"Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)
 
Have you ever found yourself enjoying a movie? It may be one of those thrillers that keeps you on the edge of your seat, or that “tear jerker” that stirred the emotions?  However, throughout the entire show the person sitting behind you ruins it all by being a constant distraction.  You fail to understand why this rude jerk can’t find the same appreciation for this wonderful work of art!
 
Life’ greatest joy is simple fellowship with God.  It is appreciating God’s handiwork and wonderful creation on a mountainside.  To feel the cool breeze and hear the mountain stream causes us to stand in awe of our Creator.  There is the joy of witnessing one obey the gospel.  We are overwhelmed by how profound and simple is the grace of God, and encouraged by the difference it has made in someone’s life.  Or we come to appreciate the majesty of God in a time of worship.  The simple words such as “God is so good” have come to mean a great deal to us!
 
However, it is also true that life is filled with those who will never appreciate that simple fellowship.  They defile Him by worshiping the created rather than the Creator.  They demonstrate defiance to God’s grace by their immoral and unprincipled lives.  They distract us from the worship by their irreverent behavior.  Thus, we ask, “why can’t they also appreciate God’s wonderful work of art?”
 
But, before we become too impatient with that rude jerk behind us, we may need to examine our own lives.  It is also easy for us to become so filled with anxious care and so focused on the mundane that we too fail to enjoy the moment!
 
My brother, while laboring and toiling in this old world, don’t forget your purpose and learn to enjoy your Savior and King!
 
By George Slover



 

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” (Luke 1:1-4)

One of my greatest challenges as scribe and preacher is to help the story of Jesus come to life in the hearts of the readers.  It was for this very purpose that Luke recorded his account of the incredible life of Jesus.

At the close of the 19^th century skepticism swept over the British Isles.   Among the skeptics was a brilliant young scholar by the name of William Ramsay.  He was an agnostic, who wanted to disprove the accuracy of the Bible.

Sir William Ramsay went to Asia Minor as an archaeologist to disprove Luke’s accuracy.  His conclusions are recorded in Josh McDowell’s book, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pg. 74:  “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy; he is possessed of the true historic sense…In short, this author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.”  Ramsay’s discoveries changed him from skeptic to believer.

The purpose of Luke’s gospel is both literary and spiritual.  From the literary viewpoint, Luke sets the life of Jesus within the context of institutions, customs, geography, and historical characters of the time.  From the spiritual viewpoint he plainly presents the person of Jesus Christ as the perfect man and Divine savior of the world.  Jesus really was God in the flesh!

As one reads through Luke’s gospel he must be impressed with the powerful life of Jesus.  Luke wants the reader to grasp the authority and graciousness of the master teacher.  He presents Jesus as a God who wishes to extend his help, mercy, and love to mankind.  The thrilling account of those who witnessed Jesus after his death and resurrection reminds the reader of how much Christ offers.

Have you been moved by Jesus lately?  Take time to read through the gospel of Luke.  It could be a spiritually life changing experience!

By George Slover 


 

Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” (Luke 1:1-4)

One of my greatest challenges as scribe and preacher is to help the story of Jesus come to life in the hearts of the readers.  It was for this very purpose that Luke recorded his account of the incredible life of Jesus.

At the close of the 19^th century skepticism swept over the British Isles.   Among the skeptics was a brilliant young scholar by the name of William Ramsay.  He was an agnostic, who wanted to disprove the accuracy of the Bible.

Sir William Ramsay went to Asia Minor as an archaeologist to disprove Luke’s accuracy.  His conclusions are recorded in Josh McDowell’s book, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, pg. 74:  “Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy; he is possessed of the true historic sense…In short, this author should be placed along with the very greatest historians.”  Ramsay’s discoveries changed him from skeptic to believer.

The purpose of Luke’s gospel is both literary and spiritual.  From the literary viewpoint, Luke sets the life of Jesus within the context of institutions, customs, geography, and historical characters of the time.  From the spiritual viewpoint he plainly presents the person of Jesus Christ as the perfect man and Divine savior of the world.  Jesus really was God in the flesh!

As one reads through Luke’s gospel he must be impressed with the powerful life of Jesus.  Luke wants the reader to grasp the authority and graciousness of the master teacher.  He presents Jesus as a God who wishes to extend his help, mercy, and love to mankind.  The thrilling account of those who witnessed Jesus after his death and resurrection reminds the reader of how much Christ offers.

Have you been moved by Jesus lately?  Take time to read through the gospel of Luke.  It could be a spiritually life changing experience!

By George Slover 


 

as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

Here Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his genuine concern for them. His sincerity was demonstrated by his refusal to use flattery to gain their approval.  Paul’s only motive was to win them to the Lord!  

In verse 12 Paul likens himself to a father with his children.  Being a father of two, I know exactly how Paul felt.  The three verbs Paul uses (exhort, comfort, and charge) vividly describe the action of a godly father.  Let us look at these three verbs.

To “exhort” (Greek word parakaleo) means to come to the side of as a helper.  Fathers, your children need more than just punitive discipline.  They need you to be like a coach standing on the sideline and urging them to finish strong. They need your listening ear in late night talks. 

“Comfort” is not used here in the sense that we use the word today.  The word means to persuade.  There is a tone of urgency in the gospel message.  Paul might say, “I beseech you”.  In the heart of every godly father is an anxious longing to know that his children are walking with courage, integrity, and decency in the holiness of God.

To “charge” is to urge.  This is a word of discipline – a robust, masculine word.  Fatherhood is not for sissies!  However, it involves more than commanding and certainly not nagging.  It is constantly coaching, gently pushing the child in the right direction

Life can be cruel.  The world has a strong pull.  The choices children make will be grave!  Fathers, your children need your support.  God entrusted you with precious children.  Your job is to mold them into God honoring adults.

George Slover

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3-4)

Evil men (vs.2) were determined to destroy the faith of first century saints.  Apparently, the church at Thessalonica was not spared from this persecution.  That same “evil one” is determined to place obstacles in our way to keep us from finishing with God.

However, Paul left us with words of encouragement: “God is faithful”!  Paul was anticipating victory for these early disciples. God would “guard them” from evil if they would cooperate with him.  For this same reason you must expect the victories.

What can God do for you?  He supplies you with all the tools necessary to overcome sin (I Cor.10:13), and to mature to reflect the life of Jesus (Col. 1:28) in character and work.  God is faithful to provide local churches the motivation to be a loving and caring family rather than showing bitterness and jealousy that is commonly found in such fellowships.  God’s love and magnificence should be the focal point of every assembly.  His faithful word spells out a clear path for every sermon and Bible class.  And, finally, God does care about you and His grace is sufficient to help you get through the difficult times.

The Lord is faithful.  He will be true to every one of his promises, and not allow one of them to fail.  You are “complete in Him” and “strong in the power of His might”.  God’s people are established upon a rock.  The streams and winds of adversity may beat against them, but they can stand!

The Lord has high expectations of you.  As he promised the Thessalonians, God will be your helper.  Your victory song should be:  “I will do the things God has commanded me”!  God wants you to win!

“Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. “(2 Thessalonians 3:5)

By George Slover