Rick's fist slammed into my nose, knocking me back against the car seat. He screamed obscenities as he swung again. I blocked the punch and hit Rick in the throat, then opened the door of the parked car. Blood was starting to stream into my mouth, but I ignored it, and, grabbing Rick by the hair, started to pull him from the car. He struck me with two solid blows—and tried to stab me in the eye with his thumb—but somehow I held on. Soon, I was standing in the street, with Rick pulled halfway out of the vehicle. Still holding him by his hair, I punched his head. Then I hit him again.

At this point in time, Rick and I were pre-teen brothers waiting for our mother to drive us to school. Rick and I generally got along well, but this particular morning was not one of those congenial occasions.

 Of course, fighting is not confined to a pre-teen age bracket. Many adults fight. In the past century, this planet has endured two world wars and an avalanche of other international fights. Attacks and counterattacks occur with sickening frequency. And the ‘adult’ fighting continues.

Sadly, the tendency to fight has infected the Church of Jesus Christ. I’ve read numerous articles about church fights and church splits. Perhaps you have been at a congregational meeting—or a church committee meeting---where the atmosphere turned ugly and vicious.

Don’t get me wrong: Sometimes, conflict in the Church is unavoidable. Sometimes, a stand must be taken and the authority of Scripture must be defended. Sometimes, it is vital to safeguard the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and the sufficiency of His Gospel.

At other times, however, some churchgoers who fight may prefer to fight. It is possible that most church fights are prompted by the collective thrill of ecclesiastical combat. When that happens, barbs and fevered rhetoric and character assassination tend to supplant biblical trademarks of God-honoring truth and Christian love.

In the 1st century A.D., churches in Galatia had problems with fighting. Paul’s letter to the Galatians----while affirming the importance of Christ and His Gospel—discouraged the sinful tendency to simply fight for the sake of fighting. In Gal.5:14, Paul quoted the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” In v.15, he wrote:”If you bite and devour one another, beware, lest you be consumed by one another.” Then, after contrasting the ‘works of the flesh’ with the ‘fruit of the Spirit’, he declared: “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another” (v.25).

In Matt.5:9a, Jesus said “Blessed are the peacemakers” instead of “Blessed are those who fight all the time.”  Eph.4:3 instructs us to “keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” instead of “make sure you get in the last word.” 1 Peter 4:8 begins with the language “Above all things have fervent love for one another” instead of a recommendation to “deliver a crushing rhetorical punch to all churchgoers who disagree with you.”

The final verse of Scripture says: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Rev.22:21).

Therefore, we do well to heed the words of John Newton’s hymn-prayer:

"May the Grace of Christ our Savior And the Father's boundless love,
With the Holy Spirit's favor, Rest upon us from above.

Thus may we abide in union With each other and the Lord,
And possess, in sweet communion, Joys which earth cannot afford."

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." --Romans 8:38-39


It has been said: "The only predictable thing about life is that life is unpredictable."

Unwelcome and unwanted surprises. Fractured romances and ruined friendships. Broken promises. A health crisis. Tax increases. Automotive accidents. Sudden unemployment. Crimes against law-abiding citizens. Snipers on college campuses.

Unpredictability rears its ugly head, despite our careful efforts to plan for every circumstance. Uncertainty fosters dread and despair as we wonder: 'When will the next catastrophe be thrust upon us?'

The apostle Paul lived in a world of uncertainty. He knew that really bad things could happen to him at any moment. In Acts 20:22-23, he told the Ephesian elders: "And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me."

Nevertheless, Paul was certain that no matter what unhappy surprises might befall him, he was Divinely loved. Additionally, Paul was sure that "nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." The immediate us here were those saints Paul addressed throughout this epistle. But, the us also includes all true believers in Jesus Christ. He is the Savior of all who believe, in every era.

Nothing will separate us from this astonishing love. Nothing in the future will separate genuine, repentant children of God from the Heavenly Father. No assortment of tragedies and financial hardships and relational disasters will disconnect born-again Christians from the loving King Who died and rose for His people.

In a world of ruthless uncertainty, one thing is certain: People of faith in the Crucified and Risen Lord are permanently loved. If you abide in Jesus, you are loved with an unbreakable, supreme love. If you suffer for being a Christian, you are still loved. If you experience treachery from other people, you remain loved and saved by God.

When you feel overwhelmed with pain and grief, remember the words of George Matheson:
O Love that Wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee
I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be.

"Distributing to the needs of the saints; practicing hospitality."--Rom.12:13.

When he was much younger, R.C.Sproul was asked a question by a Methodist minister: "The Church of Jesus Christ. Is it an army, or a hospital?" R.C.'s quick answer was: "The Church is an army!"

In time, R.C. realized that the Church is both an army and a hospital. The Church has been called to soldier forth in the Strong Name of Christ, speaking forth His truth with firmness and determination; The Church also has been commanded to help the hurting, to comfort and enrich and minister to those who are wounded by the hardships of life in a sin-ravaged world.

Standing against what is evil is Biblical (Rom 12:9); but so is Christ-honoring ministry that provides help and hope to those who struggle and grieve (12:15).

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love."--1 Cor.16:13-14.

"They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ."--Phil.2:21.ESV

A few months ago, a ministry colleague told me: "Approximately 30% of the Desoto County population is churched, and 70% is unchurched."

People are forthcoming in their claims and reasons for rarely/never darkening the door of any local church: They've been wounded by the church, they find church services uninteresting, they complain that churches are always asking for money,etc. There could be an element of truth to some of these allegations.

Underlying all of this, however, is one simple, basic truth: For whatever reason, the unchurched person is insufficiently motivated to attend any church.
Barring certain exceptions (such as a relentless work schedule on Sunday), the obvious truth is: The unchurched don't want to become churched.

People do what they are motivated to do. Given the glut of churches in Desoto County, a genuinely motivated person could find a congregation that doesn't wound people, a church that doesn't continually harass people to give more money, and so forth. But, they lack the motivation---the interest--- to become involved with a church.

Paul wrote about a commonplace self-centeredness in his era: "They all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." In two millennia, things haven't changed much. Plenty of people today seem to be more interested in their own accumulation of material stuff than in the glorious truths of Jesus Christ. Numerous individuals constantly obsess about their own career advancement, their own leisure activities and time-consuming hobbies, but Jesus' honor and beauty and glory seldom enter into their thinking. The prospect of gathering together with other people in order to thank God for His Son is repugnant to them.

Thanks be to God that He saves some people. He saves His people, though, so they can focus on the Savior given to them. When people truly understand Who Jesus is, and all that He has done for His people, they will WANT to praise Him and thank Him---even in the presence of other believers outside the pale of their comfortable family unit.  And: They will not find Jesus to be greedy or spiteful--- or uninteresting.

Paul phrased things well when he wrote to the Church in Colosse: " As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving."--Col.2:6-7 (KJV)

2 Tim.3:16- "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness"
---NKJV


Biblical inspiration is not the same as human motivation. When we speak of Biblical inspiration, we are referring to the activity of the Holy Spirit upon the Biblical authors; this activity of inspiration guaranteed that what the authors wrote was the Word of God.

Theologians have discussed various theories and mechanics of Biblical inspiration; however, the Bible has little to say about the precise mode(s) of inspiration. To put it another way: Prophecies, visions, narratives, parables and discourses are recorded truthfully in the Word of God, but the process of inspiration is not dealt with at length in the Scriptures.

The priority in Scripture is upon the Results of Biblical inspiration. One result of inspiration is that we have the Word of God written. The Bible that we read has been inspired of God and given to us by God.

Another result of Biblical inspiration is the practical value of Scripture. The truths of Scripture are helpful and constructive for our spiritual life. Paul writes that ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is therefore spiritually profitable.

All of Scripture is to be proclaimed as well as studied (see 2 Tim.4:1-2). 'Doctrine' is a dirty word among some people, but it is in fact a Biblical term. How can you think Biblically if you have no clue as to what the Bible teaches? How can you communicate Biblical truths if you've never learned them?

Scripture is profitable for 'reproof and correction'.  Scripture has the tendency to do more than step on our toes. Scripture guides us, sometimes brutally, to the feet of Jesus Christ, the Living Word. We need to be corrected and guided because we are sinners in daily need of a Savior.

Additionally, Scripture can train us Christians in righteousness. God has not left us in ignorance, wondering what He is like or puzzling over what He may or may not require. For people to be saved, they must believe in the One Whom God has sent (John 6:29). The supreme result of Biblical inspiration is to inform and enlighten people about the grace of God and the Gospel of Christ.
May we prayerfully learn God's Word about Him. May we grow in our daily relationship with the Living Word.

Readings: Ps.19:7-11; 119:17-24

"Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore, my soul keeps them."---NKJV

When it comes to driving a vehicle, there are many rules involved. You must stop at every stop sign, you must wait your turn at a four-way stop, you must obey persons who direct traffic, you are commanded to obey speed limit signs.

Arguably, most of these rules are necessary. If you habitually refuse to stop at stop signs, you will probably receive a substantial number of traffic tickets, not to mention the endangering of your own life and the lives of others. 'Waiting your turn' at a four-way stop is basic courtesy as well as a prevention of personal injury. Thus, many of these rules are necessary.

But it would be extreme to say these rules are wonderful. Sitting in a traffic jam is not a wonderful experience---unless you enjoy squandering time and consuming expensive fuel. American drivers have varied opinions of what is a fair speed limit and what is an overconservative speed limit for particular areas. Many Americans on tight schedules evaluate certain speed limits as restrictive and stupid, rather than wonderful.

The Psalmist evaluated the testimonies and commands of God as being 'wonderful'. Therefore, not only are God's words necessary, but they are also wonderful. Why are they wonderful? Because the wonderful Author of salvation has given us His Word. The Divine Author of Scripture has revealed truths in line with His wonderful character.

The Psalmist added: "My soul keeps them." We Christians devote ourselves to the directives of God because we trust and love the wonderful One Who has given them to us.

"You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes."---Ps.119:68.

Readings: 2 Sam.23:1-4; John 5:31-40; 2 Pet.1:19-21

2 Peter 1:21- "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."---ESV

Although the Bible has endured, many Americans dismiss it as being the Word of God. Some people respond along these lines: "Yeah, the Bible's been around for awhile, but so have the Koran and the Hindu Vedas and Greek Mythology. What right do you have to push your beliefs on me just because the Bible claims to be the Word of God? At the end of the day, that's just your opinion."

The Bible, however, has never presented itself as an opinion. The Bible contains what God has revealed about Himself. Divinely revealed truths are of greater worth than human opinions. God has spoken and His people must listen.

The Holy Spirit of God guided servants of God to write down what God desired to be written. The Bible sufficiently and accurately presents the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Biblical prophecy centers on the Person and Work of Jesus Christ (Rev.19:10).
Is Jesus Christ just an opinion? No, Jesus Christ is the Savior. Jesus Christ is Lord rather than a whimsical preference. The Bible tesifies to these truths.

Bottom line: The written Word of God is for the people of God, those who trust in the living Word, Jesus Christ for salvation. The Holy Spirit teaches believers of today just as He directed the Biblical authors to write down the Word of God (see 1 Cor.2:6-16).

Hymnwriter Percy Dearmer expressed it in these terms:

Book of books, Our people's strength, Statesman's, teacher's, Hero's treasure.
Bringing freedom, spreading truth, Shedding light that none can measure; Wisdom comes to those who know thee, All the best we have we owe thee.
Thank we those who toiled in thought, Many diverse scrolls completing; Poets, prophets, scholars, saints, Each his word from God repeating; Till they came who told the story Of the Word and showed His glory.
Praise we God who hath inspired Those whose wisdom still directs us; Praise Him for the Word made flesh, For the Spirit Who protects us. Light of knowledge,ever burning Shed on us thy deathless learning.

It's easy to pour cold water on someone's enthusiasm. You can find ways to shake the confidence of most people. You might even be able to bury a person under an avalanche of criticism.

The Bible, however, speaks about Christian edification and encouragement and comfort. "Therefore, comfort one another with these words" (1 Thess.4:18).  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ” (2 Cor.1:3-5).

Also- Throughout the book of Acts, we read of a Christian who could be described as "Mr. Encouragement".  According to Acts 4:36, the apostles called him 'Barnabas', which means 'son of encouragement'. In chapter 9, Barnabas encouraged the other apostles to accept the newly converted Saul. In chapter 11:23,  Barnabas was ‘glad’ about the grace of God and therefore encouraged the Christians in Antioch to "continue with the Lord."

Observe, Barnabas affirmed other members of the Body of Christ. He wasn't eager to attack them or grind them down by exercising an unscriptural 'gift of discouragement'. He didn't go after the faults of other Christians like a school of piranha sensing blood. In fact, he vouched for the integrity of Saul, despite the man's well-earned pre-conversion record of persecuting the church.

Observe also, Mr. Encouragement exhorted Christians to 'continue with the Lord'. The giving of true encouragement does not inspire laziness. Words of genuine encouragement spark actions of obedience to the Lord of our salvation.

We can learn a few things from the example and character of Barnabas. Without resorting to insincere flattery, we can find a positive quality in a fellow Christian and tell him/her about it. Even if it becomes necessary to correct another believer, such correction can be given in a spirit of gentle encouragement, instead of an outpouring of eager criticism.

And: We ourselves can be glad and encouraged whenever we see the grace of God at work in the lives of Christ's people.