By Brian
Mitchell Students in a psychology class at San Diego
State College were asked to name their most valuable personal asset. 2 wrote
down intelligence, both of them misspelled it. Winston Lord, former assistant Secretary
of State and ambassador to China, told of a time when he and his wife were
driving outside of Beijing. They came across a Buddhist temple and the head
monk came out to greet him. His eyes lit up when he learned that Lord was an
ambassador and that his wife Betty was a famous author. The monk then asked
Lord if he would do this temple a great honor which would benefit future
visitors, to guide and instruct them. He then asked him to write something in
English. Obviously, the ambassador and his wife were quite honored and the monk
then handed them two wooden plaques and said, “Would you write in English on
the plaque the word Ladies and on this plaque the word Gentlemen?” Many people
like them think of themselves as being quite intelligent (and they are usually
quite annoying to the few of us who are). Many perceive themselves as quite
intelligent and are often quite embarrassed to find out they either did not
know as much as they thought they knew or that their perceived intelligence was
not as important to others as it was to them. One of the greatest advantages of
my studies is the fact that the more I learn the more I realize I have to learn. The church at Corinth was undergoing a
similar realization and they were having a difficult time coming to grips with
this new reality. They, like many living in metropolitan areas of the 1st
Century, prided themselves on their knowledge and felt as though they had
everything figured out. Yet, here comes God in their lives and He is doing
things in ways they just cannot comprehend. To them the ways of God are foolish
because He was acting in ways that were contrary to what they believed to be
the best of human wisdom. Paul in this text demonstrates to them and us that there is
nothing wrong with the wisdom of God, for it is infinite in nature. The problem
is with man’s wisdom. Man and God think differently—Is.55:8-9. Thus, if man and
God see things differently, the problem does not lie in the wisdom of doing
things God’s way, it lies in our ability to understand the wisdom of doing
things God’s way. Paul concludes this passage by putting man
in his proper place. How? By stating that even the foolishness of God is wiser
than the wisdom of man and that the weakness of God is stronger than the strength
of man. It does not matter how wise we become—God is wiser. It does not matter
what man achieves in his own power—God is more powerful. There is a day coming when those who have
refused the wisdom of God will say, I should have chosen His way and not mine.
I should have trusted His wisdom and not mine. The only question will be; what
will you say? |
- Brian Mitchell serves as a
minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted
through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.netg  |
Thursday, March 16, 2023
The Foolishness of God
Guidelines for Generous Giving
By
Edd Sterchi I don’t know how many times I have had
someone come up to me and ask, “How much should I be giving?” That’s always a
tough question to answer, for it is indeed dependent upon many things. Under the Old Law, the tithe was the
standard giving amount for the faithful child of God. This consisted of ten
percent of the gross amount of one’s produce and/or earnings (cf. Lev.
27:30-32; Deut. 24:32). But the Old Law was nailed to the cross, and we are no
longer bound by those regulations (Col. 2:14). Under the New Covenant, Christians are to
give, to make their offering to God, in an individual, regular, predetermined,
and proportional manner (see 1 Cor. 16:2 as an example of all of these). But
that still does not answer the question of how much of one’s income one is
supposed to give. Is it 5%, 10%, 25%, etc.? In actuality, everybody’s situation
varies so much that God has left it up to each person to determine the amount
to give. But we also need to note this: God knows when we do not give the
proper amount or with the proper attitude. Too many times we may look at giving as
determining the smallest amount we can get away with, or possibly discovering
what spare change or small bills we can find in our pocket, purse, or wallet.
Maybe we should look at it as determining how much we can give back to God.
Given that thought, here are some guidelines for generous giving: * Give as much as you want to receive
back from the Lord. In Luke 6:38, Jesus told His disciples that they would
receive back from God in direct proportion to how much they gave (see also 2
Cor 9:6). So look at giving to God as a “down payment” on the blessings you
will receive from Him. * Give as much as you love the Lord and
His people. The Macedonian brethren are set forth as an example of generous
giving in 2 Cor. 8:1-5. Even in their poverty, they gave abundantly, because
they loved God and knew that their giving was a part of fellowshiping with His
people. So look at giving to God as a demonstration of your love and appreciation
for Him and what He has done for you. * Give as much as you want to see the
Lord’s church do. In 2 Cor. 9:8-14, the Corinthian Christians are commended for
their generous giving which helped the work of the church, specifically in the spreading
of the gospel and in benevolence to the needy. So look at giving as a
declaration of what you would like to see this congregation of the Lord’s
church do in His name. It is also important to note that we can
and should give of our time and talents as well as of our treasure to the Lord.
But when it comes down to the giving of our means that the Lord has blessed us
with, remember that our giving is a down payment on future blessings from God,
a demonstration of our passion for Him, and a declaration of how influential we
want His church to be. |
- Edd Sterchi preaches for
the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted
through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/ |
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Everyone
By Lance
Cordle People who saw the animated feature film
“Beauty and the Beast” will undoubtedly remember the song with the same title
as the movie, performed by Peabo Bryson and Celine Dion. Since that time, the
name of Celine Dion has been related to great music and her voice has been
admired by many people. She has performed concerts throughout the world and
sold millions of records. It has not been unusual to hear her name in the news
over the past few years as well. In December of 2022, Celine announced she had
been diagnosed with the rare disorder known as Stiff-Person Syndrome. It is a
painful neurological disorder and there is no cure for it. Celine is fifty-eight
years old and her career is in jeopardy because of this condition. In fact,
numerous concerts she had planned for the coming months have had to be
cancelled. What is interesting to observe is the fact
that most people would easily describe Celine Dion as a privileged and
successful person, and have been shocked to learn that she is dealing with such
a serious disorder. However, what this situation reveals is that everyone,
including celebrities, deals with some sort of serious personal issue on a
daily basis. As you greet the first person in your list of encounters of the
day, it would not be unheard for that person to have a serious illness, a death
in the family, or an emotional or physical handicap. Many other possibilities
could be given and various ones with whom you come into contact daily would be
dealing with them. Job is of course correct in his assessment
of the human condition “Man who is born of a woman is of few days and full of
trouble” (Job 14:1). No doubt, we are aware of our own issues and troubles, and
want people to be kind to us in their interactions with us. Why not return the
favor and assume that everyone you meet is in the process of dealing with
emotional or physical trauma and treat them with kindness? If you knew the cashier at the grocery
store had just experienced the death of a loved one, would you not treat them
with courtesy and consideration? If you knew that your supervisor or employer
had just been diagnosed with cancer, would you be as quick to criticize them?
If you knew your coworker was in a troubled marriage, would you be cruel in
your treatment of them? Long ago, Jesus gave us the perfect way to
deal with people who are facing personal crises. It is “built” for the
possibility of encountering someone who is hurting. Here is the formula: “So,
whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them . . .” (Matthew
7:12) We call it the Golden Rule and it still
works . . . for everyone. |
- Lance Cordle preaches the
Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted
through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com |
Be an Apollos
By Edd Sterchi In Acts 18:24-28, we are introduced to a
Christian names Apollos. He was a great example in spreading the word of God.
We can certainly learn from His ways. Notice for example: * He
was mighty in the Scriptures (v.24). He knew the Word of God, but it is also
important to note that he was always willing to learn them more accurately
(v.26). * He
was eloquent (v.24). He spoke in a manner that people wanted to hear what he had
to say. * He
was fervent in spirit (v.25). He was always excited about telling God’s truths. * He
spoke boldly (v.26). He was courageous in presenting the Word of God. He never
backed down from the truth. * He
always proved his point (v.28). He used the Scriptures to establish that what
he was speaking was from God. |
- Edd Sterchi preaches for
the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted
through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/ |
When is “The Truth” the Truth?
By
Bill Brandstatter Some investigations are going on about
classified documents. One investigation concerns former President Donald Trump.
The other one concerns current President Joe Biden. Both claim they did nothing
wrong; however, others are claiming they did. What is the truth? The truth is what is known. Jesus stated,
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Every person can know that saving truth the same way. There can be no doubt
about it. We have it in writing. God desires that all men be saved and come to
knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4). In our world of relative morality, we can
know for certainty that there is a standard that is reliable. We must use the
right authoritative standard in determining what is known. The truth is what is proclaimed. Often, we
don’t want to hear the truth. When Felix heard the truth from Paul, he
trembled. Later Paul wrote, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell
you the truth?” (Gal. 4:16) Paul was just a messenger. Today we need to proclaim
the truth in love. (Eph. 4:15) We need to love God and love our fellow man
enough for the message of truth to reach their hearts. The truth is what is written. This follows
the other two points quite well. This is a well-known fact. “Put it in writing”
is often a statement made to ensure security. When we buy anything, it is
always good to put it in writing. I still request this today when I get a call
of solicitation. God wanted His Word written down. Paul assures us of the
veracity of that which was written before in Rom. 15:4. God had the Old
Testament written for “our admonition.” (1 Cor. 10:11) Peter assured his
listeners that what was written by the prophets was truthful and was being
fulfilled. (Acts 3:24) Jesus mentioned that the prophecies written about Him
were being fulfilled. In Luke 24:44 our Lord stated, “All things must be
fulfilled that were written in the Law of Moses, and the Prophets, and the
Psalm concerning me.” (NKJV). The written truth must be looked at and used
correctly. Paul told Timothy the truth must be divided correctly. (2 Tim. 3:15)
Often today the truth on any matter may be shaded to fit a particular platform
or agenda. Could that happen with the Bible as well? We can know the truth about our salvation
and what God’s will for us is today. We need not trust any source other than
the word of God. God wants us to know it. We don’t need to doubt it. It can
save us and put us in eternity with Him. Jesus said “Sanctify them by your
truth. Your word is truth.” (John
17:17 NKJV) |
- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church
of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's
website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/ |
God in Our Image
By Ronald Bartanen The Bible teaches that God made man in His own
image (Gen. 1`:26-27), but man seems intent on making God into man’s
image. We care less about agreeing with
God and conforming to His laws than we are about imposing our own standards
that are more politically correct. The Bible presents God as the one supreme
being, Creator of heaven and earth,, and all therein. He is the living God, with ears to hear and
hands to help. This God is holy,
almighty, all-wise, all-powerful, and ever present. See such scriptures as Acts 17:23-29 and
14:15; Mark 12:29; 1 Timothy 6:15; 1 Peter 1:15, 16 and 1 John 4:8. Further, God is “Judge of all,” but also
the Savior of men and women who come to Him through Jesus Christ (Romans 2:16
and Titus 3:4-6). He is the one God of
both the Old and New Testaments. He may
not be the God everybody feels comfortable with. Some dislike His laws. Some do not want to answer to anyone for
their deeds, especially the One who knows their hearts. Some would prefer to serve a god tailor-made
by denominational and cultic creeds and dogmas, rather than the true God whose
truths are set forth by inspired apostles and prophets in holy Scripture (1
Timothy 3:16-17). Making God in our
image is nothing short of idolatry. Let’s cease making God in our image. It just won’t work! |
- Ronald Bartanen is a
retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois,
Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved
wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near
family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com |
Taking Inventory
By Joe Slater Businesses may take
inventory at the first of the year for tax purposes or to see if the company
was profitable last year. What about you and me? How did we do last year? What
adjustments do we need to make? Several matters call for an inventory: 1. Bible study (not just
reading, but study). Both public and private study instill God’s word into our
hearts. We ought to be known as walking Bibles! It can be so, but not without
serious Bible study. 2. Prayer. “You do not
have because you do not ask” (James 4:3). “Pray without ceasing” (1
Thessalonians 5:17). Need we say more? 3. Attendance. Satan has
used the pandemic to condition us into thinking in-person attendance is a mere option.
For the truly ill, watching the service on an electronic device is helpful. I
know that by experience! Nevertheless, when healthy, active people simply
choose not to show up, Scripture calls it sin (Hebrews 10:26). Lame excuses,
justifications, and rationalizations will never solve this! 4. Giving. God doesn’t
“need” anything from us (Acts 17:25). Giving has always been an indication of
love for God. The poorest Jew under the Law gave ten percent of his gross
income (not what was left after paying the bills). Most Jews gave a good deal
more. Under the New Covenant we are to give as God has prospered us (1
Corinthians 16:2). How would your income be affected if God prospered you in
proportion to the generosity of your giving? 5. Good works. You can
name dozens of bad things you haven’t done. That’s great? Now, what good works have
you done? That’s one purpose God has for you in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). It’s time to take
inventory! |
- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin,
TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com |