An American Missionary

Eglon and Ehud sound like two made up names in a Star Wars movie, but in reality they are two Biblical characters who had a fascinating interaction. Their account began when the first judge, Othniel, had died and Israel had sinned, again (Judges 3:12). 
 
A new generation came along and, hearing the siren song of sensual service, turned away from Yahweh and began worshiping the gods of their pagan neighbors. Baal (a god) and Asherah (a goddess) were their primary deities (3:7) and their worship was very sensual in the worst possible way. In order to satisfy the god and goddess men and women would participate in ritual fornication. This debasing “worship” allegedly promoted fertility and prosperous harvests, but in reality was just an outlet for sensual debauchery to satisfy human lust. 
 
Yahweh was not honored or tolerant of their sinful choices and allowed Israel to be oppressed by Moab under its king, Eglon (3:12-14).When Israel remembered to call on God and He raised up a savior named Ehud (3:15-30). 
 
So what does this unpleasant story tell us? Really just one thing – the awful price of sin. There is nothing cute or clever about sin, even when it is cloaked in so-called sensual service to God. Nothing can hide the stench of death that follows it. Ultimately only one death was able to pay the full price of sin, the death of Jesus, and thankfully God was willing to pay it. However, we must be careful that we don't turn our “worship” into a sensual service to satisfy our own lust.

Eglon and Ehud sound like two made up names in a Star Wars movie, but in reality they are two Biblical characters who had a fascinating interaction. Their account began when the first judge, Othniel, had died and Israel had sinned, again (Judges 3:12).

A new generation came along and, hearing the siren song of sensual service, turned away from Yahweh and began worshiping the gods of their pagan neighbors. Baal (a god) and Asherah (a goddess) were their primary deities (3:7) and their worship was very sensual in the worst possible way. In order to satisfy the god and goddess men and women would participate in ritual fornication. This debasing “worship” allegedly promoted fertility and prosperous harvests, but in reality was just an outlet for sensual debauchery to satisfy human lust.

Yahweh was not honored or tolerant of their sinful choices and allowed Israel to be oppressed by Moab under its king, Eglon (3:12-14).When  Israel remembered to call on God and He raised up a savior named

The Stench Of Sensual Service Judges 3:12-30

“We are family” is a 1979 hit song by Sister Sledge, a group of four very real sisters. Even if you weren't into the disco scene of the late 70’s you may recognize it as the Pittsburgh Pirate’s theme song when they won the Baseball World Series in 79, or from its use in a wide variety of TV shows, Movies and commercials. There’s a simple reason why - Everything starts with family – Everything! 
 
As we study through the Bible we find Jesus woven so deeply into the record that He’s practically on every page. The reason is simple – Family. The Bible is the story of God’s relationship to humans as His family. From Genesis to Revelation the grand unifying theme is God’s work to restore that family relationship through Jesus. Over and over man sins and breaks that relationship, often resulting in physical captivity. Over and over again God sends a savior to rescue His people. Why? Because we are family – His family (Exodus 3:7-8). This practice of God wanting a people flows through the Old and New Testament and culminates in heaven where those who were washed in the blood of the Lamb dwell with God as his people (Revelation 21:3) 
 
The book of Judges is somewhat unique because of its constant repetition of the process of sin and rebellion leading to oppression and suffering followed by repentance and rescue. The text contains multiple lessons about generational failure and humanity's short sighted nature, but what really shines through, if we will look for it, is the theme – God rescues His family. 
 
The very first Judge, Othniel, is unique because of his family. His Uncle Caleb was one of the two faithful spies allowed to enter The Promised Land. And in his old age Caleb was a battle leader during the conquest of Canaan. When the new generation turned away from God to serve idols and settle in with the idol worshipers (Judges 3:5-7) a foreign king quickly conquered and oppressed them. But God sent a savior, Othniel, to rescue His family (Judges 3:9-11). 
 
Ultimately, despite all our sin, God sent the final judge, the ultimate deliverer, Jesus, his only son to rescue us. Why? Because he wants us to be his family. Oh what a God we have – if we are his family! Are you? Feel free to reach out to me if you aren't sure about how to be in God's family.

“We are family” is a 1979 hit song by Sister Sledge, a group of four very real sisters. Even if you weren't into the disco scene of the late 70’s you may recognize it as the Pittsburgh Pirate’s theme song when they won the Baseball World Series in 79, or from its use in a wide variety of TV shows, Movies and commercials. There’s a simple reason why - Everything starts with family – Everything!

As we study through the Bible we find Jesus woven so deeply into the record that He’s practically on every page. The reason is simple – Family. The Bible is the story of God’s relationship to humans as His family. From Genesis to Revelation the grand unifying theme is God’s work to restore that family relationship through Jesus. Over and over man sins and breaks that relationship, often resulting in physical captivity. Over and over again God sends a savior to rescue His people. Why? Because we are family – His family (Exodus 3:7-8). This practice of God wanting a people flows through the Old an

God Saves His Family: Judges 3:9-11

"It's déjà vu all over again". Baseball legend Yogi Berra is credited with saying that after watching Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris regularly hit back to back home runs while playing for the NY Yankees. 
 
"It's déjà vu all over again" is particularly fitting for our review of the period of the judges because the Israelite pattern of apostasy. It was a constant cycle of falling away, being captured, and rescued by God – just to start over again with the next generation. Over and over they repeated that pattern and every time God was willing to come to their rescue (Judges 2:11-23). 
 
The cycle followed a consistent pattern. First Israel “did that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah” by serving the Baalim and Ashtaroth. Second, God allowed oppressors to rise up and afflict the nation because of their sin, “he gave them into the hands of plunderers who plundered them.” Third, when it got bad enough they called on God for relief and He sent a judge to save them, “for the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed and afflicted them.” Fourth, in just a few short years another generation came along and fell away again, “but it came about when the judge died, that they would turn back and act more corruptly than their fathers.” 
 
The real “déjà vu all over again,” the one shining consistency, a constant ray of hope, in all that repetition is God’s mercy and grace. That consistency met its ultimate fulfillment at the cross. And that, my friends, is the greatest example of déjà vu for all of us. Let's break the cycle of sin by submitting to the savior; today, and every day.

"It's déjà vu all over again". Baseball legend Yogi Berra is credited with saying that after watching Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris regularly hit back to back home runs while playing for the NY Yankees. 

"It's déjà vu all over again" is particularly fitting for our review of the period of the judges because the Israelite pattern of apostasy. It was a constant cycle of falling away, being captured, and rescued by God – just to start over again with the next generation. Over and over they repeated that pattern and every time God was willing to come to their rescue (Judges 2:11-23).

The cycle followed a consistent pattern. First Israel “did that which is evil in the sight of Jehovah” by serving the Baalim and Ashtaroth.  Second, God allowed oppressors to rise up and afflict the nation because of their sin, “he gave them into the hands of plunderers who plundered them.” Third, when it got bad enough they called on God for relief and He sent a judge to save them, “for the Lord was moved t

Break The Cycle Of Sin: Judges 2:11-23

"Why do you have to be so negative? All you talk about is Jehovah worship at the tabernacle as if that’s the only true form of worship. Why do you have to keep saying that our neighbors the Amorites are wrong and that their worship of Baal is sinful? Have you tried it? How do you know it’s so bad? They’re religious too, and they’re nice people. I went to the well the other day and their daughter was there getting water for the family and she was friendly. She didn't have horns and didn't curse Jehovah. You've gotten old and lost touch with reality. Besides, we have to live in today’s world if we’re going to have any influence on our neighbors." 
 
As we noted yesterday, every generation, including mine and yours, has its own unique set of problems, sins to be more specific, that need to be addressed directly, honestly, and Biblically. Just because the next generation has its own sin problem doesn't mean everything it says about the previous generation should be ignored. However, just because the previous generation has its own sin problem, that doesn't mean the next generation's so-called “solution” actually fixes the problem, especially if it calls for compromise with the sinners surrounding us. 
 
While it may sound familiar to many of us, the imaginary conversation we began with could have happened just a few short years after the death of Joshua and the conquering generation when the next generation came along and “didn’t know Jehovah” or what He had done for Israel (Judges 2:10). The key to that generational change was they “did not know Jehovah”. 
 
Their parents failed to fully obey God by driving out all the inhabitants of the land. As a result they became a thorn in Israel’s side and a trap for their children (Judges 2:3). But their biggest failure was in not teaching their children about God’s grand majesty. The children “did not know Jehovah,” and whose fault was that? The parents! 
 
So when we hear that speech from our children instead of just saying “You're wrong” we should ask ourselves, “Did I really tell them about God and show them genuine faith?” The way to help keep the “new generation” from falling for Satan's lies isn't to pretend ours was perfect but by showing and telling them about the God who is grand and glorious. Start now before it's too late. Get your life right with God and share God's glory with your children.

"Why do you have to be so negative? All you talk about is Jehovah worship at the tabernacle as if that’s the only true form of worship. Why do you have to keep saying that our neighbors the Amorites are wrong and that their worship of Baal is sinful? Have you tried it? How do you know it’s so bad? They’re religious too, and they’re nice people. I went to the well the other day and their daughter was there getting water for the family and she was friendly. She didn't have horns and didn't curse Jehovah. You've gotten old and lost touch with reality. Besides, we have to live in today’s world if we’re going to have any influence on our neighbors."

As we noted yesterday, every generation, including mine and yours, has its own unique set of problems, sins to be more specific, that need to be addressed directly, honestly, and Biblically. Just because the next generation has its own sin problem doesn't mean everything it says about the previous generation should be ignored. However, just bec

Teach Them To Know The Lord: Judges 2:10

“My Generation” is a 1965 song by “The Who” that glorified the rebellious anger of the Baby Boomers as they came out of their teens in an age when old conventions and morals were being tossed aside for new ways of thinking and living. 
 
Let’s look at all the wonderful things my generation brought: family breakdown, societal confusion and dissolution, moral collapse, sexually transmitted diseases, aids, etc. As one born at the tail end of that generation I don’t “dig” what they were saying. 
 
In fairness, before we completely condemn my generation, let’s make a few observations. First they weren't growing up in a perfect world. For all its good points America had plenty of flaws. It was not then, is not, now and never will be a “Christian” nation. So please don't believe or say that it was or is. Understand this: the 40’s and 50’s were filled with sin and hypocrisy. There were plenty of “religious” men who abused their wives with impunity because society accepted it. Many intelligent, capable, women who had worked in important jobs to survive WWII had to go back to lesser roles and be treated like second class people. Black folk were treated with contempt and suffered great indignity at the hands of “respectable” white folk. 
 
Nor were they the first rebellious generation. After Joshua’s death a “new generation” came along and rebelled against God, setting a pattern that has continued throughout history (Judges 2:10-13). 
 
Christians must refuse to conform to any generation, choosing instead God’s regeneration into the image of Jesus (Rom 12:1-2). Which will it be for you – a rebellious generation or an obedient regeneration?

“My Generation” is a 1965 song by “The Who” that glorified the rebellious anger of the Baby Boomers as they came out of their teens in an age when old conventions and morals were being tossed aside for new ways of thinking and living. 

Let’s look at all the wonderful things my generation brought: family breakdown, societal confusion and dissolution, moral collapse, sexually transmitted diseases, aids, etc. As one born at the tail end of that generation I don’t “dig” what they were saying.

In fairness, before we completely condemn my generation, let’s make a few observations. First they weren't growing up in a perfect world. For all its good points America had plenty of flaws. It was not then, is not, now and never will be a “Christian” nation. So please don't believe or say that it was or is. Understand this: the 40’s and 50’s were filled with sin and hypocrisy. There were plenty of “religious” men who abused their wives with impunity because society accepted it. Many intelligent, ca

Rebellious Generation Or Obedient Regeneration? Judges 2:10-13

Once upon a time a long cold spell had the cowboys trapped in the ranch house in Wyoming so the boss sent one old hand down into the root cellar to sort out bad potatoes. After about an hour he came out and announced that he was quitting. When asked why, his answer was, “Can’t stand making decisions.” In reality the problem was not making decisions, since he made them every day about working cattle, but he was in unfamiliar territory and felt incompetent to choose between good and bad potatoes. 
 
Isn't that true in life? The most decisive person in the world can become a quivering pile of indecision when placed in unfamiliar situations. But there are times we have to stretch ourselves and make those decisions, even when we feel incompetent. No decision in life is more important than whether or not we will serve God, yet it is one far too many seek to avoid. There are lots of reasons, but for many it’s because they don’t feel competent to decide even though there is plenty of information available. However, indecision is dangerous because the refusal to decide is a rejection of God and selection of the false gods of this world. 
 
The importance of this decision cannot be overemphasized, and must be reaffirmed daily. For example, just before his death Joshua called Israel together and repeatedly challenged their faith in God. He reminded them of God’s mighty work and encouraged them to keep their promise to God (Joshua 24:1-13). Then he called on them to choose that day to serve God or idols (Joshua 24:14-15). Repeatedly he challenged their commitment so that three times they swore faithfulness to God (Joshua 24:18, 21, 24). 
 
The information is available, the time is now, the decision is yours – so choose.

Once upon a time a long cold spell had the cowboys trapped in the ranch house in Wyoming so the boss sent one old hand down into the root cellar to sort out bad potatoes. After about an hour he came out and announced that he was quitting. When asked why, his answer was, “Can’t stand making decisions.” In reality the problem was not making decisions, since he made them every day about working cattle, but he was in unfamiliar territory and felt incompetent to choose between good and bad potatoes.
 
Isn't that true in life? The most decisive person in the world can become a quivering pile of indecision when placed in unfamiliar situations. But there are times we have to stretch ourselves and make those decisions, even when we feel incompetent. No decision in life is more important than whether or not we will serve God, yet it is one far too many seek to avoid. There are lots of reasons, but for many it’s because they don’t feel competent to decide even though there is plenty of informatio

Choose To Serve God! Joshua 24:14-15

“What we've got here is... failure to communicate.” Most of us have heard the prison warden's line from the 1967 movie “Cool Hand Luke,” even if we've never watched the movie, or even knew its source. Without getting into the context it’s a great line because it describes the source of many problems in life – “failure to communicate.” 
 
While sometimes one sided, more often than we would like to think, the fault rests with both sides of a conflict. One person says or does something without explanation and another reacts without understanding and suddenly there’s a fight. 
 
Just before Joshua’s death there was an OT example of a “failure to communicate,” which shows us how communication failures can lead to disaster, and how to resolve communication problems. The first failure to communicate took place when the tribes settling on the east side of Jordan failed to tell the other tribes about a monument they built on the banks of the river (Joshua 22:9-10). The second communication problem arose when the tribes on the west side of the Jordan heard about it, immediately assumed the worst, and prepared to attack (Joshua 22:11-12). 
 
How was the communication issue resolved? By communication! A delegation went to ask what the tribes on the east side were doing (Joshua 22:13-20). What a novel concept: asking for clarification! The question was heard and followed by a simple explanation that stopped the fight in its tracks. It wasn't a competing altar, but simply a monument to remind future generations of their common brotherhood (Joshua 22:21-29). In other words appearances were deceiving and assumptions were dangerous. As soon as they got the facts the delegation said “Oh, Okay” and went home. War was averted and God was glorified (Joshua 22:30-33). 
 
But the whole uproar could have been avoided with better communication up front by those who built the monument, and by those who saw it, if they had asked instead of assumed before gathering for war. Good communication, among people of good will, will avoid the problems caused by the “failure to communicate”. So if you find yourself in a fight step back and ask first: Am I a person of good will? If not, then fix that first. Get the beam out of your own eye, then worry about the speck in your brother’s eye.

“What we've got here is... failure to communicate.” Most of us have heard the prison warden's line from the 1967 movie “Cool Hand Luke,” even if we've never watched the movie, or even knew its source. Without getting into the context it’s a great line because it describes the source of many problems in life – “failure to communicate.”

While sometimes one sided, more often than we would like to think, the fault rests with both sides of a conflict. One person says or does something without explanation and another reacts without understanding and suddenly there’s a fight. 

Just before Joshua’s death there was an OT example of a “failure to communicate,” which shows us how communication failures can lead to disaster, and how to resolve communication problems. The first failure to communicate took place when the tribes settling on the east side of Jordan failed to tell the other tribes about a monument they built on the banks of the river (Joshua 22:9-10). The second communication problem

Israel’s Failure To Communicate Resolved By Communication Joshua 22:9-33

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” is a confusing 2008 Sci Fi movie starring Keanu Reeves. It’s confusing because the connections are hard to follow even though the premise isn't new. The idea was that the world was threatened by human activity so aliens came to remove samples of life and then destroy the earth to eliminate the human blight. Sort of like the account of Noah and the Ark, except in this case the earth was being wiped clean, down to nothing but bare rock. To save the earth from human pollution the best thing man can come up with is destroy it completely making it uninhabitable by any living thing? Man’s concepts of irredeemable sin and its solution are strange indeed. 
 
Did you notice that the flood and Noah and the Ark isn't the only Biblical reference? Look at the title – “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” That’s a reference to an event in the conquest of The Promised Land when God stopped the earth so Israel could utterly defeat the Amorites (Joshua 10:12-14). In that event Joshua asked for God’s help by having the sun stand still and it did. Of course we know that in reality the earth did, but some hard core God haters still try to make an issue of the wording. 
 
But that wasn't the only strange event that day. First there was the highly unusual action of Israel keeping its promise to Gibeon. The battle started because several kings attacked Gibeon for making a treaty with Israel. Rather than sitting back saying, “You lied to us and deserve it” Israel traveled all night to defend them (Joshua 10:1-9). Then there was God’s help by sending hailstones on the Amorites (Joshua 10:10-11). Evil was being punished by the God of Heaven on the day the earth stood still.

“The Day the Earth Stood Still” is a confusing 2008 Sci Fi movie starring Keanu Reeves. It’s confusing because the connections are hard to follow even though the premise isn't new. The idea was that the world was threatened by human activity so aliens came to remove samples of life and then destroy the earth to eliminate the human blight. Sort of like the account of Noah and the Ark, except in this case the earth was being wiped clean, down to nothing but bare rock. To save the earth from human pollution the best thing man can come up with is destroy it completely making it uninhabitable by any living thing? Man’s concepts of irredeemable sin and its solution are strange indeed.

Did you notice that the flood and Noah and the Ark isn't the only Biblical reference? Look at the title – “The Day the Earth Stood Still.” That’s a reference to an event in the conquest of The Promised Land when God stopped the earth so Israel could utterly defeat the Amorites (Joshua 10:12-14). In that event 

The Sun Stood Still: Joshua 10:12-14

Another politician lied to the American people. So what? Evidence and witnesses and the #metoo culture don’t matter to those who want to protect Joe Biden from the accusation of a sexual assault. Since I don’t know if it’s true or not I will leave that debate to those who think they do. I simply ask; “So what?” Not because it’s okay but because America has become a nation of liars and we shouldn't be surprised. 
 
Yesterday we discussed Israel’s mistake of not seeking God’s will before making an agreement with the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:14). Lack of transparency was a huge political advantage for Gibeon because after the covenant was sealed, Israel did the one thing that is truly shocking today – They Kept Their Word. Once the truth was revealed Israel couldn't back out of their promise just because the Gibeonites lied (Jos 9:16-21). 
 
That’s a profound concept that needs to sink in to our culture today, in fact needs to sink in to everyone who claims to be a Christian. The fact that someone lies to us does not give us the right to back out of our promises. The fact that “everyone does it” doesn't make it right. God made it clear that He hates liars (Proverbs 12:22) because they are sons of Satan (John 8:44) and barred from Heaven (Revelation 22:15). So, don’t be shocked that people lie – Be the exception.

Another politician lied to the American people. So what? Evidence and witnesses and the #metoo culture don't matter to those ...

Be The Exception – Keep Your Word: Joshua 9:16-21

“It ain’t over till it’s over!” A young preacher friend spoke in a gospel meeting back in January, and talked a little bit about the relativity of time. He illustrated it with two questions. First was, “How many of you thought 2019 would never end?” Almost all the young people raised their hands. Then he asked, “How many of you can’t believe it’s already 2020?” Almost all the older folks raised their hands. Today the question would be, “When will 2020 end?” The answer would be unanimous, “NEVER!” 
 
When God allowed Israel to lose to the city of Ai after the sin of Achan there was great despair and disappointment among the people Israel, especially Joshua. In fact, while the defeat was most embarrassing and shameful, his reaction seemed quite overboard. His lament was as if they had been driven out of the land and it was all over (Joshua 7:6-9). God told him to get up and get busy because it wasn’t over until it was over (Joshua 7:10-15). So he got up discovered the sinner and sanctified the nation. Then God told them to go take Ai because He had given it to them (Joshua 8:1-2). It was over when God said it was over. 
 
This is an important lesson for all of us, in life in general as well as in our relationship to God. We are often surprised by the ability of others to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. We see it all the time in sports, but it happens at school, at work and in family. More importantly it happens in faith as well. People who seemed unredeemable sinners convert and turn to God. Sins we thought undefeatable are defeated (Romans 7:24-25). All because of Jesus who snatched victory from the mouth of defeat (Acts 2:24). Don’t quit, don’t give up, because “It ain’t over till it’s over!”

“It ain’t over till it’s over!” A young preacher friend spoke in a gospel meeting back in January, and talked a little bit about the relativity of time. He illustrated it with two questions. First was, “How many of you thought 2019 would never end?” Almost all the young people raised their hands. Then he asked, “How many of you can’t believe it’s already 2020?” Almost all the older folks raised their hands. Today the question would be, “When will 2020 end?” The answer would be unanimous, “NEVER!”

When God allowed Israel to lose to the city of Ai after the sin of Achan there was great despair and disappointment among the people Israel, especially Joshua. In fact, while the defeat was most embarrassing and shameful, his reaction seemed quite overboard. His lament was as if they had been driven out of the land and it was all over (Joshua 7:6-9). God told him to get up and get busy because it wasn’t over until it was over (Joshua 7:10-15). So he got up discovered the sinner and sanctified

It Ain’t Over Till God Says It’s Over: Joshua 8:1-2

On top of everything else that has happened in 2020 this is an election year, specifically a presidential election year. So the next five months will continue the misery with an endless cycle of attacks and counter attacks that will exhaust us all. Though quite frankly it seems like the last twenty years have been one long exhausting election campaign. 
 
That's because politics permeates everything, and, to be even more frank, corrupts everything. And, while political participation by Christians should be encouraged, even to the point of seeking political office, we need to be careful about putting our hope in politicians and political parties. We all should know that somewhere along the way they will all disappoint us. As the election looms closer the political posturing over who will be more willing to compromise and moderate in order to “get along” and “get things done” will pop up. Of course it's pure political posturing, none of them really mean it. 
 
As you should know by now, though, Morning Minutes in the Bible is not about politics but about eternal spiritual realities. So the point today is about the problem of compromising and moderating in order to “get along” and “get things done” in religion. God’s call has always been “extreme” in that He has always required total surrender to Him and His will, and at times demanded some extreme things from His followers (Joshua 6:17-21). 
 
Moderates would have argued against it saying it was cruel (if you’re ok with abortion don’t talk about God being cruel). Some would have argued it was wasteful (in their messed up world things are more valuable than people). They would have pointed out the value of compromising with the people of Jericho and finding a way to work with them and get along. However, compromise with the world's religious concepts is disobedience to God and a path to death and destruction.

On top of everything else that has happened in 2020 this is an election year, specifically a presidential election year. So the next five months will continue the misery with an endless cycle of attacks and counter attacks that will exhaust us all. Though quite frankly it seems like the last twenty years have been one long exhausting election campaign.

That's because politics permeates everything, and, to be even more frank, corrupts everything. And, while political participation by Christians should be encouraged, even to the point of seeking political office, we need to be careful about putting our hope in politicians and political parties. We all should know that somewhere along the way they will all disappoint us. As the election looms closer the political posturing over who will be more willing to compromise and moderate in order to “get along” and “get things done” will pop up. Of course it's pure political posturing, none of them really mean it.

As you should know by now, thou

Believers Cannot Compromise: Joshua 6:17-21

Katniss Everdeen is a terrible actor because she’s one of those people who buries her emotions and just keeps on doing. She doesn't need to talk about how she feels or share her feelings with others and certainly doesn't wear them on her face. As a doer she had to get out in the heat of battle where she didn't have to pretend. There her emotions shined brilliantly. Of course the whole thing is fake – it’s a movie. Jennifer Lawrence is a true actor. It’s all a show on a stage and she’s successful because she’s good at faking her emotions. That’s what separates the good actors from the mediocre – the ability to connect with the audience and make us believe them. They draw in an audience and bring in the money. 
 
To our disappointment there are some who see preaching and teaching God’s word in those terms. In some cases it’s preachers who put on a show “to become wealthy” (1 Timothy 6:5). Sometimes it’s people who want preachers who put on a good show to connect with the audience and make them feel good about themselves (2 Timothy 4:3-4). God wants preachers to preach. Paul warns of those who want their ears tickled in the middle of a charge to preach the truth (2 Tim 4:1-2, 5). 
 
Good acting may bring in the crowds (and the money) and make some believe. But in whom and in what do they believe? Are they converted to Christ or emotionally attached to a speaker? Are they captured by the light of Christ’s truth or our crafty deceit (2 Corinthians 4:1-6)? Let God’s light shine more brilliantly than our emotions. Preach the word not feelings and emotions lest we capture people to ourselves or to feelings and emotions. It had better not be an act, because even if the audience doesn’t get it – God does!

Katniss Everdeen is a terrible actor because she’s one of those people who buries her emotions and just keeps on doing. She doesn't need to talk about how she feels or share her feelings with others and certainly doesn't wear them on her face. As a doer she had to get out in the heat of battle where she didn't have to pretend. There her emotions shined brilliantly. Of course the whole thing is fake – it’s a movie. Jennifer Lawrence is a true actor. It’s all a show on a stage and she’s successful because she’s good at faking her emotions. That’s what separates the good actors from the mediocre – the ability to connect with the audience and make us believe them. They draw in an audience and bring in the money.

To our disappointment there are some who see preaching and teaching God’s word in those terms. In some cases it’s preachers who put on a show “to become wealthy” (1 Timothy 6:5). Sometimes it’s people who want preachers who put on a good show to connect with the audience and make 

Preaching Or Acting? 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Are you a radical or a pragmatist? Those two words are seldom used together because they seem to be polar opposites. But, once again maybe they don't mean what we think they mean. A pragmatist is one who is focused on results rather than ideals and will compromise on principles to get the desired outcome. A radical is one who doesn't follow the herd off the cliff, but rather is willing to act in non-traditional ways and go against the crowd; sometimes in very extreme ways. 
 
Typically I don’t use the word radical to describe myself because it makes me think of 70’s hippie surfers smoking weed and mumbling “Radical, dude, pass me the joint.” Or it brings to mind extremists who will burn the church down to “save” it. But in the right context and if the specific meaning is given then it’s an excellent word. 
 
Also, I wouldn't want to be a pragmatist because I don't believe the ends always justify the means, especially if it means compromising ideals and principles. That's a sure path to destruction. Yet, we’re all pragmatic in areas that don’t matter (I may want to buy a boat to go fishing but I settle for grouper sandwich at Bahama Breeze). 
 
After Israel went through the waters of the Jordan River God told them to do something radical (as if walking into a flooded river wasn't radical enough). Because the adults who came out of Egypt lacked the faith to follow God they had failed to comply with the law of circumcision. God ordered all the men to be circumcised before starting the conquest (Joshua 5:2-9). Any way you slice it that’s extreme, yes, radical. But it was the sign of the covenant promise made to their father Abraham and codified in the Law of Moses. It was required by God. 
 
And the radical did it because God said so. God's say so made it the right thing to do. The NT repeatedly said, “Loving the Lord God means keeping his commandments.” John 14:15, 21, 23; John 15:10; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; 2 John 6 all affirm the radical connection between loving God and obedience. Obedience must come from a heart of love for Jesus. We can't love Jesus or our neighbor if we refuse to obey his commands. The pragmatist might have gone along, but only for the preferred outcome of remaining in the group. In the same way today the rightness of the action is defined by whole hearted obedience to God, not the label we choose. Most of the religious world claims to love the Lord and their neighbor but refuses to keep the Lord's commands. Oh, they may keep some, from time to time, but only when it results in their desired outcome – not God's. So, are you a radical or a pragmatist?

Are you a radical or a pragmatist? Those two words are seldom used together because they seem to be polar opposites. But, once again maybe they don't mean what we think they mean. A pragmatist is one who is focused on results rather than ideals and will compromise on principles to get the desired outcome. A radical is one who doesn't follow the herd off the cliff, but rather is willing to act in non-traditional ways and go against the crowd; sometimes in very extreme ways.

Typically I don’t use the word radical to describe myself because it makes me think of 70’s hippie surfers smoking weed and mumbling “Radical, dude, pass me the joint.” Or it brings to mind extremists who will burn the church down to “save” it. But in the right context and if the specific meaning is given then it’s an excellent word.

Also, I wouldn't want to be a pragmatist because I don't believe the ends always justify the means, especially if it means compromising ideals and principles. That's a sure path to des

Radical Obedience For God: Joshua 5:2-9

"It Is Not In Man" by Kevan O’Banion from PLAIN TALK Magazine September 1980. 
 
When Micaiah was told to prophesy those things which would please the King of Israel, he answered "As Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak" (1 Ki. 22:14)- Isaiah refused to listen to the people when urged to "prophesy not right things, speak unto us smooth things" — he was a spokesman for God (Is. 30:10). And Joshua, standing before the nation of Israel, declared "As for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah" (Josh. 24:15). 
 
These men, and others, serve to remind us of a characteristic of true followers of God. It is a trait portrayed by such men as John the Baptizer and Stephen — who lost their lives for speaking the truth. Peter, who declared, "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), also possessed this characteristic — as did Paul, who wrote, "we also believe, and therefore also we speak" (2 Cor. 4:13). The characteristic I refer to is conviction. 
 
Conviction, a characteristic once prevalent among Christians and our nation, is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. We are told by "scholars" of our day that there is no absolute truth, particularly in the religious and moral realm. We are urged to adopt a philosophy that replaces "thus saith the Lord" with "it's right if you think it's right." It is a philosophy which exalts man and places him in the realm of determining truth; of dictating what is right or wrong. And the results are far from beneficial. 
 
In the area of child-rearing, parents are urged to keep spiritual and moral training to a minimum — much better, say the psychologists, to let children "decide for themselves" when they are old enough. Teenagers are advised to engage in pre-marital sex only "if it's right for them." Some marriage counselors encourage extra marital relationships to "strengthen” marriages. And if it doesn't work out, couples can always get a divorce — if that's what they want. Even in the realm of religion, the Bible is referred to as "a suggested way of life” — and this is the heart of the entire problem. 
 
Many in our nation are filled with anguish and overcome with despair because they have lost the standard; the ideal set forth for man by his Creator. No longer is the Bible regarded as "the way." The result — millions are deceived into adopting this "do your own thing" philosophy. They trod down the great, wide way of the world; seeking happiness where nobody ever found happiness. And after futile attempts to "find their own way," they end up disappointed and LOST — realizing too late that "the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps" (Jer. 10:23). 
 
If we look again to the example of godly men in the scriptures, see that their convictions were not based on subjective feelings (what they thought was right). They knew of the "way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 16:25). Likewise — if our convictions are to be pleasing to God, they must be based on the only source of truth, His word.

"It Is Not In Man" by Kevan O’Banion from PLAIN TALK Magazine September 1980.

When Micaiah was told to prophesy those things which would please the King of Israel, he answered "As Jehovah liveth, what Jehovah saith unto me, that will I speak" (1 Ki. 22:14)- Isaiah refused to listen to the people when urged to "prophesy not right things, speak unto us smooth things" — he was a spokesman for God (Is. 30:10). And Joshua, standing before the nation of Israel, declared "As for me and my house, we will serve Jehovah" (Josh. 24:15).

These men, and others, serve to remind us of a characteristic of true followers of God. It is a trait portrayed by such men as John the Baptizer and Stephen — who lost their lives for speaking the truth. Peter, who declared, "we must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29), also possessed this characteristic — as did Paul, who wrote, "we also believe, and therefore also we speak" (2 Cor. 4:13). The characteristic I refer to is conviction.

Conviction, a characteri

"It Is Not In Man" Jeremiah 10:23

“A chip and a sip” is a derisive term for the manner in which many in churches of Christ eat the Lord's Supper. Not content with a personal decision to choose larger portions, some feel the need ridicule those who take smaller portions. This is a non-prejudicial look at the Lord's Supper and the tradition set forth in the Bible. 
 
First, all that really matters is what the Bible teaches about it. Personal preference has no place in our decision about the order or make up of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus instituted it on the night before His betrayal and Paul sealed the pattern in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. Instituted during Passover Jesus used unleavened bread and wine (heavily diluted). The order was a piece of bread first, followed by a drink of wine. Portion size was not discussed, so whether one takes small or large portions is entirely irrelevant. 
 
Second, we must examine our hearts to see if our attitude is right before God and take the Lord’s Supper with a clean heart (1 Corinthians 11:28-29). One can’t have a good attitude (spirit, heart) but do it the wrong way. Our attitude won’t excuse rejection of the divine pattern. Since the Bible is explicit about how the Lord's Supper is to be eaten one cannot choose to do it a different way and have the right attitude. Rebellion against God’s will is never OK! 
 
Finally, there are times when portion size can be a problem. One is if we judge another’s heart based on the size of their portion. Another is if we turn the Communion into a common feast. Paul’s teaching started as a rebuke for their making it a common meal (v 17) and ended by telling them to eat those at home (v 34). The Lord’s Supper is about the Lord. Let’s not make it about us.

“A chip and a sip” is a derisive term for the manner in which many in churches of Christ eat the Lord's Supper. Not content with a personal decision to choose larger portions, some feel the need ridicule those who take smaller portions. This is a non-prejudicial look at the Lord's Supper and the tradition set forth in the Bible.

First, all that really matters is what the Bible teaches about it.  Personal preference has no place in our decision about the order or make up of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus instituted it on the night before His betrayal and Paul sealed the pattern in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34. Instituted during Passover Jesus used unleavened bread and wine (heavily diluted).  The order was a piece of bread first, followed by a drink of wine. Portion size was not discussed, so whether one takes small or large portions is entirely irrelevant.

Second, we must examine our hearts to see if our attitude is right before God and take the Lord’s Supper with a clean heart (1 Corinthians 11

Traditional Tuesday: The Lord’s Supper 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

The name Phil Bengtson isn't familiar to many people, especially compared to Vince Lombardi. Poor Phil followed Vince as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1968. The fans weren't ready for mediocrity, but that’s what they got with Phil. Many organizations that are led to great success by a dynamic, powerful leader lose their hold on that success under new leaders. It happens to businesses, sports teams, governments, and yes, even churches. 
 
One glaring exception is the case of Moses and Joshua. When it came time for a new leader God’s chosen replacement was already in place. Having been the first battle leader of Israel (Exodus 17:19), and with Moses’ on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:13), and one of the only two spies that said they could take the land at the beginning (Numbers 14:6-9) it was clear he was prepared to lead. And the nation was ready for him to lead them across the Jordan into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:9). 
 
The importance of that transition and the importance of Joshua’s role cannot be overstated. The nation was at a critical juncture. They had defeated all their enemies on the east of Jordan and faced the difficult task of driving out the pagan polluters on the west side. Under the wrong leader it could have been a disaster, but under Joshua it was a complete success (Joshua 24:31). Joshua was the great leader who led Israel into the Promised Land, just like his namesake, Jesus, who now leads Israel into heaven itself (Hebrews 10:19-20).

The name Phil Bengtson isn't familiar to many people, especially compared to Vince Lombardi. Poor Phil followed Vince as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1968. The fans weren't ready for mediocrity, but that’s what they got with Phil. Many organizations that are led to great success by a dynamic, powerful leader lose their hold on that success under new leaders. It happens to businesses, sports teams, governments, and yes, even churches.

One glaring exception is the case of Moses and Joshua. When it came time for a new leader God’s chosen replacement was already in place. Having been the first battle leader of Israel (Exodus 17:19), and with Moses’ on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 24:13), and one of the only two spies that said they could take the land at the beginning (Numbers 14:6-9) it was clear he was prepared to lead. And the nation was ready for him to lead them across the Jordan into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:9).

The importance of that transition and the importance of Joshua

From Moses To Joshua To Jesus: Deuteronomy 34:9

“...and as thy days, so shall thy strength be" (Deut. 33:25). Thus Asher is blessed with the other tribes of Israel. The words stir my spirit and remind me of God's care for me. Adverse challenge is implied in the text, but God controls the challenge. God is not our adversary and adverse conditions do not originate with him. He is rather the source of every good and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17) Furthermore, God limits the activity of our adversary, Satan, who seeks to devour us (1 Pet. 5:8)…Without such limits, none would stand. The devil would overwhelm or destroy us completely. 
 
God also regulates the duration of the temptation. I can stand almost any pain if the time is not too long — like about three seconds! Even lesser challenges become a serious burden when the time is unlimited… 
 
Finally, God supplies strength to meet the challenges of our day. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being...strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Col. 1:10,11). I would not venture to explain how God does this, but there is much that is beyond our power when God is not in the picture…No day overcomes us in the strength of our omnipotent God.”

“...and as thy days, so shall thy strength be" (Deut. 33:25). Thus Asher is blessed with the other tribes of Israel. The words stir my spirit and remind me of God's care for me. Adverse challenge is implied in the text, but God controls the challenge. God is not our adversary and adverse conditions do not originate with him. He is rather the source of every good and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17) Furthermore, God limits the activity of our adversary, Satan, who seeks to devour us (1 Pet. 5:8)…Without such limits, none would stand. The devil would overwhelm or destroy us completely.

God also regulates the duration of the temptation. I can stand almost any pain if the time is not too long — like about three seconds! Even lesser challenges become a serious burden when the time is unlimited…

Finally, God supplies strength to meet the challenges of our day. "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being...strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all pa

As Thy Day by Joe Fitch: Deuteronomy 33:25

Yesterday by David Smitherman 
From PLAIN TALK Magazine, February 1984. 
 
Yesterday...it exists only in fading memory, worn out photographs, and history books. And yet, it is one of the finest learning centers available to us if we will only allow ourselves to be taught. 
 
However, there is no living space in yesterday, so don't plan to reside there. As pleasant as it was, we cannot recall it, and Solomon warned against trying to live in it (Eccl. 7:10). Although reflections upon its achievements can be encouraging, be careful: yesterday is often larger than life. How we remember things being and how they really were are often two different things. Many, though, would not want to live in yesterday. For them it is a haunted house that is filled with regret, and memories of mistakes and failures they would like to forget (Gal. 1:13). 
 
But as wonderful or as humiliating as it may be, yesterday is not our savior, nor will it necessarily condemn us. It makes little difference how faithful we were (1 Tim. 1.19), what we meant to do (Acts 24:25), or thought we would have done (Matt. 23: 29-36). God's standard for judging is not yesterday, and one's acceptance before God is not described in the past tense. And, regardless of past mistakes, God's grace and mercy are sufficient to forgive and to forget even if we are unable to do so (Ps. 103:12). 
 
And even if the achievements of yesterday were great, remember that the memories of men are short: we, along with our accomplishments, will not likely be immortal. Yesterday will soon be forgotten by tomorrow's generation (Ecc. 2:16; 9:13-18). "The world will little note nor long remember what we say here..." was not true of Lincoln's words but will be of ours. 
 
What yesterday was is but a reflection of what tomorrow will be. Others have said it better: "Straight ahead lies yesterday," and "Those who are ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it." Solomon's conclusion was, "There is nothing new under the sun," (Eccl. 1:9-11). Such statements remind us that looking back can help us to see ahead. Moses encouraged the Jews to, "remember the days of old...ask your father...your elders, and they will tell you," (Deut. 32:7). And because Rehoboam refused this counsel, he led a nation to divide (1 Kings 12:8). Yesterday brethren fought and churches divided, and the next generation does the same. A careful look at yesterday might have prevented it. 
 
Yesterday reminds us of how short life is (Job 14:1-2). Our rapidly growing collection of yesterdays make us humble. "True, today we are here, but tomorrow may see just a grave in the vale and a mem'ry of me." How easy it is to count our yesterdays. How impossible it is to know of our tomorrows. 
 
Yesterday...our knowledge and memories of it can challenge and give courage, or depress and weaken resolve. What power there is in yesterday! Allow its power to aid in living happier today and in anticipating a better tomorrow.

Yesterday by David Smitherman 
From PLAIN TALK Magazine, February 1984.

Yesterday...it exists only in fading memory, worn out photographs, and history books. And yet, it is one of the finest learning centers available to us if we will only allow ourselves to be taught.

However, there is no living space in yesterday, so don't plan to reside there. As pleasant as it was, we cannot recall it, and Solomon warned against trying to live in it (Eccl. 7:10). Although reflections upon its achievements can be encouraging, be careful: yesterday is often larger than life. How we remember things being and how they really were are often two different things. Many, though, would not want to live in yesterday. For them it is a haunted house that is filled with regret, and memories of mistakes and failures they would like to forget (Gal. 1:13).

But as wonderful or as humiliating as it may be, yesterday is not our savior, nor will it necessarily condemn us. It makes little difference how faithful we 

Remember The Days Of Old: Deuteronomy 32:7

“God is dead.” Nietzsche. 
 “Nietzsche is dead.” God. 
 
That clever quip has been around for decades, and while funny, it’s actually incorrect. We know God is alive, but often forget that so is Nietzsche. Yes, his disease ridden body died in 1900, but his precious lost soul lives on forever. Jesus confirmed that in a dispute with the Sadducees about the resurrection. They didn't believe in life after death, but Jesus told them they were wrong and didn't understand the Bible or God. (Mark 12:24-27). 
 
Nietzsche, a German philosopher who lived in the late 1800's, is famous for declaring the death of God. His point was that modern man had come to realize there was no God (as if they were the first fools to think that – Psalm 14:1) and needed to figure out the meaning of life. He understood that if there is no God there is no eternal basis for morality and, in the search for a replacement, urged the individual to transcend all cultural bounds and declare one’s own morality (again not the first to accept that - Judges 21:25). It shouldn't surprise us that one of his ardent acolytes was Adolf Hitler. 
 
Moses was warning Israel of the danger of thinking that way 3500 years before Nietzsche. In his closing song he noted that they would “lightly esteem” God and go after other gods (Deuteronomy 32:15). A foolish mistake since there is no other beside Him (32:39); a mistake being made again today. Who’s philosophy are you living by – Moses’ or Nietzsche’s?

“God is dead.” Nietzsche.
 “Nietzsche is dead.” God.

That clever quip has been around for decades, and while funny, it’s actually incorrect. We know God is alive, but often forget that so is Nietzsche. Yes, his disease ridden body died in 1900, but his precious lost soul lives on forever. Jesus confirmed that in a dispute with the Sadducees about the resurrection. They didn't believe in life after death, but Jesus told them they were wrong and didn't understand the Bible or God. (Mark 12:24-27).

Nietzsche, a German philosopher who lived in the late 1800's, is famous for declaring the death of God. His point was that modern man had come to realize there was no God (as if they were the first fools to think that – Psalm 14:1) and needed to figure out the meaning of life. He understood that if there is no God there is no eternal basis for morality and, in the search for a replacement, urged the individual to transcend all cultural bounds and declare one’s own morality (again not the firs

An Eternal God Means An Eternal Morality: Deuteronomy 32:39

Who am I? Why am I here? How do we know? Those are three of the most fundamental questions of life for every single one of us. Who am I is a question about the nature of being. Why am I here is a question about the nature of meaning and purpose. How do we know is a question about ways of thinking and understanding truth. 
 
Once Darwin’s book “On the Origin of Species” gave the intellectual argument for a strictly material origin Western Civilization quickly opted to answer the first question in the most irrational way possible – nobody. Without God as the source of our being we are nothing. If we are nothing then we have no reason for being. If we have no reason for being then knowledge is irrelevant. That’s a one way street to despair (1 Corinthians 15:32). 
 
Contrast that with the statement Moses made in his farewell song to Israel. After talking about their rejection of God for idols Yahweh God challenged them to seek help from those false gods. The problem of course is that they're not real. Since they don’t exist they can do nothing. Moses then addressed the question of being with a bold declaration that God is the only self-existent being. “See now that I myself am he! There is no god besides me.” (Deuteronomy 32:37-39a). 
 
Which option will you chose? Think carefully before you answer because both have eternal consequences. Some glibly choose the “there’s no god” answer without realizing it is a meaningless statement from a meaningless being. (Chew on that one for a while.) Others just as glibly choose the God who is - without realizing that renders them accountable to an eternal, self-existent being.

Who am I? Why am I here? How do we know? Those are three of the most fundamental questions of life for every single one of us. Who am I is a question about the nature of being. Why am I here is a question about the nature of meaning and purpose. How do we know is a question about ways of thinking and understanding truth. 

Once Darwin’s book “On the Origin of Species” gave the intellectual argument for a strictly material origin Western Civilization quickly opted to answer the first question in the most irrational way possible – nobody. Without God as the source of our being we are nothing. If we are nothing then we have no reason for being. If we have no reason for being then knowledge is irrelevant. That’s a one way street to despair (1 Corinthians 15:32).

Contrast that with the statement Moses made in his farewell song to Israel. After talking about their rejection of God for idols Yahweh God challenged them to seek help from those false gods. The problem of course is that they're 

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