"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
 

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. (Psalms 23:5)

God has promised to meet our every need.  The Psalmist acknowledges that because “the Lord is his shepherd” that “he will not want”, i.e. he will lack in nothing.  Even though the poet has enemies (vs. 5), they are powerless to remove the joyful peace of fellowship with God.

When we are lacking in such areas it is not due to failure on God’s part, but a lack of diligence on our part.  Jesus said,   “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.”  (Matthew 5:6)  We become so satisfied with the mundane offerings of this world, we fail to pursue the greater spiritual joys.  

How often have we been too busy to pray or too distracted to engage in daily Bible reading, or too lazy to assemble with God’s people, or too timid to share God’s word with a friend?  All of these are simple avenues authorized by God through which one can be richly blessed.  Our failure to receive such joy is due to our spiritual apathy.

It is time to let go and trust God fully. So many doors of opportunity are given to us each day.  Turn off the television, put aside that fiction novel, and let the yard wait until tomorrow.  Do not worry about the possible inconveniences and discomforts.  When you are finished God will bless you more than you thought possible!

George Slover

"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."  (2 Corinthians 7:1)

A pursuit of holiness is the Christian's lifelong ambition. To "put off the old man" and to "put on the new man" is the lofty goal. It is connected to the sinless life of Christ, the model of character and behavior.

The disciples are exhorted to cleanse their lives of fleshly defilements. Perhaps the reference here is to the idolatry and unchastity so prevalent in Corinth. A separation from old habits and associations are necessary, coupled with a focus on the purity of God.

At times one can become discouraged with this task. Old habits are hard to break, new wholesome ones are hard to begin. It is encouraging to know that spiritual growth is  gradual. The perfecting process is accomplished by setting daily goals, and constant, steady attention given to the task.

Paul appeals to the promises of God to motivate the disciples to this work. One of the sweetest thoughts in scripture is the very thought of God's reception of us, of a father-son relationship. What an awesome thought that God would say, "I will be there God, and they shall be by people."  (2 Corinthians 6:16)

The perfecting process must also be coupled with fear. I am amazed at the number of times that fear and holiness are coupled together in Scripture. “Be holy, for I am holy.”
 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear." (1 Peter 1:16,17) Remembering that we live each day in his holy presence, and the tender dread of offending him in anyway will help us to move in the right direction.

Thus, in the fear of God, and with our hearts encouraged by his promises, let us be determined to manifest God's holiness. God says, be holy, for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:1:16)

by George Slover