Father, Forgive Me: Understanding Divine Mercy

By Dale J. Babinsky
    Gratitude toward the Lord is deeply connected to recognizing His forgiveness and mercy. Many struggle to fully grasp the completeness of God’s forgiveness, often feeling burdened by past mistakes even after seeking forgiveness. Sometimes, people swing between extremes—wanting to forgive everyone regardless of their repentance, or refusing to forgive those who have wronged them, believing they’ve missed their chance.    Jesus addresses these personal relationships in Mat. 18, teaching about the process of reconciliation: confronting faults, repentance, and forgiveness, with church discipline as a last resort. The disciples, curious about the frequency of forgiveness, ask, “How often do I forgive my brother?” Peter suggests seven times, thinking it generous since rabbis taught three strikes was the limit (Amos 1:3, Amos 1:6, Amos 1:9). Jesus, however, calls for much more—77 or even 490 times—emphasizing that forgiveness should be continual, not counted. He illustrates this with the parable of the Unmerciful Servant.    In Mat. 18:23-27, Jesus tells of a servant who owed an unfathomable debt—billions by today’s standards. The king, moved by compassion, forgives the entire debt, showing mercy to a penitent servant. This represents God’s willingness to forgive all our sins, debts we could never repay. God’s grace, provided through Jesus, is greater than any sin, and He releases us from spiritual bondage when we sincerely seek forgiveness. However, penitence is necessary for this gift.    Luke 17:3-4 highlights that God’s forgiveness requires repentance—“if” the brother repents, forgiveness follows. The parable continues in Mat. 18:28-35: the forgiven servant refuses to forgive a minor debt owed to him, showing harshness and hypocrisy. His lack of mercy leads to punishment, illustrating that God expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven. If we are not merciful, God may revoke our forgiveness (John 8:24, Prov. 21:13, Mat. 6:12-15, James 2:13).    Forgiveness and repentance must come from the heart—insincere apologies or forgiveness are ineffective (Mat. 18:35, Mat. 5:7, Eph 4:32, Col. 3:13). God forgives us as we forgive others, and His gift can be revoked if we do not “walk in the light.” Willingness to forgive is essential to maintaining God’s forgiveness.    The parable of the Unmerciful Servant teaches that if we desire forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive others. God forgives the greater debt; we should forgive the lesser. If you’re struggling with forgiveness or burdens after becoming a Christian, remember that prayer and support are always available. Just as Peter and others prayed for Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8), the church family can help by praying for us. The invitation to forgiveness is always open.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

The Wheat and the Tares

By Dale J. Babinsky
    Have you ever planted a garden and struggled to tell the difference between young plants and weeds? Many gardeners, especially those starting from seed, find it difficult to distinguish between the two. This challenge is at the heart of the biblical Parable of the Tares, which follows the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13. Both parables use agricultural imagery to teach about the growth and spread of God’s kingdom, but the Parable of the Tares introduces a new element: the presence of weeds among the wheat.    In Matthew 13:24-27, Jesus describes a man who sows good seed in his field. Unlike cheap seed mixed with weeds, this seed is pure. Jesus later explains that He Himself is the sower, spreading the good seed—the Word of God—throughout the world. Just as Jesus scattered the seed everywhere, believers are called to do the same, sharing the message in all places and circumstances (Matthew 24:14; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Colossians 1:5-6).    The field represents the world, and the good seed produces the “sons of the kingdom”—those who are obedient and fruitful (Matthew 12:46-50). However, alongside the wheat, tares (weeds) also grow. In the Mediterranean, a weed called darnel closely resembles wheat until it matures. Roman law even punished those who sowed darnel among wheat as an act of revenge, highlighting the real-life relevance of Jesus’ parable. When harvest time comes, the wheat is gathered and preserved, while the tares are burned—a clear reference to Judgment Day (Matthew 13:40-43).   The parable continues in Matthew 13:27-28, where an enemy deliberately sows bad seed among the good. This isn’t just a case of mixed seed; it’s a second, malicious sowing. Jesus identifies the enemy as Satan, who sows chaos, lies, and confusion in the world (Matthew 13:38-39). While Jesus sows truth and righteousness, Satan’s influence leads people astray, often in subtle ways that are not immediately obvious. The result is a world filled with individuals who do not follow God, each doing what seems right in their own eyes.    God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), yet the world is full of religious confusion. There are thousands of denominational groups, all claiming to wasfollow the same God but teaching different paths to salvation. This diversity of doctrine, often contradictory, is a result of Satan’s deceptive work. Revelation 12:7-9, 15-17 describes Satan’s ongoing war against God and believers, spreading false teachings and encouraging people to “just follow your heart” or choose whatever belief system suits them.     In this environment, it is crucial to be rooted in the good seed—the Gospel message sown by Jesus, which alone has the power to save (Galatians 1:6-9; James 1:21; Romans 1:16). A time of harvest is coming, when those who practice lawlessness will be separated from those who follow God’s will (Matthew 13:40-42; 7:21; 15:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The confusion sown by Satan makes the task of evangelism more challenging, as the world sees division and doubts the truth (John 17:20-21).    The world is full of tares—those who do not follow God. But why not uproot them now? The parable teaches that the field is the world and that both good and evil will coexist until the final harvest. While believers are called out of the world, they still live in it and can have a positive influence. Sometimes, what appears to be a tare today may become wheat tomorrow. Ultimately, the separation will come at harvest time, when the true nature of each will be revealed.    Satan has sown much confusion, but it is vital to ensure we are following the right seed—the truth of Jesus. By doing so, we can be confident of our place in the “barn” rather than the fire. As the parable concludes: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

How Big Is Our God?

By Dale J. Babinsky
    The Psalms offer a profound exploration of God’s character and relationship with humanity. As we have been looking at the Psalms, we have seen many attributes of God’s love for us. Now, we turn to Psalm 139, which can be divided into four sections, each highlighting a distinct attribute of God: His omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, and holiness.    Psalm 139:1-6 reveals that God knows us better than we know ourselves. He possesses a deep, intimate knowledge of each person—not a superficial acquaintance, but a complete understanding of our thoughts and words before we even express them. This is echoed in Amos 4:13, which describes God as the one who declares to humanity what their thoughts are. David marvels at this omniscience, finding it too wonderful and high to fully comprehend.    Psalm 139:7-12 asks, “Where can I flee from your presence?” History shows that some have tried—Adam and Eve, Jonah—but the answer is clear: nowhere. God’s reach extends to the stars, the depths of Sheol (the place of the dead), the depths of the oceans, and even the darkness. Just as God sees all, He is everywhere at once. For those who belong to Him, this is a blessing—He will never miss or overlook you. For those on the outside, it is a source of fear. The omnipresence of God means you can run, but you cannot hide.    Psalm 139:13-18 celebrates God as the Creator who formed and knit together our innermost parts. The wonder of childbirth is a testament to His creative power. David acknowledges that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that God’s works are marvelous. This truth should shape how we treat one another, recognizing that we are all part of God’s magnificent creation. God knew us even in the womb, before our days began. David marvels that God is mindful of each of us, as echoed in Psalm 8:3-4. God’s omnipotence is manifested in the fact that He has always known us, and our lives are in His hands.    Psalm 139:19-24 marks a shift from praise to a passionate rejection of the ungodly. Our awesome God is also a holy God, intolerant of sin and evil. David’s zeal reflects a hatred for what God hates—not out of spite, but out of devotion. God’s holiness demands that we, too, pursue holiness, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 and 2 Chronicles 19:1-2. David’s desire is not only for purity in others but also in himself, asking God to search him and reveal any shortcomings. This call to self-examination is echoed in 2 Corinthians 13:5. Ultimately, David aspires to be like the righteous man described in Psalm 1.    We serve a BIG God—one who is all knowing, ever present, all powerful, and all holy. He knows each of us intimately, is with us everywhere, owns every part of our being, and calls us to be like Him. Psalm 139 transcends any small thoughts we may have of God, remaining intensely personal throughout. As the New Bible Commentary notes, this psalm is written by one who knows they cannot escape God and finds comfort in that truth. The invitation stands: why wouldn’t we want to serve a God like this?

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Why Do the Wicked Prosper

By Dale J. Babinsky     It’s a question that has troubled people for generations: Why does it seem like those who do wrong often get away with it, while those who strive to do right face hardship? Whether it’s seeing others break the rules on the road or watching the wealthy escape justice with the help of top lawyers, the apparent prosperity of the wicked can be confusing. This dilemma is not new, it was pondered by     Asaph, a musician appointed by King David, as recorded in Psalm 73. Asaph’s honest struggle with this question provides us with valuable insight. Asaph observed that the wicked seemed to live lives of luxury and ease, free from the troubles that plagued others. In Psalm 73:2-12, he admits his own envy and discouragement, feeling as though his commitment to God was pointless when the boastful thrived. The wicked appeared to avoid consequences, buying their way out of trouble and living in comfort. Their arrogance and pride were on full display, yet they continued to prosper. This led Asaph—and can lead us—to question whether devotion to God is in vain, especially when suffering seems to be the reward for righteousness.     It’s easy to become discouraged when the world’s values seem upside down. The temptation to envy those who disregard God’s ways is real, especially when their lives look so appealing. Asaph’s pain was not just intellectual; it was emotional, making him question the very purpose of his faith.     However, Asaph’s perspective shifts when he considers the bigger picture—eternity (Psalm 73:17-20). He realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. Their foundation is slippery, and their end is destruction. Wealth and abundance, while desirable, can become obstacles to following God if they become the ultimate goal. The laughter and comfort of the wicked will not last; judgment awaits.     In contrast, the destiny of the righteous is secure (Psalm 73:21-26). Asaph admits his own ignorance and grief, but he remembers that God is always with him, guiding and ultimately welcoming him into glory. The true value lies not in temporary success, but in eternal relationship with God. Jesus is described as our advocate, the ultimate “legal dream team” for eternity (1 John 2:1).     It’s easy to be blinded by the world’s definition of success and comfort. The apparent lack of justice can make us question our values and choices. But Psalm 73 reminds us that the story isn’t over—the wicked will face judgment, and the righteous will be rewarded for their faithfulness. Sometimes, being caught when we do wrong is a blessing, steering us back to the right path. The real question is: How shall we live? What will we value? The invitation is clear, don’t be on the outside looking in. Trust in God’s testimony and remember that true prosperity is found not in what we gain in this world, but in what awaits us in eternity.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Create in Me A Clean Heart

By Dale J. Babinsky     In life, we often wish for a "do-over" – a chance to correct our mistakes and start anew. Whether it's a questionable call in a game or a misstep in our personal lives, the desire to erase our errors and begin again is universal. This sentiment is vividly captured in the story of David, who sought a "do-over" after his grievous sin with Bathsheba. David's journey from sin to repentance is a powerful reminder that our worst moments do not have to define us. Instead, with genuine repentance and a change of heart, we can seek forgiveness and renewal.     David's plea for mercy is expressed in Psalm 51:1-2. He begs for compassion, acknowledging that he has no claim to the favor he seeks. His appeal is not based on his own goodness but on God's steadfast love and tender mercies. David's hope to restore his covenant relationship with God is a testament to his faith in God's unending love. Romans 12:1 reminds us that God's tender mercies are available to us as well, but we must not conform to this world. Like David, we must seek to be free from sin's pollution, asking God to blot out, wash, and cleanse us thoroughly.     In Psalm 51:3-5, David's confession is heartfelt and sincere. He acknowledges his sin, recognizing that his attempts to hide it have failed. His sin is ever before him, and he understands that he has sinned not just against Uriah and Bathsheba, but against God. David's acknowledgment of his sin is a crucial step in his repentance. He does not make excuses or shift blame; instead, he owns his actions and expresses true sorrow. This godly sorrow leads to genuine repentance, as David seeks to be free from the guilt and punishment of his transgressions.     David's desire for restoration is evident in Psalm 51:6-9. He understands that sin separates him from God and longs to be restored to his position as one of God's children. David's plea to be purged with hyssop, washed, and cleansed reflects his deep desire for purity. He seeks complete cleansing, knowing that only God can make him whiter than snow. David's request to blot out his iniquities and restore joy and gladness highlights his yearning for a renewed relationship with God.     Psalm 51:10-12 reveals David's understanding that only God can give him a clean heart and a fresh start. While David must repent of his sins, it is only God who can create in him a clean heart and renew his spirit. David's plea not to be cast away from God's presence or lose the Holy Spirit reflects his fear of losing the special relationship he once had with God. He seeks to be restored to the joy of salvation, desiring to be as innocent as he was before his sin.     David's forgiveness serves as a lesson to others, as seen in Psalm 51:13-17. He recognizes that worship and sacrifices are empty and worthless if one is not living right with God. David's desire to get back in line with God and offer acceptable worship reflects his understanding that true worship comes from a humble and contrite heart. He knows that God does not desire sacrifices that represent failure but seeks a heart that is fully devoted to Him.     In Psalm 51:18-19, David acknowledges that once we are back in fellowship with God, our sacrifices become productive and pleasing to Him. He emphasizes the importance of doing good and offering sacrifices in spirit and truth. David's journey from sin to repentance and restoration serves as a powerful reminder that we too can have a "do-over." By owning our mistakes, confessing our sins, and seeking God's forgiveness, we can be restored to a right relationship with Him.     None of us are perfect, and we all fall victim to sin. The key is how we respond to our failures. Like David, we must take responsibility for our actions, confess our sins to the Lord, and appeal to Him for forgiveness and cleansing. Only God can create in us a clean heart and restore us to a right relationship with Him. True repentance involves a change of mind and heart, and it starts with us. By looking inward and seeking God's forgiveness, we can experience the joy of being restored to His fold and having His Spirit with us. Then, our worship and sacrifices will be pleasing to God, and we will enjoy the joy of heaven when we are restored to Him.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/

Do You Have the Faith of Abraham?

By Brian Mitchell       Known among other things as the Father of the Faithful, Abraham was truly one of the most remarkable men in the history of mankind in general, but especially so in the history of religion. Three of the world’s main religions actually trace their heritage back to the Patriarch Abraham. The Muslims trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham through his son Ishmael and his descendants. The Jews trace their spiritual heritage back to Abraham through Isaac and his descendants, as do Christians.     To Christians, Abraham is referred to in the Bible as the father of all the faithful—Rom.4:11-12, Gal.3:7. It is here that the Jews have lost their connection to God because they do not possess the faith of Abraham. Because the sons of Abraham no longer share a connection to God through the blood of Jesus Christ, they no longer share a connection with God. Rather those who share a connection to God, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, are those who are blessed by God.     Thus, for those who believe in and obey Jesus, Abraham is their spiritual father. He was truly a remarkable man. As our father in the faith, what lessons can we learn from Abraham? Without doubt, the most remarkable characteristic of Abraham which is worthy of our emulation was his great faith in God. Paul says of Abraham; “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Rom.4:3).     “Therefore, it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all of the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all” (Rom.4:16). “So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Gal.3:9). James later would use Abraham as an example of saving faith—Jm.1:21-24.     Here is a great example of what it actually means to believe in God. It is more than just saying the words, it involves actions of obedience. Thus, Abraham was a man of great faith because his faith led him beyond mere belief, to actions of obedience. What about Abraham’s faith made it so pleasing to God? What lessons can we learn from Abraham about faith that can help us to have the same kind of faith?     Abraham shows us what true faith is and where it comes from. He shows us the source of faith: Revelation, the result of faith: Obedience, the focus of faith: Trust in God and the progression of faith: It Must Be Growing. Why do we need this kind of faith?     Because “those who are of the faith are the true sons of Abraham” (Gal.3:7). Because “those who are of the faith of Abraham are blessed” (Gal.3:9). Because those who have the faith of Abraham are truly the recipients of the promise made to Abraham that “In your seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice” (Gen.18:18).     So do you have the Faith of Abraham? It is seen in how one responds to the Word of God, not just what they say about it.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Noah: Finding Favor in the Eyes of God

By Brian Mitchell       “5 Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 So the LORD said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” - (Genesis 6:5-8). Sounds pretty familiar doesn’t it, at least the first part?     It is pretty difficult to read these words and not see that the societal circumstances described in the days of Noah bear a striking similarity to the times in which we find ourselves living. In fact, Paul writes thousands of years later about a time when circumstances would be similar to those described in the days of Noah—2 Tim.3:1-5. The point is simple and that is that there have always been evil and wicked men among us, and it has always displeased God. In fact, it was those circumstances described in Genesis that led God to destroy the world which He had created with the Great Flood.     Can a man live right in times such as these? Given the times we live in, it would be understandable to ask whether or not one could really live a life that is pleasing to God, in the midst of such sin and perversion. We know that we are supposed to—Tit.2:11-12. But can it really be done and if so how? The answer of course is yes. Even in Gen.6, when God was pronouncing judgment upon the world He had made and preparing to destroy it with the flood, there are some encouraging words to be found about one man.     A man, that in spite of his circumstances, managed to live righteously in the eyes of God; a man named Noah—Gen.6:8. Thus, Noah serves as an example of the fact that men can still be pleasing to God, even if they live in a world where “every intent of the thoughts of men’s heart are continually evil.” Why Noah? Why did Noah find favor in the eyes of God? What did he do and how did he live? What lessons can we take from this story that will be helpful for us in attempting to do the same? These are the questions we will be seeking to answer in our lesson today.     God does not desire that any man be lost. But he does requires that to avoid it we come to repentance and seek after His will. When we do, we will find exactly what Noah and his family found—Favor in the eyes of the Lord. Have you found favor in the eyes of God yet? If you have then remember these words, “Be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Please visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net