YOU and GOD

Add to Your Faith Virtue (# 2 in Series)

Peter, writing a general epistle primarily to persecuted saints who had been scattered throughout their world, (I Pet. 1:1) establishes in the first few verses of his second letter to them that the foundation of any life is, first and foremost, faith. But our experience does not end there. Peter quickly adds that there are several crucial characteristics that followers of Christ must cultivate in our walk with Him. The first of these is virtue.

Virtue is demanded by our calling: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (II Peter 1:3) A common definition of virtue is “moral excellence.” “Who can find a virtuous woman?” Solomon queries in Proverbs 31:10, and then proceeds to tell us what she looks like. She is a woman of impeccable principle, self-discipline, unabated love for and protection of her family, and conscientious service to the community in which she lives.

Perhaps one would hesitate to quote John F. Kennedy on the subject of virtue, but what he once said about a person of virtue remains true: “Of those to whom much is given, much is required. And, when at some future date the high court of history sits in judgment on each of us, recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled our responsibilities, our success or failure, we will be measured by the answers to the following four questions: Were we truly men of courage; were we truly men of judgment; were we truly men of integrity; were we truly men of dedication?” (Speech before the Massachusetts State Legislature, Jan. 9, 1961. Papers of John F. Kennedy) Our high calling of God in Christ Jesus demands nothing less than to embrace those things in which there is “any virtue.” (Phil. 4:8)

Virtue is also detailed by our character. We ever strive for excellence along with effectiveness. Not “how much” or “how fast” is the key to reaching that goal—but simply “how?” Did we play by the rules? Were we considerate of others? Was our goal to succeed to fulfill a selfish ambition, or to please our God? Edwin Markham, the poet laureate of Oregon (1923-1931), offers some food for thought here: “We are blind until we see nothing is worth the making if it does not make the man. Why build these cities glorious if man unbuilded goes? In vain we build the world, unless the builder grows.” Virtue, detailed by our character, will keep us on track and on target in the building of our life and legacy.

Virtue is deciphered by our composite. Who is the composite you? A beautiful composite portrait of a woman of virtue is, again, painted in Proverbs 31. Gene Getz, in his best-selling book The Measure of a Man, draws from Paul’s composite depiction of the bishop, who must be “blameless…vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality…not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.” (I Tim. 3:2,3) That would be a composite portrayal of a man of virtue. George Washington desired that his life would reflect virtuous qualities: “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an ‘honest man.’” If we aspire to the same noble end, it will be because of a personal decision, and through a personal diligence: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:14). There was a personal decision and a persistent diligence to allow the Holy Spirit to produce a man who could be deciphered by a composite: virtue.

Finally, virtue is delivered by our contemplation. Paul said, “If there be any virtue…any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8) “And beside this, giving all diligence,” Peter admonishes. (I Pet.1:5) We must and will find time, in the busyness of the hurry-scurry world in which we live, to join the band of those who have finished their course before us to contemplate His life in us and our life in Him. If indeed, as Peter affirms, He has given unto us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” there is no limit as to the contemplative life of the follower of Christ. This of course will not mean that we will be so heavenly minded that we will be of no earthly good; but it will mean that we will be so heavenly minded that we will be of great earthly good.

Add to your faith, then, virtue. It is demanded by our calling, detailed by our character, deciphered by our composite, and delivered by our contemplation.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil.4:8)

“Two Lovers”

I have a poem that I am going to share with you in this column since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and our thoughts naturally turn to romance, love, and sweethearts. Isn’t it nice that in the middle of winter we have such a special day that always warms one’s heart as thoughts of “first love,” and life-long love, flood one’s mind? It was 59 years ago this summer that Ellen and I sealed our love with sacred vows, and at a holy altar promised ourselves each to the other. The memory of that night in North Carolina, in that little white-steepled church where we joined hands and hearts in a lifetime journey, is etched into the deepest recesses of my mind and heart. It will be with me as long as I am able to have conscious thoughts.

So I cherish every opportunity to reflect upon that day and all the days that have ensued since—with births, marriages, birthdays, Christmases and, yes, sadly so, even some funerals: all part and parcel of a life adventure that started with young love and longings and matured into a full-bloomed, nurturing love one for the other. It is now, more than half a century later, a love that is still with pleasure yet not without pain, drawing our souls, minds, and hearts ever-more tightly together into that perfect bond of “oneness.”

The poem that follows, “Two Lovers,” speaks to this maturing bonding of a perfect love:

Two lovers by a moss-grown spring:
They leaned soft cheeks together there,
Mingled the dark and sunny hair,
And heard the wooing thrushes sing.
O budding time!
O love's blest prime!

Two wedded from the portal stept:
The bells made happy carolings,
The air was soft as fanning wings,
White petals on the pathway slept.
O pure-eyed bride!
O tender pride!

Two faces o'er a cradle bent:
Two hands above the head were locked:
These pressed each other while they rocked,
Those watched a life that love had sent.
O solemn hour!
O hidden power!

Two parents by the evening fire:
The red light fell about their knees
On heads that rose by slow degrees
Like buds upon the lily spire.
O patient life!
O tender strife!

The two still sat together there,
The red light shone about their knees;
But all the heads by slow degrees
Had gone and left that lonely pair.
O voyage fast!
O vanished past!

The red light shone upon the floor
And made the space between them wide;
They drew their chairs up side by side,
Their pale cheeks joined, and said, "Once more!"
O memories!
O past that is!
O memories! O past that is!

(The author of this poem, “Two Lovers,” was a woman named Mary Ann Evans (1819-1880), who used the pen name “George Eliot” so that her poetry would be more widely read and accepted in 19^th century England.)

Ellen and I wish you all a happy, love-filled Valentine’s Day! (O memories! O past that is!)

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…He hath made every thing beautiful in His time.” (Eccl. 3:1,11)

“Add To Your Faith”

I recall a time when I was a young parent and our children, who were in elementary school, were introduced to a concept called “higher math.” I was a bit skeptical of math that was considered “higher,” as I never thought I fully grasped the basic math that I was taught, which must have been considered “lower.”

Coming to the Apostle Peter’s second general epistle, we are introduced to what might be called a spiritual kind of higher math. He says that there are some things that ought to be added to our faith, and he also mentions that which should be multiplied, i.e., “grace and mercy.”

Peter, in a very few words, sweeps us up to heavenly spiritual heights, reminding us that Christ’s divine power “hath given us all things that pertain unto godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” (2 Pet. 1:3) He had already mentioned that believers are those who “have obtained like precious faith…through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ.” (1:1). We are the recipients of “exceeding great and precious promises…partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the present world through lust.” (1:4)

Wow! Take off your shoes! This is holy ground for sure. With concepts that could only have been prompted by the Holy Spirit, the fisherman turned apostle—the same fisherman-apostle who one time denied even knowing Jesus—is taking us to the vestibule of heaven, we who have been called to glory and virtue. (v3)

Then, Peter quickly plants our feet back onto terra firma by admonishing us to “add to our faith,” this “precious faith,” a list of seven ideals which should characterize those who are equipped with “all things that pertain unto life and godliness,” through His divine power.

Add to your faith. First, there must be faith! This is the foundation of our Christian life. Faith is the “substance of things hoped for.” (Hebrews 11:1). Paul says we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope…but if we hope for that we seeth not, then we do with patience wait for it.” (Rom. 8:24,25)

What are you hoping for now? (1) The revelation of Jesus Christ: “…we know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.” (I John 3:2) (2) The reception into heaven: “Come up hither.” (Rev. 4:1) “With a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (I Thess. 4:16,17) (3) The reward: “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.” (2 Tim. 4:8) (4) The recognition: “…now I know in part, but then I shall know even as I am known.” (I Cor. 13:12) (5) The release. “O wretched man that I am: who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 7:24,25) (6) The redemption. “…but ourselves also…waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Rom. 8:23)

So, the foundation consists of that which is the “substance of things hoped for,” but also, “the evidence of things not seen.” I have never yet seen God with the “naked eye,” nor His Spirit; nor have I seen any literally resurrected body such as Lazarus after he was raised from the dead; I have not seen heaven such as did Paul when he was caught up into paradise where he heard things of which he could not speak; but I believe in each of the above, by faith, as surely as if I had literally, physically seen them. I have never seen electricity, by the way; nor have I personally “seen” wind, or heat, or many other physical entities; but I believe in them. For the unbeliever there are no answers; for the believer there are no questions. The unbelieving mind would not be convinced by “proof;” the believing mind needs no further proof.

So, the question is, “Do you have this precious faith?” If so, you can build upon it and you can make of your life a temple, not a tomb. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Without faith it is impossible to please God. He that cometh to God must first believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them who diligently seek Him. (Heb.11:6) Seek. Believe. Add to your foundation of faith that which will make a life worth living.

Stay tuned for future installments of “Add to Your Faith.”

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:8)

“There is a God in Heaven!”

Violinist Yehudi Menuhin, a British violinist and conductor who is considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20^th century, was invited at the age of 13 to perform with the British Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. He played some of the most difficult works of Beethoven, Bach, and Brahms masterfully. The response was electrifying, and when the concert ended, the authorities struggled to manage the almost out-of-control crowd. One member of the audience was Albert Einstein, who had listened in rapt attention to the prodigy perform and who, at the concert’s conclusion, ran around and through the authorities to the youngster’s dressing room. Upon finding him, Einstein exclaimed as he embraced the surprised youth, “Now I know there is a God in heaven!”

Belief that there is, and has always been, a God in heaven did not come hard for most of us. All it took for us to know was that at some time we read, “In the beginning God….” (Gen. 1:1) We can identify with Abraham Lincoln’s observation when he said at the age of 19: “I never behold the stars that I do not feel that I am looking into the face of God. I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.”

In 18^th-century in Britain, two eminent lawyers set out to deal a deathblow to Christianity. George Lyttleton, a member of Parliament, was going to discredit the account of the conversion of the Apostle Paul, while at the same time poet Gilbert West would attempt to disprove the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After diligently considering all the information they could assemble, the two men met to compare their findings. Each had written a book on what they discovered. West’s book affirmed the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Lyttelton’s supported the accounts of the miraculous conversion of the Apostle Paul. They failed in discrediting their original skeptical theses—and when they met, they greeted each other as fellow believers in the claims of Christianity.

More recently, there is the case of Antony Flew, once considered one of the most influential atheist philosophers in the world. His arguments against the existence of God permeated the pages of many anthologies and textbooks. Then Flew read a book by Michael Behe, Darwin’s Black Box, a book that argues that “the minimal and cellular and biochemical requirements for life display an ‘irreducible complexity’ that cannot be random but must have been designed.” Mr. Flew, having dialogued with a philosophy professor at Liberty University, Gary Habermas, confided to him that he had come to believe that “there is a God.” He subsequently co-authored a book titled There Is a God: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind. (Lifesite.net, Nov. 2, 2007)

One supposed atheist came to reckon with his unbelief in a rather dramatic way. Mordecai Ham (1877-1961) was a Jewish believer in Christ and a southern evangelist. He once heard of an infidel who, when he saw Ham approaching, went into hiding. The evangelist began to hunt his prey, and when he heard suspicious sounds under a corn shock, he pulled the fellow out. “What are you going to do with me,” the atheist quivered. Ham said, “I’m going to ask God to kill you! You don’t believe God exists. If there is no God, then my prayers can’t hurt you. But if there is a God, you deserve to die because you are making atheists out of your children and grandchildren.” As the infidel begged him not to pray that way, Ham said, “Very well, then, I shall ask God to save you.” He was saved, and before the revival meeting was over, all of that infidel’s family was baptized—40 of them! (Note: I copied this story out of some Christian publication years ago and am not sure to whom it should be attributed; but knowing of some of the antics of the old-time evangelists, it is believable!)

“In the beginning, God.” That’s how the Bible begins, and that’s good enough for me! Modern science has found that in every living cell—36 trillion of them in a typical human body—there is information that could not possibly have occurred randomly. DNA has discredited evolution, and also unbelief in a creator God. To embrace atheism today flies into the face of all that is credible. There never has been, nor is there now, any reason—any excuse—for claiming to believe that there is no God.

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”(Psalm 14:1)

Prevalent Problems. Sure Solutions

James, author of the New Testament epistle of the book that bears his name, writing to first-century saints, identifies some problems that have plagued every Christian community—then and now. He also offers some sure solutions that worked then and will work now. Follow the discourse of this “half-brother” of Jesus in James 4:1-10:

The prevalent problems

The problem of wars, fightings, v. 1. These were both “among you” and “in your members.” They were the kinds of conflicts that would destroy a business, an office, a home, or a church. They were both external (among you) and internal (in your members). Jesus warned that a house divided against itself could not stand.
The problem of unfulfilled desires or unsatisfied lusts, v. 2a. Lust for ambition, for material gain, for more knowledge, for sexual gratification, for power, etc.
The problem of prayerlessness, v.2b. They had no time to pray and no desire to pray, nor did they have an understanding of what prayer is. They simply had a “wish list” that was personal and selfish.
The problem of self-centeredness, v.3. Misdirected prayer that was offered up to God for selfish gain. Prayer that was “amiss,” uttered to advance one’s own personal interests.
The problem of worldliness, v.4. The Christian community at large was so immersed in the world and it allurements, engaged in an intense “friendship” with the world, that there was no heart for God nor for the things of God.
The problem of envy, v. 5. Envy put Jesus on the cross (Matt. 27:18) and it has sidelined many a believer from serving God. “Bitter envying and strife in your hearts” will cause one to lie against the truth. (James 3:14) This will block every effort to serve God and advance His kingdom.
The problem of pride, v. 6. God resists the proud. The pride of those to whom James
directed these remarks was demonstrated by their catering to wealthy people who
attended their meetings, while neglecting those who were poor. (James 2:1-6)

The sure solutions

Submit to God, v. 7. Get down on your knees and confess your sins, acknowledging your transgressions; repent of your disobedience.
Resist the Devil, v. 7b. Equip yourself with the Sword of the Spirit; put on the whole armor of God. (Eph.6)
Draw nigh to God. Get your heart and hands washed as Jesus instructed the 12: “Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)
Be afflicted, mourn, weep, v.9. Grieve over sin and its consequences.
Humble yourself in God’s sight, v.10. Surrender your expectations, yield your authority.

Every Christian community has been plagued from time to time with some, if not all, of the above problems. Jesus warned us that in the world we would have tribulations. Trouble is common to every house, and the household of God is not exempt.

We can react to problems by blaming them on the world, that system of thought and life that is out of harmony with God and the people of God. And as long as we are in the world, the world will be an ever-present force with which to be reckoned.

We can blame the Devil—and he is surely our enemy, seeking as a roaring lion to devour every believer. (I Peter 5:8)

We can—and, at times, should—blame ourselves when we violate God’s precepts and principles. No one has escaped the personal pitfalls and perils that await believers as we advance daily on our pilgrim progress.

James knew that the churches, being in the world and consisting of people from all walks of life, would be beset with problems. In James 4:1-10, he isolates some of the problems common to the Christian community and sets forth some sure solutions.

Nothing has changed from then to now. We are people with the same nature, and the same world is presided over by the god of this world. (2 Cor. 4:4) But by the indwelling Holy Spirit we can have victory, (I John 5:4) and we can deal rightly with every problem. Let us hear and heed God’s counsel through James, and let us be doers of the Word.

“Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

The Game Changer

George Sweeting, a former president and chancellor of Moody Bible Institute, in a sermon entitled “Attitude Makes the Difference,” related this story: “A Scotsman was an extremely hard worker and expected all the men under him to be the same. His men would tease him, ‘Scotty, don’t you know that Rome wasn’t built in a day?’ ‘Yes,’ he would answer, ‘I know that. But I wasn’t foreman on that job.’”

Attitude often does make all the difference and can very well be a “game changer.” Golda Meir, Israel’s fourth prime minister (1969-1974), said: “All my country has is spirit. We don’t have petroleum dollars. We don’t have mines or great wealth in the ground. We don’t have the support of a worldwide public opinion that looks favorably on us. All Israel has is the spirit of its people. And if the people lose their spirit, even the United States of America cannot save us.”

I attended a Christian Law Association meeting, conducted by David Gibbs, in Indianapolis in 1998. He illustrated the importance of having a healthy attitude by relating a story about himself and the late evangelist Lester Roloff of Corpus Christi, Texas, an independent Baptist evangelist who founded and operated a home for troubled youths. The ministry was badgered by the State of Texas for supposedly not meeting its requirements. Gibbs said, “We were up against a lawyer that hated Roloff, his church, and his ministry. I had put up with his profanity for three weeks when one day I showed up early in court (7 a.m.) to rehearse some things with Bro. Roloff. And there he was. We walked in, and Bro. Roloff walked up to him and said, ‘I just want you to know I’m praying for you. You could be a Paul for God. You’re tearing us up; I’m just praying you’ll get saved. I want you to go to heaven.’ Then, Roloff walked back to me, knowing how I felt, and said, ‘You can’t be Jesus’ lawyer with a spirit like that.’” Gibbs concluded his story: “That changed my life.” For the brilliant lawyer who has spent his life advocating for Christian causes, a few simple words from the heart of a farmer turned preacher—“You can’t be Jesus’ lawyer with a spirit (attitude) like that”—were a game-changer.

Life’s mundane tasks can be turned into sacred callings when they’re done in the right spirit. Christopher Wren, the great English architect, was directing the building of a massive, ornate cathedral when a passing journalist asked three workers the same question, “What are you doing?” The first said, “I am cutting stone for ten shillings a day.” The second replied, “I am putting ten hours a day of my life into this job.” The third answered, “I’m personally helping Sir Christopher Wren construct one of London’s great cathedrals.” Attitude was, for that worker, a game changer.

Pastor A.W. Tozer related that a simple-hearted man was once asked how he could manage to maintain a constant state of tranquility. He replied, “I have learned to cooperate with the inevitable.”

The key to a balanced life, someone has said, does not boil down so much as to what happens to us—bad things from time to time befall us all. The key is how we react to what happens to us. Paul encourages believers to “in every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thess.5:18)

“A woman woke up one morning and noticed she had just three hairs on her head, so she said, ‘I think I will braid my hair today.’ The next day, as she looked into the mirror in the morning, she noticed she had only two hairs on her head, so she said, ‘I am going to part my hair in the middle this morning.’ The following day, she found that she had only one hair on her head, so she said, ‘I think I will wear a pony-tail today.’ Finally, the following day she discovered there was not a single hair on her head, so she exclaimed, ‘I don’t have to fix my hair today!’” Well, she certainly kept a good attitude in all of it!

So, how’s your attitude today? We cannot always arrange things through each day to suit our preferences, but we can manage our response to everything that comes our way. We can “rejoice in the Lord alway” (Phil.4:6) or we can choose to complain, criticize, gripe about our circumstances, and lose opportunities to acknowledge that God’s compassions fail not, and His mercies are new every morning—so that we can ever exclaim, “Great is Thy faithfulness!” (Lamentations 3:22,23).

Go with the game-changer: keep in tune with God through the Holy Spirit as He produces the fruit the Spirit in your life, and you will have an attitude that is both advantageous and positively infectious!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance….”(Gal.5:22,23)

The Book of Books

Most everyone has at one time or another been blessed by the romantic poem that begins with the line, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote volumes of poetry to the man she was in love with, Robert Browning, before they were married. Elizabeth’s parents disapproved of her marriage to Browning, so much so that they disowned her. Week after week, she wrote love letters to them, begging for reconciliation, but they never replied. After 10 years of this, Elizabeth received a huge box in the mail. It was all of her letters to her parents, unopened. Those letters are among the classics of English literature. But her parents were never moved by them toward reconciliation, for they never read one of them! (The Alliance Witness, 1/14/76).

How many of us let God’s beautiful letters go unread, year after year—letters that could bless us, build us, better us. Yet they often remain unopened, unread!

Martin Luther exclaimed, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold on me.” Yes, all of the above and more, but It must be opened!”

Scottish novelist Sir Walter Scott said of the Book of books: “Within this volume lies the mystery of mysteries; happiest they of human race to whom their God has given grace to read, to fear, to hope, to pray, to lift the latch, to find the way; and better had they ne’er been born who read to doubt, or read to scorn.”

Yes, it is God’s book of grace, but it must be opened!

English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge wrote: “For more than a thousand years, the Bible, collectively taken, has gone hand in hand with civilization, science, law—in short, with the moral and intellectual civilization of the species, always supporting and often leading the way.”

But, it must be opened!

It was said of John Wanamaker, the famous department-store pioneer, that when he was 11 he purchased a Bible for $2.75, paying for it in small installments. Later he said of the purchase, “I have made large purchases of property in my time, involving millions of dollars, but it was as a boy that I made my greatest purchase. That little red Book was the foundation on which my life has been built and has made possible all that has counted in my life. I know now that it was the greatest investment and the most important I ever made.”

The greatest, yes! But, it had to be opened!

French novelist Victor Hugo reportedly said that “England has two books, the Bible and Shakespeare. England made Shakespeare, but the Bible made England.”

For sure, but it had to be opened!

Do you remember a time when your heart burned when you opened the Bible and read it? It can, again, but only happen when in faith and spiritual thirst you once again will open the Bible!

Someone may say, “I open it when I can, but I just do not have enough hours in the day to read it often or consistently.” Well, someone has calculated that it takes 70 hours and 40 minutes to read the Bible through at pulpit rate. About 10 minutes a day will get you through the Bible in a year. A few minutes a day will get you through this remarkable book that is just long enough to tell you all that God wants you to know, yet short enough to carry in your hands. This book is deep enough to confound scholars, yet simple enough to speak to the simplest. It is timeless though timely. It is without error but warns us of the pitfalls on life’s pathways. “It reveals to us the holiness of God, the mercy of Christ, the power of Calvary, the way to heaven, and the life that wins. It contains all the answers we need, even when we don’t always understand the questions.” (Robert Lightner, The Savior and the Scriptures)

But it can only transform us if we open the Bible!

“For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

The Whole World’s Watching

Those words, “the whole world’s watching,” were chanted by demonstrators on the streets of Chicago in the summer of 1968, as policemen used force to restrain rioters from disrupting the Democratic National Convention. TV cameras were on the scene, and those history-making moments flashed onto screens all over the globe so that, indeed, the whole world was watching!

Today, the whole world is still watching as history is being made; but the focus of the world at this very hour is not on the streets of Chicago but, rather, the cradle of civilization—the strategic, oil-rich, trouble-laden region of the Middle East.

Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Libya, Syria—these nations are now in the forefront of the news. In a sense, not only is the whole world watching; the whole world is, at it were, holding its breath. The political and economic crises in these countries have created a volatile environment that is, to say the least, explosive.

In the middle of it all is Israel, which did not even exist as a modern nation until 1948. But, how the nations of the world act and react to Israel is of primary concern to those of us who believe prophecy is daily being fulfilled. Israel, inheritor of God’s ancient promises to Abraham, will be in the center of the spotlight of world history from now until the end of time.

In Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39, God gives us a preview of history that is written before it happens—otherwise called prophecy. These chapters relate to Israel and what will happen to her, in the latter times, when nations from the north invade what God calls “my land,” Israel. (Ezek. 38: 16) Consider with me these fascinating facts and how they impact every one of us today: The What, Where, When and Why of this yet future invasion of “the holy land.”

( Note: This blog post, up to this point, is nearly verbatim the introduction to a message I preached on March 23, 1980, at Thompson Road Baptist Church in Indianapolis. I have repeated the introduction, word for word, to demonstrate the relevance of God’s Word—then and now. The stage had already been set when that message was delivered 44 years ago, and nothing has changed.)

The curtain of the last act of history’s saga could rise at any moment. We call it the “rapture” (of the Church). After the rapture, during the seven years that follow, commonly called “the tribulation” (as depicted in Revelation, chapters 4-19), the events outlined in this message will ensue.

The What of the events in Ezek. 38, directed at Israel:
• There will be a military invasion of Israel by Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. (Ezek.38:1-3) Most lexicographers and commentators identify these invaders as Russia, joined by Persia (Iran), Ethiopia, and Libya along with other nations from the north. (Ezek. 38:2-6,13)
• The invaders will be divinely defeated. (38:4,6,13; 39:3,4)
• The invaders will be devastatingly defeated, with 5/6 of them dying. (38:18,19, 20; 39:1-6)
2. The Where of this invasion of Israel:
• The invasion will take place in Israel. (38:8; 39:4)
• The invasion will take place in the midst of the land. (38:12)
3. The When of the invasion of Israel:
• It will occur in the “latter years” (38:8,16)—after the first half of the 7-year tribulation—when Israel will be dwelling in peace. (38:11; cf. Daniel 9:24-27)
4. The Why of this invasion of Israel:
• It will be initiated by God to show the heathen that He alone is God. (38:16,23)
• God will make His holy name known to His people, and show them—as well as the heathen—that He alone is God, the holy One of Israel. (39:7)

Conclusion: Of course, at this moment, Israel is at war with the Hamas terrorists, having been invaded October 7, 2023. This is not the fulfillment of Ezekiel 38, but it surely must be a prelude. Jesus warned: “When ye see these things begin to come to pass, then lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh.” (Luke 21:28)

Are you ready?

(For further study, see J. Dwight Pentecost’s Things to Come: A Study in Biblical Eschatology.)

The Doctrine of the Strenuous Life

Theodore Roosevelt was quoted as saying, “I wish to preach not the doctrine of ignoble ease, but the doctrine of the strenuous life, the life of toil and effort, of labor and strife, to preach the highest form of success which comes, not to the man who desires mere easy peace, but to the man who does not shrink from danger, hardships, or from bitter toil, and who out of these wins the splendid ultimate triumph.”

Jesus never offered a life of ease to would-be followers. He spoke of birds who have nests and foxes who retreat to holes, while He Himself had nowhere to lay His head. Those who followed Him had to get used to having a rock for a pillow.

Part of spiritual growth through discipline comes from weaving good habits into the fabric of our daily living. Paul said, “I keep under my body and bring it into subjection.” He explained that it was mental, spiritual, and physical discipline that he subjected himself to, “lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” (I Cor. 9:27) The great 18^th-century evangelist, George Whitefield, once queried: “Why are men so great, some do ask…Well, the heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight; but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upwards in the night.” (Whitefield retired at 10:00 p.m. and arose at 4:00 a.m.)

Discipline from God—and for God—can be lifesaving. As the Scottish preacher and author William Barclay said, “We shall cease from self-pity, from resentment and from rebellious complaint, if we remember that there is no discipline of God which does not take its source in love, and which is not aimed at our good.”

Christianity Today once recounted this story: “Lord Joseph Duveen, American head of the art firm that bore his name, planned in 1915 to send one of his experts to England to examine some ancient pottery. He booked passage on the Lusitania. Then the German Embassy issued a warning that the liner might be torpedoed. Duveen wanted to call off the trip. ‘I can’t take the risk of your being killed,’ he said to his young expert. ‘Don’t worry,’ said the man, ‘I’m a strong swimmer, and when I read what was happening in the Atlantic, I began hardening myself by spending time every day in a tub of ice water. At first I could only sit a few minutes, but this morning I stayed in that tub nearly two hours.’ Naturally, Duveen laughed. It sounded preposterous. But his expert sailed; the Lusitania was torpedoed. The young man was rescued after nearly five hours in the chilly ocean, still in excellent condition.” (CT, February 1979)

What are you willing to do this year to harden yourself for the cause of Christ? When I think of the people around the globe who are suffering persecution, who are homeless because of wars—some trying to exist in third-world countries where ruthless authoritarians make it difficult not only to exercise one’s faith but to simply survive day to day—I am in fact ashamed to think of American Christianity. How flabby and faithless we have become! How lazy and lifeless spiritually! How indifferent and indolent in spiritual matters.

Is there a spiritual discipline that you could cultivate for Christ this year? Reading His word daily? Attending the services of your local church regularly? Praying intentionally and intensely?

Bad habits, educator Horace Mann said, are like a cable: We weave a thread of it, every day, and at last we cannot break it. Or, as another said, “The chains of habit are too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” (Charles Swindoll, Killing Giants, Pulling Thorns, pp. 66,69)

If that is true with bad habits, could it not also be true of that which is good that we cull and cultivate for the improvement of our work and witness for Jesus? Do not pray, “Lord, let me off easy.” Pray instead, “Lord, make me as big as my task.”

Strive this year to realize by faith the truth of His promise: “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” (Deut. 33:25) And, wherever the journey will take you, whatever the chasm you must cross, His grace will be sufficient for you—to His glory, in the Church, by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death.” (Phil.1:20)

Be Strong!

When the post-exilic prophet Haggai stood up with a “thus saith the Lord” for the Jews who had returned from a 70-year exile, he spoke with the authority of God to the civil leaders in Jerusalem, led by Zerubbabel, to the priests led by Joshua, son of Josedech, and to all the people of in Jerusalem who had returned from Babylon. (Haggai 2:4)

Jeremiah prophesied before the exile had even begun that it would last 70 years. (Jer. 25:11) And, 140 years before he was born, Cyrus was mentioned by Isaiah (Isa. 45:1) by name as the king who would sign the decree allowing the exiles to return to their homeland. Cyrus the Great did just that in 535 B.C., exactly 70 years from the date of the first a wave of Babylonian deportations in 605 B.C.

The exiles returned, laden with temple treasures and furnishings that had been trucked off to Babylon when Jerusalem and its temple and people had been marauded. When King Cyrus decreed that the Jews could return, he insisted that they do so with the plundered gold, treasures, and temple furnishings. The exiles returned in fulfillment of prophecy by the decree of a good but pagan king in 536/535 B.C. According to Ezra 3:8-13, they immediately began the work of rebuilding the once glorious but totally demolished temple that Solomon had built in unparalleled magnificence. But the foundation was barely begun when the builders were harassed by wicked regional opponents who cared nothing for God, God’s city, God’s people, or God’s temple. Their deceitful lies and opposition resulted in work on the temple grinding to a halt for about 15 years.

Enter Haggai, through whose mouth came “the Word of the Lord.” The prophet was a man of few words—but words that inspired by God’s people, coming at a crucial juncture in the history of the Jewish nation. The returning exiles, having met with opposition in their initial efforts to rebuild the temple, had settled down to spend their time, energy, and efforts in building their own houses. Their rationale was pinpointed by Haggai: “The people say, ‘The time is not come, the time the Lord’s house should be built.’” (Haggai 1:2) But with the fearlessness of a prophet on a mission from the most High, Haggai retorted: “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste? Now therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, Consider your ways.” (Haggai 1: 4,5). He went on to instruct his hearers to get up to the mountain and bring wood and “build the house and I will take pleasure in it.”

The heart of the prophet’s message is succinctly stated in Haggai 2:4: “Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work, for I am with you saith the Lord of hosts.”

Be strong and work! That was the message then from God—delivered by a prophet who was God’s mouthpiece to a nation, to a people who had become spiritually complacent and, in fact, indifferent and even self-centered concerning the work of God.

It is a message that resonates in 2024. Compared to the houses of the returning exiles, our houses are probably mansions! We have become comfortable, indifferent, and complacent to the work of God and to the building of the House of God, the local church! (I Tim. 3:15) Oh, to be sure, the work has opposition. We have our critics. Wicked men still lie and oppose anything of God. So, though we started out with enthusiasm and even joy, singing as we were working, we have cooled in our efforts and in our pursuits of His building.

Where is the Haggai of this 21^st century who, without mincing words, will stand to bluntly and boldly proclaim: “Be strong Zerubbabel. Be strong Joshua. Be strong all ye people of the land, saith the Lord.”

As Bob Jones, Sr., once said: “America needs about six months of old-time, Hell-fire and damnation preaching. But the trouble is, we don’t have rugged preachers now who can do that kind of preaching. There are very few prophetic voices in the pulpits of America today. Preachers have become pretty good executives. They know how to oil the machinery of their churches; but they have lost the old, rugged, prophetic, knock-down and drag-out preaching that this nation had in the country districts when I was a boy. I don’t know in this nation today any preacher who preaches as the old country preachers did, who said ‘I seen,’ instead of ‘I have seen,’ or ‘I have saw,’ instead of ‘I saw.” But they HAD SEEN, and they MEANT what they said. They had vision. They had courage.”

God give us pastors and preachers today who will proclaim Haggai’s message—“Be strong. Work!”—with the power and passion of the old country preachers who “had seen” and meant it!

“Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine….” (2 Tim.4:2,3a)