They Had Been With Jesus

Perhaps the greatest compliment ever paid a group of believers was the one recorded in Acts 4:13: “And they took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.”

When you are in the presence of a person whom you dearly love and/or deeply respect, it affects you definitely, and sometimes even dramatically. So it was with these early church disciples who had been with Jesus. So powerful was His love for them—and their love for Him—that they were changed dramatically. The unbelieving world around them could see the change; so definite was it that non-believing men and women took note of the fact that they had been with Jesus. What did unbelievers see in this early church that caused them to take such note of His followers?

First, I believe it was their power with God, which was conspicuous. Peter and John (Acts 3:1ff.) were going to the temple to pray when a man lame from birth (45 years) asked them for alms—a hand-out for some temporal help. Peter, in response, fixed his eyes on the lame man and replied: “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I unto thee: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” The man not only stood up, he leaped—and, walking into the temple with Peter and John, he was praising God. It was a public demonstration of the power of God, a miracle that was undeniable. (Acts 4:14: “And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.”) The undeniable miracle spawned a message that was unquenchable (4:17). Threatened and sternly warned not to teach in the name of Jesus, Peter replied, “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (4:19,20)

Second, their obedience to God was compelling. The council commanded them to not teach in the name of Jesus, but the commitment of these first-century followers of Christ was set in a holy boldness: “And he spake boldly in the name of Jesus.” (Acts 9:29) “Long time therefore abode they (Paul and Barnabas) speaking boldly in the Lord.” (Acts 14:3) “And he (Apollos) began to speak boldly in the synagogue, being fervent in the Spirit.” (Acts 18:26) “And he (Paul) went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months.” (Acts 19:8) “Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold.” (Acts 13:46) “We were bold to speak unto you the gospel of our God with much contention.” (I Th. 2:2) The church today lacks this holy boldness, by and large, yet desperately needs it in the present evil age: “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Provs. 28:1)

Third, I note their unimpeded praise to God, praise that was constraining. (Acts 14:23-30) They praised God for His power (vss. 24-27) and for His wisdom (v. 28).

And, finally, their prayer was consequential. The place was “shaken!” (Acts 14:31) The body of believers were all filled with the Holy Spirit; they spake God’s Word boldly: “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the Word of God with boldness.”

What was the outcome of this witness in the first-century world? “And believers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and women.” (Acts 5:14)

Most who will read this post live in the “Western world,” where we are neither commanded nor threatened by the authorities to not teach in the name of Jesus. But our “corner” of the world is a rather small part of the bigger world at large, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East—places where believers are indeed both commanded and compelled by the most hostile means of persecution. Studies done by daring observers of contemporary history have revealed that in the past few decades, believers in such places as China have experienced, albeit in an “underground” fashion, a revival of (house) churches and a multiplication (100 million) of Christians that has exceeded the phenomenal growth of this church in the book of Acts, where “believers were the more added to the Lord multitudes both of men and women.”

If that is indeed the case, we can only rejoice; but let us spiritually steel ourselves for when the authorities may well one day command us to not teach or preach or evangelize in name of Jesus. God grant to us, should that day come, a “holy boldness” such as we read of in these accounts of what happened to believers who were all “filled” with the Holy Spirit. May we have power that is conspicuous (for His glory); obedience that is compelling; praise that is constraining; and prayer that is consequential. Amen.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

Abandoned Baby

Recently, I read a story about a person who found a baby in an open field, a newly born infant, abandoned and helpless, still covered with birth-blood, unwashed and unclothed.

This kind person stopped, took up the baby, washed it and clothed and cared for it, and over the course of years nourished, fed, and reared it with lovingkindness.

Then, a most unusual thing happened. The once helpless, abandoned baby grew up to be a beautiful woman, and the man who had brought it from the field to flourishing took her to be his very own wife. He lavished upon her love and tender affection so that she lacked nothing.

Yet an even more unusual twist of events occurred. The young wife, lifted up with pride because of her beauty, became unfaithful to her husband, committed adultery with not one but many lovers, and finally became nothing more than a tramp. She was not the typical harlot, though. Instead of hiring her body out to men, she hired men to commit adultery with her!

Few people have fallen into deeper depths of sin than this wretched woman! What was the outcome of it all?

Well, the woman finally became so miserable that her illicit lovers despised her. In her outcast state, rejected by her former companions in sin, she went back to her husband. Her lover, remembering the covenant that he had entered into with his sin-wrecked wife, received her back with compassion and care that was beyond what she naturally could have ever been hoped for. What was a tragic story, in many respects, turned out to have an impossibly unpredictable end!

Have you heard this story before? If you have read Ezekiel 16, you have. It’s a parable told by God about His dealings with the nation of Israel. In many ways, it has striking applications to we who are called the Bride of Christ, members of His body, the Church.

In the Ezekiel account of Israel’s apostasy, we read of her genealogy in verse 3. Her (Israel’s) birth in the land of Canaan, to an Amorite and Hittite, non-Semitic pagans. Then, in the following verses, the account of her discovery as an abandoned infant is related: she was found unwashed, uncovered, helpless, and hopeless.

Taken up by a loving benefactor, she was cleansed, covered, and cared for and nourished and in time betrothed as a beautiful, washed (v.9), clothed (10), and adorned (11-14) bride. Then, Ezekiel’s parable relates how that, in pride, the once abandoned baby betrayed the One with whom she had covenanted in marriage, and she became an adulteress. The cause, course, consequence, and character (fornication) of her betrayal are all enumerated in verses 15-30. Then, in a picture that defies words, her brokenness is portrayed as a harlot scorned by her former lovers. (vss. 35-52) Her sins had finally come down upon her head. In this pathetic state, she—once beautiful and cherished but now broken and despised, brought low by pride and its attendant sins—returns to her long-suffering benefactor, who remembers the covenant between them (v. 61) and receives her back and reinstates her to a privileged status. What grace! What mercy! What love!

That is the parable of the Abandoned Baby and the interpretation of it. Now, some obvious applications for us in this church-age. We, the Church, have been “espoused to one Husband.” (Christ, II Cor. 11:2) God found us when we were without strength, without hope. We were still in the mess of our natural birth—unclean and covered with sins and transgressions. The Devil was our father, and we were children of darkness and could not boast about our genealogy.

But God’s grace found us! He washed us in His own blood. He made us clean, white as snow; He clothed us in a garment of white linen, a robe of His righteousness. He put a ring upon our finger, the shoes of the gospel upon our feet, and we took on His likeness and beauty!

But, in pride, we began to leave our first love. More and more, the friendship of the world allured us. We began to love the world and, before long, we began to commit adultery with the world…not with one friend, but with many: our lovers were pleasure, leisure, entertainment, sports, sex, gambling, and many others. 

James says that we, friends of the world, become adulterers and adulteresses. (James 4:4) Instead of our lovers hiring us, we began to hire them, paying a dear price for the sin which we enjoy.  After our companions in sin have used us and abused us, we are despised by them.

Going to the very bottom, we remembered that there was one person who really did love us!  We turned back to Him, and He was there to receive us with outstretched arms!  “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20)

Where are you on this line of love today? Have you been born again? Are you betrothed to Christ? Have you or are you betraying His love? Isn’t it time to remember Him and, yes, even in your state of brokenness, return to your Benefactor? There is mercy in His loving embrace. There is grace that is measureless! Flee to Him in repentance today if you are “out there” abandoned, broken.

“That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Eph. 5:27)

In Reverence and Godly Fear

It is not a message about soul-winning, or Christian stewardship, or prayer, or Bible study. You may be asking just now: “If the message is of primary importance; and if it is not about soul-winning, Christian stewardship, the Holy Spirit or the Word of God…what then is the message about?” Turn in your scriptures to Hebrews 12:28,29. I am going to speak on the subject of reverence and godly fear.

I am fully persuaded that, to our shame, God’s people do not have much reverence and Godly fear today. Generally speaking, it is just not common amongst Christian people. What is reverence? Webster defines it as a “feeling of profound respect often mingled with awe and affection; veneration.” If believers in old times placed too much emphasis on the fear of God to the neglect of His love, then believers today just may be guilty of placing too much emphasis on His love, to the neglect of reverence and Godly fear.

In our Hebrews text, believers are exhorted to serve God acceptably, with reverence and Godly fear. There is a crying need that we do just that in this present hour. Consider the motive, the means, and the manner of the reverence of God.

  1. The Motive for reverence, v. 28: our present hope, and our future home. The world is passing away, but we have a future permanent kingdom. Like Abraham, we look for a city whose builder and maker is God. Thus, we have an enduring hope. (v.22) The question then is: “And now, O Israel, what doth the Lord require of thee but to fear the Lord thy God; to walk in all His ways and to love Him and serve Him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” (Deut. 10:12)
  2. The Means of reverence, Hebs. 12:28b: We must accept God’s grace—“let us have grace.” How do you have grace? Well, how does one have that which is unmerited? You receive it, accept it. You were saved by grace; now, as a disciple, you serve by grace. So, accept grace for service and appropriate it: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.” (Titus 2:11,12) Soberly, righteously, and godly is tantamount to reverently. “Reverence”—that mingled fear and love which, combined, constitute the piety of man toward God. “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.” (I Peter 2:17) God’s grace teaches us to love Him as well as to fear Him!
  3. The Manner of reverence and Godly fear: First, we ought to exercise caution with reference to His person, Ps. 111:9: “He sent redemption to His people: he hath commanded his covenant forever: holy and reverend is his name.” “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20) Second, we should exercise reverence with reference to His place: “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of all them that are about him.” (Ps.89:7) How do 21st century saints behave when they assemble for worship? Take a look around you sometime; it might surprise you. This is not to encourage a judgmental attitude; no doubt, if there is a problem, the problem begins with me! But, taking inventory of what and why we are doing something as foundational as worship is always in order if we have the right attitude. One question to ask might be, “Am I worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness?” (Ps. 29:2; 96:9)

How, then, do we serve God with fear? Answer: keep your heart right with God: “Happy is the man that feareth always: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.” (Provs. 2:14). Then, too, be obedient to God and His Word. Jesus, the God man, was obedient to His Father. (Hebs. 5:7,8) Jesus, though He was a son, yet he feared, learned obedience, and was reverent in offering up prayers and supplications (worship). Should we worship in a spirit of everyday casualness? How casual we have become in the assembly today—in offering up our prayers and supplications? Casual in dress, in demeanor, and in deportment. (Author’s note: remember, this message was delivered 46 years ago!)

A couple of concluding thoughts. Hebrews 12:29 says that God is a consuming fire. Harry Ironside, one-time pastor of Moody Memorial Church and author of many commentaries on the Bible, had this to say about that consuming fire of which the author of Hebrews spoke: “Consuming fire is holiness manifested in judgment. And God, who is light and love, must consume everything contrary to His will.”

And, finally, I don’t know who said this, but creatively it offers us some food for thought: “Earth’s crammed with heaven, every common bush afire with God; but only he who sees takes off his shoes—the rest sit round and pluck blackberries.” Selah!

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (I Tim.3:15)

Giving and Receiving Extravagantly

What I am going to say now could change your life; it could totally revitalize your life and the lives of those around you. I am not trying to sell you anything, nor would I ask you to sign on the line! But I am here as God’s spokesman with a message from His Word that could not only revolutionize your life but the life of the ministries through which you are serving your Lord.

There is a principle in Luke 6 that is so unconcealed that many people stumble over it and do not even notice it is there!  I am not alluding to or promoting a prosperity gospel, God forbid; but I believe if the people of God would get ahold of this basic Biblical concept, it could and would make a transforming course-correction in their lives.

God has written some fixed laws into the warp and woof of His universe. These laws, relating to cause and effect, cannot be changed but by God Himself. Some of the laws are natural, some are spiritual. Both are equally fixed.

One of God’s spiritual laws which is fixed is recorded in Numbers 32:23: “Be sure your sins will find you out.” Nothing any person could ever do can alter that spiritual law.

Another one: “The wages of sin is death.” Since Adam and Eve sinned and began to die, mankind has been keeping its unalterable appointment with death, for “the wages of sin is death.” It’s fixed.

Still another spiritual law: “Whatever a man sows, he reaps.” That is a natural law and it is a spiritual law. You cannot get around it; you’ll never circumvent it. Whatever you sow you will reap and if you sow nothing you will reap nothing.

So, I want to challenge you (and, I am aware that I am probably “preaching to the choir,”) to take another look at what Jesus said in Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

Now, note the PROMISE. You, individually, personally are the one who is to give. In verse thirty Jesus specified that His Kingdom followers should “Give to every man that asketh of you…and as ye would that men should do to you; do ye also to them likewise.” (Luke 6:30,31) Solomon, long before Christ, writing under the Holy Spirit’s superintendence, said that “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He repay again.” Yes, I could write several follow up columns to this about how, in good faith, through the years, I have given to many people who turned out to be dishonest or at least disappointing in what they represented themselves as, but I have never regretted one time giving, lending if you will, to the Lord, knowing that He keeps the books and He will right all wrongs.  I just need to keep a sympathetic, compassionate, generous spirit and leave to results to God. Give, therefore, with no thought of getting back. My wife and I have given people in need thousands of dollars in 50 years of ministry, but I have never made any gift a loan; it was always given no strings attached and with no expectation of getting any part of it back again. By the way, when I say “I” or “My wife and I” I am keenly aware that we are simply two of millions of blood-bought, born-again believers who are so grateful to God for His abundant grace that giving with abandon is a joy, not a duty.  God’s people are, always have been and always will be, generous, liberal. “Cast thy bread upon the waters and after many days thou shalt find it.”  A widow in our church, years ago, sacrificially gave a missionary $50 to help meet a need and later testified that she received unexpectedly a check in the mail for $1,000. It is a story the likes of which is repeated time and time again; it is a fixed principle, established by God.

Second, note the PROPORTION. “Good measure; pressed down, shaken together, running over.” A wealthy merchant was responding to a missions need and, as he was writing his check, an associate handed him a memo conveying to the businessman that he had just sustained considerable losses, whereupon the merchant tore up the check and wrote another one, this time for a much larger amount, musing that “God is teaching me to lay up treasures in heaven.” You simply cannot outgive God. Lonial Wire, our song leader for decades at Thompson Road Baptist Church, was known for saying, “I shovel it (gifts) out and God shovels it back to me again, but His shovel is a lot bigger than mine.” My friend, Pastor Ron Allen, who pastored the Calvary Baptist Church in San Francisco, was known for going “over the top” in leading his church to give generously to missions and to missionaries.  It almost became legendary.  After Pastor Allen moved to Georgia so that he and his wife, Barb, could be near their daughter in law following the death of her husband, I invited Ron to lead in one of our missions’ conferences. It was pretty obvious by a casual glance that he needed a new set of tires on his car and it was a joyful privilege to be a part of meeting that need and of casting some bread upon the waters. That bread has, indeed, come back in a proportion to us and to our church, that it is incalculable!

Then, note the PROVIDENCES.  “Shall men give….” God in ways that only He could orchestrate, will work through men to bring back to you that you have given and more!  You could never anticipate the how or the when of it and that is exactly what makes it so very special.  It is a “God thing,” and it happens when you least expect it and in a way that you would never have thought of. Jacob, fleeing his homeland, vowed to give God a tenth all that God would entrust to his stewardship, and God used Laban over the twenty years following that promise, to make Jacob a wealthy man. God used the church at Philippi to take care of the Apostle Paul’s needs with the promise that “My God shall supply all of your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phii.4:19) I could not count the times God put it upon the heart of some generous person or couple to give us a week in a condo on a beach or a spacious home to enjoy in a place we could never have dreamed of visiting much less staying a week or more at no charge! When God does the repaying through people, it is without doubt “pressed down, shaken together and running over.”

It is said that a crippled girl responded to an appeal that her pastor had given to the church body when a definite need had arisen.  The girl hobbled to the front of the church and gave a ring that she had worn; the pastor, noting what the child had done, sought her out afterwards and said, “We don’t feel right, dear, about keeping your treasured ring, so we’ve decided to give it back to you.”  The girl replied, “You don’t understand, I didn’t give my ring to you, I gave it to God.”

Next, note the PRINCIPLE: “For with the same measure….” If you are stingy, you will live in meagerness; if you are generous, you will receive generously. It’s a fixed law and the scriptures are replete with examples of how it works in real time.  Abraham was generous with his nephew Lot. Abraham became wealthy beyond belief. “It’s not what you’d do with the millions if fortune should be your lot; but what are you doing at present with the dollar and quarter you’ve got?”

Finally, the PLACE. Every believer, member of the Body of Christ, should be attached to and affiliated with a local, New Testament Bible-preaching church.  That is where our first responsibility belongs, our local church, supporting prayerfully and generously its local and worldwide ministry outreaches.  There are other worthy causes and ministries deserving our support, but our local church should be at the top of our list. We can give to missions, to ministries ministering to the homeless and many other outreaches, through the local church where there is not only responsibility but accountability. 

So, keep on giving. If you have been a bit hesitant to exercise the faith needed to give with no thought of receiving in return, ask God to give you His heart and mind in the matter so that you will have a new understanding and deeper appreciation for what Paul said in his challenge to the Corinthians: “But thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.”

“Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” (2 Cor.8:7)

How Then?

There are a few times when the question “How then?” occurs in the Bible. In Job 25:4, for example, one of Job’s three “miserable comforters,” Bildad, reasons: “How then can a man be justified with God?” And in Gen. 39:9, after Joseph is tempted by Potiphar’s wife and remembers how his master has trusted him with everything in his household, he asks: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

These dilemmas made me think of the late Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984), an American evangelical theologian, philosopher, and pastor. In an early book, How Should We Then Live?, Dr. Schaeffer dealt with “the flow to history and culture, pulling together the essential problems of our world, demonstrating our cultural development,” and offering “a sharp wake-up call for Christians.”  After some heart-probing meditation on this deep subject, I came up with an outline which, for what it is worth, I share with readers.

As believers, we should live:

• In the light of eternity, not time. “With eternity’s values in view, Lord….”
Col. 3:1,2; Matt. 6:19

• In faith, not in fear. “Only believe, only believe; all things are possible only believe.”
Josh. 1:9; Ps. 27:1; Ps. 118:6; Luke 17:5

• In light, not in darkness: “Stepping in the light, stepping in the light….”
Eph. 5:8; Matt. 5:14-16

• In hope, not in despair. “My hope is built on nothing less….”
Lam.3:21-24; Titus 1:2; Ps. 119:114,116

• In courage, not in cowardice. “Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone….”
Josh. 1:7; Eph. 6:10

• In victory, not defeat. “Oh glorious victory that overcomes the world.”
I John 4:4; I Cor. 15:57

• In the Spirit, not in the flesh. “Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.”
Gal. 5:16

• In trust, not trembling. “Only trust Him, only trust Him; only trust Him now….”
Ps. 56:3; Provs. 3:5,6

• In the Word, not in the world. “The B.I.B.L.E.—yes that’s the book for me….”
I John 2:15-17; John 17

• In duty, not doubting. “Work for the night is coming…..”
Romans 14:23b

• Expecting tribulation, not ease. “Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds….”
John 15:17-20

Any one of you could add to this basic list of priorities for believers today; and you can add a lot of meat to the bones, especially scriptures that speak to each point. This is just intended to challenge all of us to consider “how then” we should live in this world, in which Satan’s influence—as the “god of this world”—has so much sway over the nations in this moment. John warned first-century readers in his first epistle that “it is the last time.” (I John 2:18) It still is, but the spiritual warfare has only intensified with each passing year.

So, contemplate and meditate on how one should live in this present evil age. May your resolve be strengthened, your vision sharpened, your surrender cemented, and your hope heightened as you face each day—working, watching, and waiting for that blessed promise to be fulfilled: “I will come again to receive you unto myself, that where I am ye may be also.” (John 14:1-6) Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (II Tim. 3:1)

Do You Remember?

Well, last weekend (August 22 and 23) marked an historic event in America: The first weekend ever that an NTT IndyCar Series race was held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol and other important sites as backdrops. The carefully designed route was set up with safeguards for protection of the fans in bleachers, as the cars zoomed past at speeds of near 200 mph. Who would have ever “thunk it?”

I love sports now and have for most of my life. I especially love football, baseball, and basketball. I am not tied to any team and watch very little on television because it has changed so very much and is changing still—so that even amateur sports is becoming too much about money. Believe me, though, last season I got wholly excited about IU football—a team that won the national championship after having a dismal won-lost record for decades. What an exciting story! What a great team effort! What a class coach and outstanding MVP quarterback—first pick in the first round in the NFL draft! I will be tuned in again this fall.

When the world-cup soccer championship games came to America this summer, I had to admit that soccer holds no interest for me. I had never watched a game. I did get somewhat interested in the games until the U.S. team was no longer playing, and was interested in the championship game. But that is about it. It staggers one’s imagination, though, that hundreds of thousands of people, soccer lovers all, came from all corners of the earth to watch these games in America! It is truly the number one sport worldwide. Amazing.

So, what I am going to say is not “judgmental” or from someone who does not love sports. But, my heart is heavy as I think about how America has become so immersed into sports. I have thought, for some time, that it seems as though our beloved nation worships at the altar of “football,” or fill in the blank with several other sports. Gambling on these games has become a multi-billion dollar business.

Yet, this spring and summer witnessed—as recently as this past week here in central Indiana—historic floods, fires, and tornadoes, with temperatures that have been “off the charts.” All spring and summer, I read about communities being ravaged by natural disasters, and I prayed for those communities—asking that people would be drawn to God for strength and comfort, having lost every earthly possession in a matter of minutes. But I rather smugly thought, “I am surely glad central Indiana has been spared that kind of devastation.” Then came the “once in a hundred years” floods to cities all around us, especially in central Indiana! God, it seems to me, is saying: “America used to worship her Creator, singing God bless America, from whom she has now departed. I will turn her over to the gods at whose altars she now gathers on every Lord’s Day to celebrate, as in Sunday’s “Freedom 250 Grand Prix.” I grieve—and pray that it is not too late for a turning back to Him.

For years, I have shared something that was published more than 50 years ago by the Americanism Educational League, entitled “Do You Remember the Real America?” I close with this piece.

Do you remember when: “The flag was a sacred symbol, when riots were unthinkable. When you left front doors open. When socialism was a dirty word. When criminals actually went to jail. When you were not afraid to go out at night. When taxes were only a necessary nuisance. When a boy was boy and dressed like one. When a girl was a girl, and dressed like one. When the poor were too proud to take charity. When the clergy actually talked about religion. When clerks and repairmen tried to please you. When college kids swallowed goldfish, not acid. When songs had a tune, and the words made sense. When young fellows tried to join the Army or Navy. When people knew what the Fourth of July stood for. When you never dreamed our country could ever lose. When you bragged about your hometown, and home state. When everybody didn’t feel entitled to an education. When people expected less, and valued what they had more. When politicians proclaimed their patriotism, and meant it. When everybody knew the difference between right and wrong. When things weren’t perfect, but you never expected them to be. When our government stood up for Americans, anywhere in the world. When you knew that the law would be enforced, and your safety protected. When the law meant justice, and you felt a shiver of awe at the sight of a policeman. When you weren’t embarrassed to say that this was the best country in the world. When America was a country filled with brave, proud, hard-working people!”

If the author of this nostalgic glance back could see the America that exists today, he would surely be amazed at how even more apropos these words are in 2026. We must earnestly plead, “God bless America!”

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Provs. 14:34)

Spiritual Disciplines

Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, that he should give attention to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine. (I Tim. 4:13) Clearly, there are things that we ought to be doing very regularly, even beyond our daily praying.

Some years ago, I made a list of what I called spiritual disciplines—things that I should regularly give attention to in my walk with God. I share these hoping they might challenge someone else in walking closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as we make progress day by day on this Christian pilgrimage:

1. Silence (Ps. 46:10; 62:1,5; 13:2)
2. Solitude (Ex 3:1-6; I Sam.16:6-16; Mark 6:30,31)
3. Sorrow for sin (Mark 1:14,15; Luke 3:1-6; Rev. 3:3)
4. Scripture (Joshua 1:7,8; Psalm 1:1-3; Jer. 15:16; John 15:7)
5. Supplication (Ex. 32:30-32; John 17:13-16; Col.1:9-12)
6. Song (Ps. 96:1-4; Col. 3:15-17; Heb.2:12)
7. Steadfast heart (Ps.57:7-11; I Cor. 15:58; Eph.6:13)

1. Self-scrutiny (Ps.139:23; Provs. 20:27; I Cor. 11:26-28)
2. Speech (Provs. 25:11; Isa. 50:4; Matt. 12:36,37)
3. Sensitivity (Provs. 20:12; Gal. 6:2)
4. Servanthood (Mark 10:42-45; John 13:1-5; I Th.2:7,8)
5. Self-denial (Matt. 16:24-26; Luke 14:25-33; John 21:18,19)
6. Suffering (II Cor. 12:7; Phil. 3:7-10; I Pet. 4:12,13)
7. Submission (Matt. 5:38-42; Eph.5:21; I Pet.5:5)

1. Stewardship (Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; II Cor. 8:15)
2. Simplicity (Matt. 5:8; Mark 6:7-11; Luke 10:38-42)
3. Seeking heart (Matt. 6:33; Luke 11:9; Hebs. 11:6)
4. Sincerity (II Cor. 1:12; Phil. 1:9, 10; James 5:12)
5. Separation (Haggai 2:11-14; Rom. 12:1,2; II Cor. 6:14-18)
6. Self-control (Ps.101:3; Provs. 16:32; Provs. 25:28; I Cor. 9:24-27)
7. Surrender to the Spirit (Ps.v143:10; Gal.5:22,23)

Well, that should keep one focused for some time. Pastors and Sunday School teachers, feel free to change this in any way by deleting verses and adding others—or by deleting categories. This might be good for a series of lessons; I used it for a one-time, stand-alone midweek Bible study 13 years ago.

At any rate, you do not need my permission, nor do you need to bother with giving any credit. Make it your own, if it is something you could use, and “go with it.”

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Tim.2:12)

Nightmares, Prayers, and Grace

As most of you know and will readily agree, prayer is a wonderful privilege: We enter into God’s presence with our praises and petitions, knowing that He remembers our frame and that we are dust, and that we are His beloved children, and that His loving kindness and marvelous grace are abundant and sufficient. But reminders of such are always appropriate, so I am sharing a “TRBC Times” article that I wrote for our church publication in August 2003.

As I write these lines, our daughter is in the intensive care unit of St. Francis Hospital. She underwent an emergency appendectomy two days ago, and she is fighting off infection that, if not checked by some high-powered antibiotics, could end her life on this earth.

I have seen hundreds of folk off to surgery, but this Saturday was the most difficult ever. We did not know what the doctor would find. It was suggested that a mass might be discovered. Unbridled, my mind raced from bad scenarios to worse. It was an agonizing two-and-one-half-hour wait. The surgeon’s report was something of a relief, as we learned that an appendix was the culprit. The bad news was that it had begun to leak, and thus Marti would have to fight off the infection. As I write these lines, her body is mounting a fierce struggle against foreign invaders. Many people far and near are praying for her recovery.

Times such as these provide us opportunities to learn. Not that we would ever choose such an opportunity, but when they come our way, we have no choice but to live the experience out and try to draw upon His grace to get us through. I have so much to learn. I am learning. Please allow me to attempt to put onto paper a few of the things that I am struck with because of this nightmare:

  1.  Our family is so much a part of the fabric of our lives. Others are very important, but one’s flesh and blood is your life. We take each other for granted too much. We assume things will always be alright. When an earthquake rocks our foundation, then things become so trivial and people so crucial. We do not tell each other often enough, ‘I love you.’
  2. Things happen so fast. One moment you’ve got life on cruise control, and then around the next corner there’s a major pile-up. It all comes so quickly and without time to prepare. The frames of our life freeze and everything has a different perspective.
  3. Prayer is so important. Not only your prayers but the prayers of anyone who believes in prayer. We can listen to or read lists with a certain detachment until our flesh and blood is one of those names. Then, the prayers of those who believe become huge. We can never overestimate the privilege and power of prayer.
  4. God’s ways are inscrutable. Bottom line must ever be, ‘Thy will be done.’  Don’t try to rationalize it or even understand or explain it. God loves us with an everlasting love, and whatever He allows to come our way has to be seen through those lenses. And we know there is a purpose for His glory.
  5. A support group of people of like precious faith is of incalculable worth. What a blessing the dear folk of Thompson Road Baptist Church are to us. We are surrounded by a family that loves us. A hug. A handshake. A hand on the shoulder. A phone call. A card and word of encouragement. All are priceless.

As Marti was rolled to the operating room, I bent over to kiss her cheek. After surgery she mentioned that to Ellen. I have never been very openly affectionate with my family. I feel very deeply for them and love each more than I can tell. But hugs and kisses have never been a part of my expression. In my heart, I have vowed that has to change. I can’t wait until my little girl is well enough to give her a great big hug and kiss. Too bad we are so slow to get it, and that it takes a major crisis to show us where we need to make some changes. I am sure there are many other lessons I will learn through this experience. Stay tuned~

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

(2026 Update: Little could I have known that in less than four years (April 2007) from the time that we almost lost Marti through an appendicitis infection, her precious son, eleven-year old David, would be called into God’s presence—ironically, due to a ruptured appendix that initially was mistaken by medical personnel for the flu. The pain was almost unbearable, and none of us have ever gotten over it entirely, but the grace God is getting us through it still, day by day. Prayer and the unshakeable confidence in the truth of the above verse, Romans 8:28, plus the always abundant grace of our great God, have made the difference. I hope everyone who reads this knows Him personally. If it has not yet happened, one day it will: a phone call, a knock on the door, a diagnosis in a special hospital counseling room—and your “nightmare” will happen; then you will know, as you have never known, the power and preeminence of prayer, and the greatness of His abundant grace. Suffering is inevitable; getting through it is possible, and only with the help of Him who loved us and gave His Son to die for us. Accept Him today if you have not yet done so!)

A Good Report

Ever notice how bad news travels fast while good news barely makes the rounds?

Case in point: when George H.W. Bush was president, he once collapsed at a state dinner in Japan. The news traveled instantly, of course, and one major network was poised to go on the air with the bogus report (which was canceled at the last minute) that President Bush had died. Bad news does indeed travel with lightning speed.

How about good news? Let’s see: how long does it take you—if you listen to or watch the news regularly—to think of some really good news that you have heard? Well, one might have to ponder that question for a few minutes—though, thankfully, there are broadcasts that do feature positive, encouraging stories regularly.

Good reports are crucial in the health of a body, a nation, a church, a business, or any organization. The opposite of a good report is an evil, or bad, report. Evil reports are disseminated by whisperers (who secretly or privately pass on a bad story: “All they that hate me whisper against me” (Ps. 41:7); gossips (who magnify and sensationalize rumors or partial information); slanderers (who seek to destroy another person’s reputation or credibility with damaging facts); and busybodies (who dig up evil reports and spread them through gossip, whispering, slandering). Evil reports are communicated through words, facial expressions, gestures, and tones. Each can be one of Satan’s devices.

But what is a good report? How does one give a good report? What does a good report do? How can one avoid an evil report? Solomon, in his book of Proverbial wisdom, is my primary source.

  1. What is a good report?
    • It may conceal secrets that could damage a person: “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.” (Provs. 11:13) “Hatred stirreth up strife: but love covereth all sins.” (Provs. 10:12)
    • It helps instead of hurts: “A true witness delivereth souls, but a deceitful witness speaketh lies.” (Provs. 14:25)
    • It is of excellent speech: “Excellent speech becometh not a fool….” (braggart, grumbler, vulgar). (Provs. 17:7) “A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word fitly spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Provs. 15:23)
    • It is born of thought: “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer.” (Provs. 15:28)
    • It is couched in wholesome words: “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” (Provs. 15:4)
  2. How do you give a good report?
    • By telling the truth; by revealing information that is helpful; by withholding information that is hurtful; by speaking that which edifies (cf. Numbers 13:32 and Numbers 14:7,8 for a comparison of what a positive report versus an evil report will do).
  3. What does a good report do?
    • It protects people: “A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.” (Provs. 25:18)
    • It promotes truth: “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” (Provs. 12:17)
    • It promotes health: “There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.” (Provs. 12:18)
    • It provides encouragement: “The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.” (Provs. 10:21)
    • It prevents destruction: “Where no wood is there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.” (Provs. 26:20)
    • It prompts peace: “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” (Provs. 15:1)
  4. How to detect and avoid carriers of an evil report.
    • They usually check for acceptance by asking for your opinion about someone, or by dropping a negative comment about a person first.
    • They may create curiosity: “Have you noticed how so and so has been acting lately?”
    • They may disguise it by asking for counsel or by asking for prayer.
    • They will often disclaim credit: “Don’t quote me on this but….”
    • A look of disapproval will often discourage someone who wants to share an evil report: “The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.” (Provs. 25:23)

In II Samuel 15, verses 1-6, there is an example of what a person with an evil report can do. The main character is a son of King David, Absalom. He is portrayed as one who rises early, stations himself at the gate, and waits for anyone who has a controversy on which he wants the King to render a judgment. Absalom hears the complaint, then answers that it is too bad no one is “deputed” by the King to hear his complaint. “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man which had any suit or cause might come unto me, and I would do him justice!” (II Sam. 15:1-6)

Well, you know how that story ended! Absalom spread evil reports about his father, resulting in an eventual insurrection against the King, who eventually had to leave his throne and Jerusalem…the end of the story…the tragic death of Absalom. Oh, what terrible consequences an evil report can wreak!

Be careful of the report you choose to pass on. Is it true? Helpful? Necessary? Uplifting? Edifying? Do not be party in listening to or passing on evil reports. Be careful. Be safe.

“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” (Provs. 14:15)

To Ukraine With Love

Thirty years ago, Evangelist Neil Cadwell visited Ukraine and, while there, fell in love with the country and its people. The Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic had existed from 1922 to 1991. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it became an independent nation. Evangelist Cadwell came home from his trip to Ukraine and founded the Slavic Baptist Institute in 1996, for the purpose of assisting local Ukrainian churches in training leaders “grounded in biblical doctrine and sound ministry philosophy.” In the 30 years since its beginning, SBI has graduated 200 such men and women who are serving their churches, having been trained and equipped to be more effective leaders.

When Dr. Cadwell was called to his eternal home in 2017, Dr. Rick Arrowood became SBI’s director. Under his leadership the Bible Institute has continued, even as Ukraine fights to maintain its independence from Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Slavic Baptist Mission (the umbrella organization that supports SBI, based in Muncie, Indiana) also supports several churches and pastors in other countries. In recent years, believers in Laos sent out an “SOS” to Missionary Derek Thomas (Julie). In response, the Thomases have begun a Bible Institute in Laos and another in India. Derek and Julie Thomas serve under the auspices of Slavic Baptist Mission. Laos Bible Institute was held its first graduation service in January of this year. There were 16 graduates and a student body of 72. A graduate-level program has been started that will offer twice-yearly sessions designed to “strengthen doctrinal foundation and sharpen ministry skills.” The gospel, through the Laos Bible Institute, is finding its way deeper into the country, with churches being organized and an orphanage being started. Similar evangelistic efforts in India are producing encouraging results in Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. Missionary Derek Thomas writes: “We count it a joy to serve alongside faithful men in India and are deeply grateful for the expanding opportunities to strengthen national leaders and facilitate the proclamation of the gospel.” Three conferences were held in January, with around 150 pastors in one location and 75 and 35 in a second and third location.

Back to the ministry in Ukraine. Slavic Baptist Mission has distributed almost 20 million pounds of humanitarian aid and over one million New Testaments there since 2022, through an outreach known as COMPASSION FOR UKRAINE. The gospel has been given out, along with food and material aid, while churches have been started and believers strengthened.

Dr. Arrowood, with his wife, Dolly, travels thousands of land and air miles each year, introducing SBI to local churches and pastors. This year, Dr. Arrowood visited Ukraine and, with his assistant, Rev. Carl Lindermon, was present for the graduation service on this 30th year of the Institute. He was there when Russia unleashed a merciless attack on Kiev. The deadly missiles drove them, with their Ukrainian hosts, to basements and shelters for safety. I heard Bro. Arrowood say, “This trip was life-changing for me.” Churches and their members, who live with this daily in Ukraine, are testifying that war cannot stop the power of the gospel from reaching and changing the hearts of people. Churches are meeting with capacity crowds; people are being saved and added to the church. The ravages of war cannot mute the singing of God’s people, who gather together to worship; nor can it thwart the power of the Holy Spirit of God in regenerating men and women and children who trust in Him, calling upon Jesus Christ to save them from their sins.

It was my privilege to visit Ukraine in the late 1980s, just as the former Soviet Union was beginning to open up to the visits of foreigners. The late Evangelist Ed Nelson and myself, with a few other people, were guided by Natasha Vins as we visited believers—many of whom had suffered in Soviet prisons in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg) and Ukraine (Kiev, Kharkov, Rostov on Don)—and preached, participated in the Lord’s Table, and conducted seminars for pastors. I too fell in love with the Russian and Ukrainian people. I had prayed for Natasha’s father and family for years before her father, the late Georgi Vins, was released from prison in a swap of Russian prisoners for some Russian spies who were being detained in America. The then-U.S. president, Jimmy Carter, negotiated this swap. So, every meeting in Russia and Ukraine was an experience that I had to pinch myself to see if it was real or not! After we landed in Moscow, taxiing to our hotel, we were stunned to see a huge billboard that read, “God Bless America!”

I was honored to serve on Brother Cadwell’s mission board, and I am serving still under the leadership of Dr. Arrowood, though in an “emeritus” capacity. I urge any pastor who reads this, or any lay person, to pray about and seriously consider having Dr. Arrowood present to your church the ministry of Slavic Baptist Mission. Through this faith ministry, the gospel is reaching into Ukraine and now Laos and India. This ministry needs partners; and it is certainly worthy of your prayers and help. Contact Dr. Arrowood at rickarrowood@slavicbaptistmission.org or by phone at (317) 504.4102.

“For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.” (2 Cor.9:12)