When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23,24) 

Early Christians, forced to leave Jerusalem because of persecution, came preaching the Lord Jesus in Antioch. Some of these exiles were even sharing Christ with the Gentiles. When this good news came to Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to confirm these new souls. 

Barnabas was just the one qualified for the job, for he was a good man. The quality of such a teacher would include one of conviction. He was a firm and steadfast believer. Though there is some dispute here, some of the manuscripts suggest Gentiles were among the new converts.  This presented a challenge to Jewish Christians. (Acts 10,11) Barnabas was the kind of individual that would be perfect for the delicate job of bridging the gap between Jews and Gentiles, and to encourage these new disciples. 

Some six to seven years had passed since the death of Stephen. However, the persecution at Jerusalem caused the message of God to spread to other regions. When Barnabas arrived at Antioch and mingles with the disciples, he witnesses the fruit of God's grace.

Prior to the arrival of Barnabas, followers of Christ had come from Jerusalem to Antioch preaching the Lord Jesus. Those who received the message “turned it to the Lord”. Now, one more step is necessary. Having received Christ, they must resolve to cling to him.

Even in such an atmosphere of gladness, Barnabas knew of the temptation to turn back to the world. This is a world that is hostile to the cause of Christ. Apathy coupled with persecution could entice these Christians to fall away. They must cleave to the Lord.

Have you, dear reader, basked in God's grace? Have you received the blessings of Christ? If so, hang on to Christ. One day he will give you eternal blessings.

By George Slover 

 

The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark; I will pour out My wrath on them like water. (Hosea 5:10)

The removal of a neighbor’s landmark constituted trampling on the rights of others. "You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess”. (Deuteronomy 19:14) It was regarded as reckless and contemptible. In this context, Jewish nobles, and higher officials were guilty of this treachery. 

The people of Israel had also sinned. She had turned from God, and given themselves to the worship of idols. The prophets compared the sin to harlotry. (vs. 7) Israel was full of pride and vain confidence. She had abandoned the important landmarks of serving Jehovah and keeping his law.  Even today civil and religious leaders of our nation promote immorality in the name of tolerance and political correctness. Our national leaders have removed the boundary stones. They have broken down important moral guidelines, and the people have followed.

First, God's inspired word, the Bible, is God’s moral code of conduct. Because it comes from God, one cannot find a better moral compass. Sadly, the values of family, community, and personal moral behavior taught in the Bible were rejected even by some of America's founding fathers. 

But, an even more fundamental moral landmark is the existence of God himself. With the rise of industrialism in America, men decided that they alone could create a utopia here on earth, thus concluding they didn't need God. They decided that God was dead. God was gradually removed from every institution of our society – Government, schools, and churches.

The removal of these two important fundamentals, Scripture, and God, has led to an age of so-called tolerance. We live in a world where there are no longer distinct boundaries between right and wrong. We ask concerning certain worldly pleasures – "where is the harm"? Instead of asking – "where is the good"?

In the midst of such moral turmoil, God’s people must maintain a steadfast faith in the unseen Ruler. We must trust in God who shapes all events for His purpose. We must: “Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7)

By George Slover

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you."  (1 Corinthians 14:24,25)

The primary focus of a local church assembly is to edify, exhort, and comfort the saints. This was accomplished by plain, understandable teaching or prophesying. Unfortunately, this function was disrupted by the disorderly use of the gift of tongues. Thus, the need for the words contained here. However, the power of plain preaching not only impacted the saints, but also the unbelieving and unlearned.

Paul tells them that just noise is not worth much to either the believer or unbeliever. (1 Corinthians 14:7-9)  But when there is a distinction in the sound, such clear ideas may be able to reach the heart of the unlearned.  The gospel teacher is responsible to clearly declare the sinful state of man, of man's spiritual needs, and of God's mercy. Then, he must clearly spell out the terms of pardon and try to persuade the sinner to act on those terms.

When there is a distinct message from God the true spiritual state of the unbeliever is revealed. Paul says he is "convinced of all", "he is judged of all", and the "secrets of his heart are made manifest". A sense of guilt is awakened. Becoming aware of his sinfulness, his aspirations for a better life offered by God are aroused.

The result of this process is described in dramatic fashion. The unbeliever falls down on his knees, contrite and submissive, pleading for God's mercy and acknowledging God's presence. When the love of God becomes real to the unbeliever, he explodes with rejoicing and praise, for he who was lost is now saved.

What are the effects of our service and work? Are we bringing the sinner in contact with a convicting word that will reach his heart, and cause them to come to Christ? If not, there may be something in amiss in our efforts.

By George Slover

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

The author of Hebrews has established his major premise. Now at the close of the letter he offers some final words of encouragement.  Among them are the words recorded in the verse above.

Every sacrifice offered to God is only acceptable through Jesus Christ. Those who accept Christ’s atonement for sin, are a holy priesthood able to offer spiritual sacrifices “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. (1 Peter 2:5) The blood of Christ is sufficient to purge the conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Hebrews 9:14) What an undeserved honor!

We bring our offerings of praise to God because of his perfect glory and power. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3) We come to the Lord with a song because the Lord is God. (Psalm 100:2,3)  And we bless God for his goodness and benevolence. “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:12,13)

The most visible way to honor God is the fruit of our lips. Such praise must spring from a heart full of gratitude. We must never allow our worship to become meaningless repetition. It must bring us closer to God and lift our hearts to heavenly things.

While there may be a prescribed time for communion (Acts 20:7), there is no specific time for praise. “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God. (Hebrews 13:15) Praise is not an occasional exercise, but an abiding attitude of our heart. We must cultivate a thankful and praise full spirit.

With such sacrifices, God's well pleased. He graciously accepts our feeble attempts to honor him, and by them, he is glorified.

By George Slover

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.”   (Hebrews 12:14) 

When things begin to go wrong in your life, when it seems that the foundations are breaking, when the pressure seems unbearable, it's easy to lose our perspective. This may have been the case with these Christians. The early part of the chapter refers to the discipline of the Lord. Such discipline may have come in the form of some kind of persecution. Thus, words of encouragement follow. 

During times of such duress, it is easy to point the finger at others and play the blame game. This disposition promotes persistent grudges and quarreling. To guard against such differences, God counsels these disciples to pursue peace with one another.

Peace is essential to spiritual progress and usefulness. In times of suffering, disciples need to join arms and face the enemy together. Our brother needs to be edified (Romans 14:19) and encouraged. This best happens in an environment of unity and harmony.

In addition to peace, the saints are called to holiness. Holiness is a state of being separated unto God. The state of holiness is a lifestyle that proceeds from a pure heart, a heart fully devoted to God. Given the context, holiness would also include peaceful inclinations towards the brethren.

We must pursue holiness by developing a more intimate relationship with God. Such glimpses of God’s purity will provoke us to move more closely to his image. This is accomplished by prayer and meditation of God's word. By diligent effort and constant attention to these things, we become more the people God wants us to be.

The writer then adds a warning: "without which no one will see the Lord.”  We must never lose the loving favor of God. We must stay on the path of spiritual courage and growth. One day heaven will open and we will see God.

By George Slover