2022 - UNIVERSITY CHURCH OF CHRIST

Bulletin Articles - 2022

A Faith Like Abraham

John Garza
25 Dec 2022

One of the greatest men in history has to be the Patriarch Abraham. In fact, there are three major religions that consider him to be the forefather: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, but as Christians, we view him as “the father of all who believe” (Rom. 4:11). What is most noteworthy about Abraham was his faith (Rom. 4:3; 4:9; 4:11; 4:16-22; Gal. 3:7-9), but what was it about Abraham’s faith that pleased God? (Gen. 15:6).First, Abraham’s faith was based on revelation. God revealed Himself and spoke many times (Gen. 15:7; 12:1-4; 13:14-17; 15:1-17; 17:1-27), and consequently, Abraham had enough evidence for him to place his faith in God. Today, our faith must be based on revelation. Not that God reveals Himself to us as He did to Abraham, but faith comes through the Word of God (Rom. 10:17). It contains evidence that we might believe (Jn. 20:30-31). Therefore, if we desire to have the faith of Abraham, we must be receptive to God’s revelation of Himself through His WordSecond, Abraham’s faith was an obedient faith, just as Hebrews 11:8-10 states, “By faith, Abraham obeyed...” In the words of James, Abraham’s faith was not a dead faith (Jm. 2:20,26), but a saving faith revealing itself in obedience. Today, if we desire to have the faith of Abraham, we must have an obedient faith to the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:5; 16:25-26; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).Finally, Abraham’s faith was a growing faith. Certainly, there were times when his faith was weak (Gen. 12:11-20; 15:2-3; 16:1-4; 20:1-8), but God was patient with Abraham, and his faith grew (Rom. 4:18-22; Heb. 11:17-19). In fact, Abraham’s faith was such an ever-growing faith that it led him to being “a friend of God” (Jn 2:23). Today, if we desire to have the faith of Abraham, we must be willing to “walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had” (Rom. 4:12).Why do we need this same kind of faith? Because “those who are of faith are the sons of Abraham” (Gal. 3:7). Because “those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Gal. 3:9). Therefore, if we have the faith of Abraham, we are truly the recipients of the promise made to Abraham (Gen. 18:18).

Handle With Care

David Westbrook
18 Dec 2022

The Lord determined various duties for the various families in the tribe of Levi regarding carrying the tabernacle and its furniture. The Kohathites received the responsibility of carrying the furniture itself; however, there were numerous stipulations that went with this responsibility. In fact, the Kohathites were allowed to carry these items only after Aaron and his sons had completely covered them with skins and put them on a beam. Therefore, the Kohathites themselves never saw what they were carrying; they were not allowed to touch them. Yet, they knew how special these items were. As Moses recorded, “And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. “These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry” (Numbers 4:15).We have the privilege of reading the very Word of God and of belonging to the Church of Christ. We do not always understand all the reasons why God wants something done a particular way, but it is essential that we respect God’s will. As we march toward “Canaan” let us remember that we have the responsibility as Christians to carry the name of Christ with us wherever we go. Let us make sure that we handle it with care.

Let Us Come Together

David Westbrook
11 Dec 2022

According to John 17:20-23 one thing the Lord had on His mind during the ordeal of His death was our unity. Jesus wanted us to be united in purpose and in mind so that the world would look at us and know that the Father had sent the Son. Jesus knew the value of unity. He knew that a splintered body accomplishes nothing. He knew that the sense of community that is sewn into the fabric of fellowship would be important to our spiritual well-being, and that ultimately Heaven would be won or lost in large part to the unity and fellowship of brethren. Acts 2:42-47 is an important passage that illustrates how seriously the early church viewed our Lord’s desire.Notice the pattern. The church “continued steadfastly” (Acts 2:42) meaning they were “strong toward” or “persistent” in five areas: doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Additionally, “all who believed were together…” (Acts 2:44). The grammatical force suggests that they kept themselves together. They also continued daily “with one accord” (Acts 2:46) and possessed “gladness and singleness of heart” (Acts 2:46) indicating a concentration of their collective desires on a single purpose. The emphasis on unity jumps off the page in these Scriptures.Now, notice the purpose. Acts 4:31-37 indicates, among other things, that needs arose among the brethren. Those needs were met. Remember that the Jews had come to Jerusalem for Pentecost and stayed later than expected. They became Christians together and they continued learning and growing together and taking care of one another. This unity continued to bear fruit and they endured persecution in Acts 3-5 and again in Acts 7. The early church recognized the value of being together and we should too. There is no substitute. May we work to be of one mind and one purpose, serving the Lord and one another as the unified body of Christ.

Choices

David Westbrook
4 Dec 2022

Near the close of the book of Leviticus, the Lord presents a choice to the people of Israel. They could acknowledge and hold to Him as the only true God and keep His statutes or they could follow the rest of the nations into idolatry and disobedience (Leviticus 26:1, 2). If they obeyed, God promised them rain and food, peace and safety, victory and bounty (Leviticus 26:3-8). He promised to dwell with them and have a special relationship with them as His people (Leviticus 26:9-13). However, if they disobeyed, He promised that disease and defeat, hunger and sorrow, captivity and fear would surely follow them (Leviticus 26:14-39). Yet, God also promised to redeem them again if they would confess and repent (Leviticus 26:40-46).As most of us know, Israel chose to disobey, and they suffered all of these things. They suffered these things to some degree under the judges, to a greater degree during the time of the kings, in a most obvious way during the captivity of Israel to Assyria and Judah to Babylon, and then completely in 70 A.D. when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem (this was the second time the temple was wiped out, some nations just don’t get it). We need to realize that God did not send all of these things at once, the occurred naturally over many years because of the bad choices the nation of Israel made, just exactly as God said that they would. When we (individually or as a nation) reject God’s will, we must accept the consequences that we created for ourselves. There are times when we suffer because of someone else’s bad choices. However, more often than not, we have problems in our lives because of our own failure to follow God’s will. We all have choices to make (individually and as a nation). When we make the wrong choice, do not be surprised at the consequences.

Some Things to be Thankful For

David Westbrook
20 Nov 2022

Christians are commanded to give thanks in everything (1 Thess. 5:18). November is the time of year when many people pause to reflect and show gratitude. Christians should do the same, but not just for one month out of the year. God has given us much to be thankful for. Here are three items for your consideration.First, God’s providential care. Simply stated, providence refers to provision. Consider the various ways in which God provides for His people. Spiritually speaking He has provided “all things pertaining to life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). We have redemption through the blood of Christ (Eph. 1:7), access to the Father (Eph. 3:12; Heb. 4:16), peace (Rom. 5:1), hope (1 Pet. 1:3), and so much more. Physically speaking, He provides the necessities of life (Matt. 6:33). David said, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread” (Ps. 37:25). Give thanks because God cares for His people!Second, fellowship. Paul thanked God regularly with joy because of the fellowship in the gospel that he enjoyed with the brethren at Philippi (Phil. 1:3-5). Fellowship is a beautiful and wonderful thing that should never be overlooked (Ps. 133). Christians are privileged to work and worship with those of like precious faith (2 Pet. 1:1) and the benefits of that privilege are innumerable. Be thankful because we have fellowship with one another!Third, trouble doesn’t last forever. Peter wrote, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Pet. 1:6). Paul emphasized that our “light affliction...is but for a moment” (2 Cor. 4:17). Regardless of the difficulty, we can be thankful in the assurance that the end will come eventually.

Life is in the Blood

David Westbrook
13 Nov 2022

Blood plays a vital role in the well being of individuals. It is so obvious that it seems strange to even bring it up. Many soldiers on the front lines have bled to death. “Life is in the blood.” Diseases, such as leukemia, that attack the blood marrow and slow or even stop blood production are devastating. “Life is in the blood.” Think for a moment about how many tests a laboratory can run just from your blood. “Life is in the blood.” But Moses didn’t need this medical report at his fingertips to write by inspiration, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11).The Lord demanded that Israel understand the significance of blood. The were not allowed to offer sacrifices arbitrarily, nor could they offer them just anywhere. They had to bring them before the tabernacle, to the priest. God required an approved mediator. The Israelites were not allowed to eat any blood because of the significance it held in regard to life (Leviticus 17:10). (To the best of my knowledge that one hasn’t changed, and for good reason).More important than this distinction, however, is the significance of blood in atonement. Since blood carried life, it follows that atonement required a life. The blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin. Therefore, Jesus Christ, our mediator and high priest gave His perfect life through the shedding of His blood in order to provide remission of sins and atonement (Hebrews 7:26, 27). Jesus came that we might have life (John 14:6), and life is in the blood (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 6:3, 4).

God Believes in Details

David Westbrook
6 Nov 2022

Upon reading Exodus 26 one must come away with at least this simple impression, God Believes in Details! In this chapter He explains specific dimensions and materials to be used in the construction of the tabernacle that will serve as a place of worship for the Israelites while they wandered in the wilderness and in their early days in Canaan. Why, one might ask, should God bother with such menial matters? Why is it not sufficient to tell Moses to build a tabernacle? Why be so specific? Why make such exact requirements? Earlier God told Moses, “According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it” (Exodus 25:9). “And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain” (Exodus 25:40).God could have been very generic with His instructions, but He was not, and for good reason. Israel needed to know that God pays attention to the small things, the intricate details. Just like Israel, you and I need the same lesson. We need to understand that when God speaks, it is essential. When He is silent, it is crucial. God inspired the Bible for our benefit and instruction, and God believes in details.

I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

David Westbrook
30 Oct 2022

People love to hear a preacher who is passionate about the message he preaches. Abraham Lincoln delivered a quip about preaching when he said, When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act as if he were fighting bees." It is true that people can tell something about what God means to us by the way we speak of Him. However, the way we sing also communicates the way we feel about Him and each other. A question to consider is, "Can others tell from the way I sing that I am a person who is passionate about the wondrous story of Christ?"It ought to be that the Lord knows how I feel about Him by the song service. When the sacrifice of praise is offered, we do want the sacrifice to be something with which God is pleased (Jeremiah 33:1; Malachi1:13; Hebrews 13:15). When we offer our worship, God hears the melody of our hearts and the sound from our lips and He knows how much He means to us (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13). As singers of the wondrous story, we want to passionately declare and sing of, and to, our Redeemer. We want to fervently declare, "My Jesus I love Thee, I know Thou art mine. For The all the follies of sin I resign," with Him listening and knowing it is the truth.It ought to be that the church knows how I feel about His church by the song service. Singing praises is vertical first and foremost. That is, it is to God (Romans 15:10, 11). However, horizontally, there are also songs of instruction and songs of admonishment that we sing to His glory and to teach each other for their benefit (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Have you ever looked down the pew and sang to your neighbor, "Has thine affection been nailed to the cross?" or to your brethren, Is thy heart right with God?" Have you ever had your brother or sister in Christ sing to you, "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love?" There has to be a personal nature to our songs. As singers of the wondrous story. Our neighbors ought to know that we love the Lord and each other far more than anything else (Matthew 22:36-39).It ought to be that I know how the church feels about the Lord by the song service. Would we be tolerant if our preacher was willfully absent from the assembly because he didn’t feel like going? Would we understand if our preacher just opened the Bible and read mindlessly because he hadn't prepared himself for teaching? The truth is that Christians have responsibilities on the Lord's day just as the preacher (Hebrews 10:24, 25)! Can a Christian be "Teaching and admonishing" another the way they ought to be if they are absent from the assembly? The song service suffers when Christians are not present to sing! As singers of the wondrous story, we are to be present, ready to let the Lord know, ready to let the church know, and ready to let our visitors know that Jesus is "my glorious King, and oh I dearly love Him."

Resist

David Westbrook
23 Oct 2022

While in this world, Christians must engage in a constant struggle with the enemy. First Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is a liar and a murder (John 8:44). Through various methods (Eph. 6:11) he seeks to tempt Christians (1 Thess. 3:5), exploit them (Eph. 4:26-27), lure them away from Christ (1 Tim. 2:14), and hinder the cause of the gospel (1 Thess. 2:18). Though he may be tenacious in his efforts, his power is not unlimited. Our Lord reigns victorious over the Devil (Heb. 2:14; 4:14-16) and has provided assurance and the means necessary for His people to do the same. James 4:7 highlights this well, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”To “resist” the Devil is to set oneself against him and oppose him. When we oppose him, the Devil will run away. Note that this is neither a suggestion nor a possibility. Rather, it is a command and a promise. Sometimes we have a defeatist mindset as if Satan is too strong for us and we will never be able to overcome his advances. But the Bible says that if we will stand strong and fight him, he will run for safety. Our Lord exemplifies this well in the record of His temptation in Matthew 4:1-11.It should bring us great joy to know that our God gives us the ability to defeat our mortal enemy, but practically speaking, how can we do so? Consider the following suggestions1. Know how the Devil works. Satan majors in deception but God’s Word exposes him for what he truly is. We are not ignorant of his devices (2 Cor. 2:11).2. Meditate on God’s Word. Study closely the temptation of Jesus in Mathew 4:1-11 and note that He countered every advance with a “thus saith the Lord.” God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). The best way to fight off the Devil is to fill our hearts and minds with scripture so that we can harness its power effectively.3. Associate with God’s people (Heb. 10:25). The strength we gain from one another is one of our greatest assets.May God help us in our fight against our adversary, the Devil.

God Finishes What He Begins

Cody Westbrook
16 Oct 2022

If we are honest, we will all admit that we often fail to finish what we begin. We are prone to set goals and cast them aside at the halfway point. We begin projects and let them sit idle for weeks hoping to finish them at some point in the future. We often look back on these unfinished plans with regret. “If only I had set aside a little time each day, this would be finished by now,” we say to ourselves. The power to see things through is a virtue which we would all do well to pursue.In contrast, we serve a God who always finishes what He starts. Paul identified this truth in Philippians 1:6 when he said, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” To be confident involves certainty. The work they had begun is in reference to verse 5–their fellowship with Paul in the gospel, and completion refers to bringing a thing to a successful finish. Thus, Paul was absolutely certain that God would continue to bless the Philippian saint’s efforts in the gospel unto the coming of the Lord.This passage brings several important principles to light. First, we must remember that the work of the gospel is not really our work, but God’s. He works with us (Phil. 1:6) and He works in us (Phil. 2:13). Therefore, we must have faith in Him to bless the efforts. Second, God never gives up. As long as this world stands, God will continue to work and bless the efforts of the faithful. Finally, as we contemplate the work we do in the kingdom on both the congregational and individual level, let us do so with the same level of assurance and dedication seen in Paul and in our God. He always finishes what He begins, and so should we.

Servanthood or Hollywood

David Westbrook
26 Mar 2023

After wandering for years, the children of Israel entered into the promised land. Just before they entered, Moses delivered a strong warning against forgetting God. Moses knew that once they were in this land of plenty, they would lose their attitude of servanthood.“When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today.” (Deuteronomy 8:10, 11)In our own land of milk and honey, with all of our wealth and luxury, have we forgotten about God? Has our prosperity caused us to seek to be entertained, rather than to serve the Lord?Our society has submerged itself in a life of entertainment. Think for just a moment about how much time and money Americans spend on entertainment (movies, television, sporting events, outdoor recreation). How many Christians do you know who will spend hundreds on football game tickets but come Sunday morning it’s painful for them to put ten dollars in the plate?These days people only work so they can play. This strong desire to be entertained has spilled over into worship. We have forgotten Who the real audience is when we enter worship.“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23)Where is the Church going? Servanthood or Hollywood?

Who Decides What You Wear?

David Westbrook
9 Oct 2022

The Third chapter of Genesis communicates many rich lessons for today, but one principle that seems largely ignored is the distinct difference in opinion between man and God as to what is appropriate clothing. After Adam and Eve sinned and realized that they were naked, they covered themselves with fig leaves 9Genesis 3:7). When God confronted them and pronounced their sentence, it says, “Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin and clothed them” (Genesis 3:21).It is interesting that Moses did not write that God “re-clothed them” or “added additional clothing.” As far as God was concerned, they were not clothed. Though they made some effort to cover themselves, God determined that they had not done so adequately. The Hebrew word for “coats” denotes a garment that went from the shoulders to the knees. Therefore, we can know that this amount of covering pleases God. However, in todays world, far too often, Christians and their children let summertime temperatures, the latest fads and fashions, and worldly friends have more influence on their choice of clothing than God does. How can we possibly be “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27) when we do not allow Him to influence our “other clothing?”

Taking Time With Others

David Westbrook
25 Sep 2022

"And at this point His disciples came, and they marveled that He talked with a woman"(John 4:27).This is not how the disciples would have interacted with this woman. Jewish men did not typically speak with women in public. Furthermore, this woman was a Samaritan. She understood," The Jews have no dealings with Samaritans" (John 4:9). Yet, Jesus had time to speak with this woman of Samaria."Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them but when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to Him and said, Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Luke 18:15, 16). Jesus and His disciples were headed to Jerusalem. The disciples reasoned that they had no time for children; they had more important things to do. Jesus, However, had time. Children were important to Him."Then it happened, as He was coming near Jericho, that a certain blind man sat by the road begging… And he cried out saying, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near He asked him, saying, what do you want Me to do for you? He said Lord, that I may receive my sight. Then Jesus said to him, receive your sight; your faith has made you well… " (Luke 18:35-43). As busy as our Lord was, He had time for a blind man.Have you ever noticed in your studies that Jesus always had time for those, for whom no one else seemed to have time? We need to care about people. Jesus wants us to find time for others, especially for the weak and down trodden (Luke 14:12-14). Consider the lyrics of the Eagles song, Take it to the limit, "You can spend all your time making money. You can spend all your love making time." How are we, as individuals, spending our time? Do we care about people? Do we care about even the weak and down trodden? Do we, as a congregation, have time for those who do not live in nice houses, drive nice cars, and wear nice clean clothes? Do we have time for people who are hurting? Do we have compassion? We must, if we are to be like Him.Maybe it would help us all to remember the words of this song we often sing. "Each day I'll do a golden deed, by helping those who are in need; my life on earth is but a span, and so I'll do the best I can. Life's evening sun is sinking low, a few more days and I must go, to meet the deeds that I have done, where there will be no setting sun."

My Way or God’s Way

David Westbrook
18 Sep 2022

Following the death of Frank Sinatra, many people referred to his life by the title of one of his songs, My Way. Perhaps the song did characterize his life, but if so, it is unfortunate. Although most people want to take their own path and have control over everything they do, they often forget that doing things my way will never be as important as doing things God’s way.God promised Abram an heir and a great natin as a legacy; however, Sarai decided that this promise was not going to come through her so she gave her handmaid, Hagar, to Abram to be another wife. “ Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai” (Genesis 16:1, 2). When Hagar conceived, she looked down upon Sarai, and Sarai asked Abram for permission to deal harshly with Hagar. “So Abram said to Sarai, “Indeed your maid is in your hand; do to her as you please.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her presence” (Genesis 16:6). The point is this, after trying to do things her way, Sarai had made herself (as well as Abram and Hagar) miserable in the process (Genesis 16).People have not changed. They know that God has commanded worship but fail to abide by the biblical authority to do things God’s way. We often get very exited over a new idea, so exited we fail to consider whether or not it is indeed God’s way. “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death” (Proverb 16:25).

The Power of Love

David Westbrook
11 Sep 2022

When Jacob fled to Padan Aram to the house of Laban and found Rachel, he agreed to work for Laban for seven years so that he could marry her. After being tricked by Laban into marrying Lea instead, Jacob agreed to stay on another seven years so that he could also marry Rachel (though he married her only a week or so after Lea – Genesis 29:28). However, notice what the Bible says Jacob’s motivation was for this: “So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her” (Genesis 29:20).Jacob’s love caused him to make a decision that tied up seven years of his life, but he did not feel that it was a sacrifice at all, and it did not seem to be that long because his love was so great.Becoming a Christian requires a decision that will affect an entire lifetime. However, we have two ways to look at it. We can either feel as if we are entering a burdensome servitude or that it is a joy because of our changed relationship with God (Isaiah 59:2; Acts 2:38). It can seem like a lifetime of sacrifice or an eternity of blessings (Ephesians 1:3). The difference in your outlook will depend on your love for God. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).

How to Make a Preacher #2

David Westbrook
4 Sep 2022

Make your preacher first a preacher. Mold him relentlessly into a man forever bowed but never cowed before the unconcealed truth that he has labored to reveal, and let him hang flung against the hard destiny of almighty God; let his soul be stripped bare before the onrushing purposes of God, and let him be lost, doomed, and done that his God alone be all in all. Let him, in himself, be sign and symbol that everything human is lost, that grace comes through loss; and make him the illustration that grace is amazing, sufficient, and redemptive. Let him be transparent to God's call. And when he is burned out by the flaming Word that coursed through him; when he is consumed at last by the fiery message blazing through him, and when he who was privileged to translate the truth of God to man is finally translated from the earth to heaven, then bear him away gently, blow a muted trumpet and lay him down softly, place a two-edged sword on his coffin and raise a tune triumphant, for he was a brave soldier of the Word and e'er he died he had become a spokesman for God."

How to Make a Preacher #1

David Westbrook
28 Aug 2022

“Make your preacher a minister of the Word. Fling him into his office, tear the office sign from the door and nail on the sign: “Study” Take him off the mailing list, lock him up with his books -- get him all kinds of books -- and his Bible. Slam him down on his knees before texts, broken hearts, the flippant lives of a superficial flock, and the Holy God. Force him to be one in the community who knows about God. Throw him into the ring to box with God till he learns how short his arms are; engage him to wrestle with God all the night through. Let him come out only when he is bruised and beaten into being, a blessing. Set a time clock on him that will imprison him with thought and writing about God for 60 hours a week. Shut his big mouth forever spouting 'remarks' and stop his tongue always tripping lightly over everything non-essential. Require him to have something to say before he dare break silence. Bend his knees in the lonesome valley, fire him from the PTA, and cancel his country club membership; burn his eyes with weary study, wreck his emotional poise with worry for God, and make him exchange his pious stance for a humble walk with God and man. Make him spend and be spent for the glory of God.Make your minister a preacher of the Word. Form a chorus and raise a chant and haunt him with it night and day: 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.' When, at long last, he dares assay the pulpit, ask him if he has a word from God; if he does not, then dismiss him and tell him you can read the morning paper, digest the television commentaries, think through the day's superficial problems, manage the communities fund drives, and bless assorted baked potatoes and green beans better than he can. Command him not to come back until he has read and re-read, written and re-written, until he can stand up, worn and forlorn, and say: 'Thus saith the Lord.' Break him across the board of his ill-gotten popularity, smack him hard with his own prestige, corner him with questions about God, corner him with demands for celestial wisdom, and give him no escape until he is backed against the wall of the Word; then sit down before him and listen to the only word he has left: God's Word. Then feel privileged to sit at his feet.

Certainty & Patience

David Westbrook
21 Aug 2022

Peter wrote of the “exceedingly great and precious promises” given to the children of God (2 Pet. 1:4). Indeed, our Father has promised us great things. Blessings such as forgiveness (1 John 1:9), fellowship (Heb. 13:5), peace (Phil. 4:7), and eternal life (1 John 2:25) are all ours to enjoy. These promises motivate us to faithfulness and comfort us in times of distress. No wonder the Hebrews writer reminded his readers of these, to encourage them to remain faithful to God.Hebrews 6:13-15 says, “For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.’ And so, after he had patiently endured, He obtained the promise.” The passage recalls God’s promise to Abraham for the purpose of pointing out two important truths regarding God’s promises: certainty and patience.When God makes a promise we can be absolutely certain that He will fulfill that promise. It is impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18) and therefore we can depend on every word He speaks. But though He is absolutely reliable in what He promises, the fulfilment of those promises often take time, and therefore requires our patience. Abraham waited more than 20 years for the birth of Isaac, and just such an example was required for Jewish Christians in the first century to remain steadfast in their hope.As we navigate the difficulties of life, like the readers of Hebrews, we would do well to remember these two truths. God has made great and precious promises and He will fulfill every one of them. We must simply be patient and “wait on the Lord” (Isa. 40:31).

Morally Depraved

David Westbrook
7 Aug 2022

I’m sure everyone has heard about the uproar in the state of Florida over transgenderism. The governor of the state simply used common sense, and good morals to make a decision that will be a major political argument for a while. Here are my thoughts on the subject of transgenders playing sports in school.The advocates of transgenderism would have their agenda pushed not only in high schools but as early as kindergarten. They wish to implant their ideologies in as early an age group as they can get. I personally believe that any person who would publicly suggest teaching sex to young children is a pedophile and should be arrested and imprisoned immediately. I do not trust anyone who would allow their children to decide which gender they want to be. Something is mentally wrong with those people. (Some parents are deciding for their children).Hosea, who prophesied during the time of Amos, warned the Israelites that their lack of moral and spiritual knowledge would bring about their doom (Hosea 4:6). Multitudes are destroying themselves and their nation through immoral conduct. They have no excuse for not knowing that they are flirting with disaster (Isaiah 30:9, 10). They do not know, because they do not want to know. They have intentionally closed their eyes to truth.Fifty years ago, marriage was known as a sacred institution. Homosexual practices were recognized for what they actually were, PERVERSION! The general public had absolutely no problem with identifying abortion with murder. Advance fifty year forward to the year 2022. Clearly, we have made a 180% turn the wrong way. The result – thousands of emotionally messed up children; unprecedented numbers of suicides; jails and prisons overflowing. America has turned into a stew pot filled with the most disgusting sexual perversions known to mankind.What is the church supposed to do in this situation? Some suggest keeping our mouths shut, and our hands clean of the whole situation. You do what you believe is right. None of us has to answer for the others sins. As for me, I have had my fill of this. It makes me sick at my stomach. I’m not going to sit here and just let it happen without a fight. I will find a way to educate people on the truth of this mess. I believe this is a life-or-death topic. Both physically and spiritually. It absolutely falls under the category of evangelism.

How the Church can Strengthen Her Elders

David Westbrook
31 Jul 2022

“This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1). To be an elder is one of the greatest privileges that could ever be given. Indeed it is a “good work” but it is also a challenging one. Like everyone else, godly elders need to be strengthened in their work, and the church has the responsibility fulfilling that need. Hebrews 13 provides three practical ways that we can strengthen and encourage godly leaders.Remember them (Heb. 13:7). To “remember” our elders is to “keep them in mind,” and implies thinking not only of them individually, but also of their admonitions (Vincent). It is also interesting to note that the word is a present imperative in the Greek text, which, of course, indicates an ongoing command. So, it is the case that God not only wants us to “remember” our leaders, but He requires it! Practically speaking, one of the best ways to do this is prayer. It was Paul, by inspiration, who wrote, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Certainly, Paul was one who practiced what he preached. He prayed, not only for himself, but also for other people (c.f. Eph. 3:14-21; Col. 1:9ff; Phil. 1:3-4; etc.), and he asked other people to pray for him (1 Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1). To be sure, a godly elder will pray often for us, but how often do we pray for him? We should pray for our leaders daily. We should pray for their well being, for their families, for the decisions that they make, and so many other things. How strengthening it would be for a shepherd to know that the sheep remember him in prayer regularly.Obey them (Heb. 13:17). The Hebrews writer says that we are to “obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves.” To “obey” is to willingly put oneself in a position to be persuaded and to “submit” is to yield, or give way, to authority. Just like the word “remember” in verse seven, both of these terms are present imperatives. Thus God requires us to be in the habit of willingly placing ourselves under the authority and instruction of godly elders. The second half of the passage explains why—“…for they watch for your souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Make no mistake; the work of an elder is an exalted blessing and privilege (1 Pet. 5:4), but it also comes with a very unique set of challenges. The directive of Hebrews 13:17 is simply that we willingly place ourselves under the leadership and instruction of godly elders and not display a rebellious and difficult disposition that would make their titanic task even more challenging. Elders are charged with the responsibility of keeping constant vigilance over our souls, and they will give an account of how they carry out that duty. We can encourage and strengthen our shepherds by submitting to their authority, as they submit to the Chief Shepherd’s authority (1 Pet. 5:4).Salute them (Heb. 13:24). To “salute” means simply, “to greet.” The idea is that we speak kindly to and heap well wishes upon our leaders. Like the previous two passages, this charge is also a present imperative. God wants us to be kind and encouraging to one another (Eph. 4:32; Heb. 3:13; 1 Thess. 5:11). How often do we verbally encourage our elders? We ought to make a habit of letting them know how much we appreciate them and the work that they do. Tell them that we think about them and pray for them often. Tell them that we appreciate their faith and good example. Make sure that they hear from us all the time, instead of just the times when we disagree with them. In so doing, our words will provide an unlimited source of strength and encouragement.

Growing Great Fruit

David Westbrook
24 Jul 2022

Paul wrote, “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9). God’s people are to be in the fruit production business. That is what Peter had in mind as he used his inspired pen to write 2 Peter 1:8-9. There are three things set forth in these two verses.The ConditionNotice the condition set forth at the beginning of verse 8,“For if these things are yours and abound…” The “things” to which Peter refers are the graces described in verses 5-7. Describing them as “yours” points to ownership or possession. The word “abound” carries the idea of increasing or overflowing, and it indicates ongoing activity. So the idea is that Christians should take ownership of the “Christian graces” and allow them to continually overflow in abundance in our lives. That involves real effort on our part. Consider 1 Peter 2:2 which says, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” and Matthew 5:6 which says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.” How great is your desire to know God’s word and put it in action? How great is your desire to see the “Christian graces” overflowing in your life?The GoalThe goal is stated negatively,“…you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” To be “barren” is to be useless, ineffective, and accomplish nothing (cf. Matt. 20:3, 6; Jas. 2:20). To be “unfruitful” is to be like a tree that is capable of fruit bearing and produces nothing (cf. Matt. 3:8-10; Luke 13:6-9). The goal for every Christian is to be the complete opposite–useful, effective, and full of good fruit. Remember Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples” (John 15:8). Paul’s prayer for the Colossian Christians was that they grow in their knowledge of God’s word so that they might be fruitful in every good work (Col. 1:9-11). Are you working hard to produce fruit in your life? Can your progress be seen (1 Tim. 4:15)? If not, why not?The ContrastWhat if a person does not take ownership of the “Christian graces” and allow them to abound in his life so that he is effective and fruitful in the Lord’s work? That person is described in verse 9 as “shortsighted.” The idea is that he is so focused on the menial matters of this world that it blinds him to what is eternally important. Even to the point of loosing sight of the greatest blessing of all–salvation. Imagine standing before the Lord in judgment and saying, “Lord, I know you did so much for me but I just didn’t make the effort to do much for you.” What an incredible thing to contemplate! But, in reality, if we fail to produce great fruit, that is essentially what we’re doing! Consider 1 Peter 1:21-2:3.God wants His people to be about the business of growing great fruit. That only happens if we allow the Word of God to produce within us the great characteristics listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7. If we will take ownership of those “graces” and allow them to flourish in our lives, then we will be abundantly fruitful in the kingdom of God.

Drop Anchor, Your Drifting

David Westbrook
17 Jul 2022

The story is told of two men who were fishing near a dam. The two men were aware that it had rained a lot over the last several weeks, and that water was flowing over the dam. At first, they were cautious and paid attention to the boat. Soon, though, they got caught up in the fishing, and the next thing they knew they had drifted into the swift current heading over the dam. They tried to fight it, but it was to late. They had gone to far. It took several days to find their bodies below.Brethren, the danger of drifting isn’t limited to the physical realm. It can happen spiritually as well. "Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away (Hebrews 2:1). The question we must all answer is, "Are we drifting, and would we know it if we were?"Drifting doesn’t require any effort. All we have to do in a boat is stop oaring, and just quit fighting against the wind and current. It works the same way with Christians. That's why we are told "we must give the more earnest heed."It is an unconscious process. Sitting in a boat, we can't see the undercurrents beneath us. The next thing we know, we are miles from where we are supposed to be. In the same way, many congregations and individual Christians have drifted off into error, without even knowing it.We never drift upstream or against the tide. Faithfulness to God is like oaring up stream: Always fighting, always oaring against the current, always adding to our faith. "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8). Peter states in 2 Peter 3:18 that we should never stop growing. If we stop growing, that's when we start to drift.Brethren, are we drifting? It is a real danger, of it and we would be foolish to think otherwise. Maybe the best thing for all of us is to drop anchor. Take some time to reassess things before we drift off the dam.

Accept Them for Who They Are

David Westbrook
10 Jul 2022

“There’s a difference between acceptance and supporting, and although not everyone is going to be supportive, this is about learning to accept everyone for who they are.” These were the sentiments of David Lipscomb University student Aria Bartley in reference to the celebration of National Coming Out Day at Lipscomb University last October. She is certainly not alone in her mindset. Acceptance is the ever-increasing cry of the day. We are constantly told that above everything else we must accept people for who they are. But is this what God wants? Does God accept people for who they are? Does He expect us to do the same? The answer depends on what is meant by “Accept them for who they are.”If it means that we should accept people who desire to come to Christ regardless of what their past or present condition may be, then the answer is yes. Jesus had mercy on a woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), allowed a woman “who was a sinner” (likely a prostitute) to wash His feet and wipe them with her hair (Luke 7:36-39), healed 10 lepers, one of whom was a Samaritan (Luke 17:11-19), and entered the house of a chief tax collector who desired to see Him (Luke 19:1-9). The Lord did not turn people away because of their social status or prevent them because of their sin. In fact He condemned the Jewish elite for harboring that very attitude (cf. Luke 15). He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), not push them away. Should we, like Jesus, be willing to open our arms to anyone who desires to follow the Savior, regardless of their situation? Absolutely.On the other hand, if “Accept them for who they are” means ignoring sin, the answer is no. Though Christ welcomed sinners with opened arms, He never overlooked their sin. The woman caught in adultery was told to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). He forgave the sins of the woman “who was a sinner” because “she loved much” (Luke 7:47). The 10 lepers were healed because they cried for mercy (Luke 17:13), and salvation came Zaccheus’ house because he was willing to repent (Luke 19:8-9). Under no circumstance did Jesus ever embrace someone’s sin; turn His back on it, and accept is “who they are.” In every case the person was required to respond in faithful obedience and repent and cease from their sin. His requirements have not changed (Luke 13:3; Acts 3:19; etc.). Should we accept people for who they are if that means overlooking and justifying their sinful lifestyle? Absolutely not.The unfortunate reality is that most often the “Accept them for who they are” buzz phrase is really a way of saying, “Accept their sin.” Satan has convinced the multitudes that an unwillingness to accept sin is equal to hatred and bigotry, but that is simply not the case. Jesus would not (and will not) accept sin and He was (and is) not a bigot, and neither are those who follow in His footsteps. We are to pattern our lives after His (1 Pet. 2:21). That means we must view sin the same way that He does. It is true that, like Him, we must accept people for who they are, but only in the sense that we do not reject and turn people away because of who they are or how they have lived. We must love all people, desire the best for them, and do everything possible to bring them to Christ. But we cannot ignore sin. The Lord will not, and therefore, neither can we.

It’s Performance That Counts

David Westbrook
3 Jul 2022

One of the problems of any volunteer organization is motivating people to do what they have promised to do. The motivating factor of getting the work done in business is the check the employees get every two weeks. If they don’t work, they don’t receive the benefits of their work. So, it's performance that counts - not good intentions.Jesus once told a parable about two sons: "“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go" (Matthew 21:28-30). How often do we act like the second son in the parable? We promise such and such but do not perform. We know that it is our duty to serve God, and we resolve that we will faithfully serve Him, sincerely saying "I go, Sir," but we tend to forget the words we speak as soon as those words are out of our mouths.As a consequence, we do not suffer alone. The entire congregation suffers with us. We make plans as a congregation and prepare to do those plans, but where are all the volunteers? There is quite often a great gulf between the promise and the performance.One of the greatest needs in the church today, is for those who say they will do something, to do it. And for those who have said, "I will not," to repent and do it. The church of Christ desperately needs members who will see to completion the task they have been given. Good intentions will never get the job done.One of the greatest needs in the church today, is for those who say they will do something, to do it. And for those who have said, "I will not," to repent and do it. The church of Christ desperately needs members who will see to completion the task they have been given. Good intentions will never get the job done.Always remember that it's performance that counts! " But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him forrighteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" (James 2:14-24).

Finders Keepers

David Westbrook
26 Jun 2022

A familiar phrase especially among our young people is: "Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers." However, Moses' second reading of the law says something quite the contrary. "You shall not see your brother's ox or his sheep going astray, and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your brother. And if your brother is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it to your own house, and it shall remain with you until your brother seeks it; then you shall restore it to him. You shall do the same with his donkey, and so shall you do with his garment; with any lost thing of your brother's, which he has lost and you have found, you shall do likewise; you must not hide yourself" (Deuteronomy 22:1-3).Finders, have a moral obligation to help restore what another has lost. Rather than keeping what belongs to another or even just ignoring it, under the law the people were to protect another people's property until it could be restored to them. We find this very practical and loving concept wrapped in the statement "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). Isn't it interesting that Jesus echoed the same statement, "Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).How far are we willing to go to restore another's loss says something about the extent of our love for others because it indicates how much we think in terms of what we would appreciate. Society is growing so inconsiderate that most people have little patience for others faults, while expecting others to give them great latitude concerning their own. Christians ought to demand better of themselves. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another," "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends" (John 13:34, 35; 15:13).

Making Wise Use of our Time

David Westbrook
19 Jun 2022

If we are wise, we understand about making wise use of out time. We get our priorities straight, and do first things first, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). We structure each day so that we get the most of our time we have been allotted. We understand just how precious time is on this earth, and that our appointment with death and judgment is certain (Hebrews 9:27).The Bible addresses the importance of making good use of our time on earth while we have it, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Even Jesus recognized His brief time on earth to do the Father's will, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work" (John 9:4). The wise make it a habit to "exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13). Why? Because the wise know James 4:13, 14. I don’t know who originally penned this poem, it's be around a long time. But accurately illustrates the need to make wise use of our time in spiritual matters."You’ve time to build houses, and then to dwell, and time to do business to buy and to sell. But none for repentance, or deep earnest prayer; to seek salvation you’ve no time to spare. You’ve time for earths pleasures, for frolic and fun, for her glittering treasures how quickly you run; But care not to seek the fair mansion above. The favor of God or the gift of His love. You’ve time to take voyages over the sea, and time to take in the world's jubilee; but soon your bright hopes will be lost in the bloom of the cold dark river of death and the tomb. You’ve time to resort to the mountain and glen; and to gain knowledge from books and from men; yet no time to search for the wisdom of God, but what of your soul when you're under the sod? For time will not linger when helpless you lie, staring death in the face; you will take time to die. Then, what of the judgment - pause, think, I implore! For time will be lost on eternity's shore."I don’t know about you, but that really gets me to thinking about some things. So, I suppose the question to answer now is this: "Are we making good use of our time while here on earth? If not, perhaps today would be an appropriate time to begin making better choices. "The night comes, when no man can work" (John 9:4).

Some Truths Worth Knowing

David Westbrook
12 Jun 2022

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). It seems evident to me that the majority of the world is searching after truth. In order to gain the truth that we are searching after, we must be willing to put forth some real effort. Therefore, we must study (2 Timothy 2:15; John 5:39). The Bereans understood quite well what it meant to search for truth. "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and search the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). As we study the truth, I would like for us to consider some truths worth knowing. It is evident that there are many truths that will not affect our lives if we never know them. But there are also many truths which produce great changes in our lives when we come to an understanding of them. These are truths that are worth knowing.It is worth knowing how to come to Christ. Of all of the truths that I know, this is the one that has the greatest value. The plan of salvation is, without doubt, worth knowing. Whether we choose to be obedient to it is a different subject all to gather. Faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance (Acts 17:30), confession (Romans 10:9, 10), baptism (Acts 2:38). Sense it is only through Christ that we obtain salvation, it is well worth knowing what is involved in coming to Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).It is worth knowing why Christ was manifested. Manifested simply means revealed. In having this knowledge of the reason for the revealing of the Son of God, we are encouraged to follow Him closer. "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose, the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). As we daily face the trials of the Christian life, it is worth knowing that Jesus came to destroy the works of Satan. These "works of the devil" include his plans, purpose, design, schemes, aims, and ends which he hopes to accomplish. It is worth knowing that Jesus was not manifested to start a fan club, build hospitals, or many other things, but to seek and to save the lost. Since that includes each one of us, we should deem it worth knowing that Jesus came to save us.When we consider all these things that are worth knowing, it's hard to imagine people actually wanting to be ignorant of them. Unfortunately, that is the truth of the matter.

Determining Right or Wrong

David Westbrook
5 Jun 2022

As we live our lives, whether we live for Christ or not, we are always faced with determining right or wrong. Quite often we find ourselves going through a great deal of anxiety to determine what is right and what is wrong. If there were a set of rules that we might place before us to follow in making these decisions, would we not find life easier to live? Of course, we would. We have such a book in our possession. So, let's ask some questions and see what answers the book gives us.Does the Bible say it is wrong? This would be one of the key factors in determining the correctness of something. If the Bible says it is wrong, then it is wrong, and that settles it. Likewise, if the Bible says it is right, it is right, and that settles it. Given the fact that the Bible contains everything that pertains to life and godliness, we should turn to it for the answers to the questions of whether or not something is right or wrong (2 Peter 1:3). This is especially true in view of the fact that God would have us do well and not do bad (Isaiah 7:15). We should also be aware that the Bible guides man in making the right decisions in life (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).Does it hurt either my mind or my body? This should also be one of the key factors in determining right from wrong. We should never do that which will harm either our mind or our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). God has given us both our body and our mind. And it is certain that He would not want us deliberately doing that which would harm either.Will it enslave me? I am sure each of us realizes that there are numerous things that can and do enslave people. Thus, prior to deciding on something, we should ask: "Will it make a slave out of me?" There should be nothing in our lives that rules us, apart from God. It is when we allow something to bring us under its power, that we have failed to do that which God would have us do. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any" (1 Corinthians 6:12). One translation of this passage states, "… but I will not be mastered by anything." Therefore, we should always be concerned about whether we will answer to our actions, or they will answer to us.Will it glorify God? This, too, is an important question that warrants an answer. As Christians we should never do anything that does not bring glory to God. Everything we do should be done with that in purpose in mind (1 Corinthians 10:31).Will it help me to serve God and others? This question should be asked since we all realize that we wish to serve God and our fellow man. "Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being" (1 Corinthians 10:24).Is it worth imitating? We should all try to only do those things that we would want others to do (1 Corinthians 11:1). We should realize that other people are watching us and looking for help in determining what is right and what is wrong.We should never want to do anything that others will follow us in and be wrong. Likewise, we should never, by our actions, cause others to stumble. "But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak" (1 Corinthians 8:9).Will it cause others to stumble? This falls in line with the previous question. Perhaps a good question to end on might be this: is it better? This question should be on the forefront of our minds every day. Is what I'm about to do the best for myself, my family, the church, and all others with whom I will come in contact? "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Philippians 1:9-11).

Doing What Suits Me

David Westbrook
29 May 2022

1 Kings 12:27If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.”1 Kings 12:32, 33Jeroboam ordained a feast on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the feast that was in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did at Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And at Bethel he installed the priests of the high places which he had made. So he made offerings on the altar which he had made at Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, in the month which he had devised in his own heart. And he ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense.It appears that the worship at Bethel Jeroboam planned was to mimic and rival the worship in Jerusalem. (Because the worship in Jerusalem was not in his best interest) The location of Jeroboam’s worship was not all that different. Bethel was only about 10 miles away from Jerusalem. The time of worship was not all that different. The Feast of Booths was on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. Jeroboam’s feast was just a month later on the fifteenth day of the eighth month.He made these changes in spite of plain warnings in the Law.Jeroboam did what suited him. What was in his best interest, not the peoples. As we know, this doesn’t work out so well in the end. Perhaps we should consider this lesson in our own lives. After all, doesn’t the greatest commandment apply to all of us?“So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” (Luke 10:27). That pretty much takes “me” out of the picture.If you study economics, you should know that doing for others is a basic principle of Governing Dynamics.John Nash:“America considers what is good for the individual and the Union as a whole. This idea of greed is not American, although people came here with greed in their hearts to make a fortune. If it does not help and improve the quality of life for Americans, as a whole, it will not last. Wealth is God in circulation, share the wealth, give it away, then you can keep it.”

Be Still and Know that I Am God

David Westbrook
22 May 2022

There comes a time in everyone's life when we face some obstacles that seem to overwhelm us. When that times comes, where do we turn? For many, that time has already come. Many of us know what it is like to sit in a doctor's office and have the word "cancer" come out of his mouth. Some know what it is like to stand over the grave of a spouse and wonder how they will carry on without them. Some of us know what it is like to have a family to support and experience financial hardship or unemployment. When those times come, to whom or what do we turn? Here is a suggestion we should keep in mind."God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling" (Psalm 46:1-3). When you think of refuge, think of a place you would flee to in a time of danger. Psalm 18:2 comes to mind also, "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." When I think of God's strength, I think of the fact that it will never fail me. God's strength is accessible and easy to find, even in times of intense stress. "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You;" "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Psalm 56:3; Romans 8:31)."There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;God shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; He uttered His voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psalm 46:4-7). Like any city, Jerusalem had a water source. Hezekiah dug a tunnel to distribute water from the Gehon spring throughout the entire city. An enemy disturbing that water source was cause for great concern. The Assyrians had threatened to do just that (2 Kings 18). But God was with them and would help them. It took a great deal of faith to stand up to the Assyrians who were ruthless people. That faith came from the knowledge that God was with them. Brethren we need that kind of faith today. Psalm 23:4, is good to keep in the back of our minds. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.""Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psalm 46:8-11). This is a divine invitation to behold the devastation of the Assyrian army. They are about to behold the power of God. I think that is why they are given the charge in verse 10, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted in all among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth." The history books try to relate the total confusion as the siege took place, but I don’t believe they do it justice. Yet, God says, "Be Still!" That brethren is God's advice for all of us. In all of life's hustle and bustle, just be still, and know that He is God.We need to remember that the obstacles we face in life can be insurmountable. There is only so much we can do. Personally, I would not want to face a single day without God. I don’t understand why someone would even dare to try. Psalm 46 is a Psalm that reminds us that God is alive and well. He is very present during trouble and strong enough to help us overcome it.

Endurance

David Westbrook
15 May 2022

Nobody likes a quitter. From our youngest days we have been taught to finish whatever we start. To see any task through unto fruition is considered an act of nobility in any culture. It is even so in the body of Christ. Jesus said, "But he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13). There are far too many who have begun the Christian race (1 Corinthians 9:24) only to turn back. "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Proving themselves unworthy of the crown of life (2 Timothy 4:6-8).The Hebrew writer rebuked and reminded his brethren of this problem in Hebrews 6:1-15 and 10:32-39. In those verses the inspired writer tells us to "patiently endure" so that we might "obtain the promise." We are not told to be slothful but through faith and patience we shall inherit the promise of eternal life. "Therefore, do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: "For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:35-39).The saddest of all sad things will be the person in the judgment who had once been a faithful child of God but passed away out of duty. The dog returned to its vomit, the sow to her wallow in the mire. Not a pretty picture. One of the most beautiful pictures, however, is the picture painted by a devoted Christian. The older they grow, the more like Christ they become. Blazing down the final laps of life. Steadfast, loyal, enduring all the way! This is the Christian that can boldly say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7, 8).If baptism puts a man into Christ; then endurance will put him into heaven. Paul gave a real good recipe for success in endurance in his letter to the Philippians. "Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14).Let's help each other to strive hard every day "to fight the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12) ever remaining "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58).

A Few Things Moms Do

David Westbrook
8 May 2022

1. The etymology of the word “mother” seems to have to do with managing, or molding and shaping. Good mothers manage the home. They are “homemakers” (Titus 2:5), and are to “manage the house” (1 Timothy 5:14). Moreover, they exert a great influence in shaping their children (2 Timothy 1:5). “The wise woman builds her house” (Proverbs 14:1).2. Jehovah mentioned, “the son of her womb” (Isaiah 49:15). Normal length of gestation is 266 days, almost nine full months. Your mother carried you and delivered you. They don’t call it labor for nothing!3. Jehovah and Paul both mentioned, “nursing” (Isaiah 49:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:7). Your mother may have so fed you. Whether it was by breast or by bottle, if she fed you, she dedicated much time to you. Today, doctors speak highly of breast-feeding. Generally speaking, a mother’s milk is ideal for the infant. Breast milk contains antibodies which help the baby’s immunity system gain strength. Such is not present in cow’s milk or formula. Breast milk fat and protein are easier to absorb than in cow’s milk or formula. Breast milk contains more carbs than cow’s milk. These carbs are thought to be needful in brain development. Breast milk averages 40 times more vitamin E than cow’s milk. It is as if it had been designed and specially formulated for human infants!4. Jehovah mentioned holding and carrying of the child “from birth … from the womb” (Isaiah 46:3-4). Have you ever tried to carry a child around with you for extended periods of time? It is tiring. Many times the care of small children is left almost exclusively to the mother. Herodotus said of Persian sons “until they are five years old, they are not taken into their fathers’ sight, but live with the woman. This is to prevent a father from being grieved by the death of a son during the period of his early upbringing” (1:136). We may not be this extreme. However, it is still true that mothers typically devote most of their time to small children.5. Jehovah speaks of the comforting of a child by his mother (Isaiah 66:13). She stayed up with you at nights while you cried.6. Jehovah described a mother who doesn’t forget (Isaiah 49:15). Think of Mary. She kept a mental scrapbook of her son (Luke 2:19; 2:51).7. Jehovah described a mother who still wanted to help even in old age (Isaiah 46:4). Parenting never really ends.8. Jesus described the protective care of a hen’s wings (Matthew 23:37). Foy L. Smith commented, “When I was a lad in a small Oklahoma town I would see the old hen gather her little chicks under her wings when they were threatened. If she could not safely make it to the shed with her chicks, she would squat in the middle of a downpour and spread her wings for the refuge of her chicks. She tried to protect her own” (The Book of Matthew, 1988 Spiritual Sword Lectureship Book, p. 601).If you have such a mother, “rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28).

High Maintenance

David Westbrook
1 May 2022

In High School, looking for a date, some girls were considered high maintenance. That doesn’t just mean they were expensive, it meant they required a lot of attention. We applied that to cars and pickup trucks as well. Don’t buy that one you will spend all your time working on it. Even on the job, there were employees that required more attention than others. What if we apply that to Christians, are some of them high maintenance?Some are supposed to be. Babes in Christ are high maintenance. They are just starting out in their new life. They are going to require a lot extra care. “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2). How about Christians who are hurting? Someone could be physically or spiritually sick. If they don’t get the proper attention, they could be overwhelmed by it. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).High maintenance can be a hindrance. There comes a time when the bottle needs to be put away. Being a babe in Christ is one thing, but to much milk makes the bones soft. Christians should not have to be constantly prodded to get them to do anything. Sometimes, whole congregations can become this way. “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able” (1 Corinthians 3:1, 2).High maintenance is good when it is needed. The strong are to bear the burdens of the weak (Romans 15:1. But some make depending on others a way of life. They are high maintenance because they want to be.I believe Galatians 6:4, 5 will some up this discussion. “But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.” We are not held accountable for what others are doing for us. We are held accountable for what we are doing for ourselves.

Someone Sees You

David Westbrook
24 Apr 2022

One of the things I like to do in my spare time is read poetry and folktales. There are many good lessons to be learned from them. They also help me with my vocabulary. In my line of work, proper speech is a necessity and takes years to perfect. Have you ever read the folktale "Someone Sees You?" Here it is as recorded in The Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett."Once upon a time a man decided to sneak into his neighbor's field and steal some wheat. "If I just take a little from each field, no one will notice," he told himself, "but it will add up to a nice pile of wheat for me." So, he waited for the darkness of night, when thick clouds lay over the moon, he crept out of his house. He took his youngest daughter with him. "Daughter," he whispered, "you must stand guard and call out if anyone sees me." The man stole into the first field to begin reaping, and before long the child called out, "father, someone sees you!" The man looked all around, but saw no one, so he gathered his stolen wheat and moved on to the second field. "Father, someone sees you!" The child cried again. The man stopped and looked all around, but once again he saw no one. He gathered more wheat and moved to the third field. A little while passed and the daughter cried out, "father, someone sees you!" Once more the man stopped and looked in every direction, but he saw no one at all, so he bundled his wheat and crept into the last field. "Father, someone sees you!" The child cried again. The man stopped his reaping, looked all around, and once again saw no one. "Why in the world do you keep saying someone sees me?" he angrily asked his daughter. "I've looked everywhere and I can see no one." "Father," murmured the child, "Someone sees you from above!"(The Book of Virtues, p. 604).Interesting what we can learn from a fable isn’t it? Let us remember that our deeds are never completely unseen. Consider the following Scriptures:"The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good" (Proverb 15:3)."O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether" (Psalm 139:1-4)"For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14)."Bit I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36).

Being Diligent

David Westbrook
17 Apr 2022

"Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience" (Hebrews 4:11). The Hebrew writer's point is this, it isn't as easy as many people think to stay in a saved state. He does not use the word "diligent" lightly. The Hebrew writer means for his readers to make a hard effort. We could say, give it all you have. As New Testament Christians, we have a duty to not only teach this to others, but to pay heed to it ourselves. It stands to reason that with this kind of a load upon us, we ought to have some help. Brethren, we have it! "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). God's word is living, it is not a dead letter. It has a life probably beyond our ability to fully understand. "All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, But the word of the LORD endures forever…" (1 Peter 1:24, 25). God's word is powerful. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Romans 1:16). The word of God has the power to change people's lives. Does it not stand to reason that we should spend as much time in it as we can? The word of God is sharp. Just how sharp is it? It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. That is a physical example of a spiritual point. We should remember Acts 2:37 "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?" These people were cut clear through to their spiritual heart by the word of God. Paul instructs us to take "the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God" with us in Ephesians 6:17. Why do you suppose that is? Because it is the only thing that will fight off Satan (Matthew 4). The word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and the intentions of the heart. Someone once said, "The word of God will turn the inside of a sinner out, and let him see, all that is in his heart." We have an example to following this, and it isn't a mere, man, for men are flawed. It is Jesus Christ Himself. He didn’t just tell us how to live, He showed us how to live, in the very "rest" the Hebrew writer is referring to. "For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).

The Army of the Lord

David Westbrook
10 Apr 2022

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10)."You therefore, must endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 6:10)First, the New Testament frequently uses military and combat language when speaking of Christians and the church. Christians are soldiers of Christ. Therefore, the church is the army of the Lord. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12). Our armor includes faith, hope, love, and the truth of the gospel. Our weapon is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17). The stakes are high as this war is for our souls. Eternity is at stake.Second, it has to do with duty. "… I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). There are some things that are worth fighting for. Note the following from Thomas B. Warren:“"Christianity is not what many people seem to envision it as being. It is not a religion in which just anything goes. Rather, the living of the Christian life involves fighting for the truth and fighting against false doctrine"Those who care about the truth, and the spiritual well-being of souls should be ready, willing, and able to wield the sword of the spirit. A sword is not a toy. A sword is not for the purpose of giving slaps on the wrist. A sword is a weapon of war; it is a weapon to be used in the battle for the souls of men. It is used to affirm and defend the truth and to deny and refute false doctrine. It is our duty to contend for the faith. If we don’t, who will?Third, is has to do with hardships. "You therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ"(2 Timothy 2:3). Soldier at war face many hardships. Even so,Christians must be willing to endure them. This means commitment, "I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore, I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Timothy 2:9, 10). The Apostle Paul also encouraged and warned, "This is a faithful saying: for we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself" (2 Timothy 2:11-13).Fourth, it has to do with priority and loyalty. "No on engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4). A good soldier knows that he cannot become so entangled in the things of this life that he neglects his orders and neither should the Christian. The Christian life is about commitment and loyalty.Imagine what we could accomplish if every Christian took his duties as a soldier of Christ, as seriously as do those in the U.S. Armed Forces. Imagen the outcomeIf we trained to use our weapons as if our lives and the lives of others depended on our proficiency. Would be AWOL from Bible class or worship? The goal would be to win souls, and we would work together to do it. If all of this seems farfetched to you, it isn’t!

Starting an Evangelistic Conversation

David Westbrook
3 Apr 2022

Paul wrote to Timothy, saying: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8). In the previous verse, he had warned the young evangelist about fear. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.(2 Timothy 1:7). Timothy had to deal with both fear and embarrassment as a minister of the gospel of Christ. Fear and embarrassment also seem to be two of the major reasons members of the body of Christ do not evangelize as they should. Another is a lack of knowledge. Members are always asking: “How do I start an evangelistic conversation with another person?” Here are some simple suggestions.The key is to begin very simple conversations with others. In the Bible, there several examples of simple conversations that led others to Christ. Philip and Nathanael had a brief conversation that brought Nathanael to Jesus. “Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” (John 1:45, 46). Jesus carried on a simple conversation with a woman of Samaria in John 4. It began with some very simple words from Jesus. As Jesus sat at Jacob’s well, “A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (John 4:7-9). This woman was eventually convinced that Jesus is the prophet of God. In addition, she brought out the entire city to see the Christ. In Acts 8, a simple conversation between Philip, the evangelist, and an Ethiopian eunuch bring about the eunuch’s conversion. “Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. (Acts 8:29-31). In each of these examples, there is not a lot of effort put into the conversations. The difficulty lies in the fact that each of them are spiritual in nature. It seems that we can talk about anything to others, except spiritual things.How can we make our conversations with others more spiritual in nature? First, we can ask very simple questions. Here are a few that we can ask.1. Where do you attend worship2. Do you have difficulty understanding the Bible?3. What do you believe about…?(fill in the blank with a particular topic).4. Where will you be 100 years from now?5. Do you ever think of life after death?If these questions do not lead to a study of the Back to the Bible series, I don’t know what will!

Ethics (Gambling)

David Westbrook
27 Mar 2022

When we speak of ethics, we are speaking of habits both good and bad. Psychiatrists say that anything we do repeatedly for more than three days becomes a want, a habit. Two questions need to be answered, “Can habits develop into an addition? Can these addicting habits cost us our salvation?” We shall answer these questions as we view the ethic of gambling.
THE EFFECT OF GAMBLING ON SOCIETY
An estimated 15 million people display some sign of gambling addiction. Gambling profits annually: $30 billion casinos. $17 billion lotteries. Average debt of pathological gambling in the U.S. $55,000 to $90,000 (Female $15,000). The average divorce rate is double that of non-gamblers.
THE EFFECT OF GAMBLING IN THE HOME
It is easy to see the cost of gambling on society, now let’s view the real cost. The Spiritual Cost. Consider the words of Christ (Matthew 7:17-20). Let us examine the fruits of gambling. Children of pathological gamblers are often abused and neglected. Studies show that 50% of spouses in gambling homes are abused. Major depressive disorders are likely in 76% of problem gamblers. The bottom line is this. Gambling produces nothing but negative results. Its fruit is bad. Therefore, it is evil.
GAMBLING FROM A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE
Gambling is sinful because it is covetousness. (DEFINITION) to gain dishonestly, the wish to have more than one possesses. God hates it! “For the wicked boast of his heart’s desire; he blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord” (Psalm 10:3). Paul classified covetousness right along with sexual immorality, wickedness, maliciousness, murder, strife, and evil mindedness (Romans 1:29). He further states that those who do such things deserve death (Romans 1:32). Gamblers gamble simply to gain money dishonestly. They covet what is not theirs, what they did not earn. Gamblers love money, which is a frame of mind the Apostle Paul wrote sternly about. “For the love of money is a root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Those who gamble covet money because they love it. As a result, pierce themselves through with many sorrows. Gambling is a real problem in our society. It is a very wicked activity, spawned from the very pits of hell. As a Christian, we must have no part of gambling in any form.

The Mistakes at Meribah

David Westbrook
20 Mar 2022

A person could receive no higher compliment than for God to mention his conduct as an example for others to follow; and he could receive no greater rebuke than for God to point at him and say, "He is a tragedy. Look at him and learn from him about what not to do."Falling into the category of "Don't Do," ancient Israel became an example of how to displease God. Paul wrote, concerning the Israelites, "Now these things happened unto them by way of example; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). In Exodus 17, as the Israelites journeyed toward Mount Sinai, they came to Rephidim. But because of their unfaithful attitude, Moses names the place "Meribah" and "Massah" (Exodus 17:7), which mean "testing" and "temptation." The event portrayed a powerful example in the eyes of the Psalmist: " Harden not your heart, as at Meribah, As in the day of Massah in the wilderness; When your fathers tempted me, Proved me, and saw my work" (Psalm 95:8, 9).What was it that Israel did that brought forth such a stinging rebuke from the Lord? What are the lessons we may learn from their mistakes at Meribah?First, the people began complaining. Finding no water there, the text says, "the people quarreled with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why quarrel ye with me? Wherefore do ye tempt Jehovah?" (17:2). Their request was more than simply asking for a glass of water. It was an unnecessary complaint against Moses and God. The text continues with a more complete depiction of the scene: "And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore hast thou brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?" (17:3). They tested the Lord by showing doubt that He was among them. One of the worst sins of which the human heart can be guilty is accusing God of being cruel and uncaring with His children! When we complain and murmur about our situations, are we not testing the Lord? Do we doubt that He is "among us"? Do we act as though He were far away and unconcerned about our problems?Second, the people were selfish. Instead of looking at God's design for them, these people focused on their thirst. Their desire for water blotted out their picture of God's merciful leadership of His people. He was preparing them for a greater service as His nation, but they were fretting about the lack of moisture for their tongues. Their response reminds one of people who complain about the treatment of soldiers in military boot-camp; they complain about the lack of hydration, food, and relaxation the trainees receive. But they neglect to understand that the harsh and rigorous training prepares one for a greater service. Rather than murmuring, they should be rejoicing that they are going to be well prepared for the competition.Third, the people were disobedient. The Israelites, both as a multitude and as individuals, belonged to God. They had been redeemed by His hand and were to live by His words and trust in His care. However, at Rephidim they refused to listen to Him. They hardened their hearts by denying God's concern for them and by rejecting His plan for them. This ought to remind us about Jude's statement concerning the Israelites disobedience: "Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not" (Jude 5).Every person and every nation must make the decision to follow either the path of obedience or the path of self-will. The only way one can turn into the lane of disobedience is by choosing to become deaf to God's directions. At its base, this response is a hardening of the heart toward God. But with His words, "Today, if ye would hear His voice" (Psalm 95:7), He invites us to lead lives of obedience.

A Little Faith For A Lot Of Worry

David Westbrook
13 Mar 2022

A study of the internet showed that people consumed over ten tones of aspirin every year. The main cause of that are the physical side effects of worry. There is no doubt that worry and the stress it produces is one of the biggest challenges we face today. When we allow ourselves to become overwhelmed by it, it will prove to be disastrous. And not just physically, butemotionally and spiritually as well. There are many reasons why people worry. Among the top five reasons are financial issues, and it is not hard to understand why. The economy is struggling, student debt is crippling, insurance cost is unbelievable and our retirement funds take a daily beating. What we need to understand is that regardless of the financial climate, God's will for His people is that they do not worry (Philippians 4:6). It is quite possible that our worry is an indicator that our faith needs to strengthened. Jesus discussed this issue as He explained the concept of seeking heavenly riches (Matthew 6:19-34). There are a lot of lessons we can learn from those Scriptures, so, let's take a look at them.We will begin our study with Matthew 6:19-21, please read from your Bible. Notice that Jesus used the word "treasure" to refer to that which is highly valued. People of the first century were very much like people today, when it came to things of value. You will also notice that Jesus used the words "moth" and "rust." We know what both of those are and what causes them. It is obvious that Jesus is speaking of expensive clothes and precious metals. Those were of great value in that time just as they are today. Money was very hard to come by; these people went to great lengths to preserve these things just as you and I do today. Here is the problem we face,These things are physical in nature, therefore, regardless of any effort that is made they are going to deteriorate. So, what is the message Jesus is giving? Make spiritual treasures the desire of our hearts; not physical (Matthew 6:21). What people treasure becomes the guiding standard for their life. If my heart is set on physical prosperity all of my efforts and attention will be focused to that end. I will do whatever it takes to get them including sacrificing my family and my spiritual obligations (1 Timothy 6:10). But, on the other hand, if my focus is on spiritual prosperity, getting to heaven is my primary goal. Serving God fulfills my every longing. Mentally, I will be satisfied with the food and clothing God brings my way (1 Timothy 6:8).

Take Root Downward and Bear Fruit Upward

David Westbrook
6 Mar 2022

Fruit production must be a primary concern for every one who desires to please God. Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8). If I want to glorify my Heavenly Father I must be busy and growing. I cannot be complacent, and I cannot be satisfied, I must continue to bear fruit.The first ingredient necessary for developing strong roots is good, fertile soil. It is difficult grow any kind of crop in soil that is full of rocks, covered in thorns, or robbed of nutrients. Jesus applied this very principle to the human heart in the parable of the sower found in Luke 8:4-15. He said, “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). What is the state of my heart? That is a question that I must ask myself on a regular basis. If my heart has not been cultivated and made ready for the gospel to be planted, then it will be impossible for the roots to grow deep and strong (Luke 8:11), and I will never be able to produce good fruit.The second ingredient necessary for developing strong spiritual roots is fertilizer. Chances are you have seen at least one of the Scott’s television commercials where the spokesman says, “feed your lawn—feed it!” The reason that it is so important to feed your lawn with the proper fertilizer is that the fertilizer helps the grass roots to grow deeper and stronger, which keeps your grass healthy and helps it to fight off disease. The principle is the same for us, spiritually. The more spiritual nutrition we receive the stronger we will become. That is why Peter instructed Christians, “as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). We must never lose the insatiable appetite to feed upon God’s word for it is key to our spiritual fruit production.Fertilizer—food to help grass grow strong roots. Good soil – good heart. Prune it – cut the junk out of your life.

Is There a Place for Me?

David Westbrook
27 Feb 2022

An old song says, “There is much to do there is work on every hand,” and when it comes to doing the work of the church—the Lord’s work—there certainly is much to do! The Lord’s church has been given the titanic task of taking the good news of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world. All one has to do is contemplate that there are over 7 billion people in the world to realize just how big of a job that really is. Christianity is a working religion, and God expects for all of His people to work (Eph. 2:10; Rev. 2:10; etc.). The question many people ask is, “What can I do? Is there a place for me in the work of the Lord?” The answer is a resounding “Yes!” There certainly is a place for every faithful Christian in the work of the church.The church in Corinth had many problems, but one in particular was that they seemed to be placing a higher value on some members than on others because of their spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit through Paul dealt with this problem in First Corinthians chapter twelve. In verses one through eleven Paul identifies the various kinds of spiritual gifts that were found in Corinth. In verses twelve through twenty-seven he makes application by explaining to them that each member of the body is of equal importance, therefore no one can say that anyone’s role in the church is any lesser or greater than anyone else’s. Paul writes, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12). He continues, “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body... But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body” (1 Cor. 12:14-15; 19-20).Paul’s point to Corinth was that every spiritual gift is important and valuable in the work of the church. If everyone had the gift of tongues but no one had the gift of interpretation then how would anyone know what the tongue speaker was saying? Though we live in an age where miracles have ceased and spiritual gifts are no longer available (1 Cor. 13:10), this context still contains significant application for us. The church is composed of people with many different personalities, talents, and abilities. Some are very good song leaders, some are very good bible class teachers, and others work well with their hands and are able to keep the church building in good working order. There are literally hundreds of things that must be done in order for the work of the church to be accomplished, and each one plays a vital role in the overall picture.You may be thinking, “I just do not have any talent, and there really is no place for me in the work of the church. I cannot do anything to make a positive impact.” If you are, then I respectfully say that you are mistaken. Ephesians 2:10 says, “ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Titus 3:8 says, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” God demands that Christians participate in the work of the Master, and He would not demand something that was impossible for anyone. Everyone has a role to play in the work, and everyone must fulfill that role. There is a place for you in the work of God.

Suffering and Trials

David Westbrook
20 Feb 2022

Suffering and trials are a necessary part of life. There is an absolute certainty that all will suffer in this life. It is also an absolute certainty that the righteous shall be victorious. 1 Corinthians 10:13 assures us of that.One of my instructors in school, Brother Randall Morris, made an excellent point when he said, "Joy in the midst of trials begins with what we know." In regards to joy, it needs to be understood that the text says "all joy," not some joy (James 1:2). Understanding what is meant by "all joy" requires knowledge (James 1:3). This is a knowledge of what the pain and suffering will accomplish, not simply focusing on the pain at the time. As we suffer in the present, consider the future. Gloom and despair now but glory and joy in the future.Brother Randall Morris brought out another interesting point in his lectures. People will do anything to avoid pain. For the Christian, wisdom and discipline come into play on this point. If one suffers for a foolish and sinful reason, one deserves what one gets. In that state of mind, avoiding pain and suffering seems only reasonable. Suffering for Christ, however, brings about a whole new realm of thought. There is a blessing to be had if it is suffered through and endured with patience, "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11, 12). All Christians will suffer for the cause of Christ. This is a Biblical fact that cannot be denied. "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).There is an example in the book of Esther that proves a valuable point. "Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom… " (Esther 3:6). Every Jew in the kingdom followed Mordecai's example, "… with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes" (Esther 4:3). These poor people were about to be murdered and had no idea how to stop it. We see a differentresponse to suffering in chapter eight and verse eleven: "By these letters the king permitted the Jews who were in every city to gather and protect their lives-to destroy,kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province that would assault them, both little children and women, and to plunder their possessions." They now have aplan, a way of fighting back. The point is this: New Testament Christians also have a plan, a way of overcoming suffering and trials. We fight back through a knowledge of God that is based on facts. This knowledge assures us that our trials and sufferings are for a reason. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holt Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:1-6).

Lying

David Westbrook
13 Feb 2022

After Abram obeyed God and traveled to Canaan, he continued southward with his family into the land of Egypt because of a famine in the land of Canaan. He obviously cared for the well-being of his family and wished to provide for them. “Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land” (Genesis 12:10). Shortly before they entered the borders of Egypt, Abram told his wife, Sarai, to go along with him in a little white lie and asked her not to reveal that she was his wife (Genesis 12:11-13). Sarai complied and was then taken to Pharaoh’s house. “The princes of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her to Pharaoh. And the woman was taken to Pharaoh’s house” (Genesis 12:15). She remained there until God sent plagues upon his house and Pharaoh sent her away. This account teaches us many lessons concerning ethics and lying. Lying was not right just because a loved one requested it. It was not right even though the motivation was love. It was not right though done in part to protect human life. It was not right to withhold pertinent information and tell a half truth. It was not right, and did indeed cause others harm. Lying was not, and is not right, because God has told us it is wrong. “Therefore, putting away lying, let each of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25). Psychologists and sociologists today insist that lying is normal and healthy behavior. They are wrong. Lying is a sin and no matter what nice little trimming we put around it, the fact that it is a violation of God’s word will not change. Lying may be a common problem in society but should not be in the church.