Reading Scripture in the Synagogue

By Paul Earnhart

When Jesus was asked to read scripture in the synagogue in Nazareth, He read a portion of the book of Isaiah.  What He read was, in fact, a prophecy about Him.  Listen to what Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2:  "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor.  He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

After reading these verses, Jesus closed the book and gave it back to the attendant.  Then when all eyes were on Him, He said, "Today, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing." (Luke 4:21)

At first the people were pleased with what they heard, but they did not give Him credit for being what He really was.  They simply viewed Him as a hometown boy, the son of Joseph.  When Jesus implied that He was more than this, they became angry with Him and actually tried to throw Him off the cliff on which their city was built.  It appears that He was able to escape them only by use of His divine power.

Other people were willing to listen to Jesus, to consider His teaching and His miracles; and as a result, many believed on Him (John2:23).  His own hometown people already had their minds made up about who He was, and they refused to consider the evidence.

When you hear something new from the scriptures, do you automatically dismiss it because it doesn’t fit your preconceived notions?  Or do you consider the evidence?  Acts 17:11 tells us of people in a land far from Nazareth who heard the apostle Paul preaching about Jesus.  The Bible calls them fair-minded because they "received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to see whether those things were so."

Remember

By Neal Erickson

Exodus chapter 14 documents the miraculous Red Sea crossing, which is one of the foundational events in Jewish history.  The Israelites had escaped captivity but found themselves trapped between the seashore and the advancing Egyptian army.  God blocked the army’s approach while parting the water and drying a path.  Once His people are safely across, God destroyed their pursuers in the returning water.

The next three chapters record the next few weeks when the Israelites, on three separate occasions, complain against God for not immediately providing what they wanted.  When these chapters were covered recently in the Middle School class, the students were dismayed at how quickly God’s people forgot the lesson He so clearly provided.  However, scripture tells us that God’s enemies did not forget.  Two hundred miles away and forty years later it was still in the collective memory of the Canaanites.  Rahab said, “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt before you.  For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came up out of Egypt… Our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and the earth beneath.” (Joshua 2:8-11 ESV)

In my experience, adults commenting in Bible classes usually have the same reaction as our middle school students.  We are amazed by how short-sighted the Israelites were when God had so clearly demonstrated that He was the unstoppable shepherd of His chosen people.  The irony is that this sentiment exposes our own short-sightedness.  God has preserved the account of the Israelites for us so that we can see our own shortcomings reflected in them.  We too are guilty of forgetting the lessons God has supplied.

We worry.  “What if the wrong people are elected?”  “Which disaster is around the next corner?”  “How replaceable am I at work?”  As if Exodus 14 weren’t enough, Jesus himself educated us in the sermon on the mount, “Do not worry then, saying ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’  For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.  But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:31-34 NASB)

We are crushed when life doesn’t go as we expected.  “Why is this happening to me?”  “How could God do this to me?”  “It’s just not fair!”  But at the start of his letter, James challenges that mindset.  He not only acknowledges that trials are inevitable but also explains that they are essential in shaping us into who God wants us to be.  “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4 ESV)

We assemble with the saints and worship God, then go out the doors and in unguarded moments speak words that wound.  When our anger flares, we lash out against the people we love the most.  Speaking of the tongue, James writes, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.  From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.  My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”  “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 3:9-10, 1:26 ESV)

We admire others based on their status or wealth and strive to match or surpass them.  Yet God clearly teaches that possessions and power are not His standard of value.  “Let the lowly brother boast in his exultation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away.  For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes.  So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.”  “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” (James 1:9-11, 2:1 ESV)

We pride ourselves in our understanding of God’s law and are ready to prove to others how their beliefs are wrong.  Of course, we should know the truth and be able to defend it, but knowledge without action falls short.  “But the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doings.”  “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”  “Who is wise and understanding among you?  By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”  (James 1:25, 27, 3:13 ESV)

As we sojourn through this life as spiritual Israelites, may we remember that the Almighty God loves us.  May we hold fast to His lessons, keep them in our hearts, and live according to His will.

The Campbell/Owen Debate

By Larry Coffey

Alexander Campbell, gospel preacher, and Robert Owen, atheist, engaged in a seven-day debate in 1830.  The debate was conducted in Cincinnati, OH, in the largest church building available with 1,200 in attendance.  Besides people from the local area, many attended from other states in the east and south.  Owen was the most noted atheist in the country, an extraordinary man having been a teacher in a school at age seven.  Campbell’s last address in the debate was an uninterrupted 12 hours long, though it did cover two days.  Obviously, I cannot provide much detail in this short article, so I will quote excerpts from Campbell’s closing tribute to religion, which I believe you will find interesting as I did.

"Religion -- the Bible!  What treasures untold reside in that heavenly word! (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)  Religion has given meaning, design to all that is past, and is as the moral to the fable, the good, the only good of the whole -- the earnest now of an abundant harvest of future and eternal good.  Whatever comes from religion comes from God.  The greatest joys derivable to mortal man come from this source.  I cannot speak of all who wear the Christian name, but for myself, I must say the worlds piled on worlds, to fill the universal scope of my imagination, would be a miserable per contra against the annihilation of the idea of the Supreme."

"The hope of one day seeing this Wonderful One, of beholding Him who made my body and is the Father of my spirit, the anticipation of being introduced into the palace of the universe, the sanctuary of the heavens, transcends all comparison with all sublunary things.  Take away this hope from me, and teach me to think that I am the creature of mere chance, and to it alone indebted for all that I am, and ever shall be, and I see nothing in the universe but mortification and disappointment.  Death is as desirable as life; and no one creature or thing is more deserving of my attention and consideration than another."

"Everything within us and everything without, from the nails upon the ends of our fingers to the sun, moon and stars, confirm the idea of His existence and adorable excellences.  If the millions of millions of witnesses which speak for Him in heaven, earth and sea will not be heard, the feeble voice of man will be heard in vain. (Ps. 19:1; 14:1)"

(Above excerpts were taken from Memoirs of Alexander Campbell)

Jesus and the Nobleman’s Son in Cana

By Paul Earnhart

As Jesus went about preaching in Galilee, he came to Cana where he had made the water into wine.  That was the only previous miracle Jesus had wrought in Galilee, but it had left its impression on the people there. (See John 4:46-54)

A nobleman, who lived several miles away in Capernaum, had a son who was at the point of death.  He came to Jesus, begging Him to come and heal his son.  Jesus did not immediately perform the miracle.  Miracles were secondary to teaching.  Their purpose was to encourage belief.  Jesus gently chided the man for requesting a sign.  Jesus said, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” (John 4:47).  But when the man persisted, Jesus said, “Go your way, your son lives.”

The man had enough faith to leave the presence of Jesus to make the journey back to Capernaum.  And he found that Jesus had indeed healed the boy, even from a distance, for the fever left the boy at the very time when Jesus had spoken the words.

There are several levels of faith revealed in this story: First, the man had faith enough to come to Jesus to ask for the healing.  Then his faith increased to the point that he was willing to return to Capernaum in the belief that Jesus had healed the boy.  Finally, we are told that after the miracle, the man himself believed and his whole house (John 4:53).

If Jesus felt that this man should believe without a miracle, how much more should we!  We have the account of numerous miracles that Jesus and the apostles did.  John said, “These are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God, and that believing you might have life through His name.” (John 20:31).  We can believe today through the study of the scriptures.  And just as the faith of this man grew as he saw the works of Jesus, ours can grow as we read about them in God’s word.  So then faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).

Boldness: A Call to Live with Courage and Conviction

By David Norfleet

The Book of Acts is more than just an account of the early days of the church.  As the second volume of Luke’s writings, it captures the continuation of Jesus’ work through His disciples after His resurrection and ascension.  In Acts, we witness the powerful movement of the Holy Spirit and the spreading of the gospel despite intense opposition and persecution.  It reveals a striking pattern of boldness—boldness in message, boldness in action, and boldness in the face of danger.  This pattern serves as a model for believers today, calling us to boldly live out our faith with courage and conviction.

The Purpose of Acts: History, Guidance, and Triumph

At the heart of Acts lies a clear and significant purpose.  Luke’s goal was not just to tell a story, but to lay down a historical foundation for the church, demonstrating the origins of our faith and its miraculous spread across the Roman world.  As G. Campbell Morgan aptly put it, this book shows how God’s supply to humanity meets its deepest needs.

More importantly, Acts is a guide for the church.  It provides essential principles that guided the apostles through challenges, persecutions, and triumphs.  These same principles remain applicable to the church today, offering wisdom and direction on how to navigate the complexities of living out our faith in a hostile world.  Finally, Acts highlights the triumphant growth of Christianity, showcasing how the gospel not only survived under harsh opposition but thrived, making its way from Jerusalem to the far reaches of the Roman Empire.

Acts and Boldness: A Hallmark of the Early Church

Throughout Acts, one characteristic stands out: boldness.  The book begins and ends with the bold proclamation of the gospel.  Acts 2:29 and Acts 28:31 both describe the unwavering courage with which the apostles boldly preached the message of Christ.  The Greek word parrhesia, meaning “boldness,” is used consistently throughout the book, underscoring its central role in the early church's mission.

So, what is boldness?  It is the courage to take risks, to speak the truth even when it may lead to danger or opposition.  It combines integrity—honesty and moral uprightness—with courage—the strength to stand firm despite fear or adversity.  In Acts 4, we see a vivid portrayal of boldness in action as Peter and John boldly proclaim the message of Jesus, despite being threatened by the religious authorities.  This boldness was not born of arrogance or self-confidence, but from their deep conviction in the truth of the resurrection and the power of the Holy Spirit.

What Made the Apostles Bold?

In Acts 4, we see a powerful example of this boldness.  After Peter and John healed a man who had been lame from birth, they were arrested and questioned by the Jewish authorities.  The response they gave was a testament to their boldness: they spoke openly about the resurrection of Jesus, declaring that it was through Jesus’ name that the man had been healed (Acts 4:8-12).

What made these apostles so bold?  It was their unshakable conviction in the message they carried—the message of Jesus' resurrection and the hope of salvation through Him.  They had witnessed firsthand the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and now they were empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry that message to the world.  Despite being untrained in the ways of the rabbinical schools, their boldness was evident to everyone, even the Jewish rulers, who could not deny the miraculous healing and the courage of these men.

Boldness in the Face of Opposition

The boldness of the apostles did not go unchallenged.  As we read through Acts, we see that opposition to the gospel grew increasingly intense.  The apostles were not only questioned and threatened, but they were also beaten and imprisoned.  Yet, their resolve did not waver.  When the authorities ordered them to stop speaking about Jesus, Peter and John responded, “We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

The early Christians faced real and immediate danger.  Today, while we may not face the same level of violent opposition, we still encounter challenges and resistance in different forms.  In many places around the world, Christians risk their lives simply by sharing the gospel.  Even in more open societies, there are cultural and social pressures that seek to silence the message of Christ.

We live in a world where speaking about Jesus can sometimes bring ridicule, rejection, or even legal consequences.  Yet, just as the apostles were bold in the face of opposition, we too must find the courage to stand firm in our faith.  In Matthew 10:16-23, Jesus prepares His followers for such opposition, reminding them that they will face persecution but assuring them of God’s presence and protection.

God Desires Boldness for His People

The boldness we see in Acts was not just a human effort.  It was the result of God’s power at work in the apostles.  After their release from prison, the believers in Jerusalem gathered to pray for boldness.  In Acts 4:29-31, they prayed, “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”  God answered their prayer, filling them with the Holy Spirit and empowering them to speak with even greater courage.

Just as God empowered the apostles, He is still at work in His people today.  He desires boldness in His followers.  The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:19, asked the church to pray for him, that he might speak the gospel boldly.  Likewise, we are called to seek God’s strength to live with courage in the face of challenges.  As we trust in His power, we can boldly proclaim the gospel, just as the apostles did.

A Personal Call to Boldness

Boldness is not a trait reserved for the apostles or for those with a certain personality type.  It is a characteristic of all who follow Christ.  Proverbs 28:1 tells us, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”  As followers of God, we are called to be bold, standing firm in our faith and declaring the truth of the gospel.

However, this is not always easy.  There are moments when fear, doubt, or a desire to please others can cause us to shy away from speaking the truth.  Like many, I have faced moments of hesitation, moments when I was worried about what others would think or feared the consequences of standing firm in my beliefs.  But we are not called to live in fear.  Instead, we are called to trust in God, to remember that He is with us, and to speak boldly for His glory.

As we close, let us remember the words of Isaiah 50:7, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”  With God’s help, we can face opposition, speak with boldness, and live out the truth of the gospel in every situation.