Pray For The Living, Not The Dead – by Pastor Jason Shults

As God is the all-powerful sovereign over all creation, we can appeal to Him to intervene in the lives of our unbelieving friends, family, leaders and community. We can and should ask that He would convict lost sinners of their need for salvation and lovingly draw them to repentance and saving faith in Jesus Christ. Our God is merciful, loving and mighty to save.

That same all-powerful God is also sovereign in determining both the means and the timing through which He will bring salvation to His people. He told His prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 49:8) that “in an acceptable time have I heard thee and in a day of salvation have I helped thee.” Generations later the Apostle Paul picked up Isaiah’s sentiments and applied them to the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As he wrote to the church at Corinth, the apostle quotes Isaiah’s words and then applies them like this in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the accepted time! Behold, now is the day of salvation!”

For His own glorious purposes, the means by which God has determined to save sinners is by the declaration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They must hear and believe that Jesus lived for them, died for them and rose again for them. In this way, Jesus defeated death and lives forever to give everlasting life to all who believe.

God is also clear that repentance of sin and faith in Jesus must occur in this natural life. Everyone who believes is delivered from the condemnation of their sin. Everyone who does not believe is “condemned already.” (John 3:16-18) In other words, there are two eternal destinations for each person on this earth. You either believe in Jesus in this life and then pass from this world into everlasting life … or, you finish life without faith in Jesus and in dying, you are subject to eternal punishment in Hell called “the second death.” (Revelation 2:11; 21:8)

The transition from this life to your eternal destiny is immediate. It happens instantly for believers as Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 5:8 that being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. It also happens instantaneously for unbelievers. When Jesus told the story of the rich man and Lazarus, that wicked rich man, (Luke 16:23) “in Hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments.”

Roman Catholics have argued for the existence of Purgatory, a place that is not-quite-Heaven and not-quite-Hell. They say, in this world, we can pray for those dead souls that they might be delivered from Purgatory and transferred to the presence of God. This concept is unbiblical. There is no support for it in Scripture. It is a figment of unbiblical imagination.

Another idea bordering dangerously on that Roman Catholic theology is the suggestion that we can pray for the salvation of those who have already died. The argument, as I understand it, is that the sovereign God is timeless and so He is not limited by time in order to perform His will. There is some truth to this. God does exist outside of time. However, He has chosen to reveal Himself to us in time and acts in time. He sent us Jesus, God the Son, when the fullness of time was accomplished. (Galatians 4:4)

Odd ideas like praying for the dead are the result of human reasoning and not Biblical teaching. This is a good example of why exposition (reading and explaining the Biblical text, in context) is vital. If we simply say what the text says, we would never suggest praying for the dead since I cannot find anything in Scripture where someone prayed for the dead, suggested praying for the dead or were commanded by God to pray for the dead. Instead, we only find the sovereign God who has revealed Himself in time commands us to work in time to spread the the Gospel of Jesus until the end of time.

There is no Biblical sanction for praying for the salvation of those who have died. No doubt this is sad news for those of us who have loved ones who have died without professing faith in Jesus. However, the alternative to this truth is to ignore Scripture and leave open the suggestion that somehow there’s hope for those who die without Jesus. Let’s not confuse the fact that we are called to proclaim the Gospel to those around us because their situation is dire.

Even a thief dying on a cross in the final moments of his life has the opportunity to look to Jesus in faith. But once we pass from this life without Him, there is no posthumous plan of salvation. Hebrews 9:27 is clear, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” If we are bound by God’s Word, we’ll find our time is not to be spent praying for the dead. It is to be spent making impassioned Gospel-appeals to lost souls around us because, after they die, they’re facing an eternal judgment from which no amount of prayer can deliver them.

Death is final. Hell is real. Look to Jesus in faith. Now is the accepted time! Now is the day of salvation!

The Most Hated Doctrine in the Bible – Part 3

It has been my supposition in this series that the doctrine of Election is the most hated doctrine in the Bible. Again, briefly summarized, the doctrine of election teaches that before humanity was ever formed from the dust of the ground, in fact, before the vast universe was spoken into existence, God sovereignly choose an innumerable number of people to redeem. This undeserving (though yet uncreated) multitude are loved by the Father, rescued by the Son and quickened by the Spirit. Each and every one of those who were “given to Christ,” will be saved, sanctified and one day, glorified.

Often critics of the doctrine of election say God doesn’t only save a “select elect few.” I agree (partially). The elect children of God number as the grains of sand on the seashore or the stars of heaven. Incalculable by men, but each and every person individually ordained and loved by the Almighty. Just as God numbers the stars of heaven and calls them by name, so too will Jesus, the gentle Shepherd, lovingly draw every chosen sheep into the fold.

I realize, there is a large swath of Christianity that reject and refuse this doctrine. Yet I have sought to establish there is a plethora of Scriptures that substantiate this teaching. In the hope (however naïve it may be) it will provoke thought and study among born-again believers. Folks, it’s not like there are only one or two obscure passages that “may” support the doctrine of election. Instead, there are literally dozens. I could fill the rest of this page quoting verses that proclaim and explain the doctrine of election.

However, I don’t think the primary issue for those who deny this teaching stems from not seeing the word used repeatedly on the Inspired page. Or that serious Bible students think the matter too controversial, or unimportant or trivial. Rather I think people deny the doctrine of election because they don’t truly comprehend the radical depravity of man. If one truly understood the utter lostness and complete inability of unsaved sinners to appease God, I believe they would readily accept the doctrine of election.

Allow me to develop this thought.

The Bible asserts that humanity is totally depraved. That is, since the fall of mankind in the garden (Genesis 3:6-19), every single person on the planet is born with a sinful nature. To illustrate this truth, consider this: none of us have to teach our children how to lie, deceive or disobey. This behavior is undeniable evidence the human race is born with a sinful selfish nature. Of course, saying that all men are sinners, does not mean every person is as bad as they could be. Or even as bad as another person. Nevertheless, the Bible clearly states, that in our natural condition we cannot please God, nor do we seek after God. Romans 3:10,11 declares, “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God.” As painful to our ego as it may be, the Bible affirms; outside of Christ, even our righteous deeds are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Sin has penetrated our very core, even to our soul. So much so that our heart is “deceitful and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). Humans, in our lost estate, love darkness rather than light, because our deeds are evil (John 3:19).

As if that isn’t damning enough, the Scriptures also present unsaved sinners as spiritually dead. Apart from the new birth, all of us are born with physical life, but not spiritual life. I cite Ephesians 2:1 “And you hath he quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins.” Ephesians 2:5 reiterates this truth by stating, “even when we were dead in sins …” The word “dead” used in those passages means just that, dead or lifeless. From our natural birth, we are void of spiritual life. Without the enabling of God’s Spirit, we cannot understand spiritual truths (1 Corinthians 2:14) and further yet, the preaching of the cross is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18). Salvation requires the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit making the Gospel message real, to grant life to spiritually dead sinners.

Two last Scripture references from the words of Jesus in John 6:44 and 6:65, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him …” and “… no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.” That seems pretty clear to those who have ears to hear!

However contrary it may be to modern psychology or philosophical views; God’s Word presents men in their true estate, morally bankrupt. Friends, lifeless corrupt sinners are simply unwilling and unable to appease a Holy God. Left to ourselves, all of humanity would be ultimately condemned.

When, and only when, one rightly grasps this truth, will they welcome the doctrine of election. As long as you continue to cling to some erroneous idea that you chose God rather than him choosing you, you’ll continue to deny the doctrine of election. If however, you will concede that we love Him because He first loved us; then you must admit, God alone is the active agent in regeneration.

Folks, humanity’s utter inability to approach God on our own proves this basic truth: had God not chosen us, we would never have chosen Him! Or simply stated, had God not chosen some, none would ever be saved!

Examine Yourselves

Recently I read a book entitled, “The Unsaved Christian.” The title itself is a misnomer, and intentionally so. The author, Dean Inserra, lists numerous popular misconceptions about what it means to be a Christian. The book is spot-on accurate in stating that within our own families, in our churches, and in particular in the South at large; there are many, many folks who think they are Christians, but have never truly been born-again. While this fallacy is not limited to the Bible Belt, it is certainly prevalent here. Within the minds of thousands of “good people” right here in central Georgia, exists this well-ingrained error that suggests we are Christians because of our heritage or culture. Far too many people believe they are Christians, and have a right standing with God, yet they have never truly been saved. In fact, I would dare say, some of you reading this article, would fall into this category. I don’t write these words in an accusatory tone, but with concern for your soul. So lovingly, but boldly I will reiterate my statement; it is likely someone reading this article, may in fact be an “unsaved Christian” … hence not a Christian at all.

Perhaps you think that is an overstatement? Maybe you think I am mistaken? If so, let me ask, what are you trusting in, to inherit eternal life? A Christian shouldn’t mind having their faith challenged. Instead, a true disciple of Jesus understands the importance of making sure our hearts are right with God. In fact, the Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 13:5, that we should “examine ourselves to determine whether we are in the faith.” 2 Peter 1:10 states, “make your calling and election sure.” Biblically speaking, there is nothing of any greater value that you could do right now, than to make sure you are indeed a born-again follower of Jesus Christ. Don’t deceive yourself, and don’t be deceived. Your soul is of far too great a value, to be wrong about this. Whether you realize it or not, even down here in the buckle of the Bible belt, there is a fundamental misunderstanding of conversion.

In the book, Inserra addresses the rampant ideology of what he terms, “Cultural Christianity.” The best way to briefly explain this would be to ask a series of questions.

• Do you think you are a Christian, because you are a staunch conservative or hold to traditional American values?
• Maybe you love to hear the preacher rail against liberal politics?
• Perhaps you think you are a Christian because you grew up in church?
• Or because your parents are Christians?
• Maybe you believe in “God and Country” and stand with your hand over your heart during the national anthem?

But friends, you are not a Christian because you are a gun-toting, Republican-voting, flag-waving patriot! In far too many pulpits, the pastor addresses politics rather than Biblical principles and the people in the pew love to have it so. Unfortunately, all that behavior produces are moral theists who think God and Country are synonymous entities. Folks, when the Bible and the Constitution are unequally yoked together, the public gets a skewed view of what it truly means to be a Christian.

Before I close, allow me to address what I believe to be the single greatest reason there are so many “unsaved Christians.” The primary reason, I think there is a lack of clarity as to what it means to be a Christian could be summed up in two words, poor theology.

It would be impossible to overstate the eternal harm easy-believism and unscriptural practices have done to countless souls.

Allow me to explain what I mean. There is far more to conversion than repeating a prayer, signing the back of a tract, kneeling at an altar or having an emotional experience. The largest block of unsaved Christians (in my opinion) come from false professions of faith. From men and women who did what the preacher told them to do, but never truly had a life-changing encounter with Christ.

I know what I am about to write will not be popular, but frankly, when dealing with the souls of men, clarity and boldness is essential. Regardless of what men may say, nowhere does the Bible teach what is commonly called, the sinner’s prayer. Furthermore, there is not one single example anywhere in all of Holy Writ of this method of conversion being employed. Folks, just because you slipped your hand up, when every head was bowed and every eye closed, doesn’t necessarily mean you are saved. Too many people have repeated a prayer, but never truly repented of their sins! Note my words carefully, God sometimes saves sinners when men employ these extra-Scriptural practices, but God saves His children in spite of them, and not because of them.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to see people saved. I pray that God uses His word to convert sinners. But a zeal for souls doesn’t justify preachers utilizing gospel gimmicks. There are far too many people, who wrongly think they are Christians because they had an emotional experience at a funeral, or raised their hand as a child at VBS; but will reluctantly admit it never truly made a change in them.

So again, in what or in whom, have you placed your hope for heaven? If you are trusting in anything other than the finished work of Jesus Christ, you are not a Christian. Even if you think you are. In the world of Christianity, there are believers, unbelievers and make-believers (Matthew 7:21-23). Which are you?

Reading Inserra’s book, may be a good way for you to determine, am I an unsaved Christian? 

I implore you, examine your own soul. 

Christ must dwell in you, and you in Him.

A Tragic End

Someone once rightly said, “sin would have far less takers, if the consequences were always immediate.” This is a phrase well-worth considering. Likewise, it was the famed evangelist, R.G. Lee who stated, “the judgments of God often have leaden heels and travel slowly, but they always have iron hands and crush completely.” Both these statements could well have been engraved on the tombstone of Israel’s first king, Saul. For decades the stubborn monarch obstinately refused to obey the word of God spoken by Samuel the prophet. Even though Saul had been brought from obscurity to sit upon the first Jewish throne, he refused to submit to God. Saul had been blessed above all his fellows to be Israel’s chosen ruler. Yet, arrogance and animosity blinded the tormented mind of the king and led him down a path of utter ruin. The unruly ruler refused to bend his knee to God’s commands and shook his feeble fist in the face of the Almighty. Yet, God’s word plainly declares, “the wages of sin is death,” and Saul’s royal position garnered him no divine pardon. Injured and afraid, the headstrong king died an inglorious death on a Judean hillside.

Let’s take a brief look at the tragic end of King Saul.

Forty years had passed since Saul was first anointed as king over God’s chosen nation. Tall, dark and handsome, Saul was given the privilege and responsibility of ruling over the 12 united tribes of Israel. He began his kingship with humility and a zeal for the people. Saul led the nation to several victories over invading armies and fought for control of the Promised Land. His firstborn son (Jonathon) was a loyal and valiant soldier, who remained faithful to his flighty father.

Yet, having received clear commands from God’s prophet, Saul blatantly disobeyed and determined to do only what suited him. Samuel pled with Saul to realize these incessant acts of rebellion would cost him the crown, but he refused to listen. Looking for someone to blame, and negating his own guilt, Saul lobbed baseless accusations and sharpened javelins at his innocent servant, David. The erratic ruler became more obsessed with murdering young David than governing the land. The same man who was nervously hiding at his own inauguration, ended up ordering the death of dozens of priests and their families! Incompetence is dangerous for anyone in authority, but worse than that, Saul was insolent towards God and indifferent to the people he was meant to rule.

After years of defying God’s laws and disregarding God’s warnings, the Lord declared the kingdom would be seized from Saul and given to another. With God no longer speaking to him, and faced with an invading vast Philistine army, Saul does the unthinkable, and turns to a necromancer for counsel. This was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back … the end of Saul’s legacy. There, the rejected king is told (through the most curious of means) that the very next day would be his last. He receives an unwanted, but merited message of condemnation and judgment. Payday had come for the rebel king.

The next day, as the battle ensued; Saul watched as the armies of Israel turned their backs and fled. He stood on his chariot and helplessly watched as three of his sons (including Jonathon) are brutally killed by the enemy. Finally, a Philistine archer unleashes an arrow and it pierces Saul’s flesh. Mortally wounded, and afraid the pagan soldiers would torture him, Saul falls on his own sword and commits suicide.

As if this is not tragic enough, things went from bad to worse for Saul. The most devastating tragedy for Saul was not the defeat of his army, or the death of his sons, but the damnation of his soul. The self-willed king lived a stubborn and rebellious life refusing to bow his knee to his Creator and died a tragic death. Yet, as painful as his wounds were, they are nothing compared to the suffering of eternity in a lake that burns with fire and brimstone.

Oh, how different the story might have been, if only Saul had bowed his will to God’s. But he defiantly refused.

I share this Old Testament account with you as a warning. Perhaps you’ve never considered this, but the Bible declares, that we are all born with the same rebellious spirit as Saul. Everyone of us are, by nature, stubborn sinners who refuse to bend the knee to God. We all innately do what pleases us, rather than what God has commanded. Each of us face a tragic end, apart from a soul-saving, life-changing encounter with Christ.

Jesus Christ, the King of all kings, always did that which pleased His Father. Jesus lived a perfect and obedient life to earn a righteousness that can be imputed to us, when we place our faith in Him. Jesus died in the behalf of sinners and rose again that we might have everlasting life.

Don’t be like Saul. Don’t die a tragic death and face an eternity separated from the love of God. Trust in the finished work of the Risen Messiah less the iron hands of the Almighty lay siege to your soul.

Hearing from Heaven

When faced with a life-threatening crisis, to whom do you call upon? Where do you turn when calamity comes to call? During chaplain training this week, we were informed 70% of Americans will face an unexpected serious traumatic event at some point in their lives. This statistic doesn’t mean the rest of us will skate through life worry-free. Rather, in this world we will have tribulation (John 16:33); it is inescapable. That is to say, all of us will face tragedy in some form.

In those bleak hours each of us will turn to someone or something for help, healing, guidance or strength. So, where do you turn?

God’s people should always entreat God for comfort and counsel. It should come as a complete shock then to read in 1 Samuel 28, that Israel’s Ruler, when confronted with potential disaster, sought the worst of sources. Saul, Israel’s first king, scandalously turned to the devilish act of necromancy for assistance! Calling upon the dead, witchcraft and black magic was strictly forbidden by God’s law. Yet surprisingly, this was exactly what the erring king did when trouble came. The conjurer Saul petitioned is commonly called, “the Witch of Endor.”

Allow me to briefly share the background behind this curious event, and what we can learn from it.

Saul had repeatedly refused to listen to God. Time and time again, Samuel the prophet endeavored to warn and counsel the king. Nevertheless, Saul consistently and defiantly rejected the Lord’s instruction. Yet the moment impending catastrophe appeared, in the form of a massive blood-thirsty Philistine army; Saul vainly sought the Lord’s help. Unfortunately, the king had defied the Almighty too often and for too long. God simply spurned the stubborn king’s empty appeals. Unable to confer with heaven, Saul fiendishly intreated the powers of hell. The obstinate ruler had rejected God, so God ultimately rejected Him.

This may come across as harsh or inconsistent with your view of God, but it is true nonetheless. Furthermore, I think it teaches a couple invaluable lessons.

First and foremost, if you refuse to listen to God, He may just stop speaking. Again, this may sound strange to you, but this was exactly what happened to King Saul. So, I reiterate, if you refuse to listen to God, He may stop speaking. Understand, I am not suggesting God now speaks audibly to anyone. There was a time, yes; when God thundered from heaven making Himself and His will known. However, the Bible declares in Hebrews 1:1-2, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son …” God now speaks to us by the Living Word, that is His Son Jesus Christ and by the written Word, the Bible. Simply stated, if you want to hear from God, listen to and obey the Gospel message and open God’s Word.

King Saul continually chose to ignore God’s mouthpiece (Samuel the prophet) and defy his Maker. So much so, that when Israel’s leader finally did call out to heaven, God disregarded his prayers. Consider this reader, if you insolently scorn God’s voice, God may just stop speaking … or listening. I may say it like this, you will reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7). If you ostracize God, God may ostracize you. If you refuse to bend the knee to Christ’s Lordship and reject His Son, God may judiciously reject you.

Which leads us to the second lesson we learn from this strange encounter. God is not indebted to mankind.

The Lord was under no obligation to answer Saul’s empty appeals. Israel’s Ruler, like many others, have a skewed view of God. In popular jargon, Saul expected God to serve as a life preserver and not the Captain of the ship. In other words, the king didn’t really want God, he just wanted God’s help. Saul wasn’t sincerely calling to God for salvation. Rather he simply wanted deliverance from his troubles, and there is a vast difference between the two.

Far too many individuals wrongly assume God is like a maid whose sole purpose is to show up when called upon and clean up our messes. Countless people suppose God is akin to an imaginary genie in a bottle that can be summoned whenever we choose to grant our wishes. But friends, the God is the Bible is not some cosmic concierge at the beck and call of humanity. More accurately, He is the Divine Sovereign of the Universe that does what He pleases, when He pleases and where He pleases.

If you want to hear from heaven, then you must listen to God as He speaks to us in the person of His Son. The Bible says that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Christ died for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day that we might have unfettered access to the throne of Grace.

Saul was soon killed in battle and learned too late, that it is we who need God, and not God who needs us.

Restraining Grace

Has God ever prevented you from doing something really, really dumb?
Has God ever restrained you from lashing out in a way that may have led to jail time, or serious injury to yourself or another person? This probably doesn’t sound like proper preacher language, but these are legitimate real-life questions nonetheless.

Have you ever gotten so mad that you were determined, no matter what the consequences, you were going to right some wrong? In a moment of unbridled anger, you didn’t care what it cost or who it hurt? Maybe, in a fit of rage, you were going to “set things straight” or get even, only to have God intercept your plans? Friends, this is God’s restraining grace … and we ought to be thankful for it.

In my own life, God has (on more than one occasion) delivered me, from me. Does that make sense to you? God has graciously kept me from doing something that could have hurt someone, ruined my life or at the very least, ruined my testimony. Have you also experienced this?

King David certainly did.

In 1st Samuel 25, David (not yet king) and his small militia have spent months on the run from the armies of the jealous and unstable King of Israel, Saul. During their time of hiding in the Judean wilderness, David’s men had gone to great lengths to protect the flocks of a wealthy Israelite named Nabal. After weeks of safely sheltering both the sheep and the shepherds, the future king sends word to Nabal to give his men a suitable reward for guarding his herds. David wasn’t interested in financial compensation, but instead food and nourishment for his men who were living on the run. Rather than thankfully rewarding David’s soldiers, instead Nabal (whose name means fool) rails on them and sends them away empty.

This response infuriates David … it makes his blood boil. He tells 400 warriors to strap on their swords and prepare for battle. In a heated rage, David is about to exact bloody vengeance on Nabal and his entire household. Note David’s angry words, “Surely in vain I have protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil for good. May God do so, and more also, to the enemies of David, if I leave one male of all who belong to him by morning light.” (1 Samuel 25:21,22)

David intends not only to kill this greedy stubborn foolish man, but also his sons and every male servant he has. In a moment of unbridled anger, David is about to murder dozens of innocent men. Certainly, Nabal should have honored the reasonable request of Israel’s future king, but Nabal’s refusal did not grant David the right to commit mass murder.

Fortunately, one of Nabal’s servants warns Nabal’s wife (Abigail) of what was about to happen. Quickly and wisely, Abigail gathers bread, wine, water, mutton and other edibles to present to David. She and some servants load these gifts on the back of donkeys and set out to intercept David and his soldiers.

Abigail humbly implores David not to act hastily, but to receive her offering and turn vengeance over to God. Her shrewd actions and soft words, calm his angry spirit. 1 Samuel 25: 32-34 reads, Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand. For indeed, as the Lord God of Israel lives, who has kept me back from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males would have been left to Nabal!”

Abigail was God’s means of restraining grace to keep David from doing evil that would haunt him the rest of his days. In his anger, the Lord’s anointed would have been guilty of a grievous crime. David acknowledged in verse 39 that it was God that “kept his servant from evil.”

Has God ever hindered you by His restraining grace? Has God curtailed your wrathful plans to “get even?” Has God kept you back from doing something you’d later regret? Certainly so, and you should praise Him for it.

Whether we recognize it or not, each of us are fully dependent on the many facets of God’s Grace. In order to have eternal life, we need God’s saving grace. That grace can only be found by faith in Jesus Christ. Have you experienced this grace?

Also, and more to the point of this article, we also need God’s restraining grace. Which has, probably more than we even realize, saved us from ourselves.

Are you thankful for God’s grace? If so, thank God for it. If not, ask God for it.

Obedience brings Deliverance

“If only my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:3). These heartfelt words come from a most surprising source.

It is somewhere around the year 850 B.C. The Syrian Army, led by their skilled and battle proven commander, Naaman, has led yet another successful raid against the Holy Land. Among the other spoils of victory, the Syrians have kidnapped numerous Israelites and brought them back to the Syrian capital of Damascus to serve as slaves. One of the young ladies captured (whose name is never revealed) is required to serve as a handmaid to the wife of Naaman. However, this unidentified Jewish girl, probably not even in her teenage years, has not allowed her unfortunate circumstance to sour her, nor derail her faith in God. This little housemaid is a minor character that has a major impact in the unfolding of events in this narrative.

You see, not only was Naaman a mighty warrior and Captain of the Syrian Army, he was also a leper. This debilitating disease known as leprosy was far more common in the ancient world, than it is now. For any who may not be familiar with leprosy, it is a dreaded and repulsive malady. If left uncured, leprosy causes unsightly skin sores to appear. These swollen and open wounds make the leper susceptible to further illness. Eventually, irreparable nerve damage occurs to the body’s extremities, that often result in the loss of body parts. This crippling disease was widely feared, and less the sickness spread, those diagnosed would quickly be driven away from society and forced to live as outcasts.

As we study the narrative in 2 Kings 5:1-15 it appears that Naaman’s leprosy had not advanced to the point that he was incapacitated or yet forced to live a life of solitude. However, unless dealt with or cured in some way, Naaman, this mighty man of valor, would be doomed to die in the most inglorious way.

This is where the tender-hearted words of a kidnapped servant girl make a life-changing impact in the lives of those around her. This little maid says to Naaman’s wife, “If only my master [Naaman] were with the prophet [Elisha] who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” Her bold statement of faith gives hope to Naaman’s troubled wife. Quickly passed along, these words eventually reach the ears of the Syrian King. Unsure of their validity, but not wanting to lose a successful military leader, the King of Syria orders Naaman and his servants to find the prophet of God in Samaria. They are commanded to offer Elisha a large treasure chest of silver, hopefully persuading the prophet to heal Naaman of his leprosy.

However, when Naaman and his men arrive at the home of Elisha, the man of God does not even step outside. Instead, he sends a messenger out with these instructions; tell Naaman to “go down to the Jordan River and dip himself seven times, and he will be healed.” Naaman, this high ranking Syrian leader considered this response both disrespectful and absurd. “A slap in the face” that someone of his stature would be treated in such a way. Furthermore, Naaman must’ve thought, what a silly suggestion; to go down to that muddy Jordan River and dip seven times to be cured? Infuriated and humiliated that Elisha did not “roll out the red carpet” for him, Naaman shouts some very unseemly words at the man of God, before turning in a rage to return home.

Yet, with tenderness and great wisdom, Naaman’s servants compel him to try what the prophet has instructed. They exhort their leader to calm down and think. They reason with Naaman and ask, “had Elisha commanded you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? So then, why not obey this simple command?” Reluctantly, Naaman does as he is told. He goes down to the Jordan River and dips himself seven times and is immediately cured! WOW! What a miracle! Naaman and his servants rejoice.

But readers, please understand … there was nothing magical about the waters of the Jordan River. Naaman was healed because he obeyed.
His obedience brought deliverance.

This Old Testament story illustrates a very vivid truth. Whether we realize it or not, we are all like Naaman. We are afflicted with a disease that is both destructive and deadly. Throughout Scripture, leprosy is compared to sin. Although, we may not be diagnosed with the actual disease of leprosy, we have all been infected by sin. But there is Good News! Jesus Christ came to heal the sick, raise the dead and cleanse the lepers (Matthew 10:8). By trusting in Jesus’ perfect sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, spiritual lepers can be healed. God’s plan of salvation is simple, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. This may seem silly or absurd to the sophisticated, but so did Elisha’s command to Naaman. Nevertheless, when he was healed, Naaman was delighted that he simply obeyed God.

It wouldn’t have done Naaman any good to have gone to any other river, except the Jordan. Nor will it do you any good to seek salvation in any other source, other than the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Just like Naaman’s servants reasoned with him, I will reason with you … you don’t need to do some grand thing. You don’t have to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. You don’t have to repeat a thousand “Hail Mary’s.” You don’t have to donate a million dollars to charity. All you have to do in order to be made whole is to repent of your sins and trust in Jesus Christ alone.

Pride and stubbornness nearly kept Naaman from being cured. Don’t let your pride or self-worth keep you from being saved. Obey the Gospel, and place your faith in the finished work of Christ, and you too will be healed.

Finally, if you are a Christian … you have the opportunity to do what this unnamed little maid in this story has done. You can have a minor role that has a major impact in the lives of those around you. I remind you, this young girl was forcibly taken from her home … required to serve as a slave to the enemy of her people, yet she did not allow her unwelcomed situation to rob her of her confidence in the healing power of God. Rather than being filled with spite and bitterness, she instead showed compassion on her captors and her words led to a supernatural healing by God. You too can tell others what God can do for them!

I assure you, Naaman was more than thankful that this young maid (and his own servants) compelled him to obey the Word of God.

Obedience to the Gospel, brings eternal deliverance.

A Strange Sounding Suggestion

“Preach the Gospel, die, and be forgotten.” This is a loose quote attributed to a preacher named Count Zinzendorf (1700-1760) a bishop of the Moravian Church. These words were meant to admonish the young missionaries he was training, that they were not being sent to build their own fiefdoms, or publicize their own name; but to proclaim Christ and further His kingdom. Self-promotion, pride, nor a desire for prominence have any place in the heart of a disciple of Jesus, particularly those in the ministry. The Christian instead, should seek to emulate the humble sentiments of John the Baptist. When speaking of Christ, John adamantly declared, “He must increase, and I must decrease” (John 3:30).  Every born-again believer should desire to see the name of Jesus glorified among men, whether people on this earth ever recognize us or not. Though spoken over three centuries ago, Zinzendorf’s counsel could well be applied to the Christian today. Preach the Gospel, share the Gospel, promote the Gospel. Die and be forgotten.

Let me clarify. No one, naturally, wants to be wholly forgotten when they die. We all want to leave some mark or some memory on those around us. Zinzendorf was not advising that Christians lead such an isolated life, that no one is aware we lived. No, quite the contrary. It is the names of those who have most impacted the kingdom of Christ that are most remembered. Furthermore, Zinzendorf was not suggesting we dishonor our loved ones by erasing all memories of them. Whether dead or alive, we ought to give reverential honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7).

While Zinzendorf’s words could be misconstrued, when not taken in context, the meaning behind his exhortation is Biblically sound. In view of eternity, what does it matter if humanity remembers much about us, but know nothing about Jesus? What would it profit someone spiritually or eternally to have heard your every opinion on politics, but not heard the Gospel? What do you want to be remembered for? Your unyielding allegiance to some political party, or your whole-hearted commitment to Jesus Christ?

When you are dead and gone, what do you want people to remember about you? Seriously, Christian – contemplate these questions. If your name is brought up, do people instantly associate you with your favorite sport, sports team, or hobby? Or do they associate you with Christ? I realize “down here in SEC country”, Georgia football is a way of life … but Christian folks ought to be more concerned with seeing people saved, than seeing football on Saturday (or Sunday). In turn, we should devote more time and affection to the eternal than the temporal. I am certainly not opposed to sports, hobbies or leisure, for they all have their proper place. Yet, I don’t want to be primarily remembered as a Bulldog fan, or a gun rights advocate, or an American patriot, though I am all of those things and more. If I am remembered at all, I don’t want it to be mainly for any earthly affiliation, but as a forgiven follower of Jesus Christ.

What about you? Does this sound like a super strange suggestion? Possibly it’s because you’ve never become a Christian?!

Perhaps you’ve become successful in business, and your name is engraved on buildings and street signs all over the community. Yet, if you are a Christian, you should be more concerned about your friends and family being familiar with the accomplishments of Jesus of Nazareth, than your own. Don’t misunderstand me, do great things for humanity. Just don’t trust in those things to save the soul. Nor, emphasize the importance of these things over the soul-saving message of Christ. For on the day of judgment, your good works will not commend you (or anyone else) to God the Father.

“Preach the Gospel. Die and be forgotten” is a strange sounding suggestion indeed. Further yet, these words are about as counter-cultural as any you’ll ever hear. But they are also a convicting challenge for Christians to live in such a way that people perceive our love for Jesus exceeds our love for anyone or anything else. Zinzendorf cautioned the young missionaries under his care to make the Gospel the centerpiece of their lives, and so too should we.

If people remember anything about me when I am dead and gone, I hope it is something like this … “Bro. Lewis preached Jesus Christ and Him crucified as the only hope for lost mankind. Again, and again he warned us to trust in the finished work of the Risen Messiah for the forgiveness of sin.”

Everything else, is less.  

Undeniably Alive

In a court of law, one of, if not the most reliable sources for proving an event actually happened is credible eye witness testimony. Even in our world of DNA testing and video surveillance (all of which can be manipulated) credible first-hand confirmation is of great value to prosecutors. There is a reason why the mafia and other “bad guys” are well known for murdering potential witnesses. The accused criminal realizes how powerful a compelling witness can be to sway a jury. Of course, witnesses can lie and testimonies can be bought off. However, when a lawyer can summon numerous trustworthy sources to share corroborating testimony, the prosecution has a convincing case.

This is exactly what the Apostle Paul does in 1st Corinthians 15:5-8 where we read these words, “He was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep (died). After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also.”

In this short passage, Paul gives a list of dependable persons that could be “sworn in” to testify to the legitimacy of the resurrection of Jesus.

The Apostle begins by calling Peter to the witness stand. The same disciple that had denied even knowing Jesus was also the same man that boldly preached on the day of Pentecost and 3,000 people were saved. Peter transformed from cowardice to boldness, because he knew that the same Jesus he had denied and seen cruelly killed, was also alive again! There is nothing that can be attributed to this sudden conversion in Peter’s life, except he had seen the Risen Messiah.

Then Paul states “the twelve” (a general term for the 12 apostles) could all give supporting testimony of having seen Jesus alive after his crucifixion. On resurrection Sunday the closest followers of Jesus had all gathered together in a room to try and comprehend the events of the last few days when the resurrected Christ appeared to them (John 20:19).

Not only does Paul state the apostles could all verify the resurrection of Jesus as a historical fact, he also states that the Lord appeared to over 500 people at one time. In fact, Paul says that many of those same individuals were still alive and could be called upon to testify to what they had seen. The Apostle Paul is intentionally citing witness after witness to substantiate his claim that Jesus not only died, but that he rose again. Concerning this large group of over 500 persons Albert Barnes wrote, “If the testimony of 500 could not avail to prove his (Jesus’) resurrection, no number of witnesses could. And if 500 people could thus be deceived, any number could.” Simply put, if someone is willing to reject the testimony of 500, then 5,000 or 50,000 would not suffice.

Moving forward, Paul now calls upon James to share his experience with the resurrected Christ. Although there were several men in the New Testament named James, it is commonly accepted by Bible scholars that this James was the half-brother of Jesus. Regardless of who this man was, he is yet another reliable eye witness that could authenticate the claims that Jesus was alive.

Paul now calls upon the apostles yet again as witnesses, as they were the last to see Jesus before he ascended into heaven. In Acts 1:3 Luke writes and says that Jesus “presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them (the apostles and others) during forty days.” The post-resurrection appearances of Jesus were numerous and irrefutable.

However, before he’s done calling on eye witnesses, Paul summons one final person to the stand, “Saul of Tarsus.” Long before the Apostle Paul became the infamous missionary evangelist, he was known as Saul. Saul the Pharisee. The same one who according to his own testimony (1 Timothy 1:12-15) had wreaked havoc on the church. Saul of Tarsus, as he was known, was on his way to Damascus to arrest and imprison Christians when the Lord Jesus appeared to him and changed his life forever. There is no rational explanation for the enormous change of Saul the persecutor into Paul the preacher, except he had a personal encounter with the resurrected Christ.

The resurrection of Jesus is a historical, verifiable proven fact. The question is not, did Jesus really rise from the dead? Instead, the real question is, what does the resurrection mean to you?

Have you trusted in the finished work of the Messiah? He is undeniably alive!

Progressive Sanctification

Sometimes we preachers like to cite haughty theological terminology to make us sound smart (even if we’re not). However, there are some terms every Christian should familiarize themselves with and be ready to give an answer when asked. For example, every born-again believer should be able to explain regeneration and repentance. Every Christian should be able to Biblically defend the virgin birth, the sinless life and the glorious resurrection of Jesus. Now you may not be able to quote chapter and verse (although that would certainly be helpful) still you should be able to Scripturally support these fundamentals of the faith.

One theological title that would also benefit the Christian to familiarize themselves with, is the term sanctification. In fact, it should not only be something that the believer can describe from the Bible, but can also demonstrate by personal experience.

When a person comes to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit of God comes and permanently indwells that individual (Romans 8:9). It is the work of the Holy Spirit not only to save the elect sinner, but also to sanctify them. The word “sanctify” simply means to separate, to set apart or to make holy. In other words, it is the work of the Holy Spirit of God to first save the lost sinner and then to set them apart from the world and make them holy like their Lord. “Sanctification is the process by which the Holy Spirit makes us more like Christ in all that we do, think, and desire (carm.org).”

This is a process.
It is not instantaneous.
This is why Bible scholars call this “progressive sanctification.”

The Christian should always be progressing in their sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The follower of Christ should always grow in the grace and knowledge of the truth (2 Peter 3:18). This does not mean that we become sinless, but rather we learn to detest the evil we once adored. While it is true, that sometimes the Christian journey is three steps forward and two steps back, the overall progress of the life a disciple of Christ is one of maturing in their faith (Job 17:9).

So allow me to ask … are you progressing in your sanctification? If you claim to be a Christian are you more like Christ today, then you were in the past? Have you grown in your love for God, His Word and His people? Do you now hate some of the very same sins that you once loved?

Just like it would be unnatural for a child not to grow physically, in like manner there is something wrong with someone who claims to be Christian, but does not grow spiritually. Perhaps the reason why some individuals do not progress in their sanctification is that they have never truly known regeneration! I would encourage you to make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10). Be certain that you have indeed been born again and know experientially what it means to be a new creation in Christ.

Then realize that sanctification does not mysteriously happen without any effort on our part. We are commanded to work out what God has worked in us (Philippians 2:12). It is true that the Holy Spirit is the empowering force of our sanctification. Yet this is not accomplished by some magical act of religious mysticsim, by which we are helpless recipients, instead it is through some very ordinary means of grace that God conforms us into the image of His Son.

We progress in sanctification by committing ourselves to memorizing, meditating on and obeying the Word of God (John 17:17). We grow in our Christ-likeness by not only reading our Bible, but also reading trustworthy books about the Bible. We become more like Christ when we spend time in heartfelt prayer with our Heavenly Father. Another manner God uses to mold us into the image of Jesus is through Christian fellowship and faithful attendance at church. Sanctification doesn’t just miraculously happen against your will. Rather, we must avail ourselves of every method of spiritual growth that God affords us.

Don’t deceive yourself into thinking you can grow in grace just as well without these things, you cannot. These are the very means by which God has ordained the Holy Spirit will increase your likeness to the Son, and further your Christian walk.

Are you progressing in your sanctification? If not, you need to find out why.