For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:16, 17)

In chapter five of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians he directs them as to what they can do. He includes himself in a series of “we” statements. He answers the question as to what we can do.

First, WE are to walk by faith (v7). Paul is not suggesting that we take a blind leap in the dark. Rather, we are to be those guided by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). God has not left us with something to give us direction (Jer. 10:23). If We are going to do anything We must follow the word of God (Col. 3:17).

Second, WE are to be confident (v8). If we know the word then we have every right to be confident. We can know that we know (1 Jo. 5:13, John 20: 31; 8:32). Paul wrote to Timothy about the confidence he had (2 Tim. 1:12). If we are going to be effective as Christians then we must be confident of our belief in God and His word.

In the third place, WE are to labor (v9). In his first epistle (15:58) Paul wrote that we are to labor for the Lord. We need to “lift up our eyes” (John 4:35) for there is work to do. Regrettably there are too few who are willing to work (Matt. 9:37, 38). The busier we stay working for God the less time we will have do things of no value (1 Tim. 5:13).

Fourth, WE are all accountable before God (v10). The omniscient God is aware of everything we do. Nothing escapes His view (Heb. 4:13). Heaven or hell awaits us based on the judgment of God (Matt. 25:46). Where are you headed.?

Finally, Paul wants us to know that WE are to persuade others (v11). Persuade them of what? They need to be reconciled to God. This is accomplished by the “word of reconciliation.” We need to tell the word that reconciliation comes through faith, repentance, confession and baptism.

We’ve got much to do, let’s get busy.

Terry Claunch

“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11). The power of example can lead one to do good or evil. Whether we realize it we are following some example. It behooves us to choose wisely when it comes to following someone. In what direction are they headed? If we follow them what will be our destiny?

Jesus left an example of SERVICE. “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done unto you” (John 13:15). Jesus had assumed the menial task of washing His disciples’ feet. What a lowly task! It was a service that none of the others had volunteered to do. Jesus came to “minister” (Mark 10:45. He came to do the Father’s will and save man (John 9:4; Luke 19:10). He took upon himself the “form of a servant” (Philippians 2:2-8). What a great example for us to follow. We need to be servants of God. Elders are servants; deacons are servants; preachers are servants; all Christians are to be servants. Following the example of Jesus will make us better servants.

Paul wrote Timothy about an example that is to be SEEN. “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Faith cannot be hidden. God desires our faith (our good works—Matthew 6:13-16) to be seen before men. Timothy’s example was to be evident before the believers (fellow saints). Can there be anything such as a “secret saint”? Would we want someone following our example when it came to speech? What about our conduct, love, spirit, faith, and purity? Someone probably is following our example. Are we giving them a good one to emulate?

The Hebrew writer reminds us of an example of SADNESS. “Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:11). Here is a case of following the wrong way. The Israelites had opportunity after opportunity to follow God. They continually chose to follow after the gods of the countries around them (see the book of Judges). This example shows us that there are consequences to the choices we make. Things could have been so good for Israel. God desired to abundantly bless them. What will happen to us if we follow the same example of disobedience?

Jesus gives us an example of endurance through SUFFERING. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Would we willingly follow an example that meant it would cause us to suffer? Jesus did this very thing. His example will help us when we suffer. We are counted blessed when we “suffer for righteousness sake” (Matthew 5:11-12). James wrote about the “example of suffering and patience” of Job (James 5:10). Jesus’ example helps us make it through all the difficulties of this life. Godly living brings persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Whose example will we follow when we need to get through problems?

Let us not only follow the right example, but let us be the right example for others.

Terry Claunch

In 1776, English was chosen as the language of America over German by one vote. In 1880, after a tie in the Electoral College, the House of Representatives elected Thomas Jefferson by one vote. In 1868, President Andrew Johnson, was saved from impeachment by one vote. In 1878, Rutherford B. Hayes won the presidency over Samuel Tilden by one vote. In 1923, Hitler became leader of the Nazi party by one vote. In 1948, Lyndon B. Johnson became a Senator by one vote. California, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington became states by one vote. One vote can change history and the world.

One vote can change the eternity of your soul! God votes for you. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Jesus came into this world “to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). God does not want us to be lost in hell. He wants us to live with Him in heaven.

One vote can change the eternity of your soul! The devil votes for you to be lost. He began with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3; 1 Tim. 2:13, 14). He wants all to be with him eternally (Rom. 6:23). Hell is a place where the devil and his angels will be punished (2 Pet. 2:4).

One vote can change the eternity of your soul! It will be your vote. God votes yes. Satan votes no. You cast the deciding vote. Joshua stated the truth when he said, “…choose you this day whom ye will serve…” (Joshua 24:15). We cannot choose both (Matt. 6:24). You can win. You can be victorious (1 John 5:4). Who will win in the battle for you soul? Your vote, one vote, will make the difference. Make the right vote!

Terry Claunch

“Every good gift and every perfect gift cometh down from above…” (James 1:19). Jesus came down from the Father. He is the greatest gift (2 Corinthians 9:15). What gifts does Jesus give?

He gives living water. “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst…” (John 4:14).. Jacob’s well, where this lesson takes place, provided water for the refreshing of the physical body. Jesus would give that which refreshed the spirit.

He gives the bread of life. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” (John 6:51). Jesus’ flesh was given for eternal life. It was given for the world’s redemption.

Jesus will give the gift of eternal life. “And I will give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). This gift requires that one hear and obey (faith, repentance, confession of Jesus and baptism) the voice of Jesus (Hebrews 5:8, 9). He will lead those that follow to the land of rest (Hebrews 4:11.)

Jesus has given us a great example. “For I have given unto you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you” (John 13:15). Peter tells us that we should follow that example (1 Peter 2:21). This example is to do as He has done (Acts 10:38). This gift will be passed on to others. We become a blessing to others as Jesus has blessed us.

Jesus has given us a new commandment. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye should also love one another” (John 13:34). Our love for others should reflect the love that Christ has for us. The degree of love that we have for others is an example of the love we have for Jesus.

Jesus has given unto the world His peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…” (John 14:27). While this might be spoken to the apostles He provides us with peace. He is the “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6). He provides peace through the cross (Ephesians 2:13-15). Don’t we and our world need the gift of peace (1 Timothy 2:2)?

Jesus has given unto us the word of the Father. “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:24). What a great gift. We have been given “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). This word will make us completely furnished unto good works (2 Timothy 3:17).

These are just a few of the gifts God has bestowed on man through Jesus the Christ. All of these gifts are good for us. These gifts are found in the book of John. May we always be thankful for what God has given, and that freely, to us.

Terry Claunch

The Bible is the greatest book that has been written. It is inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). It reveals to us the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:13, Ephesians 3:3-8, 5:17). Since this book is so important what should we do with it?

First, we ought to READ the Bible. Paul told Timothy to give “attendance unto reading…” (1 Timothy 4:13). We are told that reading the word of God brings a blessing (Revelation 1:3). Many are ignorant of the scriptures because they “never read” (Matthew 21:42). Don’t just own a Bible. You need to be a Bible reader!

Next, we should RECEIVE the scriptures. It is to be received so that we might be saved. “..receive with meekness the engrafted word that is able to save your soul” (James 1:21). It is to be received with gladness. “Then they that gladly received the word were baptized…” (Acts 2:41). It is to be received with readiness of mind. The Bereans were “more noble” (Acts 17:11) because of this attitude.

The word of God is to be RESPECTED. This book is like none other. The Thessalonians “received” it not as the word of men, but as the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). That means that is must be respected. It has a divine origin. Man did not invent the scriptures. This word is given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 6:17). God’s word is
completely different than anything we have authored (Isaiah 55:8-11). If the Bible says it, then out of respect that ought to settle it.

The Bible gives us a reason to REJOICE, if it is obeyed. After the eunuch was baptized, he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). Because of a faithful life one can hear the words, “enter into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:23). Obedience is essential when it comes to the Bible. God has not given us a book that we can pick and choose what we want to obey. One cannot be pleasing to God without doing what He says (Matthew 7:21-27).

One should have the proper RESPONSE to the Bible. The “men of Athens” (Acts 17:22) responded to preaching about the resurrection in three different ways. The first response was to mock what was said (Acts 17:32). Do we mock or ridicule the scriptures? The second response wanted to hear more. At least they desired to continue to learn more. Is this our attitude?
The final response was to believe. We must come to believe, completely trust, the scriptures (2 Timothy 1:12). What response do we have toward the truth? Will we mock, hear more or believe it?

The Bible is a word of RECONCILIATION.

“And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hat committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Outside of Christ we are described as ungodly, sinners and enemies (Romans 5:6-10). We need to be reconciled to God. This can only come through knowing and obeying the word of God.

The word of God is to be RETAUGHT. “And the things that thou has heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The word of God is to be “hid in our hearts” to keep us from sin. It is not to be hid from others. We are to be ready to answer (1 Peter 3:15) others. Will we allow God’s word to die with us? Will we take the responsibility to pass on the faith to our children and our world?

Terry Claunch

Most folks are either right or left dominant. They may catch, sew or throw with one hand or the other. The same is true about ones feet. In connection with this thought is a chapter in the book of Leviticus. In six verses of chapter fourteen one finds “right” used over and over. One can only speculate as to why the right is chosen over the left. God chose to emphasize the right ear, hand and foot.

While we may not know why the right was chosen the left we can see why the specific body parts were chosen.

The oil (verse 28) was to be put upon the right ear of the priest. Why? The ear is the means of hearing the word. The priest needs to be one who continually listens to the Word of God. Eleven times in Leviticus we find the word “hear.” One could not faithfully serve God as a priest without following what his ear heard (1 Samuel 3:9). The book of Leviticus could be described as a handbook or manual for the priest and high priest.

There are important lessons for us to learn from the right ear. Christians now serve as the priests of God (1 Peter 2:5, 9; Romans 12:1). We are not free to worship and work for God according to our own desires. We, like the Old Testament priests, are to listen. Our ears are to be open to hear the commandments of our Lord. “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (Matthew 17:5; see also Hebrews 1:2). How many today would rather not listen to Jesus? They listen to their heart, the majority or culture. We simply cannot do that. Let your ear be tuned to hear Jesus from the scriptures (John 12:48).

Next, the oil was placed upon the right hand of the priest. The office of the priest involved service. His hands were to be busy serving the Lord. Luke records that it was Zecharias’ job (Luke 1:9) was to burn incense in the temple. Every priest had a job to do. Because they failed to listen to God, Nadab and Abihu, did not use their hands properly. The offered to God what was called “strange fire” (Lev. 10:1-2).

Are we using our hands to serve God? “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest” (Ecclesiates 9:10). Moses was asked by God, “What is that in thine hand?” (Exo. 4:2). Our hand may be holding a writing instrument. With our hand we may type on a keyboard. With our hands we may hold a needle. Do you get the picture? With our hands we are to do good (Eph.. 4:28; Acts 20:34) for the benefit of others. Imagine using your hands to open the Bible so that you can study with someone (1 Pet. 3:15). Can you see your hands holding grocery bags to carry to a needy family? Do you use your hands to pat someone on the back for a job well done? Are your hands strong enough to “support the weak” (1 Thes. 5:14). How often are our hands used for destroying rather than building up? Do we “close” our hands to the needs of others (Galatians 6:7-10)? May our hands be devoted to the service of our God.

The right foot had the oil applied to it as well. Maybe this was a reminder that wherever their feet carried them they were priests of God. Regardless if they were in the temple, at home or traveling between these places they were still set apart as servants to God. Do you suppose this is why the priest and the Levite (Luke 10:31, 32) are shown in an unfavorable light? It seems they did not carry their faith outside their worship place.

Where do your feet carry you? Traveling by foot was probably the way the priest got to his destination. The Scriptures quite often make the parallel of walking as it relates to the Christian life (Rom. 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:7; Gal. 6:16; Eph. 5:2; et al).

Our feet should be carrying us to the lost. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). If we do not go how will they learn the truth?

Will we allow our feet to carry us to worship? Not every once in a while but to every service! That should include Bible classes and worship. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). David was “glad” when others spoke about going to worship God (Psa. 122:1).

Daniel Gaines, a preacher who comes to camp with us, gave a lesson about different shoes. After talking about the wrong ones he spoke about the “work” boot. As he finished he asked about the difference between the shoes. The “bad” shoes all fit the left foot. The work boot was the “RIGHT” one.

God doesn’t want just our right ear, hand and foot. He wants all (Matt. 22:37). Will you give Him all?

Terry Claunch

Just for YOUth…

In Leviticus chapter ten we read of the account of Nadab and Abihu. They were killed for offering unto the Lord that which He commanded not (verse one). God is serious about what will and will not please Him (Heb. 11:6). How can we know what God desires and what He abhors?

By studying and knowing the will of God (Eph. 5:17) we can know right from wrong. God would warn the Israelites, especially the priests, that they should “put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean” (Lev. 10:10). They needed to know the difference.

Under the New Testament God wants the same thing. He wants us to know what is “acceptable” (Acts 10:35) and what is not. Young people are often faced with decisions. How do they decide what is right and wrong? The simple answer is to know and obey the word of God. “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillfull in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:12-14).

Do you want to do what is right? Sure you do. Then please learn the word of God so that you can know the difference.

Terry Claunch

Revelation 2:10

Are you faithful? Do you know what is required to be faithful? It is God’s desire that we are full of faith (Heb. 11:6).

Being faithful means that we must LABOR for the Lord. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matt. 24:45). We are all answerable to God. He has given to each of us responsibilities and roles. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). This verse makes it clear that God wants us to be faithful in our labor.

Faithfulness demands that we are concerned with small things. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). The author was wrong when he entitled his book “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” God’s word tells us to be faithful in the little things. Isn’t that what life is made of? Yes, we have some big moments that stand out and people will remember. But life is made up of little moments. How we use the little things will tell how we handle the big things. Jesus said if we are faithful with the little then we will be given more responsibility (Matt. 25:21).

We are to be faithful in what has been LOANED to us. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). A steward is one who has been entrusted with the goods of another. Everything belongs to God. He created all things through Jesus (John 1:1-3). We are just blessed to be able to use them for a while. Paul wrote to the Romans that “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). When the Lord returns He will want to know if we have been faithfully using what is His (Matt. 25:19). What are we doing with our homes, cars, jobs, etc. that God has blessed us with? Faithfulness is more than attending all the services of the church. Faithfulness means that we are good stewards of God’s manifold blessings.

Faithfulness demands that we be in the LORD. “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:2). One cannot be full of faith if one is not in Jesus. Being in Christ means that one is saved (2 Tim. 2:10), There is only one way to be saved. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). If one cannot be faithful until he is in Christ, how does he get into Christ? First, one must believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16). Second, there must be repentance of past sins (Acts 2:38). Third, one must confess Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:37). What act is mentioned with faith, repentance and confession? Baptism, an immersion in water, is the additional command. Paul says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). When one is baptized it is to be “translated” (Col. 1:13) from sin to salvation (Col. 2:12). Are you in Christ? Would you like to be? Without being in Christ you cannot be faithful.

Terry Claunch

The Super Bowl is one of the most sought after venues for companies wishing to reach the masses. Each year the price of a thirty minute commercial has gone up. This year three million dollars will be needed to buy a coveted spot. That means every second of a commercial is worth one hundred thousand dollars! Why are these companies willing to pay such an exorbitant amount? They expect to reap from what they have sown.

Can we put a price tag on time when it comes to serving the Lord? We cannot, or least should not, give anything in “exchange for our soul” (Matt. 16:26). Image what you could do in thirty seconds. You could make a call to a shut-in (James 1:27). A note could be written to one of our visitors (Col. 4:16). Prayer could be offered for our elders (Heb. 13:15, 17). A portion of God’s word could be read (1 Tim. 4:13). A hug could be given to one who is hurting (1 Thes. 5:14). What would it cost us to do any one of these things? Any one could be done for practically nothing. Yet, no price could be placed on what it means to the one we helped. Could you take a few thirty seconds out of your day? It will help you as well.

Only those with “deep pockets” can afford to show a commercial during the Super Bowl. We don’t have to be millionaires to do good for others. God will hold us accountable for what we’ve done with what we have (2 Cor. 8:12). The widow was able to give more than the rich even though she was poor (Mark 12:42-44). Don’t allow your poverty, by the world’s standard, to keep you from being a blessing to others.

Your “thirty seconds” is worth more than you think.

Terry Claunch

The angel said to Mary, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name “Jesus” means Savior. That is what Jesus truly is. Man is lost in sin and needs a Savior, Jesus. What do the scriptures tell us about the name of Jesus?

There are some who live contrary to the name of Jesus. “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). What does it mean to do things contrary to the name of Jesus? It simply means one is not doing the will of Jesus. It may be out of ignorance (Acts 23:1). It may be done willfully (Heb. 10:26). In either case the result is the same. A soul will be lost if it lives contrary to the name of Jesus. Are you living in harmony with or contrary to the name of Jesus?

All that is commanded of us is in the name of Jesus. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). Would not it be great if every thing we say and every thing we do would be in the name of Jesus? If such were the case then life would have no regrets. Too often the commandments of God are cast aside in favor of man’s teaching. Jesus confronted those of His day with the same problem (Matthew 15:1-9). Mechanical instruments of music in singing praises to God cannot be done in the name of Jesus. There is no authority for this. Women cannot be preachers because of the name of Jesus. A woman in the pulpit is contrary to the commands of God (1 Tim. 2:11; Titus 2:15). May we seek to do “all things” in the name of Jesus.

If one is going to be converted it will be in the name of Jesus. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:18-19). Baptism is the culminating act that results in conversion. One is not converted until he is baptized in the name of Jesus. Paul was asked why he was waiting to be baptized (Acts 22:16). The washing away of sin takes place in baptism by calling on the name of the Lord. Peter wrote that “baptism doth also now save us…” (1 Peter 3:21). The process of conversion involves faith (Mark 16:16; Rom. 10:17; John 8:24); repentance of past sins (Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30); confession of Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 8:36, 37; Rom. 10:10). The first verse given for faith, repentance and confession also includes the need for baptism. You cannot have one without the other. It is necessary to be converted. Conversion is the same as salvation. Luke records that “salvation” is in the name of Jesus (Acts 4:12). No other name will do. Only through the authority of Jesus can one be converted. Calling on the name of Jesus is the same as obeying the gospel.

Truly, the name of Jesus should be precious to us. Surely, we understand that it is not merely saying His name. May we not live contrary to His name but follow His commands so that we can be converted.

Terry Claunch