Why Did You Send for Me?

By Connie Adams
www.cvillechurch.com

On the instruction of an angel of God, Cornelius, the Roman centurion, sent men to Joppa to locate Simon Peter and bring him to the house of Cornelius. Peter himself had received a vision in which he was told not to call common or unclean what God had cleansed. The next day, Peter and six Jewish brethren accompanied these messengers to Caesarea to the house of the centurion. Upon arrival, they found a collection of kinsmen and friends of Cornelius. Peter said, "Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?" (Acts 10:29).

That was a fair question then and it is a fair one now when brethren send for a preacher either to come and live along them or for a gospel meeting. Sometimes the expectations of the preacher and those of the people who sent for him are not the same. Therein lies the cause of misunderstandings, friction, and sometimes division.

Why He Did NOT Send For Peter

Peter did not come to be idolized and venerated and to establish a cult built around his personality. In fact, when Cornelius fell down before Peter when he arrived, Peter quickly told him to "stand up; I myself also am a man" (v. 26). There is no indication that Peter delayed for a few moments to savor this adulation. If a preacher comes to a place expecting to be put on some sort of pedestal to be adored but never questioned, then there are going to be some rough times. There is something wrong with the general view that the preacher alone is responsible for the success or failure of the work. He may well be a contributing factor in either case, but the work must not be built around him. Peter was a messenger of the gospel. The message was not his. He was obligated to deliver it without change.

He did not send for Peter to entertain and amuse himself, his kindred or his friends with bursts of eloquence, one‑liners, and pitiful stories to make them cry. The motive in sending for him was much nobler than that. Sadly, that is what untaught or worldly-minded church members want and expect. They will come in droves to hear such delivered by gifted speakers but they will stay away when such adornments are missing.

He did not send for Peter to take over his God‑given responsibilities. That is what some think the work of a preacher to be. They want an official socializer who will be visible at all the right times and places to enhance the image of the church before the world. You know, someone who can convince the community that he is a "good-ole boy." They want someone to do all their personal work for them. Sometimes brethren will advertise for a preacher and will say "it doesn't matter if he is able in the pulpit as long as he is a good personal worker." Is this an advertisement for mediocrity in the pulpit? Paul told Timothy to commit what he had learned to "faithful men who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). Does this mean that a man is expected to do his part personally in teaching the lost, or does it mean that they are going to fulfill their work by proxy through this hired hand? Cornelius did not depend on Peter, after his arrival to round up his relatives and friends. He did that himself.

He did not send for Peter to organize sports and entertainment for the young people. Peter was not expected to organize some sort of mountain or wilderness survival expedition or lead an adventure to see who could be the first to cross the Mediterranean in a rowboat. He was not to arrange for surfing contests down at the sea. No, his motives were higher than that.

Why DID He Send For Peter?

The angel had said to Cornelius that "he shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved" (Acts 11:14). That very statement told Cornelius that he and his house were lost. The means out of that peril involved the speaking of words. Notice that the angel did not tell him what to do. That was not in the divine plan. God purposed to use human agency in delivering the necessary words. "Preach the word" (2 Tim 4:2). This same Peter said once, "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). Such words are of the utmost importance and urgency. They must be heard at all cost. "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).

Cornelius said, "Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts 10:33).

Observe that he sent "immediately." It could not wait. "Thou hast done well that thou art come." Cornelius did his part in sending for Peter. Peter did his part by coming even though his entrance into that house violated every principle of separateness that Peter as a Jew had always observed. Both men showed great faith in God. The Lord's plan was to bring a faithful messenger of the word together with a man and his house which needed to hear the message. That is how it worked with the Ethiopian treasurer in Acts 8, with the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, with the conversion of Lydia and her house, and other cases in the book of Acts. A faithful preacher was brought together with honest hearts ready to receive the word.

Cornelius and his house were ready to "hear all things commanded thee of God." How refreshing. If all preachers would go with the determination to deliver a "thus saith the Lord" and be prepared to produce the very place in Scripture where the Lord said it and then had an audience with the mind set of Cornelius and those he gathered to hear Peter, think what great things could be done for the Lord. Maybe I am missing something, but it appears to me that many congregational troubles and stress in the lives of preachers, grow out of a failure of either the preacher to faithfully deliver the message or the audience who arrives with a desire for something other than that message.

Do you have a preacher living and working among you? Why did you send for him? Preacher, why did you go?

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"Forbid Him Not"

by Tim Nichols
www.cvillechurch.com

These verses are in the context of a discussion that Jesus was having with the twelve apostles. They had been arguing among themselves about who among them "should be the greatest"
(Mark 9:34). Human ambition was even a problem among those closest to our Lord. Jesus explained to them that those who would be "first" would have to give up all effort and desire to be elevated above others and, instead, become the servant of all. To illustrate the point, Jesus set a child in the midst of them, took the child in His arms, and said, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name , receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me (Mark 9:37).

This scene ought to have a great impact upon our own minds. Those who would seek to become "big men in the brotherhood" should either change their goal or leave the brotherhood of God's children. The world has corporate ladders to climb, fancy titles to offer, lofty positions for which to compete, and abundant opportunities to become distinguished above your fellow, -- but the ground is level at the foot of the cross. All available positions are positions of humble service. Those who stoop to help others are those who stand tallest in the sight of our Father. Selfish ambition must be surrendered at the door of the kingdom for selfless service.

Something that Jesus had said apparently caught John's attention. It almost seems that John had not picked up on the main point that Jesus was making. It may be that John was becoming uncomfortable with the implications of the main point and that he was steering the discussion toward a lesser point.

Jesus had just made reference to doing a good thing in His name. John apparently thought of something that he had been wanting to say to Jesus.

And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us (Mark 9:38).

John's comment seems to betray another aspect of the same problem. The apostles had just been disputing "among themselves" (9:34) concerning who should be greatest among them. Jesus had, in effect, said that none of them should even want to be greatest or try to become "first apostle". Now John reveals that he and the other apostles had seen a man who was not an apostle casting out devils in the name of Christ. They told the man to stop doing this because he was not one of the apostles.

Notice that the man was apparently successfully casting out devils in the name of Christ. To do a thing in the name of Christ is to do it by His authority and to His glory. Men may claim to do any number of things in the name of Christ, but they are mistaken if they think that they can do what Christ has not taught them to do and, at the same time, act in the name of Christ. If a man knocks on my door and demands that I open it in the name of the law he had better be ready to show me a badge giving him the authority to make such a demand. Anytime a person claims to be doing a thing in the name of Christ we ought to be prepared to ask for the scripture that authorizes him or her to act.

Apparently Christ had authorized a non-apostle to cast out devils. According to Luke 10:17, Jesus had given such authority to seventy disciples. It seems that the apostles had come upon one who truly had authority to cast out devils and that they had taken it upon themselves to forbid him.

But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward (Mark 9:39-41).

The apostles had made the mistake of assuming too much concerning this man. He was doing his work (apparently rightly) in the name of Christ. When God looks at a man there is no ambiguity concerning his spiritual state. There are no "fence-sitters". There is no neutral ground (Matthew 12:30; Luke 11:23; 16:13). Those who passively ignore the will of God are just as much "against" Christ as those who aggressively pursue evil (2 Thessalonians 2:10-17; 1 John 2:21-26).

Some have used these words of Christ to argue that God approves of various denominations and a wider range of religious teachings than we might imagine. They are mistaken. Today, we can discover whether or not any religious teaching or practice has the authority of Christ by consulting His last will and testament. The apostles should have consulted Jesus directly before they judged this man to be an impostor. If we have learned the lesson that they should have learned from this incident we will not judge anyone out of jealous motives but we will always judge on the basis of God's revealed word.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (Matthew 7:21-23).

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Awareness of Weakness is the Key to Strength

by Tim Nichols
www.cvillechurch.com

The world has it all backwards. Most seem to think that we can accomplish great things when we become the strongest, wisest, smartest, and most beautiful. Worldly achievement may well depend on some of these things to some degree. Even there, however, there is room for using the principles that we will discuss here.

Our work for the Lord is not in the same category and the approach that we take in that work is altogether different from what many would commend in worldly pursuits. Here, the principle might be stated something like this: Recognize that you are weak and unable to do it alone, trust God, and set out to do it.

The notion that we ought to wait until we, ourselves, are wise enough or strong enough before we set out to obey God is simply unbiblical. Although it is right and reasonable to obtain training and to prepare ourselves as best we can, it is also true that the time to begin doing the will of God is the moment we learn what that will is regarding any matter. God will guide, strengthen, and comfort us by His word, assist us by His providence, and bless our efforts with success. He will give the increase.

When God told Moses leave the desert to go back to Egypt and lead the children of Israel out, Moses protested that he was not equal to the task. God did not argue with that point. Instead, He promised to go with him and assured him of success. In effect He said, "I will meet you back here with My people!"

But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'' So He said, "I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain'' (Exodus 3:11, 12).

Joshua, as great a man as he no doubt was in his person, was not equal to the task of conquering the land when that assignment was given to him. God seems to have suggested that inherent in the command to act is the promise of aid.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

Jeremiah could not get away with declaring that his personal weakness disqualified him.
Then said I: "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.'' But the Lord said to me: "Do not say, `I am a youth,' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,'' says the Lord. Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me: "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth (Jeremiah 1:6-9).

Paul so relied upon God's guidance, and so looked beyond passing difficulties that he could declare that his work was actually God's work being done through his willing hands.

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God (2 Corinthians 3:5).

Isaiah gave a command and a principle that will hold true for all time and under every covenant. Are we listening?

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you'' (Isaiah 35:3, 4).

He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:29-31).

Paul actually reached the point at which he was able to see that he could only be strong when he was weak.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.'' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).

Now how about you? Are you aware of your own weaknesses? Good! You have reason to be genuinely humble. Are you allowing these weaknesses to keep you out of God's service? If so, then you need to trust God and proceed, in spite of what you may see as personal inability, to attempt what you know you cannot do -- by yourself.

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The Light Near Damascus

by W. Curtis Porter
www.cvillechurch.com

Not long after the church was established in Jerusalem a great persecution arose that scattered the disciples abroad. The opposing Jews wished to stamp out the religion of Jesus Christ, and they expected persecution to accomplish their desires. But the dispersion of the church meant the increase and growth of the Lord's cause.

In the work of persecution no name is more prominent than the name of Saul of Tarsus. "He made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison" (Acts 8:3). He was not content to persecute the Lord's disciples in his own city, but went even to strange cities. On a mission of persecution we find Saul, with some companions, on the way to the city of Damascus. As they neared the city, there was a great demonstration. In the language of Saul himself, we have it related this way: "And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light about me" (Acts 22:6).

With respect to this heavenly light, the questions are often asked, "What was its purpose? Why did this light shine about Saul?" Some have thought it was evidence of his salvation and they have often insisted that such has been experienced by them. This, however, is a mistaken idea. The light did not shine around Saul as an evidence of his salvation. Neither did it appear for the purpose of saving him. I know that this heavenly light led, even directly, to his conversion, but that was not the purpose of the light. To understand the purpose of this light, we must keep some divine statements in mind. These may be found in the following:

During the personal ministry of Christ He selected a number of men to be His witnesses to the uttermost parts of the earth. These He called "apostles." While the two words, of course, are not synonymous, they are applied to the same men. Apostles are those who are sent. Witnesses are those who testify of things they know from what they have seen. But the two words are so used of the same men that we almost think of them as interchangeable terms.

The apostles were to go into all the world to preach the gospel, and in so doing they were to testify concerning Christ. Hence, Peter declared, "Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead" (Acts 10:40-42). There can be no doubt that the witnesses here mentioned were the apostles whom the Lord had chosen, and to them the Lord declared, "Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

But for a man to be a witness of the Lord he must be qualified, and an essential qualification for a witness was that he must see the Lord after His resurrection. How could one testify that God had raised up Christ from the dead unless one saw Him after His resurrection? The necessity of this is shown in the proceedings by which one was selected to take the place of Judas. Judas was one of the apostles — one of those chosen to be witnesses. Therefore, someone who could testify of the resurrection of Christ was selected to be his successor. The divine record says concerning the matter, "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:21-22). As a result, Matthias was chosen. He could be a "witness of the resurrection" because he had seen the Lord after His resurrection — he was with them until the Lord was taken up from among them. No one then could be an apostle — a witness — unless he had seen the risen Lord. Keep this in mind as we study Saul.

The divine record tells us in plain words the purpose of that light — if we understand what caused the light. Jesus appeared to Saul as he neared Damascus. When He appeared, it was a glorious appearance. The glory of Jesus was so great that Saul was stricken blind. "And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus" (Acts 22:11). It was at this time that he saw Jesus, and His glory was so great that the physical eyes of Saul could not endure it.

Let us read the purpose of this appearance of the Lord. Was it to give proof of Saul's salvation? What was its purpose? When Saul reached Damascus and there waited for information that had been promised him, we learn the Lord sent Ananias, a disciple in that city, to him. Here's what he said to Saul when he arrived: "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard" (Acts 22:14-15). How could Saul be His witness without seeing Him? He could not.

If we need it to be made any plainer to us, it is made so in Acts 26. Reading verse 16, we find the language of Saul as he later rehearses the matter, giving the Lord's words as they were spoken to him: "But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose..." Here we have it. The Lord is actually telling the "purpose" of His appearance to Saul — "I have appeared unto thee for this purpose." For what purpose? To save him? To prove he was already saved? No. For what purpose then? "I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee."

The light was caused by the glory of the Lord. It shone in splendor because the Lord was there. The light appeared because the Lord appeared, but the Lord appeared to Saul to qualify him as a witness for Him. He must go out to testify of the risen Christ as an apostle to the Gentiles. Consequently we later hear Paul emphasizing his apostleship by a series of questions: "Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?" (1 Cor. 9:1). He had seen Jesus. He saw Him near Damascus, and was therefore qualified to be an apostle — a witness. For this reason the Lord appeared to him. This was the purpose of the light.

No such demonstration ever occurred in the conversion of any other man. There is a reason for it. All the other apostles had seen the Lord while He was on the earth. They also saw Him after His resurrection and before He ascended. No later appearance to them was necessary. But Saul did not see Him after He arose, and he had to see Him at a later day in order to testify. No witnesses have been chosen since Saul was chosen, and no such light has ever occurred in the conversion of any man since. There is no need for such today, for witnesses are not now being selected. It will not occur in your case.

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Do We Love Each Other as we do Ourselves?

by Chris Carter
www.cvillechurch.com

In today’s church there is increasing evidence that spiritual love is in serious decline among the brethren. Our attitude toward one another should one be of deep concern and love, for our brethren are a spiritual family and worthy of this honor (Rom 12:10). By frequently and sincerely demonstrating love we not only edify ourselves individually and each other collectively (Rom 15:2) but also perform an important work expected of the Lords church. As members of His church we set an example to each other and to ourselves that builds us up in the kind of love that God showed towards all men, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for our sins. We know that God showed His love for man by sending His Son to die for all, and Jesus showed His love by suffering and dying for all. What then can possibly be expected of God’s children other than to treat each other and those outside of salvation with the same love God showed to us, who also once were without hope? If we set the proper example through sincere love (Rom 12:9) not only will we be built up and edified (Rom 15:2) but the world will “see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:16).

We should have the willingness to drop our schedules to aid, teach and edify each other, the courage to confess our sins one to another or pluck one from the fire if they are lost, and to esteem others greater than ourselves, as we are commanded to do. We must want to know our brothers and sisters, and be willing to pray without ceasing for them, and serve them without thought of recognition. In doing these things we will give and receive all the benefits that come from Godly behavior, and glorify His name.

A loveless church faces many difficulties. Often, when brethren cease to regard one another as members of a holy family, and instead take an adversarial stance, a foundation is laid that Satan can easily build on. He simply takes our various weaknesses and uses them to promote mistrust, hurt feelings and anger, until the obvious outcome is realized. No creature feeding upon itself can long survive as the whole creature it once was. It is said that if a rabbit is caught in a spring trap it may gnaw it’s own leg off in order to escape, yet how long it can survive is debatable. At the very least it won’t hop the way it once did. The same analogy can be made of a congregation feeding upon itself by biting at one another like wild beasts. Someone may be devoured (spiritually lost, Gal 5:15) because love is not shown, or serious wounds may occur that would render a church or individual of less than full service to God. And consumed unto death no service to God will be rendered. The ultimate conclusion that must then be drawn is this: If love is not demonstrated then God is not served and the evil one, Satan, becomes the one being served. I can imagine him standing outside the window of a church in conflict, in evil delight savoring the harm he is achieving through loveless brethren. So, the love we are to have and the proper esteeming and honoring of one another cannot be overemphasized.

Which one of us hasn’t imagined that we would, on penalty of death, openly defend and die for the name of Christ? How is it then that we would dishonor His name, and make a mockery of God’s grace by manifesting contrary behavior? Can our fellow partakers, the church or we be edified by such behavior? Even in the presence of young children behavior will be demonstrated that is not Christ like, and by not being Christ like behavior it can only be described as sinful behavior. “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hellfire.” (Mt 5:22) Children invariably do what they see.

The problem then is one of not allowing ourselves to be lead by the Spirit (Rom 8:1) so that righteousness may be seen in us. If righteousness is not manifest, then what is manifest is unrighteousness, and this harms not only us but the cause of Christ as well. Ephesians 4:31-32 says thusly “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Suppose someone within or without the law of Christ wrongs us. Are we justified in using some form of retaliation? Look to God’s word for the answer. “Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord.” No matter what they did to us, it is not for us to take revenge on the wrongdoer (Romans 12:17) or treat them without love. If instead, being led by the Spirit we manifest love in our response then we will not transgress as well. The person who wronged us either will heap coals of fire on their own head (Romans 12:20) by reviling us further, or will see our Godly behavior and consider the need for repentance. In the latter instance then the transgressor, the church, those of the world and we will be edified by Godly behavior, and God’s name will be glorified before everyone. All of this by simply turning the cheek of wrath and suffering the wrong (as did Christ) instead of avenging ourselves of every slight and indignity. Remember Stephen as he was about to be stoned. Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice. “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this he fell asleep (Acts 7:60).

We must not forget to contend for the truth while showing love. One problem many denominations have created for themselves is in placing love above obedience. In pie-eyed fashion they will proclaim “God loves everyone! Look at John 3:16.” They will go on about how “Jesus taught love and compassion,” as if this were the do all and be all of spirituality. Of course He taught these things, but He also spoke and did the will of the Father, who too requires us to speak and do His will, and in so doing we remain reconciled to Him. In the denominational world and unfortunately, in some of Christ’s churches the need to be obedient is being ignored, and all manner of apostasy is being tolerated in the name of love, the idea being that we have no right to judge another’s spiritual conduct. It is not a matter of right but of duty and love. Remember how Paul criticized the Corinthian church for tolerating the presence of the man who had his fathers’ wife? When we ignore open sin we do not perform our duty to God or show love to the errant one. If He, being mindful of man’s sin, had not given His Son out of love, what would our condition be today? And as to contending for the faith, many avoid this responsibility because they fear being labeled as trouble makers’ and contentious. Christ suffered far greater indignities. Whether we contend for Gods’ truth or not, we will face it in the judgment. What will be the outcome for those who stand idly by?

When cliques form in a church love is not well shown. It is entirely natural, for example, for the older folks, the young parents or the military members to be drawn to one another. They share much in common, but they should not exclude others from their “inner circle” because they don’t have the same background. I don’t have a formal education, and I work in a blue collar trade. Does that make me less than the educator or the white collar professional? Because I am middle aged, do I have nothing in common with a teenager, or a sister who is twenty years my senior? God forbid! Thanks be to Him because we have a relationship with each other as a holy family, for we share a great common bond in Christ Jesus, buried with Him in baptism and raised up in newness of life as heirs of adoption, and this fact alone should transcend all attempts to group us separately. Please, don’t fall prey to only associating with those with whom you feel the most comfortable. Every faithful member brings something of value to the spiritual table. Let us regard these gifts as great blessings’ from God, and not as differences to be avoided.

If we claim Christ, we claim His love and we claim to love. If we are unwilling to know and love the brethren then what mercy can we realistically expect in the judgment? Are our brethren and we merely strangers on an elevator? We all need to ask ourselves this question. Would we show love and compassion for another as the good Samaritan did to the man who had been robbed, or would we be like the priest and Levite? (Luke 10:25-37) What if we were the one lying in the road?

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I Can't Overcome the Past

by Gardner Hall
www.cvillechurch.com

A very popular excuse for lack of repentance

Why is this one of Satan's favorite lies?

"I have felt these tendencies since I was a child," declare some homosexuals. "I could never be anything different."

"Everyone in my family has a hot temper," says a divisive brother. "That's just the way I am."
With similar statements, we excuse our lack of repentance for vices and bad attitudes, presenting ourselves as helpless victims of past experiences. In doing so, we disregard the regenerating power of the gospel to make us new creatures in Christ's image.

My Past May Leave Me With Obstacles and Thorns

The scriptures acknowledge that sin we have committed as well as that committed against us leaves scars, pain and difficult obstacles. Old Testament characters like Leah, Jephtah, Tamar and Hosea must have struggled mightily to overcome rejection and abuse. Paul's persecution of others left him in such deep anguish that he referred to himself as "chief of sinners." (I Timothy 1:15)

Though we are put off by the growing number of whiners and "victims," Christians must not overreact to such by becoming cynical and harsh towards those who are suffering. Impatiently telling those with spiritual wounds to "fess up" or "snap out of it," is not following Christ's teaching or example. (Luke 6:36; James 2:13, etc.) Such severe and unfeeling responses are like those of Job's "friends" and are prevalent in the cults of control like the Boston Movement. Firmness in proclaiming the need for repentance or perseverance, should not be incompatible with gentleness and love.

All Can Be Controlled and Overcome

Though my past can leave me scarred, the good news is that through Christ's death, all can be forgiven. Through His sanctifying Word, old spiritual bugaboos can be controlled and eventually overcome. The New Testament is filled with references to the power of the gospel to change lives.

· The gospel is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16)

· "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power..." (2 Tim. 1:7)

· Paul prayed to Him "who is able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us." (Eph. 3:20)

· Paul was confident that the Colossians would be "strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power." (Col. 1:11)

New Testament examples abound of those who overcame sinful pasts to become pure and powerful servants of Jesus.

· The apostle Paul was cleansed and forgiven for participating in the persecution and death of faithful Christians. Murderers of Christians can overcome their past through the grace of God!

· The Thessalonians "turned to God from idols." (I Thess. 1:9) Pagan idol worshippers can overcome their past!

· Peter overcame his impulsiveness to be a pillar among God's people. Those who are impulsive can overcome their past.

· Some of the Corinthians had been "fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers and extortioners" but they were washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord. (I Cor. 6:9-11) Homosexuals, fornicators, drug addicts (drunkards) and others entangled in ungodly lifestyles can overcome their past!
Modern Examples

The gospel of Christ is still powerful today to free from the past those who are willing to turn to the Him. The lives of close friends illustrate the point:

"Jane" (not her real name) never knew who her father was. Her mother chased her out of the house telling her that she didn't want her around. Often Jane sorted through garbage to find something to eat. Today Jane is a happy, faithful Christian and a dear friend who has blessed hundreds of people.

Matt was a faithful member of a congregation here in the Northeast who moved to another state. Several years ago he wrote an article in "Sentry Magazine," confessing homosexual tendencies that came from a troubled childhood, but relating at the same time about learning to control them by applying Biblical principles in his life.

Other close friends have learned to deal with alcoholism, religious error, uncontrollable tempers, despair from death of loved ones and every imaginable blow that Satan could deliver. Their purity and hope in spite of grievous spiritual wounds, both self inflicted and those delivered by others, reassure us that the gospel is still powerful to free from the past today just as it was in the first century!

With God's grace and power along with our genuine repentance and determination to take responsibility for our lives, even the most vile impulses can be controlled and eventually overcome. The deepest and most painful wounds can begin to heal. The idea that our past cannot be dealt with, is a lie of Satan, designed to keep us enchained to him. All things can become new in Christ and we can be white and pure as snow through Him. Never forget, there's soul cleansing power in the blood of the Lamb!

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