Bibth25

A Minute With The Bible

Aired during August, 2001

The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:2, stated: “Honor thy father and mother.” From the beginning, the Lord has desired that children obey and honor parents. We have lived in a time when there has been an erosion of proper respect for those who have brought children into the world. At times, the media has pictured parents as bumbling and ineffective. Parents can be effective or ineffective: it is up to them. The models that are presented in the world are not necessarily the models that should be followed. Children must be taught respect. They must have an example of respect set before them. How can they honor father and mother when parents ignore the real needs of their offspring and/or place other concerns far ahead of their children? Parents: it is time you took a look in the mirror. Your children will be no better than the example you set and the teachings you share with them. God has made it possible for you to love them, care for them, and shape them into useful human beings. When you do that, you will earn the honor you deserve as a parent.

“And they cried out again, Crucify him”(Mark 15:13). The mob was controlled by the chief priests of that day. They considered Jesus Christ their enemy and would do whatever was necessary to silence him. The weak Pilate consented to their request and had Jesus nailed to the cross. The Christ had done nothing worthy of death. He had murdered no one; he had not stolen; he was not a drunkard nor a fornicator. Why then must he die? The sentence of death was passed upon him for all mankind, from the worst of men to the best of men. He did die for the thief, the drunkard, the fornicator, and every other sinner that has lived from Adam to the last baby born. The horrible death he would die was not for any injustice that he had comitted. The Son of God was free of sin; he healed those who were sick; he raised the dead; he comforted the bereaved, but they rejected him and desired that he be treated as a common criminal. If you had been in the crowd that shouted, “Crucify him,” what would be your reaction? Remember: He did it for you.

“I thirst” were the words of Jesus Christ as he hung upon the cross(John 19:28). There are few, if any, deaths that could be more agonizing than to die on a cross. The agony suffered by those who were put to death in this manner is difficult to comprehend. Yet, Jesus willingly gave his life in this manner in order that mankind might have hope of eternal life. The human reaction was a desire to quench his thirst. Rather than the water he desired, they gave him a bitter tasting drink called “vinegar.” When he had “received the vinegar,” Jesus said, “It is finished.” The Lord had walked among men; he had taught those who would listen; he had loved his disciples; his love went out to all of mankind. And now, he would give his life and shed his blood that all who accept his teachings, obeying his word, might be saved. Even the very ones who shouted for his crucifixion and those who were involved would be offered the salvation he brought.

"Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good" (3 John 11). The morals of the world are not the morals of a Christian. When one desires to please the God of Heaven and be acceptable to Him, there is a guidebook that teaches what is good and what is evil. That book is the Bible. The Bible is composed of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament has many lessons that can help us to improve our lives, but the New Testament is the ultimate standard for proper moral behavior. Our present society has eroded the morals of our country, approving abominations that God has condemned in every age. John knew the conditions in his time and warned righteous people to follow that which is good, avoiding that which is evil. John would be appalled at the sins approved in a country that claims to be a righteous nation.

"Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers"(III John 2). Gaius, whom John is addressing was a wonderful example of those who live a righteous life. Note how John put it: he wanted him to prosper and be in good health as his "soul" prospered. Gaius was a man rich in good works and dedicated to the service of God. One that impresses John certainly would be an example for all of us. We live in a society that places an extreme value on the material. The "good life" is weighed by the amount of possessions one claims. It is not wrong to possess material objects. It is wrong to let such physical items rule one's life to the extent that neglect of religion, morals, and family becomes evident. What do you value? And..what would be the result of a comparison with your attitude toward material possessions and your interest in your soul and the soul of others?

III John 4 states: "Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." The words of John express his feeling in regard to those whom he has taught the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was delighted when those he had influenced continued in the truth. So it should be today. For one to become a Christian is the greatest step one can make as a human. To follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the New Testament is a life that brings joy and happiness to those who believe and obey those words. Christians rejoice when their friends and acquaintances accept the truths of the New Testament and live a righteous life. This is true also in regard to one's family. When children and mates walk in the ways of truth and live as God directs, the result is a happy home filled with kindness and respect. The church of Christ teaches the truth of God's word, encouraging people to obey what the Lord commands and live a life of goodness and piety. How is it in your life?

John commended Gaius, the beloved, with these words in III John 5, "Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal." Hospitality was practiced among the early Christians. Gaius was a host to those who were brethren in the Lord, but strangers to him. Learning to treat others properly and see to their needs is the mark of a faithful Christian. This is one of the ways of practicing what men call the golden rule: "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets"(Matthew 7:12). Think of how this would be a much better world in which to live if we followed the Lord's principle for caring for others and respected the example that Gaius set in practicing his righteousness. The church of Christ teaches the Bible principle of hospitality and the members practice such in their daily lives.

III John 11 states, "He that doeth good is of God; he that doeth evil hath not seen God." The practice of good comes as a result of following the commands of the New Testament. Jesus Christ lived a sinless life while he was upon earth. The examples of good that he left inspire honest men and women to seek His way. When they do good, as the Lord did, they belong to God. On the other hand, when men and women pursue evil they do not please God. Evil is the opposite of good and is a product of the enemy of God: Satan. Men who permit the ways of the Devil to blind them cannot see God until there is a change of heart. John spoke of Demetrius(verse 12), a disciple who was respected by all and by the truth as well. When you practice good, others will know about your life. More than that, Jehovah will accept your life because you are following His word in all of your ways. The church of Christ encourages all men to do good and avoid the evil that will destroy men's souls.

Solomon said, "House and wealth are an inheritance of fathers, But a prudent wife is from the Lord"(Proverbs 19:14). Most people will receive some kind of an inheritance in their lifetimes. Whether great or small will be decided by what was possessed by one's forefathers. An inheritance can be useful or a spoiler of one's manners and morals. Such is dependent upon the attitude of the receiver. Solomon stated that something is better than "house and wealth." "A prudent wife" comes from the Lord. The word prudent means, "Wise or judicious in practical affairs." My young friend, as you seek a mate for life, make sure that your intended has the proper attitudes, interests, and motives. This should be true of both man and woman. Choosing the wrong mate can bring a lifetime of regret. The Lord intended for a husband and wife to be bound together so long as they both live. If our society respected what the Lord says about marriages, a host of problems could be solved.

Solomon stated, in Proverbs 12:1, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid." Self discipline is the mark of one who desires to please God. Learning to control one's thoughts and actions is the mark of a person who loves discipline. Solomon connects such with knowledge. When we realize the benefits of self-discipline, we improve not only ourselves, but increase the proper skills to get along with others and assist others. On the other hand, when we refuse correction, we are reacting in an unwise manner and will regret such an action later on. Self-discipline teaches us that we can control our habits, our wants, and our desires. A lack of self- discipline will increase our problems and troubles. Those who refuse to listen when they are encouraged to control themselves not only harm themselves, but often harm others as well. Learning to practice self-control will give one the spiritual strength to say no to the temptations of Satan.

A wise man said, in Proverbs 11:2, "When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom." Pride has caused many a person to be lost. Some are too proud to accept that there is a God to whom each of us will someday answer. Such individuals look upon a human as the highest being, not considering that Jehovah made our lives possible. Pride has interfered when a person needs to change. Pride keeps one from saying, "I'm sorry." Pride separates many from those with whom they have associated for years. Pride will cause one to refuse the gospel of Jesus Christ. Wisdom brings the opposite of pride: humility. When one recognizes his own mistakes, his own failures, and his own inability to help himself, he will be humble enough to turn to the God of Heaven. The church of Christ realizes that human pride can cause one to be lost, but--humility can lead one to be saved.

Solomon said, in Proverbs 11:4, "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death." "You can't take it with you" has been often stated. Riches of the world have to do with this life. They can be used wisely or unwisely, it is up to the one who possesses the wealth. Many men have done good with their prosperity in this life; others have failed miserably. One's attitude toward wealth and use of money determines what kind of person one is. When we stand before God to given an account of our earthly life, what wealth we had in this life will not matter. The wise man said that "righteousness delivers from death." The rich man who does not live right will be separated from God because of his trust in riches. The righteous man, regardless of his financial state, will be delivered from eternal death. The same choice is available to the rich man or the poor man: be righteous and live eternally or trust in material items and be lost. The church of Christ will gladly assist you in the pursuit of eternal riches.

"He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, But he who seeks evil, evil will come to him"(Proverbs 11:27). Men usually get what they deserve. When one pursues decency, he will be decent and treat others in a decent manner. When one seeks ungodliness, he has no trouble in finding such. Satan is always on the prowl to capture the unwary. The kind of life that one lives determines what one is like. Hence, we usually get what we look for. The diligent search for good can be satisfied by reading and studying the New Testament, obeying what is commanded by Jesus Christ. Solomon, in his wisdom, observed and commented on the affairs of this life. Jesus Christ lived among men while experiencing earthly life, observing humanity from day to day. He had the favor of God because he followed the will of God. The only way that one of the present can find that favor is to do as Jesus did: obey the Father.

Genesis 4:8 states, " And it came to pass when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him." Cain was the first human to commit murder. His actions were the result of animosity that was the product of jealousy. Abel had offered a sacrifice to God; Cain offered a sacrifice as well. Abel's sacrifice was acceptable to God; Cain's sacrifice was not. God had created man with the power of making choices: for good or for bad. Abel chose to do as God desired; Cain did not please the Lord and he became angry at the rejection of his offering "of the fruit of the ground." The attitude of Cain was manifest in the slaying of his brother. Our actions are always so motivated. The Hebrew writer would reveal the truth by stating, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had witness borne to him that he was righteous"(Hebrews 11:4). What would you have sacrificed? What do you sacrifice to God by faith?

When Adam is confronted by the Lord because he partook of the forbidden fruit, the man answered, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate"(Genesis 3:12). Adam violated the command of God. His conscience moved him to hide from the Lord. His shame was evident in his attitude. The first excuse by mankind is seen in blaming his conduct on someone else(his wife). How typical of humanity even at the present. It is easy to blame others for one's failures, misgivings, heartaches, and all other human adversities. However, the Lord knows who is to blame in such matters: the one who commits the transgressions. We have a tendency, as humans, to try to escape our responsibility for our thoughts and our actions. The gospel of Christ holds each man responsible for his thoughts and his actions. Such is very clear in Romans 14:12, "So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God."

The apostle Peter said, "Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?"(Acts 5:3). In cahoots with his wife, Sapphira, these were the first liars in the church. Their greed overshadowed their faith and they kept back part of that which they were to contribute while leaving the impression they had given all of their money. When confronted by the apostle, they lied. The source of lying is identified as Satan. Honesty is still the best policy and the only right policy in God's sight. While the world is filled with lies, Christians speak the truth in their conversation with others, setting a proper example to the world. "All liars" shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone(Revelation 21:8). Let us remember the words of the Pslamist, "How blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, And has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood"(Psalm 40:4).

We read in John 2:1-2, "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage." Jesus was present at social functions in his day. He was not a recluse, but one who sought to be with others. The mother of Jesus pointed out, "They have no wine." Jesus had them to fill six waterpots of stone and when they drew out of the waterpots, the water had become wine. This was the first miracle Jesus performed while upon earth. There would follow many, many more that would offer proof that he was as he claimed, the Son of God. He raised the dead, he gave sight to the blind, he healed the leper, he fed the multitudes, he calmed the sea and had complete control of the physical universe. The greatest of miracles occurred when he arose from the dead. In that resurrection, he gives hope and life to all of those who obey him. Have you obeyed his gospel?

Luke, the disciple of Christ, pointed out in Acts 10:1-2, "Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always." This man would hear the gospel of Christ preached by the apostle Peter and respond by becoming a Christian. He had been trying to serve God, but he had not yet heard and obeyed the truth. His actions did not satisfy his spiritual needs and Cornelius is the first Gentile convert. The message of Jesus Christ is for all men, Jew and Gentile. Cornelius had an open heart and gladly listened as Peter pointed out what he must do to be acceptable to God. The honesty of this Gentile moved him to accept the message of truth and be baptized for the remission of sins. Now, Cornelius was a disciple of Christ and could look forward to being with God and the saved in eternity.

Mark 1:6 describes John the Baptist in these words, "And John was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leathern girdle about his loins and did eat locusts and wild honey." Such a character would not be accepted by many in our age, and perhaps--in that age. Nevertheless this man had a message from God to be delivered to all of those who would listen. He preached about the coming Messiah. Since the first promises made to the nation of Israel by God, they had looked for a deliverer. Unfortunately, many of them did not understand that John would not be an earthly leader, but one who would reveal to them that "he that is mightier than I" would be coming: the long-awaited Messiah. John could not even compare himself to Jesus Christ, but acknowledged, "The latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose." John established no church and did not want anyone to glorify him for his sole interest was Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Upon one occasion, Jesus instructed a man, "Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide n thy house"(Luke 19:5). Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector. He was a many of small stature and climbed into a tree to see this Christ of whom so many spake. Zacchaeus was liberal with his wealth and gave half of his goods to the poor. If he exacted wrongfully from anyone, he would "restore fourfold." Such a man would be interested in Jesus Christ and his teachings. To just have a glimpse of him, Zacchaeus found a way to behold the Messiah. The Lord told him that he would come to his house "today." The despised chief publican was rewarded for his willingness to seek the Messiah by having the Messiah come into his house. As the Lord told him that salvation had come to this house, he added, "For the Son of man came to seek and to save that was lost"(Luke 19:10). How would you feel if the Lord invited himself to your house?

When the prophet Elisha and the sons of the prophets were building a new residence, as one was cutting a tree for a beam, the head of his ax "fell into the water"(II Kings 6:5). Did you ever lose something you needed or that you valued? Then you knew how the one who lost the ax head felt. Without the proper tool, he would be of no use in felling the needed trees. The proper equipment is essential to fulfilling any proper task. He needed the ax; he lost it. And the tool was borrowed! Elisha was there, however, and he cut a stick and made the "iron float." How grateful should have been the man whom the prophet helped in his hour of difficulty. There is someone who is willing to assist you and me and everybody if we are willing to seek him. He can ease our problems, cure our difficulties, and make life more pleasing. However, until we realize the need we have for the Lord and His word, we will not approach the very one who can supply us with every spiritual need.

On one occasion, an angry prophet of God sat down in the hot sun to watch the destruction of a city. As the sun beat down upon him, the Lord "...appointed a plant and it grew up over Jonah to be shade over his head to deliver him from his discomfort. And Jonah was extremely happy about the plant"(Jonah 4:6). The city of Nineveh was steeped in wickedness and Jonah was sent to warn them of their impending disaster. God was going to punish them for their iniquities. However, when Jonah preached, the people turned away from their ungodliness and the Lord did not destroy the inhabitants. But it displeased Jonah that God did not destroy the city and he became angry. Jonah was also angry about losing the shade of the plant God grew for him. He did not understand that souls were much more valuable than a plant. When you become angry at the inconveniences and hardships of life, do not let your anger cause you to act in an unkind or unrighteous manner.

Punishment for misbehavior during the Old Testament period was often swiftly administered. "So they hanged Haman on the gallows which he had prepared for Mordecai, and the king's anger subsided"(Esther 7:10). Haman intended to hang a righteous man on those gallows. When Haman was exposed for his wickedness, the king commanded that Haman be hanged instead. The Bible clearly teaches that we will reap what we sow(Galatians 6:7). The plot to destroy the righteous Mordecai backfired and cost the vain Haman his life. How often has the misdeeds of others been the very conditions that destroyed them. Haman thought he had it made; Haman was mistaken. My friend, if you believe you can be as Haman and do as you please and not have to answer to anyone, you are mistaken. One may escape the consequences of his deeds in this life, but, someday, all of us will "reap what we sow." What are you sowing in this life?

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