Gains and Losses

By Jesse LeMay

When it comes to finances, companies and individuals alike concern themselves with gains and losses. Naturally, the desire is to have more gains at the end than losses. When it comes to the passing of a loved one and our own inevitable transition, it is understandable how we can sometimes dwell on the loss and forget about the gain. Without question, a loss is present when someone we love goes to be with God. A common thought is that it is our loss, but heaven’s gain. While that is true, there is also incomparable gain received by the one who has passed. In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he writes about the wonderful gains of the Christian who has fallen asleep.

                There is the gain of SALVATION – because of God’s eternal choice (2:13). He who holds time in His hand and is not bound by time, has eternally chosen the Christian for this salvation. This comes by God’s Spirit sanctifying us because of our faith in the truth.

                There is the gain of the outcome of our GOOD HOPE (2:16). That confident expectation we live our lives with as Christians will be fulfilled.

                There is the gain of ETERNAL COMFORT (2:16). Such comfort from God can apply to both while we are in the realm of time and of course when we leave for eternity. At a time of loss, the gain of God’s eternal comfort is what is needed most.

                There is the gain of the GLORY of our Lord Jesus Christ (2:14). This is perhaps the most magnificent gain of all! We get to see the amazing glory of God. This comes from being called through the gospel.

When either we or a loved one passes there will always be a great loss felt. At the same time, there is also tremendous gain on behalf of the one who passes. We can take solace in knowing the gain which our loved ones have received, and which also awaits all of us who “stand firm and hold” to God’s word. “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”

“It is Done”

By Jesse LeMay

                Some things in life make us long for them to be over. This is especially true when it comes to the hard, the painful, the sad, and the suffering. Nobody enjoys experiencing such hardships, especially for prolonged periods of time. However, no one is exempt from the trials of life, which when endured and overcome can bring positive results (James 1:2-4). We are subject to such things because we are human and because of the fallen world in which we live. Despite the growth that can come from persevering through life’s adversity, we do look forward to them coming to an end. Thanks be to God that there will be a day when every form of suffering will be done away with.

                In the revelation that Christ gave John, He spoke of such a time. That time will be when God brings about the new heaven, the new earth, and the new Jerusalem, which He Himself will dwell in with His people. Not only will God live among those who have overcome sin, but He also said He will “wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore…” (21:4). Oh how wonderful that will be! The Lord is going to abolish all the suffering and sorrow and make a new world where none of those things will exist. We won’t have to wait anymore for the day when either we, or our loved ones no longer have to endure such anguish. For on that day our Creator will say, “It is done!” (21:6).

Even though we may struggle in the here and now, we can take comfort in the fact that God has promised such a day. A day when there will be no more pain, or sickness, or death. We can live in confidence knowing that those who have overcome through Christ will inherit this wonderful world. May we all keep pressing on until that day when we hear our Lord and Savior say, “It is done!”    

Godly Giving

By Jesse LeMay

                From the very beginning (Cain and Able) God has expected His creation to give to Him its very best. God is the giver of all things. Therefore, by sacrificing something and returning back what has been given to the giver, we are expressing not only our gratitude and our understanding of where all things come from, but also our faith. Godly giving has always been about giving our best, about making a sacrifice. This was true with Cain and Able, with Abraham offering Isaac, with the Israelites making a holy and unblemished offering, and it is also true with the Christian under the new covenant. Godly giving is about the heart. A terrific example of this can be seen in the sacrifice of a woman who probably thought (along with others) her contribution was insignificant.

                Not long before Jesus would be crucified, He was teaching and answering questions in the Temple (Mark 11:27ff.). At one point He began watching people put their offering into the treasury, and He saw that “many rich people were putting in large sums,” followed by a “poor widow” who only put in “two small copper coins” (12:41-42). It is easy to think that those who make the bigger contributions are somehow doing more for God. However, Jesus said that this poor woman gave “more than all the contributors,” because they had given “out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on” (12:43-44).

                What a great lesson on godly giving! Yes, the rich were putting in a lot of money, but it would make no impact on their lives, it was no sacrifice. Conversely, that woman put in mere pennies, yet to God it was worth more than all the other contributions combined. Why? It was costing her something. She was showing her faith in God by giving all she had. If we fix our budgets and just give to God what we have left over (our surplus), are we truly trusting Him, are we giving our best? Godly giving is more about the amount of our heart than the amount of the contribution. Let each of us give to God from our hearts, “not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians. 9:7).

Christ – The Real Superhero

By Jesse LeMay

                This past Monday Stan Lee passed away at the age of 95. Lee was the editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, and the main mastermind behind the creation of many of the famed superheroes such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, the X-Men, and more. People all over the world, young and old alike, have become avid fans of these characters. These heroes are loved for their super powers, courage, sacrifice, and because they always seem to save the day and the world from utter destruction from some evil arch enemy. Perhaps there is a sense that we wish there could be such heroes in the real world. Well, there once lived such a hero, and His name was Jesus.

                Think about the qualities of Christ in relation to Lee’s superheroes. Jesus possessed extraordinary powers and abilities. He could transform and multiply food and water (John 2; 6). He had power over the weather (Mt. 8:23-27). He could walk on water (Mt. 14:22-33). He knew what others were thinking, what they would do, and what the future held in store for Himself. He was an amazing architect (John 1:3). He brought others back from the dead, and He Himself was raised. He could walk on water (Mt. 14:22-33).Just by His touch or word, the terminally ill and permanently lame were healed. Thus, Jesus saved the day for countless individuals. Furthermore, because of His love for all people, He sacrificed His life, saved the world, bringing hope to all (John 3:16-17).

                What a hero indeed! No comic book character can even come close. Especially because Jesus actually lived and did all these things. There are many other characteristics of Christ the superhero which were not mentioned. One in particular is the other-worldly realm where Jesus came from and where He went (John 14:1-6). All who belong to Christ will join Him in that world of glory and endless day!

“I” Marks the Spot

By Jesse LeMay

                Searching for and finding hidden treasure is something that has always fascinated people. There are all sorts of stories which date back hundreds and even thousands of years about vast fortunes being either lost or intentionally buried somewhere. Such treasures are out there just waiting for someone to find them. In pirate legends, there is always a map guiding the seeker to the treasure. At the final destination an “X” marks the spot where the awaiting goods lie. All one has to do is follow the “X” and the treasure is theirs. Following the “X” and acquiring this new-found wealth would be life changing. As appealing and exciting as such a discovery might be, there is however, an even greater and more impactful treasure out there for all people.

                The Apostle Paul speaks of the gospel of Christ as the “Light of the glory of God,” and a “treasure” (2 Corinthians 4:3-7). This treasure is hidden to some because their eyes are blinded, keeping them from seeing the light of the gospel. Despite being hidden to such people, God’s invaluable treasure can be found easily by all who are searching. Unlike the “X” marking the spot to the buried pirate treasure, “I” marks the spot for the treasure of the gospel. Scripture says, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, … always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body” (4:7-10). Christians are the location of the treasure! We, you, I, are the end of the map.

                In order for others to find this incomparable inheritance which God has offered to everyone, they have to first come to us. It is hard to understand why our Lord would place such a valuable item in something so frail and faulty at times; nonetheless, you and I are where He has buried His eternal treasure. While it is true that there is the written word, we are to be those who live out and share that word. Uncovering some lost pirate treasure may temporarily change your life; however, leading others to discovering the precious treasure of the gospel will change eternity. So, never forget that for those searching the map for God’s treasure, “I” marks the spot!

How are We Remembered?

By Jesse LeMay

                Most of us have likely thought about how others will remember us after we leave this earth. Many in the world have the desire to be remembered for having fun and living life to the fullest. As Christians, hopefully we have a different set of things by which we hope to be remembered. What if others remembering us wasn’t just something that came post-mortem however?

In the introduction to Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians he said, “we give thanks to God always for all of you,” and twice he mentions what he and others remember about them (1:2-3). This remembrance is something that is ongoing, something which is taking place while they are still alive. Paul gives no less than ten areas worth remembering about these Christians.

First is their “work of faith” (1:3). Hard times come and remaining faithful can take work. In addition, as James tells us, true faith produces work.

Second is their “labor of love” (1:3). Putting others first takes effort and does not come easy.

Third is their “steadfastness of hope” (1:3). Despite sufferings and persecution, they never lost hope of eternal resurrection with Christ.

Fourth Paul says they became “imitators” of he, the other apostles, and most importantly of Christ (1:6).

Fifth is how they “received the word” with joy, despite all the affliction it brought (1:6). How do we receive the word?

Sixth is how they “became an example to all believers” (1:7). Is our example worth remembering and emulating?

Seventh is their evangelistic efforts which caused the “word of the Lord” to be “sounded forth,” and in “every place” their faith toward God had gone forth (1:8).

Eighth is the “reception” they gave Paul and the others (1:9). How do we receive others who visit our church?

Ninth is how they “turned to God from idols” (1:9). They completely left those vain idols behind. Have we put behind us that which is ungodly and turned wholly to God?

Tenth is their service to God. They didn’t just come to have faith in God, but to serve him, to give Him their lives.

Paul thanked God always for these Christians, and constantly remembered these aspects and efforts about them. Individually and collectively as the church, is our conduct worth remembering? How do others remember us?

                People have long thought about what their destinies might be. Some believe their destiny is fixed and nothing can be done to change it. Others view that they hold their destiny in their own hands. While God knows everything that will happen in our lives, we have free will to choose what to do or what not to do. One thing God has predetermined however, is His plan of redemption. In Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica, he wrote “For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:9). What a wonderful destiny for those belonging to the Lord! Since we know we have such a destiny, what should we do about it? Paul gives a long list of commands for Christians to apply to their lives because of their destiny.

No less than nine of those commands have to do with our interaction with one another as Christians. Among those are to “exhort,” “build up,” “be in peace,” “encourage,” “help” and “be patient” with one another. As partakers of the same destiny, everything we say and do should always be to aid each other, not hinder.

We are also told to “recognize” and “esteem very highly in love” those who “diligently labor” among us as leaders of the church. Being an elder is a major responsibility. They are tasked with protecting, overseeing, and shepherding God’s sheep, to help them reach the wonderful destiny that awaits them. As such, they will give an account to God for the work they do (Hebrews 13:17).

Our destiny of eternal salvation is offered to us through the Holy word of God; therefore, Paul says not to “despise” or reject the word, but to “examine everything.” We should also be those of “good” character, abstaining from all forms of “evil,” not quenching the “Spirit” by living a sanctified life.   

Because we know our destiny, Paul reminds us to “rejoice always,” “pray without ceasing,” and to do God’s will by giving “thanks” for everything. Life is hard and can be painful in many ways at times. However, if we focus on the fact that God has already supplanted our destiny through Christ, then we can rejoice, pray, and always give thanks to the Lord. Live life in confidence, knowing that “whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him!”

Written by Jesse LeMay

 Light in a Dark World

By Jesse LeMay

                Perth, Western Australia became known worldwide as the “City of Lights” when U.S astronaut John Glenn told the world he had seen the city’s lights during his historic orbit around the earth on February 20^th, 1962. To acknowledge the historic mission of the first American orbiting the globe, the citizens of Perth turned on their lights for Glenn to see all the way from space. In commemoration of that important event in history, Glenn made the same trip 36 years later and once again the people of Perth responded. Commenting on the action, the late astronaut said, “This time I could see the ground again, and it looked to me as though the lights of Perth and Rockingham were even more vivid than they had been back 36 years before in 1962, so it was a great view and once again we were happy to be able to say hello to the people of Perth on that dark side of the earth as I was going around” (watoday.com.au). No doubt the city had grown with more lights to shine, and the people wanted them to be seen.

                During His Sermon on the Mount Jesus said that as Christians we are “the light of the world,” a proverbial “city” set on a hill which “cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Notice that He didn’t say we are to “be a” light, but that we “are the” light of the world. Just as the lights of Perth shone in the darkness, we as Christians are the light in a dark world. Our Lord would go on to command us to “Shine” our light in such a way that brings glory to God through our good works (5:16). Perth was brighter the second time because of the growth of the city. Likewise, as we grow as individual Christians, and as the church grows, the light of Christ should continue to shine brighter and brighter in us.

                In order for others to see God’s light we have to shine it. By helping those in need, by loving others, by applying the principles in the “beatitudes,” we provide the opportunity for those in the dark world to say “hello” to the Lord. Let us always be striving for our Christian light to become more and more vivid every day. May the church of Christ forever be the light in a world of darkness.

Why Do You Believe?

By Jesse LeMay

Why do you believe in Christ? Has anyone ever asked you that question? Have you ever personally thought about it? Does it even matter if we know why, and can tell others the reason for our faith? Knowing why we believe is crucial. Christianity is not a blind faith. Furthermore, being able to share such evidence with others is something we are called to do as Christians. Preparation plays a major role in our daily “walk” as members of the body of Christ. In what way though does this preparation manifest itself?

            Peter, an apostle of the Lord, knew the value and importance of being prepared. He said, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, …” (1 Peter 3:15). The apostle knew that there would be skeptics and doubters that Christians would encounter. This is no different today than it was in the first century. It is our responsibility as Christians to “always” be “ready to make a defense to everyone who asks” about our beliefs. To tell others why we have that confident expectation of eternal life with God. So, how do we prepare ourselves? By making it a priority to know the Scriptures. If we aren’t prepared, we can’t give a “defense.” Spend more time truly studying (not just reading) God’s word. As we learn and grow, our confidence and readiness will grow also.

            Equally as important as Peter’s instruction to be ready to make a defense, is the last part of the same verse. He ends by saying, “yet with gentleness and reverence.” This is something that all Christians must remember when defending their faith. Our goal is not to prove wrong the one with doubt, but to help bring them to an understanding of the truth of God’s word. We must remember that their eternal soul is at stake, as was ours when we came to accept and obey the truth of the gospel. So, let us always be prepared to defend the Holy Scriptures in which we have placed our eternal hope. When others ask, “Why do you believe?” may we know with certainty the answer to be given.

A Closely “Knotted” Family

By Jesse LeMay

                My wife and I recently attended the wedding of a young Christian couple in Oklahoma. One neat thing they did during the ceremony was tie together three cords, which symbolized the strength that a “cord of three” has (Eccl. 4:12). A marriage that is knotted together with three strands, husband, wife, and God, is not easily broken. If God is put at the center of the marriage covenant, chances of life-long unity greatly increase. Such a concept applies to the whole of the family structure as well.

                In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus he described the bond that should tie the family together. It starts with the husband and father. He is to love his wife “just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (5:25). Jesus displayed unconditional and sacrificial love for His church. As a father, he is not to “provoke” his children to anger, “but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (6:4). The goal of any parent should be to teach them about Christ and His will for them.

                Next, Paul says that just as the church is subject to Christ, wives are to be “subject” to their husbands in everything “as to the Lord” (5:22-24). The church is part of the body of Christ, and so too is the wife part of the husband. However, just as Christ is the head of the church, the husband is the head of the family according to God’s design.

                Lastly, Paul tells the children to “obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (6:1). Children increasingly grow more independent the older they get. They may even show a bit of defiance. Nevertheless, God expects them to be obedient to the ones who are caring for them and trying to “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

                Such principles are not always easy to put into practice. However, did you notice the common thread in all three? It is the Lord! With Christ being that bond which ties the marriage and family together, it is possible. Interestingly, the more that each of these is done, the more we are “filled up in Spirit” (5:18)! Implementing God’s will in the family means we are ever strengthening that knot.

Single and Devoted

By Jesse LeMay

                From the very beginning God knew that it “is not good for man to be alone” and so He created Eve to be a helper (Genesis 2:18). Marriage should be just that; husband and wife helping one another be faithful and holy in their service to bring glory to God. While marriage is a beautiful and mutually assisting union from God, that does not mean that being single is a bad thing. Sadly, many people paint a dreary picture of being single. In fact, there are some aspects of the unmarried life which can actually be of more benefit. Most believe the Apostle Paul was part of the single crowd. Knowing God’s design and purpose of marriage, he wrote on the topic several times; however, he also wrote about the positives of being single in his first letter to the church in Corinth.

                In addressing an apparent question the Christians there had about marriage, Paul would go on to say that the unmarried person is “free from concern” of pleasing one’s spouse, and in turn is “concerned about the things of the Lord” (7:32-34). Marriage is wonderful and should be a bond which is concerned with serving God and helping the other get to heaven. However, being married requires time and effort to be put into caring for the other person. Being single means freedom from those duties, thus allowing the Christian to focus on their “undistracted devotion to the Lord” (7:35).

                Both the single and married life can be equally glorifying to God. If you are looking for a spouse, choose one you believe will help you in your Christian walk, knowing that marriage is a life-long commitment (7:39). Meanwhile, utilize the chances you have to serve God with eagerness and an “undistracted devotion.” Spend more time in studying God’s word. Search for ways to volunteer your time and talents for the Lord. Look for opportunities to fellowship with other Christians, married and single alike. Maybe even talk to others about forming a singles group, where unmarried adults of all ages can meet and spend time together. God said it was not good for man to be “alone,” but he did not say “single.” As part of the Lord’s body you are never alone. Whether married or single, we should all be “concerned about the things of the Lord.”

Leading with Humility

By Jesse LeMay

                Those who strive to be an example and lead the way for others can at times find themselves not knowing exactly what to do. This is true for those who lead in the business world, in their homes, in their faithful and godly conduct, and certainly in the church. Pressure, expectations, and unforeseen events can mount causing one to feel overwhelmed. Such potential stress may cause a person not to want to be a leader in the first place. Furthermore, if one is already trying to lead the way for others, these and other factors might create a desire to give up, to stop being a leader. If one has never felt this way, then they are most likely too prideful to recognize the weight of their responsibility. Thus, humility is a quality that is necessary in good leadership.

                It could be argued that perhaps Abraham Lincoln faced the greatest challenge and responsibility of any other President this country has ever had. His job was to lead this nation during a time when opposing factions battled daily to tear it apart. There were no doubt times when the task seemed impossible, and improbable at best. One of those times came after the Union Army suffered another terrible loss at the Second Battle of Bull Run in August of 1862. Shortly thereafter, President Lincoln, in his humbleness, stated: “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day” (586, The American Patriots Bible). Lincoln recognized that the knowledge and abilities of men were not enough. He had the humility to know that something greater was needed, and that something was God.

                President Lincoln was not only humble in knowing that he needed to turn to God, but also in understanding the importance of his role of leading other people. Many lives were in his hands, as well as the state of our country. His actions displayed that he knew that “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 3:6). Being a leader of any kind can be a lot to deal with at times. However, if he or she possesses humility, trusts in God, and puts the needs of others first, then no task is too big to overcome.

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!

It’s a Gift

By Jesse LeMay

                Some people just seem to be born with certain talents, abilities, and characteristics. My grandmother was one of those people. She had incredible artistic ability. God is often given the credit as the source of such traits. The late Hall of Fame baseball player Willie Stargell once said, “Baseball for me was instinctive, born within me, given to me as a gift from God.” While not everybody can draw or paint as well as others, or even play a certain sport at the same level as a professional athlete, each of us possesses a certain God-given gift. Such abilities are most importantly utilized in the church. Because we have these gifts, God wants us to use them as members of Christ’s body.

                Paul wrote to the church in Rome explaining this very concept. He compared the body of the church, individual members existing in one body, to our human bodies, and how they too have different parts meant for different functions (12:4-5). We each have certain “gifts that differ according to the grace given to us” (12:6a). Listed next, while not exhaustive, are seven of those gifts that God has given to His children (12:6b-8).

                First is prophecy. Some have the ability to speak God’s word in a unique way. Second is service or ministry. Certain Christians just seem to have that “servant” mindset that Jesus encourages us all to have. Third is teaching. Being able to teach well so that others can effectively learn is definitely a valuable gift needed in the church. Fourth is exhortation. There are those who can encourage and motivate others to do that which is needed better than others. Fifth is giving generously. This could be monetarily and materialistically, but also in giving their time. Sixth is leading in diligence or earnestness. The Lord’s church will always need those who work hard in leading the flock. Seventh and final is the gift of showing mercy with cheerfulness. Never lacking are those who are hurting physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Some more than others seem to mercifully express their empathy; however, it should be done cheerfully.

                God has given each person a gift that can be used in the development of Christ’s body. While we may seemingly possess one gift over another, we can always strive to develop those which may not come naturally. What is your gift?