David Tarbet Blog

Matthew 5:29

TEMPTATIONS OF THE EYE

Jesus knew that entrapment to sin is an ever-present temptation with serious consequences.  He said:  “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell” (Matthew 5:29, English Standard Version).

Many  enticements to sin come through the eye. The things we read, the movies we watch, the clothes (or lack of clothing) we notice can live on and on in our minds.  How are we to overcome such temptations?

Some people have moved to a different city to get away from seeing what pulled them down in the last location, but temptations of the eyes followed them to the new location.  Some have promised God they would never fall for visual temptations again, but these promises are easily broken. Here are some practical steps to protect ourselves from the temptations that come through our eyes.  

First,  we need to make deliberate decisions to stay away from circumstances where we will be likely to slip back into our old way of life. If we have a weakness for lust we need to avoid being around sexually graphic images. “I made a covenant with my eye not to look lustfully at a girl” (Job 31:1, New International Version)

Second, we must devote our lives to doing good deeds and acts of kindness. Experience teaches us that “idle hands are a devil’s workshop”.  When we start doing good things for God and others we do not have much time or energy to get into spiritual trouble. Imitate our Lord Jesus who “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38)

Third, let us deliberately focus on wholesome thoughts — reading and meditating on things that are “true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable” (Philippians 4:6).  Jesus said: “Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander” (Matthew 15:19). The scriptures are full of healthy words and pure visual images that will enforce our resolve to overcome things that ensnare us.

Finally,  our prayers must be times of praise and thanksgiving for blessings we have received, rather than simply confessing our weaknesses, vulnerabilities and guilt. Confession of sins is important but if failure is the primarily focus of prayer it is not sufficient to build us up. Counting our blessings helps us be humble and instills a positive mind-set that helps grow spiritually. “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpassses all understading, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7)

When Jesus spoke about tearing out our “right eye” and “throwing it away,” He did not intend for us to literally inflict pain and harm on our bodies, but to motivate us to make serious efforts overcoming temptations of the heart.  He meant for us to concentrate on how we can “crush Satan under our feet” (Romans 16:20). It was not a casual resistance to temptation but a definite resolve not to fall. Living in a way where “the whole body will be throw into hell” is too great a price to pay for taking enticements of our eyes lightly.

THE MISSIONARIES’ “NEW SONG”

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song: sing to the Lord, all the earth!”

Some of us grew up singing a hymn of praise and hope written almost one hundred years ago by J.R. Baxter entitled “The New Song”.  It was a song about heaven.  The music was composed by C.C. Stafford. It was a fast-paced hymn. Those who joined in to sing had be alert and to know when their “part” (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) came in and dropped out of the song. Whether or not one recalled all the words of the hymn, one absolutely had to know when to start singing!  It was almost an art to grasp when your voice was supposed to “jump in” to the quick-moving song about heaven.  

THE NEW SONG OF MISSIONARIES

When reading Psalm 96 I was reminded of a song the ancient people of God called  the “new song” which focused on the joyful announcement that God is Lord over all the earth. His  glory is to be declared “among the nations” and “to all the peoples!” (verse 3). The “new song” honored the Lord and carried the message that He alone is God, the universal Lord, who cares about everyone, and who will judge the nations of the world in righteousness and faithfulness. “When a nation or individual receives God’s blessing, he immediately becomes responsible for telling others what God has done for him” (John T. Willis). This is the “new song” missionaries carry to the world!

THE NEW SONG OF GOD’S POWER

While some may have thought the Old Testament proclaimed that God loved only Israel, Psalm 96 affirms that God cares about people everywhere, even those whose understanding of God is distorted. Our pluralistic society may say that “one god is as good as another god,” that various gods are needed to help people with various needs, and that  “all roads lead to heaven.”  The truth is there is only one true God, who is Lord of the universe.  He is fully capable of providing everything we need — He can do it all! He wants everyone to hear about His “marvelous works” (verse 3). He wants people who bow to man-made images to understand how empty and powerless idol-worship is:  “They lift it to their shoulders, and carry it; they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble” (Isaiah 46:7).  They “keep on praying to a god that cannot save” (Isaiah 45:20). The true God is not made by human hands. The true God cannot be picked up and carried about. The true God knows everything about everybody and wants idolaters to “come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). The living, eternal God is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-seeing. Idols, on the other hand, are incapable of thinking, hearing and seeing.  Idols are impotent, but the true God “made the heavens” (verse 5).  “All the gods of the people are worthless idols” the psalmist declared. The message of the missionary is this: it makes a difference if one worships the true God or a worthless idol! In today’s pluralistic society this is the song that needs to be sung. It’s a call to worship the Lord in the “splendor of holiness;” to “tremble before Him, all the earth!” (verse 9). It may be a “new” song to many, but it’s the right song to sing.  And if Christians don’t sing it, we dishonor the Lord, who is “greatly to be praised!” (verse 4).

THE NEW SONG OF ESTABLISHED ORDER

 The “new song” proclaims that God “established” order and harmony in the earth.  In Him all things “hold together” (Colossians 1:17). As this psalm puts it: “the world is established; it shall never be moved” (verse 10). Only at the final act of God (on the “Day of the Lord”), when His purpose for earth has been fulfilled, the heavens will “pass away,” be “burned  up and dissolved” and the earth “exposed”. On that final day, “all these things will be dissolved” (2 Peter 3:10-11). Polytheism may tell us that the gods are at odds with each other and one god will send fire while another god sends rain to put the fire out, that one god sends health while another sends disease, that one god wants to bless us while the other god sends chaos and tragedy.  The reality is that until the day when the true Lord of the Universe determines to bring an end to His plans and protections for life on earth, things will be orderly for those who live on this planet.  The true God has made a covenant with the earth that “while the earth remains seed-time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22).

THE NEW SONG OF RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT

The “new song” announces the true God will “judge the peoples with equity” (verse 10). Justice and fairness are God’s plan for all human beings, regardless of race, color or country of origin. Those who bow themselves to man-made idols think the gods are biased, unjust, unfair and demand that everyone earn his way into the next life (through re-incarnation or perhaps becoming “one” with the universe) through his own efforts and good deeds. Only the religion of the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, speaks about love, grace and forgiveness. When we commit our lives to Him we trust Him to save us from our sins even though we don’t deserve it, and we commit ourselves to love our neighbors as ourselves.   When people pattern their lives upon the example of Jesus they will treat each other with kindness, mercy and justice.  Society will be completely changed!  Life based on man-made idols leads to hopelessness, terror and injustice. The “new song” of God’s love brings justice, forgiveness, peace and joy.  “This psalm throbs with the hope of the Lord’s coming” (H.C. Leopold). As the psalmist said: “Let the heavens be glad and let the earth rejoice… for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness” (verse 11-13).

Christ for the world we sing;

The world to Christ we bring,

With loving zeal;

The poor and them that mourn,

The faint and over-borne,

Sin-sick and sorrow-worn

Whom Christ doth heal.

Christ for the world we sing; 

The world to Christ we bring

With fervent prayer:

The way-ward and the lost,

By restless passions tossed

Redeemed at countless cost

From dark despair.

––Samuel Wolcott (1869)

All scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version

“TEACH US TO NUMBER OUR DAYS”

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

(Psalm 90:12)

I regret to inform the readers that some biblical scholars, clergymen, and seminary students do not care much for Psalm 90. Personally, I have found it to be profound in its insights! It is one of the outstanding prayers in the Bible. I have used its message as the text for many funerals, including the funerals of those who have avoided every aspect of God in their lives. I know of no psalm which so clearly balances our understanding about life and death, God and mankind, pessimism and hope. I hold Psalm 90 in the highest regard. It is, after all, the oldest psalm in the entire book of Psalms. The introduction states that its author was Moses, and while introductions to specific Psalms are not inspired, there is more reasons to believe Moses actually wrote it than to deny that he did. Moses was a “man of God” who lead the Israelites out of Egypt, hand-delivered the original Ten Commandments and prayed urgently and fervently that God would not cast off His people. Here are great principles that will help all of us have a good life.

WE HAVE A DWELLING PLACE WITH GOD

The prayer begins: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were bought forth or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (verses 1-2). A “dwelling place” is more than a place to flee to in time of danger. It is truly our “home” where love abounds, needs are met, comfort prevails and character is formed. Eighty years ago the world heard these words when Dorothy (Judy Garland) woke up in Kansas and remembered her wonderful adventures in Oz, but told her family “there‘s no place like home.” The world has never forgotten those words! But long before Judy Garland uttered them, God’s people were sheltered and nourished in God Himself––the God who is from “everlasting to everlasting.” To this very day, those who are far away from their physical families may enter the dwelling place of God “in the heavens” (1st Kings 8:30). All of His servants are welcome there! On the morning of the resurrection, a loud voice will be heard saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God” (Revelation 21:3). Moses put it like this: “The eternal God is your dwelling place; and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27). We are invited to enter the everlasting dwelling place of God now, and we will dwell there for all eternity in the world to come!

GOD HAS SHOWED HIS ANGER

The book of Psalms contains a large number of references to the wrath of God, but no psalm is more insistent that we appreciate the fact that His anger is very much a part of who God is. Moses experienced it as he led the children of Israel through the wilderness for 40 years. In fact, there are striking similarities between Psalm 90 and the wandering in the wilderness described in Deuteronomy, so much so that that 40 years experience may indeed be the historical background of this psalm. “We are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed…. For all our days pass away under your wrath….Who considers the power of your anger, and the wrath according ot the fear of you?” (verses 7, 9, 11). The anger of God is not a topic to be lightly dismissed. Many preachers never preach on that topic. But God’s wrath is very much a Bible subject (both in the Old Testament and the New Testament) and we owe it to ourselves to learn about it!

SIN IS THE REASON FOR GOD’S ANGER.

The psalmist wrote: “You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty….” (verses 8-10). Moses saw God’s wrath at work. At Kadesh the majority of spies came back with a negative report of the land and the inhabitants God intended for Israel to conquer. Because of their sinful fears and refusal to obey God instructions to enter the land, God brought the punishment of death on Israel (Numbers 14:22-23). It is a sobering thought that death is the result of God’s wrath. If human beings had not sinned God would not have been angry with humans and brought death on the world. It is important, however, that we realize this psalm does not teach that everyone who dies does so because he is a sinful person and personally under the wrath of God. Infants, for example, have no sins, yet innocent infants and youngsters pass away every year. Those old enough to commit sin, to repent of their sins and to be immersed into Christ receive the forgiveness of all their sins (Acts 2:38), yet death comes to those who are forgiven even as it comes to those who live in deliberate sin. It is a universal truth that death is the consequence of God’s wrath provoked by of sin in this world. Death entered the world when Adam sinned at the beginning of creation. God said to Adam: “You are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Death has spread to all men –– even to those incapable of committing sins and those whose sins have been forgiven by the blood of Jesus. It is “appointed to men to die once” (Hebrews 9:27).

LIFE ON EARTH IS FRAGILE.

In five figures of speech Moses speaks of how transitory life on earth really is. It is “as yesterday” when it is passed or “as a watch in the night” (usually 4 hours) (verse 4); it is “like a dream” and “like grass” (verse 5); it is “like a sigh” (verse 9). What a contrast to the nature of God who is “from everlasting to everlasting” (verse 2)! Life-span in the age of Moses was about the same as life-span is today: 70 or 80 years. A few live to be 100 or more, and others die long before they reach their 70’s. Whatever time we have on this planet needs to be centered in what is most important and what prepares us for the world to come. That is, to learn God’s purpose for life and devote ourselves to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). This is what “wisdom” is all about! We need to make every day count!

NUMBERING OUR DAYS

Moses prayed: “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (verse 12). Numbering our days is not a matter of arithmetic. The New Bible Commentary explains: “Human life is set between two points: the wrath of God, which makes life transient, and peace with God which gives it stability and permanency.” We owe it to our Creator to get to know Him better than we do today, and to serve Him more effectively than we did today. To put it another way: numbering our days is to “realize how brief life is on earth, in order that he might use his time in the most meaningful way possible” (John Willis, Insights From the Psalms III). It is a matter of establishing priorities for life. It means resolving to bring glory to God, to do good to those around us, to spread the gospel to the farthest reaches of the earth, and to get ready for the judgment day that is certainly coming! It means to live life in a way that we will be able to hear the Savior say: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

ANTICIPATE GOD’S STEADFAST LOVE

Moses looked forward to the Lord doing great things for him, his family and the nation. He prayed: “Satisfy us …with your steadfast love….make us glad…let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us. Yes, establish the work of our hands!” (verses 14-17). Our God does not want to be estranged from us; we need His love and power to bring out the best in our families. “Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Psalm 139:14). Even if life is short and death comes sooner than we would expect, yet the Lord sustains us with fresh favors each day. We have important tasks to accomplish and we need divine help to accomplish them; we need God to “establish the work of our hands”! God’s steadfast love will give us the strength we need. Life will be good and the works of God will be seen in the lives of parents and children. Is there anything more valuable than God’s kingdom power which endures from one generation to another?

DEATH IS NOT THE END

It is a mistake to interpret Psalm 90 as focused entirely on death and dying. On the contrary, Moses says that what we do with our brief lives will enable us at the end of our earthly journey, to “fly away” (verse 10). This is a promise of great hope! Death sets the spirit free to return to God. Solomon spoke of this exit from earthly life: “the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Stephen, the first Christian to be martyred for the Faith prayed as he was being stoned to death: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” (Acts 7:59). And our Lord Jesus, while dying for us, endured the cross because of the “joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). He cried out: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Having said that His spirit flew away into the very presence of God.

We “fly away” not like a frightened and jittery sparrow flees from one dangerous branch to another, but like a mighty Bald Eagle rising with grace from his eyrie nest to soar upward toward the skies above to the highest peak where he will be safe from all predators that would harm him. When we come to the final hour of life on earth, may we with hope, love, courage and peace be carried in the arms of angels to the “dwelling of God” who will shelter us with His presence and put His “everlasting arms” around us.

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away

To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away

I’ll fly away, O glory! I’ll fly away;

When I die, hallelujah, by and by,

I’ll fly away.

––Albert E. Brumley, 1932

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

“They will go from strength to strength” (Psalm 84:7)

It is true that we do not know how much we miss certain things until we are denied the privilege of having them — seeing  the things we remember, breathing in the scents, touching the furniture, hearing the old familiar messages and enjoying the company of friends or family. Perhaps you have a favorite congregation which brings happy memories. It may have been a congregation where you had a sense of fulfillment because you loved the people, felt well-fed from the word of God, grew spiritually and had opportunities to serve the Lord in meaningful ways.  For godly people in Israel that unique and special place was the temple in Jerusalem.  In Psalm 84 the sons of Korah express the joy of going to worship God, to sing, to pray, and resolve to “trust in the Lord”. It is one of the best loved psalms in the entire Psalter.  One commentator has said:  “Seldom has that love (for the sanctuary) found such touching and eloquent expression.”

For Christians, the assembly of God’s people for worship is the sanctuary we love. We may have been deprived of the opportunity to meet together due to circumstances beyond our control, such as being stationed in remote corners of the world, being overcome by failing health, being quarantined due to the corona-virus or although surrounded by churches in a new city, being unable to find one “like the church back home.”  A case in point is a Christian lady who had not been able to assemble to worship with God’s people for several weeks due to government restrictions that churches close because of the spread of COVID-19.  As she walked back into the church building she was heard to say: “I love this place. I have missed it so much!” All of us  can be strengthened by reading Psalm 84.  

FAITH IS STRENGTHENED BY WORSHIP.  The sons of Korah wrote:  “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God” (verse 1-2). The Lord’s church, where we meet to sing and pray, is not intended to be a place we fear, or are forced to attend against our will.  We should have a comfortable feeling when we enter the doors, like birds which felt comfortable around the ancient sanctuary in Jerusalem. They built their nests and gave birth to their young there (verse 3). Meeting together to worship gives us strength in the knowledge that the God we love and serve is the “sun and shield” to protect us (verse 11).

GOD IS STRONGER THAN OUR PROBLEMS.   In the sanctuary we worship the “Lord of hosts” (verses 1),  the “Living God” (verse 2), the heavenly “King” (verse 3). We come together with the burdens and disappointments of life on our shoulders, we leave with the strength of God to take on another day.  Being there, hearing the word, praying and singing, gives us more strength than we had before.  We gain what we need to go from “strength to strength” (verse 7).

OUR STRENGTH CAN BECOME A BLESSING TO OTHERS. “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs….” (verses 5-6).  For truly godly people, going to church is not just a constitutional right, a family tradition, something good for business.  It is discovering the path that leads to a better world, where people love their neighbors as themselves, racism vanishes, justice prevails for the weak and strong, and the world is made a better place.  In the words of Psalm 84:  “the Valley of Baca” (a dry and arid place where is life is hard) is changed by “springs” made by godly people and God blesses the land with “early rain and covers it with pools.” (verse 6). Probably Psalm 87 is not to be taken literally. However,  those who live in arid parts of Africa and elsewhere are truly thankful for wells drilled by members of Churches of Christ and “non-profit” organizations which make it possible to grow crops and have clean drinking water. In a symbolic sense, Christians provide “springs” in the deserts by spreading the love of God and the promise of His forgiveness of sins and the gift of His Holy Spirit for spiritual transformation.

SERVANTS ARE STRONG ENOUGH TO BE HUMBLE.  When priorities are straight we find many experiences that show humility and a servant’s heart to be preferred over the attractions of wickedness. Listen to the writer:  “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of  my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (verse 10). Doorkeepers did not earn much money for what they did (if any!). They were not into service in the sanctuary to become famous or get special favors. They opened the doors because it was a job someone needed to do so people could come in to worship. Jesus taught us those who follow His steps: “Whoever is great among you must be your servant…even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20: 25-28). I appreciate the way Thomas Kinkade put it:  “Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them.” If I had to choose between one day to live and serve the church or many days in self-seeking wickedness, I  hope I would have the wisdom and courage to choose to live that one day as a servant in God’s sanctuary, the church.

GOD GETS THE CREDIT FOR OUR STRENGTH. “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (verse 11). It is important that we understand what “good” means if we anticipate receiving “good things” from God.  Jesus said: “How much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11).  In a similar scripture He said; “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:13). Just in case anyone thought  he would receive a new car if he asked God to give him one, the context of this promise is that “good things” are the things one receives when he receives the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is promised to all who “repent and be baptized (immersed) for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). God gives the Spirit to those who obey Him (Acts 5:32). God’s Holy Spirit instills the “fruit of the Spirit” in our lives: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). He helps us in our prayers (Romans 8:26-27). He fortifies our hearts so we can overcome the deeds of sin (Romans 8:13). He strengthens us “with power” in the inner person so that Christ may dwell in our hearts (Ephesians 3:16).  In short, the work of God’s Spirit, given in answer to our prayers, enables us to go from “strength to strength” living the Christian life.

We have much to be thankful for because our God is faithful to us. “Blessed is the one who trusts in Him” (verse 12).

(Scripture quotations from the English Standard Version.)

A new congregation of the Church of Christ will begin soon in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Weekly communion, acappella singing, back-to-the-Bible messages, loving Christian fellowship, undenominational. For more information contact: dtarbet@swbell.net

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT

berkshirecountychurchofchrist.org

christfortoday.org

nmchurchofchrist.org

davidtarbet.blog

LEFT THE CHURCH?

THINKING OF GOING BACK?

The words of Israel’s king David will help put everything into proper perspective. Please read Psalm 73 carefully, then think about these reflections . . . .

A New England friend of mine told me why he quit going to church. He said: “I was not growing spiritually; nothing really changed for me. I did not become an atheist, or an agnostic. I consider myself to be a spiritual person. But “church” had no meaning in my everyday life. I live in the real world of family demands, health issues, unsteady jobs, broken relationships and moral dilemmas. I don’t see how going to church is going to help me meet these challenges. I have lots of questions and sometimes I am not sure how to work through my confusions, but is the church really going to make any difference? I don’t think so.”

It is true that many non-church goers are good neighbors, appear to be happy and successful. In fact, sometimes they have more money, bigger houses, newer cars, fewer problems, and are well on their way to fulfilling their “bucket list” of 1,000 Things To Do Before You Die. David wrote: “I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (verse 3). The ancient king protested strongly: “All in vain I have kept my heart clean, and washed my hands in innocence” (verse 13). Have you thought about all the good things that non-church people enjoy and compared all the trials you have experienced? Have you thought about the hypocrites that go to church every week but never change their dishonest ways? Organized religion is not helping them. In fact, church leaders seem to be most concerned about money.

It is also true that many who go to the “sanctuary” are financially strapped, have troubles in their marriages, appear to be “narrow minded” and emotionally unstable. Going to church is not doing much for them, either. In fact, it is like being “stuck” in religious ruts, traditions, rituals and ceremonies.

For some who have dropped out of church, it is easier to live without a consciousness of God’s presence which makes one feel accountable for the poor choices he makes. If God is not aware (or not interested) of what’s going on around us, is it because there are no absolute rights and wrongs, and we do not need to be concerned about the behavior of people who live in our town? Is it because there is no coming day of reckoning — no day of the righteousness judgment of God? (Tragically, even priests and preachers who are supposed to be the moral conscience of society are not sure if the Bible is true or relevant!) It is tempting to decide what we believe and how we are going to live on our own. As my friend said: “I just don’t need someone else telling me how to live my life!” People described in Psalm 73, put it like this: “How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?” (verse 11)

For King David the meaning of life had become confusing. “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to be a wearisome task.” His wearisome task continued, he said, “until I went into the sanctuary of God” (verses 16-17). According to the scriptures, God “sanctuary” today is the church Jesus built. It is called the “holy temple” (Ephesians 2:21), “God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9). It not a physical structure, such as a cathedral or church building. God’s “sanctuary” is now the spiritual place where God dwells. God’s sanctuary is not a denomination; it was established before there were either Protestant or Catholic denominations. Jesus died on the cross so His blood could purchase His spiritual church (Acts 20:28). Today God’s spiritual sanctuary has spiritual “priests” who offer spiritual “sacrifices” (1 Peter 2:4-5).

If Jesus thought so highly of His divine church that He would die for it, why do some people have a hard time going to church? Why do those who have left have a hard time going back? What’s wrong with this picture?

First, some stop going to church because of problems they themselves have. They fail to focus their minds on what is happening in a worship environment. During the prayers, communion and hymns, they are thinking of a hundred other things they plan to do that day. Worship is boring. Their hearts are not where they need to be. Almost no time at all is spent in personal Bible study and prayer. Jesus described it like this: “This people honors me with their lips but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). God wants His people not to let the church down! It is difficult to get more out of worship than one is putting in it.

Second, some stop going to church because of problems the church has. Often organized religion is not teaching the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. God’s church is supposed to be the “pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). The church should proclaim the word of God. Its mission is not to entertain people, take political positions, make everyone laugh, tell witty jokes or make people “feel good” about themselves. The mission of the church is much higher than that! Today we are seeing the fulfillment of a prophecy made in the Old Testament: “ ‘Behold the days are coming’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will send a famine on the land––not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and from, to seek the word of the Lord, but they shall not find it.” (Amos 8:11-12). When the clergy feed people a few short readings from a religious book, focus on rituals of kneeling and rising, solicit a few “amens” and “responses” to printed liturgy, then dismiss the worshipers with rote blessings, the people are not being properly fed. When people are not properly fed they get little to nothing out of the service and eventually decide to quit going to church. They are reluctant to start back. It is our conviction that they deserve to hear the word of God which will change their lives, help them understand the will of God, bear their burdens, deepen their faith, repent of their sins, sharpen their convictions, answer their doubts and produce meaningful spiritual maturity. They deserve to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). In first century Christianity, God placed knowledgeable leaders in His church to help believers attain “mature manhood,” so they would no longer “be children, tossed to and fro by the waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine.” He designed His “sanctuary” as the place where believers hear “the truth in love” and “grow up in every way into Christ” (Ephesians 4:11-15). God wants His church to not let the people down!

When the psalmist returned to the sanctuary and paid attention to the message of the word of God, his confusions and doubts began to fade away. His faith became stronger! He wrote: “You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will receive me into glory…. God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!” (verses 24-26). He concluded Psalm 73 with this affirmation: “It is good to be near God” (verse 28). What David wrote is absolutely true! If your interest in spiritual things is growing again, if you need to return to the Lord’s sanctuary, don’t let that desire pass. Seek out the Church of Christ in your community!

(All Scripture quotations from the English Standard Version unless otherwise noted.)

A new congregation of the Church of Christ will begin soon in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Weekly communion, acappella singing, back-to-the-Bible messages, loving Christian fellowship, undenominational. For more information contact: dtarbet@swbell.net

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT

berkshirecountychurchofchrist.org

christfortoday.org

nmchurchofchrist.org

davidtarbet.blog