Episodios

  • The Word of God Is Living and Powerful (Hebrews 4:12) – A Glimpse of Jesus’ Wisdom Through Solomon

    The Word of God Is Living and Powerful (Hebrews 4:12) – A Glimpse of Jesus’ Wisdom Through Solomon
    Jan 25 2021
    Hebrews 4:12 says, "The Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. Speaking of the whole earth coming to hear Solomon’s wisdom, Jesus said, “The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). We receive a wonderful glimpse of his wisdom through Solomon's. https://youtu.be/GrCtYeEJd_Q Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of god is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulFamily Worship Guide for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulSermon Notes for The Word of God Is Living and PowerfulLesson one: cling to the sword when you need wisdom.Lesson two: the Word is a sword that cuts to the heart.Lesson three: anyone can approach Jesus’ throne. Sermon Lessons for The Word of God Is Living and Powerful Lesson 1: Cling to ______ __________ when you need wisdom (1 Kings 3:24, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 19:15, 21; 2 Samuel 23:9-10).Lesson 2: The Word is a sword that ________ to the __________ (1 Kings 3:26; Hebrews 4:12-13; Proverbs 20:5).Lesson 3: Anyone can approach ____________ ______ (1 Kings 3:16; Luke 15:1; Hebrews 4:16). Family Worship Guide for The Word of God Is Living and Powerful Day 1: Read 1 Kings 3:24, Psalm 119:105, Ephesians 6:17, Revelation 19:15, 21; 2 Samuel 23:9-10, and discuss: In what ways does Solomon serve as a type of Christ? How does God’s Word serve as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path? Why do you think the Word is compared with a sword? Can you think of other types or pictures of the Word in Scripture? How can we become proficient with the Word? Day 2: Read 1 Kings 3:26; Hebrews 4:12-13; Proverbs 20:5, and discuss: Do you think Hebrews 4:12 is referring to Scripture or Jesus Christ? And why? How was Solomon able to look past the women’s words to their hearts? How can this be applied to our counseling and dealing with people? Day 3: Read 1 Kings 3:16; Luke 15:1; Hebrews 4:16, and discuss: Why did God have harlots, of all people, approach Solomon’s throne? What does this teach us? Why can we have confidence to approach the throne? Why does God make mercy and grace available to us in our time of need? What application should this have for our lives? How is Jesus greater than Solomon? Sermon Notes for The Word of God Is Living and Powerful You know I like types, and Solomon is one of the clearest types of Christ in the Old Testament. The glory of the kingdom Solomon rules over prefigures or foreshadows the glory of the kingdom that Jesus rules over. We are going to be in 1 Kings 3, but briefly look at 1 Kings 10:23. Jesus said the Old Testament is about Him. As we read these three verses look for Jesus in them… 1 Kings 10:23 Thus King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind. 25 Every one of them brought his present, articles of silver and gold, garments, myrrh, spices, horses, and mules, so much year by year. It looks like the world is worshiping him: The whole earth seeks his presenceEveryone wants to hear his wisdomAlthough he’s already unimaginable wealthy, people still brings him gifts and offerings So although the verses are about Solomon, they prefigure Jesus reigning over his kingdom. Speaking of the whole earth coming to hear Solomon’s wisdom, Jesus said… Matthew 12:42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this gene...
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  • Solomon’s Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom – How Could the Wisest Man in History Be So Foolish

    Solomon’s Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom – How Could the Wisest Man in History Be So Foolish
    Feb 2 2021
    Solomon is the best example in Scripture of failing to apply wisdom. It’s absolutely astounding that Solomon was worse in every respect after receiving wisdom, which is why he's the best example of the failure of not applying wisdom that’s been given. The question is how could the wisest man in history be so foolish? https://youtu.be/SoLxl4LQaSc Solomon is the best example in Scripture of failing to apply wisdom. Shockingly, he Solomon was worse in every respect after receiving wisdom, Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom Family Worship Guide for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply WisdomSermon Notes for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply WisdomSolomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 1) years of compromise.Solomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 2) justifying.Solomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 3) letting blessings become “Nehushtan.” Sermon Lessons for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom Solomon’s foolishness was produced by: Lesson 1: Years of ____________________. Lesson 2: ____________________.Lesson 3: Letting blessings become “__________________.” Family Worship Guide for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom Day 1: Read 1 Kings 11:1-8 and discuss: how do you think the wisest man in history came to act so foolishly? Describe the steps in Solomon’s compromise in these eight verses. How did the compromise take place. Why is compromising so dangerous? What are some of the things we can think while compromising? What don’t people expect while compromising? What are some compromises you have committed, and are there any in your life currently that need to be removed? Day 2: Read 1 Kings 11:4, 6, 1 Samuel 15:15 and discuss: how could Solomon justify his compromise? In other words, what might he have told himself? How did Saul justify his disobedience? How do we justify our disobedience? What might we tell ourselves when we disobey? Day 3: Read Ecclesiastes, Hebrews 13:5, and discuss: what happened with the bronze serpent? How did it come into existence, and then what did the Israelites do with it years later? What are some blessings that we can misuse, or in other words, allow our relationships to them to become sinful? How can we prevent our relationships to these blessings from becoming sinful? How did Solomon let his relationship to the blessings in his life become sinful? Sermon Notes for Solomon's Example of Failing to Apply Wisdom We have been in a series called, “Pursuing Wisdom.” Go ahead and open your bibles to 1 Kings 11. We have been looking at Solomon, basically from two completely opposing perspectives: First, we looked at him as an example of obtaining wisdom.Then we started looking at him as an example of failing to apply wisdom…which is really to say an example of foolishness. So you could say we’ve looked at him as an example of wisdom and foolishness. We know that in Deuteronomy 17 God told Israel’s kings not to: Acquire many horses, wives, or wealth b/c they could put their trust in these instead of trusting God.And kings were not to cause the people to return to Egypt, b/c it’s a picture of the world and when God delivers us from something we aren’t to return to it. After God gave Solomon wisdom, he violated all these commands. Anyone remember Solomon’s worst sin? Idolatry. The man who built the temple for the LORD stated building high places to the worst idols in the Old Testament. I shared something w/ you that I find absolutely astounding… Solomon was worse in every respect AFTER receiving wisdom. He’s the best example in Scripture of failing to apply wisdom that’s been given. The question we’ve been wrestling with is… How could the wisest man in history be so foolish? And this brings us Lesson 1… Solomon’s foolishness was produced by (Lesson 1) years of compromise. I’d like to review this morning’s verses and invite you to notice the...
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  • Evidences of Salvation | When Should Children Be Baptized – Part II

    Evidences of Salvation | When Should Children Be Baptized – Part II
    Mar 22 2021
    With baptisms coming up on Easter I preached on evidences of salvation. I wanted to help equip families to determine whether their children should be baptized, because we are credobaptists who believe they must first be saved. While no parent can know for sure that their child is saved, I do believe these should be helpful. Also, these are good evidences to look for in anyone’s life, child or adult alike. I have looked for these evidences in my life when examining my salvation, and I hope you will do the same. https://youtu.be/TezVZLrCFf0 I preached on evidences of salvation to help determine whether children should be baptized; these are good evidences, child or adult alike. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Evidences of SalvationFamily Worship Guide for Evidences of SalvationSermon Notes for Evidences of SalvationLesson one: evidence of salvation to look for in your children (part one) godly sorrow.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part two) spiritual fruit.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part three) spiritual hunger and thirst.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part four) spiritual understanding.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part five) perseverance through trials.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part six) not habitually disobedient.Lesson one: evidences of salvation to look for in your children (part seven) obedience.Lesson two: focus on the Gospel when evidences are lacking. Sermon Lessons for Evidences of Salvation Note: parts one through three are from Part I: When Should Children Be Baptized? Three Evidences of Salvation. Lesson 1: evidences of salvation to look for in your children:(Part 1) godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10).(Part 2) spiritual fruit (Matthew 3:8, 7:19, 13:23, Acts 26:20, James 2:17, 20, 26).(Part 3) spiritual hunger and thirst (John 4:13-15, 6:35, 66, Luke 6:21, 25, 1 John 2:15, John 3:19).(Part 4) spiritual __________________________ (Matthew 11:25, 13:11, 16:17, 1 Corinthians 2:7-14).(Part 5) perseverance _____________ ____________ (James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7, Matthew 13:21).(Part 6) not habitually ______________________ (1 John 1:6, 8, 3:6-9).(Part 7) __________________ (1 John 2:3-5, 3:7).Lesson 2: focus on ______ ____________ when evidences are lacking. Family Worship Guide for Evidences of Salvation Day 1: Read Matthew 11:25, 13:11, 16:17, 1 Corinthians 2:7-14, James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7, Matthew 13:21 and discuss: why do some people understand spiritual truths, but others do not? What can we do to strive to better understand spiritual truths? How can we try to determine if our children understand spiritual truths? We don’t like to see our children suffer, but what is one of the benefits of seeing them go through trials?Day 2: Read 1 John 1:6, 8, 3:6-9, 1 John 2:3-5, 3:7 and discuss: how can it be true that we don’t stop sinning on this side of heaven, but at the same time Scripture says habitually disobedient people are not Christians? Similarly, we don’t perfectly obey on this side of heaven, but at the same time Scripture says that Christians are obedient, so how can this be? In other words, discuss the balance for both of these situations.Day 3: Read John 4:13-15, 6:35, 66, Luke 6:21, 25, 1 John 2:15, John 3:19 and discuss: what is the temptation for parents when we don’t see evidences of salvation in our children’s lives? What is the wrong approach? What is the right approach? In other words, what is the best way for us to see these evidences in our children’s lives? Sermon Notes for Evidences of Salvation The title of this morning’s sermon is, “When Should Children Be Baptized? – Part II.” With baptisms coming up on Easter I started preaching a few sermons to help equip the families determine whether their children should be baptized. That’s exactly what we are doing as a family.
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  • Christian Retirement the Right Way

    Christian Retirement the Right Way
    May 10 2021
    As a Christian retirement might be in your future. You should know there are right and wrong ways to retire. The Parable of the Rich Fool is one of the clearest places in Scripture discussing retirement. In Luke 12:19 the Rich Fool said, “You have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” Sadly, the Rich Fool’s words capture what comes to mind for many people when they think of retiring. My hope is to prevent any of us from making the same mistake! Here's Part II: The Rich Man Was a Fool Because…(Luke 12:16-21). Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Christian Retirement the Right WayFamily Worship Guide for Christian Retirement the Right WaySermon Notes for Christian Retirement the Right WayLesson 1: this life is about the spiritual versus the physical.Lesson 2: we can be wise in the world’s eyes, but fools to god.Lesson 3: the rich fool retired wrongly.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 1) mentor.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 2) pray.Lesson 4: Christian retirees can (part 3) assist. Sermon Lessons for Christian Retirement the Right Way Lesson 1: This life is about the __________________ versus the ________________ (Luke 12:15 cf. Luke 4:4, 9:23, 25, 12:33-34, Rom 14:17).Lesson 2: We can be ________ in the world’s eyes, but __________ to God (Luke 12:20; 1 Cor 3:18-19).Lesson 3: The Rich Fool ______________ ______________ (Luke 12:19).Lesson 2: Older people can:(Part I) ____________ (1 Tim 5:1-2; Psa 71:18, 78:4).(Part II) ________ (1 Tim 5:3-6; Luke 2:36-37).(Part III) ____________ (1 Tim 5:9-10; Num 8:23-26). Family Worship Guide for Christian Retirement the Right Way Day 1: Luke 12:15, Luke 4:4, Luke 9:23, Luke 9:25, Luke 12:33, Rom 14:17, and discuss: Why does Jesus teach that we need to beware of covetousness? What is Jesus trying to get us to see about life by lowering our estimation of food and clothing? How should this change our perspective on what life is? What contrast does Paul use to describe what the kingdom of God is and is not?Day 2: Luke 12:16 - 20, and discuss: How can our efforts deceive us into thinking that we are entitled to decide how our assets can be used? What are we often tempted to do by way of giving credit when we are successful? How is wisdom on the world’s standards estimated by God? Why?Day 3: Luke 12:19, 1 Cor 3:18, 1 Tim 5:1, Ps 71:18, 1 Tim 5:1-9, and discuss: How does the world’s mindset of retiring differ than God’s? How does the way we view our resources effect the way we retire? What value does the older generation offer the younger? How can an older saint encourage or invest in a younger believer? Sermon Notes for Christian Retirement the Right Way The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Retiring the Right Way.” We were in a series on covetousness and contentment. Now we’re returning to Luke and I’d like to back up to verse 13 to briefly review and get the context for the parable we’ll be studying… In verses 1-12 Jesus was teaching on some very heavy topics: Being forgiven versus being unforgivenGoing to hell versus going to heaven Right in the middle of this, look at verse 13 to see what happened… Luke 12:13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” The man looks pretty bad b/c he interrupted Jesus AND told Him what to do. Jesus turned this into a teaching moment…look at verse 14… Luke 12:14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15a And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, It might look like Jesus didn’t help the man, but He did! The man wanted Jesus to help him financially, but Jesus helped him spiritually by revealing the covetousness in his heart.If Jesus gave the man what he wanted, it would’ve hurt him, b/c it would’ve been feeding his covetousness. Jesus said, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness.” I think we took this warning seriously,
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  • Three Reasons to Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive

    Three Reasons to Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive
    Jun 14 2021
    Based on Ephesians 4:11 the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. In seeker sensitive churches the focus is taken off believers and put on unbelievers. This is a reversal of the biblical pattern, and it leaves believers spiritually weak, emaciated, and starving. The focus should be on believers so they can be built up, equipped, sanctified, and strengthened. Then they can perform the work of the ministry, including going out and sharing the gospel with the lost. https://youtu.be/HjKjlt6D1nM Based on Ephesians 4:11 the church leadership should equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive. Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveFamily Worship Guide for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveSermon Notes for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker SensitiveWe don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson one) it typically means pleasing man versus God.We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson two) we want unbelievers to be convicted.We don’t want to be seeker sensitive because (lesson three) we want believers equipped and sanctified. Sermon Lessons for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive We want to equip the saints for the work of ministry versus being seeker sensitive because: Lesson 1: it typically means ________________ ______ versus God.Lesson 2: we want unbelievers to ____ __________________ (2 Peter 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16).Lesson 3: we want believers to be ________________ and ____________________ (Ephesians 2:20, 4:11-16). Family Worship Guide for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive Directions: Read 2 Peter 2:8, first Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 2:15-16, Ephesians 4:11-16 and then answer the following questions: Day one: what does seeker sensitive mean? Why would a church want to be seeker sensitive? What seems good about being seeker sensitive? What is wrong with being seeker sensitive? What do churches typically dismiss, or get rid of, when they are seeker sensitive? What might churches embrace when they are seeker sensitive?Day two: how should we treat unbelievers when they come to church? How do we want unbelievers to feel when they come to church? Should we treat longtime believers in the church differently than new attendees? If so, how? How should believers feel in worldly situations? How does the gospel sound to unbelievers? How about to unbelievers?Day three: what is the primary purpose of the Sunday morning worship service? Who (besides God) is it primarily for? What do we want to do with believers in the worship service, and why do we want to do this for them? What is the danger of not doing this? Why is it important for unbelievers that believers be spiritually strong? Sermon Notes for Equip the Saints for the Work of Ministry Versus Being Seeker Sensitive The title of this morning’s sermon is “Equip the Saints Versus Seeker Sensitive.” We are resuming our sermons on the vision of the church. As I told you in my last message this is not primarily about our theology. Instead, I want to define why we do things the way we do. This morning we’re going to be talking about why we want to equip the saints versus being seeker sensitive. The term seeker sensitive is an umbrella term encompassing lots of different churches and lots of different practices. It’s very reasonable that across the spectrum some seeker sensitive churches are doing a better job than others. So my point isn’t that everything I say applies to every seeker sensitive church, but I do think what I’ll say generally applies to churches under this umbrella. The other day I read this quote… “When a church changes biblical truths and standards to match current culture they are no longer...
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  • Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? (Luke 12:41-48)

    Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? (Luke 12:41-48)
    Jul 4 2021
    In Luke 12:42 Jesus asked, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?" In Luke 12:35-40 Jesus preached about being ready for his return. We could almost think that what the guys are doing in Acts 1:9-11, is the best example of doing what Christ wanted: standing there, waiting, staring off into heaven. But then Jesus preached Luke 12:41 to 48 to prevent us from thinking this. Being ready for Christ’s return means serving. If we want to know who then is the faithful and wise steward we should look at our lives. https://youtu.be/K7gvDjZf8EU Table of ContentsSermon Lessons for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?Family Worship Guide for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?Sermon Notes for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?Lesson one: prepare for Christ’s return by serving.Lesson two: our lives reveal if we don’t expect Christ’s return.Lesson three: unfaithfulness is a strong evidence of being unsaved.Lesson four: the punishment will match the offense.Lesson five: ignorance is no excuse. Sermon Lessons for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? Lesson 1: Prepare for Christ’s return ____ ______________ (Luke 12:42-44 cf. Acts 1:6-11, Matthew 25:20-21, Luke 19:16-19).Lesson 2: ______ __________ reveal if we don’t expect Christ’s return (Luke 12:45, 1 John 3:2).Lesson 3: Unfaithfulness is a ____________ ________________ of being unsaved (Luke 12:46, Matthew 25:26, 30).Lesson 4: The ____________________ will __________ the offense (Luke 12:47-48, Matthew 10:15, 11:20-24).Lesson 5: Ignorance is ____ ____________ (James 4:17, Luke 12:48). Family Worship Guide for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? Directions: Read the verses at the end of the lessons to answer the following questions: Day 1: Why does it seem like Jesus didn’t directly answer people’s questions at times? What does it look like to prepare for Christ’s return? What are some ways you are preparing for Christ’s return? What are some ways you could better prepare for Christ’s return? How does the world typically reward faithfulness? How does the Lord seem to reward faithfulness?Day 2: Why do people’s lives tend to deteriorate spiritually when they don’t look forward to Christ’s return? What positive changes are typically shown in people’s lives when they look forward to Christ’s return? What is the relationship between faithfulness and salvation?Day 3: Describe the two categories for unbelievers. Looking back at the verses what are the different punishments you see? Why would the punishment be worse for some cities than it will be for Sodom and Gomorrah? Is ignorance an excuse? Why or why not? Sermon Notes for Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager? The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Who Then Is the Faithful and Wise Manager?” We are continuing our verse-by-verse study through Luke’s gospel. Go ahead and turn to chapter 12. We will cover verses 41 through 48. Please stand for the reading of God’s Word. I’d like to back up to verse 35 because this morning’s verses flow from last week’s verses… Luke 12:35 “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, 36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them. 38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants! 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into. 40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” This is as far as we got last week.
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  • Jesus Is Our City of Refuge (Numbers 35)

    Jesus Is Our City of Refuge (Numbers 35)
    Aug 9 2021
    Each city of refuge served as a beautiful type and shadow of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As Hebrews 6:18 says, "We who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us." Table of contentsThe Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 19:5-6 and Numbers 35:9-12)Christ Is Our City of Refuge (Hebrews 6:18)Pursued by an Avenger (Numbers 35:19)Refuge from Death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)The City of Refuge Is Accessible by All (Numbers 35:15) The City of Refuge Is Near to All (Deuteronomy 19:3)Released from the City of Refuge by the High Priest’s Death (Numbers 35:25)Life Ensured in the the City of Refuge (Numbers 35:26-28)No Other AlternativeHelp for the GuiltyApplicationSpread out for MinistryAre We Welcoming?Are We Content with Christ?Do We Recognize Your Guiltiness? The twelve tribes of Israel were given a portion of the Promised Land as their inheritance to live in. The exception was the tribe of Levi: “The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the Lord's food offerings as their inheritance” (Deuteronomy 18:1, see also Numbers 18:23-24; Deuteronomy 12:12, 14:27; Joshua 14:3, 18:7). Instead, the Levites were assigned the duties associated with the sanctuary and religious activity of the nation, including being the nations’ priests: “The Lord your God has chosen [Levi] out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons for all time” (Deuteronomy 18:5). Even though they weren’t given an inheritance in the land, they needed places to live, so God assigned them areas throughout the nation. By providing cities for the Levites throughout the land all the people had access to them and their ministry: The Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, “Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites some of the inheritance of their possession as cities for them to dwell in. And you shall give to the Levites pasturelands around the cities. The cities shall be theirs to dwell in, and their pasturelands shall be for their cattle and for their livestock and for all their beasts. “The cities that you give to the Levites shall be the six cities of refuge, where you shall permit the manslayer to flee, and in addition to them you shall give forty-two cities.Numbers 35:1-3, 6 The Cities of Refuge (Deuteronomy 19:5-6 and Numbers 35:9-12) The Levites were given a total of forty-eight towns to live in, and six of them were special, being called, cities of refuge. In the ancient world, there was no police force; therefore, it was up to each family to avenge murders. Under the Old Covenant: “If there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:23-24, see also Leviticus 24:19-20, Deuteronomy 19:21). The nearest blood relative to the deceased was charged with the responsibility of executing the murderer, so there was “life for life.” But the nearest blood relative’s own emotions, passion might cloud his judgment. He could end up avenging his relative’s death by indiscriminately killing someone who wasn’t guilty of a capital crime. For example, what if the murder took place in self-defense, or even by accident. Here's a description of such accidents: When someone goes into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and his hand swings the axe to cut down a tree, and the head slips from the handle and strikes his neighbor so that he dies—he may flee to one of these cities and live, lest the avenger of blood in hot anger pursue the manslayer and overtake him, because the way is long, and strike him fatally, though the man did not deserve to die, since he had not hated his neighbor in the past.Deuteronomy 19:5-6 Imagine two men are working in the field and one man trips and falls in front of the other man’s plow and animals. Perhaps the injured man later succumbs to his injuries.
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  • Understanding Money: Is It Moral, Immoral, or Amoral?

    Understanding Money: Is It Moral, Immoral, or Amoral?
    Nov 17 2021
    Is money good or bad? Is it moral, immoral, or amoral to be rich or poor? Are people with money better or worse than those with less money? Read on to find out! Table of ContentsMistake 1: Thinking Something Is Amoral When It Is Moral or ImmoralMistake 2: Thinking Something Is Immoral When It Is AmoralThe Amoral Nature of MoneyHow We Spend Money Is MoralHow We Feel About Money Is MoralThe Love of Money, Versus Money, Is the Problem During college, I took a world religions class. A Buddhist monk was brought in as a guest speaker. He had no modern-day luxuries, such as a vehicle, computer, or refrigerator, because he thought these were sinful (immoral). He thought it was good (moral) to allow himself only what was necessary for survival, such as food, water, and shelter. But this is not what Jesus meant when He said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). There, Jesus referred to denying ourselves immoral pleasures, but the monk was abstaining from things that are amoral (non-sinful, or spiritually neutral): If you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—“Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.Colossians 2:20-23 When people rigorously neglect the amoral and follow legalistic, man-made commands, there’s “an appearance of wisdom,” but there’s “no value against [indulging] the flesh,” which is to say there’s no spiritual benefit. It’s heartbreaking when people spend years rigorously denying themselves in ways that have no moral or spiritual benefit. The Bible teaches that drunkenness and homosexuality are immoral (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). It’s tragic when people spend years getting drunk or participating in homosexual relationships because they’re convinced their immoral actions are amoral. We must understand morality because if we don’t, we might find ourselves in one of the above situations and fail to see the goodness (morality) of certain behaviors and the sinfulness (immorality) of others. These are the two mistakes we typically make with morality. Let’s consider them in more detail so we’ll be prepared to view our money correctly. Mistake 1: Thinking Something Is Amoral When It Is Moral or Immoral Many verses discuss the morality of our words. For example: Matthew 12:37— Jesus said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”1 Peter 3:10—“He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.” Most people know their speech is moral, but they might not know that the amount they speak (and listen) is also moral (versus amoral). James 1:19 says, “My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” This verse contains three commands, which means we’re dealing with morality: it is moral to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; and it is immoral to be slow to hear, quick to speak, and quick to anger. Anger and listening might be mentioned together because they’re closely related. As a pastor, when I’m counseling couples, sometimes it’s obvious early on who’s more at fault when problems arise because they’re slow to hear and quick to get angry. Ecclesiastes teaches that one way to identify fools is they talk too much: “A fool’s voice is known by his many words…a fool also multiplies words” (Ecclesiastes 5:3; 10:14). David took so seriously how much he spoke that he prayed God would protect his mouth: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
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