by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Baptism, Bible, Christian Living, Church, Doctrine, Evangelism, Faith, General, God, Love, Salvation — No Comments ↓

Most likely, your throat gets tight, your knees shake, and your stomach hurts when you think about asking a friend to study the Bible with you. On top of that there is a growing feeling in the church that the changed culture makes evangelism much more difficult today compared to past eras. However God is still faithful, the Bible is still His word, and the power to save is found therein (Romans 1:16). This truth and confidence in a practical plan for evangelism can help overcome any fear or sense of despair.

Evangelism comes with strong possibilities. The man who sows the seed does not know exactly how it will germinate and produce (Mark 4:26-29). Our job is to sow the seed and we cannot know when, where, or how it will produce if ever. Believing that every contact is a possibility will excite the sincere evangelist and help overcome past fears and discouragements.

Evangelism comes from confident disciples. To be a disciple of Christ is to believe in, and be fully committed to, His way. That is why we will take up our cross every day as we follow Him (Luke 9:23). Complete dedication means that I will evangelize and my passion for Him will be apparent to the seeking soul. I can also draw strength from an understanding that it is every person’s responsibility to seek God (Acts 17:26-27). Even if I struggle in my attempts to reach out they are still obligated to search out the truth for themselves. My honest efforts only improve the chances that they will make the right choice to obey the gospel.

Evangelism comes with an understanding of boundaries. Bible evangelism works within the authority of scripture while understanding the way culture has changed the methods. God’s law cannot change in the name of church growth. People are to be drawn by the cross, i.e. the gospel (John 12:32). Inviting prospects to fellowship events is a good idea, but ultimately they cannot be converted to friendships or services if they want to save their soul. It can be tempting to refrain from teaching the truth on a critical topic in order to keep a study with a non-Christian. However, doctrinal purity must be maintained because compromise in the name of growth only results in the blind leading the blind (Matthew 15:14). These boundaries must be maintained and those who understand the times can tell the difference between changing a method and forsaking a principle (1 Chronicles 12:32). New forms of communication provide new opportunities for Christians to spread the gospel. Shifts in cultural norms necessitate a change in approach. While these changes can be scary, rest assured that the basics are still the same. We must make connections with those outside of Christ. They need to see their need for God and for the family of God. We can show them the love of Christ and the powerful truth of His word to meet their greatest need.

The great commission is an incredible responsibility. “Go ye into all the world” means that I have a personal obligation (Mark 16:15). I should not forget that this assignment was followed by the promise, “lo I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:20). We have a job to do and today is the day to get started.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Faith, General, God, Repentance, Salvation — No Comments ↓

I remember my dad’s advice to a high school basketball player like it was yesterday. “You have to hate losing.” He has always been able to focus on the desired result and leave nothing to chance.

When Christians verbally proclaim their desire to do the right thing they encourage others. However saying, “I want to start living as a faithful Christian father to help my wife and children go to heaven” or “I want to stop lying and use my words the way God would desire” does not make it happen. Why is it often so hard to make these types of changes?

James 1:14 teaches us that every man is tempted by his own desires. I do not doubt the desire that Christians express to stop committing sin and start actively serving God. But when the stated wants do not actually come to fruition it is because stronger desires prevail. The Christian wants to start being a good husband and father. The Christian wants to stop lying. But often he wants to sin more. The idea of being right is appealing, but not strong enough to overcome the desire to serve self in many cases.

There is hope for all of us to change our desires; to make righteousness what we want the most. We must focus on the desired result and leave nothing to chance. We can do this by seeking and thinking about spiritual things (Colossians 3:1-2). If we change our minds to view the world and all its prospects according to God’s will we will begin to hate that which is evil (Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:104, 128).

To miss out on the pleasures of this life for a little while pales in comparison with the thought of losing eternal life. Moses chose to suffer in the short term and avoid temporary enjoyment (Hebrews 11:25). Jesus warns about the eternal cost of earthly gain at the expense of the soul (Matthew 16:26). What do you yearn for so fiercely that you would give up a right relationship with God, the grace of God, the seal of the Spirit, even your own soul in order to have it?

I do not want to lose my soul and so I will do whatever is necessary to change my thinking and actions. “Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97). “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). How much do you hate the thought of losing your own soul? The answer is likely the difference in your soul’s fate.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, Faith, God, Repentance — No Comments ↓
White tulip on wooden background with limited focal depth. Processed with a filter

It does not need to be long. It should take you about thirty minutes. Shorter than that and you have not given it sufficient thought. Longer than that and you will be second guessing yourself or talking yourself into things you do not really believe. Do it in a quiet place. Pray before you start and after you finish. When it’s finished, keep it. You will want to look back at from time to time. I suggest you write your own obituary and you need to do it soon.

Hebrews 9:27 tells us “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” and James 4:14 warns that life is a vapor “that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” Death is as certain as the judgment at the return of Christ and it comes sooner than you think. So you need to write your obituary soon.

Write down what you want your life to be. Think about what really matters to you. What good will that fancy car be when the preacher talks about you in the past tense? What role will the vast music collection play in eternity?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-20

Instead you will want to write about the type of family you have, and the work you did. Your legacy will need to be about how those who knew you were blessed because of your example and kindness. You get to write your own obituary after all, make it a good one!

So many of us have the right idea about what we want to do. We want to be a faithful Christian with a good family. We want to serve God and be useful in the local congregation. We want to be kind, loving, generous, and honest. But if we fail to turn these wants into a plan and the plan into action we will want all of it and have none. Jesus discussed true discipleship as recorded in Luke 14:25-35. If we will not count the cost of our discipleship then we have not planned and therefore we will not have. Jesus asks,

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.” Luke 14:28-30

Write you own obituary and make it a good one. Finish it on paper, and then see about finishing it in your life. They will speak well of you at your funeral, but the true prize is much greater. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (II Timothy 4:7-8).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, Doctrine, Faith, General, God, Grace, Old Testament, Salvation — No Comments ↓
Pride Road Sign - 7 Deadly Sins Series

An article by Ryan Pratt

“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence I will bring thee down, saith the Lord.” Obadiah 1:3-4. Not much is known about the prophet Obadiah, but we can learn much from the nation to whom he made this prophecy; Edom.

Edom was in fact a very wealthy, powerful nation during the Babylonian captivity.  Edom was located south east of Judah, important land and sea trading lanes passed right through Edomite territory. Its topography was mountainous and nearly inaccessible in some areas. At this time, Edom was its strongest, stretching from the Gulf of Aquaba in the south, to the southern portion of Judah in the north. They possessed the rich and important port of Ezion-geber on the Red sea and the major road of Canaan — the King’s Highway — passed right through the heart of Edom. This nation was a wealthy and well defended kingdom!

Despite all this, the prophet Obadiah delivered a prophecy telling them they would be destroyed, for during the sacking of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Edomites took part in the looting (Obadiah 10-11). The prophet declared they would fall, and fall they did. The powerful Babylonian Empire eventually subjugated ancient Edom. While it did eventually gain its independence again, it did not last for long. In about 134-104 B.C., Edom was conquered for good by the new Judean dynasty of the Hasmoneans.

So what can we as Christians learn from an ancient kingdom in power thousands of years ago? The pride of the Edomites mirrors modern man! Pride brought about Edom’s demise, so why should we think we are immune to its draw? Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” 

A PRIDE THAT SAYS WE DON’T NEED GOD FOR SALVATION

It is common even in the Lords church to think that we alone can grow and be what God wants us to be; it is sad to see brethren with this attitude! Christians must realize that we ourselves can do nothing, Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Only by obedience to God can one be made righteous, works of man alone (attending worship, helping the poor) will not get us to heaven! Only works of God can cleanse a man and make him whole. The work of God is obedience to His will (John 6:29 “ Jesus answered them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him who He hath sent.”). When we think we can be holy enough without God is when our pride will cause our destruction. 1Corinthians 10:12 “ Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” I pray that we will all rely not on our own strength, but on the strength of the Lord.

A PRIDE THAT SAYS, “I AM GOD!”

This is the pride that says, “I make my own rules, its my life.” We see this epidemic in marriage too often. The world thinks if your spouse makes you unhappy, talks too much, or doesn’t look as young as they did on the day you married, you can simply get a divorce and be fine with God! Another example is in modern “ethics”. We live in a society that says, “Only you can choose what is right and wrong for yourself, you are your own standard of good and bad.” Modern “ethics” can change depending on your situation, making you a god instead of honoring the God. Only God can create a standard of right and wrong; for that, He has given His Word (2 Timothy 3:16).  All Scripture was given so that we may know how to live and be pleasing to God! If God’s plan for marriage was followed; divorce, alimony, sexually transmitted disease, and emotional problems that accompany this would not exist! When we set ourselves up as “god” and “rule our own lives”, we effectively become gods of a broken, destroyed world.

God alone can make the standard of right and wrong because He is all knowing! Isaiah 55:9 records, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” In the god of self there is destruction, in the God of truth there is salvation!

A PRIDE THAT SAYS, “GOD WILL TAKE ME FOR WHO I AM.”

A common but sad doctrine taught today is, “I don’t need to change because God will take me for who I am.” Sadly, these people have also bought into the doctrine of self-service. These are those people who live the way they want, no matter how evil it is, but still want assurance that they will be in heaven. So they say, “Since God is a loving God, I have a free pass to heaven.” Nothing could be farther from the truth! When the apostle Paul was in Athens, he spoke before a multitude on Mars Hill. Part of his message can be found in Acts 17:30 where he says, “And the times of this ignorance God overlooked; but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” 

Without repentance, man can never be pleasing to God! When speaking to the Jews on Pentecost, Peter told them to repent (Acts 2:38)! He then proceeded to tell them how to contact the blood of Christ that would wash away their sins (Acts 22:16)! Godly sorrow brings forth repentance unto salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10). It is clearly insinuated that without repentance, we will perish (2 Peter 3:9). This prideful attitude should not exist at all! When God has given His commands on anything, it behooves us to obey, not walk in our own path.

Pride is a deadly sickness that will even affect the strongest Christian. It is up to us to make sure we do not live prideful, destructive lives serving ourselves instead of our creator. Like Edom thousands of years ago, we can fall into a snare of the devil (2 Timothy 2:26) and become prideful. We must remember that we alone are not good; the good in us is Christ! Let us trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5), and not in our selves!

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, Doctrine, Faith, General, God, Grace, Love — No Comments ↓
Active retired old men and leisure, two senior black brothers hugging outdoors

An article by Ryan Pratt.

One man was a murderer. Another a man of peace. The one persecuted those who were different. The other man sought to convert them. Both men were equally necessary in God’s plan. Saul, still threatening the church of the Lord, was chosen of God to spread His Word (Acts 9:15). A Levite named Joseph so encouraged the brethren he was given the name Barnabas, or son of encouragement. Without him, the account we read of in Acts 9:26-27 might have been different. If Barnabas had not intervened on Saul’s behalf, things might have been harder for the apostle. In another account, Barnabas comes to the defense of another brother named John Mark. The disagreement between him and Paul becomes so sharp they parted ways (Acts 15:36-39). However, when Paul wrote to Timothy he instructed him to send for the very man he had disagreed about; Mark himself (2 Timothy 4:11)! One wonders if John Mark would have been useful to Paul had not Barnabas taken him under his wing.

Encouragement is a very important part of a Christian’s daily life. One of the miraculous gifts (that of prophecy) was given to encourage brethren (1Corinthians 14:3). Those who are stronger in the faith are to encourage those who are weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Our ultimate example of encouragement is of course in Christ. When speaking to His apostles after the Passover, Christ is giving them His final words and commands before He is betrayed and arrested. After giving them His promises of an eternal home (John 14:1-4), His promise of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17), and commanding them to abide in Him and bear fruit (John 15:1-8); He explains why He has told them these things. John 15:11 records “These things have I spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Christ is giving them His final words of encouragement so they can work and be productive in His kingdom. However, His most encouraging words appear a few verses later where He says “Greater love has no man than this, that someone lay down his life for His friends. You are my friends if you do what I have commanded you”(John 15:13-14). The greatest love possible, that of a man dying for those he loves, was shown to us in full on the cross. Christ has promised His friendship if we humble ourselves and obey Him. How encouraging is it to know that we can have the promise of friendship from the One who proved Himself the greatest friend that man could ever have!

In order to accomplish encouragement, we must follow the patterns set by Barnabas and Christ. Paul wrote, “ Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ”(1 Corinthians 11:1). Since Paul’s words apply to us today, imitating Christ does as well. As Barnabas in the 1st century, we must encourage our fellow laborers in the kingdom.

Without encouragement, Saul might have faced even more opposition from within the church. Without encouragement, John Mark might have wandered completely from the faith. Our brethren depend on us in rough times and stormy weather. We must always be ready to say kind words, pray with a brother or sister, and be present in the midst of grief. However accomplished, encouragement is vital to our walk as Christians. The first century had one Barnabas; we can make our century have thousands!

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, Doctrine, Faith, General, God, Philippians — No Comments ↓

According to BBC news some in Indonesia have considered using crocodiles to replace prison guards. The country’s anti-drug czar Budi Waseso told local reporters that he wants to house death row drug convicts on a croc-filled island because, “You can’t bribe crocodiles.” It seems that Mr. Waseso finds it easier to employ ferocious crocodiles than trustworthy men.

Throughout scripture Timothy is described to be a trustworthy servant of God but he is specifically highlighted in the book of Philippians. Timothy was no stranger to the church at Philippi. During the second missionary journey Timothy joined Paul and Silas at Lystra where he was “well spoken of by the brethren” and continued with them on to Philippi (Acts 16:1-12). Perhaps several were converted during the “many days” they spent there (Acts 16:18).

Years later Paul wrote a letter to those brethren from a Roman prison. While in prison it was difficult for Paul to be away from the saints at Philippi. He loved them dearly so they were in every prayer of the apostle (Philippians 1:4). He had confidence in them and they were in his heart (Philippians 1:6-7). He longed after his brethren so deeply that he struggled with conflicting desires to depart to be with Christ or to stay and help them further (Philippians 1:8, 21-25).

Paul wrote to encourage the Christians at Philippi to be humble servants after the likeness of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11). He expected them to obey this command even though he was not presently with them in the flesh (Philippians 2:12). He knew there existed dangers that could derail their faithfulness such as false teachers or a disruption of their unity (Philippians 3:2-3, 17; 4:2). One can imagine that it was nearly unbearable for Paul to not know how they fared against these obstacles. Paul decided to send Timothy to find out (Philippians 2:19-23).

The Philippians were informed that Timothy was being sent so that Paul could, “be of good comfort” when he found out about their status (Philippians 2:19-20). Timothy was a trustworthy man upon whom Paul could rely. He explained the reasons in his letter saying:

“For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me (Philippians 2:20–23).

Timothy Was Sent Because He Was Trusted by Paul. Timothy was “likeminded” with Paul when it came to caring about the brethren at Philippi. The relationships were likely forged when Timothy helped establish the congregation there. He knew these people and wanted, just as much as Paul, for things to go well for them. Unlike others Paul and Timothy cared about the gospel and the church of Christ more than their own affairs as Paul had stated earlier in the letter concerning himself (Philippians 1:12-18). In our current text Paul mentioned that Timothy would be sent because he felt the same way (Philippians 2:20-21). If I am not a trustworthy and reliable fellow-laborer with the local congregation it may be because I have not developed the caring relationships with my brethren scripture enjoins (Romans 12:10-21). I must care more about the work of the gospel and my brethren than I do my own needs or desires. This will be proven by my actions so that my fellow Christians can safely rely on me.

Timothy Was Sent Because He Was Trusted by the Brethren. Timothy had also proven himself to Paul because of their work together in the gospel (Philippians 2:22). Paul specifically reminded the Philippians that they knew Timothy was trustworthy. Timothy’s care for his brethren proved to Paul that Timothy was worthy to be sent so that he could appropriately inform Paul. But he was also sent because he knew the brethren and they knew him. Perhaps it was on Paul’s mind that the Philippians would be more likely to open up to Timothy than another helper. Another benefit would be that, if they attempted to hide sin, Timothy would know them well enough to potentially see through the deception. When we must stand up to brethren in sin it will help to have an existing relationship proven by love (Galatians 2:11; II Peter 3:15).

Timothy Was Sent Because He Was Trusted by God. Paul trusted in the Lord to send Timothy, likely meaning Timothy would be sent if it was God’s will (James 4:15). This trust had rubbed off on Timothy because he had served “as a son with the father” (Philippians 2:22). Since Paul and Timothy trusted in God, God could trust them to do His work “for it is God which worketh” in us to do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). Sanctified by the truth we are set apart to do His will as earthen vessels entrusted to carry a precious treasure (John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 4:7). All faithful Christians can be trusted to “do the work of an evangelist” if they will follow Timothy’s good example (2 Timothy 4:5). We must simply, honestly ask ourselves if we are proving that faithfulness.

Timothy’s trustworthiness had him ready to serve when called upon. Far too many elderships, congregations, preachers, and Christians are forced to look far and wide for trustworthy men and women to assist in the work of the church. When asked to help will you be proven trustworthy?

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, General, God, Reverence, Worship — No Comments ↓
Technology in the hands of businessmen

Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Mary Shelley, Isaac Asimov, Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, and Christopher Nolan. All of these have thrilled and fascinated millions with the dangerous idea: What if technology takes another leap forward to the point that it has advanced beyond our control? What dangers lie ahead with the next tech boom?

While science fiction is fun to think about there are some very real dangers technology provides that need to be considered by Christians. God’s word provides principles that apply, even to the latest gadgets. So many of these advancements can be used to promote the cause of Christ in an authorized way if we avoid the potential pitfalls.

Technology provides instant access to information. I’m happy to see tablets in the worship assembly. While I often prefer to literally turn the pages of my Bible I’ve enjoyed the benefits provided by an electronic copy. Some find the tablet helpful to increase the font size of the sacred text or to utilize a search bar to find the desired verse, and the study helps available in some Bible apps are incredibly useful! But beware of distractions from messages and emails pushed to the front while you are worshipping God. Concordances and lexicons are alright, but focus on the sermon and do your in-depth study at home. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying” (I Corinthians 14:26).

Technology provides excuses to forsake the assembly. The ability to stream a worship service online has so many benefits. Sickness or unavoidable circumstances can keep the Christian from the assembly which removes the saint from his family and from spiritual nourishment. While it is good for the Christian who is home sick to listen in or watch worship services online, no one should think that this is an adequate substitute for faithful attendance. You cannot be a part of the assembly or teach and admonish the brethren through the computer screen. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Technology provides opportunities to speak before we think. Social media can allow you to encourage and edify quickly. Such should be used to the glory of God. However social media is constantly asking the individual, “What are you thinking right now?” We might be tempted to post before we think and disobey the command, “Do all things without murmurings or disputings” (Philippians 2:14). If we “share if you agree!” without checking the facts we become talebearers (Leviticus 19:16). “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 29:20). The truth of the matter is that we are better communicators when we use our facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice along with our words. It is very difficult to express your true feelings with words alone and so a seemingly harmless post too often turns into a needless argument.

It needs to be the prayerful consideration of every Christian that we use this technology for the good it offers while avoiding the dangers. Our words, actions, and thoughts must be by faith, authorized by the Lord (Romans 14:23; Colossians 3:17; Philippians 4:8).

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Church, Events, Faith, General, God, Worship — No Comments ↓

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Children, Christian Living, Doctrine, Faith, False Doctrines, General, God — No Comments ↓
Swearing an oath with fingers crossed behind back concept for dishonesty or business fraud

Election time is upon us. Campaign ads flood our radios, TVs, and Facebook accounts attempting to sway voters toward a candidate or at least away from the opponent. Analysts will quickly find many of these ads to be full of blatant, outright lies or at the least misguiding information. Unfortunately, that surprises no one; after all, they’re politicians. But surprising to me is the reaction of some of their supporters. They claim to follow their candidate despite the egregious and purposeful deception in their campaign. These apologists will defend lying politicians saying, “All politicians do it,” “It’s not hurting anyone,” or “It’s for the greater good that this candidate is elected.”

These positions show a few flaws in our view of lying and morals in general. The one easiest to refute is the idea that the majority is always right.  Even our kids learn from an early age that following one who does wrong does not make it right from the classic “would you jump off a cliff” example. Jesus supports this idea in Matthew 7:13-14. Revealed there is the truth that most people will not be saved; put another way, most people will choose to do wrong. No matter what the majority does, we must “do that which is honest” in this life (II Corinthians 13:7).

Another increasingly popular view toward lying is that it is harmless and in fact can prevent pain. How should we react when answering a question honestly can hurt someone’s feelings? As is the case with all of our questions dealing with life and godliness, God’s Word has the answer (II Peter 1:3). Proverbs 27:6 wisely states, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Realize that not all pain is bad. We have a need to be told when our actions are wrong lest we are truly ignorant of or are pretending not to see issue (James 1:22-25). Repentance can be a very painful process. Consider David’s tearful confession we read about in Psalm 51. Preventing pain has never been justification for lying.

The consequences of lying can become quite terrible like in the account of Jacob and Esau beginning in Genesis 25. Even before birth these brothers struggled against each other. Ultimately the family was torn apart because Rebekah lied to Isaac by disguising Jacob as Esau so that he would receive the blessing of the firstborn. Esau’s fury was so great that he sought to kill his brother, causing Rebekah to beg her son to leave home for his own life’s sake (Genesis 27:41-43). Lying played a great part in breaking up this family and can certainly do harm in our lives if we continue in this wicked practice.

Many lie, claiming it is for the greater good. These “little white lies” are viewed as innocuous because of the apparently good motives behind them. Can anything good come from evil? “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” (James 3:11). The answer is no. While the Bible teaches that Christians can take bad situations and make them better (Romans 8:28), no verse teaches that evil should be done to bring about good. This would cause a man to be double-minded and serve two masters (James 1:8; Matthew 6:24). Satan wants Christians to justify lying by claiming it for the greater good because it leads to destruction.

Revelation 21:8 teaches that all liars will have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. Goodness, mercy, and righteousness are never served by something that is wicked. It is never right to lie—even if you are a politician.

by Ross HaffnerPosted on Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Church, General, God, Love, Service — No Comments ↓
Successful business people hand shaking after great deal

If you look at social media sites you may find that many of your friends share information that seems too private or personal. We all need love but sometimes we ask for it in unhealthy ways and from the wrong sources. Often we are simply revealing how starved we are for love and attention.

Because the local church is made up of individuals we need to think about individual needs. The Lord’s design for His church is perfect; therefore, no one’s needs should be left unfulfilled. It is every Christian’s responsibility to “let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Our congregation should never be emotionally starved so we all need to make sure we are fulfilling our obligation to love each member. Yes, there are situations where the local church is available to love a brother or sister who is hurting but they are rebuffed at every attempt. However, there are times when those who turn to the church for affection find none.

We need to follow the command to “be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). The love mentioned in the passage is an affectionate, family love. Using familiar terms for brethren is common in the Bible (Philippians 1:6-7, I Samuel 18:1, John 13:33, II Timothy 2:1). The word “preferring” indicates that we must be an example in honoring one another. We must take the initiative and honor with eagerness. This is a command we fulfill willingly and gladly (I John 5:3). “Honor” indicates value. The Holy Spirit uses the same word to tell us that our bodies (I Thessalonians 4:3-4), our wives (I Peter 3:7), our faith (I Peter 1:7), and our God all have value (Revelation 4:11). Notice by association how we should honor our Christian family!

There are many ways we should show our affection. Describing his ministry among the church at Thessalonica Paul said, “Ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children” (I Thessalonians 2:11). Words can express love powerfully. Consider the way God chose to reveal His will. Our words of encouragement can make a huge difference in the lives of others. In order to accomplish this we must get beyond simple pleasantries and push ourselves to have deeper spiritual conversations. Are we willing to tell a brother, “I love you,” instead of just, “I appreciate you.” Nothing is wrong with the latter but our love needs to be expressed in words.

We must give brethren the attention they need (Philippians 2:4). Are we too busy to listen to our family. We should also give attention with our service (Galatians 6:10). The number of members in your congregation is the same number of ministers you should have. Another way we can give attention is by giving gifts. That is exactly what the woman with an alabaster box of ointment did in Luke 7:37-38. She gave Jesus the most precious item she possessed.

Finally, physical touch is a way that we should show our loving affection to one another. How many Christians remember only the second line of Romans 16:16? The churches of Christ in the first century saluted one another with a holy kiss. This does not mandate kissing at every meeting, but rather mentions one of many customary greetings found in scripture. The point is that we need the affection of greetings involving physical touch. This must be chaste, but warm. We can offer a friendly handshake or a short embrace. We can hold hands with or put a hand on the shoulder of those who need our love. Love keeps in mind the preferences of the other and so we must not seek to make one another uncomfortable with these displays of affection.

Who needs this love? Only the weaker members (I Corinthians 12:23), the older members (Leviticus 19:32), the younger members (Colossians 3:31), babes in Christ (I Corinthians 3:1-2), the shepherds (I Thessalonians 5:12-13), the deacons (I Timothy 3:13), and the teachers and preachers (Colossians 4:10). In other words, every member must be cherished affectionately. When we define love and provide specific applications we find that it is work. It is time to make this labor of love a labor we love doing.