Under the Sun by Gary Rose

 

Once again, I have seen something completely new to me: An Aurora Vortex. This is both fascinating and utterly mesmerizing to me. I suppose that it is possible that the above picture is a “photo-shopped” manipulation, but that seems unlikely, due to the bottom being in focus (and a fish-eye lens would vortex everything).

Beyond the uniqueness of the image, a thought came to my mind: Has anything like this every occurred before? As I pondered this, I remembered an incident that occurred in chapel at Northeast School of Biblical Studies in 1978. The dean of the school, Larry Deason, was scheduled to speak during chapel services and had completely forgotten about it. Once his scheduling was confirmed, he stood up to present a lesson. There he was, unprepared, surprised, but eager to preach. He spoke for at least a half an hour from the book of Ecclesiastes and his topic was a phrase “under the sun”. It was on that day, that I gained a new respect for his abilities and realized that he deserved every bit of praise I could muster.

So, today, I did a simple search of the book of Ecclesiastes for “under the sun” and here is result….

Ecclesiastes 1 ( World English Bible )

³ What does man gain from all his labor in which he labors under the sun?

⁹ That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

¹⁴ I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecclesiastes 2 ( WEB )

¹¹ Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

¹⁷ So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

18 I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me.

¹⁹ Who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

²⁰ Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.

²² For what has a man of all his labor, and of the striving of his heart, in which he labors under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 3 ( WEB )

¹⁶ Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

Ecclesiastes 4 ( WEB )

¹ Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

³ Yes, better than them both is him who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

⁷ Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

¹⁵ I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him.

Ecclesiastes 5 ( WEB )

¹³ There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.

¹⁸ Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.

Ecclesiastes 6 ( WEB )

¹ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:

¹² For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 8 ( WEB )

⁹ All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man has power over another to his hurt.

¹⁵ Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany him in his labor all the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

¹⁷ then I saw all the work of God, that man can’t find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a man labors to seek it out, yet he won’t find it. Yes even though a wise man thinks he can comprehend it, he won’t be able to find it.

Ecclesiastes 9 ( WEB )

³ This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

⁶ Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

⁹ Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which he has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity: for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun.

¹¹ I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.

¹³ I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.

^{Ecclesiastes 10 ( WEB )}

⁵ There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.

Solomon was a great king of Israel; perhaps even greater than his father, David. He was very wise, with an intellect and insight that truly was amazing. Yet, with all these blessings ( from God, of course ), he chose his wives poorly and ultimately failed God to follow faithfully. How sad, for someone with so much wisdom!

As I think of that Aurora Vortex a the top of the post, I know that it has happened before, because, indeed there is genuinely nothing new under the sun. Beyond this, I should realize that my goal in life is not limited to just finding something new and appealing, but rather learning from the world around me and applying the Scriptures to it in everything I encounter. Going farther… I should apply God’s word to all my thoughts, actions and insights. Why? Because God has never, ever let me down and that is an unchangeable fact that I hope will continue until I reach heaven. Hope to see you there!

Jesus taught religious freedom by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/freedom.html

Jesus taught religious freedom

Through the ages, terrible atrocities have been committed because of religious intolerance. Religions have been persecuted, and religions have persecuted others. Such atrocities are almost always related to political power.

Millions have been murdered.

During the first few centuries after Christ, Christians were severely persecuted and murdered by pagans and Jews. The pagans were offended because Christians refused to worship the pagan gods and the emperor. The Jews viewed Christians as heretics.

The Christians did not retaliate because Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35).

From the seventh to the eleventh century, by force of arms, Muslims spread their religion around the Mediterranean from Asia Minor, along the northern coast of Africa, and into Spain. Church buildings were destroyed, church leaders were murdered, and Christianity was exterminated where Muslims gained political power.

With regard to unfaithful Muslims who “wish that you should disbelieve as they disbelieve,” the Koran commands¹: “If they turn their backs, take them, and slay them wherever you find them” (Chapter 4:89). With regard to “unbelievers” the Koran says: “I shall cast into the unbelievers’ hearts terror; so smite above the necks, and smite every finger of them!” (Chapter 8:12). Another translation of the Koran interprets this more graphically: “Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them”² When a peace treaty with idolaters expires, the following is commanded: “slay the idolaters wherever you find them, and take them, and confine them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush” (Chapter 9:5).

Some Muslims try to soften these teachings, but it cannot be denied that through the centuries, and also at the present time, these passages in the Koran have been used to promote and justify much persecution, war, terrorism and murder.

The establishment of worldwide Muslim totalitarian government is a tenant of Islam.

From the eleventh through the thirteenth centuries, Crusades were organized in Europe in an attempt to conquer Jerusalem by force of arms. Thousands of Muslims were murdered and their villages were destroyed.

The Crusaders called themselves Christians but they were not Christians. They did not follow the teachings of Jesus at all!

At the time of the Reformation, the Roman Catholic Church used the Inquisition to murder those who opposed its authority. It was a capital crime to read the Bible without the permission of the Church.

In 1536 William Tyndale was strangled and burned at the stake in Vilvoorde, Belgium by Catholic authorities. His crime? Publishing the Bible in English and exposing false doctrines of the Roman Church.

When Protestants came to power in certain countries, they sometimes persecuted Catholics and other Protestants who did not agree with them.

On October 27, 1553, Michael Servetus was burned to death at Geneva, Switzerland at the instigation of John Calvin.

In the twentieth century many religion-related atrocities were committed.

Six million Jews, men women and children, were murdered by the Nazis by shooting, in mobile gas vans and at mass extermination camps. The Nazis also exterminated gypsies and people with physical defects or mental illness.

Seven hundred thousand Muslims were evicted from their homes in Palestine and forced to spend the rest of their lives impoverished in refugee camps in the desert.

Conflicts involving religion in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Indonesia resulted in the murder of millions of innocent people.

Atheistic communism persecuted and murdered countless believers of all faiths in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.

Jesus taught tolerance and religious freedom.

All persecution is contrary to the doctrine of Christ. Although apostasy is to be refuted and false teachers are to be expelled from the church, Christians are not to persecute others or use coercion to prevent others from practicing their religion.

Once when Jesus and His disciples were traveling to Jerusalem, they were refused lodging in a Samaritan village. “And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village” (Luke 9:54-56). Christians may not use Old Testament examples to justify violence. The teaching of Jesus is on a higher plain, is of a different spirit.

Not only does Jesus teach against persecuting others, we are not even to forbid them: “Then John answered and said, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us’“ (Luke 9:49, 50 //Mark 9:38-40).

Some have misapplied this passage to teach that we should fellowship false teachers. But Jesus did not condone what this person was doing. He simply taught religious freedom. We are not to ‘forbid’ others.

Paul explains: “Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:15-18).

Some who are now Christians in Flanders, first started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Others who are now Christians, first studied the Bible with Mormons. As they continued studying the Scriptures, however, they rejected the errors of these groups, and learned the truth of the gospel.

Although false teachers are not to be permitted to teach in the church, it is not our task as Christians to prevent them from proclaiming their beliefs in general. It is our task, however, to refute their false doctrine. Religious freedom does not mean that we must remain silent in the face of religious error.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

Christians combat false doctrine by preaching the truth. We refute false arguments and capture the thoughts of men by preaching the Word of God. Rather than being overcome by evil, we overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

Although we can sympathize with oppressed peoples who mistakenly think force of arms can set them free, it does not work. Jesus said: “Put away your sword, for all who draw the sword will perish by the sword” (Matthew 26:52). You cannot overcome evil with evil. An attempt to do so only multiplies evil.

Jesus showed us how to overcome evil with good by going to the cross and rising victorious from the grave to become King of kings and Lord of lords. He tells us to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24).

The most powerful weapons on earth are not guns and bombs, but words. If you want to have influence for good, learn to speak and write well. And, of course, the most powerful words of all by far are the words of God.

“For 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” (Hebrews 4:12).

Christians are proponents and defenders of religious freedom. Our weapon is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17). Unchristian teaching is to be refuted, but true followers of Christ do not persecute others or prevent them from practicing their religion. Amen.
Roy Davison

Footnotes:

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¹ These quotations are from “The Koran Interpreted, A translation by A.J.Arberry” considered to be one of the most scholarly and unbiased translations of the Koran into English.

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² As translated by M. H. Shakir.

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The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Does the church of Christ consist of the saved? by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/salvation.html

Jesus built His church on a Rock
(Matthew 16:18)

Does the church of Christ consist of the saved?

“The Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

I. The church is the assembly of the saved.

A. The church of Christ came into being on the Day of Pentecost, when the Apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, proclaimed God’s message of Salvation, and God added those who were saved to His church.

1. To the question “What shall we do?” Peter replied: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37, 38).

2. “And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:40, 41).

3. “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

B. By definition then, the church of Christ consists of those who are saved. God adds the saved to His church.

C. Salvation is needed because people sin. Only God can forgive sins. To make forgiveness possible, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world. People who believe in Him, repent of sin, confess faith and are baptized, receive forgiveness, and God adds them to His church.

II. “Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9).

A. “Our God is the God of salvation” (Psalm 68:20).

1. “I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:11).

2. “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

B. Through the ages, men of faith have looked to God for salvation.

1. In the depths of despair Job still could say: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” ... “He also shall be my salvation” (Job 13:15a, 16a).

2. Shortly before his death, Jacob said: “I have waited for your salvation, O LORD!” (Genesis 49:18).

4. David looked to God for salvation. “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation” (Psalm 25:5).

5. Isaiah wrote: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10a).

6. Jeremiah said: “It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” (Lamentations 3:26).

7. Micah said: “Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7).

8. Habakkuk said: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation” (Habakkuk 3:17, 18).

III. God promised to send a Savior for the whole world.
Old Testament prophets told of the coming Messiah who would bring salvation, not only to Israel, but also to the whole world.

A. “There is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior; there is none besides Me. Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 45:21b-22). [See also Isaiah 25:9; 35:3, 4; 49:6; 52:7.]

B. “In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a Branch of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell safely” (Jeremiah 33:15, 16a).

C. Joel wrote: “And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Joel 2:32).

IV. God’s promised salvation has come: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, Savior of the world.

A. Joseph was told in a dream regarding Mary: “And she will bring forth a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

B. After Jesus was born, an angel proclaimed to shepherds nearby: “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10b, 11).

C. John the Baptist testified when he saw Jesus: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

D. Believers at Sychar in Samaria, after hearing Jesus preach for two days, said: “We have heard for ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).

E. To the Jewish leaders Peter said of Jesus: “This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’ Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:11, 12).

V. We are saved by the sacrifice of Christ who “bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24).

A. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

B. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

C. Because of our sins, we deserve to die, but “the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

VI. What is the message of salvation preached by the church?

A. Once when Jesus spoke of the difficulty of entering God’s kingdom, His disciples said: “Who then can be saved?” His reply was: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:25, 26).

1. Salvation depends on the grace of God. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8, 9).

2. Man cannot save himself.

a. Some think they will be saved because they are relatively good people, but good deeds do not remove sin. Cornelius was a good man but he still needed the gospel to be saved (Acts 11:13, 14).
b. Some think they can be saved by law-keeping, but law-keeping cannot save because no one keeps laws perfectly (Romans 8:3, 4).
c. Some think political systems can save mankind, but in all systems, including democracies, sinners misuse political power to the detriment of others. John “saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to make war” against Christ and His army (Revelation 19:19-21).
d. Some think modern technology can save mankind, but technology facilitates evil as well as good. After a century of unprecedented technological advancement, man still has the same horrible problems caused by sin. Unprecedented evils occurred during the last century. Two world wars killed fifty million people. Nuclear weapons capable of destroying civilization were developed, deployed and stockpiled. Medical doctors murdered two billion unborn babies by abortion. Millions died of famine because of the uneven distribution of wealth. Earth’s resources started being consumed at an unsustainable rate. An AIDS pandemic killed more than 25 million people, with 30 million currently infected by HIV, a virus spread by immorality, especially homosexual relationships. Yet sexual perversion has been given human-rights status in many so-called developed countries.
Thus, in spite of amazing technological advancement, the four horsemen of Revelation chapter six (lust for power, war, famine and death) still gallop throughout the earth wreaking havoc as God allows men to suffer the consequences of their sins. In spite of these plagues “they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts” (Revelation 9:20, 21).
e. Man definitely cannot save himself. But the good news is that God offers salvation to all!

3. God saves those who respond to His grace with a good and noble heart.

a. Explaining the parable of the sower, Jesus said: “But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit” (Luke 8:15).
b. “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). “He will beautify the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4b).

C. What is this message of salvation that noble hearts gladly receive and obey?

1. “He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

a. When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” they replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:30, 31).
b. Paul said: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

2. Faith in Christ must be confessed.

a. Jesus said: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32, 33).
b. Paul explains: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation” (Romans 10:9, 10).

3. Repentance is required.

a. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 9:13).
b. When He sent out the twelve, they preached that people should repent (Mark 6:12).
c. Jesus told His hearers: “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
d. Before His ascension, He told His disciples “that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations” (Luke 24:47).
e. “Godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

4. At baptism penitent believers are saved by God.

a. Jesus told Nicodemus: “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
b. Ananias told Paul: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
c. “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26, 27).

d. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13), which is the church of Christ.

VI. What have we learned? Man cannot save himself. God is the only source of salvation that He offers freely through the sacrifice of His Son. All who accept God’s grace by believing in Christ, confessing His name, repenting, and being baptized for the forgiveness of sins are saved. It is still true, as it was 2000 years ago, that the Lord adds to the church day by day those who are being saved. The church of Christ consists of all the saved. Amen.

Roy Davison
http://www.oldpaths.com/RD

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982,
Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

Why was Jesus despised? by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/unpop.html

Why was Jesus despised?

Strange as it may seem, some did not like Jesus. He was a good man. He healed the sick and helped the weak. Yet, some really despised Hem. It had been foretold that the Messiah would be “despised by the people” (Psalm 22:6). “He was despised, and we did not esteem Him” (Isaiah 53:3).

To despise is to regard with contempt, to feel a strong dislike for.

Jesus explained why: “This is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19).

There were many religious people in Palestine at the time of Christ. One might expect them to welcome the Son of God with open arms. But they did not. Jesus was unpopular for several reasons.

He opposed traditions that were contrary to the will of God.

Many people are really attached to their traditions. They often love them more than the word of God.

Jewish religious life at the time of Christ was regulated by the Old Testament plus the writings of the rabbis. A careful distinction was made between inspired and uninspired writings. Yet, many of the rituals and regulations were based, not on the Scriptures, but on human traditions.

Jesus was unpopular with the religious leaders because He condemned traditions that were contrary to the word of God.

“Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came together to Him, having come from Jerusalem. Now when they saw some of His disciples eat bread with defiled, that is, with unwashed hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands in a special way, holding the tradition of the elders” (Mark 7:1-3).

There is nothing wrong with washing your hands before you eat, but handwashing - although not commanded in the Old Testament - was viewed as an obligatory religious rite.

“Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, ‘Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?’ He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men’” (Mark 7:5-8).

Jesus applied this passage from Isaiah to the people of His time, and unfortunately, the same is true today. The religious lives of many are governed, not by the Scriptures, but by traditions that violate the Scriptures.

Unscriptural names are worn that glorify something or someone other than Christ.

Worship is conducted according to tradition rather than the Scriptures. Roman Catholics worship images, dead people (Saints) and the Pope. Protestants celebrate Christmas and Easter according to Catholic tradition, while neglecting to have the Lord’s supper each week. People burn candles and incense, and play music instruments, forms of worship that are not prescribed in the New Testament.

Jesus said that worship based on human doctrine is in vain. To follow Christ, we must put aside human traditions and be led by the word of God.

But many love their traditions more than God’s word. With such people, Christ is not really popular. A man may praise the Lord a thousand times with his lips, but if he is following the doctrines of men, his worship is to no avail.

Jesus was unpopular because He emphasized spiritual values and taught the futility of material things.

At first Jesus was popular because of His healings and His miraculous feeding of nine thousand people. But when He refused to become a worldly king (John 6:15) and said, “I am the bread of life” and “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (John 6:48, 63), His popularity evaporated.

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ But Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (John 6:66-68).

Jesus told a rich young man who kept the ten commandments: “‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God’” (Matthew 19:21-24).

This man carefully observed the ten commandments, but material wealth was the focus of his life, and it was hard for him to put his wealth aside to follow Christ.

Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13). Mammon is material wealth. One cannot devote his life both to God and to material wealth.

“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him” (Luke 16:14). The Pharisees despised Jesus because they were “money-lovers.” (“Lovers of money” is one word in Greek.)

Many people today, even though they are Christians, even though they attend services regularly, might be lost because their lives are focused on material things. They are so busy earning money that they have little time for spiritual endeavors. Their house and car payments are so high that they have little left for benevolence and the work of the Lord. They live in luxury but lack treasure in heaven.

The apostle Matthew, also called Levi, left his money to follow Christ: “And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office, and said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ And he arose and followed Him” (Mark 2:14).

One man wanted Jesus to help him get a share of an inheritance. Notice how Jesus responded: “Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’ But He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses’” (Luke 12:13-15). Jesus refuses to deal with the validity of the request but goes to the core of the problem and condemns the covetousness of both brothers.

“Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?” So he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’” But God said to him, “You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God’” (Luke 12:16-21).

Jesus would not fit in our modern society at all! What a statement! Heavenly treasure is more important than earthly treasure! Jesus obviously never watched television!

Many years ago a man in Belgium became a Christen but fell away after a time. When I visited him he said that he had experienced more disadvantages than advantages from being a Christian. Through the years he saved money to buy a cottage in Spain - where the weather is nice - for his retirement years. But a few years before he could retire, he died.

Jesus spoke the truth about the futility of worldly wealth: “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

Also in our time, Jesus is definitely not popular with materially-minded people. They did not like Him then, and they do not like Him now. They may pretend to serve Him, but actually they serve themselves.

Jesus wants us to dedicate our lives to doing good. We ought to help others and contribute something worthwhile to society. But many spend their time mainly taking care of themselves, increasing material ease, while others are in need. We must repent if we want to be true followers of Christ.

Jesus was unpopular because He exposed the sinfulness of self-righteous people and called sinners to repentance.

Jesus was most disliked by the so-called religious people of His time. He embarrassed them because He ate with sinners. When criticized for this He replied: “I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Matthew 9:13).

People who realized that they needed forgiveness, liked Jesus because He encouraged them to leave their sinful ways and live new lives under His leadership.

People who thought they were righteous, hated Jesus because He condemned their hypocrisy. “Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’s seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men’” (Matthew 23:1-5).

Jesus evaluated people on the basis of their spiritual attitude and not on the basis of their outward show of religion.

How many churches and people today give an outward show of religion, but will have nothing to do with those who are lost? They pray long prayers but do little to help the poor and sinful. They look down on them and do not want to be seen in their company.

Jesus associated with the lowly. If we want to be followers of Christ we must do what we can to help the sinful and the poor.

Paul said a time would come when many would have nothing but an empty shell of religion: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Jesus was unpopular for various reasons.

He opposed human traditions that are contrary to the will of God.

He emphasized spiritual values and taught the futility of material things.

He exposed the sinfulness of self-righteous people and called sinners to repentance.

Jesus was unpopular in His day and He is unpopular with most people today.

But we pray that you will make Him King of your life. Take up your cross and follow Him. Free yourself from human traditions. Seek the kingdom of God rather than material gain. Repent of your sins. Go to Christ for forgiveness and be His messenger to help others find the way. If you do this, you will no doubt be unpopular with many. But you will please Christ, and when He comes again, He will recognize you as His own. Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise. Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
http://www.oldpaths.com

Why do we love Jesus? by Roy Davison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/064-Jesusloved.html

Why do we love Jesus?

“Love is of God” (1 John 4:7).

Why do we love anyone? Love is not easy to explain. Basically, we love someone because of who he is. And, there are various levels of love.

For example, we love our unborn child because he is a little person and because he is our child. After the child is born our love deepens and we love him for who he is.

Why is Jesus the best-loved person in human history? Why did people love Him when He walked on earth? Why do millions love Him now, two thousand years later?

Why do we love Jesus? And how strong is our love? Some have an intense love for Jesus, whereas the love of others is rather weak.

To have a strong love for someone you must know him. In 1958, the love song was popular: “To know him is to love him.” Some of the lyrics were: “To know, know, know him is to love, love, love him, and I do, and I do, and I do.”

This certainly applies to Jesus, more than to any other person who has ever lived. Someone who knows Him, loves Him. It is difficult not to love Jesus. Our love for Jesus grows as we get to know Him better through the Scriptures. We learn who He is: what He is like, what He taught, and what He has done for us. Another line in that song is: “Just to see that smile, makes my life worthwhile.”

To prepare for this lesson I examined what the Bible says about people’s love for Jesus, and I asked some fellow Christians why they love Jesus. So many reasons exist for loving Jesus that only a few can be discussed in this lesson.

Love for Jesus was not based on physical attraction.

Isaiah wrote of the Messiah: “He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2 ESV). Yet Isaiah also wrote: “Your eyes will see the King in His beauty” (Isaiah 33:17). And in Psalm 45:2 we read about the Messiah: “You are fairer than the sons of men.”

We love Jesus because of His spiritual beauty. He has the most loveable spirit of anyone who ever lived, the Spirit of God! (John 1:32).

We love Jesus because He first loved us.

One brother wrote: “Of course, ‘Why do I love Jesus?’ is answered in my head by the old children’s song: ‘Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.’ Our love for Him can never match His love for us. Yet, my love for Him is great because I know He sacrificed Himself for me, for us. These expressions are commonplace, but true.”

Indeed, “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15).

We love Jesus because He forgives our sins.

Jesus made it clear to mankind that God is willing to forgive the sins of the contrite: “And He went to the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, and stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he spoke to himself, saying, ‘This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.’ And Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ So he said, ‘Teacher, say it.’ ‘There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?’ Simon answered and said, ‘I suppose the one whom he forgave more.’ And He said to him, ‘You have rightly judged.’ Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.’ Then He said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ And those who sat at the table with Him began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this who even forgives sins?’ Then He said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you. Go in peace’” (Luke 7:35-50).

Sin is a debt no one can pay, whether the debt be large or small. This woman had great remorse for her sins, and she believed that Jesus could rescue her from her terrible state. Imagine how her broken heart was filled with joy when Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven” and “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Her love for Jesus was great because the burden of sin He lifted from her shoulders was great.

She obviously knew something about Jesus. Whether she had met Him, heard Him teach, or only heard about Him, we do not know. But her faith was strong enough that she dared to approach Him in tears, and her love was so strong that she dared to kiss His feet. The invitation of Jesus had touched her heart, whether she had heard these actual words or not: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28, 29).

In reply to my question, several said that they love Jesus because He accepts them and forgives them.

One brother wrote: “Perhaps I most love Him because He is willing to, and has, forgiven my sins, my continuing shortcomings and failures and mistakes, and even those things I cannot seem to keep myself from doing.”

Another brother wrote: “As for me personally, I suspect it boils down to my complete trust in his complete acceptance of me. He knows the real me and that real me does not threaten our relationship. I recognize a great sense of, even physical, peace in my relationship with Jesus, that is not always there in my other relationships! Pretty vague, I know! But in short, it is the peace I get from my relationship with Jesus that keeps me coming back for more.”

Another wrote: “Why do I love Jesus? I love Jesus because He secured my eternal salvation. I deserve to die, but He died for me and paid the price so I do not have to die.”

We love Jesus because He gives us eternal life.

“The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11). “And this is the promise that He has promised us - eternal life” (1 John 2:25). Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life” (John 10:27, 28).

When we commune with the body and blood of Christ at the Lord’s table, we have His promise: “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:54).

One brother explained that he loves Jesus because in Him his dear wife, who recently passed away, will live forever: “I love God because he knows how we humans fear Death because it claims to bring to an end all the lovely and honorable dreams we dream; because it claims to obliterate all the lovely people we know, righteous people, compassionate and kind and unselfish, and because it claims that our trust in God through Jesus Christ is profound nonsense. God has mocked all these claims by Death by raising this one man, Jesus Christ, from the dead to die no more. He enables us to dismiss the voice of all the cemeteries of the world. In and through and because of Jesus there’s a day coming when all who are embraced by the saving work of the Lord Jesus will gather and live forever in eternal joy and peace and love of righteousness.”

God’s children love Jesus.

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God’” (John 8:42). John explains: “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him” (1 John 5:1). They who love the Father also love the Son and all of God’s children.

They who love the truth, love Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Since Jesus is the truth, He is loved by lovers of truth. “Love ... rejoices in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Jesus said: “Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” (John 18:37). People perish because they do “not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Some comments received were: “Jesus was loved because of His honesty” and “because ‘He spoke not’ as the various religious factions. He spoke with authority, but with love, and not hypocritically.”

How much did Peter love Jesus?

How would you respond if Jesus said your full name and asked you, as He asked Peter: “Do you love me?” (John 21:15).

This is one of the most touching scenes in the New Testament. Peter had boasted, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble” and “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” (Matthew 26:33, 35). As it turned out, Peter was the only one who denied Jesus! And he did so three times! But when “the Lord turned and looked at Peter” he was struck with remorse and “went out and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:61, 62).

Some days later, after the resurrection, by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus prepared breakfast for Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John and two other disciples. “So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’” (John 21:15).

In His question, Jesus uses the Greek word ἀγαπάω that refers to the highest form of altruistic love. Peter replies, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” Jesus accepts his reply and says to him, “Feed My lambs.” But Peter did not use the same word for love that Jesus used in His question. Peter used the word φιλέω that expresses affection. Both words mean “to love” but to clarify the difference, it is as though Jesus asks, “Do you love me?” and Peter replies, “You know that I have affection for you.”

Thus, Jesus asks Peter again, using ἀγαπάω, and Peter replies again using φιλέω. Jesus accepts his answer and says, “Tend My sheep.”

Then, the third time, Jesus asks, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” but this time Jesus uses the word φιλέω that has the force of asking: “Peter, do you have affection for me?” “Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep’” (John 21:15-17). Peter still uses φιλέω rather than ἀγαπάω. Peter is no longer boasting, or claiming that he loves Jesus more than others. He understates his love, with the assurance that Jesus knows how very much he loves Him.

Earlier, Peter had said that he was willing to die for Jesus. Now Jesus predicts that he will do just that, and He tells Peter, “Follow Me.” (John 21:18, 19).

How much do we love Jesus?

Jesus is worthy of our highest love. He was a tremendous man. He spoke the truth without compromise. Through His actions and words He revealed the Father. His love for us was so great that He was willing to take upon Himself the death penalty that we deserve, so our sins might be forgiven. He died for us. Are we willing to live for Him? Until our last breath, let us live for Jesus because He, until His last breath on the cross, gave His life for us. Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from
The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise.
Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
http://www.oldpaths.com

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE" The Discipline Of Fasting by Mark Copeland

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/disciplines-for-disciple/disc_04.html

"DISCIPLINES FOR THE DISCIPLE"

The Discipline Of Fasting

INTRODUCTION

1. For this series we have defined spiritual disciplines as...
1. Spiritual exercises that bring one closer to God, to become more godly in character and behavior
2. Spiritual activities such as prayer, meditation, fasting, singing, giving, etc.
2. Previous studies examined the disciplines of...
1. Prayer - especially the value of secret, simple, and steadfast prayer
2. Meditation - contemplating on God, His works, His words, and things worthy of virtue
3. A discipline closely tied to prayer in the Scriptures is that of fasting...
1. Practiced by men of God - Ezr 8:21; Neh 1:4; Dan 9:3; Mt 4:2
2. Observed by the early church - Ac 13:1-3; 14:23; 2Co 6:5; 11:27
4. But some questions may come to mind...
1. What exactly is fasting?
2. Why would Christians fast?
3. When would Christians fast?
4. How should Christians fast?

[A detailed study of fasting can be found here. This study will simply summarize the answers to such questions...]

1. FASTING IN THE BIBLE
1. IN THE OLD TESAMENT...
1. Only one fast was commanded in the Law of Moses - Lev 16:29; 23:27-29; Num 29:7
1. The phrase "afflict your soul" refers to fasting - cf. Psa 69:10
2. Note also Ac 27:9 (where the Fast refers to the Day of Atonement)
2. But the Israelites (and others) fasted on many other occasions
1. In war, or at the threat of it - Judg 20:26; 1Sa 7:6
2. When loved ones were sick - 2Sa 12:16-23; Ps 35:11-13
3. When loved ones died - 1Sa 31:13; 1Ch 10:12; 2Sa 1:12
4. When they sought God's forgiveness - Jon 3:4-10; Dan 9:3-5; Neh 9:1-3
5. When faced with impending danger - 2Ch 20:3; Ezr 8:21; Neh 1:4; Es 4:3,16
6. To commemorate certain calamities - cf. Zec 7:3; 8:19
3. The purpose of fasting
1. Some fasting was a natural reaction to grief over the loss of a loved one
2. More often, fasting was done purposely to "afflict the soul" - Lev 23:27-29
3. The purpose was to "humble" or "chasten" the soul - Psa 35:13; 69:10
4. By so humbling themselves, they hoped to incur God's favor - Ezr 8:21-23; cf. Isa 57:15; 66:1-2
5. Because they sought God's favor, fasting usually was accompanied with prayer
4. The nature of fasting
1. Fasting generally involved abstaining from food but not water
2. Sometimes the fast was partial - a restriction of diet, not total abstention - cf. Dan 10:2-3
3. On rare occasions there was the absolute fast - Jon 3:5-10; Es 4:16; cf. Ac 9:9
4. The absolute fasts of Moses and Elijah must have been miraculous - Deut 9:9; 1Ki 19:8
5. The length of fasting
1. A fast was often for one day, from sunrise to sunset, and after sundown food would be taken - Judg 20:26; 2Sa 1:12; 3:35
2. A fast might be for one night (hence the term, "breakfast") - Dan 6:18
3. The fast of Esther continued for three days, day and night, which seems to have been a special case - Es 4:16
4. At Saul's burial, the fast by Jabesh-Gilead was seven days - 1Sa 31:13; 1Ch 10:12
5. David fasted seven days when his child was ill - 2Sa 12:16-18
6. The longest fasts were the forty day fasts by Moses, Elijah, and Jesus - Exo 34:28; Deut 9:9; 1Ki 19:8; Mt 4:2; Lk 4:2
6. Warnings regarding fasting
1. Fasting can easily turn into an external show and ceremonial ritualism
2. When it did, God and His prophets spoke out against it - Isa 58:1-9; Zec 7:1-14
-- Though subject to abuse, fasting played an important role in the life of Israel
2. FASTING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT...
1. In the life of Jesus
1. He fasted forty days in the wilderness - Mt 4:1-2; Lk 4:1-2
2. He taught concerning fasting in His sermon on the mount - Mt 6:16-18
3. He implied His disciples would fast after His death - Mk 2:18-20; Lk 5:33-35
4. He spoke of the combined power of fasting and prayer - Mt 17:14-21
2. In the life of the early church
1. Members of the church at Antioch served the Lord with fasting - Ac 13:1-2
2. Elders were appointed in the churches of Galatia with fasting - Ac 14:21-23
3. In the life of Paul
1. He fasted prior to his baptism - Ac 9:9
2. He fasted as part of his ministry - 2Co 6:4-10; 11:23-28
3. He described how fasting might be appropriate for others - 1Co 7:5
4. In the lives of others
1. Anna - Lk 2:36-37
2. Cornelius - Ac 10:30-31
-- Through both precept and example, the New Testament has much to say about fasting

[Both Jews and Gentiles, Christians and non-Christians, practiced the spiritual discipline of fasting in Bible times. Should Christians fast today? I believe there is a place for fasting today...]

2. WHY WOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. PEOPLE FAST TODAY FOR VARIOUS REASONS...
1. Some purposefully, for health reasons
2. Some without thinking, in times of grief and sorrow
3. Others, in an effort to gain some kind of self-control
-- But these are not reasons Christian should fast in their service to God - Col 2:20-23
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD FAST TO SEEK GOD'S HELP...
1. This is consistent with the majority of fasting in the OT
1. In times of war or at the threat of it (Israel)
2. When loved ones were sick (David)
3. When seeking God's forgiveness (Ahab, Daniel)
4. When seeking God's protection (Ezra)
2. This is consistent with the examples of fasting in the NT
1. When dealing with temptations (Jesus)
2. When serving the Lord (Antioch)
3. When beginning a work for the Lord (Antioch)
4. When selecting and appointing elders (Galatia)
-- There is certainly apostolic example for Christians to fast today

[If fasting has a place in the Christian life, then let's look more closely at...]

3. WHEN WOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. WHENEVER CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRE GOD'S HELP...
1. These may be occasions on an individual level
1. When faced with difficult temptations
2. When faced with the serious illness of a loved one
2. These occasions might be on a congregational level
1. As when appointing elders
2. As when sending out missionaries
-- Not as some ceremonious ritual, but when appropriate for the occasion
2. WHENEVER CIRCUMSTANCES CALL FOR MUCH PRAYER...
1. Is not God more likely to answer our prayers if we are persistent? - cf. Lk 18:1-8
2. Is not God more likely to respond if we fast in the proper manner? - cf. Mt 6:17-18
-- This may be why fasting is frequently joined with prayer in the Scriptures

[Whenever there are matters requiring much prayer, fasting along with prayer is appropriate. Finally, let's take a look at...]

4. HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS FAST?
1. SOME BIBLICAL WARNINGS...
1. Not to be seen of men - Mt 6:16-18
2. Not as some regular ritual - cf. Mt 9:14-17
3. Not without true repentance - cf. Isa 58:3-9
-- To be effective, fasting must take such warnings seriously
2. SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS...
1. Don't fast just because it sounds like a neat thing to do
1. Take the subject seriously
2. Fast only when the occasion is a serious one
3. One in which you deeply desire God's help
2. If you have never fasted before...
1. Start slow, fasting only for brief periods of time
2. End slow, gradually breaking your fast with fresh fruits and vegetables in small amounts
3. Fast when you have time to spend in prayerful meditation
1. Remember the purpose for fasting
1. To humble oneself in God's sight
2. To seek favorable answer to prayer for some important plea
2. Thus fast when you have time
1. To pray
2. To meditate
3. Remember fasting can be:
1. Partial abstention from food, not necessarily complete
2. Just for one day or night, not necessarily for days and nights
-- Fasting is not an end, but a means to an end; a way to humble oneself before God

CONCLUSION

1. Views about fasting have often been extreme...
1. "Some have exalted religious fasting beyond all Scripture and reason, and others have utterly disregarded it." - John Wesley
2. Some consider fasting unnecessary, therefore to be ignored; others think fasting is to be bound as a matter of faith (like baptism)
3. For the Christian, fasting is left primarily to individual discretion
2. When properly understood, fasting can be a valuable spiritual discipline...
1. A way to humble oneself before God
2. When joined with prayer, a way to solicit God's help

As we seek to exercise ourselves unto godliness (2Ti 4:7), consider the practice of fasting as an appropriate complement to prayer and meditation...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022