That is not what I asked

Have you noticed how; when you ask someone a question, they often answer a different one? For example, this often happens when you ask people, “Are you going to heaven?” Many people give a response but do not truly answer the question. As you read this article, ask yourself if you are guilty of answering the wrong question.

When I ask you, “Are you going to heaven?” I am not asking you…

Do you want to go to heaven?

Although this is a good question, desiring to go somewhere and knowing whether you are going somewhere are very different. Some have concluded that they are going to heaven based upon their desire. We know this is true because of what Jesus said will happen in the last day. In Matthew 7:21-23, Christ speaks of the many who will think they are going to heaven merely because they want to go there. Let me be clear – it is good to desire to go to heaven! God’s word tells us of the requirements to actually get there though. Desire does not answer the question, “Are you going to heaven?”

Does God want you to go to heaven?

No Christian should doubt whether our heavenly Father wants us to go to heaven. He sent His Son to die on the cross so that we all might be saved (John 3:16). We are even told that our God does not want anyone to perish (II Pet. 3:9). However, we are not guaranteed to go to heaven just because our Creator wants us to go. It is true that God desires for us to join Him in heaven and thus made it accessible to us, but this does not answer the question, “Are you going to heaven?”

Do others say you are going to heaven?

Many religious people have been misled and now have a false hope of heaven. They believe they are going to heaven because of what their preacher said or because of what their family and friends told them. They are not considering what God has said about the matter. This is like when Eve was told in the garden that she would not die for disobedience when God clearly said she would (Gen. 3:4). Those who think they can blame the preacher or family member who taught error need to remember what Jesus said - when the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch (Matt. 15:14).  The teachings of men do not answer the question, “Are you going to heaven?”

Do you feel like you are going?

It is sad when people are taught that they cannot know whether they are going to heaven. These people often express interest in heaven but only say that they hope to get there. Jesus came to the earth to give us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). We already discussed how people can have false assurance of heaven, but this does not mean that we cannot know. God’s standards are clear, and we should remember this when asked “Are you going to heaven?”

We can know if we are going to heaven

The fact that we can know whether we are going to heaven means we can also know when we are not going. By looking to the true path described in God’s word, we can know with certainty whether we are on track to go to heaven and can take appropriate action (Matt. 7:13-14). Notice Paul’s confidence: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but to all who have loved His appearing.” (II Tim. 4:7-8).   

Paul’s confidence does not stem from pride or love of self – it stems from confidence in our Lord. All of us are in a fight and a race that we can win, but we need to keep the faith like Paul. May we examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5) and make sure we have a proper assurance that we are going to heaven.                                                                                      

 Chuck

Eat, drink and be merry

There was an occasion when someone cried out to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me,” (Luke 12:13). Jesus used this moment to speak about the evils of covetousness (verse 15). He then told a parable about a rich man (verses 16-21). Let’s consider all of these verses to see what Christ wants us to learn.

Jesus spoke of a successful farmer. His barns were full, and he did not know what he was going to do with his entire crop. He decided to pull down his barns and build bigger ones. He was pleased with this plan and intended to congratulate himself once everything was stored: “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry,” (verse 19). God then spoke: “You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” (verse 20). Jesus offered a conclusion: “So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God,” (verse 21).

This poses several questions for modern Christians:

• Is it wrong to build up a “nest egg” or retirement fund?
• Is it wrong to enjoy life by eating, drinking and being merry?
• Is it wrong to be rich?
• Should people with earthly success feel guilty?

These questions miss the point of Christ’s teaching. The purpose of the parable was to deal with covetousness (verse 15). Having established the necessary context, let’s explore why Jesus said it was foolish to eat, drink and be merry.

Consider this – it is foolish to eat, drink and be merry when…

There is work to be done

When Jesus warned about covetousness, He made the point that one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses (verse 15). There is much work to be done, and our Lord made it clear that the laborers are few (Luke 10:2).  People often think that this means there are not enough Christians. That is true, but Christ is specifically calling for faithful followers who are willing to work – many Christian just wants to eat, drink and be merry. We must all consider what truly brings us satisfaction. Jesus wants us to enjoy doing spiritual work, not completing the work so we can rest. Think about that.

You live to eat, drink and be merry

Have you noticed how non-Christians often “live for the weekend”? They cannot wait to eat, drink and be merry. This is often why they work. In contrast, Christians should not consider their lives “great” because they get to eat, drink and be merry! Such thinking is foolishness. Christians have many important tasks at hand - resisting temptation continually, visiting the sick, comforting the sorrowful, helping the fallen, and encouraging the weak. These tasks might not be “fun” in the earthly sense, but Christians find deeper joy in these things than they do when just eating, drinking and being merry (Matt. 5:4; James 1:27; Matt. 25:41-46). 

More is not enough

Eating, drinking and being merry can create an obsession. In other words, the more one gets of these things, the more they want them. Soon, the person cannot get enough. Like a drug addiction, these people become unhappy whenever they are not spending their time in fun and frolic. People who live this way will not be able to truthfully speak as Paul did: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content,” (Phil. 4:12).

                                                                                        Chuck

Gospel meeting

In a little over a month, we will hold our spring gospel meeting. Steve Reeves, who preaches in Benton, Illinois, will come and preach a series of lessons. He will speak at all three services on Sunday, April 17th, and every following evening Monday through Friday (April. 18-22) at 7 pm. All are encouraged to attend.

Why are we having this meeting? The gospel of Jesus Christ will be proclaimed each time we meet. We have not invited Steve to come and preach his own ideas about spirituality. We expect that he will only preach the pure word of God (Rom. 1:16). He will do his best to edify the Christians here (Eph. 4:15-16). This edification is why people often refer to these meetings as revivals. By attending, Christians can expect to be revived and stirred up to good works (Titus 2:14)!

Not only will this meeting build up the saints, it will also provide opportunities for members of the community to visit. We can invite our friends and co-workers to hear the gospel (Mark 16:15). Many of our religious friends attend elsewhere and have their own recurring commitments on Sundays and Wednesdays. Meeting every night of the week will create more opportunities for them to visit.

So what can people expect when they attend Monday night through Friday night? First, we will simply welcome those who visit. They will not be “pounced” upon. Bibles will be available for those who do not have one. There will be singing, prayers and a sermon. There will not be a collection taken up as this is done on Sundays for the local church (I Cor. 16:1). 

Visitors will be greeted warmly and encouraged to listen to the message carefully. If they have any questions, they will be welcomed to ask. As Christians, we simply want to go to heaven by doing the will of the Father Please make plans to come and worship with us April 17-22.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Chuck

How can we know?

Last week, we received a Bible question through our website. “How do you know if you have the truth??” What a great question! To answer this, we need to turn to the Lord. Jesus stated two important facts. First, the truth has been given (John 16:13; John 14:6). Second, we can all understand the truth (John 8:32; Eph. 3:3-4). If we do not accept these facts, then we cannot know whether we have the truth.

Could someone believe that they have the truth and still be wrong? Yes. Many people think they understand the scriptures and have eternal life, but they do not (John 5:39-40). This shows that the word of God can be mishandled (II Pet. 3:16). Christians are instructed to rightly divide the word of truth (II Tim. 2:15). But the question remains – how can we know if we have the truth?

Identifying truth requires careful examination. Only those who seek will find (Matt. 7:7). We need to study the scriptures diligently (Acts 17:11) and consistently (II Cor. 15:5). Self-deception is prevalent, so we must be extremely careful (James 1:22). We must exercise humility and be willing to admit when we are wrong (Acts 18:24-26). We must also be consistent and handle all of the word of God properly, not “most” of it (I Pet. 4:11).

When determining whether someone has the truth, pay attention to how they handle scrutiny. Those with the truth must be willing to accept questions (I Pet. 3:15). Refusing to discuss what we believe should raise a red flag. Instead, those who think they have the truth should welcome questions as opportunities to confirm the truth. Over the years I have found many people who claimed to have the truth but called open discussions “wastes of time.”

Friends, we need to accept the fact that most people in the world will reject the truth. Accordingly, we should not let the small number of God’s faithful followers discourage us (Matt. 7:13-14). There is truth, and we must never stop seeking it.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Chuck

I do not know what to say

Loss and setbacks have struck several members of our congregation recently. I could not help but think of Romans 12:15, which instructs us to “weep with those that weep.”  When we hear sad news, we often feel strained because we do not know what to say. Does the word of God provide any help in this area? Yes. The account of Job and his three friends contains many lessons that will help us know what to do and what not to do when around those dealing with loss.

Allow people to grieve

When Job lost his children and then his health, the scriptures show that his friends recognized Job’s heavy grief (Job 2:13). Those who are grieving need to be allowed to do so without people pumping them full of questions. We may genuinely want to understand what is wrong and help, but there will be plenty of time for that later. As caring people, we need to remember that although we share their sorrow, it still is THEIR sorrow!

Let your silence offer comfort

In the same verse we mentioned in our last point, it also states, “…and no one spoke a word to him.”  Silence can sometimes be enough because our presence speaks volumes. If there is ever a time one to apply James 1:19 in being slow to speak, it is when you are visiting someone who has suffered a great loss. Be available for them but do not overwhelm them.

Let your emotions show

Notice what Job’s friends did when they first saw him: “And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept,” (Job 2:12). While we should not overwhelm a person with questions, we do not need to remain completely silent either. If you feel genuine pain for another’s loss, you should show that. I am not suggesting that we are uncaring if we do not have streams of tears, but we can certainly show our concern. Genuine sympathy is appreciated.

Remember that the goal is to comfort

There was a purpose to Job’s friends getting together and coming to see Job: “For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him,” (Job. 2:11).  Some people might feel it is best to ignore or avoid those who are hurting to respect their privacy. As Christians, the sorrows of our brethren are our business though.  We want to help them get through their trying times. The last thing we need to do is act childish and become bitter if feel that our kindness is not appreciated enough. If we do this, we have forgotten our primary goal of offering comfort.

Saying the wrong thing can be devastating

All three of Job’s friends eventually started to talk to Job, but what they had to say was wrong. They accused Job of bringing his calamities this on himself (Job. 4:7; 8:6-7; 11:13-15). At the end of the book, our God put those three men in their places: “My wrath is aroused against you…for you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has,” (Job. 42:7). What a waste it is to think that you are offering comfort when instead you are truly causing harm! A friend of mine who preaches said he heard someone conduct a funeral and tell the grieving family that he knew exactly how they felt because he had a dog that died. Folks, we need to think carefully about what we say to those who are full of sorrow. Saying nothing is far better than saying the wrong thing.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Chuck