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They Had Been With Jesus

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10)

The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.

Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now bold and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.

Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peters words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:42)

We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

By George Slover | Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

Posted in Moment With The Master

How Do I Describe Mom?

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

Here are some words that describe my mom, Dorothy Jenkins Vandiver:

Mom was hospitable.  Mom’s home was always open to company.  She loved to entertain guests.  It was because of her graciousness that many wonderful, exemplary men and women passed through our home.  These great examples of faith had a tremendous impact upon those of us who lived in there.

Mom was loving and caring.  She especially loved her family.  As her only child I was spoiled to receive her constant devotion and attention.  In later years she showed me how to love a new father, two new sisters, and two new brothers.  Mom loved my wife as she would her own daughter. When the grandchildren came to visit in her home, she always prepared them their favorite dish.  She and grandpa loved to attend a niece’s concert or a nephew’s ball game.  And when someone was ill grandma and grandpa were the first to show they cared.  Even in her last days she was concerned about others, even while she suffered in pain in an ICU unit.

Mom was fun loving.  Mom enjoyed life to the fullest.  She was the girl’s favorite chaperon on high school band trips.  The boys who stayed in our home during Aggie Corps trips to Dallas were charmed by her grace.  She enjoyed fishing and water skiing.  She loved a good game of 42 and pinochle.  She especially enjoyed games with the grandchildren.

Mom was persevering.  She cared for my father after a massive heart attack.   She worked out of the home to pay the bills.  After the loss of her first husband, mom did an amazing job of being a father and a mother for her teenage son.  She paid for my college education and visited with me on football weekends at A&M.  In later years mom endured the pain of sceleroderma with dignity and grace.  Mom rarely complained.

Mom had a strong faith.  Mom believed that the Bible was God’s word and strived to live by its words.  She firmly believed in the words of Jesus, “the Truth shall make you free”.  (Jn.8:32)  If truth was taught she would be the first to praise, but if error was taught she would with the spirit of gentleness correct.

These words, hospitable, caring, fun loving, persevering, and faithful all describe my mom.  I have so much to be thankful for. Mom taught me how to live the abundant life that Jesus offers in this world, and she gave me the greatest gift a son could ever receive – the comfort of knowing that she is at home with the Lord. Mom died July 10, 2004.

George Slover

By George Slover | Visit www.smcofc

Posted in Moment With The Master

Praying for Progress

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you," (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

Having traveled to third world country to preach, knowing the challenges of such work, Paul’s prayer request touches a chord with me. There are wonderful families who are willing to sacrifice the comforts of America to live under extreme hardship to preach in foreign lands. I can think of times when I have doubted my own work because it was obvious the prospect was more interested in my American money than the gospel of Christ. Yet, I have also been inspired by the faithful remnant who continues to serve the Lord in extremely difficult circumstances.

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that their part in his work is prayer. Prayer is a mighty power and we must use it. The success of the missionary also depends upon the prayers of the faithful. Those who offer such petitions are also helpers in the work.

First, Paul asks them to pray that the gospel might “have free course”. There were grave hindrances presented by the Jews and their prejudices, or the Romans and their jealousy. Paul commands the saints to pray for the gospel to run the race unimpeded. Saints must continue to pray that such great opportunities might continue and doors opened in all parts of the World. Pray for the spread of the gospel. Pray for God to open the way!

Next, Paul commands them to pray that God be glorified. The gospel is God’s power to salvation (Rom.1:16). It is glorified when it is accepted and obeyed. God is honored by the well-ordered lives and joyful hearts influenced by the gospel. The gospel is exalted when a saint dies with the assurance of eternal life.

Finally, we must pray for God’s servants. Pray for their deliverance from unreasonable and wicked men who are God’s enemies. Unruly men used the judgment seat, physical pain and other serious threats to destroy the life of Paul. He bids the Thessalonians pray for his release!

Pray constantly for the success of the gospel. Christ bids you. His apostles bid you. The missionary needs your supplications.

By George Slover

By George Slover | Visit www

Posted in Mission Work

Defiled!

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the son of God under foot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the spirit of grace?”   (Hebrews 10:29)

Imagine for moment inheriting a family heirloom.  Perhaps , it is a precious vase or piece of  pottery.  Now imagine that when it is given to you it is not received with appreciation.  Pretend you take the vase out to your driveway, and in defiance, you smash it with your hammer!  The precious gift is defiled!

Here the Hebrew writer uses strong terms to describe the attitude of the apostate.  He has “trampled”, “insulted”, and “counted” a “common thing” the gifts of God!  To “trample”  means to treat contemptuously.  To “insult” is to despise God’s very spirit of grace, To “count as a common thing” is to deem the very blood of Jesus as invaluable or worthless.  In essence, the apostate has defiled the gift of God.

God’s gift includes the death of his only son (Jn, 3:16), the blood of his son which sanctifies and cleanses from sin (Mt. 26:28),  and the “spirit of grace” or Divine favor from whence these gifts were offered (Rom. 3:24).   These gifts the apostate has defiled.

What other gifts has God given?  He has given us a family name!  We are called by his name – the name of God (I Cor.1:2), and the name of his Son (Rom. 16:16).  What if we by our lives fail to live worthy of that name?  Shall we defile the gift God has given?

God has given us a body through which we may have the strength to serve him.  God tells us to glorify God in our body  (I Cor. 6:20).  He reminds us that it is the “temple of the Holy Spirit”.  But, if we use it to serve ourselves rather than the Lord,  we defile the very gift he has given us!

God has given us a family – his church, his people.  (Mark 10:29,30)  He has richly blessed us with the greatest family on earth.  But, if I fail to serve them (Hebrews 10:24,25) and encourage them, then I defile the wonderful gift God has provided.

So, my brother, praise Him who is the giver of all of these things!  Honor Him by living each day in gratitude for his gracious blessings.

By George Slover

Posted in Moment With The Master

Secularizing Our Children

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”  (Eph. 6:4)

Several years ago, a Christian who was president of a large state university stated his belief that students do not lose their faith because of evolution or secular humanism, but because of secular values taught in the home.  They neglect attendance at services, neglect Bible study, and make friends among the worldly.  They die spiritually, not from poison, but from spiritual malnutrition.  This happens long before they go to college.  Some of the finest, most loving parents are contributing to it.

Children have become so involved in secular activities that there is no time left for the spiritual.  They participate in band, organized sports, boy scouts, etc.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with any of these activities, but surely some limits must be imposed on the run-away activities that buy our time.  No wonder it is so hard to plan a gospel meeting when it doesn’t conflict with some kind of secular activity!  No wonder few parents and their children are seen these days at the special services of local churches!

When do we expect our children to change from this focus on the secular to “seeking first the kingdom of God”?  If they become accustomed to a secular schedule in elementary school and high school, it will only be magnified in college!  Parents it is time for us to teach our children the greater value of knowing God and allowing him to rule our lives!

George Slover

Posted in Moment With The Master

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