And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Luke 16:9-13
Stewardship
Stewards of the Kingdom
“Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, ‘They will reverence my son.’ But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.’ And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.
“When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?”
They say unto Him, ‘He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.’ Jesus saith unto them,
“Did ye never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?’ Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Matthew 21:33-44
Stewardship
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (KJB)
Now let not anyone begin to think that this post is about money. It is not. It is about stewardship – taking care of things in our possession which belong to someone else. In this case the apostle is speaking of the ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is, however, an instruction for every Christian. We have been given the greatest message the world has ever heard, it is the greatest need of this world, and is the greatest responsibility given to the Christian. To be faithful in our lives, in living, in giving of ourselves, and in the gospel’s proclamation.
Let me share with the thoughts from the Geneva Bible translation notes:
“Let (1) a (a) man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
(1) He concludes the duty of the hearers towards their ministers: that they do not esteem them as lords. Yet nonetheless they are to give ear to them, as to those that are sent from Christ. Sent I say to this end and purpose, that they may receive as it were at their hands the treasure of salvation which is drawn out of the secrets of God.
(a) Every man.” ..
“2) Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
(2) Last of all, he warns the ministers that they also do not behave themselves as lords, but as faithful servants, because they must render an account of their stewardship to God.”
Geneva Bible Translation notes on verses 1 and 2
This stewardship is my calling to be faithful in the Scripture, living it, proclaiming it, fighting for it when necessary even unto death if need arises. So it is with every preacher of the gospel. It is the calling of every Christian as well to be a faithful steward.
What you have in your possession is not your own. It is God’s. So use it wisely. Tend it wisely. Share it wisely.
The Power and Weakness of the Mind
The Power and Weakness of the Mind – Proverbs 20:1-30
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul. It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. Proverbs 20:1-3 (KJB)
Verses 1 – 5 – Wine, any beverage alcohol will affect the thinking and actions of any who allow it to. Those who would allow it to are not wise affecting their relationship to leaders (v. 27).
It will also affect them in matters of strife, and work plans (vv. 3-4).
It will take a clear mind – understanding – to bring out wise counsel in one’s inner being.
Verses 6 – 11 – In many cases it is also true that beverage alcohol will give a man or woman an higher opinion of themselves; high thoughts of themselves that they do not normally have.
There is an arrogance in humankind which causes most of us to exalt ourselves anyway.
Faithfulness, integrity is a rare find. It would be especially rare among those who stimulate their minds with drugs, or other stimulants.
Those who walk in their integrity will have a good example for their children to follow.
The king whose mind is not messed up by booze or other drugs will have good judgment and scatter away evil with just his “eyes” (vv. 26; 25:5; Revelation 1:14) “Winnows all evil” (ESV)
It is an evil mind who misuses measures to gain mammon for themselves without considering their neighbor (v. 23). We all also know children by their behavior; whether it is pure and right.
Verses 12 – 17 – While verse twelve seems to stand alone by telling us who made the ear and the eye verses 13 – 17 deal with wealth. The ear allows us to hear and learn. The eye allows us to see, learn, and enjoy what we see.
One who loves sleep will never be wealthy; nor will they ever be a happy, satisfied individual (v. 13).
In order to get something at a lower price the buyer will make little of an article they desire; then after the purchase build up the item, and make much of the value, and his/her cheap purchase (v. 14).
There is value in rubies; there is “Precious” value in the “Lips of knowledge” (v. 15).
The use of collateral was a part of early systems of finance; even one’s garment. Receiving collateral is good advice if one secures a debt for another; especially if the other person is an immoral individual (v. 16).
Deceit may be “sweet” at the beginning but in the end it will be like “gravel” (v. 17).
Verse 18 – Good planning comes by wise counsel. The wise individual will seek counsel in matters of person, state, or nation.
Verse 19 – The gossip or “talebearer” will be sure to tell one thing and another. What someone says to you about someone else he/she will probably tell someone else of you.
Verse 20 – For a child to curse parents is a sure warning of darkness in that life.
Verse 21 – This verse could be also pointing to any wealth gotten quickly; such as lotteries, gambling, or thefts. Since it was not worked for it has little meaning.
Verse 22 – Recompense belongs to the LORD. It is of great benefit to the child of God to wait for His “vengeance”. See Romans 12:19 and Deuteronomy 32:35
Verse 24 – Though a man or woman is led by the LORD we may not know our path ahead. We walk by faith, not by sight.
Verse 25 – Be careful when vowing something to God.
Verse 28 – Mercy and truth are good and godly qualities of a great king or a great leader.
Verse 29 – Strength is the blessing of the young; while wisdom grows in the aging of mankind.
Verse 30 – Probably referring to discipline, punishment in some cases. The right use of corporal discipline/punishment will deter much evil behavior. See Proverbs 10:13.
All of these ways of life have to do with the power and/or weakness of the mind. The mind that is in the “Mind of Christ” will prosper in righteousness.
The Grace of Suffering
“Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that you run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand: you be therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the Spirit of glory and of God rest upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if first at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Therefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:1-19
REFERENCES: 2:20; 3:19; Ezekiel 9:6; 44:6; Acts 10:42; 17:30; Romans 12:13; 14:10; 2 Timothy 4:1; Matthew 5:11; 24:13, 45; Proverbs 10:12; 1 Corinthians 3:13; James 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; Isaiah 10:12;
The Treasure of Giving
“And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And He called His disciples, and saith unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, all her living.’” Mark 12:41-44 (KJB)
Jesus was watching people give into the container where the offering for the temple was received. Many of the wealthier ones gave out of their abundance; this poor widow gave all that she had.
Who gave the most? The poor widow did.
Several years ago a couple of billionaires of the U. S. of A. announced that they were going to give half of their wealth to aid the poor. That was noble thing to do. Both of their worth was around or over 50 billion dollars apiece. If they were giving half of that would they not still have 25 billion. Such sacrifice. Smile.
The widow gave all she had. It is said, that our Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” and so it is. One of our greatest treasures is giving. Giving from a willing heart. Giving; not from what we do not have, but from what we have; with that willing heart. That in itself is a treasure.
Our Lord Himself gave His best, His all to redeem us from our sins. He died on the cross.
The Rejected Cornerstone
“‘Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.
Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, ‘They will reverence my son.’ But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.’ And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen?
They say unto Him, ‘He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.’
Jesus saith unto them, ‘Did ye never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?’ Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.’
And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard His parables, they perceived that He spake of them. But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitude, because they took Him for a prophet.” Matthew 21:33-46 (KJB)
Jesus is that Cornerstone rejected by His own people. It has been said that in the building with large stones that the cornerstone’s shape and size determines the shape and size of the building.
The religious establishment of Jesus’s day was Judaism but they rejected the Cornerstone, therefore it passed to the Gentiles, the Church; which is the Body of Christ; and He is still building that building.
Yes! Jesus Christ is that Cornerstone on which if you fall you will be broken; but if He falls on you will be ground to powder.
Believe Him.
The Steward of God’s Stuff (2)
The Stewardship Of The Priesthood
Malachi 2:1-17
When we began these messages on Stewardship back in January we looked at chapter one of Malachi – THE STEWARDSHIP OF WORSHIP. Worship is our stewardship of the way we lift up, magnify, and praise Him. We saw that we are to REMEMBER WHO WE ARE; THAT WE WERE CHOSEN BY GOD, that SINCE WE HAVE BEEN CHOSEN BY HIM AND PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GIVE ANYTHING, EXCEPT THE VERY BEST – would the government be happy if we sent less than expected of us? We went on and saw, and should see that BOREDOM IS THE BANE [poison] OF THE CHRISTIAN SOUL AND WORSHIP. If we desire to fight boredom in our worship we must be always REMEMBERING THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD, HIS NAME, AND HIS WORD WILL KEEP US FROM BOREDOM. Worship is not in any specific type of music it will be found in the individual’s heart.
Today we look at THE STEWARDSHIP OF THE PRIESTHOOD, which could be seen as the Stewardship of Leadership as well. Seeing how the Old Testament passage is speaking of the heirs of Levi as the priests, we can also see this as being to the Priesthood of each believer.
In looking at this Old Testament priesthood things do not look too well. They are mostly responsible for the deadness of the worship of the people. They, themselves have devalued the meaning of worship. They have been bored by their worship practices. They have counted it all contemptible.
The Bible teaches us that every believer since Christ is a Priest of Christ. First Peter 2:9 states, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV). Let’s look not at the overall outline of the chapter.
Since the Priesthood is a responsibility these will be presented as that:
I. The Priests will have RESPONSIBILITY WITH GOD’S WORD (vv. 1-9; 2 Timothy 2:15).
II. The Priests will have RESPONSIBILITY OF A GENUINE AND A DEDICATED HEART (vv. 10-13) with no hypocrisy.
III. RESPONSIBILITY OF FAMILY RELATIONS (vv. 14-16; 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22-25; 8:1-5).
IV. RESPONSIBILITY OF ACCURATE EVALUATIONS (v. 17; John 7:24; 1 Cor. 11:31).
I. THE STEWARDSHIP OF GOD’S WORD (vv. 1-9).
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV).
A. The priesthood of the OT was dealing with spiritual leadership.
B. The priests to whom Malachi wrote were neglecting the Word of God
C. These priests also were not even hearing the Word themselves.
1. They were bringing a curse on themselves as well as the people they were supposed to be serving.
2. They had also caused ‘many to stumble’, they had corrupted the covenant of Levi.
D. As the priests of God today (All Christians) “ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV); we all are to show forth the power of God’s Word.
1. We must make it an integral part of our lives – it must not be neglected, but read, studied, heard, and applied.
2. We must not be partial in presenting the word of God, but point out the “Whole counsel of God” no matter whom it applies to.
3. Our walk with God is based upon our treatment of God’s Word in life, and it is essential to our walk with Him.
4. As priests we are the messengers of the Word of the Lord.
II. THE STEWARDSHIP OF A GENUINE AND DEDICATED HEART (vv. 10-13).
A. With a genuine, dedicated heart there is no room for hypocrisy.
1. It is hypocrisy to deal with a person more favorably because she/he may have more worldly possessions, or have political power, or the position they may have in some organization or even a church.
2. Whether we like it or not the world takes notice of the hypocrisy within those who name the name of Christ.
B. When we tolerate the joining together of our children with the godless we give the world a hypocritical statement.
C. Feigned, sanctimonious, weeping for sin will not bring back God’s blessing.
D. God’s priests today must show forth the image of Jesus Christ in our lives.
1. Living with a dedicated heart and life to the Lord
2. Hating all forms of hypocrisy – especially when it is in ourselves – because the Lord hates hypocrisy.
3. Teaching our children and grandchildren the ways of God, His Word, and holiness.
4. Having genuine, sorrowful, repentance over our sin – remembering that God truly knows our hearts.
III. THE STEWARDSHIP OF FAMILY RELATIONS (vv. 14-16).
“Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. And the priests’ custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest’s servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand; And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. Also before they burnt the fat, the priest’s servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD” 1 Samuel 2:12-17 (KJV).
“Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD’S people to transgress. If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them” 1 Samuel 2:22-25 (KJV).
“And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment” 1 Samuel 8:1-3 (KJV).
A. The family relationship is often hurting in Christian circles today – speaking mainly of the husband and wife.
1. Men are to be the chief priest of their home, and lead the wife in spiritual matters of holiness and godliness.
2. When we look at the marriage stats of our day we find that the divorce rate is equal among Christians as with those who do not know Christ.
3. That is a definite black mark against the truth and power of Christ in our lives.
B. The priests of the OT, to whom Malachi wrote were divorcing their wives and thinking nothing of it, yet wondering what’s happened to the blessing of God.
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).
1. This was for the bringing for of godly children.
2. The Messiah would come from these children.
C. As priests of God today, we bring children into the presence of God by our faith, and by always being faithful to God and His Word.
IV. THE STEWARDSHIP OF ACCURATE EVALUATIONS (v. 17).
“For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” 1 Cor. 11”31 (KJV).
A. The OT priests of Malachi’s day were accusing God of delighting in wickedness.
1. They would even accuse God of favoring the wicked, and being unconcerned with the righteous.
B. Let’s be certain that we see God as being the benevolent Caretaker and Creator that He really is.
C. We must see ourselves as God sees us, and then we can see others as God sees them.
SUMMARY –
I. WE MUST BE FAITHFUL STEWARDS OF GOD’S WORD.
II. WE MUST BE GENUINE AND DEDICATED TO THE LORD’S TASK AT HAND.
III. WE MUST MAINTAIN GOOD AND GODLY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.
IV. WE MUST ALWAYS MAKE ACCURATE EVALUATIONS.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Christmas Day Ninety and Four
What do I want for Christmas today?
I thank the Lord everyday for His blessings; spiritual, physical and material; and what I want today and from this day forward is the heart and mind of wisdom from Him to enjoy what He has blessed me with for good, right, relationship, fellowship, and benefit to others, and to bless the name of the LORD.
Christmas Day One Hundred Seven
What do I want for Christmas today?
I want to be a good and godly steward of all that God has blessed me with; including my fellowship with God, my wife, home, family, friends, and caring for finances, house and land; and in that order of importance.
Day Three Hundred and Five
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to always recognize and know that the LORD is the owner of all that I possess, and that I am only a steward of the things in my care; that I may be found faithful.
The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1 (NKJV)
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
Day Three hundred Forty Six
What do I want for Christmas?
I want family, friends, and neighbors to prosper and be in good health; even as they prosper in their spiritual lives.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 2 John 1:2 (NKJV)
The Danger of Preaching the Truth
“Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the LORD had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die.” Jeremiah 26:8 (KJV)
Jeremiah was not the only prophet of Judah or Jerusalem. There were others. There were others who were preaching the truth, just not as recognized as Jeremiah. There were also those who were popular with the people and the evil priests who were forsaking God, His word and the temple; but were ignorant of their peril.
These priests and people believed the temple was secure in God, that it would never be destroyed, and that Jerusalem would never fall. They believed that they could live any way they wanted to; going after the gods of the surrounding nations, with pagan temples, temple prostitution, and worship that caused the people to stray from God.
The prophet Jeremiah gave them the word of God, and did not hold back one word (26:2). He did it knowing it would not be popular. He preached because God called him to preach, not because momma called him. He preached because it was a fire in his heart, and he could not keep it back. He preached because he first of all loved God and His Word; secondly because he loved his people, and wanted them to be right with God; and he loved his country, and wanted the country to be delivered from its evil ways.
When a preacher preaches the word of God he will not always be popular. He will not always fill churches, or temples. He will most likely; especially when sin is running rampant around the world will be called a “Nut case”, laughed at, mocked, and even have his life threatened. Like Jeremiah, though, he will be faithful to the LORD and His Word.
Preacher, if God called you; and not your momma; not your career; but God called you, then you have one obligation, and that is to proclaim the Word of God; even if it hurts. Part of that obligation is to live that same word you preach. It can be hazardous. But you do it because of God, and His Son Jesus Christ.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2
Words for Christian Living – Blessing the Poor
“Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and Thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: Thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. I said, ‘LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against Thee.'” Psalm 41:1-4 (KJV)
In the United States of America we are richly blessed. We are blessed with the grace of God. We are blessed with riches. Yet in the midst of the blessing of riches we are cursed with some levels of poverty; and some of which cannot be avoided. People often find themselves without an income, due to loss of jobs; or sickness, and/or disease; which has robbed them of the strength to make a living. These are the poor that the Christian must not neglect.
It is the light of Christ Jesus that shines in our hearts that causes us to see others as being better than ourselves; and that includes the poor. Paul the apostle writing to the people of Philippi…
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
As Christians the love of Christ will reign supremely in our hearts; and others will be blessed by our lives and our conduct: even though they may not always realize it. John the apostle wrote the following…
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” 1 John 3:17 (KJV)
Be a blessing today.
Words for Christian Living 061813
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (KJV)
It is the stewardship, and accountability of the leadership of the Church to deliver the message of God’s Word without fear or favor; and it is the stewardship and accountability of the people to listen, hear, and do the Word of God along with the leadership.
-Tim A. Blankenship
B F & M – Stewardship
Many people, and even some Baptists flinch at the word “Stewardship”. A pastor stands behind the pulpit, and proclaims his subject as “Stewardship”, and the first thing that goes through many minds is, “Here comes a sermon on giving our money”.
Stewardship involves much more than money. It entails the care of what has been given us for use. I have lived in a rented house. I am a steward of this house. We now live in a house of our own [and the mortgage companies], along with a few acres of land. It is the place God has provided my wife and I to live. We have a 2000 and 2001 model Mercury Grand Marquis automobiles. They too, were given us by God, to care for and maintain, and to keep in as good of care as we possibly can. We are stewards of these things.
We are also all stewards of this planet called earth which we live on. We are to give of our tithes and offerings. Our Statement of Faith does not mention “Titheing” per se, but rather, “…binding stewardship in their possessions”. We should count titheing as a privilege. One hundred percent of our income is God’s, and all we are asked to return to acknowledge God’s ownership is 10% of it. Gifts and offerings come above this.
Here is our Statement of Faith on the matter of Stewardship:
“XIII. Stewardship
God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30-32; Deuteronomy 8:18; Malachi 3:8-12; Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; 19:21; 23:23; 25:14-29; Luke 12:16-21,42; 16:1-13; Acts 2:44-47; 5:1-11; 17:24-25; 20:35; Romans 6:6-22; 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 6:19-20; 12; 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9; 12:15; Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Peter 1:18-19.”
The tithe shows our recognition of God’s ownership. There are many who want to tell us that the tithe is an Old Testament principle. Jesus has taught it in the New. Jesus tells us:
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” Matthew 23:23 (KJV).
If you noticed He commends the tithe, but is condemning them for not practicing other matters of the law. If Christians, and Baptists in particular would tithe to their local congregation, there is no church in the USA which would be hurting financially with the wise use of their resources, and missions and evangelism would be supported more effectively as well.
Be careful to take good care of the resources God has blessed you with. Practice judgment, mercy, and faith, and take care of what God has blessed you with materially; and recognize God’s ownership of your income.
-T.A.
Mark Ten – Thirty Two through Fifty Two
“32 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, 33 Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: 34 And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again. 35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire. 36 And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you? 37 They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory. 38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? 39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized: 40 But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. 43 But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: 44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:32-45 (KJV)
There are at least three things we should note that Jesus taught. First of all, He taught that he would be delivered over to the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem and be put to death, and then the third day he would rise from the dead. Secondly, when the disciples were asking to sit on His right and on His left hand in His kingdom, He taught them that they were asking something difficult for them, and that it was not for Him to grant their petition, but would be given to the ones for whom it had been prepared. Thirdly, Jesus taught that even He had not come to be served by the masses of people, but to serve them and to give His life for the salvation of all who would believe in Him.
It is amazing how easily the idea of servanthood is lost and so quickly among political leaders and sometimes even church leaders. The idea can get into a persons head that they are in that position because they deserve to be, and every body else is there to serve them.
Jesus would teach the disciples contrary to this when He would wash their feet and dry them with a cloth. Jesus: What a Servant – What a Savior.
“46 And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 48 And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee. 50 And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus. 51 And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight. 52 And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.” Mark 10:46-52 (KJV)
A blind man or any blind individual is one who cannot see. That is a clear statement that everyone should understand. There are some who are blind, and do not realize it. That is, those who cannot see the truths of God, and of His Son Jesus Christ. There were probably many in the crowd who were following Jesus who did not realize who He was, but were following Him merely because they wanted to see His miracles, or they wanted something from Him.
Here was a blind man who was known as the “son of Timaeous” or “Bar-Timaeus”. He had been cared for by his parents probably most of his life. Now his parents have probably died, and he has to beg to get anything to eat, or for clothing and shelter. He has heard of Jesus. He has heard Him called, with contempt, “Jesus of Nazareth”. He has heard the stories of how Jesus has, caused the lame to walk, healed the lepers, cast out demons, and caused the “dumb” to speak, and the deaf to hear. He has even heard of Jesus raising the dead to life again.
He has probably only hoped to one day get any where near Jesus and ask him to open his eyes that he might see. Now, He is passing near to where he is sitting by the roadside begging. His anticipation is bubbling over. He is anxious, and can hardly wait. He calls out to Jesus. Others try to silence him, and that only makes him call out louder and bolder. Note, he does not call out the name of contempt – Jesus of Nazareth – rather he cries, “Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.” He sees Him for who He is without eyes to see the physical, he sees the spiritual, and recognizes Him as the Messiah who was promised years and years earlier, even before anyone who was present was ever conceived in their mother’s womb.
This man used the term “Jesus, thou Son of David.” twice. The first time to call Jesus’ attention to himself, and it seems, the second time, to inform the crowd that Jesus, the Son of David was the only one who could opern his eyes and give him physical sight.
O, what a thrill and honor it is to have Jesus call your name, and say “Come”. Jesus calls us to come to him. We were, before we knew Jesus, without sight, and we could not see the things of God. When Jesus called to us to “Come” and we went, then we received our sight and we saw Jesus as the virgin born Son fo God, without sin, holy, blameless, undefiled, righteous, and worthy of praise.
I just imagine that when Jesus called to Bartimaeus, he would have ran to him as best he could. He was thrilled to hear the Master’s voice. He was thrilled to hear that the Master had called to Him. Even though the theme of Mark is Jesus as a Servant, we see Him performing a great kindness to this man in great need.
When Jesus asked Bartimaeus what he wanted Him to do for him, he said, “That I might receive my sight”. O, how blind are those who see, and yet, do not see.
Jesus did not touch him, He only told him, “Go thy way, Thy faith hath made thee whole.” The Scripture tells us, that as he was leaving the eyesight came and he was healed, and he followed Jesus “…In the way”. Was he only following Jesus as He walked this road? He was following Jesus, “…In the way”; that is the life of Jesus. In every way He would follow Jesus.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Mark Ten – One Through Twelve
MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE QUESTION AS A TRAP FOR JESUS.
“1 And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again. 2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him. 3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? 4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away. 5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. 7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; 8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. 9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. 11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. 12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” Mark 10:1-12 (KJV)
This question and answer is a very important one for the 21st century and all centuries ahead. How we view marriage will affect the society and culture we live in. When God and His Word are honored, obeyed, and heeded then love and respect for others will be prominent in the marriage, home with the children and in governments.
Though this question is put to Jesus to trap Him, it is one Jesus answered, and no other answer is valid, but that of Jesus. Always looking for a way out, instead of a way to improve, or to make a relationship better; is a cowards way. The best way is not the easy way, and because something is hard does not make it the wrong way. Let no one think that God approves of divorce and remarriage. As a matter of fact He still hates it.
In Matthew’s account (19: 3); the Pharisees came to Jesus and asked the question this way, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” In asking the question it shows what mentality the Pharisees were of. It was the belief and practice of that day that a man could “Put away” [divorce] his wife for what ever reason he desired. If she burnt the toast one morning he could divorce her. If she looked cross eyed at him he could give her a writing of divorce, and send her hiking out the door of his home.
Here is what the Old Testament says of this,
“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. Deut 24:1-2 (KJV)”.
The idea of this law was to protect the woman from a life of torment, loneliness, and poverty. Jesus said, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.” Mark 10:5 . The “God idea” of marriage was one woman, one man, for a lifetime. Due to the sin in mankind’s heart God gave provision for divorce.
We must remember that by Old Testament law adultery was punishable by death. Any man or woman found guilty of adultery was subject to public stoning, unto death. Who ever, for no reason other than a “want” of change divorces their spouse and marries another is guilty of “adultery”. That is the message Jesus is giving to these Pharisees. Thus, showing them the fallacies of their beliefs, and teachings that divorce was okay, no matter the reason. It is important for us in this day to remember what God says in Malachi about divorce;
“Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.” Mal 2:15-16 (KJV)
J. C. Ryle gives us three rules for marriage,
“The first is to marry only in the Lord, and after prayer for God’s approval and blessing. The second is not to expect too much from their partners, and to remember that marriage is, after all, the union of two sinners, and not of two angels. The third rule is to strive first and foremost for one another’s sanctification. The more holy married people are, the happier they are. “Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify it.” (Eph. 5:25, 26.)”
Let us strengthen our nation, our cities, and our churches by strengthening our faith in God, and His Word; and let’s begin at home in our marriages by loving our spouse with the heart of God.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Voice Of God
Sometimes the VOICE OF GOD is seemingly difficult to hear; other times not so difficult to hear. Some just flat out refuse to hear God speak at all. That is partly because they refuse to believe in Him, thus, not believe Him.
The first place God has given us to hear Him, and know Him is His creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1). The second place (and I am not putting these in any order of importance) is His written Word. The third place is His Son Jesus Christ. Then there are the circumstances and situations of life; and the words of wisdom from others – friend, foe, relatives or neighbors or work associates.
The written word of God is the place to put all into check to see if what we hear is from God. If it does not agree with God’s written Word, then it is not God speaking.
Maybe a couple was dating, talking of marriage, then the relationship goes sour, and one of the couple determines that God is not answering their prayer, because He does not bring them back together. Maybe that is God rescuing that individual from a life of misery. I know from personal experience that planning a marriage is not a sure guarantee of a good relationship. I am thankful to the Lord for destroying a relationship that I was refusing, as a young man, to hear Him. He worked and gave me a wife who loves and cherishes me; the love between us is stronger now than before.
Listening to God as things “go south” is as important as listening to Him when things are going great.
Hear the Psalmist in the 29th Psalm:
“The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty. The voice of the LORD breaketh the cedars; yea, the LORD breaketh the cedars of Lebanon. He maketh them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young unicorn. The voice of the LORD divideth the flames of fire. The voice of the LORD shaketh the wilderness; the LORD shaketh the wilderness of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.” Psalm 29:3-9 (KJV)
God is not silent. He may not be speaking loudly. It may just be in a whisper as with Elijah and the “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-14). If you are born again through Jesus Christ you can and do hear His voice. If you aren’t hearing then you need to hear Him concerning His Son Jesus, and be saved.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Mark Chapter Nine
Mark 9:1-50
“And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. 2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them. 3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. 4 And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. 6 For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid. 7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. 8 And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead. 10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean. 11 And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come? 12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. 13 But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.” Mark 9:1-13 (KJV)
THE GLORY OF JESUS IS SEEN BY A FEW WHILE JESUS SPEAKS TO ELIJAH AND MOSES ABOUT HIS DEATH (Luke 9:31).
In verse 1 Jesus is most likely speaking of those who would see His “Transfiguration” which is about to happen, and it happened only before the three disciples – Peter, James, and John. In Luke’s account of this glory the three disciples had fallen asleep. There are times to sleep and times to fight going to sleep, and this seems like it was one of those times to fight sleep. They almost missed it.
The two to whom Jesus was speaking were considered dead and gone. Moses died and Elijah had just “gone” by the power of a “chariot of fire”. Moses represents the “Law” of God, and Elijah represents the “Prophets” of God. It is important for us to catch the message which the “Voice from Heaven” speaks. “This is my beloved Son: hear Him.” Those words tell us that the most important thing we can hear is Jesus. The “Law” and the “Prophets” speak of Jesus. John the apostle wrote in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, “…For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (REV. 19:10).
According to Luke 9:31 Jesus was speaking to Moses and Elijah of His coming death. No other of the gospel writers mention this. It tells us clearly that was the direction Jesus was headed – to Jerusalem to die, and make atonement for the sin of mankind.
In Matthew and Luke the text tells us it was “Moses and Elijah”. Mark is the only one who writes “Elijah and Moses”. It is important for us to remember the history of these two men. Moses died and was buried by God, and no one knew where he was buried (DEUT. 34:5-6); and Elijah never died. He was carried to Heaven by a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2:11), and Elisha, his pupil in the prophetic ministry, received a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit. There is quite a picture given here to us. That is that at the future coming of Jesus Christ in His glory all that know Jesus, the living and the dead, will be raised to share in that eternal glory with Him.
“And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. 15 And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. 16 And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? 17 And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; 18 And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. 19 He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. 20 And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. 21 And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. 22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. 23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. 24 And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. 26 And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. 27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. 28 And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? 29 And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” Mark 9:14-29 (KJV)
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE TO THEM THAT BELIEVE.
It is apparent by our text that the young man of whom it is speaking was afflicted by an “evil spirit”. He has been afflicted for several years, even from early childhood. We can see from this that children are not exempt from evil or even the devil or his demons. Children can be susceptible to Satan from a very early age, but then, all are born into sin, and none are without sin.
This boy had often been thrown into the fire, and into the waters. This demon hated this boy, and that is something we all need to remember that the devil and his hordes hates mankind, and will do whatever it takes to destroy the human race.
Notice, Jesus’ rebuke of the “Faithless generation”. He is probably referring to “scribes” who are there in argument with the disciples, accusing and excusing their own actions and accusing the disciples of not having power to help this boy.
When Jesus calls for the boy and they bring him to Him the boys goes into a “fit”; falling on the ground and foaming at the mouth. You will notice the father is not only asking Jesus to help his son, but also himself; he says, “Have compassion on us, and help us.” The father later says, “I believe; help thou mine unbelief”. This father new to whom to bring his son, but he had not witnessed the power of Jesus before, but he was about to. He had the faith to bring his son to Jesus, and that was a good starting point.
There are many psychologists who probably would reckon this boy to have epilepsy, or some neurological disorder, but not demon possessed. Notice though why it must be demon possession; 1) this personality recognized Jesus because he did not want to come before him, thus causing the boy to throw himself on the ground and foam at the mouth; 2) Jesus spoke to the spirit and commanded him to come out, and to stay out; 3) the spirit cried out through the boy and wreaked havoc on him one last time, evidently fighting for his “territory” but could not fight against his creator and win.
Note Jesus’ final words on this matter, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. Mark 9:29 (KJV)”. The matter of this boy’s well being hinged on the battle of two worlds, and who was to overcome. There is a spiritual warfare we must wage everyday. It is not an easy fight. We must commit ourselves to prayer, and at times we must give ourselves to it diligently even to the point of forsaking our food and nourishment for the day or a period of time. We cannot win spiritual battles if we are weak in the Spirit of God. That was the problem with the disciples, and why they could not help this man or his son. It is a battle we wage to keep the souls of men from eternal torment. We must pray for them to have opened eyes to see the death of Christ on the cross, his resurrection; and that they will have an open heart to receive the glorious salvation of God through Jesus Christ.
It is an imperative that we remember the words of Jesus, “All things are possible to him/[her] that believeth”. It is not just believing in the event as history, but in the person of Jesus Himself.
“And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it. 31 For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. 32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him. 33 And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? 34 But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. 35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. 36 And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, 37 Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me. 38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. 39 But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. 40 For he that is not against us is on our part.” Mark 9:30-40 (KJV)
A GRASPING FOR POWER BRINGS A REBUKE FROM JESUS, AND AN ANSWER TO THEIR PROBLEM.
Jesus is teaching a valuable lesson in these verses about service and “Greatness” or power and position. He says He is going to die and then He will be glorified by resurrection. He will die for our sins, and then by resurrection be given all that was His from the beginning. By His death Jesus was serving the human race by providing our eternal salvation.
There are many people today looking for a longevity to life; they look for power and prestige, and position; but they look to themselves, when all that is needed is to bow at the feet of Jesus and call Him Lord, and wash the feet of our fellow man by service. What great privilege it is to serve the Lord and bless our fellow man.
Jesus does enlist a small child as an illustration of humility and service. A child will subject themselves to an older person, and most of the time trust in their care. We are to come to Christ as little children, and we are to always receive our fellow man as if they were “little children”. In receiving the “child” we receive Jesus and the One who sent Him. And that is the Father.
When we see others working in the name of the Lord do we grow jealous, protective of our own work, or do we say, “Great! Someone else is working in His vineyard.” The latter should be our attitude and we should be an encouragement to all who are serving the Lord, and living for His glory. This is not to be a blanket statement that approves of all who claim to be working in the name of Jesus, but to those who are Biblically sound, and those who are truly in Christ Jesus.
“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. 42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. 43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. 49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:41-50 (KJV)
THE HORRENDOUS, ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.
What is the price of sin? “Sin will take you farther than you want to go; slowly but wholly taking control; sin will leave you longer than you want to stay; sin will cost you far more than you can ever pay.” ANON. It is something that Jesus took quite serious. He took it so seriously that He went all the way to the cross and died, taking all our sin on Himself, paying the price that was mine and yours to pay.
How seriously does Jesus take sin? Let us look at these verses. Do not offend a “little one” for it would be better that a millstone were tied around your neck and be thrown into the sea. “If your hand offends you, cut it off”; “If your eye offends you pluck it out”. It seems to me like Jesus takes sin quite seriously. He was willing to pay the price for our sin that we might have eternal life in His eternal presence. Jesus is not advocating the torture, or destruction of our bodies, but He is showing us the degradation of sin and its costliness and the price we should pay. Simply cutting off a hand will not keep you from sinning. Plucking out an eye will not keep you from the sin of lusting. We saw in chapter seven that it is in the heart of man where we must deal with sin. How much are you willing to pay to rid your life of sin? Jesus was willing to give His life.
Jesus uses here the illustration of Gehenna – the garbage, trash, waste dump of the city of Jerusalem – that burned continually and the fire was never out. There is an eternal fire that burns, where no desires are ever met, and there is nothing but pain, sorrow, hatred, vileness, hostility, and war. Is that the place you want to be? Is that the place where you want your friends and neighbors to spend eternity? It is the place Jesus described as “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. Mark 9:46 (KJV)”. He mentions this twice. Is there a Heaven? If Jesus said He was preparing a place for us, and that He was coming to take us to that place; then, yes there is a Heaven. Is there a place called Hell? Jesus mentions more about Hell than He does about Heaven. He spent a whole story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus to tell us of the reality of Hell. He describes it as a place of flames, torment, and a place you would not want to be. This is in Luke chapter sixteen.
Hell is the place we all deserve to be. We do not deserve Heaven, but because of the gift of Jesus’ death on the cross and by the power of His resurrection we can go to Heaven for all eternity, but not without Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior.
In the beginning of this chapter we see Jesus in His glory and speaking with Elijah and Moses. In between this picture of the glory of Jesus and this warning of Hell we find a child being tormented by a demon, disciples arguing about who is the greatest will be the greatest among them, and one disciple wondering about a man who is doing the work of Jesus who is not a part of their group. These are the things that happen between Heaven and Hell. As a matter of fact when Jesus died on the cross His head was toward Heaven and His feet were toward Hell, and His arms were outstretched to the world in invitation to come to Him.
What a Servant. What a Savior. For His arms are still outstretched to all so we may come to Him.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Is There Anything Really NEW?
In the world of 2009 there are many who desire “New Thought”, or I believe some are called “New Progressives” who desire new thought concerning life, life issues, religion, government, politics, news, family, law, or whatever. However, it appears to me that there is nothing that is new under the sun. I know of a man who told us that, and wrote about thousands of years ago. He is known as the wisest of men who ever walked on earth. His name was Solomon. His words were, “There is nothing new under the sun”.
As I read the prophet Jeremiah, and the other prophets I see nothing new in today’s world. People are still people; desiring their own way, turning from God’s way, and yet there are those who profess to be God’s people, even Christian, who will tell us we have to change to get people’s attention. How do we change? What do we change? Are we to change the message of God’s Word. God remains the same. His message remains the same. If we change it we become liars, and liars have no part with God, nor His kingdom.
Hear the prophet –
“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” Jeremiah 6:16 (KJV)
The “Old paths” of which Jeremiah speaks of of walking with God. Walking with God means being in agreement with God. The people of the prophet’s day were attempting to worship YaHWeH on the Sabbath day, and worship their way of life, or other gods the other six days of the week. They had abandoned the “old paths” by doing so, and the prophet was trying to call the people back to God; to repentance.
At first the attempt was to call them to repentance to prevent their captivity; however when the captivity became inevitable then, for repentance, that they might learn to live for God in captivity and be a witness to the foreign government to which they were going. The people needed rest for their souls due to their torment.
People in the United States of America are living tormented lives due to failing health, failing finances, unemployment, or threats of unemployment; and many family issues. People of the world need rest for their souls. Many are seeking rest through yoga, meditations, even prayer, yet rest doesn’t come. The “old paths” or “the good way” is not found in these things. The “old paths” are found only in following the dictates of God’s law. The “good way” is only in God’s way.
The prophet’s call is “Stand in the ways and see…” The “good way” is in the “old paths”, and this is found only in the Living Word of God; that is the person of His Son. Rather than accepting God’s way, the “old paths” and living “the good way” people still seek the “New thought” of helping themselves, following the paths of false religion found in yoga, meditations, and even in prayers. Understand me when I mention meditations and prayer. Meditating upon God’s Word, hearing God speak through His Word is good; and that is good meditation; anything else is devilish thought. Genuine heart prayer, seeking God’s will, understanding of His word, gaining wisdom from God, and seeking His direction and glory is expected of us. The prayer I refer to is the reading of prayer, rosary, planned recitations, which are filled with religious and pious thought, but no connection to heaven.
The sort of meditation and prayer which allows you to consort with godlessness while supposedly maintaining a relationship with God is fruitless for God and His glory. That is what the world, Jerusalem in Jeremiah’s day was doing. That is what many of today’s world is doing as well. While wanting something new they follow the paths of the old rebels, rather than the “old paths” which we should follow in Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.
The answer of the people to the prophet in that day was; “We will not walk therein”. If we choose to walk with the world, and take on their garments, we destroy our witness, our testimony of newness of life through Jesus Christ. We must put off the old man of flesh and sin; and put on the new man of life eternal (Ephesians 4:20-25); and also put away lying. The lying is done by confessing faith in Christ while also maintaining a life which is no different from the condemned and dying in sin.
I ask again, “Is anything really new?”
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Sower And The Hearts Of Humanity
“And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:13-20 (KJV)
It is to be understood that the “field” where the seed is sown is the world. The seed that is being sown is the Word of God. When the Word of God falls on hard soil – the walkway, pathway, etc. – then the devil comes along and carries it away. This hard soil is a hard and unaccepting [unbelieving] heart toward God.
The “stony ground” is the heart of an individual who hears the Word of God and seemingly receives it, but because there is no depth for growth, troubles, trials, and heat come along and he wilts away, because there is no root. This individual has “gladly received” the Word of God, but with no true heart for it.
The “thorny soil” is the person who has heard the Word of God, and like the previous one receives it gladly, but due to worldly influence, greed for riches, and other distractions is choked off from receiving the life giving rays of Son light.
The “good ground” hears the Word of God, gladly receives it and goes on and bears fruit. Each area of the soil will bear a different amount of fruit, but it bears fruit none the less. That is evidence of a genuine believer/follower of Jesus Christ. He/She will bear fruit. A changed life is the first evidence, a burden for the lost, condemned and dying, and being a witness are evidences of fruit. All of these will lead to souls coming to faith in Christ. Christians will bear fruit.
Here is a summation of the conditions of “hearts” of men:
- The first kind are those who hear the Word, but it has no affect on them and so the devil snatches away the Word;
- The second kind are those who seem to receive the Word of God gladly; they may even seem excited about it, but the troubles of persecution and rejection of friends, and such come along, and they take off to sights unknown;
- The third heart is much like the second, but it is not persecution or trouble that causes them to turn away from the truth, it is rather, the desire for wealth, riches, pleasure, etc.. None of these first three are even redeemed. They are all still condemned, dying, and without hope. Is there any hope for them.
- The fourth heart is the blessed heart that has genuinely been saved, changed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and it brings forth fruit. It is the fruit which brings honor and glory to the sower.
Yes! We can pray for people who are in such a condition, as those of the first three, that God may continue to prepare their hearts and get rid of the thorns, and give depth to the soil that they might bear fruit. After the sowing of the seed it is God’s work alone.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Honey And Salt
A thought came to my mind the other day, “Too much honey; not enough salt”. I lingered on thinking of that for some time to try and get some leverage with it or from it, and I think I have found some.
Our society, or culture lives for the pleasurable, and we have found ourselves in a little chaos. Wall Street pretty much sets the agenda in the matters of wealth, at least did for a while, then things fell apart, and now that it appears to be recovering there are many going back to the god of greed.
Pleasure, comfort, entertainment is fine in their place and time; but we need to be realistic about life. It cannot be all fun and games. It is not all fun and games; as much as we would like for it to be.
The writer of Proverbs said, “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” Proverbs 25:16 (KJV). Seems you could say this is a case of “Too much honey…”.
We have all heard the saying “You catch more bees with honey” or “flies”. My question with that is “Who wants bees?” Unless you are a beekeeper. I surely don’t want any flies. I know the idea of the saying is similar to “A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down”; but too much is still too much.
We need some “salt” in society, or our culture. Salt is a flavoring, seasoning, healer, and we need healing for sure. “This cereal is ‘slick'” is a phase I can remember my Dad saying concerning eating a bowl of hot cereal for breakfast or something else. “Slick” meant that it didn’t have salt in it; or at the least; not enough salt, and makes the food have an “flat” or “slick” feel in the mouth.
Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?” Matthew 5:13 (KJV) As Christians we are to add flavor to the culture, society, community, we live in. And that flavor or action, or taste will not always be a pleasant one. It may offend, but all in all it will be the aid to what ails us.
Without Jesus and the salt of the earth the honey of society becomes nothing but sorrow. Enjoy the pleasures God gives, in Him, but never forsake Him; enjoy them in worshipping Him; and you will be blessed. Forget Him or forsake Him, and you perish.
“TO MUCH HONEY; NOT ENOUGH SALT”
-Tim A. Blankenship
In A Foreign Land
Abraham, Sarah and Lot along with some servants had departed Ur of the Chaldees many years before, with a promise from God of a land; a Promise Land and promise of becoming a nation. Becoming a nation meant having a son. For years they had waited. Since departing Ur many things had happened. Lot and his family had gone their own way, along with his livestock and goods.
Now Sarah had died, and Abraham needed a place to bury her. Only thing was he was in a land that was not his own. He was a foreigner and had to purchase some land or receive it from the owners as a gift. The following is the narrative of what took place following the event of Sarah’s death:
“And Abraham stood up from before his dead, and spake unto the sons of Heth, saying, I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him, Hear us, my lord: thou art a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchres bury thy dead; none of us shall withhold from thee his sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth. And he communed with them, saying, If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight; hear me, and intreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he hath, which is in the end of his field; for as much money as it is worth he shall give it me for a possession of a buryingplace amongst you…” Genesis 23:3-9 (KJV)
The possessors of the lands knew Abraham, and knew he had been a good and decent neighbor. They knew him to have been a honorable man, just and fair in dealing with the people of the lands around them. So we have Heth making suggestion that he bury Sarah in one of their burial places. This however does not sit well with Abraham.
Abraham desires to have a piece of land, for which he is willing to pay a price; a fair price; and that will have his ownership of it. Through the purchase of this piece of land, the price paid for it would be security for future generations who would follow. It would also be a fulfillment of the promise of the land, though at this time a small portion of it.
He had previously “planted a grove in Beersheba” land of the Philistines, and in doing so was placing a claim on that land. Now he is purchasing a piece of land, and “planting” the body of his wife. Would that not also be a claim on the land. Many prayers of Abraham and Sarah had been offered in the almost sixty years of living in the land. Many tears had been shed, and much blood had been shed as well defending themselves against thieves, kidnappers-slave traders, and cutthroats who just wanted to kill.
Now there would be an actual possession of the land. The Promise of God was going to be fulfilled, and Abraham’s purchase was evidence of that faith in the promise.
A few years ago one church which I was pastor had an open lot. Things were not going real well for the church financially, and it was brought up to sell the lot. Well that was not how I believed the LORD was leading us. Financially it made sense to do so, but faith wise I believed we would not be trusting the Lord and His promises to us. I had read where the prophet Jeremiah was called by God to purchase land as evidence of faith that the people of Judah would return to Israel following their captivity in Babylon (Jeremiah 32). I believed, and to this day I still believe that it was God’s guidance to keep that piece of land as promise that God was going to bless that church. I don’t know if the church still has that piece of land or not; but for the time I believed it to be right, and the people decided it would be best not to sell it.
As Christians we are pilgrims and strangers in a foreign land, similar to Abraham. When we purchase, possess, or own a piece of land; it is God’s land. God owns all land on this earth. It is His. The Psalmist has written, quoting God “Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10), just a picturesque way of telling us that God owns it all. We are to be good stewards of God’s land while we are here, but this world, this land on which we live is not what has been promised us. There is a land greater and more grandeur than any land we can imagine here on this earth.
We have been promised the land which is called glory, heaven, with golden streets, gates of pearl, and a city with a foundation made of precious gems. Even better than that, it is the place where Jesus is. Take away the golden streets, gates of pearl, and only Jesus; and that would be sufficient for me.
Do you know Jesus? He is the one who came to this earth to die, and give His life as a payment for our sins. The price of His blood was paid to God our Father as the full price of our sin, and made a way of reconciliation between lost, condemned, dead people and the Living God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.
Take care of the land and goods God has blessed you with here. Use them to honor and glorify His name. One day when He comes again He will take you to Himself; that where He is there we may be also.
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Only Begotten One
The Psalms are the hymn book of the Bible. They are songs written and sung by kings, and sinners. King David is recognized as the Psalmist, but there were others who wrote and sung some of them. For instance Moses probably wrote Psalms 95-100, then there is a man named Asaph which little is known of him. He is referred to in several verses of 1 Chronicles, and is given as the author of the fiftieth Psalm. We have a good variety to sing.
Now, back to the Second Psalm. Jesus is the king referred to in verse six. He is King of His enemies, King of saints, and King of His Father.
“I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto Me, ‘Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee” Psalm 2:7 (KJV).
This verse is one which clarifies that Jesus was with the Father from the beginning. The Father declares to the Son, before He was born into the human race, “This day have I begotten Thee. ” How could the Father say to a non-existent being ‘Today you are born’ and ‘You are My Son’? He could, I guess, but it certainly would not make sense. It also would be for the day that the Father would decree for the blessed virgin to conceive.
Jesus, the only begotten Son of God the Father decreed before time and eternity that Jesus – the Word – would become flesh and dwell among us without sin, and die for the sins of all mankind. The day God became flesh, and “(we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father)” full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (KJV). And dwelt among us, thus the name “Immanuel” – God with us.
This is the One whom others have mocked. He is the One who has made all things, and has set them in order. He is the One whom the Roman soldiers drove the nails in His hands and feet. This One who was with the Father from the beginning became man, that He would die, and atone for the sins of mankind. Why is it so many turn their backs on Him, deny Him, and choose to hate Him; when He is worthy of so much love, devotion and worship?
Rage on wicked rulers if you so desire. The “Desire of nations” will come and reign on the earth whether you approve or not. He is coming. As the prophet Amos said, “Prepare to meet thy God”.
Many times it just seems as though there is not much in our lives that seems worthwhile. Sometimes those thoughts can be a wake up call. Wake up and realize that there is more to life than “Me”. There is so much more to this life than “Me”. There is GOD, and in the person of His Son showed His love for you by judging our sin on the cross of His Son Jesus Christ. The “begotten” One became our sin – “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)
-Tim A. Blankenship
The Fire and Hammer 