This New Year Cannot ....

This New Year Cannot …

Larry Hafley, Waverly, TN

    Our country emphasizes the changes of a new year. Many Christians, including me, are caught up in the joy and anticipation of renewal in their lives. That is not at all “bad,” for such feelings may inspire one to reform his attitude and revise his actions. However, this new year is only a calculation of time. It has no “magic formula” to transform us, either for good or ill. This new year cannot:


· Provide a plan of peace and pardon. God did that “in Christ” (2 Cor. 5:19).

· Offer a sacrifice for sin. Jesus did that on the cross (Heb. 10:1-18).

· Change and cleanse your heart. That is your duty (Prov. 4:23; Jas. 4:8).

· Make us happy. God has a plan for happiness (Phil. 4:4-8; 1 Pet. 3:10, 11).

· Cause one to be successful. Fortune is not always fair (Ecc. 7:15; 9:11).

· Promise a long life. We know not what tomorrow may bring (Jas. 4:15-17).

· Forgive last year’s sins. But, God will when we repent (Lk. 15; Jas. 5:16).

· Destroy God’s love for you. “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21).

· Erase temptation. We must seek the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).

· Dry sorrow’s tears. That is the hope of Heaven (Rev. 21:4).


    There is nothing a new calendar can do to mold and modify you, but you can resolve now to choose the focus and function of your life (Josh. 24:15; Lk. 15:17, 18). In the fullness of time, God’s love sent Christ to die for your sins and mine. Therefore, regardless of what this new year may hold in store, let us resolve to walk wisely and well, “redeeming the time” (Eph. 5:15, 16).

Love In Marriage (#1)

 Love In Marriage

Jarrod M. Jacobs

                Something that needs to be seen is the love expressed between a man and woman in marriage. Those who are not married will one day be the recipients and givers of such love, and they need to look at those currently married to see what it is like to love someone and live with them for the rest of their lives.

               Shouldn’t love begin in the home? I Corinthians 13:4-8 defines love for us. When we read of love being “patient … and kind,” when we see love not being “envious” or “proud,” when we learn that love does not “behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” and “never fails,” we know love is something special!

              Love needs to be seen in married people. Beautiful expressions of love are seen in one’s youth, as a young married couple starts their lives as a family together. When children enter the family, their love grows for each other and the children born to them. During these times, should we not see a love that is “patient,” “kind,” and not proud or selfish (I Cor. 13:4)? Absolutely!

             Another aspect of love continues after the children and the vigor of youth, when love for a spouse motivates one to care for the other when ill or ravaged by the effects of old age. I believe such love is also described in I Corinthians 13 when we read of love as “never failing” and “enduring.”

               I think back to special couples I know who have lived together in marriage for 30, 40, 50 years or more and bear record of what true love is. I remember a dear sister in Christ who cared for her husband in his old age when he no longer knew who she was. I remember the husband who rubbed medicine on his wife’s bedsores as she lay in the bed, dying, and with bones so brittle it was extremely difficult for her to turn. I remember the couple who were not married very long but certainly exhibited true love when, after an untimely heart problem caused the wife to have a severe brain injury, the husband sacrificed himself to ensure his wife could stay home and be comfortable in her remaining years. These people cared for their spouses, not because they HAD to, but because they WANTED to and understood, “This is what you do when you’re married.” They did not call attention to themselves, nor did they do the things they did to be praised by men. They did these things because it was the right thing to do, and they truly loved their spouses! They may not have realized that they were an example to me — but they were! (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15; I Pet. 2:12; Titus 2:7; etc.)

               We who are married would do well to learn from those who have endured the storms, as well as celebrated the good times together. Some who are yet unmarried ought to pay even closer attention to the married couples. Why do this? In observing them, one not yet married can see what it takes to be married and committed to a spouse for the rest of one’s life.

"Because He Lives" (#1 & #2)

 The resurrection of the Lord was one of, if not the greatest events in human history. Our Lord died on the cross, but three days later, He arose victorious from the grave. What does this mean to us? What can we learn from this event? "Because He Lives," we can have victory, hope, confidence, trust, and so much more.

    Are you ready to learn what it means to us "Because He Lives"? Click on the links below and listen with Bible in hand!

Listen: "Because He Lives (#1)

Listen: "Because He Lives (#2)

Breaking the "500" Barrier!!

    Thanks to you, our faithful followers, we have gone from 200 visits to over 500 in just one month! Yes, we are 1/2-way to 1000, and it is still 2023! We appreciate you so much and are thankful you come here and read/listen to gospel preaching.

    Please bookmark this site and come back daily. More studies and more content from Jacobs Publications are planned for 2024! We are so excited and thankful you are with us on the journey!

    Please tell others about this blog, and let's keep this going!

“Christmas, Brought To You By Jesus!”

“Christmas, Brought To You By Jesus!”

Larry Ray Hafley, Waverly, TN

O

ur title was on a sign I saw south of St. Louis. Doubtless, it was placed there by people with the noblest of intentions. I am sure they meant nothing but the best for the religion of Jesus Christ! However, they could not prove that statement if their lives depended on it. (Sadly, unfortunately, their spiritual lives may!)

            How would one prove that Jesus introduced “Christmas” and that He is its author?

            (1) He might begin by showing that Jesus was born on December 25th.  Scholars and historians admit that this is unlikely or that, even if it were possible, it cannot be proved.

            However, even if one were to find a birth certificate citing December 25th as the birthday of Jesus, he still would not have proved that Christmas, as we know it, was “brought to” us by Jesus. All he would have proved is that Jesus was born on that day.

            (2) One might find a prophecy showing that men should observe the birth of the Savior. We find prophecies which tell us to hear, honor, and obey the Son, the coming, crowned King of Israel (Ps. 2; 110:1-4; Isa. 11:1-11; Zech. 9:9, 10). But, where, O where, is the prophecy that speaks of the exaltation of his birth as a matter of reverence and remembrance? And, if there be such a passage, where is it tied to December 25th and to the custom and manner of men today?

            (3) By showing that Jesus himself authorized His disciples to observe His birth, one might show that Jesus initiated Christmas. Jesus did say that His disciples were to be taught to “observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:20). In all the revelation of God, where is such a citation to be found? Further, if such an observance were found, would it be in the motive and after the manner of “Christmas” as it is kept today?

            For example, Jesus indeed authorized water baptism in His name for the remission of sins (Matt. 28:19; Lk. 24:47; Acts 2:38). Baptism can be found authorized by Jesus, but baptism, as practiced by Catholicism bears little resemblance to the baptism Jesus ordered and ordained (Acts 8:12, 38, 39; Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12). So, even if we were to find Jesus approving of His birthday, are men noting it after the plan and pattern of God? If they are, where do we find that plan? Where is the blueprint for the structure of Christmas as we know it today (Col. 3:17)?

            (4) Finding Christmas in “the apostles’ doctrine” might show that Jesus instituted it (Lk. 10:16; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 4:6; 14:37). To reject and repudiate the word of the apostles is to refuse God (1 Thess. 4:2, 8). Truly, as Jesus said, “He that heareth you, heareth me.” To hear the word of the apostles is to hear the very word of God (1 Thess. 2:13). Thus if it can be shown that the apostles told “the Christmas story,” then it can be shown that Christmas is brought to us by Jesus. Where, though, is that testimony?  Where is that evidence? We have “all truth,” “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (Jn. 16:13; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:3). Where is Christmas, as seen among us today, displayed in the Bible?

            (5) One could find Christmas was brought to us by Jesus if He could find an approved example of it in the New Testament. Jesus said nothing about the day upon which the disciples were to show His death in the Lord’s supper. The apostles did not specifically and directly command a set day. However, we find that the disciples came together “upon the first day of the week to break bread” (Acts 20:7). When we do as they did, when we follow their ways, we are following Christ’s ways (1 Cor. 4:17; 11:1, 2; Phil. 4:9). Thus, we remember and show the Lord’s death in eating the bread and drinking the cup “upon the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-26). Now, is there a similar narrative with respect to commemorating and celebrating the Lord’s birth? If so, where is it? Find it, and we may agree that Christmas has been brought to us by Jesus.

            Conclusion: We are not doubting or denying that Christ, the Son of God, was born of a virgin and placed in a manger (Matt. 1; Lk. 1, 2). We are simply saying that the Christmas tradition was not brought to us by Jesus. He did not authorize it. Therefore, as Christians, we cannot observe that which God has not sanctioned (2 Jn. 9).

            How many other things, like Christmas, can you think of which God has neither authored nor approved? Infant baptism? Sprinkling for baptism? Easter? Churches becoming social, recreational, and entertainment centers? If you are tired of worldly religion, why not study the Bible, serve God, and worship with us? If you have questions, we would love to hear from you.

"I Am Debtor"

“I Am Debtor”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

W

hen the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, he said, “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise” (Rom. 1:14). What did that mean? How could he have been a “debtor” to them when he had not seen them yet (Rom. 1:13, 15:22)? Put simply, being “debtor” meant that Paul was under an obligation to preach the gospel to the Romans (Vine’s p. 279). In the same sense that Paul said, “woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel” (I Cor. 9:16), he also felt that urgency toward the Romans and planned on preaching there soon. As we study the Bible, we also learn that we are “debtors” today. How are we “debtors”?

            Romans 8:12 says that we are debtors to Christ to mortify (or put to death) the deeds of the body and not live after the flesh. Paul shows that when we do this, we will be alive spiritually (v. 13). Paul’s letter to the Romans leaves no doubt that if we wish to be joint heirs with Christ (v. 17), then we become debtors to “mortify the deeds of the body,” and live for Christ. If we wish to please God, we must put off “our old man” of sin by being baptized for the remission of sins (Rom. 6:3-6, 16-18; Col. 2:11-12, 3:9; Mk. 16:16).

            As Paul was fighting the false doctrine of the Judaizers in Galatia, he said, “For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:3-4). This is a lesson many of our friends in the denominational world need to learn. When people try to justify their actions in worship by Old Testament teachings, they become debtors to do all the Law.

            This is also a lesson those of us in the church need to learn. The Old Testament teaches us by revealing examples worthy of imitation, as well as revealing examples of folks whose actions we ought not imitate (Rom. 15:4). However, if we cling to the Old Testament as the word by which we authorize our actions today, Paul said without hesitation that we can and will fall from grace because we have left the law of Christ and have become indebted to the Law of Moses.

            We are debtors to God! Think about it: God sent Jesus to die as a sacrifice on the cross for us (Rom. 5:8; Jn. 3:16). While we can never repay His great sacrifice, we are under an obligation to God to live our lives in His service (Lk. 17:10; II Cor. 5:14-15; Rom. 12:1-2). Friend, give your life to God instead of wasting your life with Satan (Mk. 16:16; Jas. 4:7-8)! We owe Him that much!

What Does Satan Ask Of Us?

 What Does Satan Ask Of Us?

Jarrod Jacobs

            Satan is very cunning (Gen. 3:1). He prowls this earth, looking for souls to destroy (I Pet. 5:8). The Bible describes him as a very violent being and one who is filled with hatred, malice, lies, etc. He has waged war against God and Christ for millennia. Therefore, he tries to destroy mankind, God’s creation, as a by-product of this war. We are “collateral damage” in Satan’s war with God! Among other things, he places temptations before us because he knows that when we yield to his temptations, this leads to sin, which results in spiritual death (Jas. 1:14-15; Isa. 59:1-2).

            How does Satan tempt men? He tempts us through the lusts of the flesh and eyes and the pride of life (I Jn. 2:15-17; Gen. 3:6; Matt. 4:1-11). To follow Satan means spiritual death. The Bible describes this as being separated from God to burn in the lake of fire for eternity (Rev. 21:8; Matt. 25:31-46). Such descriptions should scare us and cause us to turn to God, who truly loves us and wants us in Heaven with Him one day (II Pet. 3:9; Rev. 21:6-7).

            Part of Satan’s cunning and trickery is that he does not ask much of us while we are on this earth. Thus, we have no idea that the “ease” and “freedom” we think we have is costing us our souls (II Pet. 2:19)! Think about it! What does Satan really ask of us? It is not a lot. The way to destruction is described by Christ as the “broad way” because it is the easy way (Matt. 7:13-14)! Satan’s appeal is in the fact that he asks so little of us!

            What do I mean by this? For example, Satan does not demand our full allegiance. He just doesn’t want our allegiance to God! He is pleased if we would choose the “god of our choice,” so long as it is not Jehovah! He does not demand worship (though there are Satan worshippers). He just does not want us worshipping God! “Worship as you please, or don’t worship at all,” Satan says, “Just do not worship God ‘in spirit and in truth’” (Jn. 4:24).

            The mantra of this world that says, “Do you as please” and “If it feels good, do it” is indeed the mantra of Satan. He does not ask much of us, does he? So long as we remain ignorant of God’s will (see: Hosea 4:6), Satan is well-pleased. He is satisfied with us living as we please. He just does not want us living as I Peter 3:1-6 and other passages say.

            Yes, Satan will tempt us and try to lead us astray and into Hell (Jas. 1:14-15). Yet, Satan does not ask a lot of us. Satan is not threatened by folks who act like the majority of the world in our dress and speech, or those who “play church” and dabble in God’s word. He is satisfied when we do not pray. He wants to convince us that we are on the right track if we are confident that being a “good person” and having done “more good things than bad” is sufficient for salvation in Heaven! If we do those things, we walk right into Satan’s snare! Sadly, there are many people today blissfully walking the “broad way” that leads to destruction (Matt. 7:13-14)! Don’t allow yourself to be one of these people!

A Memorial For A Sacrificial Woman

 A Memorial For A Sacrificial Woman

Jarrod Jacobs

            In the life of Christ, we find a time when a woman poured expensive ointment on Jesus (Matt. 26:7). Mary, Lazarus’ sister, is the one who did this (Jn. 12:3). As this ointment was poured upon Christ, Matthew says “his disciples” complained. John gets more specific, naming Judas as one who complained that it could have been “sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor” (Jn. 12:5).

            John continues by declaring that Judas only did this because he had the “bag” and was a thief (Jn. 12:6). Evidently, Judas thought if the oil’s price had been donated to the Lord, then he could get his hands on the money, whereas to be used in this manner was considered a “waste” (Matt. 26:8). Jesus corrected the naysayers by saying that this was done in preparation for His coming burial (Matt. 26:12; Jn. 12:7). In a room of people who still did not comprehend the idea that Christ would die soon, it no doubt shocked them to hear Jesus say she was doing something in preparation for His burial.

            Matthew records Christ saying, “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matt. 26:13). What do Mary’s actions teach us?

            Remember, Jesus said this was done “to prepare me for burial” (Matt. 26:12, ESV). She was acting in faith for what was to come. The others did not believe Jesus would die at this point. They awaited an earthly kingdom ruled by Jesus. Yet, this lady understood and made this attempt to “do what she could” for the Lord. She had listened to the Lord and understood what His work was!

            When we read Matthew 26 and John 12, it is apparent that though Jesus is surrounded by several, she is the only one acting in this manner. It takes courage to do something, especially something that is right, when no one else is. We can add to this the fact that when she started to anoint Jesus, the disciples complained loudly about what she was doing. Yet, she continued to act in faith. Indeed, this would take courage to continue when others protested.

            As noted by the complaining people, the oil she used was expensive. “Three hundred pence” (denarii, shillings, coins, Jn. 12:5) might roughly equal a year’s wages back then. This dear lady poured out a year’s wages in a matter of moments! Was this wasteful? Though Judas and others claimed so (Matt. 26:8), the truth is that this was a great act of generosity toward her Savior!

            Why should we remember this act? First, it is a memorial to her for what she did for the Lord. Does this not also show us how we need to act? We need to act in faith, in courage, and in generosity as we trod this earth. It is apparent that this is required more and more as our society continues to get worse! As time goes on, we need to have the faith, courage, and generosity of heart to follow the Lord and be faithful to the very taking of our lives (Rev. 2:10)! Let us never forget the actions of this meek and blessed lady!

  In just three short days, we have broken the 300-visit "barrier," and this is fantastic!

    Thank YOU for your interest in spiritual things and in the work we are doing at Jacobs Publications. Please bookmark this site and come back daily. Tell others about this blog as well, and let's keep this going!

200 Visits!! Thank You!!

 Many thanks to the great people who have been visiting here for the last 33 days! We have broken the 200-visit "barrier," and this is fantastic! We appreciate you so much and are thankful you come here and read/listen to gospel preaching. Please bookmark this site and come back daily. Tell others about this blog as well, and let's keep this going!!

Sermon: Not The Manger, But The Cross

 Many misunderstand the purpose of the Lord's birth. Through the years, people have even confused the events surrounding Christ's birth.

Click here to discover the purpose of the Lord's birth and how God wants us to remember Christ while we are on earth. 

Sermon: "A Study Of Ezekiel 18"

Have you been taught that we inherit our sins from our father or from Adam? Have you heard people justify behavior by saying, "I'm only human?"

The teaching that men inherit the guilt of sin from their fathers and even from Adam is not new. John Calvin taught it in the 1500s. However, it was taught before his time by Augustine of Hippo in the 300s!

Don't stop there. Men have been saying we inherit sins since Ezekiel's day!

However, is this position true? Our study in Ezekiel 18 will shed light on this doctrine.

Click here and listen to the sermon studying Ezekiel 18. Visit caneyvillechurchofchrist.com for access to more sermons and other Bible studies!

A Heart Of Stone Or A Heart Of Flesh?

 12/13/23 - A Heart Of Stone Or A Heart Of Flesh?

            Twice in the book of Ezekiel, God spoke about the fact that He would take the people and remove their “stony heart” so they might have a heart of “flesh” (Ezek. 11:19, 36:26). In context, the “stony” heart describes the person who has been disobedient and obstinate against God. The heart of “flesh” is the person who submits to God and follows His will. Accordingly, the one with the “stony” heart is punished, while the one with the heart of “flesh” is blessed. Usually, when we speak about “flesh” in the Bible, it is contrasted with the “spirit,” and thus, the “flesh” is considered sinful. In this context, having a heart of “flesh” is what God desires and what man should desire.

While the terms “stony” and “flesh,” when referring to the heart, were only used in Ezekiel, we know that in other parts of the Bible, we read about people with “hardened” hearts. Sometimes, we read about “slow” hearts (Lk. 24:25). There are also statements about hearts that have “waxed gross” (Isa. 6:9-10; Matt. 13:14-15; Acts 28:27, KJV), which describes a heart that has thickened as skin that becomes calloused (Strong’s). Other versions will use terms such as “callous, ” stubborn,” “hard and insensitive,” and even “stupefied” to describe the hearts of those who have rebelled against God through the years.

            I hope that the lesson is obvious for us. God does not want us to have that “stony” or “hardened” heart. Instead, we need the “soft” heart, the heart of “flesh” that is ready to listen and obey Him! Spend time in God’s book and note the differences between hard-hearted individuals and those with soft hearts. It ought to be clear why God prefers the heart of flesh to the heart of stone. Contrast the words and actions of Pharaoh with Moses in Exodus 5-12. Contrast the words and actions of Agrippa with Paul (Acts 26:26-28). Contrast Saul in his later years with David. The list goes on and on, and to this list, we could add entire nations of people! This was God’s problem with the Jews in Ezekiel’s day, for the whole nation exhibited a “stony” heart instead of a heart of “flesh” (Ezek. 11:19, 36:26).

            What kind of heart do you have? If you are not sure, then you can test your heart by honestly asking how you respond to God’s word. When God’s word is taught, or you read it on your own, do you read things that hurt your conscience, or do you say, “I am not doing that.”? Do you repent, or do you say, “That’s not what God really meant!”? Do you change your actions or justify yourself by saying you are “OK” and God understands? Perhaps it would be good to ask if any part of God’s word bothers your conscience or gives you pause as you compare your life with what God says (Jas. 1:22-25). Has your conscience been “seared with a hot iron” after years of sin and rebellion (I Tim. 4:2)?

            The beautiful thing is that the heart of stone can become flesh once more. This is what God was teaching in Ezekiel and what He teaches throughout Scripture. Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of life. When we allow God’s word to penetrate that stony, calloused heart, He can soften it. He can heal it and make it new once more! We can turn from our sin and rebellion and live forgiven and righteously. What a blessing this is! If you have that stony heart, allow God’s word to change it today. You will not regret it.

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

Sermon: "A Night-Time Sermon"

 A man once visited Jesus by night and spoke to Him about some pertinent things. Jesus, in turn, told the man about the kingdom and what was necessary to get in. He spoke of salvation, a Father's love, and the need for coming to the light.

This all happened in one "night-time sermon."

Jesus' words also answer questions men have today concerning baptism, salvation, and what God expects of us. We are known by our deeds, so do we strive to go to the light, or do we run away from the light and live in the dark?

These and many other subjects are discussed in this sermon.

Click here for access to "A Night-Time Sermon." Check out caneyvillechurchofchrist.com for access to more sermons and other studies.

"Set A Mark"

 12/10/23 - "Set A Mark"

                   Ezekiel 9 continues the record of Ezekiel’s vision from chapter 8. Here, he sees God calling men, specifically executioners, to Him, for they were going to execute those who had gone astray into idolatry. Remember, this is a highly figurative vision, but these men in the vision stood for the execution that would take place by Babylon. Seven men answered the Lord’s call (Ezek. 9:1-2). Six men in this vision were ready to execute, and one man appeared “clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side.” This man’s work is the subject of this study (v. 3-4).

                   This man may seem insignificant, but this is not the case. This one man had an essential duty to perform. God told him to “Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it” (Ezek. 9:4, ESV). Away with this false notion that God is vengeful and looking for opportunities to condemn mankind! Even at this stage in history, God tells one to go and put a mark on those who “sigh and groan.” In other words, mark those righteous people who are upset and sorry over the wickedness of the majority, for God intended to spare them from destruction.

                   Marking those who are God’s gets my attention. This means God knows people individually. We are not “cogs in a wheel” or “just a number,” as some want to say. Paul told Timothy, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (II Tim. 2:19). The word “seal” used in this text carries with it the idea of a mark God set upon those who are His (Mounce). When we read the book of Revelation, we see that folks who belong to the Lord and those belonging to Satan receive a particular mark (Rev. 7:2-4, 9:4, 13:18, 14:1-5). In all of these cases, the mark was not a physical mark but a spiritual indicator that God recognized those who belong to Him because they are His children and those He did not recognize.

Notice that God’s mark was set upon those who “sigh and groan” over the sin of the people (Ezek. 9:4). Have there been no other people who have done this? Of course, not! Noah would have done this, as well as Abraham, Lot, Moses, the prophets of God, the apostles, and Christians since the first century! Thus, people today who faithfully follow God despite what the world does are also “marked” as His! What a glorious thing to consider!

How could we be “marked” as belonging to God today? We get the Lord’s mark by believing on Jesus as the Son of God, repenting of sin, confessing our faith in Christ, and being baptized (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Mk. 16:16). The Lord’s mark continues on us as we continue faithful to the Lord. It is on us as we “sigh and groan” over sin, but also as we tell people what the truth is and lead them to the Lord (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10; II Tim. 2:2; Matt. 28:20)! Has God marked you?

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

What The Lord Sees

 12/8/23 - What The Lord Sees

                   Ezekiel 8 records a fascinating event. While Ezekiel is in his house (v. 1), he has a vision where God takes him by the hair (v. 3) and transports him to Jerusalem (v. 3-5). To show Ezekiel the reason He is allowing His people to be overthrown by the Babylonians, God brings Ezekiel to the Temple and asks, “Do you see what I see?” (v. 5-6, 9, 12, 14-17).

                   Reading this chapter shows us the idolatry and wickedness happening in and around Solomon’s Temple, which had been dedicated to God’s worship. When God spoke to Jeremiah, He said, “Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye know not; And come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations? Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the LORD” (Jer. 7:9-11). In Ezekiel 8, we read a detailed account of the gods that were worshipped and the actions those folks took in opposition to the God who gave them the land in the first place (Josh. 21:43-45).

                   As God takes Ezekiel on a tour of the Temple in his vision, people are shown worshipping various false gods. Some are out in the open, while others are hiding. Regardless of where the people are, God makes the point that He sees them and their sin (Jer. 16:17, 23:24; Prov. 15:3; Heb. 4:13).

                   When you read this chapter, what do you see? Do you see the utter affront this is to God? First, there was an idol at the north entrance of the altar gate (Ezek. 8:5-6). The northern gate was where the people brought animals in to sacrifice to God (Lev. 1:11). Yet, before they could reach the altar, the people would have to walk around an altar dedicated to a false god! Second, we see the hypocrisy of the elders of the people who met and worshipped false gods in secret (v. 7-12). They even spoke blasphemy about God in this place! What irony that Jaazaniah, a man whose name means “God hears,” is leading worship to gods who cannot hear because they are not real!

                   How low these people had sunk when Ezekiel observed a woman “weeping for Tammuz” in his vision (Ezek. 8:14-15). Tammuz was a Babylonian god worshipped as far back as 3000 BC. In Babylonian times, Tammuz was the god of rain and vegetation. Every fall, when the rains stopped for a season, Tammuz was said to “die.” The people would weep over his “death” but then rejoice when he “resurrected” in the spring when the rains returned. Think about this: Ezekiel is witnessing an Israelite woman “weeping for Tammuz,” which means she is worshipping the Babylonian god of rain and vegetation in the very shadow of God’s Temple at the northern gate!

                   Finally, Ezekiel was shown 25 men worshipping the sun (Ezek. 8:16-17). The phrase, “their backs toward the temple of the Lord,” means they were turning their backs on God and demonstrating their belief in a sun god! Though Ezekiel was many miles away in Babylonian exile, God used this vision to educate him and make it known that the Lord sees all of these things. Nothing is hidden from Him. Is there any wonder why God would punish His people when they have gone so far away from Him (Ezek. 8:17-18)?

                   What applications might be made to us today? I think the obvious application is that God hears and sees us. There is nowhere we can go that God is unaware of us (Ps. 139:7-12). We are not going to hide from Him. If you do not believe this, talk to Adam, Jonah, the elders of the Jews in Ezekiel 8, and others who tried to hide from God and failed miserably.

                   Secondly, consider those who portray God in the Old Testament as some tyrant or some vengeful deity just waiting for man to slip up. Those people never read passages like Ezekiel 8! God allows Ezekiel to be a “material witness” in His case against the people. God has been patient and has sent numerous prophets to the people. He has shown His grace, but there comes a time when it is enough. God is longsuffering (Num. 14:18; Ps. 86:15; Rom. 2:4; II Pet. 3:9, 15), but there is still a limit to how far He will allow man to go into sin

                   Third, in the words of Solomon, “Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions” (Ecc. 7:29). Man when left to his own devices, will make a mess out of things. In this chapter, we see men worshipping those things that please them. We see men getting steadily worse as well. It is just as God described in Romans 1:18-32 when talking about the Gentiles. When men do not glorify God as God (as seen in Jer. 2:11-13), nor are thankful, they will first make false idols for themselves and then descend into denying any God exists (Ezek. 8:12; Rom. 1:28). As we can see in Ezekiel 8, the Jews were living what we are warned about in Romans 1!

                   Friend, please pay close attention to these warnings. These things are happening in our country and in our culture. Don’t allow history to repeat itself! Let us take a good look at ourselves and let us repent of wrongdoing and turn back to God while we still have the opportunity. Let us raise our children and grandchildren in the Lord! God is longsuffering, but His patience has a limit! In His patience and mercy, He sent His Son to the cross (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8). How will we respond? Many have chosen to ignore the facts. What will you do (I Cor. 10:11-12)?

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

Sermon: The Parable Of The 10 Virgins

Before His crucifixion, Jesus taught several parables. One of these is the parable of the 10 virgins.

What was this parable teaching those people? What is it teaching us today? let us find out together.

Click here to listen to the sermon.

The parable of the 10 virgins teaches us much and has many applications to those of us living in the 21st century.

God bless you in your study.

"Ye Shall Know That I Am The Lord"

 12/7/23 - "Ye Shall Know I Am The Lord"

                   In an earlier article, we studied that the people would know there had been a prophet among them based on what Ezekiel did (Ezek. 2:5). God used a similar phrase when referring to Himself in the book of Ezekiel. From Ezekiel 6 through Ezekiel 39, no less than 63 times, He told Ezekiel that the people would know He is the Lord.

                   How were the people to “know” He is the Lord? Reading all 63 instances where the phrase is found, we see that sometimes folks would know because of the punishment God brings. At other times, folks would know He is the Lord based on the blessing He brings. In other words, the people would know He is the Lord when they saw how He had fulfilled His word. God had not spoken “in vain” (Ezek. 6:10).

                   There are people today who deny God’s existence. They claim that since they have not seen, heard, felt, or in any way experienced God (the way one experiences life with the senses), then it is impossible to know Him. What did God say was necessary to know He is the Lord? He did not tell Ezekiel it was based upon the people hearing His voice or touching Him, but it would be the result of what He did.

                   Jesus would say something similar when He told the Jews, “If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him” (Jn. 10:37-38). Just like the Father, Jesus was saying you can know who I am based on what I have done.

                   In like manner, if we want to know that God is alive and well, let us look at the evidence! Let us look at what He did! Look at what God has done in this universe (Ps. 19:1-6, 33:6-9). Look at what God has done for man (Gen. 1:26-28). Look at how much He loved mankind (Rom. 5:8; Jn. 3:16). Look at times we have been corrected (Heb. 12:5-15).

Yes, we see evidence of God even when corrected or punished for sins. This is what He told Ezekiel on many occasions. God’s correction lets us know He is Lord. From the days of Noah (Gen. 6-8; I Pet. 3:20; II Pet. 3:9) to the days when God punished nations (Oba.; Hab.; Matt. 24:1-35), and continuing to this good day, we see God’s hand in men’s matters.

                   We can know He is the Lord because of the promise of Messiah, to the fulfillment of that same promise! This is what the Bible focuses on from Genesis 3 to the end of the Bible. As we read Scripture, we read either of the promise that Messiah is coming (Gen.-Mal.), or that He is here in fulfillment of what God has said (Matt.-Jn.), or that God was faithful to His promise and Jesus has already been here and returned to His Father (Acts-Rev.). Yes, we can know God is Lord!

                   “Ye shall know that I am the Lord” when we open our eyes to see God’s work among men. Are you aware? Are you awake? Do you know the Lord? The evidence for Him is everywhere.

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

Object Lessons

 12/6/23 - Object Lessons

                   God teaches man in many ways. While we know His will is revealed in the written word, it does not take long to see God use many “tools” to get His truth to man. In the Bible, we have a record of the various ways He did things (Heb. 1:1-2).

                   God used men for “object lessons” on many occasions. One example of this is when we read about Ezekiel and his actions in Ezekiel 4 and 5. He was to lay siege to a tile (KJV) or brick (4:1-2). This was actually writing material, like a clay tablet. While laying siege, Ezekiel was told to lay on his left side for 390 days and on his right for 40 days (4:4-8). He was to eat rationed bread and water during this time (4:9-11), and the bread was to be baked over burning cow dung (v. 15). God then wanted Ezekiel to shave his beard off and separate it into thirds (5:1). People would then see Ezekiel burn ⅓ of his beard, cut up ⅓ of his beard, and then scatter the remaining ⅓ in the wind, leaving only a few hairs bound or tied to his garment (5:2-3).

When we read Ezekiel 4-5, we see the purpose of this work was to serve as object lessons against the inhabitants of Jerusalem who would suffer through an actual siege. They would suffer through a famine due to this siege, food rationing, and finally suffer death or be scattered to other nations once this was all over (Ezek. 4:7, 16-5:12).

                   Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others would also serve God by offering “object lessons” to the people through their actions (Jas. 5:10). Jesus did similar things when He wrote on the ground (Jn. 8:6), when He spoke in parables, and when He pointed to lessons taught to us in nature (Matt. 6:26-30, 10:29-31). Indeed, many other examples could be named, for Christ’s life was an “object lesson” (Jn. 13:15; I Pet. 2:21; I Jn. 2:6).

                   The apostle Paul said folks needed to follow him as he followed Christ (I Cor. 4:16, 11:1; Phil. 3:17). In other words, Paul had a life that served as an “object lesson” just as others had done before him (II Cor. 11:22-29).

                   God’s intention is that men be “object lessons” of the truth (Matt. 5:13-16; II Jn. 6; Col. 1:10). Who knows how many have looked to you as an example of how Christians act in certain circumstances? Our children look to parents to see how they should speak and act. Indeed, parents have a “captive audience” in their children (Prov. 22:6).  Jesus said that when we allow our “lights” to shine, people will see our good works (what we have done) and glorify God as a result (Matt. 5:14-16). There is no question that the saving power of the gospel is in the word (Rom. 1:16). What God wants, as well, is for people to see the gospel in us and note what changes we have made as a result of His truth.

Have you thought about how you are an “object lesson”? Let us make sure we are teaching folks correctly “in word or deed” (Col. 3:17)! 

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

Sermon: "Almost Thou Persuadest me To Be A Christian"

 The title for this sermon comes from Acts 26:28. Here, after hearing the gospel preached by Paul, Herod Agrippa II said, "Almost Thou Persuadest Me To Be A Christian."

"Almost" is a sad word. It implies failure when we say something "almost" happened. Sometimes, it might even mean tragedy when we say someone "almost" made it home or someone "almost" obeyed God.

Acts 26:28 was a statement made by a person who was not a Christian but recognized who was a Christian. The statement recorded in this verse also implied failure for several false doctrines taught today.

What does this phrase teach us? Click here to listen to this sermon from Acts 26:28.

The Seriousness Of Teaching

12/5/23 - The Seriousness Of Teaching

                   Twice in Ezekiel, God warns him about how serious it is to teach God’s truth and warn people when they are in sin. Ezekiel 3:17-21 and 33:2-9 make it clear that Ezekiel served as a “watchman” for the Lord. As such, he had the duty to warn people about sin and the need to repent. If Ezekiel refused to warn, those in sin would die in their sin, but their blood would be on the head of Ezekiel. In other words, he would be responsible for not giving them the warning they needed. Conversely, if Ezekiel warned and the people ignored him, they would die in their sins as before, but Ezekiel would not be held responsible.

                   James 3:1 reminds us that being a teacher means receiving a “greater condemnation” (KJV). Some versions say it will be a “stricter judgment” or a “more severe (greater, heavier) judgment.” A version called “The Remedy New Testament” says it perhaps the most straightforward way: “My brothers and sisters, few of you are ready to become teachers because those who teach must function at the highest standards.”

I believe Ezekiel 3:17-21 and 33:2-9 give us some insight into this passage in James by noting that God held Ezekiel accountable for his words, or lack thereof, and that if he refused to speak when he needed to then there would be consequences he would suffer!

                   Let the words in Ezekiel and James serve as warnings to those who wish to teach God’s word. Whether we teach publicly or privately, let us appreciate the responsibility in so doing. When one teaches, he is not merely speaking an opinion or “thinking out loud.” His work is to “speak as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11). He is to do so “in season and out of season” (II Tim. 4:2). In other words, to speak the truth when people like it and when people do not like it. Ezekiel has already been told he will have to have a “hard forehead” as he taught the people (Ezek. 3:9). This gives us an idea of their attitude toward God’s warnings. If Ezekiel refused to warn, he would be held accountable. At the same time, I find it interesting that while God held Ezekiel responsible for teaching and warning, He did not hold Ezekiel accountable for their obedience or disobedience!

                   Men have free will. Therefore, the decision to obey or disobey does not rest with the teacher (Mk. 16:16; Rev. 22:18-19; Rom. 10:13-17). At the same time, if men never knew they had an option, this lack of knowledge rests with the teacher. If you have felt intimidated by the idea of teaching others for fear of how people might respond, then let these words be of comfort to you. You are responsible for teaching but not responsible for their decision or response to the truth!

When Paul preached, he understood what God said to Ezekiel. When Paul went to Corinth and encountered opposition from the Jews, it finally reached the point where Paul said, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles” (Acts 18:6). Paul had spent several Sabbaths teaching (Acts 18:3), but it finally came to a point where Paul had to focus upon those who were willing to listen, just like Jesus had taught (Matt. 10:14; Mk. 6:11; Acts 13:51). He was “pure” from their blood because he had taught the truth and had not held back. Yet, Paul also understood he was not responsible for their obedience to the truth. Thus, the apostle went to those he thought would listen and obey.

                   Paul repeated this in Acts 20. When he met the Ephesian elders for the last time, among other things, he stated, “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:26-27). He had emphasized earlier that his teaching had been done “publicly, and from house to house” (Acts 20:20). He was free because he had taught the people all that God had wanted and did not spare for people’s feelings or for folks being upset at the words. He explains this further in Acts 20:31.

                   Teaching God’s word is serious business because the souls of men are what is at stake! Ezekiel was made aware of this in a very real way, as was Paul, and as are we through James! There is a great need for teachers and preachers of the gospel, but we don’t need folks just to say the things that are easy to hear or what we intend to do anyway! We need folks to tell us the hard things and the things that demand introspection, sorrow for sins, repentance, and obedience so that we might rise above this old world and be “holy people” (I Pet. 1:15-16; Matt. 5:48; Heb. 12:14), folks who are preparing themselves for Heaven!

- Jarrod M. Jacobs 

Calvin Coolidge on Persistence

"Silent Cal" got it right!!

"Nothing in this world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

-- Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States (1923-1929)

A Hard-Headed Prophet

“A Hard-Headed Prophet”

                   Ezekiel 3:4-11 describes for us God’s intent for the prophet Ezekiel. He was sent to a specific group of people, “the house of Israel” (v. 4). He did not go to foreigners or those who had never heard, but to those who had heard again and again and refused to obey (v. 5-7). As a preacher and as a Christian, I find situations like those described in Ezekiel 3 to be almost more frustrating than dealing with people who have never heard the truth and refuse to listen.

                   As a Christian, I can imagine the pain Ezekiel will soon face because I have faced it before. I suppose when dealing with sin and error, no one lets us down more than our brethren! Why is this? Perhaps it is because our brethren are supposed to know better (Heb. 5:12-14, 6:9). I remember Paul naming certain brethren who had walked away from the Lord like Demas (II Tim. 4:10), Hymenaeus, Alexander, Philetus (I Tim. 1:20; II Tim. 2:17-18), Peter, James, John, (Gal. 2:8-11) and others. I am sure it ripped his heart out to have to face those men and name them as causing trouble with the brethren, but he did it.

Think about Christ who went to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 15:24). This statement would have been controversial in the extreme among the Pharisees, Sadducees, elders, scribes, lawyers, and those who “trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others” (Lk. 18:9). Yet, for Jesus to preach the words God wanted preached (Jn. 12:49-50), He had to do it and let the chips fall where they may. Of course, Jesus would pay the ultimate price for such preaching. Paul would suffer as well (II Cor. 11:22-28). Ezekiel was going to feel a similar pain as he preached God’s word to people not willing to listen.

                   What was the answer? How would he survive such difficulties? God gave the answer in Ezekiel 3:8-11. Ezekiel needed a “hard head” and a determination to preach only what the Lord had said. This “hard head” is described as “adamant harder than flint” (v. 9). What does this mean? “Adamant” is akin to a diamond in its hardness. The word picture here is like a diamond being used to cut through the flint rock. Wow! What an image! Ezekiel’s forehead needed to be strong against their foreheads (v. 8), just as a diamond is necessary to cut through flint (v. 9)!

                   Please note that Ezekiel would not have an “adamant” heart but an “adamant” forehead! Ezekiel’s words and actions were not to be done out of spite, hatred, revenge, or other ungodly motives. What Ezekiel did (as well as Jeremiah, Isaiah, Jesus, Paul, Peter, and all of God’s spokesmen) was done out of love (Eph. 4:15; I Jn. 4:8, 11, 18)! When love for the souls of men is no longer the motive, it is a waste of time (I Cor. 13:1-3). Yes, we can be firm and still love (Ask any parent if this is possible.). We can say God’s way is right and man’s way is wrong and still love others. Yet, make sure love is the motivator for it all. It was the motivation in the Bible.

                   Ezekiel 3:9 describes how Ezekiel’s preaching would be like a diamond cutting through flint. What was Ezekiel to say? Ezekiel 3:10-11 tells us! “All my words that I shall speak … speak unto them, and tell them, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’...” God’s word is the only thing with such power (Rom. 1:16; Heb. 4:12; I Pet. 4:11). If Ezekiel had gone to the people and spoken his opinion or the collective thoughts of the intelligentsia, he would have wasted his time. However, for him to go to the people, like Jonah went to Nineveh (Jon. 3:12), he was putting his time and the people’s time to its best use.

                   I think it is time we had more hard-headed people in the Lord’s church. Do you agree? No, not hard-hearted” (may this never be), but hard-headed! Let us be a people of boldness (Prov. 28:1; I Thess. 2:2; I Jn. 4:17). In our prayers, may we include the statement, “Grant unto thy servants that with all boldness (we) may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29).

Let us be a people who obey and speak the word of the Lord without apology. Let us be a people who will show others what it is like to serve God and be ready to take our “lumps” for it (II Tim. 3:12). Let us continue in the example of Ezekiel, especially when it means I love my brother enough to show him where he is wrong (Jas. 5:19-20; Gal. 6:1). Let me not shrink from this duty, nor be dismayed by the looks I might get (Jer. 1:17; Ezek. 3:9; Josh. 1:9; I Chron. 28:20; II Tim. 4:2) but speak the “words of truth and soberness” to all who need it (Acts 26:25).

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

Voices From The Past ...

Seven Things That Will Help You Grow Spiritually

Grover Stevens (1921-1997)

1. LIVE and WORK to reach others each day as if you knew the world was going to come to an end next Sunday night. Think of that feeling of urgency and priority! (2 Pet. 3:1-12)

2. BE AS ENTHUSIASTIC about the church and its services as you would be if there were an overflowing crowd each time. Think of the interest, anticipation, and excitement of an overflow crowd!

3. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS. Make a list of the things you are thankful to God for and thank Him for them one by one as you pray in your closet. This will help you to be grateful (Phil. 4:6). It will also help you to realize your dependence on God (Acts 17:24-25,28; Jn. 15:5).

4. MAKE & MAINTAIN A LIST OF YOUR FAULTS. And pray for forgiveness and help to overcome them as you truly strive to overcome them. This will help us see that we are really not as good as we think we are and how very much we really do need Christ for Savior. It will also help you to sympathize with the faults of others (Jas. 5:16; Gal. 6:1).

5. KEEP A QUIET TIME. Set aside 30 minutes every day to spend with God in prayer, Bible study, and meditation. If you really love someone or a game, you want to spend some time with them. Just so, if you truly love God, you want to spend some time alone with Him. (Ps. 1:2; 1 Thess. 5:17; Lk. 18:1). First-century Christians kept an “hour of prayer” (Acts 3:1).

6. VISIT SOMEONE FOR CHRIST EACH WEEK. Visit some member you do not know very well, or a sick person; or a visitor to our services, or a weak member who needs encouragement, or someone who needs to become a Christian.

7. REACH ANOTHER PERSON. Conduct a Bible class in your home once a month and invite your relatives, friends, and neighbors to attend. The preacher or elders will assist you if you want them to. Matthew 5:12-15; James 5:20; Daniel 12:3. There are 168 hours in a week. If you were to attend Bible Study, morning worship, and evening worship on Sunday and Bible study on Wednesday, and 30 minutes 6 days a week in Bible reading, prayer, and meditation, and conduct an hour-long study once a month, you would be giving God less than 10 hours a week, leaving you 158.

"Eat The Scroll"

“Eat This Scroll”

When Ezekiel was called to be a prophet, God wanted Ezekiel to eat the scroll God gave to him in his vision (Ezek. 2:8-3:3). We see this happening just one other time in Scripture, and this is when John was commanded to eat a scroll in his vision at Patmos (Rev. 10:9-10). John’s scroll, like Ezekiel’s, was sweet to the taste (Ezek. 3:3), but John added that once swallowed, it made his stomach “bitter” (Rev. 10:10). That was not recorded in Ezekiel.

This scroll was unique because it was written on both sides (Ezek. 2:10). Usually, a scroll had words written on only one side. This scroll had been completely filled, and the words were words of “lamentations, mourning, and woe.” Considering the people he was sent to (Ezek. 3:5-7) and the time in which it would be preached, it makes sense that these would be words of “lamentations, mourning, and woe.” These people had sinned against God and lived in rebellion for many years, and now they would suffer the consequences of their decisions by being exiled and enslaved by the Babylonians.

What is implied in this statement, “Eat this scroll”? It means God expected His mouthpiece, Ezekiel, to speak all and only what He had revealed. Just as in physical eating, God expected His words to be assimilated into the mind and soul of Ezekiel. In other words, when this is accepted and assimilated, then this is what is going to come out of Ezekiel (I Pet. 4:11).

Jesus would teach a similar truth from a negative perspective in Matthew 15. He warned that “those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man” (Matt. 15:18-20). Thus, what our hearts are filled with is what will come out! We can fill it with worldliness, or we can fill it with the Word. Which will we choose? Ezekiel, John, and many other faith heroes determined to fill their hearts with God’s word, and not only were they blessed, but they blessed those who heard them and saw their examples (Matt. 5:14-16; I Tim. 4:16; etc.).

Why fill our minds with those things that will harm us when we can be filled with that which will bless us? Just like medicine, sometimes, the truth will hurt (Ezek. 2:10; Rev. 10:10). Recall how many Old Testament prophets called their message a “burden”! This is because the truth hurts. However, that pain is necessary if people are going to repent and change their ways. Don’t forget this pain must first be personal. In other words, I need to repent and get my life right so I can help others get their lives right (Matt. 7:5). Like Ezra, I need to learn the truth so I can do it and then teach others (Ezra 7:10). Though he had no sin, Jesus followed this pattern of first doing and then teaching (Acts 1:1). Will we “eat the scroll?”

Let us follow Ezekiel’s example (Rom. 15:4). “Eat the scroll!” Let it change your life, and then take this knowledge and help bring others to the Lord.

- Jarrod M. Jacobs