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Four Ingredients to Spiritual Revival

In an old, familiar song, worshippers blend their voices and ask God to “revive us again.” To revive is to restore to life or consciousness, to give new strength or energy, or to improve one’s position or condition. Are we really seeking that kind of revival?

Some of us are too comfortable where we are to truly ask that God revive us. Why would we want God’s revival when we have good jobs, enough money both to pay the bills and to enjoy our hobbies, and good standing with our fellow man? Why breathe new life into Christianity when you’ve been “going to church” for decades, and you feel good about your spirituality? We must be careful that we do not deceive ourselves (James 1:22).

Spiritual improvement is not easy, but it is necessary. Psalm 119 offers at least four key ingredients that will help us to be truly revived.

[highlight]1. DAILY BIBLE READING.[/highlight] Revival will not happen apart from God’s word. Sensationalism and emotionalism may make people feel good, but it will never begin to do what the powerful word of God can do (Rom. 1:16). The psalmist said, “Revive me according to Your word” (Psa. 119:25, 107, 154). How much time do you spend in God’s word each day?

[highlight]2. DAILY BIBLE APPLICATION.[/highlight] Spiritual revival will come from more than mere exposure to God’s word. Reading the Book must be followed by applying the Book. This is the hard part. We are revived in righteousness (Psa. 119:40). “All Your commandments are righteousness” (Psa. 119:172). Taking care of our sin problem through the blood of Jesus in baptism (Rom. 6:1-4), followed by continual holiness as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7) is vital to spiritual revival. We must protect ourselves from sins of all kinds: sins of conduct, sins of speech, and even sins of thought (cf. Psa. 119:37)!

[highlight]3. TENDER-HEARTEDNESS.[/highlight] God’s word is designed to prick hearts (cf. Heb. 4:12), but our hearts must be tender enough to accept what the word teaches. God’s ways are best (Jer. 10:23); His justice is true and right. When God’s word rebukes, we must be willing to listen and to conform to God’s will. The psalmist said, “O LORD, revive me according to Your justice” (Psa. 119:149, 156).

[highlight]4. HUMILITY.[/highlight] The Bible is a message of grace (Titus 2:11-12). God loves us, and the Bible tells us the extent to which He loves us (John 3:16). The psalmist felt that understanding God’s grace and God’s love was key to obedience to God, and thus, to spiritual revival. He said, “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth” (Psa. 119:88, 159).

You may be surprised at the power of the gospel in your life when you, through humble obedience, read and apply the Scripture. It is designed to convict us, to cut to the heart, and to bring us to our knees in godly sorrow (2 Cor. 7:10).

May this ever be our prayer: “Hallelujah! Thine the glory, revive us again!”

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Seven Baptisms in Two Weeks: What I Have Learned

Baptism

The power of the heart-pricking message of the gospel has been clearly seen in the past few days at East Hill. Since two Wednesdays ago, we have rejoiced with seven individuals who have put on their Lord in baptism (three of which were in one Wednesday night!), and we have prayed with and been encouraged by one sister who wished to rededicate her life to the Lord! These eight precious souls have served as a motivation for us all to examine and re-examine ourselves spiritually (2 Cor. 13:5).

Do we realize the potential of one obedient soul? I’m talking about our influence. This past Wednesday evening, I was talking with five of these new, young Christians. I asked them: “Do you see what you’re capable of?? Look at what has been sparked here by your decision to obey the gospel!” They smiled and agreed. These eight souls have influenced one another and, through their actions, have exhorted all of us to secure our souls in Christ. I see at least three lessons that I can learn from them.

[highlight]1. NO ONE IS AN ISLAND.[/highlight]
Over the past few days, we have been eye witnesses to the fact that our actions influence other people. Two sisters in the flesh became sisters in Christ because of this truth! However, let us learn this lesson both in the positive way and in the negative way. Just as one person’s obedience can encourage another to obey, so can one person’s disobedience influence another person to disobey God. Christians are to shine like the lights of a city on a hill or a lamp on a lampstand (Mat. 5:14-16; Phil. 2:15). No one can deny it: our actions affect other people.

[highlight]2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.[/highlight]
Satan wants us to feel isolated because we are Christians, as though there is no one else in the world who struggles with sin. The truth is, you are not alone in your struggles. Paul said that temptation is common to all men (1 Cor. 10:13). The blood of Christ can wash our sins away (Acts 9:22)! God’s mercy can restore us back to faithfulness (1 John 1:9)!

[highlight]3. DO NOT WAIT TO OBEY THE GOSPEL.[/highlight]
The longer you procrastinate with petty excuses, the longer you waste precious time for your soul to be saved and for you to fulfill the purpose for which God made you (cf. Eph. 2:10). Paul understood the power of Timothy’s influence. He said that Timothy’s obedience would not only save himself, but also those who heard him preach (1 Tim. 4:16). Whose heart will God touch through your righteous life?

Kurt F. Kaiser wrote a song called Pass it On. His words seem appropriate here:

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s love;
Once you’ve experienced it,
You spread His love to everyone;
You want to pass it on.

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Faith through the Fire, #3

This week on the blog, I’ve been focused on the incredible account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the fiery furnace (check out part 1 and part 2 in my “Faith Through the Fire” series). Today, three simple lessons that remind us, yet again, that “whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). Here’s some hope for your Friday.

1. As a child of God, wherever you are, He is there. God was with these three Jews even when they had been plucked from their home and taken to the foreign land of Babylon. He was there when they were placed in Nebuchadnezzar’s training program and as they were forced to serve the king. God was there when Nebuchadnezzar made the great golden image, and He was there when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused to worship it.

God is with you, too. Mankind is reminded of His presence in the psalms (Psa. 139:7-12). We read how He was there beside all of the faithful men and women in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, His only begotten Son comes into the world and is called “Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us” (Mat. 1:23). Jesus promised to be with us “always, even to the end of the age” (Mat. 28:20). Paul said that nothing can separate us from His love (Rom. 8:38-39). The Psalmist believed that nothing could separate him from God’s deliverance (Psa. 68:20).

Wherever you find yourself today, remember that God is there. He’s at work, and He knows the temptations you face there. He’s at home, watching your family. He’s at school, and He knows your struggles, hurts, and pains. Are you on that spiritual mountaintop? He’s there, too. Are you in that spiritual valley – or, maybe even a fiery furnace of sorts (1 Pet. 1:7)? Yep, He’s there, too.

2. God’s protection is complete and perfect. Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t deny the miracle that God brought about that day. Three men were thrown into the furnace, but four men were seen inside moments later. When the three men emerged from the furnace,  it was as though they hadn’t even been around a fire (Dan. 3:27)!

God will protect you, too. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1). The three Jewish men put their entire trust in God. They knew He was able to deliver them and they trusted His Will to do what was best (whether God chose to deliver them or not, Dan. 3:18). Do I trust Him that much? Do I have the faith to cast “all [my] care upon Him, for He cares for [me]” (1 Pet. 5:7)? If I don’t, it isn’t because God hasn’t told me of His love and concern for me. Give it to God. Let go. Let God.

3. The glory of God is more important than our deliverance. Wow. That’s a huge statement. Think about how history describes the death of the apostles. All of them, with the exception of John, died the death of martyrs (John certainly was not exempt from suffering, Rev. 1:9). God’s glory was more important than their lives. They gave themselves for Him. That’s why they suffered as they did (2 Cor. 11:24-33; 12:15).

No matter what, we must resolve to honor God always and in all things. He is worthy, and we are His servants. To be clear, it is not God’s Will that we be a type of “suicide Christian.” It is God’s Will that we live so we can spread the gospel message and shine as lights in the world. But, when sainthood leads to suffering (and it always does, 2 Tim. 3:12), and when suffering leads to a be-faithful-or-die situation, we know what God wants.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).[/box]

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Cor. 2:15-16).[/box]

Let’s follow Christ’s example in suffering and in death (1 Pet. 2:23) and let’s commit ourselves to do the Father’s Will.

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Faith through the Fire, #2

God’s definition of good is different from the way we might typically define the term. We read Scriptures like Romans 8:28 and then we wonder why bad things happen to good people. Evidently, God sees good in different ways than we are accustomed to seeing it.

In Monday’s post, I discussed the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego as they refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image. True faith prompted these young Jews to confront the challenge and confess the Lord to the very face of the world’s most powerful earthly ruler. They made the right decision, but what was the result?

Our definition of the word good would lead us to believe that God would reward these three young men by saving them from the fiery furnace. But God has bigger plans and a greater good in store.

Nebuchadnezzar, filled with rage at the audacity of these young men to disobey him, commanded his men to heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was usually heated (Dan. 3:19). He had Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego bound and thrown “into the midst of the burning fiery furnace” (Dan. 3:21). He was so angry that he didn’t even take the time to strip them of their clothes. Daniel 3:21 says they were bound “in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their outer garments.”

It seems that Nebuchadnezzar’s furious command caused his mighty men of valor to get too close to the dangerous, “exceedingly hot” flames of the furnace (Dan. 3:22). As they threw in the three Jews, the fire killed Nebuchadnezzar’s men.

What happened next shocked everyone.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” (Dan. 3:24).[/box]

As they peered through the flames, they counted not three, but four men walking around in the midst of the fire. That which had bound them was now loosed, and the fourth individual looked like one who was sent by God.

This past weekend, Emily and I were able to attend a congregational retreat for the Riggs church of Christ in Chapel Hill, TN. It was a cold Saturday morning to be outdoors, so the fire pit was a popular place to be. The smell of the smoke from the fire lingered on our clothes long after we left the retreat. When Nebuchadnezzar called the three men from the furnace, they came out and looked as though they hadn’t even been around a fire. Their “hair … was not singed nor were their garments affected” (Dan. 3:27). This one is my favorite detail: “the smell of fire was not on them.” God doesn’t do anything half-way, does He? He is truly an awesome God.

Is my faith like the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego? It’s one thing to refuse to bow in a crowd of people who bow around you. It’s another thing to refuse to bow to the face of the one who has commanded that everyone bows before him. It is still yet another thing to refuse to bow and to allow the enemy to bind you and throw you in a furnace. These men trusted in God. He works all things for good.

That’s why I say that God’s definition of good must be different from the way many of us define it. We would not consider losing our lives to be good, yet these faithful three said that if God chose not to deliver them from the death of the furnace, then “let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up” (Dan. 3:18).

True faith confounds the enemy. They won’t understand why we do what we do, but it makes perfect sense to us: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

True faith confirms the promises. The most powerful man in the world had God’s people punished for not bowing down to his image, but God was still on the throne that day, and He demonstrated that through this incredible miracle. God doesn’t work in miracles today (John 20:30-31; 1 Cor. 13:9-11), but that doesn’t make His promises less true, nor does it make His Word less authoritative.

Note that God did not deliver Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego from the fire, but in the fire. And God will deliver us, too. He is still “able to deliver us” from our fiery trials today (Dan. 3:17).

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:7).[/box]

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Faith Through the Fire, #1

He was the most powerful man in the world – and he had a hot temper. Nebuchadnezzar didn’t respond well when someone failed to do whatever he commanded them to do. In Daniel 2, the king threatened to kill the Chaldeans by cutting them in pieces and making their houses an ash heap (Dan. 2:5); all of this if they could not tell him what he dreamed the previous night. Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t playing around.

When he decided to erect a golden image and commanded that everyone in his kingdom worship it, he threatened them with their lives.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace (Dan. 3:4-6).[/box]

You know what happened: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn’t bow. They were brought before Nebuchadnezzar and given a second chance to worship the image, but refused to do so to the king’s face! “Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury” (Dan. 3:19). He commanded his men to heat the furnace seven times hotter than it was usually heated, then he commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego be thrown in.

This is not a story for the faint of heart. Notice three types of hearts that are represented here.

First, notice the heart of the king (3:1-3). Many scholars believe that Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (back in chapter two) got him thinking about his kingdom. God enabled Daniel to see into the future and to tell Nebuchadnezzar that the mighty Babylonian Empire wouldn’t stand forever. Perhaps the image he had made in chapter three is an image of himself. Maybe he called all of his kingdom’s dignitaries to Dura to test their loyalty to the Empire and to him as the king. It seems that his heart is filled with pride coupled with fear. His faith is an egotistical faith in himself.

Second, look at the heart of the people (3:4-7). No one is faithless. Everyone believes in something, though they may not possess the right beliefs (cf. John 8:24, 32; 17:17). The key is the object of one’s faith. Where were the masses when the instruments played? They were on the ground, of course! They feared for their lives. They knew the consequences of not bowing before the image, so they bowed: “all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up” (Dan. 3:7). When we put our faith in men, we are sure to be disappointed (Job 14:1). When we base our religious actions on any degree of peer pressure (including governmental pressure), we will find our faith to be fickle and our lives to be pointless.

Finally, look at the hearts of the three Jewish men (3:8-12). They knew God’s commandments.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. (Exo. 20:2-5).[/box]

They were not willing to compromise their beliefs – even with the threat of death. They boldly confronted the challenge and confessed the Lord. They knew that He could deliver them through whatever means were in accordance with His will for them (Dan. 3:13-18). They trusted God and they obeyed Him.

If your faith that strong? Now there’s a difficult proposition. Yet, why can’t our faith be as strong as theirs was? The fact that the age of miracles has ceased doesn’t mean that our faith should be any less strong than the people in the hall of faith (Heb. 11; cf. John 20:30-31).

It seems that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had accessed a two-fold key to strong faith: true trust in God and in His Word, and relentless obedience to His commands.

[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” ]Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You (Psa. 119:11).[/box]

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7 Reasons You Should Attend PTP

Have you ever been to Polishing the Pulpit? Don’t let the name mislead you, it isn’t just for preachers.

Polishing the Pulpit (PTP) is an annual workshop designed to refresh, renew, and recharge Christians. Each year, thousands (literally!) of Christians gather at the Sevier Events Center in Sevierville, TN for a week of Christian growth like no other. This year’s attendance goal of 3,000 people is expected to be met by Christians who will travel hundreds – or even thousands – of miles. Are you coming? Here are just seven reasons why you don’t want to miss PTP.

1. The teaching and preaching. PTP consistently delivers the best lessons I have ever heard. There are at least ten concurrent sessions every hour, and each one has a compelling, contemporary, practical topic. Do you want to be better equipped to face the challenges facing our world? Then you need to come to PTP. Where else are you going to get this kind of teaching in this much quantity at one place?

2. The teachers and preachers. You won’t find better speakers anywhere. Do you want to sit at the feet of some of the greatest Christian men and women of our time? Then PTP is for you. Do you want some time to interact with these men and women, asking questions and seeking their counsel? Then PTP is for you. To make it even better, you’ll get to hear many of your favorites multiple times throughout the week. What’s not to love?!

3. The fellowship. You’ll catch up with old friends and make new friends when you go to PTP. You’ll be encouraged by the realization that you’re not alone in your Christian journey. You will be reminded that the struggles you face at home are common to all Christians (1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Tim. 3:12). Your faith will be challenged as you hear about all of the great things that your brethren are doing for Christ’s kingdom.

4. The singing. Picture it (if you can): three thousand people who love God more than anything worshipping Him with the fruit of their lips (Heb.13:15). Need I say more? The sound is heavenly.

5. Sunday morning worship. Take the previous point and apply it to an entire period of worship to God on the Lord’s Day. If you can’t be there for the entire week, then be sure you are there for Sunday morning worship.

6. The fire. After your first day at PTP, you’ll begin to feel a fire within you. That’s your heart being convicted of all the great things you’re learning and observing from this incredible experience. You’ll begin to think of things that you can do at home to help keep this fire going, and you’ll begin to think of someone that you want to bring with you next year, Lord willing.

7. The difference. People who go to PTP don’t return home the same. They’re changed for the better – to God’s glory. They’re leaving PTP more aware of their purpose on earth as Christians. They’re leaving with a renewed zeal for Christ and His cause. They’re leaving with tons of ideas that they can’t wait to implement in their lives, their families, their neighborhoods, and in their congregations. They’re leaving with friendships that will last a lifetime and beyond.

That’s what is awaiting you this year at Polishing the Pulpit. Are you going?! You still have two weeks until it begins! PTP is August 23-29, 2013. For more information and to register online, check out the following links:

Question: For those who have been before, what’s your favorite part of PTP?

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“Why Are You Involved in So Many Things?”

I am blessed to be involved in several good works. Aside from my personal responsibilities (to my wife and to my own personal growth as a Christian), my primary focus is preaching for the East Hill congregation. Sharing pulpit responsibilities with my co-laborer, Paul Sain, leaves me with at least one sermon and one Bible class to prepare each Lord’s day and usually two Bible classes to prepare each Wednesday. My studies in preparation for these presentations are always my top priority. Additionally, I’m blessed to be involved in working with the Gospel Broadcasting Network and, of course, The Light Network.

Sometimes I’m asked how I can be involved in so many things. I can assure you that I am not an expert in that field. I’m constantly learning and reevaluating myself to be sure that I use my blessings of time and talent (what little I’ve been given) to God’s glory. However, a question I CAN answer is this one: “WHY are you involved in so much?” It isn’t necessarily because I have trouble saying that two letter word that begins with “N” and ends with “O” (though I don’t use it very often if I can help it). Here’s why I do it.

1. I want to completely immerse myself in the Lord’s work. From the time my feet hit the floor until I pillow my head at night, every moment of my day is spent in the work of the church. This is a tremendous blessing! I get to serve God with the greatest people on the planet while studying and spreading the greatest story ever told!

2. I want to spend and be spent in God’s service. I learned this from the apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:15; cf. 1 Cor. 11:1). Here was a man whose convictions led him to bear his cross all through his life as a faithful Christian, ultimately laying it down in exchange for a crown (2 Tim. 4:6-8). I want that, and Paul says that I can have it. He said that the crown is “not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). Paul was grateful for the salvation that His Savior had made possible for him, and he showed his gratitude and indebtedness through his service to Jesus (Rom. 1:15; Eph. 2:11). That’s what I must do (Gal. 2:20).

3. I want to use technology to spread the gospel. I am passionate about communication and media. I studied mass media at FHU, and have always had an interest in it. Radio, television, podcasting, and the internet at large are just a few ways by which we can reach the masses with the gospel of Christ. I know that one person cannot do everything. To me, it isn’t about doing everything. Instead, it’s about doing as much as I can to propagate the message (Mat. 28:19-20). Opportunity + ability = responsibility (at least, to some degree).

4. I want to improve. Selfishly speaking, my involvements compliment one another to (hopefully) produce a better me. I desperately want to be a better Bible student and to have greater Bible knowledge. I want to improve as a speaker and a teacher. I want to become more comfortable in front of people, cameras, and microphones so that I can get out of the way and I can focus on spreading the message to the best of my ability. My preaching and media involvements help me to do that. They constantly keep me humble by reminding me how much I need to improve, while giving me opportunities to be better.

I struggled with whether to post this here. I hope it doesn’t sound prideful. This is nowhere near my intent. Today’s post has been a personally therapeutic exercise to remind me of God’s goodness in allowing me to do what I do to His glory. If this post has helped to remind you about why you give your life to Jesus, then my mission has been accomplished. To God be the glory for anything that we can do!

Question: How is your life blessed through your service to God?

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Their Questions, the Bible’s Answers: #1

I’m currently teaching the teen Bible class on Wednesday nights at East Hill, and I’m having a blast! They’re sharp, fun, and encouraging to be around. They sincerely want to do what is right, and they have a great interest in learning about Christ and what He expects for their lives. The last class of each month is Q&A night. I told them that I would post all of the questions (anonymously, of course) and answers here so they could have them in writing and so they could easily access other reference materials relative to the answers.

Here are their questions and the Bible’s answers.


Q: Who were the people in the cities to which Cain fled?
A: Cain had been caught. He murdered his brother, Abel, and God called him on it. The result was that he would be a “fugitive and a vagabond on the earth” (Gen. 4:14). God placed a special mark on Cain as a sign to others not to kill him (Gen. 4:14b-15), and Cain goes on his way.

 [Cain] dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son – Enoch” (Gen. 4:16-17).

Which brings us to our question – where did this city come from and who were its inhabitants? I think it’s a great question. Here’s the answer: they were Cain’s own family members. Bible critics use this passage to argue that Adam, Eve, and their offspring were not the only created family. If that is true, then the Bible is false. Genesis 3:20 says that Eve was the “mother of all living.” While the inspired record only specifically mentions the births of Cain, Abel, and Seth to Adam and Eve, Genesis 5:4 teaches that the first couple had many children. It says, “… the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters.” God had told them to “be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth” and they obviously took this command seriously (Gen. 1:28).

From this couple came the entire antediluvian world. Therefore, the people in the cities to which Cain fled were, in some way, related to him. To keep this post brief, I’ll leave the answer at that, though we could go off on some tangents (as we did in class). Check out the following references for more great information.

References:


Q: Is there a certain age to be baptized?
A: I really like this question a lot. The answer is no, there is not a certain age that one must be in order to become a Christian. Instead, becoming a Christian is a matter of knowledge, understanding, and maturity. In other words, do you understand what the Bible teaches you to do in order to be saved? Do you understand why you must do those things? If so, then you are ready. No one can tell you whether you are ready to become a Christian. It is a decision that you must make yourself. However, there are many people who can help you to arrive at this decision. Your parents or grandparents, your Bible class teacher, a preacher, or an elder are just a few examples of those who would be so happy to talk with you about becoming a Christian.
Kyle Butt and John Farber wrote a great little book titled, Am I Ready to Be Baptized? I highly recommend it to your reading if you’re wondering when you should be baptized. In the book, the authors encourage us to think on the following questions:
  • Do you know who God is?
  • Do you understand what sin is? Have you sinned? (see 1 John 3:4; Rom. 3:23; 6:23)
  • Do you know God’s plan to remove sin?
  • Do you understand what it means to repent? (see Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 17:30-31)
  • If you have sinned, are you willing to repent of ALL of your sins?
  • Do you know that God’s plan says that a person must confess Jesus Christ? (see Rom. 10:9-10)
  • Do you know what it means to confess Jesus? (see Matthew 10:32-33)
  • Do you understand that God’s plan says that a person needs to be baptized? (see Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Pet. 3:21, etc.)
  • Do you understand what baptism does with sins? (see Acts 22:16)
  • Do you understand that becoming a Christian is a life-long commitment? (Mat. 10:22; Rev. 2:10)
  • Do you think you are ready to become a Christian by being baptized?

References:

A: Yes! The reference that was included in this question could be talking of nothing other than a dinosaur – the behemoth. While some have claimed that this animal could have been something like an elephant or a hippo, these animals simply do not match up with the description here in Job 40 (like the tail, for example – an elephant’s tail is nothing like a cedar tree).

Does this mean that dinosaurs and humans coexisted? There is simply no other conclusion if we respect the Genesis account of creation (Gen. 1). Dinosaurs would have been created on days five and six with the animals of the air and water (day five), the animals of the land (day 6), and humans (day 6).

See also passages that refer to leviathan – Psalm 74:14; 104:26; Isa. 27:1.

Admittedly, this is an extremely simplistic answer to this question. If you’re interested in further study on the topic of dinosaurs in the Bible, I recommend the following resources.

References:

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New Year, New You

Do you make resolutions at the beginning of a new year? If you do, then you are among close to 45% of American adults who want to be better in 2013.


Resolution making is the easy part. The tough stuff began at the stroke of midnight when we were supposed to make those resolutions our practice. According to an awesome infographic that I found, 75% of American adults who made resolutions will have kept those resolutions by the end of the first week in January (notice that 25% of us can’t even last one week). By the end of the year, however, only 1 in 10 people will have stuck to their resolutions.

In a blog post titled Making Resolutions Stick, Michael Hyatt offers the following four ways to help you and me be better at keeping our resolutions:

  1. Keep them few in number
  2. Make them “smart” (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, and Time-bound).
  3. Write them down.
  4. Go public (share them with others who will hold you accountable).

Remember to keep the mindset that your resolution is a commitment. It may be a commitment you’ve made to yourself, to your spouse, to your family, to your friends, or even to God. Do not discount the importance of keeping those commitments. Keep your word (cf. Mat. 5:37; James 5:12). Do not make excuses (cf. Acts 24:25). Do not become stagnant in your personal growth – especially not in your personal spiritual growth (cf. 2 Pet. 3:18). Finally, do not be content with the status quo (cf. 2 Cor. 10:12). D not let society fool you into thinking that it is a good moral barometer. Do what is right because it is the right thing to do (cf. Eccl. 12:13).

May our main goal for 2013 (as much of it as God allows us to see, James 4:13-16) be to pursue spiritual growth and maturity so that we may become the people that God wants us to be.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10).

You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created (Rev. 4:11).