29

Jump Start # 3544

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3544

Proverbs 16:5 “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Assuredly, he will not be unpunished.”

I’ve not met Bradley Cobb, but I sure would like to. He has done extensive work in Restoration History, especially in reprinting old publications and periodicals from long ago. Cobb recently wrote a detailed article about Jesse Ferguson, the famed Nashville preacher who crashed into unbelief. The Ferguson story has fascinated me for a long time and I have collected many books and articles about him.

Ferguson preached in Nashville, TN in the early 1850s, at the largest congregation in the brotherhood, numbering around 800 members. He edited a paper that was second only to Alexander Campbell’s Millennial Harbinger. Ferguson was extremely popular. His preaching style was considered theatrical and shallow, but it drew crowds, large crowds. Future President Andrew Johnson, who historically is known as the “least religious” of all the presidents was a regular admirer of Ferguson.

Ferguson wrote a series of articles where he believed that those who have died would be given a second chance, which naturally leads to universalism, the idea that all are saved and no one is lost. Swiftly, he moved into deeper waters of spiritualism, even writing a book in which he claimed that he spoke to the spirits of the dead. As Ferguson waded deeper and deeper into false doctrine and error, preachers across the country started speaking out against his teachings. Alexander Campbell, Benjamin Franklin, John T. Johnson, John Rogers and a host of others tried to show Ferguson the errors of his belief and teach brethren the correct way. Campbell offered to debate Ferguson, but the Nashville preacher declined, claiming a ghost told him not to do that. After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Ferguson traveled to Washington to visit the now president Andrew Johnson. Ferguson declared that he had messages from ghosts to tell the president.

As expected, Ferguson’s wild views caused a major riff in the Nashville church. A lawsuit was issued over who had the right to the newly built church building. Ferguson lost credibility among brethren and the public. He traveled overseas for a period of time, eventually coming back to Nashville where he was friendless, penniless and faithless. He died in 1870.

Cobb, in his article on Ferguson, sums up the reasons why this well known and gifted preacher fell:

  1. He had a massive ego
  2. He like the fame and wanted the popularity
  3. He like the spotlight
  4. He did not have a love of the truth

And, the thread running through Cobb’s conclusions about Ferguson is pride. Pride cometh before a fall, the Word of God tells us. Because of pride, a person will not admit wrong. They will blame others. They will look for an escape route. Because of pride, some will change the message of God’s word.

Johnny Tucker, in his book about Ferguson, titled his work, “Like a Meteor across the Horizon.” Ferguson was a flash but he did not endure. His arrogance closed his ears to what others were telling him. He refused to consider the Biblical arguments others were making.

And, the same steps that Ferguson took, can be and often is, repeated in every generation. It may not be a deep dive into the well of spiritualism, as Ferguson took, but the desire to be known and remembered and famous, leads many away from the truth and into the arms of the devil.

Have we forgotten the expression, “hiding ourselves behind the cross?” Just being a quiet, humble servant of God, who does all that one can, ought to be what drives us. Fame is fleeting. Fame can lead one to color the message to please the people, rather than striving to please the Lord.

Hanging on my office wall is one of Ferguson’s “Christian Magazine” from 1851. Hanging below that is a framed copy of the “Gospel Advocate” from 1869. The Advocate was often referred to as “The Ole’ Reliable.” A contrast in papers and a contrast in directions. That meteor that flashes across the night sky is impressive, but it doesn’t last.  What is truly reliable is the Word of God.

Lessons from history can remind us, open our eyes and help us with our focus. Don’t let a meteor cause you to take your eyes off of the Lord.

Roger

28

Jump Start # 3543

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3543

Colossians 3:12 “So, as those who had been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience.”

Our verse today displays the “Big Four” of the character of a child of God. Compassion. Kindness. Gentleness. Patience. These four are linked together and one leads to the other. They begin with compassion. That’s within us. That’s how we see and feel about others. We sing the hymn, “Does Jesus care?” That’s about compassion. But from compassion on the inside, comes kindness on the outside. One is kind because one is compassionate. Without the compassion on the inside, there won’t be any kindness on the outside. Then follows gentleness. Kindness and gentleness go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s hard to have one without the other. Kindness and gentleness are how we treat others. Then, bringing up the end is patience. When our patience runs thin, we tend to snap at others. Suddenly, gentleness and kindness have gone. Patience is a necessary ingredient to keep our spirits where they ought to be.

These times certainly need these “Big Four.” Politicians angrily shout and scream at each other. People are losing it in restaurants and fast food places. Patience isn’t something you find very often along America’s highways.

Leading the way with these “Big Four,” is compassion. One can’t really teach gentleness until a person first gets compassion. Without compassion, kindness will never happen. And, as that hymn, “Does Jesus care,” is sung, more appropriately one needs to ask, “Do I care?” Until I care, I won’t pray. Until I care, I won’t serve. Until I care, I won’t be patient, gentle or kind.

Jesus illustrated compassion. His heart was moved by plight of others. He helped the hurting. He brought life to the broken. He went to Samaria. He went to the home of a tax collector. But one of the ways Jesus showed compassion, and such a simple thing, was by touch. Jesus touched others.

  • Mt 8:3 “And He stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am will; be cleansed.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.”
  • Mt 8:15 “And He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she arose, and waited on Him.”
  • Mt 9:25 “But when the crowd had been put out, He entered and took her by the hand; and the girl arose.”
  • Mt 9:29 “Then He touched their eyes, saying, ‘Be it done to you according to your faith.’”
  • Mt 14:31 “And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”
  • Mt 17:7 “And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, ‘Arise, and do not be afraid.’”
  • Mt 19:13 “Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.”
  • Luke 7:14 “And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise!’”
  • Revelation 1:17 “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last.”

The touch of Jesus. Why did He do that? He could have healed from a distance? Why touch?

First, a touch is going out of your way. It shows warmth, compassion and love. This is why hugs and handshakes mean so much. A look in the eyes and a great hug speaks without words. It says, “I’m here.” It says, “I care.” It says, “I love you.” Jesus touched.

We must realize that within our fellowship, there are many that wonder if anyone cares. There are those who believe that they could drop out of sight and no one would ever miss them. They feel alone in a church building filled with people. What they need is compassion. They need to know, even though they are struggling and still working on so many things, they are loved. The key is compassion.

In the prodigal story, Luke records, “…his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” The father ran because he first felt compassion. The father demonstrated that compassion with an embrace and a kiss. We don’t find the father asking thirty questions about where you have been. We don’t find the father giving a lecture. In fact, as the text flows, the father never says a word to the prodigal. He speaks to the servants. He speaks to the older son. But to the prodigal, no words. Just a hug and a kiss. That’s all that was necessary.

Fellowship isn’t a cold, indifferent membership like to some club. It’s hugs. It’s kisses. It’s compassion. It’s gentleness. It’s kindness.

Second, to touch, as Jesus did, means one has to be in the same location and next to a person. A text is nice. A phone call helps. But nothing beats your presence. This is why stopping by the funeral home is a must. This is why dropping by a house with some warm soup and cookies is so important. It speaks volumes. Hallmark Cards once had a slogan, “When you care enough to send the best.” The best isn’t a Hallmark card. The best is yourself. Jesus came. Jesus touched.

Praying for others is essential. But how many know that you ever prayed for them?

Third, Jesus showed compassion by doing things for others. It is easy to hide behind the offer, “If you need anything let me know,” realizing that most will never let you know. Few will ask for help. Pride. Not wanting to bother others. Being private. Many reasons, but the need remains. You and I can’t heal as Jesus did. But we can go to the grocery store. We can mow the yard. We can drive someone to the doctor’s office. “Let me know if I can help you.” They won’t. You must offer. You must say, “Let me drive you to the doctor’s office.” “I’m coming over tomorrow to get the sticks out of your yard.”

Jesus came. Jesus touched. Jesus made a difference. It all begins with compassion.

Roger

27

Jump Start # 3542

Posted on March 27, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3542

Proverbs 31:10 “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.”

Our verse today sets off the section that is commonly the virtuous woman. These are the words of a mother to her son. She is, as most mothers are, concerned about the type of woman that her son would marry. Among these beautiful words we find the godly character of compassion and service. Nothing is said about what she looks like, who her daddy is, or how much money she brings to the marriage. She is one who cares for her household, her servants and others. Kindness, optimism and faith run richly through those powerful descriptions.

It occurred to me a while back that while she may be virtuous, what about him? So often a person wants to find “a good catch” for marriage, while they have little to offer. In fact, they may be nothing more than a ugly ole’ worm that catches the attention of someone who is such a greater moral and spiritual fiber than they are. If there is a virtuous woman, then there ought to be a virtuous man. And, together, when those two get together, they make the virtuous couple.

In a wedding recently, I precented the concept of the virtuous couple, based upon Proverbs 31. Here is what it looks like:

An excellent couple who can find…

Their value to each other and to the kingdom is worth far more than jewels

Their hearts trust each other and there is no limit to the good that they can do

They labor with joy, and are they are generous, kind, and thoughtful to each other and to those around them

They are busy, engaged in the wellbeing of life…

Their faith in the Lord has clothed them in righteousness, dignity and honor

They are a delight to be around

They teach with kindness upon their lips

Together, they smile at the future, knowing that the Lord is with them

Many couples have done nobly, but you excel them all…

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

But a couple who fears the Lord, they shall be praised

 

When two righteous people build their lives on love, trust and the Lord, great things will happen. They will be an illustration for others to follow. They will be busy in the kingdom and the wellbeing of life. Moms and dads will point their growing children to look at such a couple and to model the goodness and faith that they manifest. This is as the Lord would have it to be.

For this to work, we must teach our young people to look beyond the exterior of a person. This Proverb states, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain”. One can put enough paint on a wall to cover up a crack, but the crack is there. And, we can cover up character flaws with makeup, expensive clothing, fine automobiles, and smiles. Selfishness is selfishness. And, it will manifest itself in a marriage very quickly. Short tempers, arrogance, shallow faith, immaturity rises quickly to the surface in a marriage.

I’m seeing a pattern among many young Christians that if you disagree with them, they will cut you off. This is not a Biblical stance, just an emotional and mental stance. If you do not agree, you are ignored, shunned and left behind. This spirit is hurting many families. This spirit is driving a wedge in some congregations. This has nothing to do with someone living immorally or ungodly. It’s nothing more than immaturity and the spirit that says, “I don’t like you.”

And, we must realize there is nothing noble or virtuous about that spirit. Such a heart would never go to the home of a tax collector as our Lord did. Such a heart would never be found in Samaria, as our Lord was. Surrounded by only those who agree with you is not a healthy place to be. Constantly being feed ‘you are great,’ doesn’t help one grow. One needs to listen to critics, even if they hurt. One needs to consider the wisdom of others, even if they do not agree. Fickle friends who only tell you want you want to hear are not really friends at all.

The virtuous have a heart that is like the Lord. What a blessing to find a virtuous couple.

Roger

26

Jump Start # 3541

Posted on March 26, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3541

Esther 10:3 “For Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews and in favor with his many kinsmen, one who sought the good of his people and one who spoke for the welfare of his whole nation.”

Tuesdays with Esther. This is our final little journey into this wonderful book. I enjoyed teaching this on Tuesdays to a deeper Bible study group and I’ve enjoyed writing about Esther. The last chapter, only three verses, does not contain Esther’s name.

One wonders, what happened to Esther? Did she grow old gracefully, have a boatload of grandchildren and finally ride off into the sunset? That’s how the movies may end the story. We are not told through inspiration, but like the death of the apostles, legend and history has left us with a pretty good idea.

King Ahasuerus, or Xerxes, was assassinated in 465 B.C. by his own court officials. They killed his eldest son at that time. They wanted Vashti’s son, Artaxerxes to be the king. And, that happens. He is the king when the Nehemiah story is told. It is believed that during this assassination that both Esther and Mordecai were also killed. It is very likely that Esther died young, probably in her 30’s. Not the triumphant end that we’d hope for. Definitely not a Hallmark movie ending.

And, through this journey with Esther, we have noted that there are no specific prayers, no quotations from other passages and not even a direct reference to God’s name. Jesus never referred to Esther. The apostles never quoted from this book. This was enough for the reformer Luther to discredit this book as being uninspired. But we have seen that on nearly every page of Esther, the hand of God is found. Nothing miraculous, but certainly the moving of people, the arranging of events and fulfilling of His will.

Some final thoughts for us:

First, God’s story, as well as His kingdom and even a congregation is always larger than we are. We play a role, a moment in time, but we are not the central figure in all of this. God is. Realizing that Esther may have died fairly young may sadden our hearts, but it certainly did not keep the flow of God’s kingdom running through David, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks and the Romans, all the way down to Jesus, the fulfillment. Esther played a role. As did Jeremiah. As did Nehemiah. As do you and as do I. We fill one page in God’s story, but we are not the story. When we begin to think that the church cannot survive without us, we need to really think about that and take a look at passages such as Esther.

Second, shortly following Esther, the books of Nehemiah and Malachi are written, and then a long, long period of silence. For four hundred years there would be no messages from Heaven. No inspired books. No prophets. No warnings. No promises. Silence. Silence until the Messiah came.

Books like Esther, where God does not speak, there are no miracles, help us to understand that God is still active. God is still moving things. God is still upon the throne. He doesn’t have to speak to do things. He doesn’t have to use a miracle to keep His will going. And, books like Esther would be a wonderful reminder and help during those long periods for Israel.

And, for us? God doesn’t speak directly. Not these days. God doesn’t work miracles. Not these days. How do we know that He’s still doing things? How do we know that God is not in hibernation? Books like Esther remind us that God is ever on the throne. What if Esther had not been chosen queen? What if Mordecai had not overheard an assassination attempt on the king? What if that had not been recorded in the official record? What if the king has slept soundly? What if other books were brought to him when he couldn’t sleep? What if he feel asleep while it was read to him? What if Haman had killed Mordecai?

What if…what if…what if. The point is, it wasn’t. None of those things happened. Did God arrange it? Was God involved? How about today? Things we can’t see. Things we call coincidence. Things we call being lucky. The book of Esther reminds us that nothing is too great for God.

Third, running through Esther is the lesson of courage. Mordecai refusing to bow down to Haman took courage. Esther approaching the king without an appointment took courage. Esther arranging a banquet with her enemy took courage. Esther asking for a second day for the Jews to battle, took courage.

The beautiful Shepherd Psalm reminds us of a table set before our enemy. I wonder if Esther thought about that with her two back to back banquets with Haman. And, courage must be within our toolbox of faith. The courage to stand when corporate wants us to bow. The courage to speak out. The courage to do the right thing.

The most famous passage in Esther is the: “who knows whether you obtained royalty for such a time as this?” And, who knows whether you are in the school, the job, the family, the congregation you are in for such a time as this. Maybe God has placed you in the right spot to serve Him. It may take courage. It may be hard. But such a time as this….

Tuesdays with Esther. This series of Jump Starts has been put in a booklet called, “Tuesdays with Esther.” They are free, as all of our Jump Start books are. If you would like one, send me an email (Rogshouse@aol.com) and INCLUDE your mailing address.

Roger

25

Jump Start # 3540

Posted on March 25, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3540

Acts 13:36 “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers and underwent decay.”

It was hard to find. Down a gravel road and up a path that led to the top of a hill. There in the clearing, among trees,  was a very old cemetery. And, tucked in the very back of that cemetery was the grave that I was looking for. His name was Obadiah and he was a preacher of the N.T. way, a long time ago. Nearly forgotten completely by this generation, there are just a few traces of reports that he submitted to a few publications a long time ago. But, oh the good that he did.

He came to Indiana when there were more bears and Indians than settlers. But as a young man he caught that restoration spirit that was beginning to fill the prairie landscape. The Bible and only the Bible would be his rule of faith. Worship that modeled what was found by those first churches in the book of Acts, was the course and the direction that he followed.

Obadiah and others began preaching in tiny log cabins in Indiana. Quickly, enough pioneers became believers that congregations were formed. The first congregation established in Owen County was called Bethel or more commonly, Dutch Bethel, because of the community of Dunkards who spoke a form of broken German that people referred to as Pennsylvania Dutch. Within a dozen years the Bethel congregation numbered over 200 and soon another congregation was formed, called Bethsaida. Obadiah became the preacher at that new congregation.

Today, there no longer is a congregation at Bethel. An empty church building sits across from a cemetery. Bethsaida is the name of a road. There are no remains of that church building today. But down that dusty gravel road sits a cemetery back in the woods where lies many of those first believers who made up those pioneer congregations. There has always been a special tug on my heart for sweet Owen County, Indiana. It is here that my ancestors settled and many were some of those first believers who met in the log cabins in the wilderness in the mid-1820’s.

And, one of those steady and consistent voices in those early years was Obadiah Winters. His name is found on some early marriage records. He submitted a few updates and reports concerning the wellbeing of the congregations in those communities. And, that’s about it. I find no articles that he ever wrote. In books written about the restoration movement, his name is ignored. Even books specifically about Indiana restoration, one would not find his name. He has been forgotten by history.

Our passage reminds us that David served the purpose of God in his generation. Every generation has a few names that are carried on by their achievements and history. But most are forgotten. And, that is true Biblically. Beyond the apostles, we know a handful of names that are listed throughout the text, but think about those 3,000 in Acts two or the 5,000 in Acts four. Who were they? Forgotten by history, but known to Heaven.

And, from this there are some lessons for us:

First, those who strive to make a name for themselves usually make a mess of things. Just think about your direct descendants. You may be able to know the names of several generations back in your family, but for most of us, that’s about it. A name. A name and some dates. Born. Married. Died.

Even the superstars are soon forgotten. Such is the nature of life. The road to glory and being famous and known comes with a price most shouldn’t pay. One looses their humility, dignity and focus by trying to be something that they are not. The early Christians were simple, common people. Those early Indiana disciples were cut from that same mold. We live. We work. We try to make a difference in these times.

Second, God never forgets those who belong to Him. A cup of cold water given in the name of the Lord is remembered by the Lord. Our toil. Our labor. Our efforts. None of these are in vain. Those who live for shout outs, recognition and praise, miss the focus of what our work in the kingdom is about. It’s not us. We are merely tools that belong to the Lord. We are shovels, and rakes and hammers and saws and it is the Lord who works through us. What is accomplished isn’t about us, it is to the honor of the Lord. God will grant rest and peace to those who have labored in His kingdom.

Third, as I stood in that tiny, nearly forgotten cemetery, looking at the grave of Obadiah, I said a silent prayer. I hoped that I could do the good that he has done. And, when my time comes to leave this place, I may be lost in a forgotten cemetery. If there be coming generations, no one may know of the work that I have done. But the Lord will. And, that’s what truly matters.

A moment in time. A drop in eternity. Battles for the truth. Passionate preaching. Love for lost souls. Although our times are so different, ole’ Obadiah and I have a lot in common. And, I do hope that I can spend some time with him in the eternal.

An old grave in a forgotten tiny cemetery. A voice that once preached. A heart that made a difference. Obadiah Winters (1804-1876) – one of my unknown heroes.

Roger