Excuses

by Jeff Curtis

In Exodus chapters 3 and 4, Moses questions to God could be used to introduce a sermon on excuses. The lesson could go on from Moses’ excuses to those offered by other Bible characters – Adam, Aaron, Saul, those invited to the feast (Luke 14:16-24), and others – and then go on to the excuses people offer today for not becoming Christians or for not being faithful as Christians.

Another possibility is to devote an entire lesson to Moses’ excuses as compared to excuses people offer today. (1) Moses asked, “Who am I?” Some people believe they are inadequate t do the will of God, are you? (2) “Who are You?” Some people don’t respond because they don’t understand God’s nature. (3) “They will not believe.” Maybe the closest thing to this excuse today is “Why should I believe?” God offers signs, which are recorded in the Bible, to help us believe. (4) “I am not eloquent.” The “I can’t” syndrome keeps many people from becoming Christians or fulfilling their potential as Christians. (5) “Send someone else.” The heart of the matter is that people do not want to answer God’s call. They need to learn that no one else can do for you what God wants you to do.

Some look at Exodus 3 and 4 and view this account of Moses at the burning bush as Moses talking back to God. So, let’s look at this for a moment.

Is it right to “talk back to God” or to argue with Him?

Should we try ton talk Him out of what He plans to do?

Moses did, and God was patient with him. Job did, and God was patient with him. Maybe we are too reluctant to express the true feelings of our hearts when we go to God in prayer. We may need to speak to God more openly and boldly to God, as Moses did. To speak to God boldly shows faith, not the lack of faith. In the end, that major question is not “Did we ‘talk back’ to God?” but “Did we at last submit to God’s will?” Moses submitted, and Job submitted. We must do the same.

(I read this on Facebook. It is from retired preacher’s page. His son posted it and gave me permission to use it in this bulletin.)

How To Identify A Lukewarm Christian

He has time to read the news every day but not the Bible.

He spends more time with the sports shows than he does in prayer.

He spends as much for tobacco as he gives to the Lord.

For lack of study, he is unqualified to teach others.

When things are not done the way he wants them, he pouts and will not cooperate. "It must be my way or none."

He expects to be visited or checked up on when sick, but never visits the sick.

He doesn't have enough interest in the souls of the lost to make a serious effort to convert them.

He expects the church to develop leaders, but never comes to the men's training class.

Instead of having confidence in the gospel and its power to save, he is ashamed of the word. He often criticizes the preaching.

He sets a bad example by missing church services.

He continually finds fault with those who are trying.

He knows he should be giving more but loves his money too much.

He is not regular in Bible study.

(Now the tough question. Can this be applied to us here at Eastside? Something to think about.)

Be An Andrew

by Heath Rogers

Little is known about the apostles that aren’t named Peter, Paul, James, and John. However, there is an interesting trait that shows up in the life of the apostle Andrew, the brother of Peter.

It was Andrew who first brought Peter to the Lord. “One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:40-42). We don’t know much about Andrew, but there wouldn’t be an apostle Peter if it hadn’t been for Andrew.

We know that Jesus fed the multitude of five thousand people with a small lad’s five loaves and two fishes. It was Andrew who brought the lad to Jesus. “One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, ‘There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?’” (John 6:8-9).

During the week before our Lord’s crucifixion, there were some Greeks in Jerusalem who wanted to see Jesus. “Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus” (John 12:20-22). Although the Lord did not allow this meeting to take place, Andrew had put forth an effort to bring them to Jesus.

We need more people like Andrew – followers of Jesus who try to bring others to the Lord. There are still people who are looking for the light in this dark world; people who are looking for the truth amidst a sea of error; people who are seeking their soul’s salvation. We need to be in the business of looking for those who are looking. We need to be bringing people to Jesus.

Prayer, Providence, and Open Doors

by Joe R. Price

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:2–6, NKJV)

Paul urged Christians to rely on the power of prayer and divine providence to spread the gospel. Thankful hearts are alert to blessings from God’s hand (v. 2). Trusting in God’s foresight and provisions, we pray for open doors (access, opportunity) for God’s word to reach hearts and lives. We pray for those who walk through those doors and teach others (3). Paul relied on brethren praying for him. Although in prison, he yearned for their prayers so that he (and they) would use wisdom in speaking the gospel to the lost. While God opens doors for the gospel, we must be wise, prudent, and gracious in choosing our words. Time is precious, so use it properly. Doors of spiritual opportunity are too often closed by impulsive words and unwise actions. So, let us work on aligning our motive (“to answer each one”) with well-placed, gracious words of truth. When we do, we trust God will work through us for His glory (Phil. 2:12-13).