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Joy As a Commandment
(posted 12/17/2008)

“Be glad in Jehovah, and rejoice, ye righteous, and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart” (Ps. 32:11).

The Bible is perhaps the only sacred book known to the world that introduces to humankind a relationship between God and man filled with holy joy and happiness. The joy shouting out of the Bible is a reflection of the True eternal God who Himself is the absolute source of love, good and holiness and thus He is the fountain of all joy (1Ch. 16:24-31). This joy is not a matter of some distant future as the final state of non-personal bliss (nirvana in Buddhism, Hinduism) or as the promise of a carnal paradise (desired in Islam). This joy is a present and vital relationship between us and our God as it was expressed by Jesus: “If you keep my commandments you will abide in my love... these things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made full.” (Jn. 15:10,11) It is a joy of the mutual tide of never ending giving and sharing of love, a joy of the everlasting story between godly man and God. The very fact that we have been blessed with life in such a work of art as this Universe and that we can serve such a marvelous God, should fill us with joy, happiness and honor.

But there is much more to it. Because of our own ingratitude and egoism we degraded all gifts we were given – our lives, our relationship to God and other people, and the world as the whole. But God Himself came and paid the redeeming price. He saved us out of our own evil and selfishness. He did as He predicted: “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing, and her people for gladness. I will also rejoice in Jerusalem, and be glad in My people…” (Is. 65:17-20). God through the awesome plan restored fellowship between fallen humans and Himself. He did so to His own joy. The magnitude of the sacrifice and grace which were bestowed upon us are much stronger reason for our happiness. (As well as delivery from eternal wrath and separation from God.) No other religion or human philosophical concept knows such a marvelous act – the eternal, absolute God identifying Himself with His creation in human body and sacrificing for it, saving it through His own suffering and death (1 Cor. 2:6-9; Eph. 1:3-14). He comes as a wonderful hero and snatches us from the destiny of hell. However, it is not a fairytale; it is the historical reality of this world.

We accept what God has given to us. But do we show to Him and to the whole world how precious His salvation is? Are we the people, about whom it is written: "Everlasting joy will be theirs… And all who see them will recognize them because they are the offspring whom the Lord has blessed?” (Is. 61:6-9) Are we the light to the world, the “Jerusalem for rejoicing” on the top of the hill seen from afar? Do we live lives that attract people to come closer and participate at a festival of sanctified joy, at the celebration of cheerful knowledge of the saving Truth? (Is. 61:6-9; 62:2-3) Do our lives ring with the song of praise and glory to our God? Can we express from the very core of our hearts such words as Isaiah said in Isaiah 12:1-6? The answer to all these questions usually is, from both believers and nonbelievers, full of objections: “Well, it sounds really nice, BUT in reality we live in a horrible world covered up with injustice and pain...” And is not that what Paul and Barnabas are also saying: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God“? (Acts 14:22) Did not Jesus predict even to His followers: persecution and experience of a lot of distress, hardship and adversity? How can we rejoice now?“ Biblical, spiritual, and holy joy is not a choice but a commandment: “Rejoice always...in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1Th. 5:16) “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Ph. 4:4; 3:1) This joy is a very deep, unshakable matter, a foundation of all the days of our life; it is mental and emotional appreciation of the amazing grace and hope we were given. This joy doesn’t fade away when some waves of troubles, pain, sorrow, fear, illness or death come. This joy is like a deep and profound mass of the waters of the oceans. (Hab. 3:17-19) This joy reflects eternity in us, not temporary things around us (2 Co. 4:16-18).

But there is even more to it. God’s commandment goes even further, to the extreme: “Blessed are you when men cast insult at you, and persecute you, and say all evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Mt. 5:10-12; Acts 5:41) “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (Jas.1:2-3) “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulations bring about perseverance....” (Rom.5:3) This doesn’t mean that we should rejoice over evil. It means that we have power to reverse evil into good. That we can turn bitter waters of wrong doing into the sweet wine of righteousness: “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Mt. 5:44-45; Lk. 6:27-30) “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not.” (Rom.12:17, 21, 14) By all of that our faith, our character, our spiritual strength grows. By all of that our relationship and tie to God can be stronger and more intimate. By all of that we are changing our self into the image of Christ, we become more holy, more like Him. (Eph. 4:15; Mt. 5:48) The true eternal God is exactly such: His creation sinned against Him – and He came and sacrificed Himself for them. People mocked Him, spit at Him, beat Him, and killed Him – and He turned all this evil to the greatest act of human history – to the paramount act of salvation of sinners. The worst that humankind did, God reversed to their ultimate benefit, by His love, goodness and mercy.

Now He asks us to be like Him. To prove that we are indeed creatures reflecting the image of God. God used the evil that originated in Satan and men to produce wonderful blessing. God used this evil, horrible world with all its pain and death to draw and bring us to Him. We can follow Him and do the same in any tribulation, persecution, hardship and adversity that comes upon us. “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering, upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. And you too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” (Phil. 2:17-18) Paul was able to say this, because he knew with certainty, that “the kingdom of God...is...joy in the Holy Spirit,” regardless of what can happen (Rom.14:17), because “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,” regardless of what can happen (Gal.5:22,23). Let us humbly obey God’s commandment about joy, in order we will not hear from Him one day the words of a curse, because “you didn’t serve the LORD your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things.” (Deut. 28:47) Let us get up every morning into this “horrible and painful” world, let us recognize that this world is the only, only available gate to the glorious abode of eternal God, and let us say: "This is the day which the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it." (Psalm 118:24)

Tatana Morrow
Czech Republic

How Do We Teach the Young about God, the Father and His Son, Jesus?
(posted 12/17/2008)

In Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, “babe” is defined as “an unborn child” (Luke 1:41, 44), “a newborn child or an infant still older” (Luke 2:12, 16; 18:15, Acts 7:19).

On November 21, 2007, our great granddaughter, Haylie, was born to our grandson, Tony, and his wife, our granddaughter in love, Becky. They lived in Bowling Green, Ky. at the time, and though they had attended the Lord’s church for some time before moving, had never obeyed the gospel.

On the occasions they came back to Missouri, I thought about teaching one so young about Jesus and God, the Father. I had opportunity to see and keep Haylie with me often. Sometimes in the car, Grandpa and I would sing childrens’ hymns to her as we drove.

Then, I would hold her for her nap and sing, “Jesus Loves Me”, “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, “God is So Good”, and other songs youngsters learn now in Bible classes.

She began to try to sing with me when she was only 4-5 months old. It then became obvious she would not go to sleep until we sang (and had to begin with) “Jesus Loves Me”. She and her parents have visited worship services at Westlake with us. Haylie loved the song worship before the Lord’s supper and worship.

They recently moved back to Missouri and I have been blessed to be able to take care of her 2-3 days a week; my opportunities to teach her have increased each day.

The groundwork was laid for teaching her. We know there are many ways to teach (and it is never too early to begin teaching our children how God and His Son love us, and how we can show that we love them).

Begin with children at an early age (II Tim 3:15).
Singing praises to God is one manner of teaching them (Eph 5:19, 20; Col. 3:16,17).
Exemplifying what is good (Tit. 2:3, 12; I Tim 3:11; II Tim 1:5).
Instructing youngsters to obey their parents in the Lord, for this is right and to honor their father and mother … that it may be well with them and that they may live long on the earth is a command (Eph. 6:1-3).
Teaching them to be careful how they walk, not as unwise men but as wise (Eph 5:15)
and Not to be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph 5:17).
Reminding them about choosing their friends well (Prov 13:20 and I Cor 15:33).

One of the first words little ones understand is the concept of the word “NO”. We must also teach them “YES” in the proper instances. God is So Good and Jesus Loves Me. Learning to love and serve the Father and His Son are the greatest lessons anyone, of any age, can learn.

We should all be thankful to God for the Bible class teachers who undertake the responsibility of instilling God’s Word in the minds and hearts of our children.

May God continue to bless His children as they serve Him faithfully.

Gale Conway
Missouri

Maintaining Spiritual Balance
(posted 10/21/08)

My friend, “Janie” told me about an odd quirk of her friend, “Anna.” (Names changed) It seems Anna is obsessed with keeping her floors spotlessly clean—clean enough to eat off of. She sweeps, mops and polishes them once or twice every day. The rest of her housekeeping is less than ideal, especially the fact that she constantly keeps the equivalent of several loads of unfolded laundry on her bed. Janie has even offered to help her fold it and put it away, but Anna refuses her assistance. When questioned about what she does with the laundry at night, she says she moves it to the floor and back to the bed the next morning. It would appear to everyone, except probably Anna, that her housekeeping is quite out of balance, and it reminded of how spiritual matters can also get quite out of balance often without our realization.

Churches can get off balance spiritually by taking the focus off what is stressed the most in scripture, focusing on doctrinal points, some of which may not even be crystal clear. The scribes and Pharisees were accused of being hypocrites for doing this. “For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” (Mt. 23:23) Sermons are often preached and articles and lessons written on “the true church” or “scriptural New Testament church.” They usually include scriptural names, organization, worship, baptism and other attributes. Will those in the world immediately recognize us a true church when they read our tracts or hear such a sermon?

Our primary focus should be on what Jesus said would be the major identifying mark of His church. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:34,35) Peter’s emphasized, “Above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” (I Peter 4:8) Jesus warns us our judgment will be based on whether we ministered to those less fortunate, because in doing so we were ministering to Him. (Matthew 25:31-46) When the Pharisees asked Him what was the greatest commandment, His answer was, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mt. 22:36-40) First Corinthians 13 also stresses the fact that nothing else matters without love.

A church can become as the “loveless” church in Ephesus (Rev. 2) while maintaining doctrinal purity. We must align our churches and ourselves with the scripture in a proper balance and make sure our first love coincides with that of Jesus. Though my church may be doctrinally correct, do we practice “pure and undefiled religion” (Js. 1:27) by caring for the fatherless and widows? Do we care for the poor and practice frequent benevolence? How do we treat those who are different who come into our assemblies: the mentally challenged, the unkempt, and the poor? Do we make every effort to restore those who are going astray reaching out to save the lost?

The New Testament church is described as a spiritual house made up of living stones. (1 Pet. 2:5) Will only one or two areas of our “spiritual house” be sparkling and shining like Anna’s clean floors, while the spiritual and physical needs of our fellow Christians remained piled up and neglected? Let’s make sure we are balanced in our spiritual housekeeping approach, putting first things first as Jesus instructed, so we will be recognized by the world as a true New Testament church.

Janet Barnes
Alabama

Temptations That Christians Face
(posted 10/21/08)

For the young people who have returned to school and college, trials and temptations are going to beset you daily. As Christians, we all suffer some of these same enticements (Eccl. 1:9), but if we have faith, we can overcome and remain obedient (Heb. 5:8). Please remember, Satan can create a chasm from a small fissure in our faith.

It is God's will that you listen to your parents and retain the values and principles they and other godly examples have instilled in you (Eph. 6:1-2, 7-8; 2 Tim. 1;5). Heed parental advice (Prov. 1:8-9); understand and treasure the instruction from your parents (Prov.2:1-5); keep in mind, your parents are God-fearing people, trust them and trust in the Lord with all your heart so that you can bring honor to God and to them. Be true imitators of God and walk in love (Eph. 5:1-5).

While you are working toward educational goals, recall what Paul said in Phil. 3:14 and continue pressing toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. The Christian’s preparation for life is also found in Eph. 6:10-17.

Every Christian must remember that only by daily study of the Word of God can we know that God’s truth is being taught (Col. 2:6-8). We are to set our minds on the things above (Col. 3:2), letting the Word of Christ dwell within us (Col. 3:16). For all of us who have faith and trust in God, there are joys without measure that await us.

The Word of God supplies all that we need to live and walk in God’s way.

Psalm 1:1-9   Blessings from God.
Psalm 9:1-2   Praising and offering thanks to God lets Him know we care.
Psalm 16:7-11 He is always with us and in His presence is fullness of joy.
Psalm 25         He forgives, pardons and is gracious to His children.
Psalm 27:1-3   He lights the way, causes our enemies to fall and we can be victorious because of His love.

We should all never forget that “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20). We should all choose friends and companions wisely (I Cor. 15:33), “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

We should think before we speak (Col. 3:8). God knows what we are thinking (Psa. 94:11). When we act on sinful thoughts, we are allowing Satan to work within us (I Pet 5:8). God is a merciful God, waiting to forgive us if we but ask. (Luke 15:7).

God wants only the best for His children, as do we. We’ll be praying that God will help you to be strong in the face of adversity and temptation.

Gale Conway
Missouri

God is Our Refuge
(posted 9/18/08)

An Age Old Question
(posted 9/18/08)

“What on earth am I here for?”

I love analogies because they help me to understand things that are a puzzle to me. Understanding is a remarkable thing. When you understand or know the meaning behind or the reason for things happening the way they do it all becomes crystal clear and easy and simple and comforting. When you don’t understand reasons or meanings or purposes or procedures it is confusing and discouraging and sometimes things are so puzzling to us that we just want to give up because we just don’t understand.

Life is like that. If you don’t know or understand your purpose, then “What on earth are you here for?”

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11, “in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will.”

When I hear the age old question this is the analogy that comes to my mind to help me to understand “what on earth I am here for.”

I had the good fortune to be born into a family with a loving father and mother. Their children and now their grandchildren and great-grandchildren are what makes them happiest in this life. They had us to form a family unit. We are the reason my dad has worked so hard all his life. We are the reason my mother cooked and sewed and mended, etc. all her life. They passed on to us the things they had learned and in turn now we have passed them on to our children. When we were born to them they brought home a tiny, brand new, without sin, without worldliness, without scars of ugliness or meanness, precious new baby. A tiny soul with a clean slate in this life. Then they began to teach us the rules and train us and show us the way that is right and they told us stories to help us remember, parables.

Obedient, happy children are such a blessing. They are a pleasure to their parents. As we become older and become more aware of the world and all that is in it, what we have been taught plays a huge role in how we live our lives. But as we grow and mature it becomes our responsibility to take the things we have been taught and choose the ‘right’ way to live our lives so that we honor our father and mother as the scripture says (Mt. 15:4f).

So then, why am I here? What is my purpose? I believe, just as my mom and dad purposed to have a family to carry on their name and bring them pleasure and happiness, it is the same answer pertaining to God. He has created us for His pleasure. We are His children. As His children, He has given us the rules to live by to keep us safe and happy and thriving as His children, even in this world so that in the end we will be with Him in heaven. We are the ones who have chosen to be disobedient and lazy and dishonoring to His name. We are the ones who make our Heavenly Father so sad and break His heart. He has given us all He has to give. He planned our very being (Ep. 1:11).

“A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump; a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree” (Pr. 11:28).

“Blessed are those who trust in the Lord…They are like the trees planted along the river bank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit.” (Jer. 17:7-8)

So this is my analogy. Just as I love and trust my mother and father so much and never want them to be disappointed in me and just as I keep their teaching and training and words of wisdom ever before me to help me deal and cope with life on this earth, it is the same for me with God. He gave me life. He thought about me before I was even born. He must have a plan for me. I love and trust Him so much that I have to find the plan He has made for me and live it so that I will bring Him pleasure and not sadness or regret. I know his rules and I have read His words of wisdom. He has given me ways to deal and cope with the things that happen on this earth in this life but sometimes I forget what I am about and try to do it my way. Wrong!! It only works His way.

What on earth am I here for? I am here to live for God not for myself. When He is happy with me then I know I will be happy because I am living life the ‘right’ way. What other purpose could there ever be to this life???? “The deepest level of worship is to praise God in spite of pain. God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. When God seems distant to us it is because we have left Him. He has not left us.”

“Never forget:
That He is good and loving
That He is all powerful
That He notices every detail of my life
That He is in control
That He has a plan for my life
That He will save me”
(Purpose Driven Life)

Chris Murray

Florida