A Hardened Heart?

A Hardened Heart?

Do you have a hardened heart?  You might say, “No! I help people and do good things all the time.”  However, this is really not where I am going with the question.  There are good people everywhere.  They help their family, friends, and strangers.  However, I might ask them, how do you feel about liver?  “Eww yuck!”  There heart is hardened against it.  How about politics? “I don’t want to hear it!” Religion? “Go away!”  Herein is the focus of my questioning.  A great number of religious and non-religious people have a hardened heart when it comes to reasoning together regarding the scriptures.

Hardened Mind Heart

Are you open to true discussion of the scriptures?

For the non-religious, perhaps better phrased “non-church goer”, the issue may be based upon disbelief.  Faced with the scriptures in the past, they found the Bible’s history to be unbelievable.  Perhaps this is based upon only minimal exposure to the Bible, the information presented was false teaching, or they had in their hands one of the many corrupt translations that abound in the market place today.  Perhaps a poor interaction with, or observation of, hypocritical religious individuals turned the non-church goer away.  It is even possible that the individual hardened their heart in regard to the scriptures because when faced with the truth of their shortcomings in the eyes of God, they rejected Him and His desires for their life.  Whatever the reason, their heart will either no longer permit the Word of God in or it is going to take a certain circumstance for them to once again open their heart.

For the religious and the Christian, there are also a number of situations which cause a hard heart.  These groups are not immune to having a hard heart toward spiritual things.  I cannot count the number of times I have heard religious people boasting about rejecting those who wanted to share the scriptures with them.  Online discussions frequently demonstrate the hard heartedness of those who do not want to investigate the scriptures, but simply want to blindly push an agenda or opinion.  Their hearts are truly hardened to hearing anything contrary to what they hold as truth.  Admittedly, it is easy to become skeptical of those who seek out religious discussion.  The attitudes and approach make others wary of sharing their valuable time.  Reputations (deserved or undeserved) often cause good Christian brothers to avoid one another because battle lines are already drawn from occurrences which happened decades before.  Ever sadder yet, is when doctrinal positions are assumed to be held, but not verified or discussed by brothers.  They avoid one another because they are hard hearted toward “Liberals, Anti’s Legalists, Conservatives”.  Hard hearts do not glorify the cause of Christ.

What does the Bible say about examining the scriptures? Acts 17:11 – “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” This group of people had their hearts open to learning the truth.  Yes, they studied to see if these things were true (2 Timothy 2:15), but they did not close their ears.  One might say, “Yes, but Paul was teaching the truth!” Indeed, he was.  However, Apollos was not.  Acts 18:26 – “And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Aquila and Priscilla could have walked away from teaching that was not correct.  They could have had hardened hearts. Apollos could also have hardened his heart in regard to their correction.  He did not.  Souls aren’t saved, brothers aren’t strengthened, God is not honored, by hardened hearts.

2 Timothy 2:24-26  “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

 

 

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on A Hardened Heart?

Not by Your Own Strength

Not by Your Own Strength

The beginning of the book of Exodus set the stage of an Egypt who does not remember Joseph and the hand of God which delivered them from times of famine.  Jacob’s (Israel’s) children had grown into a numerous people from the 70 who settled in the region of Goshen.  Rather than a people welcomed by Egypt, they became a people viewed in a suspicious manner.  The pharaoh was openly concerned about their strength so he enslaved them.  Enter Moses, who by the hand of God was chosen as a prophet (mouth piece) of the Almighty to deliver the people Israel out of captivity.  This knowledge set in the mind, consider the following verse:

Exodus 4:10 – “And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither, heretofore, nor since thou has spoken unto thy servant; but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”

Moses was concerned about his ability to deliver the people.  His immediate view was upon himself, his abilities, and his own strength.  Therefore, God declares the following in the next two verses:

Exodus 4:11-12 – “And the Lord said unto him, Who had made man’s mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind?  Have not I the Lord?  Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”

This promise is parallel to the one the apostles received in the first century when addressed by Jesus in regard to how they would deliver the Gospel to mankind, freeing those held under the captivity of sin.  Jesus made it clear that the Holy Spirit would provide the power, knowledge and words (from Christ, from God) that the apostles would share (John 14:25-26, 16:7-16, Acts 1:8).  As with Moses, God made the apostles His mouthpiece.  His Will would be accomplished with His Words.

strength

The strength of God does not rely upon men or their ability.

Today, many Christians draw back in fear when faced with the thought of sharing God’s Will for mankind.  As Moses, their perspective is drawn inward upon their own abilities rather than what God provides.  God will not provide the miraculous knowledge and abilities He provided Moses and the apostles.  Those days are gone.  At that point in History, the gospel was but a mystery.  It had not been revealed as it would be in the first century (Ephesians 1:9, 3:3-4).  Because the Word of God has now been revealed, Christians have His Word in complete (Jude 3).  Rather than rely upon self, Christians simply need to study (2 Timothy 2:15) and read “Book, Chapter, Verse” to reach the hearts and minds of the world.  As with Moses this doesn’t have to be done in eloquence.  As with the apostles, Christians don’t need a perfect memory to share all Christ had said.  Christians have the Bible in their hands.  They have the God breathed truth which completely enables man to provide the doctrine of Christ, the evidence to show its truth, the information to correct behavior, and the guidance to train a man or woman to do what is right in God’s eyes (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Who is that shall be saved?  Salvation is for the one that does the right things which God has commanded (Matthew 7:21) written in the Holy Scripture.  Fear be put aside when one equips himself with the Word of God (Ephesians 6).

God’s Will cannot be destroyed (Isaiah 40:8).  His Will can reach the heart (Hebrews 4:12).  His Will can save man’s soul (James 1:21).  Keep your eyes upon His might, His power, His ability, His Truth, His Word, and do not focus or rely upon your own.

 

 

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Not by Your Own Strength

Transformed?

Transformed

Coming out of Romans Chapter 11 and into chapter 12 is the idea that through God all men can be united.  He has made all.  He has had mercy upon all.  He hasn’t set one man to be of a greater worth than another.  Therefore, when we come to Christ, we transform!   The old man of sin dies and born in his place is someone no longer clothed in jealousy, pride, and selfishness.  Christians are transformed people serving mankind in good works and glorifying God.  This is the atmosphere that Romans 12:13-21 discusses.

transformed

Setting it all aside to become something new.

Often when the concept of change is discussed beyond self, the first place mentioned that it must be apparent is at home.  The home of the Christian is the Church.  Love for our brothers and sisters strengthens the Church.  These are not simply people with whom we worship God and then walk away until our paths cross again.  These are people who are relying upon us to help encourage them, comfort them, prop them up in times of struggle, and keep them from sin (I Thessalonians 5:14, Galatians 6:10, James 5:19-20).  We are one another’s accountability partners.  We need to draw close to one another.  What are the physical and spiritual needs of our Christian family?  It may be announced that so-and-so is ill or traveling or has a death in the family, but do you know when they are struggling to pay the bills, have work at home they are unable to accomplish, hurt inside because they feel their faith is weakening, or they feel empty and alone?  There are a plethora of needs brothers and sisters have and we cannot help them unless we invite them into our lives with kindness and hospitality.  We cannot develop a friendship unless we are willing to be friends.  This is the presentation of verses 13 and 15.  A living sacrifice reaches out, seeks out, what good he or she may do, and then engages.  It may mean we are doing something as holding a hand while tears are shed, but this can be huge for those in need.

Some Jews / Pharisees / Judaisers felt as if they were better than the non-Jew Christian.  They had established their own righteousness, traditions added to the Word of God supposing to make them even more pure, but rather drawing them further from God.  Certainly non-Jewish Christians struggled with pride and ego at times as well (Luke 18:9-14, I Corinthians 11:17-22, James 2:1-9) As a Christian living today, perhaps you have heard something like the following: “Oh, you only worship in the morning on the first day of the week? We worship x times on Sunday and x more times during the week!  (How pious we are)!” “MR. XYZ with all his credentials is our preacher, we wouldn’t accept less.” “We are a KJV only congregation.” “I am a Trustee, I determine what we will do.” “That Elder is President of 123 Corporation.”  There are a plethora of comments which could demonstrate the arrogance some people cling to supposedly lifting their worth above other Christians.  This was an issue in the first century and it is an issue today.  Thus, we are able to identify with the instruction given in vs. 16.  All of us have fallen short of the glory of God due to sin (Romans 3:23, Romans 3:9).  All mankind must put themselves at the feet of their savior and accept his reign over their lives to be saved.  Superiority over any brother due to race, sex, social status, or other means is simply a dangerous illusion from which we must simply flee.  We all must submit to God and serve one another (James 4:7).

The concept presented in verses 14 and 17-19 center on the friction that sometimes arises between men.  This may be conflict between brothers in the Church or it can be trouble outside of the body of Christ.  It can be persecution from those who stand against God or it can be frustrations between neighbors or coworkers.  The point is no matter with whom we come into contact, we have a responsibility to be kind and not cause the relationship to deteriorate even further.  We should neither seek to instigate conflict, extend it, or cause harm to others for what we perceive is injustice committed on their part.  This is God’s realm and He knows the hearts of men.  It certainly has been my personal and observed experience that when we seek to retaliate we often end up in no better position than when we began.  Furthermore, any hope of influence for the cause of Christ which we once might have had upon those whom we have come into conflict is likely snuffed out.  Consider the great influence wielded by Joseph under Pharoah.  He could have destroyed his family when they came for help, struggling with the famine in the land.  Where would Israel have been then?  Consider Daniel under Nebuchadnezzar?  He could have lashed out because Babylon had destroyed his homeland and the people he loved.  He could have been angry over having been turned into a eunuch.  However, he served Nebuchadnezzer and others providing a profound example as a faithful follower of God.  Consider Paul and Silas thrown into Jail for sharing the Gospel.  They could have ran from imprisonment abandoning the Philippian jailor when their bonds were unfastened.  Yet, their Christian behavior demonstrated throughout the ordeal brought the Jailor and his household to Christ.  The Bible provides multiple examples of how to live at peace with men.  There is no exception for hardships, persecution, or discomfort that may be experienced.  Retaliation, taking judgment into our own hands, should not be an option we ponder.

Taken together verses 13 through 19 discuss the way we ought to treat mankind properly.  We should be humble servants in all cases desiring peace and allowing wrongs to be judged by the hand of God.  This is all driven by a heart aware of God’s grace and mercy that wants to glorify God. This context is somehow forgotten in the attitude/understanding some hold when they cite verse 20:

“if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Some view this as a way to “get back” at those by whom they have been wronged in perception or reality.  “Be sugary sweet to them and they will just feel guilty and small”.  Such an understanding of this verse is contrary to what the entire text has been trying to convey.  It would be promoting a vindictive heart and cruel behavior rather than a heart of Christian love and holy hands.  Verse 20 relates to a custom of one’s neighbor who has allowed his home fire to burn out.  The hearth is the center of the home for cooking and heat.  In such a situation where the fire is extinguished, the neighbor would travel to other homes in search of coals for the fire.  When he was able to procure some coals, he would carry them home upon his head stored in a clay vessel.  At that point, he would be able to rekindle the fire of his dwelling to the joy of his household.  Thus, someone who would heap coals upon an individual’s head was doing him a service.  They were being kind and showing a loving heart.  This understanding is in harmony with the text of Romans 12.  It fits in proper succession with providing food and drink to one who is in need, even if, they are your enemy. It also agrees with Proverbs 25:21-22 which is parallel to this passage save that the proverbs passage ends expressing that such behavior is rewarded by God.  If this behavior was one of retribution it certainly would not be rewarded by God.

The final verse of this passage (21) continues the understanding of the transformation a man makes when he gives himself to Christ.  As a living sacrifice, his example of love, hospitality, encouragement, and peace do not allow evil to conquer, but rather cause good to flourish.  An interesting coincidence is that verses 23-24 which follow those mentioned in the Proverbs 25, speak of the friction caused by a contentious wife.  How is the evil in such a situation overcome?  I Peter: 3:1 “Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives,” Notice, the idea of proper behavior has the power to win over non-believers, turning them from evil to the goodness of God.

 

 

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Transformed?

Costa Rica 2020 La Fortuna Report

Costa Rica 2020 La Fortuna Report

 Thank you for your kind support and prayers for the Costa Rica 2020 work.  Your efforts made the work this year successful.  I am grateful for the personal messages, questions, and interest shown regarding this trip.  Your interactions with me help to make every trip the best it can be.  In this report,  it is my aim to provide an overview of the work as well as present information which will strengthen the reader in their daily walk.  While your feet may not have been on the ground with us on foreign soil, you are none-the-less laborers for the Lord and responsible for this work being possible.  We are brothers and sisters working together to encourage the saints and reach the lost around the world.  This particular report I have themed with the ideas of:  Cooperation, Communication, and Prayer.  These concepts are central to the success of mission work and were particularly poignant to me in this year’s work.

Costa Rica 2020

Sharing the Word of Truth in Costa Rica.

The Numbers

To begin, let’s get the least exciting details out of the way.  The combined budgeted cost for April and I to travel to Costa Rica and work for 10 days was $4360.  We were able to raise $4160.  We were able to come in under budget and spent only $3857 on planned expenditures.  An additional $243 was spent on benevolence for the saints and the needs of the ministers in Costa Rica ($220) as well as 3 Bibles for those without ($23).  The left over funds ($60) are in Cost Rican money and will be used for next year.  Our scheduled time to arrive at the airport to leave to Costa Rica was 4 am.  Therefore, we stayed the night before at a hotel and parked our car at the airport for the 10 days we planned to be gone (approx. $200).  These expenses we covered personally, I include them so folks get a better idea of a total cost if they are entertaining doing this type of a work.  While in Costa Rica, April and I conducted 14 bible studies.  Most studies were longer than an hour if not two hours.  We visited many other homes and left tracts and invitations to evening meetings at the church in La Fortuna.  I taught the Monday evening lesson as well as the Sunday morning class (which comes after the worship service and lesson, unlike the American tradition of class first).  The topics were “How to strengthen the Church” and “The Meaning of the Cross”.  April taught a Sunday afternoon women’s class entitled “Beautiful Feet” as well as two children’s classes during the week.  As a group, over 60 Bible Studies were conducted, there were 3 baptisms, and there are a number of follow up studies that will be engaged.  The meetings each night were attended fairly well, but there was one evening the rains limited attendance somewhat.  And yes… the sky opened up and it poured!  (Note:  Much of the transportation in Costa Rica is by foot or by motorcycle.  If a person lives way out in the country, they may have no transportation into town unless someone goes to get them.)  As far as the topics covered in the Bible studies, here is an approximate list of what was touched on: Original sin, living together before marriage, marriage, infant baptism, water baptism, faith, repentance, confession, belief, apologetics, Hades, Heaven, Catholicism, Singing vs. Instruments, giving, the Evangelical religion, obedience, Biblical authority, and the origination of Christ’s one Church.

Cooperation

1 Corinthians 3:8-9 – “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.  For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

Endeavors upon the mission field require that brothers and sisters work together.  There is much coordination of effort from both those within the United States and the brothers and sisters in Costa Rica.  However, other countries are involved as well.  Frequently our interpreters must come from out of country to aid the work (Past countries that I know of: Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua).  It is difficult to find brothers in Christ who can accurately interpret and have the time and inclination to do so.  It is no doubt difficult also to assume a role of interpreting when perhaps the interpreter may have an idea how he would like to teach a Bible study that is different from the one conducting the study.  I believe it is much like a class setting in America where everyone has an opinion and wants to share a comment, but respects the role of the speaker and therefore assumes the role of listening.  It is an issue of humility and I think our interpreters display it well.  This is not a new problem, but one like the 1st century era of the miraculous when many no doubt wanted to speak (I Corinthians 14:26-33).  I greatly appreciate the coordination of both the visiting brothers and the interpreters in regard to this evangelistic effort.  It is important also for those leading studies to appreciate the abilities of their interpreters.  I have been blessed with a combination of interpreters who have had a solid array of religious experience, Bible knowledge, and pleasant interpersonal skills.  It is wise to recognize moments where you relinquish control in areas where your interpreting brother may be more effective.  This type of coordination increases as the team comes to know one another over time (I Corinthians 12, Galatians 5:13).  We serve one another, to serve God and save souls.

Communication

Ephesians 3:4 – “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ”

Paul shared the gospel that mankind might understand the salvation offered by God.  Peter didn’t deny that what Paul preached was understandable, but did convey some of it was hard to understand (2 Peter 3:15-16).  Communication could be hard even when the speaker was inspired.  Communication can be hard when you speak the same language, but when you don’t, things can go south quickly.  Though I will not retell the adventure in this report, I have already written of a communication issue which occurred this year in Costa Rica.  You can see it here: http://churchofchristarticles.com/blog/administrator/preachers-fishing-for-sinners/.  Sometimes, communication issues are ones of translation.  For example we see this in the Bible via words transliterated such as “baptism”.  It is funny to listen to a lesson in English being presented in Costa Rica and then have the same English word repeated in Spanish because there is no word for it.  Communication can also be hindered by a lack of understanding of customs or practices.  There are many attempts at humor that I have seen that have not translated from English to Spanish.  The audience didn’t comprehend.  I suggest, do not try humor for those that do not speak your language.  There are also other moments when you are trying to communicate in another language and you try a word you aren’t certain of, but think it may be correct.  For instance, some years ago I attempted to greet a Spanish speaking sister with a term of endearment.  The term little grandmother is “abuelita”.  The sister was motherly, not grandmotherly, so I used the word “Mamacita”.  Fortunately, the sister had a good sense of humor and understanding that I had no clue what I was saying.  “Mamacita” is a term certainly not used for sisters in Christ.  Nuff said on that.  There is nothing more important on this earth than conveying the message of Christ correctly so that others can embrace and obey our Savior (I Corinthians 1:21).  Coordinate how you want to convey the message of Christ with those whom you are working.  Communicate in the clearest way possible.  To your best ability, make certain what you are communicating to your interpreter is what the audience is receiving.

Prayer

I Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”

Communication with God is vital in the Christians life.  It enables to us to petition God, praise Him, share our sorrows and fears, and to express our gratitude.  God has commanded us to “Go” and preach all creation (Mark 16:15).  Praying that opportunity will be there is definitely something we should do.  God has promised and when God promises, we can count Him faithful to open the door for evangelism (Matthew 7:7).  Mission work requires the Christian to know he is not alone, but that God is there and He desires your success.  In this last example, I want to combine the concepts of coordination, communication, and prayer together.  There was a difficulty this year in Costa Rica that was puzzling.  A situation had arisen where an impediment to effectively evangelizing arose.  The specifics do not matter.  The effect of the impediment does.  The effect was a failure in coordinating the work of brothers together which further resulted in a loss of harmony to the individuals involved, the Church as a whole, the glory of God, and the recipients of the gospel.  Issues such as this arose even in the first century (Acts 15:39).  In this circumstance, the solution first and foremost was prayer to God by good hearts that the impediment be removed.  Secondly, communication followed as to how to manage/correct the issue which had arisen.  When you have troubles, rely upon your brothers and sisters in Christ (Titus 2).  Our group is particularly blessed in that we have five preachers and elders from two different congregations.  The lives of the elders exemplify spiritual wisdom (I Timothy 3).  With the help of the group, a proper course of action was suggested.  This again was followed up with prayer.  The result was that the problem was resolved and harmony in Christ resulted.  Those involved in the work coordinated their hearts, minds, and actions toward for the glory of the Kingdom of God.

Needs

We identified a couple of needs this year that I would like to address now.  We are going to need Spanish Bibles to give out while we are in Costa Rica.  If I had had them, I could have given out at least 20.  I will be trying to obtain the Reina-Valera 1960 translation.  I noticed the paperback was selling for approximately $5 in Costa Rica, but they only had 2 in supply (which I purchased).  Additionally, I have a need for Bible Tracts in Spanish as well as Bible studies.  I would appreciate any information folks can provide as to where I might find a sound source to purchase these.  I plan on writing a few of my own, but will need to have them translated.

Costa Rica 2021

This was my fifth year in Costa Rica.  I truly enjoy the people and the work.  While April studied Spanish nearly every day in preparation for this trip, my Spanish practice was not as diligent.  However, I am noticing little improvements as the years have gone by.  The greater blessing finds April and I continuing to grow spiritually. This is enabling us to be more effective in the Kingdom and for this we are grateful.  We are grateful for your financial and spiritual support.  We are thankful to God that we have the opportunity to share the gospel and encourage the saints.  This coming year we will travel to Cañas, Costa Rica to share the gospel.  I ask that you pray for us in this endeavor.  We plan on starting our fundraising in May this year so we will be a little less harried at the end.  If any desire to provide support prior to that time, support can be sent to:  Travis Main PO BOX 772 Steelville, MO 65565.

Past Reports

For those interested in past reports of our trips to Costa Rica, they may be found in the following locations:

2019

http://churchofchristarticles.com/blog/administrator/costa-rica-2019-la-fortuna/

2018

http://churchofchristarticles.com/blog/administrator/costa-rica-2018/

2017

http://churchofchristarticles.com/blog/administrator/costa-rica-2017/

2016

http://churchofchristarticles.com/blog/administrator/costa-rica-2016/

 

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Costa Rica 2020 La Fortuna Report

Preachers Fishing for Sinners

Preachers Fishing for Sinners

When you are in a foreign country, there are always language mistakes you are going to make.  I made a fairly humorous one this year in San Jose, Costa Rica.  Myself and a team of others are here as fishers of men.  We are here to preach the Word of God to all who will listen.  Jesus said in Luke 5:32 “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”  We too preach repentance to those walking in the darkness of sin. In pursuit of these objectives there are joyful moments, sad moments, and as I will now share with you, humorous moments.

fisherman

Pescadors!

In Spanish there is a word “pescador”.  This word means “fisherman”.  This certainly applies to our work in Costa Rica.  There is also a word “precador”.  This is the word for preacher.  I attempted to be a pescador  precador by talking about religion with our taxi driver during the ride from the airport to the hotel where we were staying.  During the conversation I mentioned that I was a “pecador” as well as were my fellow brothers in Christ.  Notice there is one letter different from the previous words mentioned.  A pecador is a sinner.  I had been telling our taxi driver that we were sinners.  Great start to the work in Costa Rica!  First day in Costa Rica and I became a pescador precador proclaiming to be a pecador!

Language is a funny thing.  When we study the gospel we need to be careful to study the Word we share (2 Timothy 2:15).  We must preach only that Word which has been established in heaven (Matthew 16:19, Galatians 1:8, Revelation 22:18-19).  We must strive to do only that which Christ has provided in obedience to the Father (John 8:28, Colossians 3:17).  If we do these things with love in our hearts for Christ (John 14:15), then we will avoid the pitfall of living a life as a pecador.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Preachers Fishing for Sinners