April 25, 2022

What does God require of us? by Roy Davison

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/031-require.html

What does God require of us?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God has let us know what is good.

Man has a general knowledge of good and evil. According to Romans 1:18-32, man has sufficient knowledge about God and righteousness to be held responsible for his actions. This applies to all men, including those who do not have God’s written word.

In Scripture it is assumed that we can recognize good and evil: “Depart from evil and do good” (Psalm 34:14). “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good” (3 John 11). “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil” (1 Peter 3:10-12).

Since God has shown us what is good, He holds us responsible: “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Proverbs 15:3).

In judgment we must give account for what we have done. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14).

What does God require of us? “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we do justly.

To do justly means to behave justly. Behaving justly includes treating people fairly in an evenhanded manner, without favoritism, prejudice or self-interest. We all want to be treated justly. So we ought to treat others justly as well. God requires that we do so.

“Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother’” (Zechariah 7:9). “For I, the LORD, love justice” (Isaiah 61:8). “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3).

“It is a joy for the just to do justice” (Proverbs 21:15). “Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!” (Psalm 106:3). “So you, by the help of your God, return; observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually” (Hosea 12:6). “Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24).

What does God require of us? “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we love mercy.

Being merciful means to be kind and compassionate, which results in a forgiving attitude toward others. To love mercy means to be wholeheartedly committed to mercy. Even a selfish person, wants to receive mercy! But someone who loves mercy, is thankful for the mercy God extends to him and wants to pass that mercy on to others. God wants us to be merciful.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

Our hope is based on the mercy of God. “The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 147:11). “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 33:18). “Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You” (Psalm 33:22). “I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy” (Psalm 31:7).

“The wisdom that is from above is ... full of mercy” (James 3:17). “He who shows mercy” is to do so “with cheerfulness” (Romans 12:8).

What does God require of us? “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

God requires that we walk humbly with Him.

Our walk is our way of life. To walk with God means to walk in all His ways and to be in daily fellowship with Him.

“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the LORD and His statutes which I command you today for your good?” (Deuteronomy 10:12, 13).

To walk in all His ways requires knowledge of His word and a willingness to do what God tells us to do and to go where God wants us to go. Many people want God to walk with them where they want to go! But to walk with God we must follow His lead and go where He goes!

“Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death” (Hebrews 11:5). “Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God” (Genesis 6:9).

A mortal man who walks with God must humbly follow Him. A humble person does not exalt himself. He is meek and unpretentious because he adopts a lowly position. As a psychologist supposedly told one man: “You don’t have an inferiority complex. You really are inferior!” A humble person accepts that in certain ways he is inferior to others. And we certainly are inferior to God! “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8, 9). In our relationship with God, humility is essential!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6). As we walk humbly with God, we trust His guidance because He knows the way better than we do.

“Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies” (Psalm 25:8-10). God’s covenant for us is the New Testament, containing the testimony of Christ and the conditions for salvation.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation” (Psalm 149:4). “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:5b, 6).

Jesus did what His Father required of Him.

“As the Father gave Me commandment, so I do” (John 14:31). Jesus is our example. He showed us how to be just, merciful and humble. It was prophesied that the Christ would “bring justice to victory” (Matthew 12:20, quoted from Isaiah 42:1-4). Often “He was moved with compassion” (see Matthew 9:36 for example). And He gives us this invitation: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28, 29).

What does God require of us?

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Amen.

Roy Davison

Published in The Old Paths Archive
http://www.oldpaths.com

"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Secularism by Mark Copeland

"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

Secularism

INTRODUCTION

In previous lessons, we examined the challenges of...

Denominationalism
Sectarianism
Factionalism
Traditionalism

Each contribute toward changing the church...

Into something very different than Jesus intended
Churches that are carnal, fleshly, more of the world than of God

[A similar challenge confronting churches is the trend toward secularism...]

DEFINING SECULAR AND SECULARISM

SECULAR...

Worldly rather than spiritual - American Heritage Dictionary
Of or relating to worldly things as distinguished from things relating to church and religion; not sacred or religious; temporal; worldly - YourDictionary.com

SECULARISM...

Indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations - Merriam-Webster
Worldly spirit, views, or the like; esp., a system of doctrines and practices that disregards or rejects any form of religious faith and worship - YourDictionary.com

[One would think that by definition churches would be religious, spiritual, sacred, in nature. Yet many have noted that in too many churches, there are...]

MANIFESTATIONS OF SECULARISM

THE CHURCH AS A BUSINESS INSTUTITION...

In the Bible, the church is a spiritual institution

The body of Christ, the kingdom of God - 1Co 12:27; Col 1:13
The bride of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit - 2Co 11:2; 1Co 3:16
With elders served as shepherds, feeding and guiding the flock of God - Ac 20:28
Deacons met physical needs, but so others could focus on spiritual needs - Ac 6:1-7
Preachers were devoted to the Word, serving as evangelists - 1Ti 4:16; 2Ti 4:5

Today, many churches function more like a business

Elders are more like board members, directors, corporate managers
Preachers have become staff managers, counselors, figure heads
Members divided into committees, departments, with chairpersons, superintendents
Evangelism has turned into marketing, public relations

THE CHURCH AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION...

Today, many churches have become social clubs

Building gymnasiums, eating ("fellowship") halls
Offering mental counseling, babysitting services
Providing entertainment for children and even adults

Whereas in the Bible the church focused on the spiritual

They assembled to worship, edify one another - Ac 20:7; He 10:24-25
Trends leading to make the focus social or secular were addressed - 1Co 11:17-34
The assembly was their "fellowship hall", the Lord's Supper their "fellowship dinner"
Families were expected to take care of their social needs, lest the church become burdened and unable to fulfill its primary duties - e.g., 1Ti 5:16

[Turning the church from a spiritual institution into a secular one does not occur overnight. Changes that appear innocent and harmless may be the "gateway drug" to secularism. A few thoughts for...]

AVOIDING SECULARISM

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN SACRED AND SECULAR...

Let the church fulfill its role as a spiritual institution, focused on:

Teaching the Word of God, praising God
Providing opportunities to fulfill spiritual duties (e.g., Lord's Supper, assembling)
Equipping the saints for ministry, much of which will occur outside the church

Let family and society fulfill their roles

Parents and friends providing entertainment, physical needs
Professionals providing medical and counseling needs
Individuals joining together in charitable organizations to serve others

ADOPT BIBLICAL GUIDELINES...

The church should focus on providing spiritual needs - 1Co 11:34

Many churches struggle as to when and where to draw the line
Paul does so in this passage; can it not be a guide for us today?

As a church, be careful not to take on unnecessary burdens - 1Ti 5:16

Many churches are burdened with social concerns, neglecting spiritual ones
Paul warns against this in this passage; can it not be a guide as well?

Let the organization of the church be patterned after the New Testament, not modern day businesses with their titles and organizations - e.g., Php 1:1

CONCLUSION

The Lord's church is a wonderful institution; but God has other institutions as well...

Such as family, government, etc.
Each uniquely designed and qualified to fulfill their respective roles

The Lord's church is likewise uniquely designed and qualified to fulfill a role...

One that is spiritual and sacred
One that can easily be neglected or burdened

Even with the best of intentions, the Lord's church can easily be transformed from a spiritual institution into a secular one. That is the danger of secularism...!

Faithful by Gary Rose

Interesting picture. Human beings have a tendency to categorize themselves by what they do. Often, when people are asked who they are, they respond by giving their occupation, as if it were THE defining aspect of their existence. Now, there is really nothing wrong with doing this, but for a Christian, a better answer would be the last item on the above list. Why? Because, during the course of a person’s lifetime they may change occupations, but if they belong to Christ, whatever they do will always be overshadowed by their commitment TO CHRIST.

Consider the apostle Paul; he was a tentmaker by trade, but he served God as an evangelist, teacher and preacher. Paul says the following…

1 Timothy 1 ( World English Bible )

¹²And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;

¹³although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

¹⁴The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

¹⁶However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life.

¹⁷Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

God gives life and for those who genuinely follow HIM, their life is defined BY HIM. First and foremost, Paul was a sinner saved by Grace. Secondly, he was assigned to teach, preach and evangelize. Paul knew what he had done in his past efforts to persecute the body of Christ and obviously, it hurt him to the core of his being. Yet, he did his best to be faithful to Christ from the moment he became a Christian.

Likewise, Christians today need to be committed to doing the very best they can in service to our master. Whether we be plumbers, doctors, lawyers or garbage men we need to remember that first of all we are to be servants of Christ and that everything else in our lives is subordinate to this. The question that remains is; is it?

Categorical Bible Reading for May by Gary Rose

Categorical Bible Reading for the month of May

May
DATE	LAW		HISTORY		LITERATURE		PROPHECY
05/01/22	NUMB. 4	MARK 4	1 KI. 17	ACTS 9	PSA. 79	JUDE	EZEK. 3	REV. 11
05/02/22	NUMB. 5	MARK 5	1 KI. 18	ACTS 10	PSA. 80	ROM. 1	EZEK. 4	REV. 12
05/03/22	NUMB. 6	MARK 6	1 KI. 19	ACTS 11	PSA. 81	ROM. 2	EZEK. 5	REV. 13
05/04/22	NUMB. 7	MARK 7	1 KI. 20	ACTS 12	PSA. 82	ROM. 3	EZEK. 6	REV. 14
05/05/22	NUMB. 8	MARK 8	1 KI. 21	ACTS 13	PSA. 83	ROM. 4	EZEK. 7	REV. 15
05/06/22	NUMB. 9	MARK 9	1 KI. 22	ACTS 14	PSA. 84	ROM. 5	EZEK. 8	REV. 16
05/07/22	NUMB. 10	MARK 10	2 KI. 1	ACTS 15	PSA. 85	ROM. 6	EZEK. 9	REV. 17
05/08/22	NUMB. 11	MARK 11	2 KI. 2	ACTS 16	PSA. 86	ROM. 7	EZEK. 10	REV. 18
05/09/22	NUMB. 12	MARK 12	2 KI. 3	ACTS 17	PSA. 87	ROM. 8	EZEK. 11	REV. 19
05/10/22	NUMB. 13	MARK 13	2 KI. 4	ACTS 18	PSA. 88	ROM. 9	EZEK. 12	REV. 20
05/11/22	NUMB. 14	MARK 14	2 KI. 5	ACTS 19	PSA. 89	ROM. 10	EZEK. 13	REV. 21
05/12/22	NUMB. 15	MARK 15	2 KI. 6	ACTS 20	PSA. 90	ROM. 11	EZEK. 14	REV. 22
05/13/22	NUMB. 16	MARK 16	2 KI. 7	ACTS 21	PSA. 91	ROM. 12	EZEK. 15	REV. 1
05/14/22	NUMB. 17	LUKE 1	2 KI. 8	ACTS 22	PSA. 92	ROM. 13	EZEK. 16	REV. 2
05/15/22	NUMB. 18	LUKE 2	2 KI. 9	ACTS 23	PSA. 93	ROM. 14	EZEK. 17	REV. 3
05/16/22	NUMB. 19	LUKE 3	2 KI. 10	ACTS 24	PSA. 94	ROM. 15	EZEK. 18	REV. 4
05/17/22	NUMB. 20	LUKE 4	2 KI. 11	ACTS 25	PSA. 95	ROM. 16	EZEK. 19	REV. 5
05/18/22	NUMB. 21	LUKE 5	2 KI. 12	ACTS 26	PSA. 96	1 COR. 1	EZEK. 20	REV. 6
05/19/22	NUMB. 22	LUKE 6	2 KI. 13	ACTS 27	PSA. 97	1 COR. 2	EZEK. 21	REV. 7
05/20/22	NUMB. 23	LUKE 7	2 KI. 14	ACTS 28	PSA. 98	1 COR. 3	EZEK. 22	REV. 8
05/21/22	NUMB. 24	LUKE 8	2 KI. 15	ACTS 1	PSA. 99	1 COR. 4	EZEK. 23	REV. 9
05/22/22	NUMB. 25	LUKE 9	2 KI. 16	ACTS 2	PSA. 100	1 COR. 5	EZEK. 24	REV. 10
05/23/22	NUMB. 26	LUKE 10	2 KI. 17	ACTS 3	PSA. 101	1 COR. 6	EZEK. 25	REV. 11
05/24/22	NUMB. 27	LUKE 11	2 KI. 18	ACTS 4	PSA. 102	1 COR. 7	EZEK. 26	REV. 12
05/25/22	NUMB. 28	LUKE 12	2 KI. 19	ACTS 5	PSA. 103	1 COR. 8	EZEK. 27	REV. 13
05/26/22	NUMB. 29	LUKE 13	2 KI. 20	ACTS 6	PSA. 104	1 COR. 9	EZEK. 28	REV. 14
05/27/22	NUMB. 30	LUKE 14	2 KI. 21	ACTS 7	PSA. 105	1 COR. 10	EZEK. 29	REV. 15
05/28/22	NUMB. 31	LUKE 15	2 KI. 22	ACTS 8	PSA. 106	1 COR. 11	EZEK. 30	REV. 16
05/29/22	NUMB. 32	LUKE 16	2 KI. 23	ACTS 9	PSA. 107	1 COR. 12	EZEK. 31	REV. 17
05/30/22	NUMB. 33	LUKE 17	2 KI. 24	ACTS 10	PSA. 108	1 COR. 13	EZEK. 32	REV. 18
05/31/22	NUMB. 34	LUKE 18	2 KI. 25	ACTS 11	PSA. 109	1 COR. 14	EZEK. 33	REV. 19

4/18/22

A Constructive Observation by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

https://thepreachersword.com/2014/09/02/a-constructive-observation/#more-6075

A Constructive Observation

ThePreachersWord recently received an email from a regular reader, a friend and Christian sister.

We always enjoy getting responses from our readers. And it’s a special pleasure to hear from old friends. With a friendly greeting, “Hello Brother” her first line began, “I want to tell you how much I enjoy your thoughts and words of encouragement posted on your blog…”

But I knew there was more. This was going to be a special message. A personal message. Something with substance.

I knew it because of the subject line on the email. Two words:

“Constructive Observation.”

My friend continued to describe what she considered a personal “annoyance” regarding my blog. Then she concluded by saying, “Love you brother, and appreciate the work you are doing to spread the Word. I hope you do not take offense to my attempts to offer a constructive observation.”

“Sisterly,”

Well, I did not take offence at her response. She was right. Although, I did not see her observation as something that should cause “annoyance.” However, I cannot get her email out of my mind. Especially those two words: “constructive observation.”

Through the years of preaching and public ministry, I have received from well-meaning brethren different kinds of suggestions and advice. It usually begins with these words, “Let me give you some constructive criticism!” It reminds me of an older preacher who quipped, “There is no such thing as constructive criticism. It’s just criticism!”

There’s an element of truth to the preacher’s observation. Especially if you’re on the receiving end of the constructive criticism! But, a “constructive observation”? Well, that’s different. It’s a kinder, gentler approach to offering a suggestion. It is also the application of Biblical principles.

“Be kind and compassionate one to another,” Paul urged his readers. He also commanded them to “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Eph. 4:31-32).

A “constructive observation” is kind. There is no bitterness in it. Or angry words. Or unseemly insinuations.

In the great love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle wrote, “love is patient. Love is kind.” When a “constructive observation” is offered it is bathed in love by its kind and patient words.

How much better would our relationships be with brethren, family and friends, if we practiced our sister’s approach with a “constructive observation” when it is needed?

Regarding our interaction with non-Christians the Bible encourages: “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Col 4:5-6)

Defending our faith does not give us the license to be ugly, unkind, or judgmental, of those with whom we disagree. Gracious, responsive words will do more to win over the “outsider” than hurling hypercritical epithets. How about trying a “constructive observation”?

Sharing a“constructive observation” is more than just a practical approach, or an effective method to make a point. It flows from a tender heart. A meek spirit. A Christ-like attitude.

I think of a “constructive observation” as following the wise man’s counsel.

“A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word! (Prov 15:24)

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Prov 25:11)

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (Prov. 16;24).

Thank you, dear sister, for your “constructive observation.” I appreciate it. But I appreciated your sweet spirit, even more than the observations!

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

Bible Reflections

April 25, 2022

What does God require of us? by Roy Davison

"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Secularism by Mark Copeland