"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

It is not easy to weigh the future against the present.  Today seems so real and tomorrow seems so distant.   With instant gratification being the motive of our current world, planning for the future is especially challenging.

Modern society approaches life as if happiness were an entitlement.  They seek for it in money, entertainment, pleasure, or a pill.  Yet, modern Americans are among the most miserable to have ever existed.  Paul doesn’t approach life from the possibility of pain, but from the reality of pain.  Whether we like it or not, in this world we will suffer.

In this passage Paul gives us a glimpse of the future.  Eternal life is more than just an eternal existence.  It is eternal glory!  This glory will consist of a close fellowship with God, the redemption of our vile body, and the removal of every trace of sin and pain!  It is the prospect of this endless treasure that helps the Christian defer the pleasure of the moment and to accept the realities of this world.

This eternal state of bliss is offered conditionally.  It must be sought for by patient continuance in doing good. (Romans 2:7) Paul says “if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)  The expectation of this future state must govern our present attitude and actions.  If Paul is correct, then I “reckon”, it will be well worth it.

If one will accurately weigh the options, he must admit God offers a bargain.  The affliction is for a moment, but the reward is eternal.  One will finally see Jesus, and in his presence there is no darkness.  “Sing on ye joyful pilgrims”.  The probation period is nearly over.

By George Slover
  

"And may these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the LORD, be near the LORD our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel, as each day may require, that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. (1 Kings 8:59-60)

This is one of Solomon’s finest moments.  God has fulfilled the wishes of his father David.  Israel has gathered to dedicate the temple and to offer thanksgivings to God.  At the close of the prayer fire from heaven consumed the offerings and sacrifices and the glory of the Lord filled the house.  The ceremony was followed by sacrifice on a scale of unusual grandeur.  It was a great day!

Perhaps you’ve had a day in your lifetime when you realized the completion of a lofty goal.  If not, you surely have dreams of the future.  Such aspirations are valuable because they energize us to reach for greater heights.  Solomon was living the dream of his father David.

Our goals may be found in various arenas of life- our job, our family, our neighborhood, our church.  Some dreams are very personal, others involve family or community.  The noblest ambitions are those that will benefit our fellows.

These goals must be guided by the word of God.  Solomon entreats Israel:  "Let your heart therefore be loyal to the LORD our God, to walk in His statutes and keep His commandments, as at this day." (1 Kings 8:61)   God has given us a road map to follow.  We can only be successful when our desires follow the path given by our Creator.

All of our ambitions must be tempered by God’s purposes.  We have been placed in this world by a master craftsman and wonderfully made in his image.  Our Creator designed us for a heavenly purpose.  Solomon targets that purpose with these words: that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God; there is no other. (1 Kings 8:59-60)  

We were born to manifest the glory of God.  If our aspirations are in harmony with God’s, our light will shine and others will glorify Him as well.  

By George Slover
 

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”  (Ephesians 5:18,19)

When I was growing up I remember a favorite aunt of mine singing praises to God in the kitchen while she cooked.  At the time I did not fully appreciate this wonderful example as much as I do now.  In fact, one cannot successfully worship God in the assemblies unless he has been worshiping God during the week.  If I correctly understand the scene in Revelation, when we gather around the throne, we will for an eternity sing “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain”.   Since there is going to be so much singing in heaven it stands to reason that there should be a lot of singing on earth!
 
There is tremendous value in singing to God as we go through the day.  Such music should involve a declaration of biblical doctrines combined with the expression of our faith in those truths.  Spiritual songs can soothe a broken spirit (I Samuel 16:19-23), teach and admonish a brother (Colossians 3:16), reach the heart of a non-Christian (Acts 16:25), and help in time of temptation. (Ephesians 5:18,19)

The medicinal effects of music are strong.  If you’ve had problems with your marriage, or if you’ve been tempted with a personal sin, sing out!  Singing can soften the heart and help you to see the folly of your ways.  It is hard to sing “Amazing Grace” and sin at the same time.

Sing out my brother!  This is not an audition!  You’re making melody to the Lord, and one these days you will hear the host of heaven answering back for joy!
 
George Slover

"But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22-24)

These verses mark the climax of this great letter.  In keeping with the theme, the author provides a contrast between the Mosaic dispensation and the Christian dispensation.  Fiery Mount Sinai is the emblem of the Mosaic law.  The heavenly city of Jerusalem symbolizes privileges and blessings that flow from a new relationship in Christ.

Pictures of God’s people are found throughout the New Testament.  God’s people are the “church” (Ephesians 1:22,23), the “body of Christ” (Ephesians 1:22,23), the “temple of God” (Ephesians 2:19-22), the “living stones” (I Peter 2:5), the “bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:23-33), and “Christ’s sheep”. (John 1:14-15; 25-30)  In this context we have a seven-fold description of God and his people.

Consider each of these seven descriptions.  First, they had come to “Mount Zion”, the city of God.  They had come into the presence of God, the heavenly Jerusalem.  Second, they were in the presence of an “innumerable company of angels”.  These angels rejoice when just one sinner repents.  Third, they had come to the “church of the firstborn”.  All of the rights of God’s inheritance go to the firstborn.  Fourth, they came to “God, the judge of all”.  They must live out of reverence to Him.  Fifth, they had come to the “spirits of just men made perfect”.  They were in company with saints of old – Abraham, Sarah, David, etc.  Sixth, they had come to “Jesus, the mediator”.  He is the source of all of their hopes and dreams.  Seventh, they had come to “the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel”.  While Abel’s blood cries out “condemnation”,  Christ blood shouts “you are forgiven”!  Each of  these must have filled their souls with excitement!  

What should these truths mean to us?  They should remind us of  things heavenly and eternal!  However, with these great blessings come great responsibilities!  These images should create in our heart a longing for fellowship.  We need God and his  people!  Thus, the Hebrew author commands: And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

By George Slover
 

"But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:19,20)

This is one of my favorite scenes in all of the Bible. The gospel of the resurrection of Christ is gaining popularity. To add fuel to the fire, the apostles healed a lame man that was seen daily at the gate of the temple. This undeniable wonder further incites the enemies of Christ, and thus leads to a confrontation.

We not only marvel at the courage of the apostles, but also at the nature of Divine truth. There is a sharp contrast between the character of truth, and the character of human error.

When those opposed to Jesus are presented with the facts, their only option is to discredit or neutralize those who teach God’s word. In this case, the Jews first try to simply threaten the apostles. (Acts 4:16,17) The Sanhedrin was a body of great influence and power, but their inability to answer the hard facts leaves them powerless.

To teach that Jesus is the only way to God (Acts 4:12),and to proclaim this Jesus was raised from the dead (Acts 4:1,2) are daring claims. Such concessions greatly disturbed the religious elite in Jerusalem. However, these doctrines were backed by irrefutable evidence.

Divine truth is not speculative, but practical, and nothing has gained the attention of  skeptics like the resurrection of Christ. But, God has not left himself without witness. The testimony of early disciples challenged the authorities. Peter: “Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know”. (Acts 2:22) Paul:“For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner.” Like all of other witnesses, Peter and John will say: “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”  (Acts 4:20)

The historical events of early Christianity is marvelous proof of its Divine origin. Disciples of Christ of every generation must not be ashamed of their faith. Shout it from the house tops! Christ is risen!

By George Slover