Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

Last year, a two-year-old colt finished dead last in his first race. Disappointed, his owners placed him in a “claiming” race where anyone could take the ownership for a fee. An older man purchased the colt after missing the chance to claim another horse he wanted. He said it was his last attempt to find some success in the racing industry.

The colt won by 17 lengths, and his new owner was encouraged. But, in the races that followed, he finished third twice, fourth once, and fifth once. His owner, however, still believed in him.

2022 was the colt’s only chance to race in major thoroughbred races, which are limited to three-year-olds. The day before the Kentucky Derby, the field of horses was already full, but then, at the last moment, a famous trainer scratched (withdrew) his horse. The colt took that place in a field of twenty horses, just 30 seconds before the entry deadline. Suddenly, he was in the game. He had a chance.

All the metrics and predictors were against him. Neither his owner, his trainer, nor his jockey had ever been associated with any horse in the Kentucky Derby. His jockey had never even won a major event. They were decidedly outsiders and newbies in an extremely elite arena. On the morning of the race, his odds of winning were set at 80 to 1, the second longest odds in Derby history.

Halfway around the track, the colt was 16 horses back from the lead. He couldn’t even be seen in the field of view of the drone camera flying above the race. He was a nobody, a throw-away, an inconsequential participant.

But then, he made his move.

He began working his way through the crowded pack, finding a few narrow, fleeting opportunities to improve his position. As they headed toward the finish line, he had miraculously moved up to fifth, then fourth, but still, no one had noticed him. Everyone’s attention was firmly focused on the battle between the two famous front-runners.

Only seconds before the finish, he suddenly, almost magically passed the two front-runners. The announcer struggled to identify him and say his name in time. He said, almost in a single breath, “Rich Strike is coming up on the inside … Oh my goodness! The longest shot has won the Kentucky Derby!”

Where there is life, there is hope. Anything is possible. Don’t let anyone count you out.

Persistence and determination beat the odds.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

The greatest gift you can ever give yourself is to live a life fully aligned with God’s values.

When you spend your money, time, and energy on the godly things that bring you happiness today and joy tomorrow, you experience peace, confidence, and satisfaction in the present life you have chosen to live.

Unfortunately, in many respects, we live lives that are too easily pleased. We rely on possessions and money to satisfy our heart’s desire. Or we get caught up in other selfish pursuits, like fame, accolades, or notoriety.

We often fall into the assumption that the secret to a fulfilled life is the possession of more belongings and the achievement of personal gain.

But while we are settling for the temporal pleasure of material possessions, is it possible we are missing out on something better? Is it possible we are missing things that would bring even greater satisfaction and more lasting pleasure to our lives?

Could it be that we were designed for something greater than material acquisitions? And that the greatest act of self-care we could partake in is to stop settling for anything less than the best?

C. S. Lewis said it this way: “Our desires are not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” The Minimalist

— o —

Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn’t seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late. But he was a good worker, really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded and a real credit to the company and obviously demonstrating their “Older Person Friendly” policies.

One day the boss called him into the office for a talk. “Charley, I have to tell you, I like your work ethic, you do a bang-up job when you finally get here; but your being late so often is quite bothersome.”

“Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it.” “Well good, you are a team player. That’s what I like to hear” “Yes sir, I understand your concern and I will try harder”.

Seeming puzzled, the manager went on to comment, “I know you’re retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say to you there if you showed up in the morning late so often?”

The old man looked down at the floor, then smiled. He chuckled quietly, then said with a grin, “They usually saluted and said, Good morning, Admiral, can I get your coffee, sir”?

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

No matter how dark the night, Jesus is still the “light of the world” (John 8:12). He will forgive every sin we confess to him (1 John 1:9) and transform any life entrusted to his grace (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God has no restrictions, no limitations. Dan Shock

No man can succeed in a line of endeavor which he does not like. Napoleon Hill

People are like vines. They only grow as high as their supports. Jomo Cousins

When confronted with evil, it’s a sin to stay when you could leave.

Don’t lose sight of what God has called you to do.

I awoke, only to see that the rest of the world is still asleep. Leonardo Da Vinci

The only way to tell the truth is to speak with kindness. Only the words of a loving man can be heard. Henry David Thoreau

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create. Albert Einstein

Consider this: rare is the person who lists money and possessions among their greatest goals in life, but we spend most of our time and energy trying to acquire them. In fact, according to one survey, 70% of us say our desire for acquiring more money influences our daily decisions. The Minimalist

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matthew 28:19

It was a surreal experience when I sat before a mic in the studio and put on the headphones. I was about to speak to more than a million people around the world. I was in the studio of HCJB in Quito Ecuador.

God called Clarence Jones to “Arise and go south with the Gospel… using Radio.” Clarence would start Radio Station HCJB.

HCJB stands for Heralding Christ Jesus Blessings, short wave ministry started in 1931.

The mission would grow into a global ministry that was guided by these two foundational verses:

“Call unto me and I will show you great and mighty things which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Zachariah 4:6

The mission also recognized the need to demonstrate the Gospel in practical ways which led to the development of medical and community development ministries. Our goal was never to just present or demonstrate the Gospel, rather to obey Jesus’s command to go make disciples. Their 500-kw transmitter gives a total broadcast power of one million watts that goes all over the world, even in remote places not otherwise reached.

And they ask me to give my Christian testimony? To well over a million at one time? I was both honored and scared, but it went well. I will never know how many people heard me or where they were, and I will never know how many people responded to the Gospel. Only God knows, but some day in the life beyond this life, maybe I will know.

Maybe not all of us will have the opportunity to speak on our faith to millions at one time, but we can all start with one person one time. And maybe not all over the world, but to your next-door neighbor or the one who works in the cubicle next to yours. Maybe you were created just to lead one special person to salvation. Maybe, just maybe.

The time to start your faith teaching is now. Don’t go a day without it.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Have you ever noticed how “busy” has become the new “fine”? As in, when you used to ask somebody how they were doing, they would answer, “Fine.” But nowadays, everybody answers, “Busy.”

Sometimes, people say it just to sound important. But most of the time, the person legitimately means it. They’re busy. There are too many responsibilities and not enough time in the day nor energy in the body to accomplish everything they want to do.

Busy has become the default state for many of us. But is the state improving our lives? Certainly not.

Statistics indicate that 75% of parents are too busy to read to their children at night. A rising number of children are being placed in day cares and after-school activities. Americans are having a hard time finding opportunity for vacations these days. About 33% of Americans are living with extreme stress daily, and nearly 50% of people say they regularly lie awake at night because of stress.

This is a problem. Activity is good, but we can become too busy.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

While busyness seems to be the prevailing condition of the human spirit these days, it is not true of everyone. In other words, busyness is not inevitable.

Some people are not busy. They appear calm, collected, and in control… but still productive. They are enviable in the life they live. What do they understand about life that others do not? The Minimalist

— o —

When people get wealthier, they experience greater happiness. However, there is a surprising and significant corollary in the report: people with less money view happiness as tied to a sense of meaning—the belief that their life has direction, purpose, and value. Stanford University marketing professor Jennifer Aaker

— o —

Average cost for every American last year for prescription medication: $1,376

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around. Willie Nelson

It can feel lonely to stand for Biblical morality in our radically secular culture. Jim Denison

When what should be first place in our lives gets misplaced, before long it will be replaced. Ken Whitten

If you want to be more like Jesus, try giving help in both time and treasure without telling anyone about it. Jesus has answered your silent prayers for a long time and does not seek to take any credit for it…see the power that brings when you do the same. Dwight Short

Friendship… is not something you learn in school. But if you haven’t learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven’t learned anything. Muhammad Ali

If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn’t seem so wonderful at all. Michelangelo

We have to be open for God to transform us. Jomo Cousins

Just a little tolerated sin can permeate through the whole body, rotting it away from the inside out. Tim Tebow

“11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, 

some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 

12 FOR THE EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS FOR THE WORK OF MINISTRY, 

for the edifying of the body of Christ, 

13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…” Ephesians 4:11-13  NKJV

   I’ve been challenged to continue some more on this passage this week.
   Let me ask y’all what could be some most profound questions:  when you think of all the pastors whose ministry you have been under,  what are some things which stand out in their ministry?  Is there any one pastor who is/was so overwhelming to you that his name comes right to your mind instantly?
   So what makes that pastor special?  Let me give you a personal example:  Rev. Herman A. Underwood (who went Home to glory in 2005).  In his 80 plus years, he served as a pastor in churches throughout New York State and Canada, as well as for many years was President of the Seaway Baptist Bible institute in Williamstown, Ontario.  I first met him about 2 months after I was saved in 1971.  As a new believer and a first year student at a college in WAY upstate New York, I soon learned from the Lord that believers should attend church!   First Baptist Church, Canton, New York.  Pastor:  Herman Underwood.  He was there 13 years before resigning to become President at Seaway. 

I remember his final messages.  He introduced his last study from the Book of Daniel this way:  “I’ve had a few days to reflect upon my ministry here.  It soon became apparent to me that in my 13 years I’ve preached through every book of the Bible except Daniel.  So here we go!”.  
   So he was a good Bible teacher.  What else?  Visitation?  Yep!  Prison ministry?  Yep! Ongoing hospital ministry?  Yep!  Ministry to people?  Yep!  Personal?  Ministering as easily to an individual as he would to a group?  You bet! 
   I went to his funeral in Canada in 2005.  Believe it or not, even though he hadn’t pastored in Canton for around 30 years, many – yes many, some in their 90’s! – of his former First Baptist parishioners came to the service.  Why?  I asked one of them, himself a retired professor at St. Lawrence University in Canton, as to why so many from First Baptist were at the service.  His reply?  Listen CAREFULLY:  “even though it has been over 3 decades since Pastor Underwood was our pastor, people IN THE COMMUNITY are still talking about him!  His care for his parishioners was quite evident.  But his connection with the community – the hospital, the jail ministry, the individuals on the street – they all remember him STILL.”  
   Allow me to bring back a little comparison I shared with you last week, comparing Ephesians 4:11-12 in the King James Version with the same passage in the New King James Version:
    “KJV:  “…he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ… “
NKJV:  “…He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”.
   Did you notice any difference between the King James Version and the New King James Version?   Let’s hypothesize:  let’s say a pastoral candidate comes to your church and in the process of his meeting with you, you let him know what you expect of him.  You would say, according to one of the above versions, “We want you to visit, call, serve, start and lead a vibrant youth group, prepare and deliver great sermons, and do all the work that needs to be done to get our church going strong again.”  Which version was that?
   The same pastoral candidate goes to another church and cautiously asks, “what do you expect your pastor to do on a regular basis?”.  In this church, the leadership say, “we would like you to train us, either one on one or as a group, to learn how to do the work of the ministry in our town.  We are only 30 strong, but 30 of us can be in 30 more places at one time than you can.”  Which version was that?
What made the difference?  Our beloved KJV authors, as well intentioned as they were, put in an unfortunate COMMA between “saints” and “for”.  Thus the passage implies that the PASTOR DOES ALL THE WORK!   And you and I know MANY churches – perhaps even your church – where the pastor is expected to do just that:  do all the visitation both purposely throughout the community and on a moment’s notice when any one needs attention.  In addition to his leading the services, he is to teach, teach, teach, work, work, work.  The end result often is a most burned out pastor who lasts maybe, if the church is fortunate, 2-5 years in that church’s pastorate.
   But the NKJV (and the Greek, dear people) does NOT have that COMMA!  So as the pastor trains the people, WHO according to the Scriptures, are accountable and joyfully do the work of the ministry?  THE BODY OF CHRIST!  Yet in our society there are unfortunately MANY well intentioned churches that expect the pastor to do it all.  I knew of a church once where a pastoral candidate was told the above proverbial list of expectations of the pastor-to-be’s qualities.  And you know what he had the nerve to ask in reply?  “And what are YOU going to do while I do all the work of the ministry?”  You know what?  He stayed 20 years there and trained the people, and today they are still reaching out to their community as a body of believers, showing the entire village the love of God in Christ wherever the Lord has wisely placed each one.  THAT’s what Ephesians 4:11-12 is supposed to look like in action!”
   All right.  I began with my mentor and beloved Pastor Underwood.  He was a brother in Christ and servant of the Lord who epitomized the servant found in the above New King James Version text.  
   I want to share how what I call a “King James Version” pastor looks like.  BUT BEFORE I DO, please – PLEASE! – know that I am NOT criticizing a text which is beloved to many of you.  But I AM trying to show how one measly little comma can change not only the intent of the Holy Spirit but also of the outworking ministry of a pastor guided by that version.
   I am familiar with a church whose pastor retired after many years of service to that same church.  He was an excellent Bible teacher.  His sermons were, well, enlightening to the truth.  Outwardly, he was everything you would want a pastor to be.  Until…
   When he retired, certain things began to appear, strange things, all of which were discovered by the leadership who were left to continue the work of the ministry of the church in the community until a new pastor would be called.  There were little things – like a parsonage which really wasn’t kept up.  Perhaps some of that should have been shared with the trustees, but the pastor and his family kept those shortcomings to himself.
   But then?  The leadership soon learned a most amazing and at the same time most sad reality:  the former pastor’s name was on every – yes EVERY – account connected with the church.   Bank accounts.  Fuel accounts.  Every account of the church was in his name.  His oversight.  Seemingly his control.  Insurance accounts were in his name in agencies which were familiar to him from his old home town.  
   The church leadership had no idea how controlling of the church the pastor really had.
   And when many started reflecting, they realized that after a decade, he really was not known in the community. “Pastor who?”, many asked.  “Your pastor left?  When?  We really didn’t know him.”
   Remember again the old King James Version:  “…He gave some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting [“maturing”] of the saints COMMA, for the work of the ministry…”. This implies that the pastor, while involved in maturing the saints, is responsible to do all the work of the ministry.  That’s why a church under such leadership is always asking, “Why hasn’t the pastor done this?  Visit them?  Gone here?  Gone there?  WHY is he so lazy?”  And the body of believers of that well meaning church rarely ask, “WHY IS THE PASTOR SO TIRED ALL THE TIME?”.
   Let me close with one more example from the life and ministry of Pastor Underwood.   After my freshman (and turns out, only) year at the local college, I met with Pastor.  I said to him, “one thing the Lord has shown me in this my first year as a believer is that I need to, I WANT TO learn how to serve the Lord.”  Without even putting together any thoughts – AND APPARENTLY WITHOUT EVEN ASKING HIS DEAR WIFE ! – Pastor said to me, “Why don’t you come live with us this summer?”.  And I DID!  I learned how to memorize scripture, how to study the Word of the Lord, how to go on visitation, how to teach Vacation Bible School (back then, brace yourselves, it was a THREE WEEK school!); be involved in the local Bible Club Movement ministry, teach Sunday school, and among many of the highlights, be a counselor at a Bible camp for 3 weeks.  And Pastor often had me lead the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible studies.  By the end of the summer I said to Pastor, “I believe the Lord is calling me to Bible School”.  And the rest, they say, is history.   ALMOST…
Let’s advance to near the end of 2004.  I was in my 18th year (ultimately of just over 20 total) in my first pastorate.  I was in my 10th year serving as president of the old (established 1844) Tioga River Christian Conference, at one time a booming fellowship of fundamental churches throughout Pennsylvania and New York State.  I had learned that Pastor Underwood’s health was poor, his cancer had returned, his time on this earth would soon be over.  So I sat down to write what would become a long thank you note to him.  I just wanted him to know how much I appreciated his taking me under his wing, and for the better part of 30 years still mentoring me, loving me unconditionally.  About a week after I sent the letter, late one night the phone rang.  At the other end of the line was the low, raspy, yet still very distinguishable voice of Herman Underwood.  He wanted to talk one more time!  And while I was concerned that this call would make him overly tired, he continued to talk.  He was overwhelmed with my letter, and thanked me for being his disciple, his brother in Christ, his friend.  We reminisced.  A LOT.  
   And then near the end of our conversation he asked me a most unusual question.  He asked, “Is Clarence Jones still alive?”.  Pastor Jones was one of the patriarchs of our conference, having served at many pastorates as well as taught at the old Practical Bible Training School near Johnson City, New York.  Pastor Jones,  in addition to all his church and school ministries, had served over 50 years in all the ministries of our conference.  A godly man, a love of missionary work – a love which spread to his family.  His daughter Grace Fabian, now in her 80’s, is continuing to spread in the United States her love for the Papua New Guinea ministry in which she and her late husband Edmund served for decades with Wycliffe Bible Translators.  
   “Is Clarence Jones still alive?”.  YES!  I said.  And I shared all that I knew about his ministry, about his last message before the conference in which he gave his testimony for Christ.  And then it hit me:  “Pastor Underwood – HOW do YOU know Clarence Jones?”
   His answer:  “Back in the 1940’s he was MY first pastor.  He was MY mentor.  Why he even invited ME into his home so I could learn from him how to do the work of the ministry.”
   I shared Pastor Underwood’s story at Pastor Jones’ funeral.  I told the well-numbered congregation that day:  “Pastor Jones was a mentor.  If it wasn’t for Pastor Jones, it is possible that young Herman Underwood might not have been a servant of the Lord.  And if it wasn’t for Pastor Underwood, I would not be before you today.  WAIT!  Let me re-word that:  If it wasn’t for Clarence Jones, I definitely WOULD NOT be before you today.”  
   Over 80 years – plus my years – of “the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry”.  
   Is your pastor an equipping pastor?

OR

Is your pastor a controlling/must do all the work pastor?

The answer to that question might be the life or death of your church.

WHY the answer to that question might be the life or death 

of YOUR spiritual health.

Be careful to obey all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 12:28

He was born at Frankfort, Maine, in 1817. After leaning the railroad business in Pennsylvania, he headed south with a dream of forming a railroad hub to connect cities in the emerging south. He chose Marthasville, Georgia and started forming the railroad. He bought land and owned six hundred acres in Marthasville before the name was changed to Atlanta. A colonel in the Confederate Army, he was in charge of the fortifications of Atlanta during the Civil War.

He wanted to leave a legacy, so in 1881 he, Lemuel P. Grant donated 131 acres to become Grant Park, a recreational area for future generations to enjoy. I recently visited the home he built in 1856 and went to his grave in Westview Cemetery. On his grave monument I found the inscription that said his legacy was Grant Park. He was my great grandfather.

L.P. Grant home circa 1856

As I drove away, I thought about the many children I have seen playing in the park while others strolled in the park, a legacy that has lasted for nearly 150 years while the city grew up around it. I asked myself what will my legacy be 150 years from now. What am I leaving for future generations?

I thought of Proverbs 13:22 that says, A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children. Is it money? Is it prestige? What if it is spiritual?

That’s it. What greater legacy than spiritual? I found another great grandfather’s will from the 1700’s and in it he left his following generations his belief in God. That’s my inheritance to my future generations.

We raised our three children in the church and in a Godly home and they have done likewise in raising their children. A few weeks ago, our ten-year-old Wyatt, some 62 years my junior walked down the aisle and gave his heart and life to Jesus.

Now that’s real legacy!

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Jim McGuire, an alumnus of River Valley High School in Marion County, Ohio, has sparked public outrage over his commencement speech to the graduates recently.

“My jaw dropped to the floor, and I honestly thought I was hearing it wrong,” said a 2018 River Valley graduate, Alexis Osipow. She said she was “outraged” and was further dismayed when people were clapping in approval of McGuire’s statement.

So, what did he say that was so outrageous? Along with advice about life and pursuing future goals, McGuire encouraged the students to spend time “learning God’s Word.” Then he made the following comment regarding romantic relationships. “Choose a spouse, I suggest. I also strongly suggest to make sure to choose Biblical principles, you know, a male with a female and female with a male.”

One critic said it was “inappropriate.” Another suggested this thinking was so outdated and was like going back to the 1950s.

Now, one might argue that McGuire used poor judgment in using graduation to mention what the Bible says about marriage. Yet, the local response, which included the school board issuing a statement that McGuire was not an official representative of the school district and sharing his own personal views, is indicative of how sin has become normalized.

Last month was dubbed by homosexual activists as “Pride Month.” And Google won’t let you forget as this holiday is embedded in your Google calendar.

When sin is normalized, people as the apostle Paul penned “become enemies of the cross of Christ,” and “glory in their shame.” (Phil. 3:19).

When sin is normalized, religious organizations like Mennonite Church USA, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians condone same-sex marriage. When sin is normalized, righteousness is scorned, wickedness is praised, and sin becomes a reproach to our nation (Prov 14:34). When sin is normalized people are criticized for simply citing what the Bible says.

It’s a sad day when sin is normalized. Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

— o —

Stress levels are at an all-time high today. For some, it never stops. The constant state of fight or flight is a heavy load that our bodies bear, and it leads to many of today’s common diseases.

— o —

I know that I don’t have the answers about how to fix the ills of society, especially a society where human life seems to mean so little and hate seems to run so deep. But I think I know where to start. It begins with you and me… with us. It starts with faith, hope and love. It continues by stepping up and shining a light into the darkness, and truly loving the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and then, loving our neighbor as ourselves. Marty Stubblefield

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

We must run to God because we can’t run from him. Bob Sprinkle

We may think we are right sometimes, but no one is ever righteous. Jomo Cousins

Encouragement is oxygen to the soul. Nothing breathes new life into a discouraged person like an encouraging word or deed. George M. Adams

The applause of a single human being is of great consequence. Samuel Johnson

Correction does much, but encouragement does more. German poet Goethe.

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go. Dr. Seuss

The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think and what you do is who you become. Heraclitus

When you are offended at any man’s fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger. Epictetus

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. Thornton Wilder

I don’t care that they stole my idea . . I care that they don’t have any of their own. Nikola Tesla

The gifts given to us by God must not be relinquished to those who speak ill of them and who are moved by envy or ignorance. Filippo Brunelleschi

Truth, and goodness, and beauty are but different faces of the same all. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let us conduct ourselves so that all men wish to be our friends and all fear to be our enemies. Alexander the Great

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. George Washington

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets,  some evangelists, and some pastors and teacher for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,  but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” 

–Ephesians 4:11-16 (NKJV)

When I was growing up – hahahahaha! – my Dad was 6’-1” tall, my mom was 4’-11” (if she stood up).  My 2 brothers were 6” and 4” taller than I.  I think at my greatest height I was 5’5”.  Scoliosis has done a number on that total.  The older of my 2 brothers was 5’9” tall, but when he died 2 years ago, he was shorter than I am. He, too, suffered from scoliosis.   So I’m a real expert on growth!

But what about church growth – how does one measure that?  I once belonged to a fellowship of the area fundamental pastors.  Do you know what the FIRST question seemed to be when each of us met for our monthly fellowships?  Here goes:  “Well, brother, how big is your congregation in the morning service?”.  I usually responded by, “well, brother, some of my congregation members are REALLY big!”

That’s NOT what he was looking for.  He was looking for the comparative, to see if his church attendance measured up anywhere to my church attendance.  Perhaps if he had 5 more people attending on the average than my charge did, that made his church a better church?

Church growth.  Let’s pretend to create a “church growth chart.”  What would it look like?  Let’s find out, and rather than compare your fellowship with my fellowship, let’s line up our church against this chart AND then let’s grow up together!

I promised you last week an insight into Ephesians 4:11-12.  This passage for many congregations is the most abused passage in the HISTORY of the local, even fundamental, church.  Why?  I don’t mean to offend anyone, but let’s compare our beloved KJV with the NKJV.  See if you notice the distinct difference:

KJV (King James Version):  “…he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ… “
NKJV (New King James Version):  “…He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…”.

Did you notice any difference between the KJV and the NKJV?  

Let’s hypothesize:  let’s say a pastoral candidate comes to your church and in the process of his meeting with you, you let him know what you expect of him.  You would say, according to one of the above versions, “We want you to visit, call, serve, start and lead a vibrant youth group, prepare and deliver great sermons, and do all the work that needs to be done to get our church going strong again.”  Which version was that?

The same pastoral candidate goes to another church and cautiously asks, “what do you expect your pastor to do on a regular basis?”.  In this church, the leadership say, “we would like you to train us, either one on one or as a group, to learn how to do the work of the ministry in our town.  We are only 30 strong, but 30 of us can be in 30 more places at one time than you can.”  Which version was that?

What made the difference?  Our beloved KJV (King James Version) authors, as well intentioned as they were, put in an unfortunate COMMA between “saints” and “for”.  Thus the passage implies that the PASTOR DOES ALL THE WORK!   And you and I know MANY churches – perhaps even your church – where the pastor is expected to do just that:  do all the visitation both purposely throughout the community and on a moment’s notice when any one needs attention.  In addition to his leading the services, he is to teach, teach, teach, work, work, work.  The end result often is a most burned out pastor who lasts maybe, if the church is fortunate, 2-5 years in that church’s pastorate.

But the NKJV (New King James Version, and the Greek, dear people) does NOT have that COMMA!  So as the pastor trains the people, WHO according to the Scriptures, are accountable and joyfully do the work of the ministry?  THE BODY OF CHRIST!  Yet in our society there are unfortunately MANY well intentioned churches that expect the pastor to do it all.  I once knew of a church where a pastoral candidate was told the above proverbial list of expectations of the pastor-to-be’s qualities.

And you know what he had the nerve to ask in reply?  “And what are YOU going to do while I do all the work of the ministry?”  You know what?  He stayed 20 years there and trained the people and worked beside them.  Today they are still reaching out to their community as a body of believers, showing the entire village the love of God in Christ wherever the Lord has wisely placed each one.  THAT’s what Ephesians 4:11-12 is supposed to look like in action!
  

So what are the signs of a church that is growing together doing the work of the ministry under the leadership of a wise pastor – a pastor who not only trains but also is an example of a disciple within the community the entire body is serving together?

THE FIRST SIGN IS “’TIL-LING’” (verse 13)

We live in a NOW age.  I remember the story in our area of factory workers who were soon to be laid off from their hard earned jobs.  So they pooled together some money, entered the New York State lottery as a group, and…WON.  $46 MILLION DOLLARS!   “Now we are set”, they said in unison.  But our passage calls us to a “’Til” mentality.

We are to be working the work of the ministry “together ‘TIL we come to the unity of the faith”.    This is a work for the entire body!  The pastor is more than just a leader.  He is a co-worker, a co-learner.  What he expects of you, he first expects of himself.  Do you have a pastor like that?  Do you have the freedom to expect your pastor to be like that?

We are to be working the work of the ministry “together ‘TIL we come to the knowledge of the Son of God,” a full knowledge of our Savior.  Often don’t we settle for just the knowledge of salvation?  Listen to these challenging yet encouraging verses: Psalm 119:125:  “I am Your servant; Give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.” Philippians 3:10: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His

We are to be working the work of the ministry “together ’TIL we mature to a perfect man”.  Identify yourself:  are you just a babe in Christ, or are you a mature Christian with a working AND learning knowledge of the Savior?  I encourage you to review Hebrews 5:12-14: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Which are you?

We are to be working “together ’TIL we come to the stature of the fullness of Christ…”.  That’s our measure, our standard.  We should be asking ourselves, “Is Christ seen in me?  Or am I getting in the way?”

How long?  “’TIL”!

THE SECOND SIGN IS “TOSSING” (verse 14)

“That we should no longer be children, TOSSED…”
Ever hear the story of the man disgusted with his son’s actions.  He yelled at him, “Joey, you’re acting just like a five year old!”… to which the boy replied, “But Dad!  I AM a five year old!”  What is cute in a five year old is NOT in an adult.  The test is this:  “What do you think of Christ?”  
I encourage you to read 1 John 2:1-6.  Listen intently to verse 5:

“But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.”

THE THIRD SIGN IS “TRUTHING” (verse 15)

I like how the Amplified Version translates literally this verse: “Speaking truly, Dealing truly, Living truly…”
   Under Christ’s Headship people ought to see us not as how we represent ourselves, our families, even our church.  They ought to see us as how we represent Jesus!
People ought to ask of us our hope, to which we can quickly reply, “We have learned this of Christ.”
   Most of us are familiar with Acts 4:12:

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
But have you ever noticed the next verse, Acts 4:13:

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”   [my emphasis]
Then and only then does the cycle go back to me, and who I am because this is what I have learned of Christ.

LET’S WRAP THIS UP!
Do you remember the initial question?  The group of pastors in a wonderful fellowship ask one another, “How many are coming to your morning service?”

What SHOULD they be asking?  What are the REAL final tests of the growth of one’s local church?

Is your church body joined and knit together?

Is every joint supplying?

Is every part doing its share?

Is the body building itself up in love?

Do all the functions of the local body show Christ and Him crucified, risen, and coming again?

Do I? Do you?

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is Yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all. 1 Chronicles 20.11

It was an incredibly powerful storm. I went out on the porch just to watch the many bolts of lightning. Briefly I came inside and stood by a window to watch. Suddenly there was a powerful flash with a simultaneous clap of thunder and loss of power. I opened the door and saw smoke coming from my electric transformer. I knew it would be a long night. With a flashlight, I explored the transformer and found where the bolt struck, leaving a large round hole pierced in the heavy steel.

Not only was it a reminder of the power of lightning, but a reminder of the power of God. How Powerful Is Lightning? A typical lightning flash is about 300 million Volts and about 30,000 Amps. In comparison, household current is 120 Volts and 15 Amps. God is in control of it all.

How powerful is the Word of God? You would expect a book that is divine and living would in fact be active, and so it is. Paul writes in 1 Thess. 2:13 that the Word of God does work. Jeremiah writes: “Is not my word like fire, declares the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks the rod into pieces.” God’s word is powerful. The word translated here as powerful is the source of our word energy. It means to say that God’s word has God’s power, his energy.

Because it is God’s word, it is an undefeatable word. The Bible has all the essentials of the life and power of God to do his work! Isaiah says that the word of God does not return void; it does His work, powerfully so (Is. 55).

The Word of God is powerful. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

From the standpoint of your own sanctification or spiritual growth, you need this book every single day. You need to read it, meditate on it, memorize it, and delight in it. You need it preached each Lord’s Day and you need it singing in your head all day long.

It is a powerful book!

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

The problem is that believing in ourselves, and having confidence in ourselves are not bad things in and of themselves. Not bad as long, as that confidence and belief stems from our faith, confidence and belief in God. He is the source of our confidence and the foundation of our success.

True success is found when we lay down our lives and give it to Him. When we take up our cross and follow Him. When we allow Jesus to work in and through us and guide our steps and our lives. Marty Stubblefield

— o —

“Well son, we don’t need to know about the Bible anymore, they stopped teaching that stuff when we got into school.” A parent answering their son about the meaning of John 3:16

— o —

No one undertakes a journey alone. We depend upon others constantly–in ways both tangible and intangible–to move us toward our destination. We cannot succeed without the help of others, but forming positive relationships can be a challenge. This is true in business. In politics. In sports. In the home. And in the church. John Maxwell

— o —

Authors, motivational speakers, and experts in every field of endeavor agree that attitude makes the big difference in life. It’s the difference between success and failure. Between winning and losing. Between a happy and miserable home life. Between friendly and unfriendly relationships. And between personal contentment and discontentment.

— o —

According to the American Bible Society, nearly 26 million Americans reduced or stopped their interaction with Scripture in the past year.

— o —

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. G.K. Chesterto

Never underestimate the importance of removing stuff you don’t need. The Minimalist

Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Ludwig Van Beethoven

It’s okay to be human, through the mistakes and disappointments of everyday life, give yourself grace to be human. Thomas Nelson Company

Jesus has blessed us in order for us to be a blessing to others. Max Wilkins

None of us are sinless, but God calls us to sin less. Jo Mo Cousins.

Fear is the attention we give our primary attention to. It can be our greatest fear or our greatest hope. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Chris Dodson

Minimalism, to me, has always been about living a focused, meaningful life—one that accomplishes the most good for the greatest number of people. Things That Matter is about living well and pursuing a life dedicated to meaningful pursuits—and allowing that pursuit to take you on journeys to places you never imagined. The Minimalist

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair. Samuel Johnson

“7 But to each one of us grace was given  according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  8 Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
And gave gifts to men.”

 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that  He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?  He who descended is also the One Who ascended  far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,”   

— (Ephesians 4:7-11)  [NKJV] 

There is built within our systems a desire, a strong desire, that we are needed, that we are a vital part of the world that surrounds our daily lives.

• The teacher needs to think that he/she is making an impact on his/her students  

• The ball player needs to think he is helping the team win  

• The parent needs to think his children are really listening and will grow to maturity.

BUT sometimes our world can be so shallow that we fail to see the BIG PICTURE!

Let me illustrate from the point of view of different views of the same thing:

 First is the view from your tree house.  Everything looks clear, right?   *  Next, there is the same view, but from the top of the Empire State Building    *  How about the same view, but from an airplane!   *  One more:  how about the same view, but from the space shuttle.  Get the view?

   But there really is only ONE view that matters, and that is the view from God Himself!  Everything then gains INDIVIDUAL significance!

   You then become a BIG PART of the BIG PICTURE called “God’s Purposes in Eternity.”  Our text today looks at the BIG PICTURE, and our BIG PART in it, from 3 perspectives.   Are you ready?

1. FIRST IS THE BIG PICTURE OF THE INDIVIDUAL (verse 7).

As some of you may remember, I had the privilege while serving as pastor over 3 decades to be “bi-vocational”.  During that time I served with our local police department in a number of capacities.  One of the highlights of one’s career is the retirement party!  You’ve worked your shift.  You’ve finished your days.  It is time for your fellow officers to recognize you for your worth.  Such was the case for my good friend Paul, a sergeant who, when he retired, got a job as a salesman for a local well-known car dealership.  What gifts would be appropriate for us fellow officers to give to Paul?  We gave him 3 very personal items.  First, we gave him a water pistol, in case he missed his service revolver.  Then we gave him an auto organizer, so that HIS vehicle looks sharp.  Finally, we gave him magnifying glasses, so that his buyers can read the fine print of the contract!  (All these were in good spirits – he really did get some NICE gifts as well!).  

   These were individual gifts with Paul in mind.  They suited his personality and we ALL benefitted from them.

   What’s the point?  God in turn gives each believer gifts that are uniquely suited for the INDIVIDUAL in light of God’s perspective and purposes of the BIG PICTURE!!!

   God PERSONALLY gives His gift PERSONALLY to me PERSONALLY!  Did you catch the verse?  “To each one of us…”.  Whether we are in the forefront as the Pastor or behind the scenes as a prayer warrior, God has uniquely given to me His gift.   

1 Corinthians 12:11 describes it this way: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

   And all of that which He does for me individually is for His glory personally through ME!  (Do I hear a “Wow!” – or at least an “Amen”?)

   But can’t you hear yourself say, “But what if I can’t do it?”.  The operation of the gifts of God which He has individually chosen for me is dependent upon two things:  my OBEDIENCE and my FAITH!

And we have help!   “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully…Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, SUPPLY and MULTIPLY the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:6, 10-11

   God enables!  And we need to be willing for His enablement!

   So the operation of the gift is a CHOICE?  YES!!!  What happens if we say NO!  In the BIG PICTURE, a cog is wasted and will need to be replaced by a willing vessel.  And as for us?  We will miss the blessing of having been used and having served in ways which only He could have done through us.

2. SECOND IS THE BIG PICTURE OF VICTORY (verses 8-10)

The simple truth of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Savior includes the fact that He is now at God’s right hand praying, working, and waiting…FOR US!

Now we know and are confident with the truth from 2 Corinthians 5:8 that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”  

   So the picture here is one of VICTORY!  Psalm 68:18 in the Hebrew reads, “You have led away a train of vanquished foes.”

   What does that mean for us?   The Romans – as well as other people groups – were known after a big battle to have a PARADE!  The soldiers would march down the center of town while the people of the village cheered the victors on!  And the parade included more than just the survivors of battle.  It also included many of the captives of war.  AND there were the spoils on display.  Quite the sight!

   As a result of our Savior’s ascension, He shows off the foes as vanquished.  We see the victory.   He gives the gifts.  We see the victory already won.

   Seeing the victory, we are encouraged to press on in our service for Him – knowing that we are ALREADY on the victory side!

3. THIRD AND FINALLY, THERE IS THE BIG PICTURE OF ETERNITY (verse 11)

Verse 11 shares in the gifts which the Lord gives to the local church.  He gave “apostles and prophets”.   We must be careful – very careful – here.  This is not an isolated verse.  Ephesians 2:20 says that the Lord “BUILT ON the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”  And Ephesians 3:5 adds that the church, a mystery to the Jews, “in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets.”   Scripture shows that once the Bible was complete, there was no need for a new foundation, a new group like the “apostles and prophets” to build upon that foundation.  We need to beware today of the cult of those who call themselves “apostles” or “prophets”.  The foundation and revelation do not need to be built again.

Verse 11 also tells us that God gave to the early church “evangelists”.  OK, when you hear the word “evangelist”, what first comes to mind?  Sure – someone who comes to your church or to an area in town, ministers to the whole community while at the same time pumps up/encourages the local church(es) and its members.  But the original use of “evangelist” was one who was an herald of the good news, was the bearer of the good news.  In today’s church the “evangelist” properly would be what we call “missionaries”.  (And yes, it is possible that who we call an “evangelist” is in reality also a “missionary”, even if his mission is going from town to town).

   Finally verse 11 says that God gifts the church “pastors and teachers”.   Verses 11 and 12 are probably two of the most improperly used verses in the New Testament.  Lord willing, we will discuss this even further the next time we’re together.  But for now, suffice it to say that the Greek does NOT call these TWO distinct offices but…ONE.  A pastor is one who teaches!  He is a “teaching pastor”.  You cannot be a pastor without teaching.  He is equipped by God – and perhaps by extended education and regular study of the Word – as a professional NOT to be replaced by the professionals of today’s society.  He is called out from local churches – THAT’S where pastors come from.  Thus YOU are a part of this BIG PICTURE.  Maybe in your church right now is a young man who needs to be encouraged to pursue by faith the calling that God has upon his life, which calling is apparent to many.  Be that encourager today!

   So there is the story of Lucy and Snoopy.  With apologies to Mr. Schultz, Lucy looks at Snoopy and says, “You’re useless!  All you do is eat and sleep.  You can’t talk.  You are good for nothing!”.  To all of that Snoopy thinks, “well then, I might as well go back to sleep!”

   But what about US?  What are WE to do?

   When caught up by today, see the BIG PICTURE!

When feeling useless, remember GOD EMPOWERS!

When feeling used, remember it is GOD Who is using you in the BIG PICTURE!

   BECAUSE…YOU ARE A BIG PART OF THE BIG PICTURE!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17

Francis Julius Bellamy was an American Christian Baptist minister and author, best known for writing the original version of the US Pledge of Allegiance in 1892. He was born in 1855 in Mt. Morris, New York and he died in 1931 in Tampa, Florida. Today on Wilsky Blvd. in Tampa stands Bellamy Elementary, painted to resemble the flag for which it stands.

The Pledge of Allegiance was written in August 1892 by the socialist minister Francis Bellamy (1855-1931). It was originally published in The Youth’s Companion on September 8, 1892. Bellamy had hoped that the pledge would be used by citizens in any country.

In its original form it read:

“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

In 1923, the words, “the Flag of the United States of America” were added. At this time it read:

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words “under God,” creating the 31-word pledge we say today. Bellamy’s daughter objected to this alteration. Today it reads:

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Principles from the pledge to focus on as we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on this Fourth of July:

1. We pledge our uncompromising allegiance to our country, The United States of America. There is no other and there is no greater.

2. We are one. All count equally. We stand for one and as a citizen we stand for all. No one counts for more than anyone.

3. We are a republic, not a democracy that can become a mobocracy. We are subject to a higher law, the divine law of Almighty God.

4. We are a nation under God, the supreme creator and ultimate ruler of all.

5. We are indivisible as we stand united in our cause, and we cannot be divided.

6. We believe in freedom and liberty and justice for all of our people. The rights and liberties of each one are the rights and liberties and justice of all Americans.

Perhaps most of all, we believe that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom and our nation is built on that heritage and as Americans, we know that without its birth in the Spirit of God, America would never be the great country it is. May we never stray from that foundation of our national existence and may we continue to individually and as a nation lift up our God as the author of true liberty and justice for all.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

20 RULES OF OUR HOME:

#1 We love God, obey Jesus, and follow His Word.

#2 We love, honor, and pray for one another.

#3 Mom and Dad are in charge. Period.

#4 We speak respectfully with one another, even when we disagree.

#5 Rules are rules – they are not general guidelines.

#6 Life is not always about you, sometimes it is about others.

#7 You are not expected to be perfQUOTES YOU CAN USEect, therefore, you may not expect perfection from others.

#8 If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything.

#9 When someone is sorry, we forgive them.

#10 When someone is sad, we comfort them.

#11 We someone is happy we rejoice with them.

#12 We tell the truth.

#13 We keep our word.

#14 If we make a mess, we clean it up.

#15 If we turn something on, we turn it off.

#16 If we take something out, we put it away.

#17 If we don’t know what to do, we ask.

#18 We do not hurt one another with unkind words or deeds.

#19 We take care of everything God has given us.

#20 When we disobey “The Rules of our Home,” we accept discipline.

How would you adapt these for your home?

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

You can’t stop evil thoughts from coming into your mind, but you can decide to either cast them or capture them!!!!! Jo Mo Cousins

Even when we are exiled by circumstances and stranded on islands of difficulty, we can worship and praise God. Robert P. Morgan

I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong. Frederick Douglas

The greatest minds are capable of the greatest vices as well as of the greatest virtues. Rene Descartes

The Kingdom is bigger than the local church. Cindy Heiberg

People don’t run out of dreams, people run out of time. Glenn Frey

What sweetness is left in life if you take away friendship? Robbing life of friendship is like robbing the world of the sun. A true friend is more to be esteemed than kinsfolk. Cicero

One drop of truth can outweigh an ocean of lies. Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Many of us live isolated in a bubble totally unaware of the needs at their feet. Max Wilkins

Before we change our way of working, we need to change our way of thinking. Kelly Knouse

Jesus doesn’t want to change our behavior. He wants to transform our heart. He is more interested in our inside than our outside. Chris Dodson

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

Ephesians 4:4-6 [NKJV]

Here is a really spiritual question to ask you: as there are many voices crying out for yours and your church’s fellowship, how do you know to which voice you should listen?

Without being remotely judgmental (that’s not my nor the text’s purpose), what criteria should we set – or that the Bible sets – for encouraging us to further our involvement? So many voices. And just to name a few, and all good voices:

Promise Keepers! This is a WONDERFUL ministry among men in particular, and yet there are no denominational boundaries to the group. Is that Biblically ok? How about a “men’s breakfast” among area churches, several of which churches deny the doctrines we hold precious? How about a Conference, one to which many of its members have connections with churches, which like the men’s breakfast, have no Biblical foundation but are simply a “community gathering?”

Here’s a tough one: what about “missions” and “missionaries”? In this modern age of rapid communication, is it possible that our mission board or any one of its missionaries is aligned with doctrines which, if in our presence, would make us cringe? How do we know where to go?

Our text tells us so! It helps clarify our oneness, the spiritual (and subsequently by practice, the physical) unity of believers, as listed by these 7 descriptions:

#1 ONE BODY (v. 4)

Please note that the English supplies “there is” in italics, meaning the writers of our translation believed that the addition of those two words would be helpful in the flow of the text. However, they recognize that “there is” is not in the original text.

If I may interrupt: when I was first saved, I would read the Bible just like any book of literature. So when I came to Ephesians 4:4, I noted that the text is putting words in italics…for emphasis! Therefore I read it this way: “THERE IS one body…”. However, that is not the intent of the author. I learned the hard way after a very embarrassing public reading of the Word.

The word “one” shows the unity that our Savior prayed for. So that leads to a stupid question: what is the “body”? Is it a bunch of parts randomly put together? NO! But Paul uses a magnificently simple picture to portray a dynamic truth.

Look with me to Romans 12:1-6, in particular verse 5: “so we, being many, are one BODY in Christ, and individually members of one another.” This is the unity of the local body of believers! I attend a small (Baptist) church located in the hill country of Smyrna, New York. Among our membership are a variety of personalities and talents. During this season that we have been without a pastor, I have had the privilege to help out with the pulpit duties. But as some of you may remember, I contracted the Covid virus at the end of last November. I was unable to perform ANY duties for the church during the busy month of December. And yet what happened? The church – one body in Christ – recognized that they were individually members of one another! Each one worked together as one!

Look also at 1 Corinthians 12:18: “But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the BODY just as He pleased.” During that time I could not come to church, as many members came together to work as one, one member stood out (unbeknownst to most). But let’s be clear here: did Jim sing solos during this time? NO! Thank you, Lord. He knew that is not where he fit in the BODY. But he did help (quietly, behind the scenes) finance many of the programs of outreach of the church that Christmas season. One BODY.

#2 ONE SPIRIT (v. 4)

There is one Holy Spirit, Whom we know as the third Person of the Trinity. But I would ask you, and Paul would remind us: what is the function of the Holy Spirit in regards to the unity of the church?

A classic passage is 1 Corinthians 12:12-13:

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”

The Holy Spirit works in our hearts to bring us to Christ, placing us into the universal BODY of Christ!

While in 1 Corinthians 12, look at verses 4, 7, 8:

“4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit….

7-8 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit…”

The Holy Spirit then gives gifts to be used within the BODY. No one gift is more important than another. Why, the pastor is not more important than the janitor! The Spirit gives the gifts!

But be aware of the guiding text of 1 John 4:1:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

How do we “test the spirits”? We determine if they are in agreement with the Word of God!

So we have ONE BODY and ONE SPIRIT. Now #3 ONE HOPE (verse 4):

Webster defines hope as “a feeling that what is wanted will happen”. Is this scriptural? Is this helpful in our study today?

Paul told Titus that we are “looking for the blessed HOPE (Titus 2:13a).

Let us look at one passage: 1 John 3:1-3:

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this HOPE in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” [my emphasis]

This is a “know-so” hope, not a feeling. It is based upon God’s word! The old salts had a saying, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” Perhaps that should be revised to read, “God said it, that settles it whether I believe it or not.” HOPE!

#4 “ONE LORD” (verse 5)

The word “LORD” means “Master” or, if you will, “Boss” (without attempting to be irreverent by placing human terms for an Heavenly position). He not only is in control, He is the One to Whom belongs the leadership.

Revelation calls Jesus “King of kings and LORD of lords” (19:16). Colossians 1:18 says “He is the Head of the BODY, the church.”

Here is an interesting progression:

Salvation…Maturity…LORDSHIP…Gifts recognized…Usefulness in the local church as the church submits to His LORDSHIP!

Some would argue that “salvation” and “LORDSHIP” take place at the same time. There are scriptures encouraging both views. In either case, there is ONE LORD to Whom the believer must surrender daily, and in so doing, the local church and the universal church are beneficiaries of that surrender!

#5 “ONE FAITH” (verse 5)

“Faith” can be two thoughts, perhaps, here combined. FIRST, it is a TRUST in the Scriptures and the Lord to do marvelous things. We all remember Romans 10:17: “So then FAITH comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

SECOND, it also is the entire BODY OF TRUTH concerning God’s Son! Jude 3 says, “contending for THE FAITH which was once delivered to the saints.”

How was it delivered? Through the Word of God! The key here is the AUTHORITY of God’s Word – the local church is in submission to ONE FAITH in Christ, in His Word, through trust in His Word.

Note that it does NOT say “MANY FAITHS”. The mindset of “ONE FAITH” becomes both very narrow and thus hopefully very bold.

#6 “ONE BAPTISM” (verse 5)

Remember 1 Corinthians 12:13? “For by one Spirit are we all BAPTIZED into one body…”

The key here is ONE baptism. This baptism shows the complete and once for all security of the believer.

We should all be familiar with John 10:27-29:

“27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”

The believer is securely (figuratively) in Jesus’ hand. Jesus is securely (figuratively) in His Father’s hand. This is the complete security of the believer.

Finally, #7 “ONE GOD AND FATHER (verse 6)

There are TWO fathers in Scripture. There is here in verse 6, “one God and Father”. And John 8:44reminds us of the other father: “you are of your father, THE DEVIL…”. Which one is YOUR (F/f)ather?

Our “ONE God and Father” looks back to CREATION, where He is the Father of all creation. It looks back to His SOVEREIGNTY, to His right to be in charge. It looks back to His OMNIPRESENCE, to His right to be EVERYWHERE and LORD of EVERYONE.

The key in the context of verse 6 is that God has the right to be God, the Head of the Church – both local and universal.

Let’s close looking back to the original question: WHERE IS OUR UNITY? It is found in our ONE BODY, ONE SPIRIT, ONE HOPE, ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM, ONE GOD AND FATHER.

This is not an easy path, for the individual believer as well as for the local church. It causes each of us to TAKE THE TIME (ouch!) to be disciplined in study, in nature, and not haphazard but purposeful in direction (ouch!).

WHERE IS OUR UNITY?

OUR UNITY IS IN CHRIST ALONE!

For I hold you by your right hand — I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 41: 13

He is the Creator of the universe, yet knows our name. He threw the stars into the sky, yet God knows and cares when we cry at night, or when we worry about something in our lives. He holds us tight when we lose someone we love, or when the world seems too overwhelming, and we feel too weak to move on. Our God always does that. Showing us in those moments, that He knows where we are and what we’re going through. And that He cares.

As the story has been passed down to us, President Abraham Lincoln was known to often visit hospitals to talk with the wounded soldiers during the Civil War. During one of his visits, the doctors pointed out a young soldier who was near death, and President Lincoln went to be with him at his bedside.

The President asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” The soldier obviously didn’t recognize President Lincoln, and with some effort he was able to whisper to him, “Would you please write a letter to my mother?” A pen and paper were provided, and the President carefully began writing down what the young man was able to say.

“My dearest mother, I was badly hurt while doing my duty. I’m afraid I’m not going to recover. Don’t grieve too much for me, please. Kiss Mary and John for me. May God bless you and father.”

The soldier was too weak to continue, so Lincoln signed the letter for him and added …… “Written for your son by Abraham Lincoln.”

The young man asked to see the note and was astonished when he saw who had written it. “Are you really the President?” he asked. “Yes, I am,” Lincoln replied quietly. Then President Lincoln asked if there was anything else he could do for him. “Would you please hold my hand?” the soldier asked. “It will help to see me through to the end.”

In the hushed room, the tall gaunt President took the boy’s hand in his and spoke warm words of encouragement until death came.

God is always as close to us as the President was to the soldier. And He is never closer to us than when we’ve been shipwrecked, crippled or hurt by life. Always holding our hand. He is there when the circumstances of our days, or the unknown things lurking just around the corner drive us to the edge of despair, as we wonder which way to go.

He understands and He knows the way. And He will always be with us, wherever we are, and wherever we go, holding our hand

.- Scott Whitaker

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Following a twenty-year career in the Marine Corps, Joseph A. Kennedy was hired in 2008 as assistant football coach for the varsity and head coach of the junior varsity squad at Bremerton High School near Seattle, Washington. Soon after, he began kneeling to pray at the fifty-yard line after each game. After a few games, some of his players asked to join him and players did.

His post-game prayer continued for several years, but, in 2015, Bremerton’s athletic director told Kennedy his prayers were against the rules. He refused to stop and was placed on leave; the school district did not rehire him for the following season. Recently, First Liberty defended Coach Kennedy before the US Supreme Court.

Critics allege that the prayers were public, not private, and that the coach was acting coercively in his professional capacity. By contrast, in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, Coach Kennedy explained his position and the stakes involved: “Unless the US Supreme Court rules in my favor, teachers could be fired for praying over their lunch in the cafeteria if students can see them. That doesn’t seem like the Constitution I fought for in the Marine Corps.

“I just want to be back on the field with my guys, building a team to accomplish a mission. I hope the Supreme Court agrees.”

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The New York Times is profiling a movement called “fictosexuals.” These are people who consider themselves married to a fictional character, whether a doll, a character in a video game, or a similar “person.” One person who “married” a doll wants us to know that as artificial intelligence and robotics allow for more profound interactions with the inanimate, the number of fictosexuals is likely to increase.

— o —

Harvard’s “Study of Adult Development” followed two groups of men over eighty years to “identify the psychosocial predictors of healthy aging.” Beginning before World War II, they interacted with over seven hundred men as they scrutinized blood samples, performed brain scans, and collated surveys.

According to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, the director of the research project, “The clearest message that we get from this eighty-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.”

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

When you know firmly what your mission is, it creates passion. Coach Tom Allen

We cannot work our way into heaven, but we are justified by our faith. Cindy Heiberg

We cannot allow ourselves to be paralyzed by fear. Max Wilkins

Well begun is half done. Aristotle

The secret of change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. Socrates

America is the most anxious nation on planet Earth. Kelly Knouse

Rest is a weapon given to us by God. The enemy hates it because he wants us to be stressed and occupied. Elizabeth Elliott

The cross is in the sign of a plus, not a negative. We don’t judge our religion by what we don’t do. We judge our God by adding Jesus to our life.

We are all creations of God, but not all of us are children of God. Jo Mo Cousins

All of the world’s problems could be solved if men would do what God has called them to do. Chris Dodson

God is inviting you to a rich, abundant life – a life with Him. Will you accept the invitation? Will you come? Dan Shock

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