Nearly forty-five years later, it is as vivid as it was the day it happened. The aroma of bacon cooking over an open fire; the sounds of water cascading over the rocks of the Colorado River; the fishing poles leaning carefully against the old shady oak tree; the feel of the cool morning breeze wafting its way through our tent; my wonderful ol’ Dad sipping on his disgusting ol’ syrup-thick-brewed-river-coffee; and my sweet, dear mother traversing through our campsite keeping everything organized. I was having the time of my life in the great outdoors getting to do what I absolutely loved to do: exploring, fishing, adventure around every corner, surviving in the wilderness, and living off the land (and of course on lots of snacks brought from home) was to me a little like going back in time and pretending I was a Native American, or on an expedition with Lewis and Clarke. I loved the outdoors and Mom and Dad knew it too. They were the first to introduce me to its numerous wonders, and encouraged my appreciation of it by allowing me to join the Boy Scouts, buying me camping gear, and taking me and my brother and sister fishing, camping, and hunting as often as they could. It was the laughter and fun we had along the way that made it all so meaningful. It was the working together to get things done and the common experiences that helped bind us together as a family. It was also on those trips that we talked and shared our innermost thoughts and concerns. As we gazed into the star-filled sky, we reflected on the creative power of the Majesty on high and reminded one another that God was, and is, truly powerful. Their interest in me and the things I enjoyed doing didn’t end with the outdoors. When it came to sports, one or both of them were always (and I do mean always) at every game. Starting with my older brother who played several sports, my sister who marched in the band, and then my own years of little league sports, basketball, and football, there is absolutely no telling how many games and practices my parents attended. Like my wife, Carla, has done for several years for our boys, my mother often cooked for the team, and became a second mom to many of the boys. All of their interest in my activities, however, wasn’t simply an attempt to make me happy. Rather, it was about building and maintaining a relationship with me. Time and attention are essential ingredients in developing and nurturing any relationship, and with children you only have a small window of opportunity to seize the day. Well known author Josh McDowell once said, “rules without relationship equals rebellion.” Relationship building requires time. Being a parent involves so much more than just issuing dictums about right and wrong, or giving orders to ‘clean up your room” or ‘take out the trash.’ In fact, those who limit their parenting to verbal instruction will likely never be successful in rearing a child who will want to serve the Lord. Children need lots of attention. They need hugs and words of encouragement. They need to know that they are important and loved. Everyone has the need to be appreciated and valued, and their self will only be nurtured when parents give attention to their children’s interest and talents. Showing an interest in your children and in the things they enjoy is absolutely essential for the building of relationships. When my wife and I first got married she knew very little about football and didn’t really care too much for it either, but when our boys began hitting the grid iron she became an avid fan. Not once did she leave with them the impression that she wasn’t interested in them or what was important to them. Over the years she learned more and more about a sport she never played, asking them informed questions like “what’s the difference between man and zone coverage.” She also made pizza rolls for the team, purchased their favorite Gatorade, and spent lots of time looking for that all important PowerBar. Our boys have not doubted for a minute whether or not their mom was interested in them. As a result she and they have found it is easier to communicate and when it came time to having those “right from wrong talks”, they were a whole lot more willing to listen and more receptive to her advice. Of course, relationship building involves much more than just being at all your children’s activities. Spending time with them should mean more than just sitting next to them watching television or proudly clapping for them from the bleachers. Planning outings, involving them in sports, taking them to guitar lessons are all really a means to an end. With each activity you are creating memories and sharing common experiences that will serve to bind you together as parent and child. You are also giving them an opportunity to develop character and an appreciation for the values of life. The values we often want our children to acquire can so often be developed and nurtured in their interest and activities. An outdoor camping outing can teach the needed skill of organization, planning, resourcefulness, and educate them to the design of God’s marvelous creation. Music lessons, playing in a band, or sports can help teach self-discipline, hard work, and the importance of working on a team. Children need to be kept busy doing things or else they will resort to the virtual worlds of pseudo fantasy presented on the television or on the internet. If that gets taken away, they will find someone or something to fill the void. Relationship building and the acquiring of life skills and values are all a part of parenting in the biblical way. We must always remember the ever-practical advice of the proverb writer, “a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Pro. 29:15). This means we must be involved in their lives and mold them into productive Christians by spending time to plan and promote meaningful activities for their spiritual well being and social development. Parents have an awesome responsibility and an incredible blessing to “train up a child” (Pro. 22:6). They have been given the daunting task of guiding the home and bringing up their children (1 Tim. 5:14; Eph. 6:4). They are truly a blessing from the Lord (Ps. 127:3) and we must therefore be a good steward of that which he has entrusted to our care. “As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth” (Ps. 127:4). Let each parent then become a mighty parent warrior that will take the necessary time to make sure that our children are headed for the target of Christian virtues and a heavenly home.

by Jordan Moore The Apostle John wrote that God “gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (Jn. 1:12). Sadly, not all accept that right. Furthermore, not even all believers will be saved on the day of judgement. Consider these believers that will not be saved: Believers who refuse to accept Jesus as Lord. Belief, in and of itself, does not equal a home in heaven. James says that “even the demons believe and tremble” (Js. 2:19). An individual can fully accept the facts about something, believe that something is true, and yet fail to respond to the implications of that truth. In the case of the demons, they fully recognize and respect that Jesus is Lord of all (Mt. 8:28-30) – just not for their lives. They refuse to submit to him as Lord. As such, those that maintain the same attitude on earth will reap the same eternal destination as the demons. Believers who refuse to confess Jesus as Lord. There are many in the world that place their eternal destiny in the misinformed idea that simply believing that Jesus is Lord is enough. In fact, there are some that are completely convinced that Jesus is the Lord of their life, while in reality, He simply isn’t. He’s not their Lord because while though they may have accepted him as such in their mind, they refuse to confess Him as Lord with their mouth. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, rulers of the synagogue believed on Jesus, but were unwilling to confess him before men for fear of being put out of the synagogue (Jn. 12:42). A true follower of Christ will confess him before others, rather than keeping it to themselves (Rom. 10:9-10; Mt. 10:32). Frankly, closet Christians are condemned Christians. Believers who refuse to obey Jesus as Lord. Acceptance of Jesus and confession of Jesus are both essential to serving Jesus. But if one is unwilling to obey Jesus – even if they’ve accepted Him in their mind and confessed Him with their mouth – they are on the path to destruction. Speaking directly to Apostles – men who believed in and were daily confessing Jesus – our Lord explicitly says, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15). What is it that separates our saving belief from the hopeless belief of the demons? Works. Obedience. James elaborates that “a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (Js. 2:24). Man is certainly incapable of justifying himself – Jesus’s perfect sacrifice was and is the only hope for mankind. Unequivocally, HE saves us – but one cannot ignore the plain teaching that believers who do not obey and act out their faith will not inherit eternal life (Mt. 25:33-46). Believers who refuse to maintain Jesus as Lord. Evidently there are some that – though they accept Jesus, and confess Jesus, and love Jesus by keeping His commandments – eventually “leave their first love” of Jesus and “have fallen” (Rev. 2:4-5). Jesus said these things about Christians in Ephesus and that if they did not repent and return to Jesus’ expectations of obedience, He would remove their place in eternal life (Rev. 2:5). Once saved Christians are not guaranteed salvation for all time. Jesus speaks of those who “believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away” (Lk. 8:13). The Hebrews writer warns faithful Christians that if they do not “exhort one another daily” that “an evil heart of unbelief” could enter in and they could be “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:12-13). Believers who require more than Jesus as Lord. There were some in the first century that were saying that Jesus was not enough for salvation. They believed in Him, and they confessed Him, and they generally obeyed Him – but they placed greater expectations on others than Jesus did himself (Acts 15:5). Of those that proclaimed this message – a message different than the true Gospel message – Paul said, “let them be accursed” (Gal. 1:9-10). In various ways, even today, a similar message is preached – let it never be from our mouths.

by Jordan Moore While no one is sure who first made the statement, there are those in the world who ascribe to the idea that “the Bible is the most dangerous book in the world… [and that] it must be kept under lock and key.” Through history, many attempts have been made to try and thwart the influence of the word of God. Holy scripture has been tossed into fire, outlawed, and blacklisted. However, Christians can thankfully have confidence in the words of Paul to Timothy, that even though Paul had been subjected to and bound by chains, “the word of God [was] not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9). In other words, to try and keep the Bible under lock and key would be a futile – impossible – effort. Consider: The Word of God is not chained by persecution (Acts 6:7; Acts 12:24, 2 Tim. 2:9). While there are those that have tried to slow the spread of Christianity by persecuting it, the curious thing about God’s word is that it always finds a way to wiggle out of the attack and make its way elsewhere to influence others. Despite persecution by the Sadducees that led to imprisonment in Acts 4, and persecution by the Sanhedrin that led to beatings in Acts 5, because the Christians considered it an honor to suffer for Jesus’ sake (Acts 5:41), we find that “the word of God increased” in the very next chapter (Acts 6:7)! Later, Paul rejoiced in the fact that though he had suffered imprisonment, “what [had] happened to [him had] really served to advance the gospel” (Phil. 1:12-13). Despite man’s best attempts, God’s word will always prevail through persecution – even (especially!) today! The Word of God is not chained by evolution (Heb. 11:3; 2 Pet. 3:5). There are some who assert that the Bible must fit into the paradigm of the theory of evolution. Instead of evolution needing to adjust and change its narrative, it’s taught by the world (and theistic evolutionists) that the Bible needs to alter its narrative to line up with the tenets of evolution. Suggestions that the creation week is allegorical or that the days of creation are really eons of time are efforts made to chain the word of God under the lock and key of evolution. However, this will never work as “we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God” (Heb. 11:3) and what the word of God says will always trump what scientists suggest. Every time. Evolution did not frame the universe – God’s word did. The Word of God is not chained by accusation (Prov. 30:5). All sorts of accusations are made about the Bible. From questioning its historicity to scandalizing its morality, the Bible is under constant attack. For example, in our current age, the ideas that there are more genders than male and female, and that homosexuality is natural and wholesome are increasingly popular. In turn, proponents of these schools of thought will stop short of nothing to deem the Bible as antiquated, hateful, and bigoted. Christians, however, should have confidence in the fact that the Bible will stand up against any accusation that is thrown its way because “every word of God proves true” (Prov. 30:5). Societal norms are ever changing and fluid, but God’s word is never bound by the changing of times – like Jesus, it is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). And its truthfulness will one Day be evident to all. The Word of God is not chained by expiration (1 Pet. 1:23,25). Unlike a jug of milk or human life, the word of God will never reach a point where it has expired. Every person that has tried to chain it through persecution, through evolution or through accusation has (or will!) come to an end. It has outlasted every generation of man and will continue to stand into eternity. God’s word “lives and abides… and remains forever” (1 Pet. 1:23,25). Creation is bound and chained by the fact that it will pass away, but not God’s word (Matt. 24:35). Thank God for his powerful, perfect, and perennial word!

by Jordan Moore Much is rightfully made of Job’s faith in the midst of terribly difficult trials that he endured at the hand of Satan (Job 1:12). Many curiously wonder how Job was able to survive such heartache, much less continue to remain faithful before God. Perhaps the answer is found in examining who Job was before he had to face his trials: Job was blameless (Job 1:1). Though Job would not have been sinless (Rom. 3:10,23), Job did not have anything that could be laid at his feet for which he could be blamed. Anything that he may have been blamed for in the past, he would have already sought to make amends. Some translations render this word as “perfect.” The idea of perfection is often connected to maturity and completeness. One who was perfect, in this sense, would be mature and would have grown up into the full measure of what a man ought to be in the sight of God. On the other hand, immaturity makes excuses and doesn’t make amends for one’s mistakes. Job fully embodies a mature man who lives his life and leads his household in a godly way. Job was upright (Job 1:1). Just as a crooked arrow would fail in fulfilling its purpose, so too would a crooked man fail in his responsibility before God. The original word translated here as “upright” literally means “to be straight.” So many times, men who are regarded as outwardly upright are discovered to be inwardly crooked and perverse. This was not the case with Job. Job was a man of character and integrity. Job was the same on the outside as he was on the inside. This inward characteristic is imperative for remaining faithful while enduring hardship. Job feared God (Job 1:1). The previous two qualities are only possible if this is true of Job. Followers of God ought not to fear Him as some maniacal deity waiting to pounce and punish with reckless abandon. Rather, followers of God ought to fear Him because they recognize His power and what He is capable of should they not fear Him. Job certainly would have recognized that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” (Prov. 1:7). Job turned away from evil (Job 1:1). The Proverbs writer states that it is “…by the fear of the Lord [that] one departs from evil” (Prov. 16:6). Not only was Job found to be blameless and upright, but Job was also not willing to even give occasion to evil. Some translations say that Job “shunned evil.” It’s as if Job revolted against or waged war against evil. Job was not just following what God said – he thoroughly despised what was contrary to God. Job was faithful, despite his great possessions (Job 1:2-3). Paul exhorted Timothy that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10). So often is the case where good men are destroyed because of a growing love for money. Job had it all – he was one of the “greatest of all the people of the east” (Job 1:3). But that didn’t stop Him from serving God faithfully. Job served God when he had it all, and later when he had it all taken away. Job was consistently concerned about the spiritual welfare of his children (Job 1:5). Job was eminently concerned that his children were consecrated before God. His efforts were made, even early in the morning. It cost him possessions as he offered sacrifices on their behalf. He did this continually, without ceasing. Job was a man who had the spiritual welfare of his family on the forefront of his mind. One cannot separate the man that Job was in the midst of the trial from the man that Job was before the trial. It certainly was his faithful reliance upon God that was cultivated before the trial that allowed him to persevere through the trial. Are you striving now to be the man/woman of God that you should be, so that when the trials come your way later, you are able to endure?

Jordan Moore COVID-19 has caused countless cancellations, stirred numerous debates, driven wider political wedges, and most notably, taken millions of human lives across the world. After about a year of its known existence, approximately 1.85 million deaths have been attributed to COVID-19. Some would argue that many, if not the majority of those deaths were… preventable. This suggestion is rooted in the belief that if everyone practiced the recommended procedures of mask wearing, social distancing, and quarantining until a cure or vaccine was found, that the death toll would be significantly lower. Probably so. But I’m no medical expert, so I’ll refrain from comment. Whether right or wrong, these practices have not been implemented to the degree that many would like, and so we’re left to wonder how many more COVID-19 deaths are on the horizon. One million? Five million? Ten million more? Many would admirably suggest that we should be doing everything in our power to save human lives, while others debate about whether these practices are truly effective in combatting COVID-19. But, if you knew that there was a way to “absolutely-positively” save millions of lives, wouldn’t you do it? Would it surprise you to learn there is a specific practice that, if implemented worldwide today, would prevent 10 million deaths in this year alone? This health practice doesn’t require a special mask or physical distancing. It doesn’t even require buying anything – in fact, you save money when it’s implemented. There’s no vaccination or pill to ingest. It doesn’t even require a medical degree or license to administer (much less to see its positive, life-saving effects). Not only could this practice save 10 million lives this year, but it will also improve the quality of life for those that practice it. In fact, it even improves the quality of life of your friends and family members when you practice it! Sadly, there’s a low likelihood that this revolutionary practice will take hold in any substantial way. What’s more, this life-saving approach has been known about since the arrival of COVID-19, and in truth, has been known about for centuries. If one would just open their Bible, they would see numerous passages that suggest the worthiness of this practice. So, what is it? The practice that would, without a doubt, save 10 million lives this year is the practice of abstaining from the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. According to the WHO, “…worldwide, 3 million deaths every year result from harmful use of alcohol…” According to the CDC, “worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 7 million deaths per year.” That’s 10 million preventable deaths every year! This is not to make light of the loss of life that has been suffered due to COVID-19. It is, indeed, a tragedy. However, it is both ironic and sad that so much emphasis is placed on saving lives through COVID protocols (though admirable), while so little emphasis is placed on saving lives through intoxicant abstinence. With all of that being said, would it surprise you to know that the Bible has less to say about intoxicants leading to physical death and instead much more to say concerning its usage leading to spiritual death? Sure, Proverbs 20:1 and 23:20-35 speak of its ill-effects on one’s health and economic well-being – and they absolutely should be noted. But much more of the Bible’s emphasis when speaking of intoxicants is in regard to their leading to things like drunkenness, which is debauchery (Eph. 5:18), a work of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21), and something that prevents one from inheriting the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:10). And so, while though intoxicant abstinence is great for prolonging physical death, even more important is its aid in avoiding spiritual death! The world has become consumed with preventing the inevitable: death. So, a relevant question to conclude with is this: while understandable is the desire to delay my physical death, am I more concerned with and spending more time on the one death that is actually preventable (spiritual death and its prevention), or with the one that is inevitable?

Jordan Moore Both of my grandmothers are named Janice. But they don’t just share the same name, they also shared a special friendship. Not all sets of parents of wedded children get along, but Granny and Mommom had been through a lot together. For many years both served as wives of elders in the church, lived in the same neighborhood, sat in many bleachers together, and loved the same grandchildren. Until last week when Granny passed away, I was blessed to have both of them in my life. In fact, with the exception of the last few years, I’ve been unusually blessed to have all of my grandparents living for the majority of my life. All of my grandparents have taught me things and all of them have lived faithful Christian lives. But Mommom is the last living grandparent that I have left, and though she may feel funny about that (and may even feel conflicted about wanting to go be with Pawpaw like Granny went on to be with Grandad), she is still teaching me things at 31 years of age. Among other lessons in word and deed, I remember her quizzing me at a young age on the contents of each chapter of the book of Acts. But this time she was teaching me with her actions: In the waning hours of Granny’s life, I was sent a short video of Mommom at Granny’s bedside. In the video, Mommom was joining a few other voices in song in praise to God in an effort to comfort and encourage Granny in her difficult situation. In that moment, I saw a picture of what the Psalmist said of the righteous in that, “They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the Lord is upright…” (Ps. 92:14). For many years Mommom worked as the church secretary, spoke at Ladies’ Days, counseled young women, drove the elderly to doctor appointments, provided meals for the sick, and labored at the side of Pawpaw while he served as a preacher. But now all of those things are too difficult for her to accomplish given her age and health conditions. Now she is the one who has to be driven to doctor appointments. Now she is the one who needs more help around her home. Now she is the one that deals with the various pains of age. And one may ask, “what is she now able to accomplish for the Lord – what fruit can she bear?” Not me. If I ever asked that question in the past, I’ll surely never ask it again. In that short video, I saw a righteous woman declare in the face of death (the death of her dear friend, and the same death that had taken her husband of 53 years) that the Lord is upright, that He is good, and that He is her rock (Psalm 92:15). The amount of encouragement, learning, and admonition that I received from that few short seconds of video is immeasurable. So, what can the elderly do for the Kingdom? More than we could ever calculate. They can sit and sing at the deathbed of a dear sister in Christ. As righteous ones, they can pray fervently for the needs of others, for the ills of society, and for the leadership of the church – and it WILL make a difference (James 5:16). They can offer sage advice and mentor those that are younger (Proverbs 20:29). And even if they don’t formally mentor someone, they can just be a good friend! They can “stir [others] up [to] love and good works” by using their feeble legs and walkers in simply walking down the aisle of a church building to attend worship (Hebrews 10:24). (It works, I promise!) They can talk to others about what God has done in their life, (Acts 14:27). They can write cards of encouragement, share sweet smiles with loved ones, and hug the preacher after a sermon that fell flat on its face. There are 1,001 little things that the elderly can do for the Kingdom. But they aren’t little in regard to their impact and benefit of the kingdom. They are just little in the minds of those that are near-sighted and unwise. May God bless our elderly.

Jordan Moore Perhaps the most under-appreciated and overlooked hymn lyrics of all are the ones that come directly from scripture. Some of those lyrics are overlooked because they are often part of a song that is classified as a devotional song for young people. The sad reality is that when those songs are dismissed and underutilized because of their “newness,” an opportunity for teaching and scripture memorization is missed. Additionally, other scripture song lyrics go unnoticed simply because some people aren’t aware that they are actually directly taken from the scriptures. It is likely that we recognize scriptures in songs such as “Seek Ye First” (Matt. 6:33) and “I Am Crucified With Christ” (Gal. 2:20), but consider these songs with direct quotes of scripture that may fly under the radar: “I Know Whom I Have Believed” The refrain of this song is taken directly from 2 Timothy 1:12. The song writer contrasts these words with some thoughts of his own about things that he can’t comprehend. His intent is to remind us that, while there are a variety of things that we may not be able to comprehend or fully grasp in this life, we can be assured and confident in Who we put our trust in. Paul’s emphasis to Timothy is similar as he writes to encourage him to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:8). Paul reminds Timothy that the suffering that a Christian endures is nothing to be ashamed of – rather, it is to be embraced because we can confidently know that God will fulfill his promises to us. “Magnificat” – The title of this song is Latin for the word “magnifies” and the majority of the lyrics are taken directly from Mary’s song of praise in Luke 1:46-56. Upon learning of the great blessing of carrying the Messiah in her womb, Mary glorifies God and magnifies, or praises, His name. She expresses her appreciation to God for Him having “regarded [her] lowly state,” and yet allowing her this great honor. Though none of us will ever be blessed with this same exact honor, all Christians can sing these words in recognition of the fact that, despite our own lowly, sinful states, God has considered us and given us opportunity to bear the honor of wearing His name. “Faith is the Victory” – Because Jesus has overcome the world (Jn. 16:33), through faith, Christians can likewise overcome the world. These are the words of the Apostle John in 1 John 5:4. Each time we sing “Faith is the victory that overcomes the world,” we should be reminded of this great scripture that encourages us and spurns us on to faithfulness. It is only through faith that we can overcome the difficulties and trials of this life. It is only with the eyes of faith that we can have the vision to see the hope of eternity. “Out of the Ivory Palaces” – What may seem to simply be poetic words original with a modern day songwriter, upon investigation one actually learns that the lyrics of this song are likely descriptions of the Lord’s dwelling place as used by the Psalmist in Psalm 45:8. Whether Jesus’ palaces are actually ivory (or this is just poetic license) is yet to be seen until that Day. Regardless, the sentiments of the Psalmist and the songwriter are well worth our consideration in regard to what Jesus gave up and sacrificed to come to this earth. “Have Thine Own Way, Lord“ – The phrase, “thou art the potter, I am the clay” is likely a direct reference to Isaiah 64:8. The prophet calls upon God in recognition of the fact that “we are the work of [His] hand.” As we sing these lyrics, not only should we appreciate their connection to scripture, but we should also be asking ourselves, “am I truly allowing God to ‘mold me and make me’ after His will?” This is just a small sampling of some of the hymns that we sing with direct scripture references. Consider opening your song book sometime and searching for other nods to scripture. The more often we do this, the more likely we are to prevent these lyrics from being overlooked and under-appreciated.

Jordan Moore Have you ever been listening to a song that you’ve heard before, but then something clicks for the first time? Or maybe the radio starts playing a song that you’ve known all of your life, but because of a recent life experience, the lyrics have a fuller meaning now than before? It’s not any different when it comes to psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. In fact, there are thousands of lyrics in our hymnals that are under-appreciated and overlooked. Most often, they are the… Lyrics in the middle. The song leader that leads all four verses often gets a bad rap. But have you ever considered how many wonderful statements of truth and teaching are missed out on when verse 3 is skipped? For example, I’ve sung “We’re Marching to Zion” more than a couple hundred times in my life, but until recently I’d never noticed this beautiful sentiment in the third verse: “The hill of Zion yields a thousand sacred sweets, before we reach the heavenly fields…or walk the golden streets.” Wow! What a poetic thought and beautiful reminder of the fact that while though Heaven is our ultimate destination, even now as Christians we enjoy in so many sacred blessings…even before we get there! Not only do we miss out on those wonderful reminders, but we also miss out on convicting, heart-punching kind of lyrics when we skip middle verses. From “Jesus is All the World to Me,” the lyrics of the third verse that steps on my toes are these: “…and true to Him I’ll be; O how could I this friend deny, when He’s so true to me?” Song leaders shouldn’t just pick their favorite songs, but instead should also select verses that teach and convict. Beyond the praise to God, that’s the reason we’re singing anyway (Eph. 5:19)! Lyrics that aren’t mine. Song leaders aren’t the only one to blame when it comes to under-appreciated and overlooked lyrics – each and every singer that fails to listen to what others are singing is to blame as well. This is particularly true of songs when males and females (or the four parts of harmony) split off into different parts. The phrase “let the world know where you belong,” from “Sing and Be Happy” is a powerful phrase that, until recently, I had failed to appreciate (it is sung by altos and I sing bass). Another absolutely beautiful set of lyrics that I’ve failed to appreciate are the female lyrics of “Prince of Peace.” While the men sing different words, the women beautifully extol our Lord with: “You are Lord of Lords, you are King of Kings, you are mighty God, Lord of everything…You’re Emmanuel, you’re the Great ‘I AM,’ You’re the Prince of Peace, who is the Lamb…You’re my living God, you’re my saving grace, you will reign forever, you are Ancient of Days…You’re the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End…You’re my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer, and Friend.” If you skipped over or skimmed through those lyrics, please go back and read them again. Lyrics that are misunderstood. You know the ones: “Here I raise my Ebenezer…;” “…the panoply of God…” When we fail to take the time to understand or investigate the meaning of certain lyrics, we miss out on so many encouraging lessons. When we ignorantly sing “Ebenezer,” we miss out on a beautiful reference to 1 Samuel 7 and the protection that God provides the Israelites against the Philistines. Additionally, when we sing “Soldiers of Christ, Arise” without understanding what the “panoply of God” is, we miss out on an opportunity to be reminded of the full armor of God in Ephesians 6. Take the time to learn, and you’ll be blessed! Lyrics of disliked melodies. Sure, we all have our favorites…but there are also songs that we really don’t prefer because of how they sound. Understandable. But humility dictates that I should swallow my pride and even appreciate the lyrics of those songs. If I really listen, even they can teach and admonish me, too. Next week, we’ll consider under-appreciated hymn lyrics that come straight from Scripture…

In the early morning hours of Shabbat, there is a calming stillness that lingers over the city of Jerusalem. You can hear the chorus of singing birds, the murmured intonations of worshippers at the Western Wall, and, if you use your imagination, you can hear the sound of human hearts yearning to connect with God in a city known for its religious ardor and aura. As you make your way to the traditional site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus, you can hear the eager voices and hurried steps of pilgrims who long to walk where Jesus walked—desiring to give heartfelt honor to a man who so lovingly sacrificed himself for the good of others. Many of them want to touch the rock where tradition says the body of Jesus once laid when he was taken down from the cross. Some who visit the site come searching for answers, while others seek a mystical experience, believing that the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is the undisputed location of Golgotha and the ancient tomb of Jesus. When I first visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher years ago, I felt very little connection or excitement about this site. All I could see at that time was a religious practice so foreign to the Bible. I saw idolatry, and an ancient building that was constructed centuries after the time of Jesus. Yet over the years I have come to see this place in a different way. Archaeology and tradition have made a compelling case that the site upon which this historic building stands is the actual location where our Lord was crucified. Just to the right past the entrance to the building, steps lead to an enshrined rocky hill, a likely location for the crucifixion. Further inside and adjacent to the alleged burial tomb of Jesus (and present day Edicule) is a room which leads to several first century burial chambers; a perfect location close to the crucifixion site where one might need to hurriedly bury a friend so near to the start of sabbath (Luke 23:54). So, from the standpoint of the central doctrine of the Christian faith, this makes the church of the Holy Sepulcher a fascinating place. However, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is important for another reason. As you walk through the dimly lit corridors of this historic site and stop to consider its architecture, its art, and its walls riddled with the marks of a tumultuous past, you will hopefully begin to witness something far more valuable. This place stands as a monument. It testifies to the hearts of others who have longed to be near the place where Jesus purchased their redemption and so willingly sacrificed himself on their behalf. The place where hundreds of thousands visit each year tells the story of souls whose lives are marred by sin, and who come here seeking forgiveness and hope from God. Through the aroma of smoking oil lamps and burning incense, there is the unmistakable fragrance of people who want to know more about Jesus. And by means of the flickering flames found in a place so filled with darkness comes the epiphany that Christ is the light of men which shined in darkness revealing to us the light of day. A light that our world needs NOW more than ever. A world where many are still eager to know God and who need to understand the connection between fact and faith. A world where souls are searching: souls who need you to show them the way to life everlasting. Let us then not grow discouraged and become beguiled by the thought that people are not interested in knowing about Jesus, or in studying His word. Deep within every human heart, there is a desire for love and the need for hope. My visits to Israel have revealed to me that people all over the world are longing to have a relationship with God. Our work at the Bear Valley Bible Institute has shown us that each year, a new group of students arrives who are just as dedicated to the Lord and to the principles of New Testament Christianity as those from previous generations. And likewise, news from all over the world, discussed by brethren from Bear Valley Bible Institute International, Gospel Broadcasting Network, and House to House, have shown me that the church of Christ is working hard and making a difference in the lives of countless souls who will one day enter the bliss of heaven (see the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=11&v=kyTxoV-cgk0&feature=emb_logo). See this video as well on the Church of the Holy Sepulcher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLzSmNxEm0g&feature=youtu.be By John W. Moore

by Jordan Moore 1. Consider your options. Let’s face it – most of us aren’t looking to attend an Ivy League school. They wouldn’t accept most of us, anyway. So we turn our attention to schools with the next best engineering program, or the next best architectural program, or the next best political science program. Others may be looking for a school with the best football program, marching band, social clubs, or most outrageous student traditions (ahem, Texas A&M). We may even attend a university, simply because it’s a family tradition. But before you ever apply and enroll in a university, consider your potential for good spiritual health at said university. Never trade your spirituality for a piece of paper with a fancy, renowned logo on it. Passages for your consideration: Matthew 6:33; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Luke 12:29-31. 2. Find a good home. Dorm? Apartment? Rent house? Van down by the river? It’s an exciting time to get to fly the nest out on your own. But the most important home that you should be concerned about is your church home. And we’re not talking about the one that you grew up in. We’re talking about the one that you’re going to be a part of while in school. We’re talking about the one that you should place membership in so that your soul is accounted for by a group of local shepherds who care about you. We’re talking about a home that is sound in the faith and will help to direct your paths in this new-found stage of life. We’re talking about your home away from home. Passages for your consideration: Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 4:7; Ephesians 2:19. 3. Be on a first name basis with the dean. It’s a great honor to get on “Dean’s List.” But the most important “dean” that you should be concerned about is the “dean” of Heaven and Earth. Don’t spend all of your time working at impressing, emailing, and idolizing your superiors. Rather, establish a direct line with the very God who created everything that you’re studying. Pray to Him and listen to Him (in His written word). Not because your direct line with Him will guarantee a better GPA or will help you land an internship later, but because only He is truly sufficient for all of your most important needs. Passages for your consideration: 1 John 5:14; James 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 4:12. 4. Schedule regular visits with your advisors. Your academic advisors are great; it’s highly recommended that you see them! But academic advisement is not the only counsel and advice that you should be seeking. Search out and latch on to a spiritual advisor – the Yoda to your Skywalker; well, shall we say, the Paul to your Timothy. We recognize and appreciate the need for this in the academic realm – and we would do well to put this into practice as Christians, as well. Passages for your consideration: 1 Timothy 1:2; Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 19:20-21. 5. Team up with good study partners. You can make it through college without ever talking to another classmate. But it will be considerably harder. Study partners are helpful for clarification, accountability, and the occasional notes that you missed due to sickness (not skipping!). But spiritual study partners are far more beneficial for spiritual success. Having other Christians of like-minded faith to lean upon, team up with, and to hold you accountable is paramount to your success. God intended His church to be a family, and the last thing that He wants are first-time fledgling college student out on their own with no one else to help share their burden. Passages for your consideration: Proverbs 27:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Ephesians 4:15-16. 6. Study on your own. No corner cutting, Cliff notes, or cheating allowed. You (your parents?) are spending thousands of dollars on a piece of paper with a letterhead – be sure that you absorb the knowledge to go along with that diploma (!). But more importantly, no corner-cutting on your Bible study. What’s more important: knowing what God wants you to know, or knowing what your potential future employer wants you to know? Don’t get to the end of your college career looking like a body-builder in your degree field while looking like a malnourished puppy when it comes to Bible knowledge. That’s not to say that you’re going to be, or that it’s expected of you to be, a distinguished Bible scholar, Magna Cum Laude. But at least put some healthy effort into gathering spiritual knowledge. Don’t procrastinate in studying for the Test – the final eternal test (with God as the Judge), that is. You can’t wing that one. Passages for your consideration: Psalm 119:15-16; Acts 17:11; Matthew 25:1-13. 7. Get a meal plan. Danger! Danger! Danger! Beware of the Christian’s “Freshman Fifteen.” Fifteen pounds of weight gain from unfettered access to dining halls and soda machines, that is (not alcohol). But we’re not talking about a meal plan consisting of physical food. Rather, we’re talking about investing in a meal plan that will nourish your soul – one consisting of spiritual food. You’ve found a church home, connected with spiritual advisors, linked up with study partners. But don’t simply rely on your own personal Bible study. Get involved in efforts that feed you with Bible knowledge that others want to share with you. Don’t sleep in through Bible class on Sunday morning. Yes, you’ve been up for “8 AM’s” all week, but c’mon, Bible class doesn’t start until 9 AM – that’s an extra hour of sleep! Attend campus ministry efforts, extra devotionals, Wednesday PM Bible classes, weekend Gospel Meetings, anything that can supplement you in this spiritually difficult time! Passages for your consideration: Philippians 3:17; 4:9; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Proverbs 18:15. 8. Think critically. College is all about diversity of ideas, thinking for yourself, and exploring things like philosophy and human psychology. That’s not inherently bad. But don’t let anyone else do the thinking for you. Challenge what your peers say. Skeptically evaluate what your professors say. It’s not even wrong to look at the Bible from a critical point of view. It’s okay to question. The Bible has withstood 2,000 years of scrutiny – you’re not going to be able to challenge Truth. But if you do think critically about everything, even the Bible, you’ll come out on the other side with a stronger faith, because you’ve examined the evidence yourself and you have made your faith your own; not your parent’s, not your preacher’s. Passages for your consideration: Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 2:5; 4:8. 9. Buy good textbooks. Quite possibly one of the most painful things about college is purchasing outrageously priced textbooks. You’ll need them. They’ll be useful. But no college textbook is going to be as important as the Bible that you carry and the additional spiritual resources (books, articles, audio lessons) that you accumulate. First and foremost, the word of God is the source of all answers. Buy a good one that will be yours for a lifetime. Even one of the most expensive ones is reasonably priced compared to some textbooks. But sometimes there are going to be things said in your classes that are questionable and that do not add up with what the Bible says. Sometimes, those things might even seem innocent and reasonable. Search out resources that will help you easily work through and reason about those ideas. Consider resources like Apologetics Press, Christian Courier, and WVBS. 10. Get good sleep. Remember the days of kindergarten naps? Yeah, those are over. You’ll be longing for the days that you had time to lay your head on a pillow instead of it accidentally face-planting into your textbook or keyboard late at night. But you do need your sleep to succeed. Get to bed. And not just because you need your sleep, but because bad things happen at night when you’re supposed to be asleep. If you’re in your bed when you’re supposed to be, you won’t be tempted by the late-night invitation to the bar; you’re less likely to be parked in a car with your girlfriend or boyfriend on a back road, giving in to temptation; you’re less likely to be accused of misconduct or theft when you’re legitimate alibi was that you were at home and in bed. When you’re in bed when you’re supposed to be, your worst nightmare will be about the upcoming Physics test, instead of jail time or trying to figure out how to pay for both your classes and for the diapers of the baby that you produced with a person who wasn’t your spouse. Passages for your consideration: Isaiah 29:15; Job 24:14; John 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:7. 11. Set Goals. It’s great that you’re shooting for a 4.0 GPA. It’s great that you want to be a doctor, a lawyer, a senator. It’s great that you want to earn an annual six figures. But set spiritual goals, too. Guys, shoot for possessing the spiritual characteristics of a deacon or an elder (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1). Ladies, shoot for being a “Proverbs 31 Woman,” a Priscilla, a Lydia. A happy and successful life is not about the paycheck or the job title – it’s about being like Jesus, about being a light in this sin-sick and dark world. Passages for your consideration: Psalm 127:1; Proverbs 19:21; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:13. 12. Graduate. Stay faithful in college, yes. But don’t stay in college forever. Yes, some need to go back to college later in life to pursue a new professional career. That’s not what we’re talking about. We’re talking about maturing and moving on from the things that are often associated with college students – immaturity, unreliability, poor stewardship, etc. Instead, move on, move out and get moving toward even greater holiness. But you’ll never graduate into maturity, unless you put in the work now. Passages for your consideration: 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 6:1; Luke 17:5; Colossians 1:9-10.

Jordan Moore After the Exodus, God placed a very simple, yet profound, set of expectations upon the children of Israel. He said, “I am the Lord your God. You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived, and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, to which I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their statutes. You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes and walk in them. I am the Lord your God” (Lev. 18:2-4). Consider how this text is applicable to us: Don’t live according to the familiar ways of the past. Estimates are that there were more than 2-3 million people that exited Egypt (Ex. 12:37). While some of the freed slaves may have had a general idea about what was taking place in God’s grand scheme of things, it’s reasonable to expect that at least some (if not most) of the Jews were probably “going with the flow” of the changes of the day. Undoubtedly, the emancipated slaves were happy to be free, but that didn’t mean that they had completely left Egypt behind. Egypt was literally all these generations had ever known. In fact, shortly after their escape, the people began to complain about their circumstances, actually longing to be back in Egypt where they could eat freely of the bounties (Num. 11:4-6). But not only did they look back longingly for the bounties of the land, it seems that they also had a significant connection to the idolatrous religion of the land. Think: Moses was on top of Sinai, the Jews having barely made it out of Egypt, and they were already fashioning an idolatrous golden calf (Ex. 32:1-4)! God had never commanded such a thing of these people – where would they have gotten this idea? It’s safe to say that the familiar ways of their Egyptian past were on their minds. If we’re not careful, we can do the same thing today. We can become very comfortable with the ways that things have always been done; and even when a more righteous and holy approach to something is presented to us, we sometimes resist and fight against it because of its conflict with the things that we’re used to. We should never do something, only because that is the way it has always been done. However, don’t live according to the intriguing ways of the future. On the flip side of the coin, there is danger in always looking to the future as though the standards and societal norms in that future time or place will be better. Israel certainly had reason to abandon everything that had influenced them in Egypt – but that didn’t mean that they should accept the ways of the people in Canaan. Unfortunately, Bible students know that Israel did this very thing. They worshiped the Gods of the land (Jud. 2:12-13), intermarried with the peoples of the land (Judges 3:6), and eventually demanded a king like the nations of the land (1 Samuel 8:4-20). Simply put, they wanted to look like the people around them. Similarly, if we’re not careful, we may judge the shortcomings and failings of the past and quickly turn to a new standard that, while different, may be equally as sinful. It’s certainly right to abandon the ways of the past that are sinful, but unless we land in a new place that is righteous, the change will have been for naught. Instead, live according to the steadfast ways of the eternal God. The expectation that God gives is this: “You shall follow my rules and keep my statutes…” Additionally, at both the front-end and back-end of the command to not live as the Egyptians or Canaanites, God asserts his authority with this statement: “I am the Lord your God.” We will never go wrong when we simply do what God says – nothing more, and nothing less. So the question that we need to consider is this: am I following the gods of the people of the day, or am I following the God of eternity?

Jordan Moore The biggest fish I ever caught got away before I could prove it with a picture. It’s a typical fish story, but it’s true! My dad and I landed our biggest catfish ever – upwards of 30 pounds. But before we could weigh it, Dad lifted up the stringer to show it off and to our utter horror, the fish fell from the stringer into the water, never to be seen again. Our blunder? We made the poor decision to run the stringer through the fish’s lip instead of its gills and the weight of the fish was enough to cause the stringer to tear all the way through its lip, freeing the fish from our possession. We never made that mistake again! But the greatest fishing story ever told was when four fishermen fished all night and didn’t catch anything. That was until they followed instructions to let their nets down one more time. They caught so many fish that their nets began to break and their boats began to sink (Luke 4:6-7). It’s a great story, no doubt; but why did Jesus perform this miracle, and what did He want Peter, Andrew, James, and John to learn? Jesus wanted these fishermen to follow Him… …even when it may not make sense to them (Luke 5:4-5). These weren’t just recreational fishermen, but fishermen by trade! It sustained and provided for their families. If anyone knew how to catch fish in the region, it wasn’t a man who was a carpenter by trade, but those who fished day in and day out for a living. Or so they would’ve thought. They’d already begun to clean their nets because they knew when to call it a day, but Jesus invited them to try once more and they had the biggest catch of their life. He didn’t just prove to them that He was knowledgeable in some obscure walk of life, but showed them that He was more capable and knowledgeable than them, even in the very trade to which they had dedicated their entire lives. There were going to be times in their Apostleship when they might think differently than Jesus – but this unprecedented catch would remind them they were following the true Master. …even when they might not feel worthy or capable (Luke 5:8-10). When you catch a big fish (or, so many that your boat begins to sink) the typical reaction is usually “hootin’ and hollerin’ and jumping for joy.” Instead, we see Peter falling to his knees, declaring his sinfulness (vs 8). Peter had probably never felt so inadequate in all his life. Certainly, he felt inadequate as a fisherman, but even more so as a man before the “Master of ocean, and earth, and skies.” As an apostle, there were going to be days ahead that Peter was likely going to feel inadequate and embarrassed, once again. But Peter could look back on this day, when Jesus said, “do not be afraid” and still beckoned him to follow, despite his inadequacy (vs 10-11). …even when it might mean hardship (Luke 5:10-11). Perhaps the most astounding part of the story is that it seems these fishermen had amnesia about the biggest catch of their lives. This catch could have provided for them for weeks, maybe months! But as soon as their boat hits land, instead of rushing the fish to market, they leave their entire livelihood behind – fish, nets, boats, and all. Jesus told them that from that point forward, His purpose for them was to be fishers of men. There were going to be times in their Apostleship that they were going to have to sacrifice and endure hardship, but they could look back on this event to remind them of why they were following Him. And aside from their bodies, there wasn’t much more that they could physically sacrifice for Jesus than what they had already forsaken on that day. Likewise, do we follow Jesus – even when something doesn’t make sense to us; even when we feel unworthy; even when it means enduring hardship?