The Question

To Be or Not To Be

“To be, or not to be, that is the question:  Whether ’tis Nobler in the mind to suffer, The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune, Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles, And by opposing end them…” (Hamlet, Act 3; Scene 1)

The question is... will you deny your Loird or stand for him?

The question is… will you deny your Lord or stand for him?

This was the question Hamlet in the Shakespearean play asked himself. He was debating whether to keep silent and say nothing of his suspicions as to who murdered his father or to speak up and say what he believed to be true. He knew that if he opposed his fratricidal uncle, who had killed Hamlet’s father and usurped his throne, he would face the wrath of the king. He also believed he could not live with himself if he chose the coward’s path. To be a courageous man or not to be a courageous man was the choice he faced. We all face something like this in our lives. Our lives may not depend upon it, but then again they might…

Suppose an unarmed man walks into a room full of people and asks, “Is anybody here a Christian? If you are a Christian, stand up.” If you were present in that room would you stand up? Sure you would. You might be curious as to why he asked, but, you might also see this as an opportunity to teach him the gospel. Any Christian should confess Christ at this point. The Scriptures say, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…” (1 Peter 3:15)

An armed man walks into a room full of people and asks, “Is anybody here a Christian? If you are a Christian, stand up.” If you were present in that room would you stand up? If you would not stand up under this circumstance, but would under the previous circumstance, then why not now? What is different? In the first scenario you are not afraid for your life, but under this one you are afraid for your life. So, the difference would be fear. Fear, then, makes it OK to be silent?

Now, some try to equate the above scenarios with not sharing a Facebook post that says, “If you love Jesus you will share this post” or honking at a bumper sticker which states, “Honk if you love Jesus.” This is not the same thing as being in the same room with someone. The Facebook post or bumper sticker is an impersonal and random thing and more of a statement of that person’s beliefs than anything else. But someone looking directly at you and asking the question – whatever their motive – is something different. This person may be asking you to show your faith; testing to see if it is genuine.  Or, he may be planning to murder you.

In the same context of Matthew 10:32-33 where Christ speaks of confessing before the Father those who confess Him and denying before the Father those who deny Him, He also said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell…” (Matthew 10:28) To remain silent would show greater fear toward the one holding the gun than for God.

Now, fear is a powerful emotion. Peter boldly stated that he would die with Jesus before denying Him. (Luke 22:33) Peter likely thought that he would never face any circumstance which could induce the kind of fear that would cause him to deny the Lord. Yet, within a few hours, three times, he denied Christ.

What was his motive? What could it have been other than fear? Fear for his life. He was recognized as a disciple of Jesus. He was afraid that he would be taken and crucified with Jesus. He was a condemned man at this point. Had they arrested and killed him right then, he would have been lost forever. Peter lived to regret his denial and to overcome his fear. Peter repented and received forgiveness. Peter boldly died for Christ, never again denying His Lord!

Peter was fortunate that he was not killed right then. How about you? Do you believe you would likewise be so fortunate? As for me, I would rather die with His name on my lips than walk away and feel myself to be a spiritual coward. Or if I was not able to walk away and the man killed me anyway, I would not want to stand before Christ and have to answer Him as to why I sat there and said nothing or did nothing?

Remember what the Lord said. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death…” (Revelation 21:7-8; emphasis mine, JWM.)

He also said, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life…” (Revelation 2:10b emphasis mine, JWM). “Unto death” implies that even at the point of death we must still be faithful to Christ. Even if it will cost us our physical life to do so! I can’t be a faithful Christian and deny Christ or refuse to acknowledge Him.

A faithful child of God should not remain silent under this circumstance, but nothing says you would have to sit there and let him kill you either. Fighting for your life and for the lives of others is an alternative. You might likely die, but Christ, you would not deny!

“To be or not to Be, That is the Question…”

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World is not my Home

This World is not My Home

There is a better home beyond this world.

There is a better home beyond this world

As the words of a popular song say, “This world is not my home; I’m just a passing thru. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue”. Jesus says, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (Matthew 6:20-21). We must lay up our treasures in heaven, not here on the earth. The Bible says, “And as it is appointed for man to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). When we draw our last breath, what we have accumulated here on the earth will go to someone else. After we pass from this life our fate is sealed and we will be judged by what is written in the word of God (John 12:48).

Life here on earth is so temporary and short. Life passes so quickly. James 4:14 says, “Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” Many people are living their lives as though they will live forever here on the earth. One day this earth and all of its possessions will be burned up. No one knows when this will be. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (2 Peter 3:10-11).

As the words of the song continue to say, “If heaven is not my home, then Lord what will I do?” For the vast majority of people, heaven will not be their home (Matthew 22:14). Their home will be a real and never ending hell in which they will be “tormented day and night forever and ever in burning fire and brimstone” (Revelation 20:10, 15). But for the few whose home is heaven, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

The apostle Paul was longing to leave this world and go home to heaven. He says, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you…For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:23-24, 3:20).

As mortal human beings we cannot begin to imagine how great and wonderful heaven will be. We cannot comprehend its glory. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 2:9. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  We have, “an inheritance incorruptible and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4), “knowing that you have a better and enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:34). As human beings we are eternal in that we have a soul that lives forever in one of two places. Our home will be either heaven or hell. We make the choice as to where we will go while we are here on Earth. If one is not preparing to go to heaven he will end up in hell.

Jesus taught, “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).  Our number one goal in this life must be for heaven to be our home. “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).  No one will accidentally go to heaven.

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Embarrassment

Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! The Heart of the Matter

Sometimes people take life a little too seriously. They lose the ability to laugh and forget that all men are human. We want our cars washed, lawns manicured, clothes starched, and our conversation thoughtful. This air of perfection often lends itself to some pretty funny moments when reality collides. While few like to admit it, all humans have been subject to an embarrassing occasion—or two!

Many of us have experienced embarrassment.

Many of us have experienced embarrassment.

These moments can be even more horrifying through the eyes of a young person. For teenagers who are seeking acceptance by their peers, one small embarrassing moment in time can wind up resulting in years of tortuous ridiculing and cruel jokes. In fact, if not addressed properly, these moments can leave scars that last well into adulthood.

Given the nature of embarrassment, we rarely, if ever, discuss this topic from the pulpit. Even though almost every Christian has suffered from some type of embarrassment, we have either learned to hide it or not discuss it. We are good at coming across as having it all together. After all, we are “dignified” people, aren’t we? And certainly we should not ever discuss such from the pulpit…or should we?

Here’s what I intend on teaching my children about embarrassment.

I had really hoped no one saw me. You all were finishing up your ice cream (Wednesday night tradition!), and I had loudly proclaimed it was time to roll. With that statement still ringing in the air, I hit the exit door with great flair to head for the car. It was in that moment, with my face pressed up against the glass, that I realized I had selected the door that was still locked. I quickly tried to “save face” and slid over to the other door. But the damage was done—your mom (and probably others) was already “belly laughing” and relaying to each of you what Dad had just done. I knew I was busted, and that moment would be relived for months to come in the annals of Harrub history.

Our home life is full of funny family moments—some of which must remain secret to protect the innocent! Thankfully each of you is learning to laugh at yourself. This is a skill that I hope you will incorporate into your adult life. Understand that a part of being human means that we are apt to make mistakes, stumble, forget names, or just do something embarrassing. These humbling experiences are healthy reminders that we should never “get too big for our britches.” These embarrassing moments do not affect who you are, nor do they affect your relationship to God. And even though you may never hear of it or see it, many of your Christian friends have experience similar embarrassing moments. It is a part of life.

The next time you find yourself embarrassed, allow it to be a reminder to you of the Bible’s authenticity. Because the Bible was inspired by God and not created by any single individual (or group of people), it contains the “good, the bad, and the ugly.” In other words, it doesn’t hold back to give the appearance that everything is just fine. It paints the complaining Israelites in a negative light during the exodus (see Exodus15:24; Numbers 11; Numbers 16:41-50, etc.). It doesn’t try to hide the fact that some of them rebelled and the outcome was not pretty (Numbers 16). The Bible doesn’t hold back at the Israelites’ foolishness of creating and worshipping the golden calf (Exodus 32). As you read through some of the “ugly” accounts in God’s Word, I hope you will realize that this is just one more way we have assurance that what we read is God-breathed.

God knows you are human and doesn’t expect perfection—otherwise there would be no need for the redeeming blood of His Son (Romans 3:23)! In fact, it was because of His tremendous love for mankind (1 John 4:8) that He created us with free will (see Genesis 2:16-17; Joshua 24:15; Isaiah 7:15; John 5:39-40; 7:17; Revelation 22:17). When that free will collides with nature and your cheeks turn red, rest assured that we have all been there. Don’t allow that moment to define who you are. Laugh it off, knowing that this is a part of life. Let me also encourage you to be very mindful of how you treat others who embarrass themselves. Make sure they know you love them—even with all their warts! (And remember that special counsel that we have shared at the dinner table: “At least they can’t take away your birthday!”) Never forget, God still wants you in Heaven with Him (1 Timothy 2:4)!

In describing the good news of salvation, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed: “Instead of your shame you shall have double honor, and instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be theirs.”

Finally, never be embarrassed about the gospel of Jesus Christ! Do not forget the words of Paul: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (Romans 1:16).

Love,

Dad

P.S. If you have an embarrassing story you will share with our readers, please email it to brad@focuspress.org.

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Tragic

Tragic

We regret to inform you . . .” are the words that no parent or loved one wants to hear. Often times such words are followed by tragic and terrible news such as the injury or death of someone who is dear to us. Thirty-two times like words were spoken this past week to parents and relatives of the students who died at Virginia Tech. Many more times have such words been spoken to the loved ones of our brave soldiers fighting terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. More words still are spoken by police to families of those who have died in auto accidents. (Our prayers are with them all.) In an information driven society, those words echo around us 365 days a year.

As tragic as such words are, there are yet sadder and more tragic words. In Matthew 7:23 Jesus says to those who failed to honor His Lordship, “I never knew you; depart from me . . . .” How tragic will such words be for those expecting to be with Jesus in eternity when they will not. Here are those who supposed they were Christians, but they were not. They failed to adequately “prove all things” and “test the spirits” and ended up being deceived and for their error. Eternally lost! Tragic!

Matthew 25:41 records similar words. Jesus speaks to some who failed to serve him appropriately. His words: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels.” When Jesus words are so readily available for us to follow, how sad that such will be said to those who failed to live according His standards! Tragic!

There is yet a more tragic situation. Consider Peter’s words in 2 Peter 2:20: “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first.” Here is one who knew the truth, who lived according to it, who served the Lord and knew the blessings of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:4-6), yet chose to abandon these things and return to worldliness. Their last state will be worse than their first. If there is one thing more tragic than being lost, it is having been lost, saved, and returning to being lost yet again. Tragic!

Friends, such things don’t have to be! Spiritual tragedy can be averted. We can do something to prevent such from happening. Sinners must accept the Lord’s terms of pardon. How? Through hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17), believing it (Hebrews 11:6), repenting of sins (Acts 17:30), confessing Christ (1 Timothy 6:12), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16, Galatians 3:27, 1 Peter 3:21). The erring Christian must repent, pray to God and ask others to pray for him (Acts 8:22-24). The faithful Christian must take the word of God to others (Acts 8:4) and let them know of their hope (1 Peter 3:15). We may not be able to avoid a tragic ending in this life, but we CAN avoid one in the next. Let us do what we must to be right with God and live with Him forever.

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Having Compassion

Having Compassion

The very thought of having Jesus as our mediator is overwhelming. The amazing distance between Jehovah God and a human seems like a chasm which cannot be crossed. Yet, Jesus did this very thing! He emptied Himself and took on the form of feeble, helpless mortals. He lived among us and having returned to heaven, He received the glory He once had. The end of all of this is that we have one who understands our frailties and can sympathize with us in our troubles. One word seems to sum up so much of the way He lived among us. That word is compassion.

Compassion is almost unknown among many in our society. The heartless slaughter of the unborn, the ruthless killings in schools and workplaces and the beheading of “unbelievers” are all evidence of the absence of the godly nature of compassion. However, the problem is far greater than the extreme aspects of the heartless cruelties listed above. Study the life of Jesus and look at how often Jesus manifested compassion to those ordinary people around Him. Then, take time to look at yourself to find areas where you can be more compassionate like Him.

Jesus had compassion on the poor. In Matthew chapter 14, we read of the feeding of the 5,000. The very next day, Jesus rebuked the multitude because they only followed Him because they loved the loaves and fish He gave to them (John 6:22, 26). Yet, He fed 4,000 of them again. What is remarkable are the words found in Matthew 15:32. “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have…nothing to eat.”  So few of us would understand such compassion that He had on those whose motives were so wrong.

Jesus had compassion on scattered sheep. Mark records the feeding of the 5,000 and adds another thought to the compassion of Jesus. “Jesus when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). The Good Shepherd’s heart was moved toward those who had no spiritual direction in their lives. Think about this and those “shepherd-less” people around you.

Jesus had compassion on widows. He was in village of Nain when He saw a widow ready to bury her only son. “He had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep’” (Luke 7:13). There were those other religious leaders who saw helpless widows as a source of financial gain, even taking their houses from them (Matt. 23:14). Jesus’ heart was so different from theirs.

So, take time to look at yourself. How compassionate are you to others?  What changes do we need to make to have the compassion of Jesus?

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