21

Jump Start # 3603

Posted on June 21, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3603

Matthew 14:13 “Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities.”

  NOTE: Jump Starts are taking a break next week. I’m taking a few days off. Truth is, by the time you read this, I will be back from my travels. Hopefully, we will connect again on July 1st.

Jesus got away. I like that. We all need to do that. Whether it is a big vacation, a stay-cation, or just unplugging from life for a while, it is good. Stress, problems, deadlines, and pressure can build up. It’s good to sleep in once in awhile. It’s good to break your routine, do something different. Those things help us reflect, energize and puts a smile on our faces. Burnout is a real concern for some of us preachers. We ought not to feel guilty for just chillin’ out once in a while. Jesus got away and so should we.

Our verse today is layered with lessons for us:

First, Jesus head about John. That would be cousin John. That would be John, the prophet. John, the forerunner. John who had baptized Jesus. Jesus had heard about John. What did He hear? John had been executed by Herod’s thugs. John was a family member. That hurts. John died young. He was only six months older than Jesus. That hurts. John died violently, just as Jesus will die violently. That hurts.

Certainly with thoughts about his own coming crucifixion, Jesus withdrew to a secluded place. He got away. Time to reflect. Time to remember. Time to pray. Time to focus. Certainly, there were more Jesus could heal that day. Certainly, there was more lessons Jesus could have taught that day. But sometimes, one just needs to find that secluded place.

Alone, but not alone. Away from the demands. Away from the crowds. Away from distractions. Jesus could think. The text doesn’t tell this, but what I know about Jesus from the Gospels, I expect tears flowed down his cheeks as He thought about John. The clock was moving fast. Now, John was gone.

Second, a secluded place doesn’t have to be miles away. It can be in your home. It can be out on your deck. It can be a place where cell phones, people, TV and other things  won’t distract you and call for your attention. Just processing. Just thinking. Just being thankful. One of my favorite places is the empty and dark auditorium at the church building. I love my office. It’s the best. But phones, computers and work demand my time and attention there. In my secluded place, it’s just me, my thoughts and the Lord. A lot of personal good comes from those moments.

Do you have a place that you can call your secluded haven? It’ll do you a lot of good if you can find such a place and use it often.

Third, the quietness of the day is something so few have ever experienced. For some, the TV is always on. Others always have music or videos running. In the stillness one can hear the birds singing. One can listen to the gentle falling rain. One can notice the trees swaying in the breeze.

As close in age and relation that John and Jesus were, we don’t see Jesus losing his focus over John’s death. He doesn’t decide to go after Herod. He doesn’t change his mission. And, that’s a great lesson for us.

When there has been a close death to us, we do well to just find a secluded place and reflect. Rather than feeling hurt for what you have lost, reflection causes us to be thankful for what we had. Memories. Celebrations. Good times. Lessons learned. Love expressed. Those are the kind of things that can keep us going when the sadness of death surrounds us.

The text reminds us that Jesus didn’t stay in the secluded place, and neither can we. There comes a time to get back at life. The crowds went on ahead of Jesus and were waiting for Him. He came. And, with that, so must we. Back to helping the kingdom. Back to being a disciple of Jesus. Don’t stay secluded. Don’t be ruined by grief. Don’t let a death keep you from what you ought to be doing.

Jesus got away. Something to remember.

Roger

20

Jump Start # 3602

Posted on June 20, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3602

Jeremiah 6:16 Thus says the Lord, “Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

Recently, I was asked to deliver a lecture at the famed Cane Ridge meeting house. This is the third time in the past four years that I have been honored to do this. Those that know American Church History, know the log cabin at Cane Ridge is like the old Yankee Stadium, honored by those who cherish the early American origins of the Restoration Movement. It was built in 1791. It was the site of the most famous revival in America in 1801. It is estimated that between 10,000-40,000 people gathered on the grounds. From slaves to the governor of Kentucky, they all came. Forty percent of the Kentucky population came to the Cane Ridge revival, which started as a Presbyterian Communion service. Barton W. Stone, the preacher at Cane Ridge, along with Methodist, Baptist and fellow Presbyterian preachers, found spots on the grounds to preach the Gospel. This event lasted for days. And, out of this, began the seeds of restoration ideology. Leaving creeds, Calvinism, and man-made organizational structures, pioneers started just picking up the Bible and followed that N.T. pattern. Across Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, whole congregations embraced the primitive Christianity. By 1804, the Cane Ridge Presbyterian church was known as the Cane Ridge Christian church.

Volumes and volumes of articles and books have been written about the movement and the leaders that awakened a sleeping giant, that pure, N.T. faith in Christ.

I was asked to speak on the concept of “Is the restoration plea still relevant?” And, that’s a great concern and question. In a culture that embraces letters such as LGBTQ+, gender dysphoria, and places personal feelings above all else, does primitive Christianity have a chance today? Have we outgrown the Bible message? Does God’s plan work in this mobile society today? Does the church need to change? Is that message outdated? Is it still relevant?

Here are my thoughts on all of this:

First, did the restoration plea ever work? History shows that it did. Across the Midwest, thousands and thousands left the denominational world for what they found in their Bibles. Independent congregations following that N.T. pattern sprang up everywhere. If it wasn’t in the Bible, it was challenged, debated and most times defeated.

The restoration plea wasn’t the brainstorm of Barton W. Stone, Alexander Campbell or other Americans. It finds its way back to the days of Jeremiah, where God pled with the nation to return to Him (3:11-14). Seek the ancient paths (6:16); for My people have forgotten Me…and they have stumbled from their ways, from the ancient paths, to walk in bypaths” (18:15). Later God through the prophet says, “Set up for yourself road marks, place for yourself guideposts; direct our mind to the highway, the way by which you went. Return, O virgin of Israel” (31:21). Returning to what God had established was the plea of Jeremiah.

Malachi said, “Remember the law of Moses, My servant, even the statues and ordinance which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel (4:4). The Thessalonians were commended for receiving the word as from God and imitating the churches in Judea (1 Thes 2:13-14).

It was understood that God’s way was right and that God’s way was sufficient to do all that the Lord wanted. When God put Adam in the garden, he didn’t have to find a gas station to get food to survive. God made is sustainable. When Noah was on the ark, he didn’t have to find an Old Testament Buckees to get by. Everything he needed, God had provided. That understanding takes one back to the original plan. It worked then. It did all that God required. The question before us is, will it still work? Does it still work?

Second, if the restoration plea is not relevant for our times today, what is the alternative? We see it all around us. Empty, shallow, cotton candy, feel good theology that is based on the here and now and a focus upon self rather than Christ. If we leave the N.T. pattern, then we are heading directions without God’s guidance. We are on our own. All that we know of God He has revealed (1 Cor 2:11). Has God ever left it up to mankind to figure out? Details that are chapters long in Exodus, describe what God wanted for the tabernacle. Details that are chapters long in Leviticus, define the kind of sacrifices that pleased the Lord. God never said, “Surprise Me.” He never said, “Be original.” He never left things up to us. If the primitive way is no longer relevant, then God blundered. He didn’t think things through. And, now, we are left without a divine guide that will work.

The modern church has been dating current culture for generations. They have tried a merger with the world and found out that the world doesn’t budge. It’s going to continue heading secular and selfish. To be accepted, the modern church has embraced and chased the culture of our times. This is why so few ever hear real Bible preaching. Doctrine has died. Do what ever makes you happy has become the Gospel. And, with that unity is gone, and the church looks more and more like the world. Standing on the platform of love and only love, everything is right and nothing is wrong. And, if you disagree, your heart is filled with hate. That’s our times. And, those that claim to know God, don’t know Him.

Third, the restoration plea is especially needed these days. If God and His way doesn’t work, what will? Getting back to life the way God intended, from the One who created us, is where we find purpose, hope and life. This in not a call to follow Stone, Campbell, Lipscomb or any other voice, other than the voice of the Lord, through His word.

For centuries, thousands and thousands have found forgiveness, peace and lasting joy through the message of the Gospel. That’s what needs to be preached today. That’s what will turn families back to where they need to be. We’ve forgotten our purpose. We’ve taken our eyes off the map. We’ve got tangled up in the weeds of today.  But the restoring plea to simply follow Christ, is what will lead us safely home.

We don’t look to Cane Ridge for the answer. Our answer comes from above. It comes from Heaven.

Roger

19

Jump Start # 3601

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3601

Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Our verse today, coming from the lips of Jesus, was an explanation as to why He was going to the home of Zaccheus, a wealthy, chief tax collector. Jesus came to save. He not only is the source of salvation and the instrument by which we can be saved, but He is actively seeking the lost. He’s on the hunt. It is as if the doors of Heaven were opened, and God sent out the hounds looking for us. He doesn’t want any of us to be lost. He has done more than just kept the front porch light on for us, He has taken on the search for us.

Little reminders all about us, if we are thinking and if we are observing, connect us to Jesus. A passage posted on Facebook. An act of kindness above the call of duty. A fence post where someone has sprayed painted, “Trust Jesus.” They make us think. They make us consider. Jesus is seeking.

But, what is also interesting is putting our Luke 10 passage along side of another passage found in 1 Peter. There, we find, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (5:8).

Did you catch it? Did you see it? It’s there. Jesus is seeking the lost. The devil is seeking to devour. Both are on the hunt. Both have you in their eyes. How easily we dismiss this by thinking, “No one cares about me.” The devil does. He’s seeking you. Jesus does. He’s seeking you. Some might conclude, “I could drop out and no one would even miss me.” The devil would. He’s on the hunt for you. Jesus would. He’s looking for you.

This image of both Jesus and the devil seeking sure dismisses the idea that God has finished all His work and He is just sitting on the grandstands of life seeing how we do in the game of life. Not so. He is active. He is using every tool in Heaven to save you. And, at the same time, Satan is using every tool of Hell to destroy you. Neither are trying to save the environment. Neither are seeking some rare bird. They are after you. They will pursue you until you are no more there. They will use people, places and things to win you over.

Now, here are some thoughts for us:

First, it’s hard to imagine that we are worth all of this trouble. We are not famous. We are not shaping this culture we are in. Why us? Because, you are made in the image of God. You have the potential to be a shiner of light. You may not think you are much, but Jesus and Satan know better. Sometimes we may feel like we are just a number. No one at work says much about you. Sometimes, even your family ignores you. But, spiritually and eternally, Jesus and the devil are looking for you.

Second, we don’t see nor understand all that goes on behind the scenes and under the surface. Little things, like drops of rain, that encourages our spirits and strengthens our souls. We appreciate them, but were they Heaven sent? Was this Jesus way of seeking us? And, when things don’t go well. Frustrations, anger, pain, sorrow—are these things from Satan? We may never know. We do know how God expects us to conduct ourselves. We do know what God wants from us. You may feel like one has your right arm and the other has your left arm, and they are pulling and pulling you their direction.

Third, in the end, one will have their way with us. Either, Jesus will win and we will be saved. Or, Satan will win and we will lose our souls. Eternally, we know Jesus conquers Satan. But the battle over you, is going on until you are no more. The choices you make. Those that you include in your life. Your habits. Your character. How much of God’s word that you allow to dwell within you—all of those things will bring you to one or the other. Satan will find me and devour me or the Lord will find me and save me. But, neither will have their way over me without my consent. In the end, I will be saved because I want to be saved, or, I will be lost because I want to be lost.

There was a Australian pop group from the early 60s called “The Seekers.” And, that’s what is taking place. Satan is seeking. Jesus is seeking. And, in the end, you will decide who finds you. It will be one or the other.

Roger

18

Jump Start # 3600

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3600

Joshua 4:3 “and command them, saying, ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing firm, and carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.”

Our Jump Starts reach yet another milestone today—# 3600. To me, that is amazing. This little journey is nearing 15 years in existence. Out of this venture, 27 Jump Start books have been created. I would have never thought that this would have lasted this long, nor that this would have become such a major part of my life.

The purpose and thrust of Jump Starts has always been to encourage. It is not an exhaustive deep study of God’s word. There is a place for that, but not here and not me. Simple truths. Simple reminders. That has been my focus. It seems that through the years, Jump Starts have evolved into a personal diary of my life. I tell about travels, grandkids, adventures and things that float through my head. Hopefully, these have been a means of encouragement to you. I am shocked that the readership continues to grow every week. I run into people that tell me they have been reading these for years. Some great soldiers of the cross, that I admire and look up to, have told me that they too read these.

But on this milestone day, let’s consider some milestones. There are obvious ones, such as birthdays and anniversaries. We celebrate them and honor the people involved. But how about a few spiritual milestones?

First, do you know the date when Christ forgave your sins? Born anew or born again is a very special birthday. I see in some church bulletins a listing of people’s birthdays for that month. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we recognized each other’s spiritual birthday. That day changed your life. It was a course correction. Tears of sorrow and happiness flowed that day. Do you remember? A milestone in your life.

Second, the anniversary of your congregation’s beginning is important. When did it start? Where? Who were the key people involved? Many don’t know. Time passes. That history is filled with sacrifices, dedication and commitment. For most, those early years were a struggle. Do you know the names of the first shepherds or the early preachers in your congregation? Talk about those things. There are life lessons one can learn from such things.

Third, how long has your preacher been with the congregation? Do you know? There was a time, not long ago, when about every five years, preachers moved. That was expected and that happened. But, in recent times, there are many, many preachers who have been working decades with the same congregation. From the preacher’s perspective, it’s nice when someone notices. Many companies will do something special for fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five years service. Yet, for some of our preachers, nothing is ever said. Give that some thought.

Milestones are important Biblically. When Joshua and Israel crossed the Jordan River, rocks were picked up from the river bottom. I expect those rocks were not the kinds that you could put in your pocket. I expect they were as big as one person could carry. Reminders. God did something big here.

The Lord’s Supper is a weekly reminder. A memorial. A “don’t forget,” moment. On a hill, far away, stood the ole’ rugged cross.

I have on a shelf my grandmother’s Bible. Tapped in the back, was a baptismal certificate, when she was baptized. A reminder. It was a reminder to her and now it’s a reminder to me.

Milestones are important. Thank you, for this little journey that we’ve called, Jump Starts. Some of our readers who have told me, “You can never stop writing.” As sweet as that is, I know someday I will. If there be another generation, these will be forgotten by most. But for a brief moment in time, the Lord has allowed us to come together through this avenue, and for that I am thankful.

A Milestone…a time to reflect. A time to celebrate.

Roger

17

Jump Start # 3599

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 3599

Matthew 7:21 “Not every one who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven.”

There is a small post office in the community I live. It seems like I’m stopping by there nearly everyday. I’ve gotten to know the staff on a first name basis and they know me. This little post office is currently in search for a new postmaster. One of the people that waits on the counter applied. She really wanted the position and she has often run that post office. The other day, she told me that she was turned down for the position. She was really disappointed.

Life can be described just that way for many, disappointing. A young man really likes a girl and he asks her out for a date and she says, “no.” He’s disappointed. A college student applies for a scholarship and is denied. Disappointed. A young couple really want to have a baby, but it doesn’t work out. Disappointed. The government can disappoint us. The company you work for can disappoint you. Sadly, sometimes the congregation you are a part of disappoints you.

There were times when Jesus disappointed people. The rich young ruler walked away sadly because Jesus told him to sell what he had and follow Him. It’s not the words he was wanting to hear. The mother of James and John got disappointing news from Jesus when He would not sit her boys on the right and the left as she wanted. When Jesus no longer fed the crowds, some left disappointed. The Pharisees were disappointed when Jesus wouldn’t answer their trick questions the way they thought He would.

We can learn more about ourselves and our character during the disappoints than we do from the successes.

First, life involves so many factors, circles of people and things that are beyond us. We are not the only one. When someone is chosen over us, it disappoints. Sometimes that other person has more experience. Sometimes they are more qualified. And, sometimes, it’s just the politics of life that leans towards favorites. The farmer prays for rain for his crops, the same time a young family prays for sunshine because they want to go to the park. God answers. Often, one will be disappointed.

Second, how we handle disappoints is important. Some, blow up. They get angry. They start saying things they shouldn’t. They make threats. The make things messy, complicated and difficult for others. And, when that happens in the church, it really sets families back for a long time.

I told my friend at the post office to take the higher ground. Be noble in how you handle rejection. The quality of spirit is manifested the most during times of disappointments.

Third, often what we really wanted, wasn’t the best for us. We thought it was. Our Plan A is many times not God’s Plan A. And, it just may be that our character needs some polishing and refining and the mechanism that does that the best is disappointments. Anger, James reminds us, does not achieve the righteousness of God. Being a gracious loser, whether on the field of sports or in the arena of life, does more to open eyes and shine light than holding the trophy high above your head.

At Paul’s first Roman trial all deserted him. He was alone, but for the Lord. Don’t you think he was disappointed? Where were they? He had been there for them, why were they not now there for him? It is easy to become a disappointer when we have been disappointed. Someone lets you down, so you no longer will stand with them. You put distance between them and even speak terribly about them. Don’t do that. That dulls your influence and makes people wonder about you

I think one of the greatest disappointments in the Bible is our verse today. Here are some who thought they had made it. They thought the Lord would be pleased with them. Busy doing things, they had neglected to follow the will of God. In so doing, Jesus declared that He never knew them. They were to be cast out. They didn’t make it.

I wonder how many will be like this on that final day. They believe they are Heaven bound, only to be shocked, disappointed to find out that their choices in life took them away from God and not towards Him.

The divine disappointment…make sure you are not part of that.

Roger