God’s Pro Video

The following addresses the mood of the moment in America. It is an indirect appeal to pray for America.

Concurrent with freedom must be responsibility. If not, liberty is lost.

Former President James Madison, an advocate of liberty, knowing it had limits stated: “Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.” Liberty abused is obviously self-destructive. They who use liberty as license to do and/or say whatever they want are endangering liberty.

Liberty and libertine seem to be synonyms for some. This is about the libertine attitude many seem to have. This is not about the Libertarian Party. As defined, “libertine” means to be free of moral restraint, a profligate or dissolute person. They act as though freedom grants license to do whatever they desire.

Danish author, Soren Kierkegaard, considered to be the first existentialist philosopher observed, “People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought that they seldom use.”

Max Lerner, noted historian and journalist, observing our culture wrote: “We are living in a Babylonian society more Babylonian than Babylon itself. It is what is called a late sensate period. The emphasis in our society today is on the senses and the release of the sensual. All old codes have been broken down.”

The codes have been broken under the guise of freedom. This freedom has come to be more license than liberty. Liberty is wonderful, but so is law. Freedom is a blessing, but so is appropriate restraint.

Thomas Jefferson noted: “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure, when we have removed their only firm basis — the conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” 

E. Stanley Jones observed, “If we lose our sense of being led, we become victims of circumstances.”

The framers of our Declaration of Independence left us the legacy of these lines: “With firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.”

Our predecessors spoke often of “the providence of God.” The term comes from the Latin prefix “pro,” meaning “before” combined with the root “video,” meaning “to see.” Providence means God sees before the action the consequence thereof. For that reason He gives us guidelines.

The God who foresees the result of actions has said: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.” That is, righteousness exalts a nation, but sin degrades, meaning  it results in a disgraceful condemnation. 

When God sees a nation that honors Him, He knows the result will be blessings. When He sees a nation that is living in sin He knows the consequences.

Scriptural Certainty

Unaccustomed and uncommon fear has crept into the lives of many as a result of the uncertainty in our country. Apprehension is unabated. Not having an answer to what is next has caused even some normally assured and intrepid believers to be unsettled. This is a time to reflect on Scripture promises and calmly claim them.

To start, focus your mind on “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” (Psalm 56:3)

Unbridled fear can cause the strongest believer to do a Simon Peter act and get eyes off the Lord and on the troubled water. Refocus.

People who lived in Bible times were not strangers to uncertainty. However, many were also well acquainted with the character of God—a loving, compassionate  Father quick to console His people. He comforted them. The same comfort is offered to us in God’s Word. Let your mind marinate on these truths.  

One of my favorites is “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble;

And He knows those who trust in Him.” (Nahum 1: 7) I have that one posted on the tack board of my mind.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

The word “dismayed” means to quit or give up. “Do not” appears before it in the text. As in the text, so in our life, the Lord takes precedence enabling a person not to be dismayed. 

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22, 23)

Like the people who got that promise initially you, too, can take comfort in it. Your lamentation may be as great as theirs. Your God is as great as the one who comforted them. They accepted His comfort. You have need and cause to also.

The disciples in the swirl of trauma heard this promise from Jesus and passed it on to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Though times are uncertain you have no cause to be. As a person of faith you have a firm foundation in the earthquake of skeptical oscillation. 

The potential of further riots, questionable government, COVID, personal financial health, and numerous other unknown and uncertain things may come your way. Don’t act surprised, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Here is the bottom line regarding the stability factor: 

“He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13: 5)

This is one of my hallmark lines, “That is a forever never with no exception ever.” That means right now the Lord is near you to comfort you. That can make you an oasis of faith in a barren land of uncertainty.

Let Freedom Ring 6/27/99

Leviticus 27:17-19

Jesus Christ said, “… you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

He said this in the context of His disciples of all ages knowing and abiding in His Word. Spiritual and political freedom aren’t always arm locked twins. Spiritual freedom can exist regardless of externals. However, those who enjoy it are best suited to create and cultivate social, political, and moral freedom.

Etched on the rim of our nations revered Liberty Bell are the words of our text: “Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there in safety” (Lev. 25:19).

What a marvelous promise and provision. Globally few nations have ever enjoyed the bounty of the land and freedom from oppression as we. Yet, every civilization is only one generation away from losing such heritage. Let’s not be that generation.

As we rejoice in the promise of our text we must look at the preceding verse to find the reason for such.

“So you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety.” (Leviticus 25:18)

These are the conditions for the blessings. How are we doing?

II CHRONICLES 7:14 is an amplification of the text: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Recently Lady Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain spoke in our community. Among the many wise statements she made was this: “For freedom to prevail there must be the honorable and just application of the law.” Her thesis was that freedom is only possible when bordered by protective law and order. Our founding fathers knew this and designed for us a government of law and order.

In our rush for freedom we have broken many of God’s laws and distorted the laws of our predecessors which were based on our Constitution. Our Constitution was emphatically based on Biblical principles. When we violate the laws of God we do not break them, we break ourselves.

Dr. Kyle Yates had two beloved grandchildren who had their tonsils removed at the same time. The loving grandparents gave them a gift of two goldfish. Like creative children they named them in light of their own experience. What else? Tonsils and Adenoids.

When the children went home they took Tonsils and Adenoids with them. A few days later one of the children was looking out the front window when the grandparents came for a visit. He shouted to his brother the good news they were there. One of them picked up the bowl with the two fish and went racing through the house to show their prize pets. And he ran down the sidewalk he tripped. See it in slow motion. The bowl floats through the air with the child reaching for it as water begins to spill. Dramatically it crashes onto the sidewalk and shards of glass scatter as water splashes. There on the hot pavement are Tonsils and Adenoids flopping around. Good news! They are free at last. They are free…. free, free to die.

Individuals and societies that break God’s laws are free, free to die.

I. GOD APPEALS FOR HIS PEOPLE TO HUMBLE THEMSELVES
God’s Word appeals for His people to humble themselves. In light of our public disgrace, our virus of violence, lewd and vulgar entertainment God’s people should find it easy to humble themselves.

Humility does not preclude convictions and courage. The men who signed the Declaration of Independence were humble but brave men. They had the courage of their convictions.

Humility does not imply having an offend no body, tolerate everything, and stand for nothing attitude. It might mean having to face those who shout at you “bigot,” or “radical,” or “reactionary.”

Our word patriotism comes from the Latin root “pater,” which means “father.” Our country is our fatherland. We call those who forged the foundations of our country our Founding Fathers.

As America was being birthed there walked among the Founding Fathers a mousy little wisp of a man. He was about 5’6″ and weighted around 100 pounds. His weak voice didn’t have the resonance of Patrick Henry, nor the dynamism of Ben Franklin. He was brainy and bookish enough to graduate from Princeton in two years. He lacked social skills, never participated in sports, nor distinguished himself in any way. Eleven of the twelve boys in his graduating class had a part in the exercise, he didn’t.

Being shy around girls he didn’t fall in love and become engaged until 31. The engagement lasted six weeks and the girl broke it off. This increased his feeling of inferiority and he didn’t marry until 43.

It wouldn’t appear that such a person could achieve. However, I have only noted his weaknesses. He had two primary strengths his great mind and humble spirit.

At the age of 36 he represented Virginia at the Constitution Convention in Philadelphia. Here he stood with the greats: George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, George Mason, and Alexander Hamilton. They physically towered over him. Him being, that mousy little James Madison.

Later when the Virginia Legislature met to ratify the proposed Constitution the big guns opposed ratification. The silver-tongued orator Patrick Henry who had roused the colonies earlier with his “give me liberty or give me death” address thundered against ratification of the Constitution.

The clerk of the Convention wrote, “Mr. Madison responded, but his voice was so low that he could hardly be heard.” Then Henry would roar again. The clerk wrote, “Mr. Madison brought out some facts, but his voice was very weak.”

Who prevailed? That’s right the mousy little weak voiced James Madison. Virginia ratified and James Madison became known as the “Father of our Constitution.”

Later he served for eight years as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson. When he succeeded Jefferson as president, Jefferson said of him he was a man of “pure and spotless virtue.”

In 1821 as President he issued a proclamation which called upon the people to do what God has called on us to do, “humble themselves and pray.” In that proclamation he appealed for people to “acknowledge their transgressions which might provoke Divine displeasure.”

II. PRAY
One of the primary prayers that needs to be offered over and over is a prayer of repentance and confession. Confession is an apology to God that results in happiness. He deserves an apology. It is His law we have broken, His love we have spurned, His purpose we have subverted.

The portion of Scripture on our Liberty Bell states, “the land will yield its fruit…” It speaks of dwelling in the land in “safety.” II Chronicles 7:14 speaks of God healing the land of His repentant people.

Safety is lacking in the land because people having violated God’s standards have little regard for others.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Warren E. Burger stated, “America is being reduced to the status of an impotent society, whose capability of maintaining elementary security on the streets, in the schools, and for the homes of our people is in doubt.”

We love to sing of the “Sweet Land of Liberty.” We need to revive the concept that only “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”

If the Spirit of the Lord isn’t in control liberty becomes licence. A person without the controlling dynamic of the Holy Spirit may be uninhibited but liberty is lost.

Jefferson’s voice cracks like a whip across the face of disrespect and disobedience in these words inscribed in the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.:
“Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed the conviction that these liberties are a gift of God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, That this justice cannot sleep forever.”

Our culture has lost its sense of awe and awareness of the blessings of God inherent in His will. A German theologian, Martin Buber, wrote a book, the thesis of which is the “I – it” relation. He stated we have things we love and speak of loving “it.” Things are loved.

He then broadened his thought to include an “I – thou” relationship. This speaks of interpersonal relationships. We are to love “thous” not “its.” Having dehumanized human life from the moment of conception we have degenerative regard for it at any stage. Considering people as “its” violence has erupted. In this sea of violence there needs to be islands of love, harbors of concern and the people of God must provide them.

If God’s people, His remnant, regardless of how few will do as He has commanded they can still be the salt, the preservative of our society. God has saved America more than once and can do it again. A classic example involved General George Washington. On the west end of Long Island in the area now known as Brookline, General Washington’s army of 8,000 was trapped by the 32,000 man army of the British General Howe. Cut off by the mile wide East River the final blow to the emerging union was poised. Unexplainably, General Howe, poised and ready to strike, delayed anticipating the final assault at the next dawn.

All around the people in their homes and churches prayed. Repentant hearts and saintly souls called upon the Lord.

In his diary Major Ben Tolmedge described what happened. In small boats and on rafts the army of Washington rushed to attempt a withdrawal during the night. It soon became apparent the night would not be long enough to effect the withdrawal. Then a weather phenomenon uncharacteristic of that season occurred. During the night a “Peculiar fog rose from the ground and river and settled over both camps until the last boat containing General Washington evacuated.”

God let the people dwell in the land in safety. No less a miracle is needed today.

III. AND SEEK MY FACE
Facial expressions are a dead give away of ones thoughts. This reality is employed to appeal to us to seek to understand God’s will.

God’s will is no more clearly revealed than in His written word, the Bible.

Of it Andrew Jackson said, “That Book, Sirs, is the rock upon which our Republic rests.”

Daniel Webster noted, “If we go on abiding by the truths taught in the Bible we will go on prospering, but if we do not, catastrophe may suddenly overwhelm us.”

It is not that we do not know God’s will it is that many have chosen to disregard it.

Not only is our nation in general failing to seek God’s face there is a concerted effort to exclude His face from every public place under the misunderstanding of the term “separation of church and state.” Ten Baptists got the principle included in the Bill of Rights. Now it appears 10,000,000 Baptists and their allies can’t keep it there. The principle was fostered to prevent there from being favoritism paid to any one denomination as was being done in England and Europe at the time.

Evidence of how far we have come is seen in that Thomas Jefferson, as chairman of the school board in Washington D.C., led the body to purchase Bibles for distribution in the public schools. They established the chaplaincy and authorized prayer in the Congress.

James Madison had no intention to exclude God from the public forum. He was a primary figure in writing the First Amendment with the intent to insure religious freedom.

History records that Madison was to run for public office against a Baptist preacher, John Leland. Surveys indicated Leland would win 5 to 1. However, he didn’t want to run. The two met under a tree on the corner of what is now Madison and Leland Avenue in Richmond, Virginia. There Leland educated Madison on separation of church and state. He assured Madison he would not oppose him in the election if Madison would include the principle of separation of church and state in the Bill of Rights. Leland didn’t run, Madison was elected, and the Bill of Rights was written. The purpose was not to expel God from government and society, but simply to insure no one denomination would be given preference over any other.

We must return to the God of our fathers and seek His face.

Living without God’s plan in our lives is like sewing without thread. It is like writing our name in water.

It is God’s plan that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. That is His will. Have you ever aligned your will with His at this point of conjunction?

Preparation for a New Millennium 1/3/99

Exodus 14:13-16
(Page 102 Come Alive Bible)

JESUS CHRIST said to His followers: “Go into all the world and make disciples…” God’s people have always been under orders. His orders often involve the little word “go.” A vivid illustration of this is found in our text.

It detracts a bit from the story when you know the end from the beginning. To understand something of the emotion of the people involved in the epoch recorded in Exodus, remember they did not know the end from the beginning. They knew only that Moses had promised to lead them as Jehovah directed him. Their confidence was, at the point we pick up the story, at an all time low. They knew only that the moaning sea was before them and a raging army behind them.

They were right where God wanted them.

They were bivouacked between Pi-Hahiroth and Baal-Zephon. They were in a hopeless situation.

We see ourselves mirrored in them. God had blessed and cared for them up to this point. He had promised to give them a land flowing with milk and honey. However, many past blessings are forgotten in light of one present perplexity.

Pharaoh’s army had them hemmed-up in a narrow plain with mountains on one side, an expansive marsh on the other, and the Red Sea before them. Now note:

I. DELAY WHY DO YOU CRY TO ME? (VS. 15)
Moses and the people had been crying out to God. Mixed with their prayers for deliverance were cries of despair and derision. This added to their paralysis of fear.

In effect God said, “It is time to stop praying and start acting.” Christians today need to pray frequently and earnestly but there is a time to stop praying and start acting.

Moses had come to that time.

II. DANGER
The sea would engulf them. The army would annihilate them. Neither posed as their greatest threat. Their greatest danger was to give in to the temptation to go back. They appealed to Moses to let them go back and serve the Egyptians voluntarily as slaves.

One of the greatest threats to the average Christian’s progress is the allurement to go back. A search for security and conformity defeats the cause of Christ.

We are one year from a new millennium. Do you suppose the calendar knows the difference in December 31, 1999, and January 1, 2000? Will the animal world and all of nature be able to tell the difference? Likely not.

There are persons capitalizing on the dawning of a new era. Scare sells and therefore it is being marketed. Some speculate it will mark the end of the world. Others declare it will be the occasion of the second coming of Christ. The last millennium resulted in the emergence of a number of cults proclaiming dooms day. Already they are emerging. In the next months expect to hear all sorts of scare stories that would make great science fiction movies.

There is however one new element in the mix of this millennium known as Y2K. It refers to computer crashes resulting from an encoded date preventing the computer from reading the year 2000. Alarmist say it will result in bank failures, loss of investment records, disruption of medical services, traffic gridlock, food shortages, utility failures, missiles misfiring of nuclear war heads, and many other dramatic disasters. It is a matter deserving serious consideration.

“Newsweek” carried a cover story stating, “The day the world shuts down.” The article called it “The event that could paralyze the world.”

“Computer World” stated, “The problem is far worse than even the pessimists believe.”

Senator Stephen Horn, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Management, Information, and Technology reported on behalf of the committee that of 7,300 mission critical systems in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government only 50% are Y2K compliant.

It is estimated it will cost over $600 billion to fix the problem. That is one reason Greenspan has been lowering interest rates. It provides funds to make the repairs.

The Federal Reserve has already ordered the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to print and store $50 billion extra cash in the event misled or panicky people rush ATM’s or conventional banks.

However, there are optimists. Federal Reserve Governor, Edward W. Kelley, Jr. noted: “I would expect Y2K shock to our information and electronic control infrastructure is most likely to be short- lived and fully reversed.” Kelley said the greatest problem is likely the fear of the bug itself.

The impact is likely to be lessened because people who were warned appreciated the warning and have responded positively.

With such mixed signals what should a person do? Be prepared. Some are suggesting some practical steps that are good under any circumstance. Things such as: Get hard copies of vital records, such as, birth certificates, insurance policies, title deeds, investments, store several days of food and water in case there is an interruption of these services. The main thing is don’t panic.

III. DETERRENTS
A. Fear. Vs. 13, “Do not be afraid.” The expression actually means stop being afraid. Don’t ever take counsel of your fears. We should never fear to do God’s will.

B. Self-Assertion. Vs. 14, “The Lord will fight for you, and you should hold your peace.” Note, there is a two- fold involvement including God and man. God “will fight for you” conditioned upon you holding “your peace.” We are to confidently rely upon the Lord.

This expression is an encouragement to have faith.

C. Reluctance to Venture. We must venture or vegetate.

-Don’t let obscurities and enigmas stop you.

-Don’t ever think little steps are not important. We are to: “grow in grace” “add to your faith virtue” “change from glory to glory.”

IV. DUTY “GO”
This demands decision and energy. This is dependent upon Him. God is not a God who says “Go forward” without giving strength with which to go.

If we do what we know to do, He will then reveal what next we ought to do.

V. DIRECTION “FORWARD”
“When in trouble, when in doubt, Run in circles, scream and shout.” Going isn’t enough. Direction is critical. Many people go back or around and feel that motion is momentum. Spiritually we are to follow our beloved Lord forward.

Why were they to go forward? Was there less danger? Was it the path of least resistance? No! It was the path of duty in compliance with God’s command. All of nature goes forward. Rivers run forward, the wind blows forward, and the earth itself goes forward in its orbit. Philosophy, science, art, music and time go forward. It is presumption to think that Christians should not progress in their spiritual growth. We have an appointment in eternity; an engagement at the judgement seat. Therefore, we must move on toward it.

Our motto should be: “Excelsior,” or “Aundiamo,” that is “Forward.”

Missionary David Livingston wrote that He was willing to go anywhere his mission society sent him for God, “provided it be forward.”

VI. DECISION
God used the wind to plow a furrow through the sea once He saw their willingness to obey.

Indecision is decision. If they had demurred and delayed until tomorrow, they would have been defeated.

Be prepared. In light of the Y2K potential persons are being warned to be prepared. Most such encouragement has to do with physical planning. Be prepared spiritually by making the decision to let Christ be Savior AND Lord of our life.

VII. DELIGHT
God enabled them to emerge victoriously. The Book of Revelation speaks of the “song of Moses and the Lamb.” Moses’ song was a song of victory.

Epaphroditus: A Confident Plodder 8/29/99

Philippians 2:25-26

Jesus Christ said, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

In an agricultural society this is better understood. A person plowing a field wants to have straight rows. However, if he keeps looking back he can see where he has been but can’t see where he is going and the row gets crooked quickly. The idea is full steam straight ahead for there to be progress. It is an appeal to make a valid decision and murder the alternatives. Go for it! Keep on keeping on.

A plodder is a person who persistently progresses in pursuit of a purpose. They set their objective and consistently pay the price to achieve their objective. Many of life’s most productive persons have been admirable plodders.

The most dramatic and popular iron man race in the world is the Hawaii Iron Man. Contestants swim 2.4 miles, ride a bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles. Thomas Hellgrin is a world class iron man contestant with a number of victories. In the Hawaii race he was a favorite. In the swimming he did extremely well, in the bike portion he floundered a bit. In the last segment as he set out on the 26 miles running his body reacted on him as never before. He slowed to a trot, finally a walk. Eventually had to be taken to an emergency station. Thereafter they made him stop at every medical check point to be sure he wasn’t risking his life. As he staggered the last miles of the race many of his friends and competitors passed him as he plodded along. Seeing his agony every one of them simply said, “Finish the course.” As one of the last competitors he crossed the finish line having finished the course.

Spiritually our Lord is pulling for you to stay the course and finish the course. Every Christian should be a living exhortation to every other one — FINISH THE COURSE.

NO failure is final until you accept it as such. There is no failure other than within. There is no failure except in no longer trying. Only passion with a purpose can elevate a person to great things.

When driven by a definite desire the body, mind, and will are focused and working together. They are plodding toward one objective. When your overarching desire is to please the Lord in all you do that colors all of life as tea in a bag permeates the whole cup.

In the evolving history of the American military there was a day when persons were given a rank depending upon how many men they enlisted. In the Black Hawk War a young man from Illinois was made a Captain in the army. One day he was drilling his men and they came to a gate in a fence. So inept was he that he didn’t know the command to give to cause the men to march through the gate single file. He simply commanded the company to halt, fall out, and reassemble on the other side of the gate. This young captain was so deficient they soon made him a private. BUT, he was a plodder. His name was Abraham. He knew many failures in life.

1832 he lost his job and failed in his race for state legislature.
1833 his newly founded business failed.
1834 he enjoyed the success of being elected to the Illinois legislature.
1836 he had a nervous breakdown.
1838 he was defeated as speaker.
1843 he was defeated in the nomination for Congress.
1846 he was elected to Congress.
1848 he lost his bid for reelection.
1854 he was defeated for U.S. Senate.
1856 he was defeated in his bid for Vice President.
1856 he was again defeated for the U.S. Senate.
1860 he, Abraham Lincoln, was elected President of the United States.
He was a plodder.

Journey with me now into the ranks of obscure Bible characters and let’s learn from a productive plodder. His name isn’t a household name: EPAPHRODITUS.

He was a trusted courier sent by the church in Philippi to share their financial support for Paul and encourage him.

EPAPHRODITUS would not have been Exhibit A of the prototype of a helper to be sent. However, we should rejoice that our Lord is accustomed to using unlikely people who are willing.

In the novel by Alexander Irvine entitled, “My Lady of the Chimney Corner” a lady went to comfort a neighbor whose child had died. Irvine writes of the moment:
“As gently as falls an autumn leaf, she laid her hand on Eliza’s head: ‘Ah, woman, God isn’t a printed book to be carried aroun’ by a man in fine clothes, nor a cross danglin’ at the watch chain of a priest. God takes the hand wherever he can find it, and just does what He likes with it. Sometimes He takes a Bishop’s hand and lays it on a child’s head in benediction, and then He takes the hand of a doctor to relieve pain, the hand of a mother to guide a child, and sometimes He takes the hand of a poor old man like me to give comfort to a neighbor. But they’re all hands touched by His Spirit, and His Spirit is everywhere lukin’ for hands to use.’”

Plodders like EPAPHRODITUS make their hands available and the world stands amazed at their use. Four fabulous compliments are paid this man in one brief statement.

“MY BROTHER”
The meaning of this expression is they shared a spiritual life. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

Spiritual life requires a new birth. Jesus stated it three times when the inquiring Nicodemus probed Him: “You must be born again…”

When two persons trust Christ as Savior they both become the children of God. They have the same Heavenly Father. That means they are brother or sisters in Christ. This is blood kin that last beyond this earthly life.

The Gospel of John uses an expression repetitiously that explains how this process begins. “Believe in His name.” In the Gospel of John the word “believe” is always used to emphasize an activity, something to be done. The New English Bible translation of this verse makes it clear what is to be done: “To those who yield to Him their allegiance, he gave the right to become the child of God” (John 1: 12).

You can drive to heaven in a go-cart easier than you can get to heaven without believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. It would be easier to put the North Georgia mountains in an aspirin box, easier to put the Pacific Ocean in a Coke bottle than to get to heaven without believing in the Lord Jesus Christ.

John makes it clear how this process of new birth is accomplished.

It is “not of blood,” that is, it is not of GENERATION. It isn’t inherited as a result of being born of Christian parents.

It is “not of the will of the flesh,” that is, it is not of REFORMATION. It isn’t by simply gritting your teeth and determining to change your nature by reforming your habits.

It is “not of the will of man,” that is, it is not of CONFIRMATION. Man-centered planning can achieve it.

It is “of God,” that is, it is by REGENERATION. When we yield our allegiance to Jesus Christ God the Father adopts us as His born again children.

Epaphroditus was a —
FELLOW WORKER

The word “fellow” translates the Greek SYNERGON. In that word can be heard our word synergy which means to work together.

The church always needs additional workers. I am reminded of the pastor who said he spent most of the week looking for a teacher for the “Willing Workers” Sunday School class.

We can learn much from the world of sports. In sports a team isn’t successful unless it has a unified vision. It doesn’t matter how talented the members of a team are they don’t win championships if they have different agendas.

FELLOW SOLDIER
These two are examples of all who share in the dangers involved in standing for Jesus Christ. Biblically we are warned we are in spiritual warfare.

To be spiritually victorious we must have a warrior mentality.

Of all the secret intelligence forces of the cold war the most effective was the East German STASI.

They had a technique for cultivating and recruiting traitors who would become undercover agents for them within our military. They used an acrostic for the four things used to recruit American spies: MICE. How do you catch a mouse?

The devil uses the same things to cause spiritual defectors.
M oney.
I deology
C ompromize
E go

MONEY is still a primary cause for persons defecting. “The love of money is the root of all evil.”

The East Germans believed they could recruit almost any person in our military by offering them only two to three times their annual salary. People still abandon their allegiance to Christ in efforts to get rich quick.

Put a “NOT FOR SALE” sign in the yard of your will.

IDEOLOGY contrary to Scripture dupes some into defection. Humanism, secularism, pluralism, pantheism, and materialism are ideological dark holes into which many are pulled. There is a critical point at which many

Christians stumble. As a child, say ten years of age, they gave Christianity a reading. They were very mature spiritually for a ten year old. Thank God for those who are.

However, along the way they quit reading and studying the meaning of Scripture. The one day as a young adult they pick up a book containing concepts contrary to Scripture. Perhaps it is even occult material. They give this false teaching a mature young adult reading and try to counter it with their ten year old reading of Christianity. In most instances a ten year old reading of Christianity isn’t mature enough to answer the adult reading of false doctrine. All of life though give Christianity a contemporary reading. Keep maturing in your faith. Plod through the desert of dry doctrine to get to the oasis of refreshing and inspiring truth. Remembering all along the doctrine is essential territory to be traversed to truly appreciate the inspirational.

COMPROMISE is a slow and subtle slide away for Christ. It is here those recruiting counter intelligence agents use sex and blackmail to induce persons to forsake their allegiance.

EGO plays a large part. A person who feels under-appreciated, unrecognized, or underpaid seeks acceptance and approval. It is for that reason we must embrace one another.

In talking with persons who have left churches to join a cult they have one thing in common. It is not the ideology of the cult that attracts them. They say of their new support group they accepted me, they treated me like I was somebody, they made me feel welcomed. That is what the church is to do.

Every person has an ego. It is the gift of God. Individuals must control their own ego. We should by common grace and spontaneous love help satisfy that ego.

Epaphroditus was —
A MESSENGER

This plodder made the perilous journey from Philippi to bring a message to Paul. He boldly identified with Paul, a man imprisoned for his belief.

Jesus Christ was a MESSENGER who became a MAN.
Epaphroditus was a MAN who became a MESSENGER.

We are each messengers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are His couriers to convey to the world the good news of His love.

There is an old film entitled, “Missionary to Walkers Garage.” It is the story of a mechanic who was converted and dedicated his profession to the Lord. It is a thrilling account of how the Lord used the mechanic to influence others for Christ. How about your biography? Might it be entitled, “Missionary to ….” where ever you live, go to school, or work.

There are no easy mission posts. Some persons unwisely consider the pastorate a shelter from life’s problems. No pastorate is. My first one is typical in many regards. Most churches have a sign out front and on it written the pastor’s name. My first church was on a dirt road just off a gravel road. On the sign out front was written my name. I was so proud until I noticed it was written in chalk. The chairman of the deacons sat on the front row each Sunday playing with the eraser.

Epaphroditus was —
A SUFFERER

In faithfully leaving his beloved friends and familiar home to go to Paul in Rome Epaphroditus became very ill. In risking his life for Christ he nearly died (Vs. 30).

Epaphroditus was faithfully serving the Lord and suffering. There is a non-Biblical principle being advocated by some ministers today. In summary it is called atonement healing. The concept is that if you are free of sin and serving the Lord you won’t be sick.

Epaphroditus was 800 miles from home, a six weeks trip, serving the Lord and sick. Paul didn’t heal him. His suffering was a witness to the faithfulness of God even in our weakness. Often He doesn’t deliver us in order to develop us.

Epaphroditus should be an encouragement to the many dear Christians who will never enjoy full health, total relief from pain, and a dynamic lifestyle. They are worthy of commendation for bearing witness of the enabling grace of God.

He had more regard for Christ’s mission than his own life. He kept plodding along under the gaze of death itself.

One lovely young furloughing missionary said when you are working among the deprived of third world countries you forget about yourself. It is no longer important how I look in this, how much money I have in the bank or when can I next go shopping. Those things have their place but it isn’t first place.

Co-plodders, be faithful, finish the course.

Knowing that EPAPHRODITUS was sent by the church in Philippi to be Paul’s servant there would be questions about him returning home. Because he nearly died Paul thought it appropriate to send him home. The description given of him in our text is noble. A “brother, fellow worker, and fellow solider, and messenger” are titles conferred on him. Of such a valiant one a message of commendation is appropriate. The church was exhorted to welcome home such a courageous servant of the Lord.

Let’s aspire to live as plodders so some day there will be a commendation awaiting us when our Lord welcomes us home.