San Marcos church of Christ

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:9-11)

On Mount Olivet, a Sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem, Jesus gave his last instructions to his Apostles. Then suddenly he was taken in a cloud. Luke is the only one to record the details of the ascension of Jesus. The Lord’s attempts to prepare his disciples for his departure during his earthly ministry are recorded by other gospel writers.

Luke records: “while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.” One can only imagine how they must have felt by the sudden departure of their spiritual leader. Jesus would set them lose in a sin broken world to herald a message that would be rejected by the majority. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18) I suspect they had a knot in their stomach when he disappeared.

The ascension of Christ presents a problem for the opponents of Christianity because it is inseparably connected to His resurrection. Jesus left nothing behind in this world. He never wrote a book. He did not leave behind an estate. He did not even leave behind even one artifact to be placed in a museum. He left nothing but an empty tomb and twelve men to testify of his life. Had Jesus simply died he would be no better than Confucius or Mohammed. However, by His ascension, Jesus was fully enthroned as Lord and Christ! In heaven He is exalted to a position of highest honor and authority. (Acts 2:32-36)

In addition Luke records: that two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Though the Master has been taken away, he will come again in a manner more splendid and a form more glorious! All is not lost! He’s coming back! He will return at an unexpected time!

In several parables Jesus taught that those who are wise will prepare for the unexpected appearance of the bridegroom or the return of the master. (see Matthew 25) His ascension is a reminder to his disciples that they have work to do while he is away. Only those who have zealously prepared for His return will be blessed.

George Slover

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12)

Paul commends the brethren for their past obedience and urges them to allow past victories to be an incentive to continue.  He urges them not to work to please earthly teachers, but for the approval of the Heavenly Father.

He exhorts them to work out their salvation.  “Salvation” means safety from danger and harm.  In scripture it means safety of the soul from sin and eternal condemnation.  Salvation is primarily a work of God, but it requires the faith and cooperation of man.  It should be one’s chief work and concern.  One must keep walking in the light (I John 1:7), and must keep themselves in the love of God. (Jude 21)

The Lord commands his children to “strive” (Luke 13:24), to “press” (Philippians 3:13), and to “give diligence” (II Peter 1:5).  To “work out” or to carry to completion is a personal endeavor.  No other person can do this for you.  There is the need of perseverance to complete the task.

Finally, Paul says work it out with “fear and trembling”.  Fear or reverence is an essential element in holy living.  And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; (1 Peter 1:17)  One’s service to God is to be with reverence and godly fear. (Hebrews 12:28)  Hallowed be thy name must the posture of every prayer (Matthew 6:9) Too much is at stake to take this task lightly.

Our salvation is not yet accomplished.  Hopefully, it is nearer than when we first believed.  As long as sin still haunts us, temptations still attack us, and troubles still threaten us, our work is not finished.  The perfecting of our soul is a life- long process.  We must carry on what God has begun!

By George Slover

Stirred Up!

So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God, (Haggai 1:14)

During the rule of Cyrus, the Persian, God allowed a band of Jewish exiles to return to Judah to rebuild the temple. However, apathy and discouragement hindered the progress. Thus, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubababel and Joshua, their leaders, and the spirit of the people to complete the project.

The message of Haggai, the prophet, mingled with obedient hearts, resulted in the remnant fully surrendering to the work. No one had to be coerced against their will. The people came and did the work without a grudge or indifference. There was not a slacker among them.

There are obstacles that often hinder the work of Christians. Our progress may be hindered by a failure to recognize our priorities, a failure to appreciate our talents, or opposition from our enemies. There are times when Christians need to be stirred up.

Instead of concentrating on God’s house, (Haggai 1:4) the people had been tending to their own houses. Some had allowed memories of the glory of the former temple to discourage them from the work before them. In Haggai’s stirring exhortation he reminds them that “God is with them.”

There are times when Christians become depressed and discouraged. We must recognize our priorities, acknowledge our talents, focus on the great heavenly reward God has promised, and accept God’s gracious assistance.

God wants us to get busy with His work. Just as he gave these Jews courage, he will do the same for us today.

By George Slover

“If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Isaiah 58:13-14)

The Sabbath was given to Israel as a day of rest, and to remind them of how God made the heavens and the earth in six days, but rested on the seventh day. The Lord stated: “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) How wise of God to provide a special time for bodily rest and spiritual reflection.

Unfortunately, the Jews, in various ways abused the Sabbath law. The more worldly Jews kept its observance to a minimum. As long as they were keeping its ceremonies, they felt justified in pursuing secular occupations and peddling merchandise. (Nehemiah 13:15,16) On the other hand the legalists criticized Jesus for even healing on the Sabbath. (Mark 3:1-6)

In our text God is pleading with Israel to approach the Sabbath with the right attitude. God is exhorting them to turn from their own pleasures, and find delight and satisfaction in its observance. While Christians are not commanded to keep the Sabbath, there are still important lessons that one may apply to our service to God.

They were to treat the Sabbath with reverence and respect. The Sabbath law was given to them by God, and it was wrong and disrespectful for them to observe it according to their own pleasures. Do you think God is pleased when churches direct the worship service to please the carnal man rather than God? Certainly not!

They were to find delight in the Sabbath law. “Do not seek your own pleasure but find delight in doing the Lord’s will”. Rejoicing in God’s work should be an oasis in the wilderness of life – a foretaste of heaven, a real satisfaction to the soul.

God is pleased when our work and worship is focused on him. We must rejoice in a work than that is not ours but God’s.

By George Slover

Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. “And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
(Luke 14:12-14)

One Sunday morning, when I took my place in the pulpit, I noticed a guest sitting on the back pew. Our visitor, dressed rather poorly, was slouched in his seat, and had his shirt unbuttoned revealing much of his chest. I had pretty much sized up the young man deciding he was a typical “church bum”.

When the invitation song was led our guest came to the front and expressed the need to get his life right with God. While I was still skeptical of his motives, I accepted his confession. Less than a year later both his wife and 14 year old son were baptized. He and his family never had much of this world’s goods to offer, but what they did give was far greater than any material thing – it was hearts of gratitude.

The above passage is a rather probing one. The Lord demands that we examine the motives behind our generosity. Jesus cuts to the heart of religious profiling.

What is the motive behind your religious work? Some give out of a sense of duty, others to feel superior, and others because they cannot help it. It is the later that is the law of the kingdom of Christ. This is the only way to serve! This places us in character with God himself. (Mt. 5:45) If one gives to gain a reward, he will receive no reward; but if one gives with no thought of the reward, his reward is certain! Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(Acts 20:35)

By George Slover

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, “who,when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46)

The kingdom of heaven is like a business man seeking rare gems. One day he stumbles upon a stone of incomparable value. Although this gem is costly, this merchant, without regret sells out to purchase it.

This precious gem represents the rule of God in the hearts of people. It is a stone unrivaled in beauty and value. Christ, the king possesses qualities of excellence like none other. He not only offers the advantage of future promises, but of present attractions. There is no joy on earth as strong as that which springs from fellowship with God. This is the pearl of great price!

Jesus plainly stated that his kingdom was not like earthly kingdoms. (John 18:36) This kingdom does not come with observation, but rather lives and grows inside of human beings. (Luke 17:21) Among its citizens is a tax collector (Luke 5:27), a half-breed that had five husbands (John 4:1-29), and a thief (Luke 23:32-43) who graciously accepted God’s grace and forgiveness. Allegiance to the king would embolden some to die a martyr’s death just like their Savior.

Self-denial is a pre-requisite to citizenship in this kingdom. The merchant had to sell all he had acquired to buy this one pearl. The gospel is God’s free gift; however it is not cheap and does not exclude the necessity of sacrifice on our part. To obtain this precious pearl one must “sell out” and devote their life to this cause.

Sadly, many look upon this wonderful pearl with suspicion. They hesitate to part with anything earthly to obtain it. They may view it as only desirable for fanatics and emotional weaklings. However, the sacrifice to acquire it is man’s greatest investment and its end is inexpressible joy!

By George Slover

But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. (Romans 6:17 NKJV)

The Greek word, hupakuo (obey) means to listen, to attend, and so to submit or obey. Literally, the word means “to hear under.” The imagery is of one sitting at the feet of a master with the intent to follow. The verse implies a choice was made of one master over another.

Consider the two potential paths. One may yield to the motions of either “sin unto death” or of “obedience unto righteousness”. There is no middle course. We are enlisted in one or the other. One is mistaken if he thinks this is a choice to be trifled with! Sin can become a grievous taskmaster. This master comes in various forms- love of money, pride, love of pleasure, or selfish ambitions. The result is degradation of the soul.

The apostle is thankful that his readers have chosen righteousness over sin. They have obeyed a “mold of doctrine” delivered to them. He refers them back to the time of baptism when they buried the sinful man and committed their lives to Jesus. Christ has won their hearts. In this new life true freedom is realized. Every duty, every area of life is patterned after the life of Christ. Every action is guided by the motive of love.

The choice of yielding to righteousness is met with thanksgiving to God. There is no denial that sin brings its pleasure, but the difference between sin and righteousness is as different as night to day. Thank God they chose Jesus! It is the only way that offers hope now and forever.

By George Slover

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

There are times when a church or an individual is in need of spiritual renewal. The Jews of this era busied themselves with rebuilding the Temple, restoring the law, and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. There is a good comparison of the activities of the Jews with rebuilding spiritual lives in our time.

Chapter 9 records a public confession of Israel. This confession was accompanied by a covenant with God. Israel’s history of departure demonstrated their propensity to wickedness. They had lost their right to the land because of their sin. Hopefully, this covenant would safeguard against future departures. Their resolve: we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

A temple has tremendous significance in Bible parlance. Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’stemple, and Herod’s temple represented the presence of God among the people. The New Testament takes the word to a deeper spiritual meaning. Those redeemed by Christ are a “holy temple in the Lord”. (Ephesians 2:21) Their body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit”. (I Corinthians 6:19) Because they are God’s house, they enjoy the great blessing of His presence.

Just like Israel, Christians are tempted with worldliness and unbelief. Thus, they are in need of a revival. Our times of renewal must include the resolve to give diligence to caring for our spiritual house. We must separate ourselves from the world’s entanglements, and fill the house with activities of heaven.

How are the walls of your spiritual life? Bring your offerings to the storeroom, join in with the singers of Israel, and do not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

By George Slover

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new wine and the oil, to the storerooms where the articles of the sanctuary are, where the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are; and we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

There are times when a church or an individual is in need of spiritual renewal. The Jews of this era busied themselves with rebuilding the Temple, restoring the law, and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. There is a good comparison of the activities of the Jews with rebuilding spiritual lives in our time.

Chapter 9 records a public confession of Israel. This confession was accompanied by a covenant with God. Israel’s history of departure demonstrated their propensity to wickedness. They had lost their right to the land because of their sin. Hopefully, this covenant would safeguard against future departures. Their resolve: we will not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

A temple has tremendous significance in Bible parlance. Solomon’s temple, Zerubbabel’stemple, and Herod’s temple represented the presence of God among the people. The New Testament takes the word to a deeper spiritual meaning. Those redeemed by Christ are a “holy temple in the Lord”. (Ephesians 2:21) Their body is “the temple of the Holy Spirit”. (I Corinthians 6:19) Because they are God’s house, they enjoy the great blessing of His presence.

Just like Israel, Christians are tempted with worldliness and unbelief. Thus, they are in need of a revival. Our times of renewal must include the resolve to give diligence to caring for our spiritual house. We must separate ourselves from the world’s entanglements, and fill the house with activities of heaven.

How are the walls of your spiritual life? Bring your offerings to the storeroom, join in with the singers of Israel, and do not neglect the house of our God. (Nehemiah 10:39)

By George Slover