Shepherding – A Leadership Style

Posted by on January 18, 2007 under Bulletin Articles

The leadership style of shepherding is an ancient emphasis on godly leadership among God’s people. God wants His people to be led by those whose focus is on God, not controlled by those who are focused on human priorities or human agendas.

This leadership style always was God’s leadership style. In 1 Samuel 8 when Israel wanted a king, their desire was (a) for the wrong motives and (b) a distinct change in leadership styles. God never tolerated leadership over His people by evil men. The key solution to Samuel’s sons being evil (verse 3) was national repentance, not a change in leadership styles. God led. Humans dictated.

After God explained that kings were (a) expensive and (b) easily corrupted, Israel still insisted that the answer to their problems was a king-he would make them like other nations, he would judge them, and he would choose their battles and lead them into battle [they would become aggressors, not victims].

Their solution became their disaster. King Saul became blinded by dedication to his own power. His fears and insecurities determined his policies. King Solomon was blinded by his building programs and foreign wives. He lost sight of the needs of God’s people. Rehoboam committed to Solomon’s leadership style, not the needs of God’s people. The result: in only 120 years, Israel permanently divided.

The only exception was King David [not our choice because he committed adultery and murder]. When Israel came to David in Hebron (2 Samuel 5), they asked him to be their king. King Saul was consumed with himself. They wanted a change in leadership style. They wanted a shepherd. Before David was pursued by King Saul, they said Saul was king, but David was their shepherd. They considered David’s leadership style a mandate from God (1 Samuel 5:2). The fact that God’s style of leadership over Israel was that of a shepherd is inferred in 1 Samuel 7:7.

The emphasis on elders leading in the style of shepherds was [is] ancient, not new.

God has tremendous interest in people. Good shepherds have tremendous interest in the flock. God wants men to lead His people out of concern for the righteous well-being of the people. The church is God’s people. It is not about money, property, or society’s dictates. It is about the well-being of people. The “bottom line” always is this: what is in the best interest of people.

Blessed is the congregation who is led by men who are concerned about people. This is a difficult age often consuming people with society’s values instead of God’s. It is easy to tell people what they should do. It is demanding to be concerned for them in their struggles when they fail. “Do not be content to tell me I messed up! Love me when I fail [just as does God] and show me how to recover in Christ.”

The Costliness of Salvation

Posted by on January 16, 2007 under Sermons

Several years ago I talked to a new acquaintance about general interests to encourage the development of a relationship. Quickly I learned that we had similar interests in hunting and fishing. I asked the man what kind of hunting he enjoyed. He replied he liked to hunt small game–birds, rabbits, squirrels. I asked if he had any interest in deer hunting. (This was at a place in a time when deer were few and the deer hunting season short.) He smiled, replied no, and made a statement I remember: "That is too much candy for a nickel."

I knew immediately what he meant. The average deer hunter had great expectations he hoped to achieve with a minimum of effort. In most instances, those expectations were never realized.

I am convinced the phrase, "Too much candy for a nickel," is an appropriate description for a large, growing segment of the American society. We all need to beware or our lives will be trapped in the pursuit of looking for "too much candy for a nickel."

Ask a person what kind of job he/she wants. Most will not discuss the kind of work he/she wants to do. Instead, he/she will discuss the kind of benefits he/she wants. Likely those benefits include an excellent salary, incredible fringe benefits, a minimum of time required, and no demanding responsibility. The person rarely discusses personal productiveness, useful involvement, or a task resulting in personal fulfillment. The determination is to get as much candy as possible for a nickel.

Consider our society’s expectations. We want guaranteed medical help of every kind at modest prices. We want a minimum annual income for every adult even if the person refuses to work. We want to eliminate poverty even among those who by choice refuse to be productive. Basically, we want everyone to enjoy a good level of life with no one having to pay for it. Many increasingly think the government can pay for anything. Whether we want to admit it or not, this perspective affects all of us in our thinking on some level.

For years I have been fascinated by observing parallels between social-political attitudes and religious attitudes. Personally, I am convinced that the more our society pursues getting a lot of candy for a nickel, the more that philosophy influences our religious lives and spiritual commitments.

I see the philosophy of a lot of candy for a nickel at work in the minds of too many Christians in the expectation of a no cost salvation. The basic view of this concept is that all the benefits, all the promises, and all God’s blessings should be available to everyone for a nickel. Such people want to dwell exclusively on the fact that salvation is the free gift of God.

Does scripture teach there is a price associated with acquiring eternal life?

  1. Allow me to begin by noting some problems that disturb me.
    1. Problem one: I am disturbed by the dilemma created by considering salvation’s costliness.
      1. First, by emphasizing the responsibility of godly obedience for years, we have created a false impression in the minds of many Christians.
        1. Too many are convinced they can earn their salvation through a acceptable number of deeds in response to the proper commandments.
        2. This mistaken idea produces several problems.
        3. The problem of self righteousness–a person feels saved by virtue of his/her own "goodness."
          1. Nothing is more offensive to God than the human arrogance of self righteousness.
          2. Nothing destroys salvation any quicker than self righteousness.
        4. Too many are plagued by constant guilt.
          1. The person tries to do everything associated with perfect godliness and finds the attempt is an impossibility.
          2. The harder the person tries to earn salvation, the guiltier he/she feels.
          3. They are constantly impressed with their failures.
        5. Too many Christians are victims of hopelessness.
          1. Because perfect obedience alludes them, they are terrified of God.
          2. Every failure results in their despair.
          3. The Christian life becomes an existence of intense frustration rather than an existence of joy and hope.
      2. Second, by misunderstanding the role of works in salvation, as a solution to a dilemma we substitute the importance of God’s grace.
        1. When we properly emphasize that we can never earn our salvation (Ephesians 2:4-10), some are so relieved that they go to an opposite and equally wrong extreme.
        2. These people declare that all one must do is "trust the Lord," and they refuse all spiritual responsibility.
        3. The result: Christian life is a farce; obedience is forgotten; and Christians become spiritually irresponsible and negligent.
      3. Third, we desperately need a sound understanding of salvation.
        1. We need to understand we are saved by God’s grace.
          1. Salvation cannot be earned.
          2. Only proper faith in Christ allows us to live in God’s grace.
          3. It is that grace that enables us to have a life of joy, hope, and happiness that is free from despair and guilt.
        2. Yet, it is faith in what God did in Jesus’ cross and resurrection that expresses itself in appreciative, grateful obedience.
          1. Obedience trusts God’s grace.
          2. Appreciation of salvation expresses itself in total commitment.
          3. Obedience is an expression of gratitude, not an attempt to earn.
        3. Thus salvation involves a combination of God’s grace and human obedience.
    2. Problem two: I am also disturbed by the fact that many Christians are becoming materialists, sensualists, or both.
      1. A materialist–a person subscribing to the concept that physical well being should determine all conduct/behavior.
        1. The number one priority in life is the material.
        2. This person’s life is preoccupied with things; he gives the highest importance to things; and lives for things.
        3. Consideration of God or people are secondary to his/her consideration of things.
      2. A sensualist–a person who believes life’s highest priority is satisfying physical wants and desires.
        1. The appetites of life determine the course, conduct, and interest in life.
        2. This person lives to satisfy physical wants.
        3. Anything in the way of satisfying physical wants must be moved–even if it is God or people.
      3. Too many Christians live more for material purposes than for spiritual purposes.
      4. Too many Christians live more for sensual purposes than for spiritual purposes.
      5. It scares me to see how easily all of us believe we can combine Christianity with materialism, sensualism, or both.
    3. Problem three: the belief we can get a lot of candy from God for a nickel.
      1. While it is true that we cannot "buy" God’s grace,
      2. It is also true that it takes more than a nickel to continue in that grace.
      3. Do you honestly believe that you can receive:
        1. Forgiveness of all past sins.
        2. Continual forgiveness of mistakes
        3. The constant right to approach God’s throne.
        4. Daily spiritual strength.
        5. Special strength in crisis.
        6. God’s presence in death.
        7. Eternal life after death.
      4. For:
        1. Assembling in a building one to four times a week.
        2. Praying when it is convenient.
        3. Getting up a Sunday school lesson when it is convenient.
      5. That is a lot of candy for a nickel!

  2. Consider 1 Peter 1 with me.
    1. After the salutation, Peter called attention to the great blessings given the Christian found only in Jesus Christ.
      1. Look at verses 3-5.
        1. Note the stress on our hope.
          1. We were spiritually conceived in hope.
          2. Hope was at the foundation of our response to Christ.
          3. Hope is the reason we live in Christ.
          4. That hope is a living hope–not a mere wish!
          5. That living hope is not subject to death because it is based on a resurrection.
        2. Note the inheritance.
          1. Christians are spiritual heirs.
          2. We have an inheritance–we anticipate our promised land, our own country.
          3. This place we will inherit is incorruptible–not subject to decay, imperishable, not temporary [as is this existence].
          4. This place is undefiled–it is not polluted by evil; it serves only God’s purposes.
          5. This place is permanent, does not fade away–what we know as time has no impact on it; it cannot become old; its significance cannot be dimmed; there is no "end" to dread.
        3. Note the protection.
          1. As long as we continue relationship with Christ, God’s power guards us.
          2. Christians live in anticipation of the ultimate salvation, life with God.
    2. Consider the beautiful way Peter emphasizes the beauty of these blessings in verses 10-12.
      1. Christians right now enjoy the finest spiritual privileges God has yet revealed.
      2. The prophets of old knew God was yet to reveal wonderful privileges.
        1. They searched for the time when these privileges would be revealed hoping it would be in their lifetime.
        2. Yet, they found it was not for them in their lifetime but for those who would accept the Messiah.
      3. When we think of men like Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel we think of towers of strength.
        1. Yet, those men would have gladly traded places with us just to have the opportunity to have what we take for granted.
        2. As great as they were, they never had what you and I have in Christ.
    3. Pay particular attention to verses 13-19.
      1. Peter already enumerated the blessings.
      2. He already emphasized the privileges.
      3. Now he discusses the price.
      4. First, he says prepare yourself to receive these blessings.
        1. Gird up your minds.
          1. Their robes got in the way of manual labor.
          2. They wore what we would call belts–he said tuck your lower robe in your belt.
          3. We would say things like "roll up your sleeves" or "pull off your coat".
          4. They were to get their minds ready to work.
          5. Lazy minds produce thoughtless acts that work against salvation.
          6. Mindless ritual is meaningless to God.
          7. Salvation involves mind and body.
        2. Be sober.
          1. Think seriously about your salvation.
          2. When you deal with sin, death, and destruction after judgment, make careful, sensible, wise decisions.
          3. Salvation is not a concept that deserves no more than a passing thought.
        3. Set your hope on the grace in Christ.
          1. Your full hope is placed in Christ, not in yourself.
          2. Your hope is real–you are committed to serving God all the time!
      5. Second, he said live righteously in your conduct.
        1. We will be children of obedience.
          1. Obedience will be our first and last name.
          2. We will not rebel against God!
        2. We will refuse to return to the existence of ignorance of God.
        3. We will accept the responsibility to be holy in our behavior
          1. Since God is holy, we must set holiness as our standard to be His children.
          2. As God is totally set apart from sin, we consciously seek to set ourselves apart from sin.
      6. Third, we realize the seriousness of our commitment.
        1. If we call God our Father, we must live for Him in the awe of respect.
        2. Never forget the price He paid to redeem us–to make relationship with Him possible.
          1. The life of a slave was redeemed with money.
          2. God used something more precious than money to purchase our freedom–he used the blood of His sinless son.
          3. If we accept His redemption, we must live in awareness of what it cost Him.
      7. Being a Christian is a precious privilege and a serious responsibility.

How serious are you about being saved? Is it the most important goal in your life? Have you prepared your mind to serve? Are you a child of obedience? Is your behavior holy?

Or do you think you can live as you please in unconcern for God? Do you think you can occasionally give God a polite smile and thank you and reach heaven with no problem? Do you think you can have all of God’s benefits without any personal cost?

God’s candy cost more than a nickel!

A Challenge Facing Congregational Leadership

Posted by on January 11, 2007 under Bulletin Articles

I was asked to share my insights on congregational leadership. I was not provided thoughts–the insights are my own. If you disagree, disagree with me.

Selecting elders is a unique moment in a congregation’s history. It can be a great affirmation of God’s goals. It can be a tragic commitment to human agendas that change a congregation’s focus for decades. It is always a courageous commitment to faith in God, or a commitment to convenience that seeks comfort. Amidst swirling fears, it can be a time of fear rather than an opportunity for faith. If Christians hold genuine confidence in God, it should be a unique moment of faith.

Among the many challenges confronting those who lead is the challenge of congregational diversity. Younger and older Christians hold different perspectives. The struggles of Christians from non-spiritual backgrounds are often distinctive. Christians from differing heritages and traditions do not have identical concerns as Christians from three [or more] generations in churches of Christ. Christians with differing ethnic or national backgrounds view this world and its problems from differing views.

A remarkable thing about this congregation: the ability to respect Christians whose faith and repentance led them to baptism into Christ EVEN IF WE DISAGREE LATER. Quickly additional elders will confront this diversity. Soon they will decide if God’s purposes are achieved through unity in diversity or conformity to demands.

The problem is not new. In fact, it is as old as the church. Diversity between Jewish and Gentile Christians created enormous first century church problems. You can see this problem in Scripture. Consider Jewish Christians’ reaction in Acts 11:1-3 to the conversion of the non-Jewish Cornelius in Acts 10. Not even a vision from God altered their distaste for any non-Jewish person! Consider the conflict between Jewish and Gentile Christians in Acts 15:1-5. This dispute had to be referred to the Jerusalem leadership! Consider the resentment of Jewish Christians toward Paul because he dared convert Gentiles (Act 21:20-22). Their elders could not prevent the explosion fueled by Jewish false rumors targeting Paul! A core issue prompting Galatians was this conflict between Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ. Consider more about first century “in church” conflicts by reading, Unity and Uniformity in the Early Church, on our Web site.

We are a diverse congregation. A leadership that respects this diversity is essential to spiritual success as we seek God’s goals. God’s purposes, not human agendas, must guide us as God’s people.

The Next Time You Say, ‘It’s Not Fair!’

Posted by on January 4, 2007 under Bulletin Articles

When frustration overwhelms you, when negative emotions consume you, force yourself to take a moment to remember Him to whom you look for salvation. Remember the One who is your pathway to God. Remember the One who is your door from blinding darkness to guiding light.

From the day He was born, He never slept on a pillow-top mattress. He never lived in a house with running hot and cold water. He never took a hot shower. He never turned on a light switch. He never had a kitchen with a microwave oven, a toaster oven, a mixer, or a refrigerator. He never once rode in a car, or on a bicycle, or in or on a truck, or on a bus, or in a train or airplane. He never spoke on a phone, or sent an e-mail, or received an e-mail, or mailed a letter, or read a newspaper, or watched T.V.

He never saw a hall, read a typeset book, took a “course,” or examined a library. He never shot a gun, cast a reel, put a model together, saw a movie, read a comic, went to a rodeo, or played a video game.

One of our vacations might finance Him for His adult lifetime. The money we often spend in “downtime activities” would likely take care of His whole life needs for months. Though He walked miles every month, he never owned a pair of boots. His life was simple — eat what you can get when it is available; walk a lot; sleep where you can when you can; talk to those who will listen; pray a lot as you honor God for His blessings.

As simple as His life was, some things have never changed. Relationships are still difficult. Injustices still hurt. Expectations still collapse. People still hurt you. Rejection is still hard to take. Being misunderstood still grieves you inwardly. Evil still exists. Bad things still happen to good people. Frustration and disappointment can still destroy us. It is easier to be a pessimist who gives up than a person of faith who makes a difference. Progress still must be measured in persons, not nations.

The next time you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself, think of Him. Doing without Him would mean losing life’s focus and meaning. Your life is changed, not because of what He had, but because of who He is. Your life will change others for good, not because of what you have, but because of who you are. Dare to let His image become your image!

The fact that He died for us will never be fair, not even in the final judgment!

Hope in Despair

Posted by on December 21, 2006 under Bulletin Articles

Now for many is the time for renewed hope. We are accustomed to life in a world of failed expectation. We need “someone” who “can do something about it.” No matter what the age we examine, war continues; poverty is a part of existence; injustice flourishes; sickness rages; and death is inescapable.

We have grown so accustomed to these realities that we no longer expect an end to war, poverty, injustice, sickness, or death. When a war ends, we “know” another will arise (does anyone remember WWI?). When one case of poverty ends, several more replace it (around 600 people came Saturday to the Hope Chest). When one form of injustice ends, others appear (the “cigar-filled room” that often controlled a political process is replaced with technological injustices). When a sickness is “conquered,” others arise (remember a world without AIDS?). Physical death is the ultimate reality for all physically born (contrast a 1996 church directory with the 2006 church directory). If hope is based on any of these ceasing in physical existence, all that occurs is disappointment.

Hope always comes at a price. The hope we place in the infant Jesus ended in physical death in a Roman execution. Hope did not die. Jesus died. Hope continued in his resurrection. The baby became a man who physically died. That was hope’s price.

Do not expect a physical existence of no war, no poverty, no injustice, no sickness, or no death. The hope of his birth was the hope of his cross. The hope of his cross was the hope of his resurrection. The hope of his resurrection was our hope of life in God’s presence. In that “place” there is no war, no poverty, no injustice, no sickness, and no death.

God’s hope is not the hope of wishing. It is the hope of expectation. Anticipation must be a factor in Christian hope! Because we are “good”? NO! Because the good God gave us hope in all He did in Jesus’ death and resurrection!

Often this week I heard Joyce say: “Why should I want to live my life over? I am closer to heaven now than I was in my past. Why should I want to go back?”

Because of Jesus, you can live with God. You cannot go back. Do what is possible!

Admiring Jesus

Posted by on December 14, 2006 under Bulletin Articles

“Can you believe he/she did that? If anyone deserved the struggles he/she endures daily, he/she is that person! Whatever he/she endures, he/she brought it on himself/herself!”

After the mockery of the trials, after a sham “conviction” that sought perjured testimony, after the beating, after the crown of thorns, after the ridicule, after the humiliation of attempting to carry the cross, after the pain of being nailed to the cross, after the agony of being suspended by means of the cross, after experiencing the screaming pain of execution, Jesus made this statement (recorded in Luke 23:34):

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”

I wonder how many times when I do something really stupid and thoughtless, that Jesus as my mediator before God, makes the same request for me. I wonder how often when in “good intentioned” ignorance, I am an obstacle rather than a help to God’s purposes, and Jesus asks for my forgiveness.

It has been said that the purpose of a good education is to reveal to us the realities of our ignorance. May I suggest that one of life’s purposes is to reveal to us our incredible ignorance? It is only when we see our ignorance that we know we need a Savior.

Wisdom is not the result of how much we know, but the result of being honest with self and others about how much we do not know. No one is as much the victim of ignorance as the person who is convinced he/she knows everything about anything.

The objective of Christianity is NOT to make us dogmatic, but compassionate. No one was ever in a situation to justly allow people to bear the consequences of their own ignorance as was Jesus in his crucifixion. Yet, in full knowledge of what God was doing, Jesus asked for forgiveness of those who rejected him in the bravado of their genuine ignorance.

Thank you, Jesus, for coming to this earth. Thank you for showing us compassion when we deserved (and continue to deserve) justice. Though we continue causing you pain, you show us love. May you never stop being our example of compassion’s meaning!

‘Now’ Is Today – Which May Be All There Is!

Posted by on December 7, 2006 under Bulletin Articles

This morning was interesting. It began by my reading an obituary of a friend, a doctor, killed in a car accident at 53 years of age. I knew him first as a single student in some of my Bible classes at a student center. The young lady who became his wife was in those classes. It is very difficult to believe that a friend 13 years younger than me is no longer a part of earthly life. To me, that is quite sobering!

Shortly after that, I read Joe Pistole’s message about the death of Andrew Brady. He was a young, unmarried coach in a Christian school with deep roots in this Christian community. An aneurysm unexpectedly took his life and devastated his parents!

My point is to challenge us to be sober and appreciative. I do not seek to be morbid!

Among those who believe Jesus Christ is God’s son who provides the world with salvation, this time of the year is hope-filled. God’s promise to do something unique provided past hope. The Son’s coming made that hope a reality. His hope of resurrection makes life meaningful now. That hope gives the future its greatest meaning.

Prior to Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and resurrection, life and the world were pretty hopeless. Without the resurrected Jesus, they still are. No matter what we accumulate, what we have, or what we are worth, it is all temporary. As the present quickly becomes the past, the haunting question is, “Why? Why does it matter?”

May I paraphrase a statement in a lesson Jesus gave? In the context of those who chased security through theological correctness (Matthew 5:21-6:18), those who chased security through possessions (Matthew 6:19-24), and those who worried because of what they did not have (Matthew 6:25-33), Jesus challenged people to look at “today” differently.

All we can do with the past is learn from it. All we can do with the future is worry about what it will bring. If we spend today fretting about the past or being anxious about the future, all we achieve is a wasting of “now.” Be alive “now.” Do good “now.” Never neglect the problems and challenges of “now.”

The truth is this: All we have is “now.” “Now” learns from the past, refuses to waste itself worrying about the future, and takes care of “now’s” needs.

Do not waste today thinking about what you should have done. Do not waste it fretting about the future. Use “now” well because it is all you have.

Accept these facts. Security is not found in theological positions. Security is not found in possessions. Security is not found in anxiety. Security is found in the resurrection by those who are wise enough to use “now” as an investment in God.

Never stop being grateful for what you have. Never look at the temporary as permanent.

Land of Bondage or Opportunity?

Posted by on December 5, 2006 under Sermons

What makes physical life a land of bondage to some and a land of opportunity to others?

For some life is always a land of bondage. In all circumstances, all they ever see is trouble. Nothing ever works for their advantage. All blessings turn to bitterness. Even with good health, a good family, trustworthy friends, a secure job, and a good home, life is still bleak and oppressive.

Yet, others find life to be ceaseless opportunity. The greater their adversities are, the greater their opportunities are. Poor health liberates their personality. Hardships are stepping stones to a fuller life. Trials are a ladder to a higher plain of living. Every adversity that comes their way results in a blessing to them.

You know what I am saying is true. You have observed it too often. If a person for whom life is bondage and a person for whom life is opportunity are placed in the same circumstances, the first would still be in bondage and the second would still see opportunity. If the circumstances were excellent, it would be the same. If the circumstances were horrible, it would be the same.

Why? Why is that true? It is not merely external conditions that produce our outlook on life. Internal outlooks are just as important. Quite often, what we are within ourselves chain us to bondage or liberate us to see opportunity. That is why the Christian’s greatest concern in life must not be focused on changing external conditions. It must be focused on developing the inner person into a genuine person of God.

Examine the life of a person who was physically sold into slavery but never lived in bondage. His name is Joseph, and I challenge you to think about him in a manner that maybe you never thought about him before.

  1. Consider how Joseph turned his land of bondage into his land of opportunity.
    1. Begin with a look at his early life.
      1. His father was Jacob and his mother Rachel.
        1. Joseph was the oldest son born to Rachel, and one of only two sons Rachel gave birth to.
        2. Rachel was Jacob’s favorite wife, in fact she was likely the only wife he wanted.
        3. As a result of Rachel being Jacob’s favorite wife, Joseph was his favorite child among all his thirteen children.
      2. Jacob showed favoritism to Joseph in striking ways.
        1. Joseph did not work in the fields with the flocks as did his brothers.
        2. His father also gave him a special garment to wear to symbolize his special love for Joseph.
      3. Joseph also had two dreams that implied his family members would some day bow before him.
      4. I think we are justified in drawing some conclusions about Joseph’s life at this point.
        1. As a teenager, he seems to have been spoiled by the special treatment his father showed him.
        2. That special treatment from the father resulted in his brothers resenting him as they harbored feelings of jealousy.
        3. Joseph’s dreams and his handling of those dreams did nothing to improve his relationship with his brothers.
      5. It comes as no surprise when his brothers vent their resentment and jealousy.
        1. Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers as they tended the flocks.
        2. Joseph had difficulty locating his brothers.
        3. When, finally, the bothers saw him coming, they plotted his death.
          1. They said, "Here comes the dreamer! Let’s kill him, thrown him into a pit, say a wild animal ate him, and see what becomes of his dreams!"
          2. Only Reuben prevented the others from killing Joseph by convincing them to put him alive into a pit.
          3. Reuben intended to later release him and return him to Jacob.
        4. Soon, when Reuben was gone, the brothers saw a caravan of traders [Ishmaelites] on the way to Egypt.
          1. Greed became stronger than hate.
          2. Judah suggested there was not profit in killing Joseph–they should sell him as a slave.
          3. The others agreed [in Reuben’s absence], drew Joseph out of the pit, and sold him into slavery.
        5. When Reuben returned, he was overcome with remorse!
          1. To hide their act, they took Joseph’s special garment, soaked it in goat blood, and returned it to their father with the report that Joseph was killed by a wild animal.
          2. Like most of us, the sons never considered the effect of their act on their father.
          3. His sorrow created an impression they vividly remembered years later.
    2. From the incident at the pit, Joseph’s life encountered one hardship after another.
      1. Consider his life under Potiphar.
        1. When Joseph arrived in Egypt, he was sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh’s guard.
          1. Joseph had grown up as a rich man’s son.
          2. He had grown up as the favored son of the rich man.
          3. He knew what to do and how to act as a slave in a prosperous household.
          4. Yet, can you imagine the adjustment involved in falling from the status of a rich man’s son to the status of a slave?
        2. To Potiphar Joseph proved himself to be responsible, resourceful, and trustworthy.
          1. Joseph prospered in all he did.
          2. He prospered to the extent that Potiphar put Joseph in charge of everything.
          3. Potiphar did not even know what he owned!
        3. Just as the situation looked hopeful, Potiphar’s wife was attracted to Joseph and began an continual effort to seduce him.
          1. Joseph resisted her advances for two reasons.
            a) He could not abuse Potiphar in that manner.
            b) He could not sin against God.
        4. She persisted until one day she found him alone in the house.
          1. When he resisted her advances, she took hold of his robe in an attempt to force him.
          2. He left the robe in her hand and fled.
          3. Angered by his rejection, she screamed and told the other servants Joseph attempted to rape her.
          4. She reported the same story to her husband that evening.
          5. In anger, Potiphar had Joseph placed in the royal prison.
        5. Can you imagine Joseph’s sense of hurt and disappointment for being punished for something he refused to do?
      2. Consider Joseph’s life in prison.
        1. There he demonstrated the same resourcefulness and trustworthiness.
          1. All he did went well.
          2. Soon he was in charge of all the prisoners.
        2. Later Pharaoh became upset with his baker and butler and had them placed in the royal prison.
          1. They came under Joseph’s care.
          2. One day he noted both looked especially sad.
          3. Joseph discovered they were troubled by dreams they could not interpret.
          4. Joseph interpreted their dreams with only the request that he be remembered.
        3. When the butler was restored to his position, he forgot about Joseph.
    3. Here we need to make two observations.
      1. We do Joseph a real injustice if we do not appreciate the spiritual values and principles instilled in his life as a child.
        1. He may have been spoiled.
        2. However, his understanding of God was not neglected.
      2. It amazes me given his early background that Joseph could and did react to adversity the way he did.
        1. His understanding of God preserved him.
    4. Think about some alternate reactions to his adversities Joseph could have had.
      1. When he woke up in Egypt as a slave, he could have said:
        1. "Life had dealt me a horrible injustice!"
        2. "I had it all–a future, power, certain prosperity, and happiness!"
        3. "Now I have nothing–and there is no chance my father will find me or that I will escape."
        4. "There is little benefit I can derive from this awful situation–I will still be a slave no matter what happens."
        5. "I will just get by–Potiphar may own me, but he will soon learn he did not get much for his money!"
      2. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, he could have thought:
        1. "My parents did not know how wrong they were–thoughts about God are pure nonsense!"
        2. "My problems are only going to increase!"
        3. "The odds of my marrying as a slave are not good."
        4. "Since I am a slave, I better grab what pleasure I can get when I can get it."
        5. "It is time for me to find some pleasure."
        6. "Sure, I trusted God–but where did that get me?"
        7. "Sure, my parents taught me the ways of God–but now I am in the real world and must be realistic."
        8. "Potiphar will never know the difference!"
      3. When he was in prison he could have reasoned:
        1. "The dignity of man, the rewards of integrity, the principles of honor–what a laugh!"
        2. "Where was dignity when my brothers sold me?"
        3. "Where was integrity when I did ‘the right thing’ in refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife?"
        4. "Where was honor after I interpreted the dreams?"
        5. "People use people–kindness given is kindness forgotten!"
        6. "The only real philosophy is ‘look out for yourself.’"
      4. If at any time Joseph embraced these views, he would have been a man of bondage in a land of bondage.
    5. The inner man, the real person Joseph was, used his trials as steps on the ladder of triumph.
      1. Because he refused to "get by," because he was a man of honor who accepted personal responsibility, because he refused to forget God, because he maintained concern for people, Egypt became his land of opportunity.
      2. When Pharaoh had a dream that defied interpretation, the butler remembered Joseph.
      3. Because Joseph was sustained by his faith and godly character, things happened in Egypt that would never have happened in Palestine.
        1. He ascended to the position of the second most powerful man in the world.
        2. He delivered that world’s greatest nation from famine and ruin.
        3. He delivered his own family from starvation.
        4. He united his family in peace.
  2. Very few of you will live a life that does not have tragic moments.
    1. If you knew what would take place in your life before you died, you likely would waste today by worrying about the future.
      1. A lot of people you care about will die before you do.
      2. Your marriage will know downs as well as ups.
      3. There will be times when your children will break your heart.
      4. You will move to places you do not wish to live.
      5. Your life will be an economic roller coaster.
      6. You will live with the consequences of some bad decisions.
      7. And all of that will occur if you are blessed to live in a time of peace.
    2. Each of us must know the true issue confronting us.
      1. The true issue confronting us is not who we are when everything is going well.
      2. The true issue confronting us is who are we when nothing is going well.

Every day of life, there is a lot you can do to help yourself, and a lot you can do to hinder yourself. For Joseph, Egypt was never a land of bondage. It was always his land of opportunity. His faith in God and strength of godly character sustained him. May our faith in God and strength of godly character sustain us in a world hostile to God. May faith in God and godly character determine who we are rather than adversity determining who we are.

May every stage of our lives be our land of opportunity. May we understand that Christian faith, Christian living, and godly principles are never nonsense even in times of adversity.

Just Perfect!

Posted by on November 30, 2006 under Bulletin Articles

Why did I dread the holiday season? I dreaded it because I seemed powerless as an onslaught of depressed people surrounded me. For many, this is a depressing time of the year. The millions of dollars spent in advertising to elevate expectations create either a false hope or force people to deal with a painful reality. Either they expect something unexplainable to happen that will not happen, or they are painfully reminded of what they have lost. All I had to use to console the depressed was the message (a) that there are no ideal families, (b) there are no ideal friends, and (c) often personal desires are not fulfilled in our physical world.

For a family who has experienced a death, for a person living in inescapable poverty, for those victimized by troubled relationships, and for those who have always wanted what many they watch take for granted, this is not a time filled with joy. It is a time filled with reminders of what they do not have and are powerless to change.

To the depressed, overwhelming questions crash upon them like the tidal wave that precedes a coastal flood. “Why me?” “What is so undesirable about me?” “Why do I not have what everyone else has?” “Why can I not experience my desires?” “Why have I experienced so much trouble and so little joy?” “What did I do to deserve this?”

May I make some suggestions about making this a tolerable time of the year for most? First, be grateful. When you take your eyes off of what you do not have and place them on what you do have, it changes your priorities. Second, do not minimize the agony of the troubled. I understood long ago that if I changed places with the struggling, I most likely would be worse than they. Third, encourage those you know who struggle. It is amazing how awareness of the struggling, thoughtful statements, and kindness can change perspectives. Fourth, realize we exist in an unjust world. You cannot eliminate all injustice, but you can represent the God who cares and is the source of hope.

God’s good news is not about physical circumstances. It is about eternal realities.

Hebrews 2:17, 18 “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”

Why Did They Do It?

Posted by on November 29, 2006 under Sermons

A person cannot read the book of Acts with open eyes and open heart and not be amazed at the actions and activities of men and women who were the first Christians. Can you imagine people so converted to Christ on a pilgrimage that they refused to return home when their money ran out because they wanted to understand the good news about Christ in completeness? That occurred with some converts who heard the good news on Pentecost. Can you imagine a congregation so close to each other that they met every day to encourage each other as they praised God? Can you imagine finding so much joy and fulfillment in Christ that we would meet every day voluntarily, without command, to glorify God? Can you imagine having an a community who where not Christians acknowledging the Christians were a beneficial part of the community? That describes the earliest congregation in Jerusalem. Can you imagine willingly selling private possessions to help people you do not know but who believe in Christ? That is what Christians did in Acts 4:32-37.

One of the most amazing qualities of early Christians was their evangelistic fervor. In about 70 years, those Christians took the good news concerning Jesus Christ throughout Palestine, to Syria, throughout Asia Minor, to Europe, to North Africa, with plans to go to Spain–and that is just where we know about! They commonly did this in pagan societies that were more immoral than today’s world. They often did it as they faced personal sacrifice and persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. They did not have missionaries and evangelists–they were what we call missionaries and evangelist.

Look at what Acts says about the activities of some of these first Christians: Acts 8:1-5, "Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. Therefore, those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Christ to them."

Acts 8:25 says of Peter and John, "So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans."

Acts 8:40 says of Philip after he baptized the eunuch, "But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea."

Acts 9:32 says of Peter, "Now as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda."

Acts 11:19-21 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.

The outreach work of early Christians was in no way limited to the activities of Paul and Barnabus. Evidence indicates the joyous fervor was characteristic of many converts to Christ. Indications are the congregations in places like Colosae and Laodicea existed because Christians from other places taught the people of those places.

To me one of the sad facts about today’s Christians is that many of us take the outreach of the church for granted. To often our attitude is, "So they shared their faith in Christ with others. Fine. But so what?" We are not touched by their incredible expression of faith and commitment. Their joy in Christ was too real not to share!

  1. To attempt to etch their sharing of Christ with others, mentally trade places with them.
    1. Suppose:
      1. The preacher, elders, and deacons were arrested for preaching the gospel, taken to court, and given a legal injunction against further preaching and teaching as were Peter and John in Acts 5.
      2. Suppose they defied the injunction, were arrested again, and were publicly beaten for their arrogant rejection of the injunction.
      3. Then a zealous leader, like Stephen, gets into a religious discussion about the identity of Jesus Christ, is arrested, and is executed for his public religious stand as in Acts 7.
      4. Then one who hates Christians obtains the legal power to make a house-to-house search for Christians, literally drags them out of their homes, has them jailed and tried, with the result is that some are executed.
      5. The threat is so real and close that you leave your home and property to find a new place to locate.
    2. What would you do?
      1. "I would get out of town just like they did!"
      2. Then what?
        1. Would you slip in quietly, go about your business, and avoid mentioning you came from the place that ran Christians out of town?
        2. Would you weep and complain about all you lost?
        3. Would you angrily denounce those who ran you out of town?
        4. Would you resent God for letting such injustice fall on you?
        5. Or, would you rejoice at the opportunity to suffer for Jesus and tell others about the priceless joy of being a Christian seeking to convert them to Christ?
      3. Remember, the outreach of early Christians was born in hatred, persecution, and rejection, not in the kindness of open hearts who asked for the good news about Christ.
  2. Why did they do it?
    1. "They loved the Lord!"
      1. I have no doubt they did!
      2. Do not you, too, love the Lord?
      3. Would any of you publicly declare you do not love the Lord?
      4. If they loved the Lord and you love the Lord, that does not seem to be the explanation.
    2. "They were commanded to do that!"
      1. Commands emphasize responsibility, but seldom motive that kind of commitment.
      2. Besides, most of us admit their commands are our commands.
      3. It seems there was more to their commitment than a command.
    3. "They had to do it!"
      1. When I read Acts, it seems obvious they did it out of desire rather the necessity.
      2. It surely would have been easier to find a quiet place, peacefully settle in, and dedicate yourself to being "Jesus private follower."
      3. It seems to involve much more than necessity.
    4. I submit they discovered something in Jesus Christ that was so valuable, so cherished, so priceless they wanted to share it even in the face of hardship.
      1. Forgiveness of sin and freedom from guilt was a priceless gift!
      2. Sanctification, justification, and purification were gifts beyond measure!
      3. The love of God and Christ was (is) beyond comprehension!
      4. To be children of God, not slaves to a deity is incredible!
      5. Everything they found in Christ was available to all people!
    5. I also submit that the first Christians found in Christ something many of today’s Christians never have discovered.
      1. How long has it been since you deeply, genuinely thanked God for all He did in Jesus Christ?
      2. How long has it been since you seriously thought about your forgiveness, that God remembers your sin no more, and that he does not impute sin to your life?
      3. How long has it been since you thought about what Christ contributes to your marriage, your parenting skills, or your personal relationships?
      4. How long has it been since you appreciated the gift and power of prayer?
      5. How long has it been since you valued the strength and hope of faith?
      6. How long has it been since you cherished the fellowship of Christians?
      7. How long has it been since you were grateful for being a new creation in Christ?
      8. Can you with hold those precious things from those who struggle because they do not know or have them?

The more you value your salvation, the more imperative it becomes that you share it. You do not seek to force it on someone–you share it. That is the key to evangelistic zeal and fervor. To share it, you must value it.

Never forget because you have Christ you have something to share. May your life and who you are encourage people to want what you have found in Christ.

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