A Salute to a Young Christian Mother

By Larry R. Coffey

Francis Chan wrote a book entitled “Crazy Love” in 2013.  Here is a quote from that book.  "We are consumed by safety.  Obsessed with it, actually.  Now, I’m not saying it is wrong to pray for God’s protection, but I am questioning how we’ve made safety our highest priority.  We’ve elevated safety to the neglect of whatever God’s best is, whatever would bring God the most glory, or whatever would accomplish His purposes in our lives and in the world.”

This reminds me of the Covid pandemic.  Many brethren didn’t attend the worship services for weeks, even months, and some never came back to the church.  That despite the multiple efforts made to provide a safe environment.  That is a once in a 100-year event.  But what about something more common: like the weather.

I have now been a member of the church for 65 years and I have never seen anything keep members away from worship more than the weather.  Something as simple as rain on Sunday morning will keep some away.  Heaven forbid what happens if there is snow or even a forecast of snow.  I want to review two recent weather-related events.

On a recent Sunday morning, it stated snowing about 8:00 am.  Up to three inches was predicted.  Of course, that kept a lot of folks at home.  But, not a young Christian mother with an infant.  She drove by herself almost 50 miles one way to be at worship.  I didn’t actually see her, but it was pointed out to me by one of the men.

Then on Wednesday night of that same week, it was predicted up to one inch of snow on that night starting after 9:00 pm.  I don’t know about others, but from my house to the building, the roads were as clear as any July night.  It did start to snow around 10:00 pm.  I have no lists of people, but I would estimate over one-half of the congregation was absent.

What about our young Christian mother?  Again, I didn’t see her, but a different man other than the one I have mentioned pointed out she was present with her baby.

Another Chan quote: “People who are obsessed with Jesus aren’t consumed with their personal safety and comfort above all else.”

I am told these blogs have low readership.  I am not writing this to put down our members since most are not likely to read it anyway.  I have learned after 65 years, it would be a waste of time.  My purpose is to salute this young mother.  It is obvious to me she is obsessed with Jesus.  Plus, I would not have known this information if two of our men had not been so highly impressed with her, they had to share this news.  And she doesn’t know this is being written.

I am saluting her faithfulness, her example, her commitment and love for our Lord.  She makes me want to be a better person and to never allow safety to come before my commitment to serve my God.  As we read in Heb 10:24-25, “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching.”

Surviving a Godless World: Lessons from the Book of Jude

By David Norfleet

In many emergency services like the military, police, and fire departments, training and drills are a constant part of the routine.  Emergency personnel are often training for situations they hope will never occur.  Yet, the true value of this preparation is revealed when the inevitable emergency strikes.  These professionals are ready to spring into action, relying on the rigorous training they have undergone.  In a similar way, the Book of Jude functions as a survival guide for Christians, preparing them to face the threats of ungodliness and false teaching that were encroaching upon their communities in the 1st century.  Jude’s letter, although addressed to a particular group of believers, is timeless and relevant for Christians today as they contend with similar challenges.

The Shift in Jude’s Message

Jude initially intended to write about the “common salvation” shared among believers (Jude 1:3).  He wanted to focus on the hope and joy of salvation, a theme that undoubtedly would have encouraged and uplifted the saints.  However, as he surveyed the spiritual landscape of his time, Jude recognized that a more urgent message was needed.  False teachers had infiltrated the church, spreading dangerous and ungodly ideas (Jude 1:4).  Jude had to shift his focus to guide the believers through a turbulent period, reminding them of their identity in Christ and equipping them to stand firm in the faith.

Surviving in a Godless World

1. Remember Who You Are

Jude’s first piece of advice to the saints is to remember their identity.  He uses a powerful triad of descriptors: called, beloved, and kept (Jude 1:1).  These three words are not just theological labels, but reminders of who the believers are and why they can stand firm in the faith.  They are called by God to salvation, beloved by God with an eternal love, and kept by His power through all trials.  These descriptors should not just be understood as designations but as life-altering truths.  The knowledge that God loves you, that He has called you, and that He is keeping you provides the strength and security needed to endure any challenge.  Jude repeats this idea throughout the letter to emphasize how vital it is for believers to remember their divine identity in the midst of perilous times.

2. Contend for the Faith

Jude urges believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3).  The word “contend” here comes from the Greek epagonizesthai, which carries the sense of struggling or wrestling with intensity—almost like being in an agonizing contest.  This is not a casual defense of beliefs but an active, passionate fight for the truth.  The faith Jude speaks of is not a collection of human opinions but the one true gospel that was delivered once for all.  To contend for the faith means understanding its value and its vulnerability.  Jude warns that this faith will face threats, from false teachers to external persecution.  But the emphasis on “you” in verse 3 reminds believers that, while collective action is important, each individual plays a vital role in guarding and defending the faith.

3. Do Not Be Caught Unaware

Jude emphasizes the importance of vigilance, warning believers not to be caught unaware (Jude 1:17-18).  The dangers of ungodliness, false teaching, and persecution are real and must not be ignored.  Jude calls Christians to remember the warnings given in Scripture—such as in Matthew 7:15-23 and 1 Peter 4:12—and stay alert.  There is a danger of either being overly paranoid, seeing false teachers behind every corner, or becoming so complacent that one fails to recognize the threat when it appears.  False teachers are not a thing of the past.  They still exist today in various forms: heretics, charlatans, dividers, ticklers, and speculators.  They may come with appealing messages or promises but often seek to distort the truth for their own gain.  Jude’s exhortation to not be unaware is as relevant now as it was then.

4. Look to Self

While contending for the faith and standing guard against false teachers is important, it is also vital that believers look to their own spiritual growth.  Jude cautions that in times of struggle and defense, it’s easy to become so focused on external threats that one neglects their personal transformation.  He encourages Christians to “build yourselves up in your most holy faith” (Jude 1:20).  This means continuing to grow in the knowledge and likeness of Christ, even in the midst of trials.  Spiritual growth should never stop, regardless of circumstances.

5. Look to Others

Jude also emphasizes the importance of looking out for others, particularly fellow believers who may be vulnerable to deception.  In the face of false teaching and persecution, Christians should not only be concerned with their own spiritual survival but also with the well-being of their brothers and sisters in Christ.  Jude calls for a compassionate approach, urging believers to rescue those who are wavering (Jude 1:22-23).  Some may need sympathy, others need a more aggressive intervention, and still others need cautious help.  The key is to meet people where they are, always with a heart of love and care.

Conclusion

The Book of Jude provides a timely and necessary survival guide for navigating a world filled with ungodliness and deception.  His instructions for believers to remember their identity in Christ, contend for the faith, stay vigilant, and look after both their own spiritual growth and the well-being of others are as vital today as they were in the first century.  Christians are called to live faithfully in a world that increasingly opposes the truth of the gospel.  As Jude’s letter reminds us, we can endure in this godless world because we are called, beloved, and kept by the power of God.  The challenges may be great, but the victory has already been secured through Jesus Christ.

Repent, For the Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand

By Paul Earnhart

After Jesus made the journey to Judea where he met Nicodemus and preached and baptized with great success, He returned to Galilee where He had grown up.  And Matthew 4:17 reports that “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”  This was precisely what John the Baptist had been preaching in the wilderness, Matthew 3:1-2.

This message of Jesus (and of John) gives us a clue as to the kind of kingdom that was to be established.  The Jews were expecting an earthly political kingdom.  At the time, they were under the domination of Rome.  They hoped that the Messiah would overthrow the Roman government and establish Jerusalem as the capital of the world.  If this had been the kind of kingdom to be established, Jesus and John would have said, “Arm yourselves, learn to use your weapons, get yourselves into condition, for the battle will soon begin to establish the kingdom of God among men.”  But this was not what Jesus said.

Rather, Jesus and John said REPENT.  The kingdom was to be a kingdom of righteousness.  It was to be made up of individuals who had left the service of Satan to yield themselves completely to the authority of God.  This required a change of heart, and that’s what repentance is.  This was the reason Jesus told Nicodemus that he would have to be born again to enter the kingdom, John 3:3-5.  He would have to be changed within and without.

Many people today express an interest in the kingdom of God.  Their attention, however, is riveted on the Near East and the political and military events that take place there.  That’s the wrong place for our concerns to be centered.  Our concern must be with our own hearts—getting them right with God through repentance.  We must be born again.  That is the condition of our acceptance into the kingdom.  That is where the kingdom must exist—within us!

Psalm 107: A Celebration of God’s Steadfast Love

By Boyd Hurst

Psalm 107 beautifully captures the unchanging love and mercy of God through vivid stories of deliverance.  It begins with a universal call to gratitude: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 107:1).  The psalm then highlights four scenarios where individuals cried out to God and were rescued, illustrating His faithfulness.

The Four Stories of Redemption:

1. Wanderers in the Desert (Psalm 107:4-9):  Lost and desperate, they found no city to dwell in, hungering and thirsting until they cried out, "Lord, help!" God led them to safety and satisfied their longing souls with goodness.

2. Rebels in Chains (Psalm 107:10-16):  Those who rejected God’s counsel suffered affliction, they were chained and overwhelmed.  When they cried for help, God shattered their chains, delivering them from the shadow of death.

3. The Foolish and Sick (Psalm 107:17-22):  Stricken by their own sins and near death, they cried out to the Lord.  He sent His word to heal and rescue them, calling them to rejoice and offer thanksgiving.

4. Seafarers in the Storm (Psalm 107:23-32):  Sailors facing a storm's fury were at their wits' end.  They too cried out, and God calmed the sea, guiding them to a safe harbor.

A Call to Reflect:

Psalm 107 emphasizes the power of crying out to God in times of trouble.  Each rescued group was called to give thanks for His goodness and wondrous works.  The psalm also emphasizes how God blesses the righteous and condemns the wicked.  It ends with a profound challenge: "Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord" (Psalm 107:43).

This psalm reminds us that no matter the situation, God's mercy is always near, ready to restore and renew those who turn to Him.  Let us give thanks for His enduring love!

Preaching in Samaria

By Paul Earnhart

Jesus had a powerful influence on the Samaritan woman whom He met at a well-side.  We read of this in John chapter 4 (John 4:5-42).  When He first began talking to her, she was so concerned with her task of drawing the water from the well that she was not interested at all in the spiritual water He offered her.  But after Jesus had talked to her for a few minutes, after He had demonstrated His supernatural knowledge of her life and had revealed Himself to her as the Messiah, she forgot all about her water pots and went running into the city, saying to her friends: "Come, see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ?" (John 4:29)

One of the greatest hindrances to true faith in Christ is our preoccupation with material things.  We are so busy making a living, providing for our families, looking for a bigger house, trading cars, attending concerts, going to ball games, hunting and fishing, and on and on.  And the result is that we just don't have time for Bible study and prayer and Christian service and attendance to worship.  We are just too busy.

It is altogether to the credit of this woman that even after Jesus had reminded her of her sinful life, she allowed Him to talk to her.  She considered the evidence that He was the Messiah and once she had come to believe in Him, she undertook to share that faith with others.  Like Andrew and Philip (John 1:40-46), she did not try to convince them herself; she brought them to Jesus that they might reach their own conclusions.

And the result was remarkable.  After they had spent time with Jesus, "They said to the woman, 'Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world'" (John 4:42).  Jesus is His own best witness.  Let us take the time to know Him ourselves; then let us take others to the Scriptures that they may see Him for themselves and know that He is the Christ.