09

Jump Start # 2819

Posted on April 9, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2819

Matthew 28:6 “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.”

Our verse today was found often on social media this past weekend. It is a powerful expression of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus is not just a wonderful fact, it IS the universal game changer. That event, His resurrection, crushed Satan, assured our salvation and gave us the promise of an eternal life beyond the grave. The death and resurrection of Jesus was the message that was preached worldwide.

Within this one verse are five powerful thoughts are found.

First, this is Heaven’s statement. Our verse comes from the voice of Heavenly angels. They were sent by God. They knew. This statement was not the wish of disillusioned followers. This was more than the hope of mournful women. This wasn’t what some dreamed. This is the truth spoken from those from Heaven. The voice of angels declared this. He was not there. They were involved with the resurrection. They had rolled the stone away. They witnessed what took place.

Second, the angels declared that Jesus was not there. This chapter begins with the women coming to look at the grave. They gathered to put more spices on the body of Jesus. They were expecting to find Him there. They even wondered how they were going to roll the heavy stone away from the grave so they could get in where the body was. The voice of the angel told them. He’s not here.

Third, the angels tell the women why He is not here. Merely stating that He is not here, doesn’t tell one where He is or what happened. Did someone take the body? Was it Romans? Was it Jews? Was it disciples? No, He was not taken. He is not there because He has risen. That’s why the grave was empty. Up from the grave He arose. The greatest miracle of all had taken place.

Fourth, The angels remind the women that He was risen, just as He had said. Way back in John 2, Jesus had first declared this. The resurrection was part of the plan all along. The resurrection was the fulfillment of prophecy, His own prophecy.  Jesus had told the disciples this many times before. And, now, the fulfillment had taken place. What Jesus said came about. Jesus always spoke the truth. He said it would happen and it did. Whatever He said always happened. Always.

Fifth, Come, see the place. Look for yourself. Investigate. Don’t just take our word for it, see for yourselves. See. He’s not here. The tomb is empty. The women could report what they actually saw. Faith and evidence connected.

And, because He lives, we can face anything that this day can throw at us. Bad days. Long days. Tough days at work. Stressful days at home. Tired. Weary. So much to get done. Pulled in so many directions. Yet, there comes an inner strength that propels us through. It’s not us. It’s not some inner power that we manifest. It’s knowing that the tomb was empty. It’s knowing that He lives. It’s knowing that He reigns. It’s knowing that someday all of this will be worth it. So, you keep shining your light. You keep shaking the salt. You keep raising those kids. You keep honoring God. You keep worshipping Him. You keep walking close to the Lord. You remain pure in an impure world. You keep serving when others are selfish. You are generous when others are tightwads. You forgive when others want revenge. You put others first, rather than self. All of these things you do. This has now become you who are. And, why do you do these things? Because of an empty tomb. Because He lives.

And, because He lives, we can face tomorrow. And, we face tomorrow with a smile on our face. Tomorrow, may bring heartache and hardships. Tomorrow may take us through seasons of death. Tomorrow is unknown. But we know who is already in tomorrow, and that is the Lord. And, we know that because He lives, we will live. We know that because He is in Heaven, we can be in Heaven. We know that no matter how terrible things become, they won’t last. Jesus lasts. Heaven lasts. Eternity lasts.

Come and see. Come and know. Come and be convinced. Come and believe. The future is not uncertain. The outcome does not remain to be seen. We know. Because He lives, all things will be right.

He is not here…but we know where He is.

Roger

08

Jump Start # 2818

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2818

1 Timothy 1:3 “As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines”

Our verse today brings a heavy task to the young preacher Timothy. Things were not going well in Ephesus. Some were not content with the Biblical plan and pattern. New things were being taught and they weren’t right. Timothy was given the job to stop them. These teachings fueled speculation not truth. They were fruitless discussion that were capsizing the faith of many. Later, Paul would refer to these strange doctrines as “deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” These teachers we are told had a “morbid interest in controversial questions” which lead to envy, strive, abusive language and suspicions.

All of this makes me think of the hymn that begins, “Troublesome times are here, filling men’s hearts with fear.” Wild ideas, strange doctrines, become like dandelions in your yard. At first, one or two. Within a week, the yard is nearly covered. And, spreading rumors, errors, and unfounded ideas are just like that. At first, one hears that one or two are starting to promote some odd ideas. Next thing you know, they have gotten a whole gathering who are right with them. Like mold on a wall, error doesn’t go away. Most times, it spreads until there is a real serious problem.

So, it fell upon young Timothy to put a stop to the weeds growing in God’s garden. He had to instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines. This sure seems like the work that an apostle ought to do, but Paul gave it to Timothy. It also certainly looks like the work that an older preacher ought to do, not a younger one. Later in this book, Paul tells Timothy to drink some wine for his stomach sake. One has to wonder if the stomach problems were connected to the church problems. Was Timothy developing an ulcer because the wheels were coming off this congregation?

And, what we need to realize is that across this land, there are many young preachers today who are having to do what Timothy did. Strange things are being taught and shared. People are getting confused and are doubting. Some are walking away and not coming back. These young preachers recognize the trouble and they understand that if they do not try to stop the spread, the entire church may become corrupt.

Here are some thoughts:

First, God bless these young Timothys today who have the nerve, courage and faith to speak out for what is right. Far too many do not see the dangers and worse, far too many are drinking the poison that is being spread through books, social media, podcasts and the voice of those who are not standing firm with the Lord. I have been there. It’s scary. And, for the young preacher, with a young family, a mortgage, and a car payment, he realizes that he could easily be asked to leave and be without any income. He wonders why no one else will say anything. He loves the kingdom and the Lord so much that he realizes that he cannot remain silent and just let things go on.

Second, Timothy had to be able to recognize what was not right. To know strange doctrine, one needs to know sound doctrine. It is important that one understands what is being said and what is being taught that is not correct. Doing your homework, getting things straight in your mind needs to take place before one tries to stop the spread of error. Misquoting, taking things out of context, over reacting, saying things that no one is saying will weaken and lessen what one says. You cannot defeat error by being erroneous yourself. Know what you are talking about. Know why something is “strange.”

Third, Timothy had a Paul who encouraged him on. Multiple times in this letter Paul tells Timothy to prescribe these things and to teach what is right. If what the young Timothy is doing is right and Biblical, let him know that you are with him, support him and are there to encourage him. One of the thoughts that runs through the mind of a courageous Timothy is “am I the only one who sees this?” “Why aren’t others stepping up and doing anything?” And, those are honest questions. The fight for truth needs all of those who love the Lord to stand and fight the good fight of faith.

Fourth, Timothy had to deal with the age factor. Paul warned Timothy, “do not let anyone despise your youth.” A young preacher trying to correct an older member most times does not go well. And, the reason it does not go well is because the older member won’t give the younger preacher any consideration that what he is saying might be right. The age difference can create a lot of problems. Timothy was to instruct certain men not to teach what they were teaching. You can imagine how that would turn out. It sounds like a dog fight was about to take place, but on Timothy’s side was truth. And, with God you are always in the majority. David and Goliath. Elijah and the prophets of Baal. Moses and the golden calf worshippers. Now, it was Timothy’s turn. Timothy, armed with truth, and a heart full of conviction, was to instruct those not to teach strange things. Biblical truth triumphs every time over error, speculation and theories. Quoting God always defeats the words of man.

Somethings never change. Today, there are strange doctrines floating about. What we need are brave, strong and faithful people like Timothy who will stand up for what is right and not tolerate the destruction of faith and the ways of God.

Roger

07

Jump Start # 2817

Posted on April 7, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2817

Acts 8:4 “Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word.”

Restoration preacher, Benjamin Franklin, wrote in 1856, “A little preaching on the Lord’s day will not do the work. The word should be preached every day and every night, as far as possible. We cannot confine our labors to cities, towns and villages, expecting preaching to be brought to us, as work to a tailor, hatter or shoemaker; but we must go out into the country, among the people, and be among the people, and be one of them, as messengers sent from Heaven to take them to God. We are not to confine ourselves to the fine meeting-house, but, when we can do no better, go to the court-house, the town or city hall, the old seminary, the school-house, or the private dwelling, and preach to the people. We must not wait for the large assembly, but preach to the few, the small, humble and unpromising congregation; we must not merely pretend to preach, while we are only complaining of them, telling how bad they are; whining over them, and murmuring—showing contempt to them and all their arrangements—but preach to them in the name of the Lord, remembering that in every human form you see, there is a living spirit, upon which Jesus looked when He died and which is worth more than the great globe on which He walked. No matter how lowly, how humble, how poor and uncomely all their temporal arrangements, you will find on acquaintance, some who love the Lord, turn from their sins, and become jewels in the Lord’s crown of rejoicing. Do not go into the work with a can’t upon your lips, with disheartening words, but preach to them as for life; plead with them with their real danger spread out before your eyes, remembering the reward of him who shall save a soul from death.” (American Christian Review, Feb, 1856).

And, then, there is our verse today, they “went about preaching the word.” The context of our passage reminds us that the apostles remained in Jerusalem. Who was it that was preaching? Likely, the seven chosen in Acts 6 to take care of the widows. They were devout men who were full of the Spirit. Likely, it was those who simply loved the Lord. Most had not been formally trained. Most, if not all, had not spent a summer or a couple of years with an older preacher. None of that happened back then. They were disciples who loved the Lord and loved their fellow man. God used persecution to expand the kingdom. The growth came about from the disciples fleeing Jerusalem. They left and they took with them the message. Away from home, they preached.

As one studies early American Restoration preaching, one quickly recognizes that these messengers preached nearly every day. On Sundays it was in church buildings. But through the week it was in log cabins, under trees, in barns. The gatherings were a family here and there. But, they preached and they preached.

One of the wonderful upsides to the Covid pandemic is that preachers are back to preaching nearly every day of the week. Through blogs, podcasts, emails, texts, videos—God’s word is being taught daily and worldwide. This is something that I hope never ends. It takes incredible work, organization, effort to keep this pace, but the amazing good that is being done cannot be measured. The Lord’s word cannot be kept behind the closed doors of a church building.

And, today, for some many disciples of Jesus, the ability to share the message is easier than it has ever been. With a few clicks on a keyboard, a sermons, blog, podcast, video can be shared among Facebook friends, sent to family members and co-workers. Imagine in a church of 100, if every person, every day sent messages out on social media. Imagine that same 100 sharing the Sunday sermon with everyone in their network. Hundreds, even thousands could be reached. We have it so easy these days.

Every soul is valuable to God. Every soul is precious and redeemable. You might just be the bridge that someone needs to find the Lord. Talking to someone about the Lord, inviting someone to services, sharing a message is never a waste of time. That one soul you reach may in turn reach hundreds.

Go into all the world…

Roger

06

Jump Start # 2816

Posted on April 6, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2816

Acts 22:3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, just as you all are today.”

I was reading an article the other day. The first sentence was, “I was brought up in a legalistic church.” That was not used as a compliment. The author was not proud of that fact. He opened with that statement to identify how narrow his views once were and how he missed out on so many other things. For the author, legalism held him back and hindered him in his spiritual growth and maturity. Year later, running as fast as he could away from that legalistic church, he now feels that he has found peace and love and joy.

It seems that many folks, especially those who are not content to stay with the Lord’s pattern of things, like to hang their hats upon the nail of legalism. And, legalism is viewed as a form of spiritual leprosy. No one wants to admit that they are legalistic. For some, it’s better to be empty of all faith than to be a legalist.

And, all of this brings us to our verse today. Paul, in giving his defense, tells his story. And, each of us has our own story. In telling his story, Paul refers to his schooling under the rabbi Gamaliel. He was famous. To be tutored by Gamaliel, would open doors for a man in the Jewish community. Highly respected and conservative, Gamaliel believed in the authority of God. Paul’s words are, “strictly according to the law of our fathers.” Strictly. That’s a phrase that will bring shouts of legalism. And, many who throw darts at legalism do not really understand that word. Is there a difference between legalism and obedience? God wants us to obey Him. So, is God calling us to be legalists?

When a parent tells a child to clean up his room. Is that a legalistic statement? When a driver obeys the speed limit, is he being a legalist? And, if obedience is the same as legalism, then what’s the opposite? Lawlessness? A child that refuses to obey his parent is considered rebellious and disobedient. A believer that will not obey the Lord is considered a transgressor.

Modern theology has moved beyond obeying God. It ignores passages and invites change based upon culture. So, to “strictly” stand where the Bible is on marriage, that is considered by many to be legalism. Because some won’t open the door for social issues like transgender and same-sex marriage, the offensive and prejudicial label of legalism is applied.

Is there such a thing as “legalism?” Certainly. The Pharisees, in many ways, were legalists. Their condemning Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, or His disciples not washing their hands are great examples of this. A modern example for us. On the way to worship on a Sunday, you come across a car that is broken down and a stranded driver. Do you stop to help? If you do, you might be late for worship? Not to forsake sticks in your mind, but here is an opportunity for you to be a good Samaritan. Drive by or stop?

One can strictly obey the law of God without be a legalist. Legalism defines one’s faithfulness by what he has done. It’s a check list. Do all the right things and one will go to Heaven. Legalism is built around fear. If I do not do everything, God will not like me. Legalism tries to get God’s attention by one’s goodness. Legalism is about duty and what one must do. Obedience is built upon love. The obedient heart knows that he will never be good enough, do enough, or know enough to ever deserve Heaven. God’s grace is what the obedient follower hopes in. He obeys not to win God’s favor, but because He has God’s favor. He does not try to get God to love him. He knows that God loves him. He does things strictly because He knows that’s what pleases the Lord. The legalist often looks through judgmental glasses at others. He sees others not attending very much and he doubts their salvation. He sees others stumbling along and questions their faith. The obedient heart realizes that we are all on a journey. Some are ahead of us, some are beside us and others are behind us. We need each other and none of us are completely where we ought to be. Do the best you can with what you have, is how the obedient heart looks at things.

Our times scoffs at obedience. And, to skirt around that, culture defines obedience and legalism as the same. They are not. And, what moderns fail to see, is that lawlessness never pleases God. Flying solo, doing your own thing in your own way, being different, being unique may appeal to many, but it’s the same as disobedience.

So, before us are three options. First is to ignore what God says. That’s lawlessness. The second is to do what God says. In doing what God says, one realizes that he is a work in progress and he needs a lot of help from the Lord. That’s obedience. The third way of doing things is to feel obligated and a sense of have to. One feels saved because “I go to church on Sunday.” His obedience has become a measuring rod for himself and others and how well he is doing.

God does not want us to be lawless. Yet, God does not want us to be legalists. Strictly obeying God, with a heart that only wants to please the Lord is the way to go. Among conservative minded people, we must fight the little Pharisee that tends to rise up in each of us. Put down the radar gun that you point toward others. Stop comparing yourself with others. Cleanse your heart and devote your heart to the Lord.

Roger

05

Jump Start # 2815

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2815

Hebrews 2:14 “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil”

Coming off of the Easter weekend, when the religious community takes a look at an empty grave, we remember the precious death of our Savior and our Lord. Our verse today reminds us of two powerful truths about the death of Jesus.

First, He died, as we will die. It’s not so much the cause of death, or the circumstances that led up to death, but the fact that He breathed His last, as we too will one day. And, the remarkable aspect about this is that Jesus didn’t avoid death. He didn’t tell us that He’d meet us on the other side, while He Himself never died. Not at all. He died. He was buried. And, He arose. Jesus never asks us to do something that He first hasn’t done Himself. His goodness, service, perfection, obedience, God focused heart all demonstrate and leave footprints of what is expected of us. The steps of a true leader are not to shout out orders and send people to do what he doesn’t want to do. A true leader leads. Jesus was not beyond dying. And, in His death, we are reminded that He understands and He knows. As we face that door of death, our Savior has already passed through it. Our prayers at that time are not only heard, but they are felt by one who has faced what we face.

Second, our verse today also reveals that the death of Jesus and His resurrection was truly a death blow to Satan. It was the bruising of the Lord’s heel, but it was the crushing of Satan’s head. The devil’s greatest prison is death. All people head there and there is no getting around it. That is, until Jesus. The Lord blew the doors off of that prison cell by His glorious resurrection. Up from the grave He arose and with that, Satan was without any more powers or weapons. He had thrown his hardest pitch and Christ smacked it out of the ballpark. Jesus had to die in order to be resurrected. And, those steps remind us that we too will be raised one day. The grave doesn’t hold us. The cemetery doesn’t have the final word. There is no “The End,” to our story. We shall live on and on. The day of death will come for us, but we face it not in fear and trembling. Our Lord has already gone through that door. It is only a door and it is necessary for us to pass through it in order to be with the Lord on the other side. The finality of death, the fear of death, the frustration with death, are all removed through the resurrection of Jesus.

Could Jesus have defeated Satan without death and resurrection? Yes, in a way, because God is all powerful. He is not co-equal with Satan. There is not a cosmic battle seeing who is the greatest. The Lord is. The Lord has always been. So, in one aspect, yes, Christ could have defeated Satan without death. However, there would have been no example for us and the fear of death would linger above us. There would have been no perfect sacrifice to redeem us. The death was necessary. Jesus lives. And, we know that we too will live. We are not physical bodies that happen to have a soul. We are spirits that happen to be wrapped in a physical body. We are made to be with God. The death of Jesus shows us that for believers, it will be ok.

And, what awaits us on the other side, is a wonderful world with the Lord that will not end and a world that Satan is not invited to. Once we pass through that door, we are finished with Satan. We are finished with this physical realm. We are finished with struggles, pain and sorrow.

It is troubling to see so many brethren fear the subject of death. We preach about Heaven. We sing about Heaven. We want to be in Heaven, and yet, when one of us gets to pass through that doorway of death, you’d think it’s the worst thing that could ever happen. Sure, we will miss each other. Tears of love are natural and right. But the despair, the feeling of loss and emptiness should not be found within our hearts. One of us got home safely and they will never leave again. They are where they are supposed to be. A course has been completed. A race has been won. A battle has become victorious. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

And, all of this was made possible because Jesus first died and rose again. This is why His death is remembered, not once, every Spring, but every Sunday. Believers remember that death and believers know that He arose. And, those same steps will be taken by us one day.

Roger