Renewal

As we turn the pages of our calendars over to greet a new year, I offer the following thoughts to encourage each of us to a commitment of renewal in our relationship with our Father.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. - Psalm 51:10

Renewal

As the last grain of sand slips from time’s hourglass;
     Or the hand of the clock sweeps past the midnight;
Again we will witness another year pass
     Into history as time hurries on in its flight.

Looking back on the old year at things that have been,
     Wishing for chances to change some of them,
I’m seeing that some of my past includes sin,
     Yet knowing my Lord says to bring them to Him.

I know my past deeds cannot be undone,
     So I look to the future, to what lies ahead.
By putting my trust in God and His Son,
     I’m determined to follow the Words He has said.

“Come unto me and follow My ways.
     Show others the kindness you want to be shown.
Be a faithful disciple for all of your days.
     Let My love be that by which you are known.”

“Let your light shine brightly to all whom you see.
     And reflect God’s glory through the works that you do.
So others will know: you are following Me;
     And be assured that My Father will glorify you.”

Yes, a new year begins with the tick of the clock
     As the hand creeps past the twelve o’clock hour.
But my life is renewed by faith in the Rock,
     As I live every day by the strength of His power.

tl 12/23/08

A New Commandment

(And its Results)

In John 13:34 Jesus tells His apostles that He is giving them a new commandment - “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Nothing really new about love, though, is there? God has taught that from the beginning. Even loving your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus 19:18) Jesus calls it a new commandment, though. What is the difference, then? Well, Jesus has not merely given a command to love, but how to love - “as I have loved you.”

Think about it. Seriously. How do you love others in the Family of God? Not just a few but the whole Family. The poet said, “How do I love thee, let me count the ways.” How did / does Jesus love us? Let’s count a few of the ways. Sacrificially … openly … patiently … without prejudice … understandingly … without favoritism … forgivingly … as a friend … unendingly … unconditionally … whether we are poor or rich, pretty or homely, educated or uneducated … cross - culturally … without regard to age … compassionately … UNTO DEATH AND BEYOND! The list could go on and on. And that’s how I should love you.

Consider the words from 1 John 4:7-11, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

In the first century people responded to the love of Jesus. People in the twenty-first century need to see that same love. I am convinced that people will respond to it, too. It is our responsibility to let the world see that love in, and through, the church. And the church is US!!

This is the kind of love that brings results. This is the kind of love that lets others know who we are. Jesus says in verse 35 of John 13, “By this shall all men know you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.”

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Absolute?

(ab-so-lute) - perfect in itself; fixed; irrevocable

Nothing is absolute! At least that is what some scientists say. Then, others talk about absolute quantities, formulae, etc. And there are philosophers who contend that nothing is black and white - everything is a shade of gray. This seems to be the popular way to think today. All things are relative.

One area in which it is popular to think there are no absolutes is religion. “What I feel is what matters,” say some. Let’s look at some absolute statements about God and what He wants. God Himself says in Exodus 20:23, “I am the Lord your God, which have brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before me.” Jesus restated this when the devil tempted Him in the wilderness as recorded in Matthew 4:10. We can see, then, that we can have or worship no other god but Jehovah God. And Hebrews 1:6 says, “...for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” This would dispel the idea that some have about God being dead yet still trying to be religious.

Belief in, and worship of, the one true living God is something absolute. If we settle for less we cannot be pleasing to God. This absoluteness is also true concerning Jesus. Consider these absolute statements made by Jesus or His inspired writers.

Matthew 28:19 - “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” All men must, then, be taught of Christ. We must (absolute) receive the word before we can do anything else.

John 8:24 - “I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sin; for if you believe not that I am he, you shall die in your sins.”

Luke 13:3 - “I tell you, No; but except you repent, you shall also perish.”

Matthew 10:32 - “Whosoever therefore will confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.”

Mark 16:16 - “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that does not believe shall be condemned.”

John 15:6 - “If a man does not abide in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.”

These are absolute statements. None can be neglected. If we accept Jesus as the Christ, we must accept what He says. Don’t you agree? He said, “Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life…” in Matthew 7:14. It should be refreshing that there is something absolute for us to turn to - especially when it concerns the eternal salvation of the soul.

Another part of the definition of absolute is “the will or power of the Almighty.” Indeed, His will is absolute. It is for our good. However, we have the power of choice.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Who Are The “Unchurched?”

I appreciate the positive comments I received on the lesson Sunday morning on the church being a hospital for sinners. I have long been convinced there are many people who really want God in their lives but for many various reasons just don’t get around to it. They and others who don’t attend any religious services have been termed the “unchurched”, that is, they just don’t go to church.

Let me share with you some thoughts by Jack English, a long-time friend of mine who preaches for the Center Street church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He writes:

“Tom S. Reiner is the president of Church Central (http://www.churchcentral.com/) and Rainer Group Church consulting. He specializes in researching the hearts and mind-set of the unchurched and why they choose to not be involved with a local church. Some of his findings have been surprising and defy the conventional wisdom many Christians have about the unchurched.

“The following ‘surprises’ were published in a recent report that I believe will be very helpful as we attempt to evangelize our community. They are not listed in any particular order.

“Surprise #1: Most of the unchurched prefer to attend church on Sunday morning if they attend. It is assumed they responded this way because that is the time they have always heard church should be. A very distant preference was a weeknight service other than Friday night.

“Surprise #2: Most of the unchurched feel guilty about not attending church. These guilty feelings were especially prevalent among adults who had children living at home.

“Surprise #3: Ninety-six percent of the unchurched are at least somewhat likely to attend church if they are invited. This may be the most important part of the study. If we invite them, they will come.

“Surprise #4: Very few of the unchurched had someone share with them how to become a Christian. And Christians have not been particularly influential in their lives. If Christians do not invite them to church, we cannot be surprised if they do not share the gospel with or influence the unchurched.

“Surprise #5: Most of the unchurched have a positive view of preachers, ministers and the church. For the vast majority of the unchurched, the church is still relevant today. If this is true, why are they still unchurched? Some of the unchurched have visited churches, but had a negative experience. But more importantly, most of the unchurched have never been invited to church.

“The main point is this - the unchurched must be invited to church!”

Amen! Do we get the point? God reached out because He cares. Let’s do the same.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The Thanks of Giving

Thanksgiving Day is soon upon us. Roast the turkey, spread the table …. hours of preparation … sit and eat … gone in less than an hour… clear away the leftovers, do the dishes and clean up the kitchen… whew, is it over? Not at all!

The time spent sharing together… talking with family members… remembering former times… laughing at just about anything… watching the grandchildren. Watch football… time to eat again… bring out the leftovers… clean up - again. Play family games… laugh some more. Try to get the kids bedded down so the adults can have some time together. These are the things that make holidays - at least at our house.

What’s it all about, this holiday? Giving thanks? Yes. It’s thinking about your blessings, the things you have received. But let me ask you to think about it from a different perspective. Why not think at this time about giving thanks for what you can give - the thanks of giving?

Each of us has been blessed in many ways. Also, each of us has something we can give to others. It may or may not be material but what matters is that we give it from the sense of being thankful for what we have and the willingness to share with others.

For example, many here took an empty grocery sack and have filled it up with items for a Thanksgiving Day dinner to share with others. You’ve done that because of what you have and now you have the thanks of giving. Many other examples of this kind of benevolent giving are shown in the Christian’s life.

Another example is our giving to God. He has given us so much for which to be thankful. We give to Him because we are thankful. We receive the blessing of being able to give to Him who has given so much to us. That is the thanks of giving.

Why not talk about this at your family gathering this holiday season. Think about the thanks (blessings we each receive) of being able to give.

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

A Single Life

“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear (or, single in the Greek), your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” - Matthew 6:22, 23.

Anyone who desires any goal at all in this life must put forth some effort to attain that goal. Many people set a goal in their lives and live their entire life around that goal. That becomes their single purpose for living. Frequently we condemn a person for doing this. But this is as it must be with Christianity.

Christianity is single in purpose. Jesus is telling us that we must have clear or definite goals in our life. That means we must put forth effort to make sure our service is acceptable to Him. Paul told the Philippians, “...work out your own salvation” in Philippians 2:12. Salvation is not granted to those who just wish for it. Someone has said, “Don’t wear your wishbone where your backbone ought to be.” They were probably referring to being successful in worldly goals but it also applies to our relationship with God.

When it comes to serving our God, we need to heed the admonition given long ago by Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:10. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.” These words are echoed in Paul’s admonition to the church at Colossae as he writes in Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

A single life is reflected in our goals. A Christian desires to serve His Lord. This is reflected in Paul’s admonition in Colossians 3:1, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

When we have a life that is single in purpose then we will be able to say with Paul, “To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Here Am I

Jesus challenges His disciples with a penetrating statement in John 4:35. He says, “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” He then says in verse 36, “And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

Long before Jesus came, God had asked a penetrating question. It, and the answer given, is found in Isaiah 6:8, “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”

Many have answered that call. Many more need to. It is up to each of us to preach and teach the good news of Jesus Christ. The following song was written by Doug Lalli and Charles Martin some years ago.

Here Am I
The call’s gone out to all the world;
It’s time to spread the Word.
God’s grace abounds with hope and joy
For those that love the Lord.
So, Christians, RISE and take your stand;
You are the chosen few.
The time is now, the place is here;
And we cry . . . Here Am I.

Chorus
Here am I … Use me, Lord
Here am I … Use me, Lord
Here am I … Take my life
Here am I … Take my life
Here am I … Made for service, Lord
Here am I … Made to serve
Here am I … Here am I
Lord, Here am I

The lost cry out wrapped up in sin;
They need to know the Lord.
They’re dying in their hopeless state;
Not knowing of His Word.
The future’s dim, the light is gone’
They'll die apart from Him.
So Christians feel the awesome need;
And please cry … Here Am I.

Think about these words and the two passages of scripture above. God is still asking “Whom shall I send, and who will go…” and Jesus is still saying to us “look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” How will you respond?

It is still an individual responsibility to take the Word of God to those who are lost. Will we say, “Here am I”?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The Ultimate Price

The Ultimate Price

The ultimate price is sacrifice
And Jesus paid the ultimate price.
He gave His life for you and me
So we won’t have to pay the penalty
For sin that stains the lives of men;
And the Father will welcome us in
To the home He’s prepared above
Made possible by our Savior’s love.
I now live my life as a sacrifice.
Because he paid the ultimate price.
(tl - 10/17/08)

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. -
1 John 3:1

As children mature they begin to realize the true love of their parents and understand what it means to honor them. As we think of the Father’s love in making us a part of His Family, we remember the price He gave in the form of Jesus. When we partake of a small taste of unleavened bread each Lord’s Day, we realize the sacrifice made for us. The body of God’s Son took my place to pay the price of sin that I owed. It’s difficult for me to grasp that sometimes.

In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. - 1 John 4:9

To know Jesus is to know the love of God. To think of the blood He gave in His death as we take a small drink of grape juice during the Lord’s Supper, should cause us to realize the great price He paid for us to have that privilege. The blood it represents was shed to cleanse me. It was given to wash my sins away.

(God) made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the
righteousness of God in Him. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

Oh, what a savior! He made the ultimate sacrifice.


See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The Light

This week, a poem I wrote a few years ago. I hope you enjoy:

There arose a tempest on the sea.
He calmly said, “Peace! Be still.”
When there are storms inside of me,
Lord, help me understand your will.

Darkness ruled within the world.
He came as Light--revealing sin.
Through drowning waves by satan hurled,
He said, “Be my light among all men.”

So be a lighthouse ‘gainst the gale,
Sending forth a beam so bright
To those whose lives are tossed and frail,
And guide them safely to the Light.

When tempests rage throughout the night,
Lord, guide me safely by your Light.

tony lalli - 3/6/96

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Tony

What About Gambling?

What is the guiding force in your life? As a Christian, it should be God’s Word. Christians respond to God’s word in a positive way. A child of God is guided by a daily response to God’s word.

God’s Word is not just a book of dos and don’ts. Nor is there a direct specific command for every possible action. The Bible does, however, contain principles given by Jesus to help Christians make decisions about his or her conduct. Second Peter 1:3 tells us God has given us “all things that pertain to life and Godliness.” Second Timothy 3:16, 17 says God’s word is profitable “for instruction in righteousness” that we may be “mature” and “thoroughly equipped for all good works.”

God’s Word gives us principles to guide us. Matthew 5:16 says “let your lights shine” so that “others can see your good works and glorify your Father.” Colossians 3:1-3 reminds us to “set your affections on things above, not on the things on earth.” Romans 12:1, 2 urges us to not be “conformed to this world.” And 1 John 2:15-17 tells us not to “love the things of this world” for that leads us into temptation.

Let’s apply these principles to something we continually confront right here in our area: that is gambling. It has become very common in the form of lottery, casinos, etc.

Gambling is defined “to play games for money or some other stake (or property); to take a risk in order to gain some advantage; to bet or wager.

The Biblical view of work does not allow a “something for nothing” philosophy. Second Thessalonians 3:10-12 and Ephesians 4:28 say we should be engaged in honorable work. We are not to try to get what the other person has. That involves covetousness.

Biblical stewardship teaches against gambling. Psalm 24:1 and 50:10-12 says God owns all. We are stewards of what God has allowed us to have. We are accountable to God for what has been entrusted to us. Think of the parable of the talents Jesus taught.

The second greatest commandment of loving our neighbor as ourselves restricts us from gambling. Remember - winnings come from other people - not from the state or the gambling institution! Consider the “Golden Rule” in Matthew 7:12.

Gambling destroys one’s influence as a Christian. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22 Paul warns that we are to “abstain from every form of evil.” And Romans 12:9 says to “abhor (hate) what is evil” and both these passages say to “cling to what is good.” Christians must set the standard.

Does money come to the state coffers from gambling? Yes. Are roads built, schools helped, etc.? - yes. But, what about God’s principles? What about the fact that gambling is addictive and gains control of one’s life and possessions? What about the crime element involved? What about broken families, lost jobs, ruined friendships, people who are now in prison? Gambling has no place in a Christian’s life and is not a boon to our society.

Christians should not fall into the trap of supporting such an industry.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The Gift of Active Listening

The following is something I share with those involved in personal evangelism. It is also very important in Christian relationships. I don’t know who wrote it but it’s worth sharing.

“Active listening is something we can give each other as a spiritual gift. In active listening we try to find out such things as how the world feels inside the skin of the other person, how life tastes in his mouth, what smells attract or repulse him or her; we want to know why what he is saying is so important to him.

“In listening actively we suspend our self-centered thoughts - our joys, our problems, our brilliant insights; for a brief time we love another person enough to let him or her be the sole object of our attention.

“We listen to the person for the moment; we don’t judge, criticize, correct or make over, advise, object, or interrupt, whoever it is - parent, brother, sister, child, teacher, policeman, friend, enemy - we accept him or her as is and listen carefully to find out who the person is.

“We listen for his meaning behind the words which may be confusing. This person’s fears may seem silly, but they don’t seem silly to him or her. We listen to find out why he or she fears. Sometimes his talk seems like nonsense, but it makes sense to him. Until we can see how and why it makes sense to him, we fail to hear and understand what the person is saying. LISTEN!”

Isn’t this exactly how we want others listening to us? And isn’t this exactly what we want God to do when we go to Him in prayer? We ask Him to listen to us. Let’s practice doing the same for those we love and want to influence for Christ. I’ve learned a few phrases in Polish. I’ve learned how to say “Good day.” Then I learned the phrase for “How are you?” and tried using it a few times. However, it was explained to me that if you use the phrase for “How are you?” you should be willing to really listen to the person tell you how they are. How often in our language do we say, “How are you?” without really wanting to listen to someone? Let’s listen to each other.

Jesus frequently said, “He that has ears to hear, let Him hear.” I know he was referring to listening to what He was saying, but it is also important for us to listen to each other to be able to know one another better.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Whatever Your Hand Finds to Do

Solomon was a wise man to whom God granted a measure of wisdom far beyond that of any other. Most of the great “pearls of wisdom” given by other men through the ages can be found originally stated in the words God inspired Solomon to write. Thus, it is worthwhile for us to seek counsel from what he wrote.

It’s always profitable to evaluate ourselves - young and old alike. What are we doing? What can we do? What do we want to do? Where do we want to be? What are my strengths or weaknesses? How can I use my strengths and improve my weaknesses? Each of us, as citizens of God’s kingdom should consider all of these questions.

Back to Solomon. He wrote, by God’s inspiration, some words that we all should note very seriously. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Consider three things from Solomon’s words.

This is personal. Your hand. You need to determine what your hand can do. Look for what you can do with your abilities. Evaluate yourself. We will each give account to God personally for how we have used what we have.

Do the work! “Do it”, Solomon says. Start! Nothing worthwhile gets done without someone starting it. Solomon says in verse 11, “The race is not to the swift…” First Corinthians 9:24 complements this. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” Get in the race. Do the work - “with all your might.” Those who work for God win!

Now is the time! We’re all terminal. We’re going to die. Then there is nothing you can do. Those who have used their abilities serving God will rest from their labors. (Revelation 14:13) and death will be a blessing. Consider the alternative. Jesus said, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day for the night comes when no man can work.” (John 9:4)

Solomon is telling us to evaluate ourselves to find out what we can do and then do it before we die and wish we had. Another wise saying (author unknown) - “Progress begins with the belief that what is necessary is possible.” Think about that and what you can do for the kingdom of God where you are.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

A Time For Renewal

There’s a lot said about renewing the church. And I’m convinced that we must continually be aware of the changes in our culture and society and meet the changing needs of people around us.

Following their liberation from Egypt, the Israelites continually did things that tried God’s patience, to say the least. Finally, they gradually descended into idolatry and began to forget Jehovah. In the closing pages of the Old Testament we find the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and
Malachi calling for the renewal of zeal to rebuild. Ezra and Nehemiah emerge as leaders to guide God’s people in rebuilding themselves at Jerusalem - spiritually by Ezra and physically by Nehemiah.

We, as God’s people today, must note what happened to the Jews - God’s chosen - as they allowed themselves to be swallowed up by culture and society around them. We, the church, are in like jeopardy if we do not recognize some of the same symptoms today.

• They desired to have what those around them had.
• They desired to live as those around them lived.
• They failed to maintain their relationship with God.
• They forgot the great things God had done for and with them.
• They failed to teach their children the laws of God.
• They forgot the laws / word of Jehovah.
• They became indistinguishable from those around them.
  

It was time for renewal. That was the message God sent to His people time and again. The message is the same for the church today. It is time for renewal. It is always time for renewal. Each day we should renew our commitment to God. Each generation must renew its zeal for the truth of God’s Word.

There are politicians who talk about “re-inventing” the government. There are some in the church today who want to “re-invent” the church - worship, organization, policy(?), etc. It is not re-inventing that we need in government. It is renewal of commitment to the principles that made this country great in the first place. Nor do we need to re-invent the church. We must, rather, commit to a renewal of fidelity to what God has given us - the pattern and process of the church described in the New Testament.

“Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds. That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” - Romans 12:2

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Thinking About Those Who Have Gone On

Several asked me about the poem I wrote in memory of Mary Hoffman and read at her funeral and the suggestion was made to me to print it in the bulletin. The thoughts offered in this poem can just as well relate to others of our brothers and sisters who have departed this life. Their memories linger with us and their lives inspire us for, as faithful Children of God, the words of Revelation 14:13, “Blessed are those who die in the Lord…….their deeds follow with them” are so appropriate.

IT'S HARD TO LET YOU GO...BUT...
It's hard to let you go because there'll be an empty spot.
We'll look for you in all the places where you're not.
But... we'll still see you there in the memory of our heart,
For no one or nothing else will ever take your part.
It's hard to let you go because you've always been right there,
And now the place you filled will sadly be too bare.
But..., then again, that place will always show us you,
And remind us of the things that you would always do.
It's hard to let you go because we would want you here
To be with us and share with us and help to calm our fear.
But... then we give thanks for you and all the many years
You cared for us, loving us, even as you shed your tears.
It's hard to let you go, but then again, despite the pain,
Though you're not here, our loss is heaven's gain.
So now, although in sadness, but with all your family's love,
We send you with our blessings to your Father up above.

Tony Lalli - 9/13/08
In honor of Mary Hoffman

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Audience or Participant?

Since football is on the minds of many right now I thought I might try to provoke some thoughts about the differences between those who are in the stands watching the game and those who are down on the field playing. Have you ever thought what it would be like if there were no fans in the stands to cheer the teams? That is called support. Think about what it would be like with any performance - sports or fine arts - if there were no audience. It
would be futile, wouldn’t it?

Another thought. What would it be like if those in the audience never reacted or responded in any way to what is being done on the playing field or stage, etc.? No cheering. No applause. No laughter. No show of emotion. No approval or disapproval. It would make for a somewhat empty meaning to the whole thing. Just performers going through the motions.

Compare this with a worship service. How often is it the case that those of us in the “audience” just sit passively doing what is expected at the appropriate times. Going through the motions. No emotion. Just motion.

Worship is not something to just “sit through” until the preacher and everyone else goes through their procedures. Worship is joint participation of Christians meeting together to praise God! We are not the audience - God is!

As the Psalmist says in Psalm 100, “Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth. Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing. Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.”

On the other hand, worship is not just an emotional experience. Paul therefore encourages us with these words in 1 Corinthians 14:15, “I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind (understanding) also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind (understanding) also.”

Bottom line - let us be joyful participants in the worship of our God, not just spectators.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The God of All Nations

One of the most recognized verses in the Bible is John 3:16. It has been called the “Golden Text” of the Bible. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” That encompasses all. It speaks of a God who is universal in nature. Paul spoke of this nature of God as he talked to the Greeks in Acts 17:24-28.

God is the God of all nations because He made the world. “In the beginning, God created…” He has created and He sustains all things.

David expresses it thusly in Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the LORD’S, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” And in Psalm 86:9 he says, “All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name.”

God has called all nations to Him. Psalm 145:18 says, “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.”

God has provided for salvation of all nations. In Genesis 22:18 God promises Abraham, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” Paul repeats this in Galatians 3:8. And in Ephesians 2:13, Paul writes, “But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”

This promised salvation was realized in Jesus (Galatians 4:4-7). He came to earth when God’s timing was right.

Jesus proclaimed salvation to ALL people in ALL nations. In Matthew 11:28 He says, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” He said in Matthew 28:18, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations…” and in Mark 16;16, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Peter proclaims in Acts 10:34, 35, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”

Notice this says the man who “fears Him and does what is right” is welcome. That says that, although this salvation is for all people of all nations, ALL are accountable. Hebrews 5:8, 9 says Jesus is the “source of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him.”

God is the God of all nations. His love for all is universal. It knows no national boundaries. It is blind to the color of skin. It speaks all languages. It calls for a response from all peoples. Our purpose as the church and individual Christians is to share this love of God with all nations by presenting the gospel of Christ to all.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Taking Up Christ's Cross

“They took Jesus, therefore, and He went out, bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.” Thus John 19:17 records a dark moment in the history of man almost two thousand years ago.

Just a few years ago millions of people were able to watch that scene again when the movie, “The Passion of Christ” was released. And people were - and still are - affected in many ways from watching that graphic portrayal.

In Matthew 10:38 Jesus says, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.’”

You see, there’s more to just watching a movie or talking about Jesus carrying His cross to Golgotha and being nailed there for the sins of the world. That isn’t going to do me any good unless I am willing to take up the cross and carry it daily.

Jesus didn’t ask me to be nailed to a cross. He didn’t ask me to die for Him, although it could come to that and has for many who have died for their faith in Christ. We know that Christians in all ages have been persecuted in many ways. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:12 that “all who desire to live godly will suffer persecution.” And in Revelation 2:10, Jesus said, “be faithful even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

But, most of all, Jesus asks me to LIVE for Him. And sometimes that becomes more of a challenge than standing in front of someone holding a gun to my head and asking if I believe in Jesus. Consider again the words of Paul in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” We are to be crucified with Jesus but not in the physical way.

Jesus doesn’t ask me to walk the Vis Dolorosa but rather the everyday paths my life leads me to walk. And because He carried that cross and gave Himself up to be crucified, He is able to help me in that walk. Ephesians 4:1 says that we are to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, …” And Jesus calls clearly by His sacrifice on the cross. He calls for us to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Are you walking with Him? Have you taken up the cross? Daily?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Some Great Examples of Sacrifice

There are several stories in the Bible of people making sacrifices. Able offered as God instructed, Cain didn’t. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his own son. At the end of his life,
Samson sacrificed himself to God’s glory. Consider with me some examples of sacrifice in the New Testament.

Matthew 26:6-13 - A woman has “very precious ointment” and uses it to anoint Jesus’ head. It was worth “much.” Some said it was wasted. Jesus said, “...wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” She was willing to sacrifice.

Mark 12:41-44 - Jesus is watching the people put money into the treasury. The “poor widow” puts in “two mites.” Not much but Jesus sees, not the amount, but the sacrifice. “This poor widow cast in more than all they that are casting into the treasury.” Why? She gave “all she had.” Sacrifice!

John 12:1-8 - Jesus is in the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Mary brings in some expensive ointment (spikenard) and anoints Jesus’ feet, wiping them with her hair. Judas says it was worth the same as a year’s wages. Many poor people could have been fed, he says. Judas was a thief. Mary gave a sacrifice.

Consider two other examples and their attitudes they showed about sacrifice. The ruler came to Jesus seeking the Way. Jesus showed him. He went away sorrowful because he was not willing to sacrifice. (Luke 18:22) Ananias and Sapphira made a profit on a real estate sale. They brought some to Peter for the Lord’s work. They lied. They died. They didn’t really want to sacrifice. (Acts 5:1-11)

The supreme example of sacrifice, of course, is Jesus, Himself. God was willing to give the best sacrifice available to redeem us from our sins. Where do you and I fit in when it comes to sacrificing for/to the Lord? Jesus says that until we have the attitude of being willing to sacrifice ALL, we are not able to be His disciples.

Think about it.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Bite Your Tongue

We’ve probably all heard the phrase, “I had to bite my tongue.” Usually it is said at a time when someone really wants to say something they know isn’t best to say at the time and it is a struggle not to say it.

You’ve also probably heard the phrase, “Hold your tongue,” when someone is advising a person to not speak. It’s usually said in the context of someone wanting to say something they shouldn’t be saying or they have begun saying something and are told to stop speaking.

James 3:2-12 has some interesting things to say about the tongue. For example, verse 2 says that if anyone “doesn’t stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man.” Verse 5 says the tongue is a “small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things” and is described in verse 6 as a “fire” which “sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.” James continues in verse 7 by saying that all sorts of wild animals can be tamed but no one can tame the tongue.

The tongue can destroy relationships. Words spoken in anger or stress are most of the time regretted later after we’ve had time to think about them. How many times have you heard someone say (perhaps it was yourself), “I wish I hadn’t said that.” Remember, a quick tongue is not necessarily a gift.

Then there are the words of encouragement by Paul in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” That’s sort of like saying, “Think about what you are about to say and ‘taste’ your words to see if they are seasoned properly.”

When our speech is “with grace” and “seasoned with salt” we will say things that are good and proper - or we will ‘bite our tongue’ and not say it at all. Sort of like when our parents told us, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything.” (I hope that is still being taught.)

Our task as Christians is to edify one another and build each other up and be an example of the Light that is Jesus. Let’s be sure our words reflect that and pray that our tongues will be servants of the Most High God.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Just a Teacher

The word for teacher in the Bible is "didaskalos" and refers to one who gives instruction. It denotes those who taught the truth in the churches. It is of utmost importance that those who teach be faithful to the Word they are teaching. Paul urges us to “accurately handle the word of truth” in 2 Timothy 2:15 and James reminds us of the serious responsibility of teaching in James 3:1 saying, “as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.”

I want to thank and encourage you who give the time to teach. A teacher’s importance cannot be adequately calculated by any human standards. The results of your efforts can be eternal and God is the one who evaluates that.

Some who give their time to help present God’s word in our Bible classes sometimes think of themselves as ‘just a teacher.’ I offer the following poem as sincere appreciation to those of you who teach.

Tribute to a Bible Class Teacher
(author unknown)
An artist painted a picture on a canvas white and gray.
Great towering mountains bathed their feet in the ocean’s spray.
Then the world looked on in wonder at the scene her brush had traced,
And this work of art when years had passed, in a hall of fame was placed.
A teacher painted a picture with language in beauty wrought.
She told of a gentle Shepherd and the weak lost lamb He sought.
Yes, she drew a picture of Jesus with colorful words of art,
And the canvas she selected was a young child’s sinless heart.
The picture the artist painted of the mountain, sea and spray
Has, through drifting years, been tarnished by time’s rust and decay;
But the scenes the teacher painted with colored words of prayer
Upon a child’s receptive heart will stay forever there.
Upon a young child’s trusting heart they are etched for years to be,
For paintings of faithful teachers fade not through eternity.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Looking on the Positive Side

Norman Vincent Peale became well known because of his books and speeches on positive thinking. Many people have been helped by his promotion of positive thinking. Years ago I had the opportunity to hear him and other motivational speakers at one of those positive thinking rallies.

Many times we find ourselves in situations when all seems lost. Things just don’t seem to be going our way. We begin thinking negatively. That’s when heroes are made. That’s when one person comes forward and says, “We can do it.” One person with positive thinking can change the whole situation.

It might help us to stop and think about how we view things in our lives. We lose some of life’s battles by looking only on the negative side. Thomas Edison, when asked about how many times he failed to make his electric light work, responded by saying that at least he knew of hundreds of things that would not work.

Paul was in prison when he said in Philippians 1:12-14, “But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” That’s thinking positively!

And think about Joseph. He kept a positive attitude during his long ordeal and then told his brothers that it was God’s plan that he be in Egypt in order to save his family. What an attitude! He had every reason to be negative about his being sold as a slave but he kept his trust in God and remained positive.

Books are written and rallies with big-name speakers are presented about positive thinking. I enjoyed and benefited from the one I attended. And yet – I have found nothing that promotes a more positive attitude than the gospel of our Lord Jesus. Everything about the gospel and living a Christian life is approached by God in a positive way. It offers the greatest satisfaction and peace of mind. It holds out hope. It builds better relationships. It promotes love and harmony. It delivers from evil.

Jesus has promised an abundant life. He promises a positive outcome to this life if we follow Him and do God’s will. There is nothing negative about heaven - other than there being no tears, no sadness, no sickness, no night, no death. I can handle those negatives, can’t you?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

An Experience In Worship

The following words are from a letter written by Brent Taylor that we mailed to area congregations. Brent says this well and I use it to encourage you to take advantage of this worship seminar.

“I recently pulled a song book from a dusty shelf while visiting in Pagosa Springs, CO. The editor in his preface made the comment that we must always strive to preserve what is good and right in our singing and that we should keep singing the great old hymns, while seeking to sing new songs that resonate within the culture that we live. The edition was printed in 1926...which speaks to the notion that all ages seek to have a voice in worship...not just our so called modern or post-modern age...and that we all long to have a voice and a song through which we can speak and sing to our Creator and Maker.

“We invite everyone...song leaders, worship leaders, preachers, or just Christians seeking a deeper and more intentional approach to public worship...to come study and engage in a time of worship renewal and commitment that has at its heart this idea of understanding how important our great traditions of worship are while seeking to sing a new song also.

“There are many who have talents for planning and leading worship. One of those talented individuals is Doug Lalli. Doug is the Worship and Spiritual Growth minister for the Westport Road church of Christ in Louisville, Kentucky. Doug’s passion is seeing people awaken to life as a follower of Jesus. He believes that there is no better life available and there’s so much more to it than just casually belonging to a church.

“I know you will find these sessions well-rounded and meaningful as we will explore not only the obvious practices of thanksgiving and praise on Monday and Wednesday, but also the more obscure idea of lament in worship on Tuesday taken from Psalm 22.”

The evening sessions are: Monday - “Grateful Hearts: The Ten Lepers” (Luke 17:11-19), Tuesday - “Lord of Our Darkness: Why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22), and Wednesday - “Anthem to the Living God: Worthy is the Lamb” (Revelation 5.) Doug will also teach a combined class of teen and adult classes this Sunday and next Sunday mornings. The title is “A Long Look In The Mirror.” Come prepared to be challenged to look at ourselves as the world many times perceives the church and how we are to reflect Christ in our lives.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The Celebration of Worship

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1) Isn’t it a great thing to be able to come together with others of God’s family?! I think it is and the Psalmist realized this blessing, too. He was glad at the mention of it. This should be the Christian’s attitude, shouldn't it? After all, worship is a celebration of our relationship with God.

Consider the early church. They came together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) even under adverse conditions. Remember– this wasn’t a “day off” for them. For most it was another workday. BUT, the day was special because they would come together to worship God and remember Christ’s sacrifice and promise to return through the Lord’s Supper. Yes, indeed, it was a refreshing way to start a new week. And it still is.

Shouldn’t we be equally as eager to begin our week with such an attitude? Yet, there are many who seem to need to seek refreshment for their lives in other ways. Many have made this first day of the week every kind of day but the Lord’s day. We use it for anything and everything and then say, “Well, the Lord will understand.” The truth is, He does understand! He understands our motives and attitudes. He knows our hearts.

Let us not neglect our spiritual lives. Let us, as parents and grandparents, show our children that “church” is not just another extracurricular activity but the most important appointment we have each week.

We each would do well to reevaluate our spiritual lives and priorities to see what we put first. God has invited us to a feast to be in His family. When it comes time for the church to meet together, do we look forward to this as the celebration it is? Let us each say with the Psalmist, “I am glad when they say unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”! Let us have the attitude expressed in Psalm 100:4, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name.”

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

“In Spirit and In Truth”

Jesus says in John 4:24 to worship God “in spirit and in truth.” In spirit would seem to mean that we are to worship with our total self, especially the inner man, with love and sincerity. In truth evidently would be according as God, in His word, directs. His word is truth - John 17:17.

Many times, however, people worship, not in spirit but because of pressure or a feeling of obligation. And instead of worship in truth, it is done out of tradition. Jesus said in Matthew 15:9 that our worship is in vain if we are worshipping after the traditions of men. Also, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 that if what we do is not from love, it is worthless.

There are other considerations, though. For example, a person may be very sincere in what he does and he may love God a great deal and yet not worship in truth. That is, he may be following the traditions and commands of men instead of God. In this case, his worship is in vain. God has always given the specific ways and means of worshipping Him and man has no right to change it. Therefore, we must find scriptural basis for all we do in order to know it is “in truth.”

Some may worship in truth - engage in those acts of worship as described by the Bible - and yet not worship in spirit. This is just as dangerous. In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Worship is an obligation, but unless our worship is “in spirit” it does no good.

We must concentrate on what we do. I encourage you to not let your worship be out of a feeling of obligation or because of tradition. Search your soul that you may worship in spirit and search the scriptures that you may worship in truth. “…for the Father seeks such to worship Him.” - John 4:23

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Positively Speaking

It’s great to be around a group of people who are positive, isn’t it? And that is just what the church is. With so many negative things happening around us every day, it is refreshing to be able to gather with those who have a positive outlook on life. And if anyone should have a positive outlook on life, Christians should. That’s what attracted people to the church in the first century and it is what will attract people to the church today. Let me share some positive things about the church here that should cause each of us to have a positive outlook.

One positive thing about the church here is the friendliness people find when they visit. Visitors are impressed when people are willing to greet them warmly and let them know we are happy they chose to be with us in worship. That is what makes people want to come back again. And the key factor in that is YOU making a positive impression.

Another positive thing I want to mention is your generous nature. The recent “Sack the Preacher” campaign to help replenish our pantry brought in over sixty bags of groceries. Our contribution frequently exceeds our budget. And I frequently have seen your generosity shown in so many ways not only in a monetary sense but in giving your time and energy to get things done that need doing.

Keep up the good work. Strive to be even better. Be positive about being a Christian, a member of the Body of Christ, His church. Let others know that being on your way to heaven is the greatest thing you can have. And you know what? Others will want to join you on that journey You can help show them the way.

I leave you with Paul’s words to the Christians at Thessalonica in 1 Thessalonians 1:2, 3 when he says, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father…”

It’s a real pleasure for me to say ...

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Welcome To The Body

How many times have you known of someone who was baptized and then a short time later just seemed to drift away? The same thing can happen with new members who move in, place membership, and then just sort of slip through the cracks.

What can you do? Incorporate them! That word means, "to make a part of a body."

The purpose for this ministry, "Welcome to the Body", is to help churches incorporate new Christians and other new members into God's Family in such a way that they will build a feeling of belonging and establish relationships within the congregation. It also helps New Christians (and others) establish a habit of daily Bible study.

The concept of this ministry is to help new members become acquainted with at least six families in the church within their first three months of membership by being in homes and sharing in a Bible study. This number can even be doubled depending on the involvement of the hosting families.

In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus tells us to teach, baptize, and teach. In many instances we neglect the last part of this command. Too frequently we do not follow up on new members. This ministry is a means by which the new member can be assisted in maturing and helped to develop a regular habit of Bible study. It will also help them become acquainted with other members of the church family. Here’s how it works.

New converts and other new members are invited to share in fellowship and study in the homes of members for six weeks. Along with Bible study, at each session some aspect of the congregation is discussed such as elders and deacons, ministries, activities, youth ministry, missions, etc.

The benefits of this is that the new member will have been encouraged to mature in his/her Christian life and will also give them the opportunity to become acquainted with six or seven couples (or more) in the church and broaden their base of friendship. Another benefit is that this provides a ministry to involve members of the church who might not teach “evangelistic” Bible studies but are willing to be involved in a “maturing” study. And it is a self-perpetuating ministry in that once new Christians or new members have gone through this series of lessons they can then become involved as those who host and present the lessons.

God's word teaches us that we have a responsibility to one another. We must do more than just baptize people. We must help them become a part of the Body. Of course this whole ministry is contingent on whether or not we are fulfilling the Great Commission in the first place.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

“To Whom Shall We Go?”

At one point in Jesus’ ministry, several of His disciples turned away from Him. Jesus asked His twelve apostles if they, too, would go away. The answer Peter gave is one with much meaning for us today. He said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Many people today are searching for a way to turn. Perhaps you are one of those people. Answers to our problems are not easy to find - at least, answers that work. It seems there are many who are ready and willing to give advice but as the French moralist and philosopher, LaRochefoucald said, “We give advice, but we do not inspire conduct.” Through His Son, Jesus, God not only gives advice but also inspires conduct.

In John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus is not just a dictator giving out commands. He is a leader who knows how we feel. Hebrews 4:15 tells us Jesus was “in all points tempted as we are, yet was without sin.” He knows our problems because He has suffered life. However, He overcame problems - thus He can offer answers and advice that will work.

Jesus has the “words of eternal life.” Although all our daily problems don’t instantly disappear when we turn to Jesus, the answers and ability to solve those problems do begin to appear. Christianity is not a mystical, magical potion to be taken in but rather a life to be lived every day. It means studying and applying that word God has given us.

Peter asked, “To whom shall we go…” The answer is: To Jesus and God’s Word. We need to help each other do just that. A part of our caring is in sharing the “words of eternal life.” Jesus has. Live a life that will show people you know where to find the answers.

Where are you going to find the help you need in your life? The world offers little in the way of comfort for the pains of life. Jesus offers an answer to those pains. He said, “Come unto me, all you who labor, and I will give you rest.” He meant just that. As the words of the song encourage us,
“Living below in this old sinful world,
Hardly a comfort can afford;
Striving alone to face temptations sore,
Where could I go but to the Lord?”

Where, indeed?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The Woman

Still thinking of the wonderful time enjoyed by the Ladies on Saturday evening, I added another verse to the poem I wrote for the occasion and thought I would give it to you in written form . - TL

The Woman

God saw that Adam was not good alone
So the woman He made to stand by his side.
Flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone,
Presented to him to become his bride.

The woman, not perfect, but neither was he.
God knew that and already had a plan
To help them become all they could be,
Adam and Eve, the woman and man.

The woman became his helper through life
To stand there beside him through thick and thin,
When God gave her to man to be his wife.
But much more than this, also his friend.

The woman God made is far above price,
For her worth is not measured in jewel or gem.
No amount of money would ever suffice.
Her worth is measured by her value to him.

The woman; mother, wife, sister, or friend,
Knowing God made you for us to adore,
And knowing you’ll be there right to the end
Makes us appreciate you even more.

Yes, the woman was made to fill an empty place,
To let us men know God’s wonderful care
He gave by sharing with us your grace.
It makes us complete knowing you’re there.

T Lalli – 2/16/08

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

The Heart

There’s a lot of talk about hearts this week. That special day to give heart-decorated cards and gifts to people who mean so much to us. It is a romantic time ... and it doesn’t hurt the candy and card industries either. The heart has become the symbol for Valentine’s Day. We talk of love that comes from the heart and we talk about hearts being broken because of lost love.

The heart has long been used in the Bible to refer to the seat of emotion and reasoning. The heart is referred to as being pure or evil, obedient or impenitent, full of love or hardened with hatred. It is no wonder that David, recognizing his own weaknesses cries out to God, “Create in me a new heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) In Hebrews 10:22, after speaking of Jesus as our high priest, the writer says, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Isn’t it amazing what modern medicine can do for the human heart? Doctors can prescribe medicine to help the heart pump the blood better and they can perform surgeries to open arteries and repair the heart in many ways. They can implant a pacemaker to keep it pumping and even give some people a new heart.

Physical heart disease comes in many forms. Sometimes it is such that doctors can’t do much about it. My mother had some blocked arteries that caused permanent damage to her heart. Because of her physical condition and age, doctors could not do by-pass surgery that might help some. She had to rely on medicine to help keep the blood flowing. Her heart finally gave out. It was frustrating that we couldn’t help more. I knew another person years ago who was told by his doctor that if he didn’t quit smoking his heart was going to give out. He didn’t stop. His heart did.

Even worse, though, is someone with spiritual heart disease that can be healed by the Great Physician but they won’t allow Him to help. David said in Psalm 139:23, “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” Have you allowed God to examine your heart lately?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Cornelius - A God-fearing Man

Cornelius has always been of special interest to me. Not just because he was Italian but because he was a sincere man trying his best to be acceptable to God. He is described in Acts 10:1, 2, “...a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.” God gives His estimation of Cornelius in the words of the angel who appears to him, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Two of Cornelius’ servants and one of his devoted soldiers add their testimony in verse 22, “He is a righteous and Godfearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people.”

There’s something very important about Cornelius, though. He was lost. His desire to worship God was sincere and showed in his devotion and goodness. Hebrews 11:6 says that God is “...a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Jesus says, “Seek and you shall find.” Cornelius was a seeker and God helped him find. He sent an angel to tell Cornelius to send for Peter. Peter tells his Jewish Christian brethren later that the angel told Cornelius, “Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.”

When Peter got to Caesarea, Cornelius told him all that had happened and added, “Now then, we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord.” Peter told them the glorious story of Jesus. They accepted it. Peter, accepting God’s will to allow uncircumcised Gentiles into the church, responded, “‘Surely no one can refuse the water for these who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?’ And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Cornelius was a man with a clear conscience. A good man doing what he knew to do to please the God of heaven. People who knew him praised him. But God said, “You need to hear words by
which you can be saved.” Think about Saul. He said his conscience was clear in all that he had been doing while persecuting Christians. The Ethiopian whom Philip taught was doing all he knew to do. Apollos was preaching Jesus but was not complete in his teaching. The disciples in Acts 19 had not been baptized according to God’s will. Along with Cornelius, these all had to respond to God’s will in obedience to the gospel of Christ to be saved.

The wonderful thing about Cornelius and all these others is that when they knew the will of God, they gladly accepted and obeyed it. What about today? Does God expect anything less?

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Practice Makes Perfect - Or Does it?

We have all probably heard the old saying “practice makes perfect.” This is probably true, for without practice we could do nothing well. The continual repetition of something makes it easier and easier. The pianist must play every day, the athlete must practice to keep fit, and the teacher must continually study to be able to teach. It has been impressed upon us from childhood that to do anything well, we must practice.

There is no difference between the way to be able to perform well in our job or profession and to be a Christian. It takes practice. Paul tells Timothy to be diligent so as not to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15.) It causes great embarrassment for a person not to be able to perform well at his job because he does not know enough about it. This embarrassment will be greatly magnified if we stand ashamed before God (2 Timothy 3:16,17.) But we must practice that word.

If we become more proficient in what we do by repetition, it can work for the bad as well as the good. That is, the more often we do something that is displeasing to God, the easier it becomes for us to do it. God’s word says in 1 John 3:9, 10, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” This tells us that if we are “born of God” we will not practice sin. If we have been born again, we have put off our old nature and will not want to make sin a part of our life. John says if we “do not do what is right” we are not of God. Then if we repeat that which is not righteous, we practice that which makes us imperfect!

What is righteousness? Psalm 119:172 says, “My tongue will speak of your word: for all your commandments are righteousness.” Are we practicing righteousness before God? Each time we repeat something it becomes easier to do next time. Practice does not always make one perfect. Be careful what you practice. It becomes your life. Make it positive.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Get Rich Quick?

(In light of the growth of gambling establishments in our area, indeed across the nation, I thought this article to be worthy of sharing. - TL)

Linda was on vacation playing the slot machines. It was her first time in a casino, and she wasn't sure how the machines operated.

"Excuse me," she said to a casino employee. "How does this work?"

The worker showed her how to insert a bill, hit the spin button, and operate the release handle.

"And where does the money come out?" she asked.

He smiled and motioned to a far wall before saying, "Usually at the ATM."

That's the trouble with gambling and other "get rich quick" schemes. There's only one person getting rich, and it's not you!

The lure of the schemes, however, is quite strong. The temptation is that you might come away with that big jackpot and go home with your pockets full without putting forth much effort. The reality, however, is much more like the apostle Paul said: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Timothy 6:9 NKJV).

Considering the constant temptation of money, it's not surprising that Jesus had much to say about the subject. It is significant, though, that Jesus didn't talk as much about what to do with our money as he talked about the right kind of attitude we ought to have toward it.

Agur, in his pearls of wisdom contained in Proverbs, also had much to say about our attitude toward wealth. One of my favorite verses on the subject is this one: “Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say, "Who is the LORD?" Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.” Proverbs 30:8-9).

May you be sufficiently blessed. But, may your riches – and your desire for them -- never diminish your sense of need for God.

From Thought for the Day by Alan Smith

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

Tradition or Commandment?

In Matthew 15:1-9 there is the account of the scribes and Pharisees asking Jesus why His disciples did not observe the “traditions of the elders” because they didn’t wash their hands before eating. Jesus answered in this way, “Why do you also transgress the commandments of God by your tradition?” Later, Jesus says, “In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

In this passage, Jesus very strongly condemns depending on tradition instead of God’s commandments. But how do we distinguish between tradition and commandments? God’s word tells us.

In 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 Paul writes that God’s word is “profitable for doctrine (what to teach), for reproof (to tell us if we are doing something wrong), for correction (how to stop doing wrong), for instruction in righteousness (to tell us how to live to please God): that the man of God may be perfect (or, complete/mature), thoroughly furnished to all good works.” If we are thoroughly furnished by God’s word, do we need more?

Second Peter 1:3 says God has given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” If He has given all things, then do we need additions, or tradition to supplement God’s word?

Jesus says in John 12:46-48 that the word will judge us in the last day. Therefore, we must depend only on God’s word to distinguish between tradition and commandment.

The Restoration plea is to encourage people to search God’s Word to prove all things and not depend on men. It is an effort to restore New Testament Christianity by doing Bible things in Bible ways, calling Bible things by Bible names, speaking where the Bible speaks and remaining silent where the Bible is silent. Therefore, we offer no man-written creeds, dogmas, catechisms, disciplines, or manuals of doctrine. Restoration demands constant maintenance. We must not allow ourselves to become complacent with that message, however. It is up to each individual to know the difference between tradition and commandment. Peter says we should “sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

“Them” or “Us”?

Robert B. Reich, U S Secretary of Labor from 1993-97 once spent six months visiting American workplaces, administering what he called the “pronoun test.” He explained it this way. “I ask frontline workers a few general questions about the company. If the answers I get back describe the company in terms like ‘they’ and ‘them’, then I know it’s one kind of company. If the answers are put in terms like ‘we’ or ‘us’, I know it’s a different kind of company.”

Let’s apply that test to the church here. When you think of the church and whatever is going
on, do you think “they” or “we”, “them” or “us?” God’s word states clearly that each of us has our own place in the church. The church is made up of individuals. You and I are the building blocks of the church. Christ founded it, died for it, and will return to present it to His Father. In 1 Corinthians 12:12 we are told, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” Verse 14 says, “Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.” It explains that the foot is just as important as the hand and the ear as important as the eye. In verse 18 we read, “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.” Basically, the conclusion is in verse 27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

So, what pronouns do you use when you think or talk about the church? Is it “them” or “us?” Are you being the part that you can be? Anyone can say “they” ought to be doing something but it takes commitment to say, “I will do what I can do.” or “I am a part of Christ’s Body.” or “It is MY responsibility.” I read another neat little thing a long time ago. It says, “What kind of church would this church be if every member were just like me?” Interesting question.

It takes the whole church pulling together to grow. Be a part. Do your part. If you aren’t sure what your part is, ask someone for something to do. And remember, you can always ask someone to attend with you.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony

“Behold, new things have come.”

It’s great to have new things. Many of us received gifts at Christmas that were new things. What makes something new?

First something new is what replaces what has worn out or become outdated. For example, we get new clothes, new electronic devices, new appliances, new cars, etc. Also, new describes something that has not been before, such as new inventions. Some of us who are older easily remember when there were no such things as cell phones, or even computers. We remember our parents and grandparents talk about “new fangled gadgets” that revolutionized our lives in so many ways.

But the “new” I’m thinking of is that which is found in what Paul wrote to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (NASB)

Some observations:

Newness is in Christ. Jesus ushered in the reality of what God had been talking about throughout the Old Testament and in the Old Law. But the real newness is the life Christ gives to those dead in sin.

Old things pass away. When we become a new creature (or, creation) in Christ we put away what was old. Just like when we make those New Year’s resolutions and promise to put aside old habits we have told God that we will put aside an old life that was not consistent with His will.

New things have come. What are the results when we put off old habits and resolve to change? That depends on whether or not we follow through on our commitment. When one is successful on a diet you can see the results. When maturity comes as we grow older it can be seen. When we commit our life to follow Christ the change is also noticeable. People around us can see the “new.”

These words of Paul are familiar to most of us. Let’s take a closer look at them and make sure they apply to us so those around us can see Christ in us and the resolve we have in being new.

See you when the saints meet, Lord willing.

Love, Tony