By Jesse LeMay

            For nearly 2,000 years people have debated and discussed the issue of who Jesus of Nazareth was. Some have said that He was just one of several unimportant sons of an insignificant carpenter. Others say that He was in fact a good teacher and a good man who did help people, and was able to acquire many followers. Then there are those who claim that Jesus was a fraud, a rebel, or even a deranged mad man. However, since His life and death, there have been countless numbers who have put their eternal lives at stake by believing in Him and worshipping Him as God. 

            Why is there such a dilemma on the identity of this man? C.S. Lewis wrote what he called a “trilemma” of possibilities to answer that question. He said that Jesus is either “Lunatic, Liar, or Lord.”

            If Jesus was a lunatic, meaning that He had some sort of mental problem that caused Him to hear certain things and ultimately believe certain factors of who He was, that very well could explain why He said and did some of the things we have recorded in the New Testament. In fact, He was even accused by His own townspeople/family as having “lost His senses,” and by the scribes from Jerusalem as being influenced by demons (Mark 3:21-22). Is this true, or was it a misunderstanding?

            If Jesus was a liar, then He was guilty of intentionally misleading people and creating a false religion. Standing before Caiaphas, the chief priests and Sanhedrin were trying to catch Jesus in a lie in order to kill Him. Finally, when asked by the high priest to answer the claims that He was the “Christ, the Son of God,” Jesus’ response caused Caiaphas to accuse Him of “blasphemy,” and they spit in His face and beat Him, and sentence Him to death (Matthew 26:59-67).

            If, however, Jesus was Lord, then the ramifications are greatly different for us today. Jesus’ own disciple Thomas wavered in his faith after the crucifixion. That faith was restored when He saw the resurrected Jesus first hand, and he said, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:27). Thomas accepted Jesus as Lord. But what does the rest of Scripture say and show us about Jesus? Was he God or just a fraud? The answer could impact eternity. If He was Lord, then He still is!

When Do We Turn to God?

By Austin Greer

            On September 11^th, 2001, a group of Islamic extremists hijacked four American airplanes to fulfill a suicidal mission of killing many people. Two of these planes crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. One plane crashed in the Pentagon just outside of Washington D.C., and the other plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. About 3,000 people died because of the actions of the Islamic extremists. From the time this event took place, until two weeks later, there was a huge spike in church attendance around the country. People were attempting to turn to God during a tragedy. Soon, the spike went away, and they carried on with their day to day lives. Yet, it seems that whenever something tragic happens, people want to turn to God.

            In Joshua chapter 7, there was a comparable situation in terms of turning to God after something bad happened. About this time, Joshua was the leader of Israel and they had began conquering the promise land. There was material that belonged to God that nobody could take from, and the consequence of taking anything from this ban was the nation of Israel would be accursed (Joshua 6:17-19). We see that Achan was not obedient to this command when he took things from under the ban (Joshua 7:1). About this same time, Israel had their eyes on conquering Ai. When Joshua was planning this attack, it was his battle plan. God was not in the picture. Joshua had no idea that Israel was now accursed, nor was he aware of the sin of Achan. He tried to do things himself.

            Although Israel only sent about 3,000 men to Ai, they were defeated because they were accursed. 36 men died along the way (7:4-5). Even if all of Israel would’ve gone, they still would’ve been defeated because they were accursed. Afterwards, Joshua decided to turn to God, and He learned that the nation was accursed. Once Achan and all that belonged to him was dead and the items that he coveted destroyed, Israel was no longer accursed (7:24-26). The sad thing for Israel is this entire situation could’ve been avoided had Joshua turned to the Lord first for His battle plan.

            Do we consider our relationship with God in the decisions we make, or do we just coast through life? Do we only turn to God when things are bad, or will we have the kind of relationship that we need to have with God? The reality is we need God. We need to learn to rely on Him and not ourselves. It is good when we turn to God when things are tough, but that shouldn’t be the only time we turn to God. Don’t just turn to God when facing tragedy. Rely on God in all things.

(Austin is currently a student at the Bear Valley Bible Institute in Denver)

By Jesse LeMay

This week has been jam-packed with all the kids attending our VBS here at the church of Christ. It has been fun, interesting, and at times a little tiring for some. We typically think of this week as a time to teach the kids about Jesus and the Bible. While such teaching is a major part of VBS, there is another aspect that we may not think about. That has to do with the children teaching us adults. What? Certainly, that can’t be right can it? Well, according to Jesus it is!

                 Just after His disciples asked who is the greatest in the kingdom, Jesus called over a child and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1-3). Why would Jesus say this? What is it about children that the Lord wants us to emulate? Children are pure, innocent, and sinless. Children have an absolute faith that does not need to constantly be reassured. They trust their friends, siblings, parents, and they believe in God without question. Children are loving and caring. Children see the good in others. Children love life; even the simple things. Lastly, children are humble. Christ said next that, “Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (18:4).

                In order to truly become a disciple of Christ we must make a “change.” It is fascinating that the ones whom adults are constantly teaching, are really the ones that God wants us to learn from and imitate. Such a change involves humbling ourselves to accept God’s plan of salvation. As a result, after being baptized (immersed) in water for the forgiveness of our sins, we will become pure and sinless like a child, having our sins washed away through God’s grace. That humility should continue for the rest of our days. Such a change should involve us having that absolute faith in our heavenly Father to provide. Such a change should cause us to see the good in others, always seeking their best interest. Such a change should cause us to love life, and to look forward to that day when we will step into eternal life. So, let us all recognize what the children can teach us, and let us strive to become more like them in so many ways!

Why Do We Need to Be Baptized?

By Jesse LeMay

                There are many different thoughts and opinions about whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. Some argue that baptism is something a Christian should do as a sign of their faith once they have already been saved. They say that a Christian should be baptized, but it is not a requirement for salvation. After all, why would we need to be immersed in water in order to be saved from our sins? It is hard to accept that God would require this as part of His plan of salvation. However, if it was a necessary command in order to receive God’s grace, would you do it? What does the Bible say? Interestingly, there is a valuable lesson found in the Old Testament account of a man named Naaman.

                Naaman was an army captain for the king of Aram, and he happened to be a leper (2 Kings 5:1). One of his servants was a captured Israelite girl who mentioned that there was a prophet in Israel who could cure him of his disease. Once in Israel and eventually coming to God’s prophet, Elisha’s orders were for Naaman to “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times,” and he would be cured (5:10). You would think upon hearing such great news that Naaman would be elated; however, we read that he was “furious,” for he had his own beliefs on how he would be saved from his condition.

                Thankfully for Naaman his servants came and talked some sense into him saying that all he had to do was “Wash, and be clean” (5:13). Naaman humbled himself, obeyed the command, and “went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean” (5:14). He was healed because of his obedient faith. When Ananias came to Saul (Paul) in Damascus and restored his sight he said, “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16). Just like Naaman’s leprosy, Paul’s disease (sin) would not have been cured unless he obeyed and accepted the prescribed remedy of being baptized.

                Why is this so? Because Jesus commanded it as part of His saving gospel: “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16). We are saved solely by the Grace of God, salvation is not earned. However, God’s remedy for sin is for us to believe and be baptized, in order to receive His cure. Just like Naaman and Paul, we too must accept what God has said if we want to be made clean!

Why are you Afraid?

By Jesse LeMay

                Springtime in Kansas is one of my favorite times of year. All the trees, grass, flowers, and other parts of nature are turning green again. Baseball and other outside activities are back in full swing. Perhaps most of all, I enjoy the thunderstorms. There is something about the energy in the air and the power that is displayed in the clouds, lighting, wind, thunder, rain, and hail. Not everyone feels the same way about storms. They become afraid when it starts to thunder, and the wind begins to blow. Don’t get me wrong, I am not fond of the destruction and loss that can and sometimes does accompany these storms. However, for whatever reason storms have never made me fearful, but excited. The storms of life can also cause us to fear, and even at times to waiver in our faith in God. Scripture gives us a valuable lesson on how to deal with these storms.

                One night, Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and a “great storm” popped up out of nowhere (Mt. 8:24-27). This made the disciples fearful for their lives, so they woke Jesus up saying, “Save us Lord, for we are perishing!” Rather than being concerned about the storm, Jesus was bothered by the lack of faith on behalf of His disciples which lead to their being afraid. He asked them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” What happened next proves Jesus’ deity and amazed the disciples. The Lord “rebuked” the wind and the sea saying, “Hush, be still” (Mk. 4:39). Next, the Scriptures say that “a great calm occurred.” There was no doubt about who was in control.

                Life can often feel like a thunderstorm. All the ebbs and flows, trials and turmoil, are comparable to a storm that seems as if it will not pass. Such inclement “weather” in our lives can cause great doubt and fear of what might happen next. In such instances, if we remain calm and “be still” knowing that the Lord is in control, we will have nothing to fear. That doesn’t mean we have to like all the storms life brings; however, because of our faith in God a “great calm” can occur no matter what happens. Trust in God and fear not!

            In the historical account of the first few decades of the New Testament church, which is the Book of Acts, we are given much information about a wide range of topics concerning the newly formed religious group. One interesting fact is that these devoted followers of Jesus “were first called Christians in Antioch” (11:26). Before this they were simply called “disciples.” Does that mean they were not Christians? Of course not, it just means they were not referred to in that manner. These individuals were still dedicated believers who had been “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ” for the forgiveness of their sins (2:38). So, is there something significant about the name of Jesus Christ? Does it matter if we are a “Christian” or not?

            When we read that people were to be baptized “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” in order to become a disciple according to the command of Jesus, such an order is referring to the authority of those names (Matthew 28:19). Furthermore, this also shows us that the authority of all three were on equal footing. Just before giving this command Jesus said that “All authority” had been given to Him, “on heaven and on earth” (28:18). Meaning that He has complete authority to do all things. While on trial for healing the lame man, Peter responded by saying that it was in “the name of Jesus Christ” that the man had been made well (Acts 4:10). He would finish by stating that “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (4:12).

            The name of Jesus is special, it is unique, it is powerful, and most of all, it is necessary. There are many beliefs and religions in our world today. We have a great number of choices from which to choose. However, there is only one that will have a significant eternal benefit for those who accept it. Jesus Christ is the sole provider of that benefit. It is truly an honor and responsibility to wear the name “Christian.” May God bless those who do so, and may He help guide the rest to that saving name.

                                                                                     Written by Jesse LeMay

Seeing the Glass as Fully Full

By Jesse LeMay

                All of us are guilty of complaining about one thing or another from time to time. It is either too hot, too cold, too windy, too humid, or some other condition that just isn’t quite right. We can also find ourselves grumbling in areas of our own personal lives. Many complain about their finances, health, relationship status, job, and the list goes on and on. For some, complaining can be a major part of life. Their glass is always below that half-full line. How does God view all this complaining?  

                We read a very eye-opening question asked by the writer of the book of Lamentations. He asked, “Why should any living mortal, or any man, offer complaint in view of his sins?” (3:39). Ponder that for just a moment. God has chosen to give us life, to provide us with air and water, with food and shelter, and all the other necessities for survival. Yet we want to complain about all these things. It seems as if some even search for reasons to express their negativity. Think about it from God’s perspective. He has given us all things, yet we throw it back in His face by always complaining. In addition, we add sin to the picture. God and His creation are perfect! It is sin, of which we have contributed, that has distorted the perfection of God’s created world.

                So how can we get out of this rut of complaint? Firstly, “Let us examine and probe our ways” (3:40a). Instead of always pointing the complaining finger at others and the world around us, we should look inward and recognize our own shortcomings. Secondly, the Scriptures says, “let us return to the Lord” (3:40b). Repenting from our sinful and complaining ways and turning towards God will help us realize how truly amazing life is. If our focus is on the Lord, we will recognize the love He has for us, and all the many blessings that are attached to that love. So, instead of looking outward, look inward and upward. In so doing, we might just realize that because of God, our glass is and always will be fully full!