in his letter to the Galatians. Let us do good, he said, as we have opportunity. Jesus said, ‘I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work.” Opportunity.

There is an old blacksmith term, “strike while the iron is hot,” that we often use in reference to opportunities. The blacksmith would have a rod of iron in the hot, burning coals. He’d pull it out and put it on the anvil. With a mighty swing of his hammer, that red hot iron would bend. Back into the fire and then back on the anvil, it would go. Until, the blacksmith got the shape he wanted, then he’d put that rod of iron in a barrel of water and it would sizzle and cool down. When he brought it out of the cool water, his hammer could no longer bend it. He had to strike “while the iron was hot.”

Let’s look at some thoughts about opportunity:

First, opportunities often do not work according to our schedule. The person who wants to talk with you, catches you on a busy day. Your desk is covered with papers, you’ve got emails waiting your reply and here stands that person who wants to know if you have a minute to talk. That minute quickly turns into an hour. A soul is opening up. A heart needs help. Or, you have a Saturday all mapped out. It’s going to be a busy day, but someone needs you. Now to push these things to another day, often is to miss the opportunity. It took some courage for the person to reach out to you. To pass them off because you are too busy makes them feel that you are not interested. Then they easily conclude that no one is interested.

Second, opportunities often do not come announced. They just happen. I believe this is true of the pandemic we are working through. There has been some golden opportunities for congregations to reach more through videos and livestreaming than ever before. Those that saw that and were ready excelled. The Gospel is reaching people in their homes who would never come to a church building. I’ve known stories of people who sitting in surgery waiting rooms striking up conversations with other people there. Jesus is talked about. Bible studies are arranged. An opportunity was seized.

Third, being prepared helps us meet opportunities. Think about young David taking food to his brothers on the front line of the battle. And, there stands the giant, challenging and taunting. David sprang into action. There is a tiny detail that we often overlook here. He went to the brook and gathered five smooth stones. He ran toward the giant and brought him down by the power of God. But do you know what David had to accomplish that? He had his sling with him. How different the story would be if David had to run home and get his sling. How different it would be if David told Goliath, I’ll meet you next week. The opportunity was now. David was ready. I know a man who keeps a hundred dollar bill tucked away in his wallet. It is his sling.  If an opportunity arises and he can do some good, he is prepared. I wonder how many opportunities slip by us because we are not prepared. Could you, on the fly, talk to someone about the Bible? Could you do that without a hour’s preparation and an armful of papers to guide you? That chance may come up at work…or the doctor’s office…or in the airport…or in the neighborhood. David had his sling. He was ready. Are you ready.

Fourth, and sadly, once opportunities pass by, they often do not surface again. The opportunity to talk to that one person. That opportunity to do good. That opportunity to let your light shine. And, when that door closes, it often stays closed. Sometimes those opportunities begin very innocently, such as helping a neighbor  clean his yard, or a friend to move into a new house. There is a haunting hymn that is not sung too often. I think no one really wants to lead that song. It makes us drop our heads in shame. So many faces cross our memory as that song is sung. The song? “You never mentioned Him to me.” I don’t like that reminder. It’s true. There have been people that in times past I never mentioned Jesus to them. They have gone their way and I’ve gone me and we never met again. Opportunity lost.

Pharaoh missed his opportunity. We don’t want to do the same. The greatest lost opportunity is that of walking with the Lord and spending eternity with Him. Nothing else equals that. To miss that is to miss it all. All around us are opportunities to know, grow and become as the Lord wants. Bible reading programs. Blogs. Podcasts. Videos. Worship. Layers and layers of opportunities to learn, serve and help the people of God. It’s a banquet feast before us. All we have to do is pick up a fork and enjoy.

Pray for the Lord to put opportunities before you this year. Opportunities to teach. Opportunities to lead God’s people. Opportunities to let your light shine. Opportunities for you to grow.

And, don’t be like ole’ Pharaoh who missed his opportunity.

Roger

13

Jump Start # 2757

Posted on January 13, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2757

Philippians 2:2 “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

Our verse today is packed full of ideas and actions: be of the same mind, maintain the same love, united, intent. Those actions spring from a heart and a mind that purposely wants to follow the Lord. These things do not happen by chance. These things are the result of determined and planned actions. There was a specific path to follow and a specific attitude that accompanied those steps. Same mind, same love, united are all actions and attitudes towards others. This is how we get along in a congregation. This is how a congregation becomes a family. This is how our differences strengthen us rather than pull us apart. This is how a church endures through the years. This must be the attitude of the leaders. This must be manifested in the teaching and preaching.

I want to focus upon that last expression, “intent on one purpose.” Intent—focused, determined, seeking after, longing for. And, that one purpose? That’s pleasing the Lord. That’s being in Heaven. That’s living the way God wants us to. Here is a group of people that had that desire. They wanted to please the Lord. Paul told the Corinthians that we make it our ambition to please the Lord. That’s the thought here. Intent on one purpose.

Sadly, some people never know what their purpose in life is. They move about following the latest fad, doing what everyone else is doing. And, without a purpose, life becomes confusing, depressing, unfulfilling and even monotonous. Others let their circumstances determine and define their purpose. They are in the backseat of life just going along and someone else is at the wheel. With such thoughts, their purpose changes. A Paul preaching on Mars’ Hill would not have the same purpose as a Paul in a Roman prison. But, that’s not what we find in Scriptures. Paul’s purpose didn’t change from city to city, or from decade to decade. As a freeman or as a prisoner, his purpose was to glorify and honor the God he loved.

And, once a person knows their purpose, then they can wrap their life around that. They can become intent upon that purpose.

  • Knowing your purpose will determine what is important in life
  • Knowing your purpose shapes the choices in your life
  • Knowing your purpose clarifies what marriage is about, your role in the family and what it means to belong to a church
  • Knowing your purpose allows you to contribute to life
  • Knowing your purpose gives you a place in eternity

The Philippians did more than know their purpose. They were intent upon that purpose. That purpose is what they were looking at. By being intent, they would not neglect the very things that kept that purpose before them. By being intent they would not let the fire go out in their hearts for the Lord.

There are a lot of folks who want to go to Heaven. However, with many of them, they are not very intent about that. Their desire for Heaven is more wishful thinking than deliberate actions and steps on their part. Sure they’d love to be in Heaven, but not enough to get down to the church house to worship God, give up sinful practices or develop a godly character. They are simply not intent upon those things.

One sees “intention” in other areas of life. A student who pours hours and hours into studying to pass a major exam. They are intent. A person that works days and goes to school at  night so they can better their career. An athlete that continues to work on his game, long after practice is over. These folks are intent. They want to do better. They are not satisfied with where they are or what is average or normal. That doesn’t cut it with these people. They have a purpose and they are intent on that purpose.

And, all of this leads back to you and I. How hard are we trying? How serious are we about our faith? How easily do we allow other things to interrupt us and get us off the path that we are on? How often do we allow things around us to wreck our attitudes and our spirit? How often do we find ourselves getting caught up in things that do not matter? How intent are we?

Would you be willing to drive 30 minutes one way to be part of a growing, active congregation? Some would rather stay at a dying church than make that drive. Would you be willing to give up an evening a week to have an intense Bible study with one of the shepherds or preachers in the congregation? Many would rather just sit in a chair and stare at the TV. Would you be willing to use a vacation to attend a Gospel Meeting or lectureship in another community?

Intent. Focused. Determined. Unwavering. Intent on one purpose. How would you define that as you look at your life?

Roger

12

Jump Start # 2756

Posted on January 12, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2756

Mark 8:24 “And he looked up and said, “I see people, for I see them like trees walking around.”

Our verse today are the words of a blind man that Jesus healed. It’s a very interesting miracle. The text tells us that Jesus spit on the blind man’s eyes and then laid His hands upon the man. Our verse is the response. Jesus again laid His hands upon the man and he then saw everything clearly.

It seems that the man had blurry vision at first. There are mountains of back-seat explanations that writers try to explain what happened. Some think it took more power than Jesus expected. Some believe the miracle just didn’t take the first time. Obviously, the man had not been born blind because he knew what men and trees were like. Others, kindly think that Jesus was doing this to allow the man’s eyes to adjust to the light. Some point to a lack of faith upon the blind man. Contextually, what happened was a lesson for the apostles. The miracles always point to things beyond themselves. Do you see anything…then, he began to see everything clearly, is where the Lord wanted the apostles to be. They had seen miracles. They had heard His words. But He wanted them to see everything clearly. If they only saw Jesus as Heaven did. If they only understood that He was God on earth.

But our passage has a lesson for us as well. It illustrates how many people see the Bible. They see only what they want to see. They see things, but it’s not clear, consistent and even Biblical. They build a theology that suits them. Happily, they believe that they are following God’s word, but it’s not a clear picture.

Some only see the Bible through the eyes of their family. The blood of family is thicker than the blood of Jesus to them. They would never, ever admit that someone in their family might be wrong with the Lord. So, they twist passages, ignore verses to justify unlawful marriages, disobedient attitudes and hearts that are not interested in worshipping the Lord’s way. They will hide behind the billboard of grace, thinking that nothing matters after that. One can do as they please, as long as they stand in the shadows of that giant billboard, Grace. The trouble is, their inconsistent way of looking at the Bible would allow other things that they currently do not agree with. Once the door of inconsistency is opened, it’s very, very hard to close it. Through the years, I have heard of preachers who changed their views and their sermons about moral issues to justify their rebellious children. What these preachers once preached, decades ago, they no longer preach. And, it wasn’t a change that came about from intense study of God’s word, but rather, the choice of accepting family.

Some only see the Bible through the eyes of their personal happiness. God’s word, they believe, is intended for them to be happy. And, whatever or wherever that takes them, happiness is the most important. So, subjects like social drinking, modesty, purity of heart and language, are never thought about, studied or considered. And, the reason is, the conclusions may not make them happy. And, being happy is what it’s all about. So, they carry a Bible right into the church building, content, satisfied and in their minds, justified. That is, until a preacher touches upon those very subjects that makes this person squirm in their seat. At the end of services, they will raise a complaint to the shepherds about such topics being preached. And, what has happened is that their little world of happiness has been invaded by the pure word of God and now they are uncomfortable. And, when this continues, off this person will go. They will find a church that allows them to dance with the devil. They will tell all who will listen that the former church was stuck on doctrine and way too narrow. Happily they walk through life, looking at only passages that will make them feel good. Subjects such as what Paul preached to Felix, judgment, self-control and righteousness, just doesn’t fit in the theology of happiness. Too many rules. Too many restrictions. And, as these folks walk through life, they have just enough Bible to make them feel good, but not enough to make a difference. Like the blind man, they see, but not clearly. They are not totally blind, but neither do they have the vision of Heaven.

I know these things because I have being on the receiving end of their complaints when toes were stepped on. Instead of being thankful for being shown the truth, angry words were spoken because their little darlings in the family have married and divorced without any regards to God’s law. “How dare you say that someone in my family is wrong,” is what one lady told me as she pointed her finger in my face. She then went on to tell me that “I know more Bible than you ever will.” She didn’t wait for me to reply. Off she stormed, mad as she could be. And, that little expression, “I know more Bible than you ever will,” swirled in my mind as I thought about kindness, love and correcting with gentleness. I guess she hadn’t gotten to those pages of the Bible yet.

I see, but do I see clearly? Have I allowed my situation to cloud my vision? Am I so content that I am unable to be moved by the Gospel message? Have I allowed family, happiness and pride to keep me from seeing God’s word? I do believe this is a problem among many. We can see the wrongs of others. We can talk about where other faiths made a wrong turn. But in our own situation, we are unwilling to see clearly.

We must allow the Lord to touch our hearts and open our eyes. Pride can keep us from seeing the truths of God’s word.

Open our eyes Lord…

Roger

11

Jump Start # 2755

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2755

Psalms 50:16 “But to the wicked God says, ‘What right have you to tell of My statutes and to take My covenant in your mouth?”

It seems these days that everyone is an expert in all things. Actors, who spend a life pretending to be someone else, speak out on politics. Athletes, who spend a lifetime playing ball, speak out on what the ills of the country are. And, when it comes to religion, everyone has a voice, an opinion and a viewpoint.

However, long, long ago, God had something to say about all of this. Our verse declares that. What right does the wicked have in telling of God’s statutes? They are not in the position, be it authority, or by a righteous life, to declare the things of God. Yet, it is done. It was done back then and it is done today. People will rant and rave about the Bible. People will try to falsify what the Bible says. Some, wearing a cloak of religion, will declare that the Bible doesn’t mean what it says. They point to some ancient cultural findings to support what they say, never realizing, that without those cultural findings, no one would know what they do. Long ago, people took the Bible to read as it is written. The new enlightenment was unknown and unavailable to generations, which means for generations, people really didn’t know what God said. These enlightened ones author books, speak on prominent lectures, and appear to have more insight than the apostles that actually wrote the Bible. These thoughts ought to trouble us. Those young in faith get caught up by these things. They quote these writers as if they have the greatest insights of all time. But for many of these enlightened leaders, they have given up on simple Biblical principles. And, to our verse, what right do they have to tell of My statutes.

From all of this we need to remember a few things:

First, God’s word is written in such a way that you can know His will. You don’t need a stack of college degrees, nor a host of outside information to know what God wants you to know. Keep in mind the simple villager in the middle ages in Europe. Could he know the will of God? I say, “Yes.” He didn’t have a Vine’s Dictionary at hand to tell him the meaning of words. He didn’t know about archeological discoveries. He didn’t have access to maps. He didn’t know the original languages. He likely didn’t understand the cultural environment the Bible was written in. So much, that you and I now have. Yet, with all this information, has it changed what the Bible says? Did that European villager long ago get it?

Second, because the wicked makes bold attacks against the word of God that does not mean the attacks are founded, true or even with evidence. Cultural pressure to make right the wrongs of today doesn’t change anything. A thousand people screaming that something is right doesn’t make it right. Being blackballed, banned and shut down, because quoting God’s word offends some, doesn’t change what God’s word says.

Third, the wicked often are in the position of influence and power. They are found in courtrooms, deciding the fate of the unborn. They are in the halls of Congress, making laws about legalizing drugs. They stand in classrooms of universities, teaching young minds that God’s ancient book is no longer helpful and good. They are on the covers of popular magazines. Their names are in the headlines. People follow what they do and what they say. They are the shakers and movers of society. But in many, many ways, they have no right to say what God says. They have little reverence for God. They have no respect for God’s word. They have no understanding of the Bible. They are out of their league and in no position to speak about God. Yet, they do. And, many listen. Many are influenced.

Fourth, who then, would have a right to tell of God’s statutes? It’s not the wicked. The passage declares that. The answer would be the opposite. It would be the righteous. It would be those who read, follow and believe God’s word. It is those who have reshaped their lives by the living word of God. It is those who have found peace, joy and comfort from God’s word. It is those who have found salvation in the Lord. They know His word. They use His word. They live by His word. His word dwells within them. They can quote it. They can understand it. They can live by it. And, through that wonderful word of God, they have come to know, love and walk with the Lord. God’s word is golden to the righteous.

So, the next time someone wants to complain about the Bible, look at who is speaking. What do they know about the Bible? Are they simply trying to justify a wicked lifestyle and by doing this they try to discredit the message of God?

What right do you have to tell of My statutes? Great question!

Roger