The Life of Calvary
Volume 24, Issue 2 February, 2018 A Holy Home Tim Arthur, Editor by Dick Hester took one of his ribs and made it into a THIS MONTH’S VERSES: woman and brought her to Adam. God did he Home is sacred . . . where you to Adam what fathers have been doing all “A new commandment I give T live . . . where your children play . . . over the world. On the arm of her heavenly unto you, That ye love one an- where your parents visit . . . where your Father, she was brought to the first man other; as I have loved you, that dog sleeps. It is a holy place, set apart for and in essence, God said, “She is for you.” ye also love one another. By special purpose The home and family were God’s idea. this shall all men know that ye To begin with, Jesus called marriage What a thought! The family —a relation are my disciples, if ye have holy : “What God has joined together, let ship of humans come together in a special love one to another...” — not man put asumder.” (Matthew 19:6, arrangement under the protection of a holy John 13:34-35 KJV) “Holy” means “set apart for special covenant; a partnership between a man work”. God sets apart the home as holy. and a woman who stand in the presence God can take our home, any assortment of of a Holy God, and by the power of God, people, and create holy moments within it. make a declaration of loyalty and fidelity. The home was God’s idea. After each Folks, this was God’s idea . . . the element of creation, God would declare, “It idea of Almighty God! Then Moses, the is good.” The light, firmament, day, sea writer of Genesis and under the inspiration creatures—everything is “good” and He of God, applies some principles: Genesis even added the superlative, “This is very 2:24says, “Therefore shall a man leave his good.” But, when God saw Adam all alone, father and his mother, and shall cleave He said, “That is not good”. God knew that unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” Adam needed a companion equal to him, a Let there be leaving and cleaving. Let a “completer”, so He created Woman. Every- man leave and a woman cleave and be thing began with God come one flesh (glued, welded, where you So we begin to see the holiness of this can’t tell where one stops and other relationship, born in the Mind of God. He starts). That teaches me that the Family F aint whispers of Spring are in the caused a deep sleep to come over Adam, (Continued on page 2) air, E choes of winter linger everywhere. A Definition of Love B eyond the cold a promise lies; R oses will soon greet winter weary Author unknown fore, and it’s two hands eyes ove is a smile that greets the finding each other on a U nfriendly cold — gone with the L worker returning home. It’s a walk along a night breeze, tasty dinner and a compliment to the cloaked sidewalk. It’s A dmitting defeat as it quietly leaves. holding a car door and person who prepared it. It’s a man eassurance of warmth from a far reaching across to slip R and woman standing over the crib of a away sun. small child. It’s a moment of quiet to the lock on the other side. Y earning for Spring time when gether in the late hours. winter is done. Love is an argument forgotten Love is wondering how the years slipped by so quickly and remember February is an interesting month, with the morning sun. It’s a pleasant Filled with thoughts of love. word of greeting to rumpled hair and ing the good so strongly that there is no room for any regrets. It’s watching The greatest love that we can have sleep filled eyes. It’s a day that will be Comes from our God above. shared. kids grow and hoping they will find the happiness they have brought to you. When we have this love He gives, Love is problems worked out by Others will readily know. mutual consent and understanding. It’s an emptiness when someone de parts and a fullness when he or she The kindness that exudes from us It’s doing what someone else would Brings to our face a glow. like to do and acting as though you returns. It’s uncertainty and assurance and understanding. It’s our past, our Show your love to those about, enjoy it. It’s accepting little annoy Let them know you care. ances without trying to re create what present, and our future. Love is a man and woman. It’s The tiny spark that you ignite the good Lord and time have already May burst into a flare; formed. children and dreams and a home filled with God. A signal to others all around Love is a look across a room, af That you have love to share. via Pulpit Helps firming the beauty, strength, and spirit May it grow till we’re all consumed of the beloved. It’s a closeness at do The Life of Calvary ~ Page 1 With God’s love everywhere! ing things done a thousand times be Fern Hanlin Coberly A Holy Home Our Insidious Sin Problem (Continued from page 1) by David Buffaloe no standard. If good is arbitrary, based is a holy place . It is an idea of God, a on what I think, then what about the per place where God does His work it is a . It "When Jesus had lifted up Himself, and son who believes theft is acceptable? is not a casual event to see if it works saw none but the woman, He said unto What about the murderer, or the adul out; holy union , so holy that in the Book her, Woman, where are those thine ac- terer? How can I judge right or wrong by of Matthew, Jesus reflected on this mo cusers? hath no man condemned thee? what satisfies humanity? The Bible tells ment on earth in the Garden of Eden, and She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said us that "all have sinned, and come short quoted Genesis 2:24. In Matthew 19:4, unto her, Neither do l condemn thee: go, of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). He added, “For this reason . . .” For what and sin no more" (John 8:10 11). Our spiritual speedometer is broken. reason? For the reason that GOD did We are all sold into sin. We need a stan this; this is a work of God . A matrimo n our day and age people can no dard outside ourselves for right and nial miracle happens when God takes two I longer define what SIN is. This is a wrong if morality is to be anything more people and makes them one. The One terrible problem in any society. God has than just a word. That standard exists in who turned water into wine at a wedding said in Isaiah 5:20, "Woe unto them that Jesus Christ and in the written Word of is the One who turns two people into one, call evil good, and good evil; that put God. ever since. There was one man, Adam; darkness for light, and light for darkness, There are many who have the mis then God made woman, Eve, out of him. that put bitter for sweet and sweet for taken notion that salvation by faith in That’s two, but when He joined them to bitter!" When a nation or a people can no Christ does not mandate a changed life. gether in marriage, He made them one longer distinguish between good and This is not truth according to the Scrip again. It is a mystery, a miracle, and it is evil, those people are quickly on their tures. There were two thieves who hung a work of God. way to destruction. Any nation that has next to Jesus as He suffered on the Please, please, regardless of the long since passed into oblivion started cross. One of those thieves reviled Je population of your home or even of the on that terrible pathway when it's people sus, and said "If You are the Son of God, happiness of your home . . . it is a sa- ceased to recognize the difference be get yourself and us down from these cred spot. It is a holy spot . God can do tween good and evil. We must have a crosses.” Yet the other thief said: "Lord, a holy work there . Let the Devil hear way to determine good from evil. We remember me when thou comest into thy these words: God is at work in your must have a rule that we live by, a stan kingdom... " (Luke 23:42). The thief who home . Since your home is God’s idea dard, else we are no more than "...blind repented and accepted Jesus Christ as and work, God can restore life. He can leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead Savior had a change of heart and was blend hearts to blend a family of har the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" saved. The other thief, unrepentant and mony. He can calm storms like He did Matthew 15:14. loving his evil lifestyle, was lost forever. on the Sea of Galilee and create peace . Several years ago I drove a large No, Beloved, you can see literally God is a God of hope, therefore there ladder truck for a sign company. One hundreds of places in the Scripture is always hope. It falls to you and me to day when I was headed toward a job the where only those who underwent a invite God to do the work He so longs truck's speedometer stopped working. change of heart were saved. The woman to do. He brings people together to cre How do you know how fast you're going taken in adultery called Jesus "Lord" and ate a holy home. He can unite a home. If when your speedometer stops working? was saved. The leper came to Jesus and your home is sinking, God can save it. The owner of the company suggested said in Matthew 8:2, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Because God is the God of the home that I follow other vehicles, and match Thou canst make me clean." Upon call there is not any time that there is not my speed to their speed. But, Beloved, ing Him "Lord" Jesus healed him. The hope. If it’s just left up to you and me, that's not a good rule of thumb. If you've centurion who called Jesus "Lord" in we’ll run out of wisdom and solutions. But driven on the highway for more than ten Matthew 8:6 saw his servant healed. The our hope is in the Lord! The God of the minutes you know that this just doesn't blind men who said "yes Lord" to Jesus Garden of Eden is alive today! He gave work! People are always going faster in Matthew 9:28 were healed. life to the first home and He can give life than the speed limit. If I'm going to stay Over and over again in Scripture we to yours. Let’s give our marriages, our within the speed limit I cannot use an see that those who accepted Jesus as homes, our families, to God. Let’s invest other human as my guide. Savior called Him "Lord," and because more in our marriages and homes in The owner next suggested that I they trusted their lives to Him they were 2018, so God’s presence can be sensed count "how fast the white dashes pass saved. It is absolutely false for someone and our hopes fulfilled. under the truck" as I'm driving. I barely to claim Jesus Christ as Savior, and yet passed math in high school, and he ex First We Pray! reject Him as Lord. It is absolutely unbib pects me to gage my speed by the lical for a person to claim that he is a dashes? This is not a good indicator of child of God, and yet wallow in the mud speed. I must have a speedometer, of sin. Those who are Christ's are new something outside of myself that is cali creatures, children of God by faith in brated to tell me how fast I'm going. My Christ and by the supernatural interven own concepts of speed will not work, nor tion of the Holy Spirit of God. If you be will other people's concepts of speed long to Jesus, then live like Jesus and help. There must be an accepted stan love like Jesus. dard, else I may find myself being sternly David Buffaloe pastors Rock Hill Baptist lectured by an officer of the law. Church in Lexington, Tennessee In the spiritual realm there must be via Pulpit Helps a standard for good and evil, else I have
The Life of Calvary ~ Page 2 Twenty-Six Cents Be Clean! by Pastor Jesse Waggoner the truest sense of the word? Not only is trust in God to save us it is how we are — from a tract by Faith, Prayer & Tract League F or this little visit we need a visual to live. To quote once again from Paul; aid. Could I borrow twenty six cents "Stand fast therefore in the liberty e want clean clothes, clean bod please? Make sure it is a quarter and a wherewith Christ hath made us free, and W ies, clean air. We don’t want bad penny. Once you have your visual aids be not entangled again with the yoke of breath, air pollution or “ring around the take a look at the portraits on the front. bondage" (Galatians 5:1). We are not to collar”. Now you may be wondering why I have fall into empty ritual but live with a trust Yet most of us are quite uncon called your attention to Presidents Wash in God everyday of our life. cerned about having a clean heart! Sin ington and Lincoln. It is true that we cele Flip that quarter over and take a and pollution defile us and we make no brate their birthdays this month. Wash look at the eagle on the back. Isaiah effort to be cleansed. Filthy hearts and ington has his on the 22nd and Lincoln said this about trusting in the Lord: "But minds produce filthy words and actions. has his on February 12. We will cele they that wait upon (trust in) the LORD So God says: brate both on President's Day the 19th. shall renew their strength; they shall Wash and make yourselves clean. But it is just more than their historical sig mount up with wings as eagles; they Take your evil deeds out of my sight! nificance that brings them to mind, it is shall run, and not be weary; and they Stop doing wrong. (Isaiah 1:16) that both were men of deep faith. The shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). Come near to God and he will come following quotes should prove this point. Soar with the eagles through faith in near to you. Wash your hands, you sin "No people can be bound to ac God. ners, and purify your hearts, you double knowledge and adore the invisible hand Lastly, flip the penny over. Look minded. (James 4:8) which conducts the affairs of men more carefully at the words just below the pic How can you clean your hearts? There than the people of the United States. ture of the Lincoln Memorial (can you is only one way: Every step by which they have advanced also see Abe sitting between the middle The blood of Jesus Christ His to the character of an independent nation two pillars?). A slight change can take (God’s) Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 seems to have been distinguished by these words from "one cent" to "one John 1:7) some token of providential agency...We sent." We who are trusting in the Lord Our sin offends an infinite God, and ought to be no less persuaded that the are the ones sent with the message that even the smallest sin causes infinite guilt propitious smiles of heaven cannot be Jesus saves. and requires an infinite payment. So God expected on a nation that disregards the Well our little visit is over, but as Himself provided the payment. Jesus eternal rules of order and right, which you drop your change back into your shed His blood on the cross to pay for heaven itself has ordained." George pocket remember the lessons of your the sins of all who admit their sin, believe Washington. twenty six cents. on Jesus, and accept His sacrifice on "It is the duty of nations, as well as their behalf. of men, to own their dependence upon All our clean clothes, cars and bod the overruling power of God and to rec ies are nice, but they won’t help in the ognize the sublime truth announced in Love and day of judgment unless our hearts are the Holy Scriptures and proven by all his clean. So humble yourself before God tory, that those nations only are blessed Hugging and pray this prayer: whose God is the Lord." Abraham Lin “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniq coln. by Dr. Virginia Satir uity, and cleanse me from my sin. Create Some would accuse Lincoln and in me a clean heart, O God”. (Psalm Washington as well as most of the peo ithout a doubt 51:2, 10) ple of their time of being too religious. W the world Have you asked God to make you Perhaps in our day there are fewer peo needs love like a clean? ple of faith. Are you a person of faith? parched desert Now, to be a real person of faith you needs water. Every must place your faith in the right person. one can make a Take a look at the words over Lin positive contribution What God coln's head as well as under Washing by following Jesus’ injunction to love one ton's chin. It is only trust in the one true another. It can be vital for your emotional Expects of a God that counts. For through faith in Him well being. Everybody feels skin hunger we can receive eternal life. The Apostle throughout their lives, and unless that Paul said it this way: "For ye are all the hunger is satisfied by touching, there’s a Christian children of God by faith in Christ Je- vital void in the emotional makeup that’s sus" (Galatians 3:26). going to cause deep unhappiness. We all he important thing is not what the Now look at the single word over know that babies thrive on frequent strok T church or the minister expects of a Washington's head and just behind Lin ing. Well, adults are no different. When Christian—but what God expects. Here coln's right shoulder. The designers of they’re not patted on the hand or em are some expectations that come our money no doubt had in mind our po braced around the shoulder or hugged, straight from the Bible: litical freedom. But what of your personal they withdraw into themselves. I pre freedom from the most pressing bonds scribe four hugs a day for survival, eight 1. He expects us to grow (2 Thess. 1:3) ever to fetter mankind: the bondage of for maintenance, and twelve for growth. 2. He expects us to go (Mark 5:19) sin. Friend, give careful consideration to —Dr. Virginia Satir 3. He expects us to glow (Luke 8:16) your liberty through trust in God. If you 4. He expects us to sow (Mark 4:1 20) need help with that step of faith that is 5. He expects us to show (Ps. 92:1 2) why our church is here. The Life of Calvary ~ Page 3 6. He expects us to know (2 Cor. 5:1) But what of us who know liberty in Prayer, And Wand’ring Thoughts Would You Selected. (Oh, look, the paper’s there Beside the porch. I’ll get it, quick, Fight Gideon’s “I bring my scattered thoughts today, O though in my underwear!) Lord, let them be prayers! It seems that I can’t do better, for my The cat is fed. The dog’s outside. Now Battle? mind runs everywhere. back to prayer .... What’s that? I’ve started at Your throne five times, I The headline of the paper says the by Stan Shelton, Missionary to Austria guess, and then I’ve wandered. President is back. But lay that paper down now, soul; READ Judges 6, 7 My mind has strolled and half an hour squandered. you’re not done with your praying. “And the L ORD looked upon him, and Back to my knees. I’m here now, Lord. said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt I feel I’ve wasted time when I begin then Let’s see — what was I saying? save Israel from the hand of the don’t go heav’nward, Oh, yes, I’m here to ask You, Lord, if Midianites: have not I sent thee? And now I sit here puzzled. (Can You see me? Are You here, Lord?) wand’ring thoughts count with You? hat was it like for Gideon and his I’ve wondered if it counts, if You, dear Could You just let me know You care I W men to encircle the Midianites, Father, know I’m trying; got up to be near You? blow their trumpets, break the pitchers, If wand’ring thoughts are ever “prayer” I came because I love You, Lord; my and shout? They were outnumbered four — or just “disqualifying.” poor mind notwithstanding; hundred and fifty to one, untrained, and My heart is Yours, so please, these inexperienced. What made Gideon will My thoughts flit from pointed praying to tours of mine — be understanding. ing to undertake such an “impossible” some thoughts about a friend And somehow in the silence — (There’s battle? It flowed out of his relationship I’ll see today. (His problem hurts my with God. There was repeated interaction heart — when will it end?) the neighbor’s car now, leaving.) I think ... indeed, I do; I hear a Voice — between God and his chosen leader. That thought becomes a springboard to Let’s notice three things about Gideon. a time ten years ago Lord, I’m receiving! I do receive Your comfort: “Lo, I’m al First, Gideon was not a natural When someone else I know was here leader. He was a fearful individual who (what was it — spring or fall?) ways with you, child.” I do receive Your peace, Lord. “Rest, hid from the Midianites (Judges 6:11). Let’s see, ‘Remember to buy dog food although your mind runs wild. When the Lord appeared to him, He
for the pup this afternoon. promised him victory. This victory was And, oh yes, while downtown, pick up “For I am still your God, and still My eye not based on Gideon, it was based on the package —.’ See I’ve zoomed! scans earth for hearts, the promise of the one who had called From this decade to that, and from one Not minds. For human intellect, at best, him, Jehovah! God said, “Surely I will be season to another is so ‘in part’. with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midia I ended with a dog, when starting prayer I loathe no mind, but neither honor nites as one man” (6:16). Seeing great for one dear brother. thoughts which have no love; spiritual things accomplished does nhot require great people., It requires spiritual What do you think, Lord, of this child, And no mind pierces heaven — only people who will take God at His word and whose mind’s so awfully flabby? hearts ascend above. let Him do His work through them. (Of course, it’s not this way always, You “So don’t despair, child — Yes! This Second, Gideon was not a quick re know, Lord — all this shabby.) hour just passed does count with sponder. God patiently gave him four To take the Kingdom e’en by force — as Me. confirmations of His promise. The meal faith filled prayer possesses; I also care about your pup, and for your was consumed with fire (v. 21), the I have some days when worship soars hungry kitty. fleece signs were given (vv. 36 40), and and intercession presses Those actions may not be a prayer, but the Midianite’s dream was heard (7:9 In to seize sure vict’ry’s prize, the res neither are they sinning. 14). In the end, there was no doubt about cue of men’s souls And I deem worthy service unto Me God’s will. No, today we don’t receive And through travailing prayer attain a your day’s beginnings. signs like Gideon did, but one step at a dozen other goals. “I heard your heart pray for your friend. time the Lord clarifies His specific will for Yes, I’ve had times of power prayer. But And when you saw the dew. our lives and enables us for it. When my God, what of this season? I liked that, as through wand’ring wife and I surrendered to missions, we This morning when my wand’ring thoughts I’ve strolled along with you. entered a grand spiritual adventure. thoughts seem void of rhyme or rea I don’t mind simply being here; all lovers Raising support seemed like we were son. have their memories fighting the Midianites. We were outnum I sit here in this armchair, and while Of simply sitting silently to share each bered (the financial and spiritual chal looking on the lawn, other’s reveries. lenges were beyond our control). What a The sunlight sends a crystal beam ... “You’ll gird for war another day; you’ll blessing to see God do the impossible: the dew makes rainbows ... God! move in bold advance bring us to the field, and enable us for God, look! I’m off again! O Lord, forgive Against dark pow’rs. (Remember when ministry. my wand’ring so. you do, they have no chance!) Third, Gideon was obedient. When ‘Gird up!’ I shout, ‘Now every thought, I But on this day of wand’ring tho’ts, be the time came to go toi battle, Gideon led take you captive — NOW!’ according to God’s command. He had pleased to rest in Me; ‘Become obedient unto Christ!’ I now For I’m the God of all of you, since you learned that victory6 was of the Lord, and also that the Lord was in this battle. He command my brain. love all of Me.” ‘Stop wand’ring!’ (What was that? The knew he was following God’s leading. Do cat? I must let Fluffy in.) The Life of Calvary ~ Page 4 we try to win battles for the Lord in our Good morning, kitty. Need some milk? (Continued on page 6) include unkindness, pride, unseemly be True Love havior, nor includes evil. A person who loves because of ac by Pastor John Davis if God is love, then He should know what ceptance ignores these things in order to love is. God's Word reveals to us several be loved. It can be very dangerous for s we embark upon another Valen things such as love is demonstrated by the person. The godly key factor is "love A tines Day, and for me and my wife sacrifice and in giving. Jesus said that is kind". That is how God loves us and another wedding anniversary (18th), the "Greater love hath no man than this, that has intended for us to love each other. subject of love is again brought to our a man lay down his life for his That is why we can love one another, attention. Love is a wonderful thing when friends" (John 15:13). Love is giving and love our neighbors as ourselves, and it is genuine and shared with others. sacrificial. When you study the passages love our enemies. The right love is kind Today, people have no clue as to concerning a husband and wife relation not abusive or harsh. what love is and where it comes from, ship, you will find time and again that Love or Words? Sadly, this is nor do they know Who is love today. each spouse is to focus upon the other. where many people are deceived when it They walk around believing that they are The husband is to focus upon the wife comes to love. They will love someone in love when they have no clue about and her needs and the wife upon the because the person will say they "love" love. People will write "love" songs again husband and his needs. In this case them. For example, a man may love a having no clue as to what love is. People each is giving to the other. woman because she has told him that will get married thinking they are in love With lust however, it is based upon she loves him. In fact, her actions may to wake up a couple of years later to find our own desires and thus becomes self be very different from her words, but that they really did not love their spouse and ish and not giving. A person who loves doesn't seem to matter. their marriage ends in divorce. How can because of attraction is focused on what There are times in my ministry all of this happen? They are apart from they will have if that person accepts where I have had people say that they the One who is love and demonstrates them. Selfishness is the root and when love me and within a few hours or days what true love is to each and every one two selfish people marry, only failure will be against me with stern anger and even of us. Here are a few enemies to what be the result. to this day will not talk to me. What kind God has told us that love is. Love or Acceptance? I have seen of love is that? A “word love” not a “work Love or Lust? Our TV tries to de in many ministries people who love be love”. fine love as a physical attraction or even cause someone accepts them. A key It doesn't matter how many times a a sexual attraction and when one has phrase for someone who feels they are person says they love someone if their either one of those, they are in love. "in love" but really is just accepted is this: actions do not prove their words. Jesus Friend, may I say this to you, that is not "I love him because he knows me better said in John 14:15: "If you love me, keep love, that is lust. Jesus said to those in than anyone else". This often is the result my commandments". Love is not in word the sermon on the mount “whosoever of someone who has been hurt or re only, but is demonstrated by works. I looketh on a woman to lust after her hath jected by someone else and believes that love my wife dearly, but if I only say I committed adultery with her already in it was because of some fault or imperfec love her and do not show I love her, she his heart” (Matthew 5:28). In other tion of their own. will soon begin to doubt my love for her. words, lust based on physical and sexual A result that sometimes happens in In abusive relationships, love is of attraction is a sin. It is no wonder that a relationship that is based on accep ten said, but never showed. It will go people find themselves heartbroken and tance is abuse. Women who love be hand in hand with the previous two ene miserable in relationships. They have cause of acceptance will take abuse but mies of love and for some, they never believed that they are in love when in love the person because that man is the understand the true love that God has truth they are in lust. one who will love them as they are. I find instructed us to give. I used to work in restaurant man this is a result of insecurity in the per A "word love" will also be unforgiv agement as I completed my education son's life. They feel secure to have a re ing. A person who holds a grudge or who and, of course, in restaurants we had lationship regardless of what bad that is unforgiving will be demonstrating that teenagers for employees. Almost every relationship brings. They also feel inferior they have a "word love". A "word love" day someone was talking about a guy or to their spouse because they feel worth will also be a false or lying love. What a girl that they "loved" and sometimes less or that they are imperfect. They will often happens is that someone will tell a they were "in love" with someone they be willing to live in fear in order to be person that they love them when they had never met personally. As I listened "loved". truly do not. They will be lying to the indi to their reasoning, it was because "he is Acceptance can be a good thing, but vidual. so cute" and "she is so beautiful" and only if love is first. A person who is loved The kind of love that God wants us suddenly I realized that they have been will be accepted. However, if acceptance to have is a love that He has for us. He fooled into accepting the world's defini is the main goal before love, then prob loves us with a deep and genuine love. tion of love. lems will arise. His love is not lust for selfish desires Sadly, people accept this definition If love is first then abuse, pride, self though He does want us to love Him in as one to live and make important deci ishness and domination will not be a fac return. His love precedes acceptance sions by when it concerns marriage and tor. The matter of fear will not be a major because He loved us before we ever ac companionship. All of this fades away issue in the relationship. 1 Corinthians cepted Him. His love is not "word love" when problems arise in their relation 13:4 5 states: "Charity (love) suffereth but “work love”. ships that attraction cannot fix. Suddenly long, and is kind, charity vaunteth not “But God commendeth (showed) His they are confronted with problems that itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave love toward us, in that, while we yet sin- usually end in divorce and for many in itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is ners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). cludes a child or two in the mix. Even not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.” God said "I love you" when He sent His more sadness, the next generation You see, love demonstrated does not Son to die for us on the cross to pay for learns the same definition because of our sins so that we can have a relation their parents. The Life of Calvary ~ Page 5 ship with Him. No greater love that a 1 John tells us that "God is love" and (Continued on page 6) Worship: An Important How Long Has Building Block It Been? Author unknown with his overly zealous mother was bro Author unknown ken. here is so much work to do and S everal people have studied exten Few of you parents would go to this T sometimes we get so caught up in sively the various factors that make extent, perhaps, but consider what you the busy ness of our work that people get healthy family relationships. Among may do, ever so unknowingly, that could overlooked—our family, our friends, our these forces is that of practicing together equally break your bonds with your child. co workers, or even those people for the values and beliefs of their particular Here are some suggestions I be whom we are doing the work. Oh, yes, religion. Some of you are certain to dis lieve will enable you to strengthen your and no matter what we are doing, we agree with this fact because your chil ties through the daily practice of your need to consider our relationship with dren have rebelled against attending faith. God and join Him in the work that He is services or taking part in your family doing around us. customs. 1. Become so comfortable with your own faith that you can express it natu- God's work always involves reaching I find many families who are con people. Sometimes we see people in cerned about such rebelliousness. Al rally and unself-consciously any time. Seeing God's handiwork in a rainbow, need, but still never touch them. There's a most without exception, it became ap well known poem by an anonymous au parent that such rebelliousness was pre the bright flash of a cardinal, or the mir acle of a new baby's smile can bring Him thor which best makes this point. ceded by a break in the parent child re lationship. Often such a fracture occurs into focus for your child. I was hungry and you formed a humani- in spite of the best of intentions. 2. Avoid preaching or lecturing ties club to discuss my hunger. Thank One young teenager I know pro about Him . If you are exuberantly bub you. vides an example of this problem. Tom bling over about some special blessing, l was imprisoned and you crept off quietly had felt put off by his parent's rather ex of course you should spill it. But avoid to your chapel to pray for my release. treme religious practices, but after long any sense of compulsion that will feel Nice. delay, decided to make a genuine com heavy and even austere. It is such an I was naked and in your mind you de- mitment of his faith in the Lord. He felt attitude that may defeat what you most bated the morality of my appearance. very relieved to be over his resistance wish to share. What good did that do? and really enjoyed his new faith, A day 3. Be very careful to practice what I was sick and you knelt and thanked God or two after his big decision he was you preach. I have seen religious par for your health. But I needed you. reading a newspaper and laughing over ents, ever so faithful to their church's ac I was homeless and you preached to me the comic strips. His mother, loving but tivities, speak in a critical and even gos of the shelter of the love of God. I wish misguided, chided him for such nonreli sipy manner at home about the church. you had taken me home. gious reading. She wished he would Such inconsistency can readily cause I was lonely and you left me alone to pray read the Bible instead. Tom was so of your child to lose respect for you and for me. Why didn't you stay? fended that he determined not to speak disrupt your relationship. You seem so holy, so close to God; but to his mother about the Bible or God for 4. Surround your regular, everyday I'm still very hungry, lonely, cold, and a long time. While his faith in God some conversation with the glow of your natu- still in pain.
how remained intact, his relationship ral reverence and love for the heavenly Father, and you will be practicing your Does it faith in the way that counts. The best matter to you? Would You Fight communication of your faith may not be You can make in sermonizing or long, ardent prayers, a difference if but in the quietness and confidence that you want. If Gideon’s Battles? you need ideas are our strength (Isaiah 30:15). how you can (Continued from page 4) make a differ own strength? Do we seek to fight battles ence contact God has not called us to fight? Some may your pastor. do well to seek God’s face more for con How long has it been since you: firmation instead of rushing into battle Took the time to go see someone who without certainty of God’s call. Others do lives alone? Wrote a letter to someone well to take the confirmation they’ve al who crossed your mind? Read the Bible ready been given and face the foe. to someone too ill to read for themselves? via Good News from a Far Country Encouraged someone who was having a published by Gospel Fellowship Association hard time being a Christian? Prayed ear nestly for someone who was faltering? Tried to have a Bible study with someone True Love you knew was lost? Told a teen that you were proud of his efforts to live for Christ? (Continued from page 5) Spent more time on your knees praying man lay down his life for his friends. than on the phone talking? Informed your There is no greater love than God's love family of your love and appreciation of for us. However, we need to have and them? demonstrate that love for Him and to one The Life of Calvary ~ Page 6 Every Christian can do something to another. encourage someone else! Just a thought.... The Dart Illustration ~ Answers on Page 8 ~ 14. In which book of the Bible is the Author unknown following verse: “Remember now thy 1. Who had a silver cup hidden in creator in the days of thy youth”? A young man named Steve, relates Benjamin’s sack of grain? ______an experience he had in a semi ______15. Which book of the Bible de nary class, given by his teacher, Dr. 2. Who was the leader of the Israel scribes the death of Moses? Smith. He says Dr. Smith was known ites when they destroyed the city of ______for his elaborate object lessons. Jericho? ______16. In what chapter of the book of One particular day, Steve walked 3. Why did the Pharisees complain Deuteronomy will you find listed the into the seminary class and knew they about Jesus’ healing of a blind man? Ten Commandments? ______were in for a fun day. On the wall was a ______17. Who had his name changed to big target and on a nearby table were 4. How many Philistines did Samson Belteshazzar? ______many darts. Dr. Smith told the students kill with the jawbone of a donkey? 18. Who was the paternal grandfa to draw a picture of someone they dis ______ther of Absalom? ______liked or someone who had made them 5. Jesus said we could move moun 19. According to Matthew, what is angry. Then he would allow them to tains if our faith is even as big as a Simon the Cyrenian known for doing? throw darts at the person’s picture. what? ______Steve’s friend drew a picture of a 6. How did David kill Goliath? ______20. In Revelation 6:5, what is the guy who had stolen his girlfriend. An ______rider of the black horse carrying other friend drew a picture of his little 7. In which book of the Bible do we when the third seal is opened? brother who was always pestering him. read about the Tower of Babel? ______Steve drew a picture of a former friend ______21. Who complained to Jesus about who had betrayed his confidence. He 8. Which apostle performed the first being left alone to prepare dinner? put a great deal of detail into his draw miracle after Jesus ascended into ______ing, even drawing pimples on the face. Heaven? ______22. Which book of the Bible closes He was pleased at the overall effect he 9. How many braids did Samson with this statement: “Every man did had achieved. wear in his hair? ______what was right in his own eyes .”? The class lined up and began 10. In which book of the Bible is the ______throwing darts, with much laughter and following verse: “Now faith is the 23. What was the name of Abraham’s hilarity. Some of the students threw substance of things hoped for, the second wife? ______their darts with such force that their pic evidence of things not seen ”? 24. In which book of the Bible is the tures were ripping apart. Steve looked ______following verse: “Not by works of forward to his turn, but was filled with 11. In which book is the term righteousness which we have done, disappointment when Dr. Smith, be “Ancient of Days” used to refer to but according to his mercy he saved cause of the time limits of the class, God? ______us....”? ______called a halt and asked the students to 12. Who was the father of Japheth? 25. Which book of the Bible con return to their seats. ______cludes by stating that Jesus did so As Steve sat thinking about how 13. Who showed kindness to Mephi many works that the world can’t con angry he was because he didn’t have a bosheth upon the death of his father? tain the books that should be written? chance to throw any darts at his picture, ______Dr. Smith began removing the darts and the big target from the wall. Underneath say they "love" to go shopping? the target was a picture of Jesus. Love Is Of God Perhaps what we need is a good A complete hush fell over the room definition of love. Tim Kimmel, in his as each student viewed the mangled By Pastor Tim Robinson book, Little House on the Freeway , picture of Jesus, holes and jagged defines love this way: "Love is the o love and be loved is the bedrock marks covered His face and His eyes commitment of my will to your needs and T of our existence. Those simple, were pierced. Dr. Smith said only these best interests regardless of the cost." single syllable words, "I LOVE YOU," are words: “Inasmuch as ye have done it Some may ridicule this definition as possibly the three most powerful words unto one of the least of these my breth- "unrealistic," "idealistic" or even that humans can exchange. ren, ye have done it unto Me” (Matthew "impossible." Within the context of True love inspires hope. Genuine 25:40). marriage, for example, there is no better love creates dreams and pushes No other words were necessary. definition. Married couples who wish to creativity. Real love sustains friendships, The tear filled eyes of each student fo excel, not simply survive, understand that marriages, families, and churches. Self cused only on the punctured and torn love is a verb, not a noun. Authentic love less love improves the intimacies of picture of Jesus Christ. is never shortsighted, selfish or romance. In some cases, it’s love that Have “you” thrown any darts lately? insensitive. It detects needs and does keeps individuals from giving up on life. Have you done anything to hurt another what is best for the other person, without What is tragic is how we misuse the person? Have you said anything that being told. word "love," thereby diminishing its hurt someone; to their face or behind So stop holding back and stop value. Do we really love our cat? Most their back? If you have you’ve hurt your assuming your spouse and everyone else men enjoy Monday Night Football, but do Savior and need to repent of your sin. knows how you feel. Begin sharing the we really love it? And how many ladies May God help us to love one an three most dynamic words in the English other and lift one another up instead of The Life of Calvary ~ Page 7 language, "I LOVE YOU." Then demon “throwing darts” at each other. strate the real definition. Y S W A H S Y O Y E J G U Q E V D C THE LOVE CHAPTER 1 CORINTHIANS 13 D L L O O T G A O C H N K V W P O A by Tim Arthur
O Y K E N H I N W A E I A A I M O E WORD LIST B U T R G K T A I A C H D E E F H H ANGELS GREATEST AWAY HOPE I N D I A N K E F H E T P V M P S I BEARETH INIQUITY S Y F O R D A I V B T O G O O D S H BEHAVE KIND BELIEVETH KNOW S T L D N A T S R E D N U M R W A Y BODY LONG BRASS MOUNTAINS A E I M H C H E H A I N T E M P R E BURNED MYSTERIES L P I T E V I C S S T L S R O E B L CEASE NEVER CHARITY NOTHING G A U R A E E L P A I R E R G E R C CHILD PART COME PERFECT H R A N E D S S I L E N T B N V H Y CYMBAL POOR T T I L O T E N O V D C A P I I R T DARKLY PROPHECY DONE PUFFED D S E N A U S N U U E T E V L G O I ENDURETH REMOVE EVIL SOUNDING H E E R G B G Y R I N R R D K I O U FACE SPEAK D O F N A F M E M U F D G I N O P Q FAIL THINGS FAITH TINKLING G N O F A E T Y I E B R I L I A F I FEED TONGUES GIFT TRUTH S T I C U H B N C V O O N N T U R N GIVE UNDERSTAND B A E K E P A T R E V E N S G O B I GLASS UNSEEMLY
. GOODS VANISH
25. John (21:25) (21:25) John 25.
11. Daniel (7:9) (7:9) Daniel 11. 24. Titus (3:5) (3:5) Titus 24.
10. Hebrews (11:1) (11:1) Hebrews 10. 23. Keturah (Genesis 25:1 10) 25:1 10) (Genesis Keturah 23.
9. Seven braids (Judges 16:19) 16:19) (Judges braids Seven 9. 22. Judges Judges 22.
8. Peter (Acts 3:6 7) 3:6 7) (Acts Peter 8. 21. Martha (Luke 10:40) 10:40) (Luke Martha 21.
7. Genesis (11) (11) Genesis 7. 20. Balances or scales (Revelation 6:5) 6:5) (Revelation scales or Balances 20.
17:51) 17:51) 27:32) 27:32)
down with a stone) (1 Samuel Samuel (1 stone) a with down 19. He carried Jesus’ cross (Matthew (Matthew cross Jesus’ carried He 19.
6. With a sword (after knocking him him knocking (after sword a With 6. 18. Jesse (King David Absalom) Absalom) David (King Jesse 18.
5. A mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) 17:20) (Matthew seed mustard A 5. 17. Daniel (Daniel 1:7) 1:7) (Daniel Daniel 17.
4. 1,000 (Judges 15:15) 15:15) (Judges 1,000 4. 16. Chapter 5 (Deut. 5:7 21) 5:7 21) (Deut. 5 Chapter 16.
(John 9:14) 9:14) (John 15. Deuteronomy (chapter 34) 34) (chapter Deuteronomy 15.
3. He healed him on the Sabbath Day Day Sabbath the on him healed He 3. 14. Ecclesiastes (12:1) (12:1) Ecclesiastes 14.
2. Joshua (Joshua 6) 6) (Joshua Joshua 2. 13. David (2 Samuel 9:16 31) 9:16 31) Samuel (2 David 13.
1. Joseph (Genesis 44:1 2) 44:1 2) (Genesis Joseph 1. 12. Noah (Genesis 9:18) 9:18) (Genesis Noah 12.
He who serves two masters has to lie to one of them.
When life gives you more than Satan may ring your doorbell, but you don’t have to let him in. you can stand; KNEEL!
We are saved to serve, You can’t slush around in the marshy bog of sin and still have a shining face. but we never serve to get saved.
The gospel shows the Father’s grace, If you are a Christian, you can expect Who sent His Son to save our race, folks to criticize, but you ought to live so nobody will believe them. Proclaims how Jesus lived and died That man might thus be justified. Prayer will change things or change you.
The best gift you could ever give another The Life of Calvary ~ Page 8 — FORGIVENESS! The Life of Calvary ~ Page 9 Put Stamp Here. The Post Office will not deliver mail without First Class postage.
The Life of Calvary ~ Page 10