Compassion

I love you mom

Posted on by Jesse Walker

If you’re listening to this short video, you have a mother.  I pray she’s as great as mine.   My mom is a quiet and gentle spirit. Many of you can say the same thing about your mother. My mother never complains. Unless it’s when her computer fails. Don’t tell her I said that. I never recall my mother being mad because she couldn’t buy herself a new dress, or fancy shoes. She was content being a mom.  In Ephesians 6:1-4 it says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” – which is the first commandment with a promise – “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

When God wanted to show his children how much he cares for them he chooses a mother’s compassion. For in Isaiah 66:13 it says, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Out of all of the objects, all of the imagery God could summon up, he chose a mother’s compassion to show how He himself is compassionate. Let that sink in a minute. Your mother’s compassion is like that of God’s.

In Luke 2:19, Mary treasured all these things in her heart.  Mary quietly stood back, and watch Jesus grow from an infant to a young man.  She didn’t need to have the spotlight on her. She was meek and gentle. She wanted the best for Jesus.  Mary, like most moms, stood off in the background, quietly influencing her son to be all he could be. Watching to make sure he wasn’t hurt.  And if he was, running to his defense.

Mothers, thank you for all the endless hours you’ve sacrificed ensuring your children have what they need. Thank you for waking up in the middle of the night to calm them down when their scared from a scary movie, or a bad dream. Thank you for listening when our hearts were broken by puppy love. Lord, please shine forth your glory today on all mothers near and far.  I love you mom.  And this is Jesse Walker with the Glenwood Church of Christ.

Lessons on Service from the Life of Paul

Posted on by Bob Mathews

While countless lessons could be pulled from aspects of Paul’s life, today we will focus on a somewhat short moment shared between Paul and the elders from the Ephesus church (Acts 20:17-38). Paul has been traveling around from one place to the next teaching the message of Christ. While in Miletus, he sent for the elders, before starting his journey towards Jerusalem. In this short visit, Paul had a touching and powerful moment with those leaders that conveys some amazing lessons on what it means serve the Lord and how we ought to do so. Again, there are more lessons that could likely be pulled even from this section, but I would like to share with you six lessons that should hold meaning if you have an earnest desire to serve the Lord.

First, working for God needs a daily routine (v. 18). From the moment Paul got to the mission field he began to work. Serving God by preaching and teaching the Christ was something he made a prominent part of his day-to-day. We all typically have routines that we follow. Have you made service for Christ part of your routine? Is it something that is even important enough to make the list of things to do? Paul definitely thought it was! Hopefully we will follow that lesson from him.

Second, we are to serve with humility (v. 19).  While Paul had probably the most that he could boast about above anyone else, he constantly tries to remind us that our service is to God. It is about Him, not us. As Jesus taught in the Gospel of Matthew, those who wish to be seen by men (for the praises of men) will have there reward in full and will receive nothing from God. If we make it about ourselves or toot our own horn when we do something, we are not properly serving in a way that will bring glory to or shine a light on God who is the one that all people actually need.

Third, service to God must be with compassion (v. 19, 31). A phrase you may notice in both those verses is, “with tears.” It doesn’t mean they were just walking around blubbering all the time about the difficulties of life. It means that they had true love and  real compassion for the work they were doing and the people they were working with. Paul cared about the lost souls and desired for them to find Christ. He also cared for those who already found Christ. The truth is difficult times came and Paul showed compassion for those that struggled and because of it better built them up in Christ by showing them the love of Christ. Have we been doing a great job of showing that love and compassion to those inside and outside of Christ today? If you say or think not, then be the changing force that you can be. Start following in the footsteps of Christ and Paul and show the love and compassion that we all need and be example for people to follow today.

Fourth, service to God must be done in spite of trials (v. 19). As mentioned before we all go through difficulties in life. That does not mean that your struggles are invalid, but means that even with the struggles we press on in our service to God. Paul dealt with many difficulties often times brought on by plots against him from the Jews as mentioned in this verse. However, Paul never let those hard times distract from his purpose or define his character. He forged ahead serving every day and in every city he went through, even while, each city brought more strife on him (v. 23). But also know this, Paul was not alone in his work and neither are you. There are many brothers and sisters in Christ that are forging along serving next to you, whether in the flesh or in the spirit. Let them or us be a helping hand to lift you up when needed. We are here to be of service for the Lord together!

Fifth, service to God must be without compromise (v. 20, 26-27). This may be a very unpopular view among many, but regardless, it is the lesson conveyed to us by Paul. We live in a world full of compromise, but when it comes to God’s Word Paul says that he spoke it all. Twice he conveys in those verses that he did not shrink back from teaching or declaring the whole purpose of God. Because of this, he claims that he is innocent of the blood of all men. The significance in that is great. If we compromise God’s Word and don’t teach it fully and accurately, then we are in danger of being guilty of their blood. This doesn’t mean that we are not to be compassionate, loving, and understanding when we teach. However, it does mean that we cannot decide to say something God calls a sin is okay now. Paul understands that he is dealing with God’s Word not his own. We need to learn the same lesson in our own lives regardless of how culture may change or pull on us.

Sixth, service to God must be done with optimism and a positive attitude (v. 20, 32). Now, before you go saying, “that’s a bit of a stretch,” hear me out. Paul talks about declaring things that are profitable, meaning anything that brings good to your life…that being Christ. You have probably heard the old saying, “you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.” That old saying is part of the lesson here. If we carry ourselves  with a look of woe-is-me or depressed in countenance and outlook, how is that going to entice or attract someone to Christ. If we don’t live our lives every day like we actually have the best thing we could ever ask for, then people will find it hard to believe that Jesus is actually important or desirable to their lives. As Christians, we believe in the grace and mercy of God to the point that we can have an eternal life with Him in heaven. That is an extremely positive thing and we should always do our best to convey our Christian life  that way.

I pray that these lessons on service will be helpful to you in your own Christian walk. Paul has always been a great example of service because he focuses on being like Christ. Let’s follow in his footsteps and serve our God each and every day with humility, compassion, in spite of struggles, without compromise, and with an optimistic and positive attitude. May the Lord bless you all!

A Broken Spirit

Posted on by Bob Mathews

  Words are often powerful (ref. Rom. 1:16). They bring to mind scenes which may lift the soul to wonderful heights or cast one down to depths of despair. “A Broken Spirit,” mere words, does both for me. These words remind me of the spirit joyfully broken as one penitently responds to the grace of our Lord. They also bring to mind the spirit wounded and sorrowful because of the weight of life’s burdens and challenges.

The Psalmist said, “The Lord is near to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18, NASB). Yes, the Lord establishes and strengthens His fellowship with those allowing the Word of His grace to break, ever so painfully, the bands and bonds holding us apart from Him as sin’s power dictatorially governs us. Similarly, the Psalmist added, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Ps. 51:17). I trust and pray that our spirits are mutually lifted and encouraged in contemplation of the positive divine response to penitent and fully obedient hearts.

The above cited passages speak of “A Broken Spirit” in a positive manner. They lead us to seek out such a spirit, ultimately producing spiritual healing and security in Christ. They demand that we be broken in order to be whole. Yet, “A Broken Spirit” may describe the spirit shattered by forces and circumstances beyond personal power to control and withstand. They may describe a besieged child of God whose strength of faith has failed him in his hour of crisis. These words may describe you or me as we face personal spiritual challenges.

The Psalmist, speaking of the Lord, said, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Ps. 147:3). The wise man said, “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken” (Pr. 15:13). The Lord is ever aware of our condition of heart and tenderly cares for us as we endure wounds which potentially may break our spirit of faith.

Children of God throughout the Lord’s church face the real possibility and danger of experiencing a broken spirit as one wrestles with personal spiritual challenges. A lifetime of observations suggest such danger is ever present, potentially impacting the strongest personal faith. The spirits of godly elders and the newest babes in Christ may be so impacted. None of us are exempt from the forces bringing about such dire results. A number of brethren no doubt know of specific cases illustrating well the point at hand.

A broken spirit may be the result of external evil forces outside the body of Christ. On other occasions, it may result from internal forces within the fold of God. The latter may be more dangerous, if only because we are ill-prepared to be so impacted by those esteemed so highly as brethren. Yes, we are sometimes hurt more by those we love.

How may this happen? Without assuming a full understanding of such issues, the following scenario may be suggested. Members of the church are not always on the same spiritual page. Sometimes, our doctrinal and judgmental differences are pronounced. We may be growing at variant rates. Our level of tolerance and patience with those of lesser spiritual knowledge may be lacking substance. We may be reactive and fearful. Tradition may hold us in its grip. Our dream and vision for the work of God may vary significantly from that of others.  Personality conflicts may be significant.  Conflict resolution may not be our forte. Power struggles may surface openly. We may fail to work through our challenges. Instead of speaking softly, we may be carrying a big stick. We fail to consider the delicate spiritual state of other children of God. Things are said and done.  And it happens: We inadvertently break another’s spirit. Their dedication and faith is seriously damaged. They will likely, never be the same again. The marks left behind are indelible.

Brethren, each of us, from the least to the greatest, have a godly responsibility to nurture one another (Eph. 4:11-16). There will be times when either positive or negative discipline should be administered through proper channels. May we be blessed with a measure of wisdom which allows each of us to pursue the good and right while protecting rather than breaking the spirit of brethren of like precious faith. Our Lord will surely hold us accountable for the destruction of those left in our charge and care. May we protect their spirits as we protect our own. Surely this will glorify the Lord and His church and influence the world to reevaluate the body of Christ.

The Compassion of Christ

Posted on by Bob Mathews

      The compassion of Christ is evident in the story of the woman taken in adultery.  Even though the enemies of Jesus, the scribes and the Pharisees, attempted to use this opportunity to entrap Him, the Lord used this occasion to teach us valuable lessons.  Consider:

  1. Jesus did not allow the scribes and the Pharisees to divert Him from His course. – John 8:2, 6, 8, 12
  2. Jesus did not give them a platform from which to reap havoc. – John 8:6, 8
  3. Jesus was wise in His silence. – John 8:6, 8
  4. Jesus emphasized both the moral and the judicial. – John 8:7, 11
  5. Jesus was compassionate toward this sinful woman.
  6. He did not seek out a witness who was willing to stone her to death. – Deut. 17:7
  7. He was not personally inclined to throw stones at her. – John 8:11
  8. He did not seek to overturn Roman law which forbad the stoning in such cases.
  9. He did not seek out priests to stone her to death.
  10.   He gave her an opportunity to correct her life. – John 8:11

In contrast to the disposition of Jesus, the scribes and the Pharisees feigned allegiance to the law (John 8:5) while living contrary to it (8:7).  Their motivation was evil, seeking to entrap Jesus (John 8:6).  They were persistent to the point of self-condemnation (John 8:7-9) & they were dispelled by the wisdom of Christ (John 8:7-9).  Question:  As we deal with sinners about us, who are we most like: the arrogant Pharisees who used sin as a means to further their own agenda, or, are we like Jesus, who responded to sin with a compassionate spirit?

FACT of the Gospel

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John present the one true gospel (see Gal. 1-6-9) from four different perspectives. Each writer has a particular audience in mind as he portrays the life of Jesus. Major themes within each account compose the acrostic “FACT.”

Fulfillment. It is believed that the Gospel of Matthew was sent primarily to Jewish Christians. Matthew uses the genealogy of Jesus to prove he is the fulfillment of prophesy the Messiah. Matthew includes the greatest number of quotations from the Old Testament in any New Testament book. Matthew also discusses divine intervention in the world of men and establishes Jesus’ sinless nature and position as master teacher. He does this to prove that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the fulfillment of the Old Testament because that is the goal of the book.

Action. It is believed that the Gospel of Mark was sent primarily to Gentile Christians, possibly in Rome. Mark’s account is the most concise as he portrays Jesus as a “man of action,” a powerful miracle worker. The episodes of Jesus’ life are woven together by the Greek word eutheos which is translated “straightway,” “immediately,” “at once,” and “without delay.” It is used 42 times throughout the short 16-chapter book.

Compassion. The Gospel of Luke was addressed to “most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3), but it was certainly intended for a wider audience among the Gentiles. This book was the first of two volumes, the second being Acts. Luke demonstrates the compassion of Jesus for the disenfranchised of Jewish society: women, the poor, Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners. Luke also helps comfort all those who read his writing of the gospel by providing a sense of assurance in the accuracy of the message. He lays out facts in an orderly fashion, but not merely just trying to present history. He presents historical facts that point to something greater/significant – the fact that God has entered into human history offering His Son as the payment for the sin of mankind. No greater compassion can be shown.

Truth. It is believed that the Gospel of John was written for Christians and non-Christians alike, possibly in Ephesus. John emphasizes the evidence or testimony for faith in Jesus. “Truth” is a key word, occurring over 50 times in the account. Jesus’ miracles are signs that testify to the truth: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. (John 20:30-31 – “Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”)

The FACT of the matter is that Jesus is the Fulfillment of everything that was told and promised, the perfect man of Action to carry out God’s will, Compassionate in a way that proved God’s love was shown for all mankind, and the Truth that we need to believe in and bear witness of in our own lives.