Commitment

A Wake Up Call

Posted on by Jesse Walker

What is the most difficult time you have had to face in your life?  Have you ever gone without food, clothing, or shelter?  Do you know what it means to have nothing?

In the book of Joel, Chapter 1 verses 1 -4, Joel tells the people of Judah that a great devastation is coming like never seen before.  This disaster is painted as a swarm of locusts that would eat everything in its path. There would be absolutely nothing left.

Why was God going to do this?  Because Judah had departed from God’s teaching. They had not obeyed his word. They had become a people who pretended to love God, while living immoral lives.

The call-in verse 5 of chapter 1 is to “wake up”.  Many need to hear this message today. All you need to do is look around and the moral decay of our country is all around us. Spiritual and physical death is rampant.  Sin is flaunted in the face of God. And guess what, Christians are not immune to this condition. When we push God out of our thinking, we replace him with something.  Everyone believes something. You are either serving God, or you are serving yourself.  The problem with most today, is I’m going to do what I want to do.

The problem with our world is not guns, it isn’t the shortage of food, it isn’t the shortage of homes. We have all the money we want for the things we want. We build bigger armies, bigger bombs, and bigger houses. The problem is the shortage of love. It’s the shortage of obedience to God.  John Stott once wrote regarding man’s sinful ways, is that the issue is  “Hardness of heart that moves to darkness of heart that moves to deadness that moves to recklessness that is unrestrained unhindered abandonment to sin.”  I’m afraid this sums up our society and our culture today.  We praise sin while we put down God.

What we need today in our land is a wakeup call.  We need God to send the locust to purge us of our sin. Yes, this does mean the innocent will suffer. Yes, it will be unbearable for many of us. But if it leads to a purging of sin, and a returning to God, will you pray for it? Or have you become comfortable living in a hard, dark hearted world? Repentance will only come with a “wake up” call.  It has always been that way.  From Genesis to Revelation. God send us a wakeup call.  And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.

The Humble King – Easily Forgotten

Posted on by Jesse Walker

When I was a teenager, I drove a 1966 Ford Mustang. It had a Boss 302 engine with a three-quarter racing cam.   It also had a 3:11 rearend and a Hersh shifter.  The only problem was that it was held together by Bondo. The winter weather in Michigan and the salty roads had eaten away the body.  It was a rust bucket. But that car won me many races. People would look at the outside and be fooled.

This got me thinking, Jesus did that one time when he rode into Jerusalem.  He came riding into town on a young donkey. This is the same Jesus who in Mark 4:39, “rebuked the wind, and said to the sea: Peace, be still. And the wind ceased: and there was made a great calm”.  I’m afraid you and I would have picked a white stallion. Or maybe even a supped-up chariot.  One that had a Cleveland 451 motor under the hood. A convertible with wide tires and dual exhaust. We might even have the Eagles playing on our 8-track cassette player.  You younger folks will have to google that one.

Well back to my story, why did Jesus choose a donkey of all animals to ride into Jerusalem. Does Jesus have something against Ford’s? No, I know Jesus loved Fords, because he walked everywhere he went.  It’s okay you’ll get it in a minute. Seriously, I’d assume Jesus choose a donkey because he is a humble King. A king that wasn’t all about outward appearances. In Matthew 11:28-29 Jesus said, “come unto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  When Jesus was arrested, Peter drew his sword and was ready to fight. Yet Jesus said, put your sword away. Don’t you know I could have called twelve legions of Angels and my Father would send them.  When Jesus stood before Pilate, he asked him, are you the King of the Jews. Jesus replied, “My Kingdom is not of this world”.  If it was my servants would fight.” Don’t be fooled, Jesus entered the city on a little donkey, but he contained the power to change the world.  In a few days, he would lead his captives free. He would defeat his enemies.  In Colossians 2:15 it says, When He (Jesus) had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”  Jesus’ march to the cross was his victory over death. And that death freed his servants from a life of sin.  He may of rode a donkey that day, but he contained the supernatural power to wipe out his enemy, the devil and all his armies.

Can you picture it. Jesus is riding into town while the crowds are laying their coats and palm branches on the ground. The crowd is shouting, “Hosana to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”  However, it wouldn’t be long, and the very same people who are shouting Hosana will shout crucify him, crucify him. They will soon forget that Jesus is the same person they just shouted “Hosana in the highest.”  They would forget that he is the King. But King of a different world. And one day the King is going to return with a loud shout, and a loud trumpet sound. And he will claim all those that are his. (Matthew 24:31).

I wonder if we are any different today. Statistics say that the Sunday after Easter is the least attended worship service. The build up is amazing. Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. People flock to worship like no other Sunday except maybe Christmas. But within a few days they forget all about the King. On Monday they shout “Hosana” and a few days later they shout, “crucify him’.  Will you join me today and shout “Hosana to the Highest”.  Like the song Lead Me to Calvary says. “King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.”  Lord don’t let us be deceived by your humble entrance, by the passing of time, or by our busy lives.  “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” ( Psalms 51:10).  And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.

See The Sermon

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In his book called “The Jesus Style”, Gayle D. Erwin has a chapter titled “I’d Rather See a Sermon.”  Gayle mentions a time when his family was lost and needed someone to guide them to their destination. I remember a time in my life when I found myself in the very same situation. I had just been transferred to a new Navy base in New Orleans, Louisiana. And during my first visit I found myself lost at night in the New Orleans downtown district. Most of the stores were closed, and the few gas stations I found had bars on the windows.  The attendants tried to give me directions through the glass windows, but I could not find my way out of the city.  Finally, several hours later, I met a man who was delivering newspapers to local hotels. Do they even do that anymore?  But he told me to follow him, and he led me to my destination. He was like a bright and shinning start to me that day, for I was lost, and he helped me find my way.

A good leader is someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk.  They are willing to roll up their sleeves and lead by example. The same is true for good Christian leaders. As you work with your church family, do you ask them to do something you have never done or are unwilling to do yourself?  Will you sweep the floor or is that below you?  Do you need a title, a parking space or special clothing to show your place of honor?

In Matthew 23 Jesus told his disciples and the crowd to obey their religious leaders, but don’t do like they do. For they do not practice what they preach. They make it hard on others and never offer to help them with their heavy load.  Jesus’ approach was totally opposite. He said, “come follow me” and I’ll make you fishers of men. I’ll not only teach you, but I’ll demonstrate it to you.

While we can all point fingers at poor church leadership. We must also recognize our role. One thing to remember from Matthew 23 is that Jesus doesn’t say you don’t have to obey just because you have bad leaders. Excuses will not lessen our responsibility to become what God designed us to be.

Another thought to remember is that Christians are to be the light of the world, and the salt of the earth. How can a light be of any good if it is hidden under a basket. Or how can salt be of any use if it has lost its saltiness? If your light falls under the pew and never gets outside the building what good is it? Isn’t that like the leaders who refuse to lift a finger to help the lost?

Do you know what the best way is to teach your children to follow in the footsteps of Jesus is? It’s to let them see you on your knees in prayer to God as you hold their hand. To carry them with you, when possible, to see the sick. To work beside you in a homeless shelter. You can tell them all you want about it but letting them “see” the sermon is so much more powerful.

As I close, let me ask, could this be the problem with the church today? Could it be that we preach some very good sermons, and teach some awesome bible classes, but all along make it harder for those to come to know God because we refuse to lift a finger to help them. Have our assemblies become more important than our involvement? And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.

From Persecution to Easier Life

Posted on by Jesse Walker

The Christian church began under severe persecution. In Acts 8:1 Saul approved of the killing of Steven, and a great persecution broke out against the church and Christians were scattered. In context, the language reveals that Saul not only approved of it, but that he was glad about it. Now in Saul’s defense we should note that he went on later to become one of the greatest Apostle’s ever, if not the greatest. And he suffered severely for Christianity.

But back to persecution. Persecution of the Church lasted for hundreds of years. It wasn’t until the Roman Emperor Constantine I declared that Christianity was a legal religion in 313 A.D. in the Edict of Milan. While this didn’t stop all persecutions, it certainly paved the way to legalize Christianity and to change how Christians were treated in the Western world.

However, with this freedom came new questions. Now that Christianity was seen as a legal religion, what would the Church look like? Now that they were no longer considered criminals, and were free to live more openly, how would they manage that freedom? Would they remain firm in their faith? Or would this freedom lead them astray? Could it be that those who had stood before tortures and before beasts would now give way to the temptations of an easy life and of social prestige?

I wonder as I sit in my house, with the heat running this cool Arkansas morning, If I’ve given way to the easier life. No, I don’t want to go back to the days of persecution. No, I don’t want to live without electricity. But I can’t help but wonder how the freedoms I have today have maybe gotten in my way of being what God has called me to be.

Do you find yourself giving in to the easy life? Have you become too busy to worship God? Do you get sidetracked easily? Jesus said remember, if the world hated me it will hate you as well, for a servant is not greater than his master. Can I challenge you this morning, to ask yourself, has the easy life affected your walk with God? This is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.

Divine Jealousy

Posted on by Jesse Walker

What do you think about when you hear the word jealousy? In our culture this normally indicates bad behavior. Behavior we’ve all seen when someone flies off the handle. Have you ever gotten jealous over your friends who live in a bigger house or drive a nicer car?

But did you know that jealousy doesn’t always have to be bad. If it motivates us to do better. For example, to study harder so we can get a better job. Or to work harder so we can get promoted, that isn’t always bad.

Did you know that God is a jealous God? In fact, in Exodus 20:3-5, God tells his people they shall have no other God’s before him because he is a jealous God. Again, in Deuteronomy 24:4 it says, For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.  How can God be a loving God and a jealous God? The simplest answer is, God does not get jealous like man does. His jealousy is not driven by emotions.  He doesn’t change because of how he feels that day. God is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. God is a jealous God because of his commitment to love you and me. God will not allow you or me to cheapen our relationship with him. In 2 Cor 11:2 the apostle Paul wrote, “I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.” God expects his people to be committed to him like a husband and wife are to be committed to each other. You might say for richer or poorer, through sickness and health, through good or bad.

God’s jealousy is a divine jealousy.  A commitment to his people.  And it’s this commitment that led him to offer his greatest gift himself. Yes, God is a jealous God because he paid a great price for you and me.  But God’s jealousy doesn’t end there, his commitment to you and me, never ends.   It is God who gives us every good and perfect gift.  His jealousy for us is why he gives us all things that pertain to life and Godliness. God is committed to no one else, like he is committed to his bride the church.   And one day his Son, Jesus is coming back for his bride.  Will you join me today in praising God for loving us like no other one else has ever done.  I pray you will.

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 8)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation understands and appreciates the biblical work of elders.  The apostle Paul said, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Tim. 5:17).  This admonition will go unfulfilled if we fail to both understand and appreciate the work of our elders.

The biblical work of elders weighs heavily upon men holding such responsibility.  The innate nature of the responsibility requires the eldership to function as overseers (bishops, Acts 20:28).  As overseers, they watch and protect the flock under their charge as they exercise administrative oversight over the affairs of the local congregation.  This body of overseers also functions as shepherds (pastors, 1 Pet. 2:25).  As shepherds, they care for the general spiritual well-being of each and every soul under their charge.  Therefore, when a body of qualified elders fulfills their godly responsibility in a qualitative manner, they truly function as the presbytery  (1 Tim. 4:14) and are deserving respect for their maturity of experience as they function as an eldership.

Elders continually face challenges  which are weighty and consequential.  These men, though perhaps of great spiritual stature, have feet of clay and will on occasion disappoint even the best of us.  May we have the courage to firmly stand by their side, assisting them in addressing any challenge that may come their way, and spiritually embrace these men and their work.  Thereby, we will lend them support when they need us most.  Let us, as men of old, lift up the arms of “Moses” as the spiritual battle is engaged.  By so doing, we may change the destiny of our people.  May the Lord richly bless our elders.

As we close this series, let me throw out one last medley of characteristics that mark the ideal congregation.

The ideal congregation understands and appreciates the work of deacons and preachers.  Biblical terminology portrays deacons as special servants and preachers as bold proclaimers of the Word of God.  Consistent therewith is the requirement that deacons first be proved (1 Tim. 3:10) and for preachers to “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2, KJV).

The ideal congregation maintains a clear distinction from denominationalism and receives godly correction.  The first century church in Corinth was plagued by division (1 Cor. 1-4) and modern-day denominationalism has no biblical authority for its existence, varied doctrines, flawed worship, and misguided fellowship (Col. 3:17).  Separation must be maintained between the Lord’s body and false religion (2 Cor. 6:17).  Furthermore, godly correction should be well-received and valued as such as administered in a godly manner for godly purposes (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2:5-8).  As God’s children, we are in need of his chastening (Heb.12:5ff).

The ideal congregation respects the individual judgments of its members in matters outside the scope of the system of faith (Rom. 14).  Opinions and personality differences should not be divisive.  The apostle Paul made the point well when he said, “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Rom.14:5b).

In summary of all that has been said in this series, the ideal congregation studies, applies, and lives by the Word of God.  May the Lord bless our people as we so do!

The Ideal Congregation (Pt. 5)

Posted on by Bob Mathews

The ideal congregation responds in a positive manner to the plans of its leadership, especially when a congregation is led by an appointed godly eldership.  Christians were exhorted to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account…” (Heb. 13:17).  On the one hand, we must obey our elders both in matters of faith and matters of judgment as such concerns the work and well-being of the local congregation.  On the other hand, may our elders have the courage and vision to plan the work of the congregation so that unity, truth, and the mission of the church are supported and fulfilled.

To achieve and maintain the above aspirations, we as members should establish and nurture a trusting, respectful relationship with our elders.  The effort required to do so must be reciprocal, all parties making their best effort to work well together.  Additionally, may we respond to leadership plans by seeking out an active role in the actual implementation of the work.  If improvements are needed or desired in our cooperative efforts, may we employ well-timed constructive criticism whose only goal is to assist in improving our work.  In this manner we will bring a greater measure of glory to both the Father and the church as we struggle together to do the work of the Lord.

The ideal congregation practices liberality in both attitude and action, especially as such relates to the planning, organization and implementation of individual or congregational spiritual labors.  The apostle Paul, in commending liberality, encouraged the brethren in Corinth to sow bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6) and to “ lay by him in store as God hath prospered him“ (1 Cor. 16:2).  He set before the congregation the sacrificial liberality of the Macedonians to motivate them unto similar action (2 Cor. 8:1-7).

Liberality may be rightfully exercised in contexts that may not involve financial interests and be equally important and impacting.  May we as the people of God better learn the art of liberality in mercy (Col. 3:12) and compassion (Matt. 18:21-35), thereby relieving others’ affliction as prompted by a heart that is truly touched by their distress.  May we better develop loving concern for all men (Rom. 13:8) so that we better imitate our heavenly Father (Eph. 5:1; John 3:16).  May we exercise liberality in the commitment and use of both our time and our talents in the work of the Lord (Matt. 25:14-30).  Such liberality is wisely exercised in all good works that the Father demands of us individually.  In order to successfully attain the worthy goal of liberality, may we be as the Macedonians who first gave themselves unto the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).  Only then may we prosper as we never have before.

Grumble, Grumble, Grumble…

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Have you ever felt like your life is missing something or that it should just been better in general? Even when your life is going well, do you feel the desire or need to complain about it not going well enough? Can I ask, what is enough in your mind or when will it be enough?

The Israelites were living in slavery in Egypt. Life was difficult. There were great burdens on them to the point that they cried out to the Lord.

“Now, behold, the cry of the sons of Israel has come to Me; furthermore, I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians are oppressing them” (Exodus 3:9).

God heard their cries and knew what was happening to them. He was ready to take action and help them gain freedom once again. So, God preceded to do this with Moses and his brother Aaron acting as a go between Him and Pharaoh and Him and the people. After words were spoken and signs were performed, Pharaoh refused to let the people go and even increased the burdens upon them.

This is where you see the first grumble of the sons of Israel. God is working on helping them out of oppression, but they complain to Pharaoh and then to Moses and Aaron that things are only getting worse for them (Ex. 5:15-23). This grumble has some legitimacy because even Moses then asks God why he was even sent. After God responded, He sent Moses and Aaron to press Pharaoh to let the people go again. Pharaoh’s heart was hardened in all this, and then God brought the plagues on Egypt. After all the plagues were passed, Pharaoh did exactly as God had said. He sent the sons of Israel out of Egypt. God gave His people freedom once more.

Not long after this decision, however, Pharaoh decided to pursue the sons of Israel into the wilderness to enslave them again. The people saw the pursuit and grumbled again to Moses. Why did you deal with us this way? Why did you bring us out here to die? It would have been better for us to stay and serve the Egyptians (Ex. 14:11-12). After everything God had done to give them freedom, they are already grumbling and complaining that oppression would have been better. God performed signs and wonders through Moses and the plagues and already they doubt in the Lord’s ability to save them. Not to mention the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that was leading the people. God is actively with them yet they still grumble. Why? When will God do enough for them?

God precedes to give them salvation once more by parting the sea so they could escape the pursuit of the Egyptians and even destroyed the Egyptians pursuing them with that divided water. Freedom was given and off into the wilderness they went. God took care of them over and over again. However, once in the wilderness they grumbled a third time. “What shall we drink?” Moses cried out to the Lord and He gave the people a source of water (Ex. 15:24-25). Once again God did not hesitate to take care of them.

Two months into their departure from Egypt the people grumbled once again. This time they grumbled out of hunger, which we all can agree is a legitimate need in life. However, they spoke in a way that flew in the face of all God had done for them. They spoke of Egypt and the full bellies they had there (Ex. 16:2-3). God had done so much for them already and yet once again they didn’t trust Him to take care of their needs. Instead, they complain and wish for days of oppression when they could eat their fill.

As you can see, the sons of Israel seem to have a pattern going on in their lives. No matter how much is done for them, it is never enough. We could go on looking at more passages about them grumbling over and over again. They even grumble again for water, something God has already shown He will give them, but it just never is enough. God did more for the sons of Israel than most would probably say they deserved.

The truth is, God has done more for all of us than any of us deserve. God cares for us in the same way that He did the sons of Israel. He takes care of our needs, the most important of which is the safety of our eternal soul. God gave us His Son. His Son who became the sacrifice for our freedom from sin. Our soul can be with God only because of what God did for us through Jesus Christ.

When you add that truth to everything else written in the Bible and all the works of God you can see around you, is it enough? Do you need more? What does God need to do for it to be enough for you? Jesus was the last piece in God’s plan to give us something that could bring about our salvation. If Jesus isn’t enough for you, nothing will be…

Response to the Gospel

Posted on by Bob Mathews

There you are, near the end of the worship service, when the congregation stands to sing the invitation song. Someone walks down the aisle to respond to the Gospel. What’s your response?

When you see the work of God, how should a Christian react?

I know we all respond differently, and no doubt we may even respond differently in this situation compared to how we responded the last time. On at least two occasions, I’ve been so affected that I couldn’t sing. I mean my voice just didn’t work! What was it that caused me to respond so emotionally when I wasn’t even the one walking down the aisle?

In both cases that I recall, it was a combination of factors. One, I knew the person well enough to know why she was responding. Two, I could see the power of God working in the lives of both of these individuals so undeniably that I could respond no other way.

In a way, I hesitated to write this post because I know a lot of people have difficulty seeing any response of ours to God as being anything but emotional. I don’t mean to imply that if you don’t feel something inside when you see God working, that there’s something wrong with you. But think about it. When you see the work of God, how should a Christian react? Should we act with an attitude of complacency, and that it’s “just God’s job” to work wonders through people? Or should we react in an attitude of praise, being thankful that God still moves the hearts of sinners? (Those are rhetorical questions, by the way.)

We know the word of God is living and active, and is sharper than any double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). We also know God’s word will not return to Him without effect (Isaiah 55:11).

Are you able to see Him working in others? Just as importantly, can others see Him working in you? (Matthew 5:16)

30-minute worship

Posted on by Bob Mathews

While driving from Dallas to Austin some time back, I saw a banner with that phrase on it — 30-minute worship. My reaction was, Really? So who’s this targeting? People who just can’t be bothered to give more than 30 minutes out of their busy life to Jesus on Sunday morning?

I’m pretty sure Jesus didn’t respond to a “30-minute cross” banner on his way to Golgotha.

If that’s offensive, I assure you I don’t mean it to be, but I would like us to take a look at our priorities.

We hurry home from an after-dinner rush to the supermarket so we don’t miss the beginning of MacGyver.

We have our child at school 45 minutes early for her kindergarten “holiday program” so we can sit in the front row.

We quietly slink out of Sunday morning worship so we can beat the _____ (insert name of denomination) to El Diamante and still make it home in time for the kickoff.

After a late Saturday night, we just can’t get it going the next morning, so we totally skip Bible class and arrive at worship 10 minutes late. We only miss a couple of songs.

We’re on time for Sunday morning worship, but have some things to take care of, so we make a hasty exit after communion. At least we were there for the most important part.

Do I sound cynical in the least? Please feel free to kick me if you’ve never experienced (or been guilty of) any of this.

…infants (and kids of all ages) tend to have schedules of their own, but many times when we’re late, isn’t it because we simply failed to plan far enough ahead?

What are we “here” for, anyway? I don’t agree 100% with Rick Warren, but I do agree with him that our purpose on earth is to give praise, honor, and glory to the One Who put us here. Period. That’s why God created us.

I understand there are times when there are business trips on Sunday and there are airplanes to catch. Been there. I also understand that there are other things that take us away from worship, and these just can’t be avoided. Most of the time though, isn’t is because of a choice we make? We choose to be on time and to participate fully in the things that truly matter to us.

We choose to hit the snooze 3 or 4 times, and end up being late to worship.

We choose to be in our easy chair when Yellowstone (or The Mandalorian or NCIS, or whatever it is you can’t miss) comes on the tube, and we don’t miss a second of the action.

We choose to have our 10-year-old son at his soccer game 15 minutes early so he can be a “starter”.

Anyone who’s ever had a child knows infants (and kids of all ages) have schedules of their own, but many times when we’re late, isn’t it because we simply failed to plan far enough ahead to get ourselves and our kids there in time for Bible class?

We can just as easily choose to make worship a priority in our lives. If it takes a full 60 or 90 or 120 minutes of our precious Sunday morning, day-off, day-of-rest time, then so be it. What are we here for anyway? How long was Jesus on the cross? (Hint: It was between 5 hours and 7 hours — Mark 15:25, 33-34.) I don’t think showing up on time and staying until the last “Amen” is too much to ask. What do you think?