The Feet Follow the Heart

Mom said it rather tersely, “Straighten your face!” I heard other parents tell their kids, “You need to change your face!”

These strong words were spoken when one of us kids had worn a sad face too long or we were simply pouting (a silent fit of anger). Have you ever wondered how effective this form of correction was? Did this type of correction bring about the desired response? Were the parents who demanded a ‘straight face’ only interested in seeing a face that was not sad or angry? Or was there a more noble desire? Did our parents really desire a change of heart?

Now, as an adult reflecting on my ‘straighten your face’ experiences, I have considered other disciplinary actions. I have asked myself:

• What is more important, a pleasant face, or a heart with the right attitude?
• Is it better to have acceptable behavior, or a heart that desires to do right?
• Should I teach my children to merely refrain from vulgar speech or train their hearts to think pure thoughts that generate wholesome speech?

We all understand that it is the attitude and disposition of the heart that affects one’s face, affects one’s behavior, and affects one’s speech. We all know and teach that Jesus desired a response from the heart, not mere external obedience.

People can fake the externals. People can put on a show by displaying a happy face, maintaining culturally acceptable behaviors, and acceptable speech. Yet, even with the outer display of goodness, the heart can be rotten.
Jesus rebuked the hypocritical Pharisees of his day saying:

These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

— Matthew 15:8 (NIV)

Parents, this is surely not the result we desire when we correct or discipline our children. We want their hearts to change.

• God wants people with changed hearts.
• Jesus wants people with changed hearts.
• Parents want children with changed hearts.

Did you know that that is what repentance is really all about!?

At the heart of the New Testament word repentance is the idea of a changed mind or changed heart. God knew, and we intuitively know, that changed behavior without a changed heart is hypocritical. In contrast, a change in one’s thinking/attitude will naturally result in changed behaviors. Changed behaviors that are the result of discipline are known as the fruit of repentance. Repentance is always about the heart, about changing one’s perception to truth.

Whether we are correcting our children, or conversing with an unbeliever, or reflecting on our own lives, we must recognize that God desires the heart. We can demand behavioral changes; but even an animal trainer does that.

When the direction of the heart is changed, you can rest assured, the feet will follow.

Mark Stinnett

April 21, 2024

Pulling Back the Curtain

Most folks enjoy watching a skilled magician or illusionist. We wonder in amazement, “How did he do that!?” Of course, we are also aware of the magicians’ code, that the secret must never be revealed. And yet, we have a natural craving to know, to see for ourselves how things work.

Many people approach life in the same way. Every mystery must be unveiled. Many seem to have adopted the motto from the State of Missouri, “Show Me.” Or, like Dorothy, in the Wizard of Oz, they simply must pull back the curtain to see what there is to see.

There is nothing wrong in wanting to see and understand, in wanting to unravel the mysteries of life. However, when it comes to our Christian faith, we must recognize that God did not reveal everything. In fact, he expects us to live by faith.

Now, this is not a made-up faith, that is, a faith based only on what you want to be true. It is not blind faith, that is, an imagined faith that has no basis in reality. Rather, it is faith based on God’s revelation and his promises.

We must be careful not to identify too closely to Thomas who openly declared, “Unless I see I will not believe.” You might feel as if you can relate to Thomas at some level. However, he refused to believe his fellow apostles who were eyewitnesses of the empty tomb and who had seen the resurrected Christ.

A brazen Show Me attitude can result in scoffing at God’s promises.

The person who demands that the curtain of mystery be drawn back may, like Thomas, question the resurrection of Christ.

A person who demands to satisfy a how-did-he-do-that curiosity may deny the presence and assistance of the Holy Spirit.

When difficulties come, we may be tempted to ask, “Why?” when we do not understand. We instinctively believe that good things should happen to good people, and that bad things should happen to bad people. While that is not unreasonable, we also understand that life is filled with inequities. Life simply is not fair!

Even so, we often want to know...

• Why did God allow that to happen to me?
• Is God testing me?
• Is Satan tempting me?
• Is my difficulty simply an unfortunate event in the natural course of life?

Now think for a moment...
What if God did answer our question, “Why?” What if we discovered the source of our difficulties in life? Do the answers really change the way we should respond?

Jesus allowed Thomas to pull back the curtain by seeing and touching his scars. Yet He also rebuked the disciples who did not believe those who were eyewitnesses. (Mark 16:14)

We can be glad for the testimony of Thomas (the first Missourian?), but let’s not be like him. It is not seeing that makes one believe, but believing that gives one true insight!

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. 

 —Hebrews 11:6

The Bible is God’s testimony about Himself. He has given us a witness for Himself so that we can believe the promises of unseen things yet to be fulfilled. In many ways and on many occasions, God has already pulled back the curtain to reveal Himself to us. We can believe!

Mark Stinnett

April 14, 2024

No Accidental Christians

When it comes to Christianity, what is your intention?

Sometimes intentions are more like wishing. We might think how good it would be to live in a nice house like the one for sale over on Maine St. Yet, there is no real intention of buying that house. We might think how nice it would be to possess the good character of a good friend; but there is no real intention to gain such character. “How good it would be to be spiritually mature like him/her.” But, what is your intention…?

Many people talk about and think about religion, salvation, and spirituality. Some just talk. They like the idea of possessing the good things seen in a spiritual life, but their interest is more of a wish not genuine intent?

Intent is a part of the human will and indicates purpose. Christianity is not a stroke of luck like winning a door prize. A person comes to genuine faith in Christ with clear thought and a determined will. Benefits are understood, but also the costs.

Jesus told two treasure parables in Matthew 13. In one parable the treasure was stumbled upon quite by accident. In the other parable a merchant was searching for the treasure and found it. In both cases, the individual sold everything in order to possess the treasure. That’s intent.

Every Christian should be able to identify with one of the two individuals in the parables.

Just before his death, Jesus asked his Father if there was another way, that is, another way to complete his mission without dying on the cross. He completed His prayer saying, “Not as I will, but as You will.” His submissive will demonstrated his deep sense of purpose. He was determined to complete his mission of seeking and saving those who were spiritually lost. With intent He deliberately walked a path straight to the cross.

Jesus did not come to earth and then chicken out. His purpose was so strong and his intent so resolute that he was already walking toward the cross before he took on human form. Even before creation He had made His decision.

Some Christians behave as if salvation is a packaged object to possess, or a collectable. They just hold it. Yet, Christianity might be better compared to a marriage. The wedding ceremony is wonderful, but only the beginning of the marriage. A strong marriage takes effort and patience preceded by a determined will and commitment on the part of both husband and wife. Similarly, the point at which a person becomes a Christian is a wonderful occasion. However, the Apostle Paul wrote: “Work through your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Each Christian must have a genuine intention of seeing things through to the end.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith…. 

—Hebrews 12:1-2

Jesus demonstrated by his life how to live each day for God’s purpose. He demonstrated how to bring life to its conclusion as God desired. May each of us intend to be like him. And let’s be clear…

There are no accidental Christians.

Mark Stinnett

April 7, 2024

"See You Next Week...'Lord Willing'..."

Why would someone say, “Lord willing” before or after telling their vacation plans, or meeting up with friends, or in reference to the next worship service? Are these things God’s will? Are they opposed to God’s will? Do we need to ask God’s permission before doing anything?

So, why would a person say, “Lord willing,” and when does it make sense?

Did you know that this practice is rooted in scripture?

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.”

— James 4:15

Does this passage teach that we must always attach the phrase, “If the Lord wills” to our future plans? Or does it mean that we need to acknowledge that we can really do nothing unless God ‘wills’ it? What does it teach?

First, remember how Jesus rebuked the hypocritical Pharisees for empty, external forms of religion? From that we learn that God desires a response from the heart. So, there is no benefit in saying words, “If the Lord wills” unless we do so with understanding and sincerity of heart.

Next, let’s consider the broader context of the verse quoted above.

Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. 

 — James 4:13-16

Is James teaching that telling one’s plans is boasting?

The key to understanding this passage is found in the preceding verse. In verse 12 James states that no one really knows what tomorrow will bring. More specifically, no one really knows whether they will live tomorrow. To make future plans without acknowledging this uncertainty is arrogant. A failure to acknowledge the uncertainty of life is a failure to acknowledge our Creator who gives us breath. James correctly calls such arrogance evil.

Telling one’s plans is not boastful. After all, God allows us to make choices in all areas of life. It is not boastful to choose to move to another city, engage in business, choose a career, choose a college, choose a mate, etc. However, we must realize that life itself is essential for carrying out one’s plans; and God is in control of life. He is the one who gives breath.

These verses are not about our future plans as much as they are about our acknowledgement of the One who gives life. So, the phrase “Lord willing” is really incomplete by itself. Stated fully and more accurately: “If the Lord wills, we shall live.” Then, if we have been given life by our Creator, it is our plan to do this or do that.

I don’t think God was making an arbitrary rule that we need to regurgitate a specific phrase. Yet, sincerely acknowledging God as Creator and Giver of life will keep us from the evil of boasting about things that are out of our control. At the same time, we will be reminding ourselves of our daily dependence on God.

Our lives are in His hands.

Mark Stinnett

March 31, 2024

Who Really Controls the Narrative?

Throughout time there have been individuals who recognized that they could control people if they could control how they think. They could control how they think if they could control the information the people received. Some have describe the control of information as controlling the narrative.

It is important to realize that human beings make decisions and engage in activities based on what they believe to be true. That’s called perception. Of course, it is possible for a person to have a wrong perception about something.

As an example, one of my sisters has been a dog lover from a very young age. I don’t know how it came to be, but she believed herself to be a friend of all dogs. Although my parents taught us NOT to pet stray dogs, my sister was convinced in her mind that all dogs loved her (presumably as much as she loved them). Her conviction was her perception of the truth. However, that was not the truth and I was witness to two occasions in which she was attacked by dogs that she was attempting to pet!

Her perception of the truth, or as some like to call it today, her truth, clashed with reality. Reality is truth. Your perception doesn't change it.

My sister had developed her perception of the truth out of personal desire. She loved dogs so much that she desired for all dogs to love her. Yet, her self-desire was not true to life. Her narrative was generated in her own mind.

While it is possible for us to construct our own narrative, it is often the case that someone else is trying to supply the narrative. Over the years news media have been criticized for controlling which stories are told and how they are told. Some media outlets have been accused of misinformation to influence political elections.

Whether through public speeches, word of mouth, written information or electronic media, people have been trying to influence the minds of others for millennia.

It started in the Garden of Eden when the serpent deceived Eve. (Like Solomon said, “There is nothing new under the sun.") Think about the serpent’s approach. God had already informed Adam and Eve of His expectations and restrictions. They were to tend the Garden of Eden, but they were restricted from the tree in the middle of the Garden. God informed them. God set the narrative. God revealed truth.

The serpent asked Eve, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” The serpent challenged the narrative, that which had been revealed by God. After Eve answered the serpent with the information they had received from God, the serpent openly contradicted it. So, the serpent first planted a seed of doubt by challenging the narrative. Then the serpent changed the narrative with a lie. That is why Jesus called the devil the “father of lies.”

Ever since that time there have been people challenging truth; they introduce doubt about the truth of God’s revelation. Having introduced doubt, it is easier to completely change the narrative, that is, change the truth of God’s revelation by introducing lies.

From the beginning truth has been under attack and it continues to be attacked in our day. Throughout the ages philosophers have struggled with and attempted to find truth. And yet, all along, the truth about mankind has been revealed, not by a pope, not by the church, not through man’s search. Truth is revealed by God! God has authored the narrative of truth. Believe God!

Mark Stinnett

March 24, 2024

Embrace Discipline

My parents disciplined me. As a result, I now exercise self-discipline.

I disciplined my children. Now grown, I expect them to exercise self-discipline.

Did you know that preaching and teaching are forms of discipline?

In the English language we usually reserve the word discipline for stronger kinds of action. We discipline our children by placing them in ‘time-out,’ by restricting privileges, or by imposing unwanted duties or activities. Discipline may include physical discipline as well.

There was a Hebrew word used in the Old Testament, musar, that meant discipline, but had a much broader meaning than our English word. Musar included any kind of correction and for that reason might be translated reprimand, reproach, reprove, rebuke, or chastise. At times musar referred to training. And, a surprise to some, musar also included simple instruction that might be given verbally, in writing, or by demonstration. Musar may come as preaching, teaching, and even in writing, like this article.

As instruction, musar was not merely informative. There was always a purpose and a goal. The purpose of musar was to affect one’s attitude, choices, and behavior.

In our day, discipline is sometimes misunderstood. It is not the same as punishment. The goal of punishment is equity and justice. A person is expected to pay for a crime committed, whether a fine, public service, or imprisonment. Our laws attempt to increase the severity of the payment according to the severity of the crime.

Discipline is not about paying one’s crime debt. Rather, discipline has the purpose of keeping a person on the right path. Ultimately, discipline carried out by parents or others in positions of authority should bring about self-discipline in the one receiving discipline.

Children are not born with self-discipline, but self-ishness. As children mature there should be a diminishing need for parental discipline while self-discipline increases. When adults lack self-discipline in matters of the spirit and morality, it may be necessary for a loving fellow Christian to step in and apply musar.

But let’s face it; in general, we do not like correction. Many shrug off helpful instruction with statements like, “I can figure it out on my own,” or “I don’t need your help.” It is likely that you know someone who politely listens to instruction or correction, and then ignores it and does whatever he/she wishes to do.

You might be thinking that not all instruction and correction comes from a person who cares. True. Also, not all instruction is good instruction. However, here’s the point:

A fool rejects his father’s discipline (musar)

But he who regards reproof is prudent.

—Proverbs 15:5

A fool thinks that musar (instruction, training, correction, discipline) is not necessary. He pushes it aside, sometimes in anger. He may not want the challenge or difficulty of training or the potential humiliation of correction, or he may simply consider himself above discipline.

In great contrast the prudent (wise) person not only accepts discipline of all kinds, he has regard for discipline. That means that he sees value in all kinds of discipline recognizing that it is necessary and also beneficial. The wise person doesn’t just accept discipline, he embraces it. 

What is your attitude toward discipline?

Mark Stinnett

March 17, 2024

I Love That Song, But What Does It Mean?

I wish we would sing all my favorite worship songs...every week.

I don’t know how that sounds to you, but it occurred to me that my favorite songs might not be suitable for worship. Some of my favorites are written for performers, not for congregations of common folks. Some of my favorites should either be rewritten in modern English or retired because of the vocabulary that requires a dictionary and/or awkward wording that would challenge a literary scholar.

When the Apostle Paul wrote about singing in the assembly, he insisted that there must be understanding. The musical elements of a song are what make a poem a song. Musical elements can facilitate or distract, but the words are central to meaning. The words ought to convey a message, and that message ought to conform to the truth expressed in Scripture.

Song leaders ought to think about the content of each song selected. Does it communicate to the people attending? At times a brief word of explanation might be appropriate, but if a song requires an entire lesson defining archaic words and explaining complex poetry, it might be wise to omit that song from the weekly worship service?

Words spoken at the Lord’s Supper table and in prayer are supposed to communicate. Leaders ought to use a microphone if available, and if not, speak up! God may know our thoughts as we speak, but our thoughts are communicated among people who cannot understand them unless they are made known verbally and audibly in an understandable way.

I laugh, and sometimes roll my eyes, at newscasters reporting local sporting events. No longer can they say that a baseball player hit the ball, they use all kinds of slang expressions to describe a hit ball without using the word hit. He poked it, punched it, blasted it, blooped it, dinked it, tapped it, slammed it, or crushed it. If you are not a baseball fan, the message might be lost in all the jargon. Yet, that is the point, the message might be lost in all the jargon.

Sometimes, we fall into the same trap with excessive religious jargon. When we pray in the assembly we should use words that our audience understands, not potentially confusing jargon. Our words at the Lord’s Supper table should not need to be decoded.

I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.

—1 Corinthians 14:15

Paul acknowledged communication and communion with God through his spirit, but he also recognized communication and communion with fellow Christians through the mind. While all of our worship is directed to God, He intends for everyone to understand. Our purpose in coming together is two-fold: worship to God and encouragement of fellow Christians.

Of all the activities in which we participate in our weekly worship service, only our participation in giving requires little or no communication. For everything else communication is critical. For that reason it is imperative that our communication be understandable, appropriate for that aspect of the worship, and meaningful. For that reason, religious jargon and obsolete phrases should be omitted. There may even be songs that should be retired.

Everyone who serves in a leading role in the assembly should give thought to his service of leading. Put God first, but remember the importance of communicating in such a way that the church, the people of God, are encouraged.

Mark Stinnett

March 10, 2024

My Favorite

What is your favorite song? 

It doesn’t have to be a religious song. 

Which is your favorite?

Why is it your favorite?

Have you ever stopped to think why your favorite is your favorite? The question applies to anything for which you have a favorite: song, meal, actor, hobby, season of the year, etc.

Your favorite (anything) is your favorite because you like it the most. (Go ahead and chuckle. It may not be deeply profound, but it is true.)

Having a favorite in any category is about personal taste and personal preference. It is all about the things that appeal to you most. A favorite often involves your senses. Yet, a favorite might be appealing to you on an emotional or intellectual level.

I have been told that a parent should never have a favorite child, but should love each child equally. Yet, there is something about that statement that doesn’t work in real life. The statement ends correctly by advising you to love each child equally. Yet, for each one of my five daughters there are specific areas in which each is favored. In that, I am simply acknowledging that there are common preferences and common interests that draw me to each one, but those preferences and interests may be different for each daughter. The key is to not allow those preferences and interests to govern my love for any one of them over the others.

With that thought in mind, turn your attention to the Lord’s church. I think we all know and understand that personal favoritism has no place in the body of Christ. Yet, God did not leave it up to our human reasoning.

Believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 

—James 2:1 (NIV)

Favoritism, partiality, prejudice: Whatever wording us used, an attitude of favoritism has no place in the body of Christ. There is no mystery as to how God views partiality.

If you show favoritism, you sin…. (v. 9)

We may have best friends. We may prefer one preacher over another, prefer one song leader over another, prefer one song over another. However, we must not allow our personal preferences to develop poor attitudes. We must not allow a preference of friends to generate a poor attitude toward other Christians. We must not allow our personal preferences to keep us from listening to the word of God regardless of who is preaching or teaching. Truth may be presented in a topical sermon or in a class in which passages of Scripture are examined carefully. We must not allow favoritism to form our attitude about the songs we sing in the assembly, or to affect how we think about prayers offered.

Favoritism is about your attitude. When favoritism is allowed to develop the way we value people we have sinned. When favoritism casts a dim shadow in our mind about the way things are organized or carried out by fellow Christians, we have sinned. If we find ourselves giving more thought to the pitch and tempo of the songs, the length of prayers, or mannerisms used by the preacher or teacher, instead of the content presented by each, we are listening to our fleshly preferences. Sin is near.

It is natural and proper to evaluate the way things are going in life, and that includes all things related to church life, even our weekly worship. However, we must evaluate with wisdom, with Bibles open, and not with attitudes of favoritism.

Mark Stinnett

March 3, 2024

Manna for Today

Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.”

Bread? On many Sunday afternoons our bread is served with butter and jelly and there is much more than a meager serving. Our bread also comes with a table full of food: beef roast with vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, and more. We all leave the table satisfied, often with leftovers. What a feast! What a blessing!

Daily Bread? I am certain that Jesus’ audience remembered the daily bread that Israel ate while in the wilderness. Only two and a half months after their deliverance from Egypt the people grumbled about their provisions. They accused God of bringing them into the wilderness to die. They remembered how they had had enough food to make them full...when they were in Egypt. So, God responded through Moses:

“I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel; speak to them, saying, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’”

—Exodus 16:12

That very evening God caused quail to cover the ground so the people could literally walk out and gather their meat. The next morning they found a “fine flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground” for bread. The people didn’t know what it was; they called it manna, which was literally a question in the Hebrew language meaning: “What is it?” (The next mealtime your teen asks, “What is this stuff?” you can answer, “Manna.”)

God did not provide just enough, but rather, an abundance. However, God instructed the people to gather only what they needed for that day. On the sixth day they were to gather a double portion since there would be no manna on the Sabbath. God was testing them to see if they would follow His instruction. He wanted the people to recognize their dependence on Him and revere Him for the provision of their daily bread. He wanted them to know “I Am Who I Am, your God.” As they received their daily bread they were reminded of God and His care for His people; and they were taught a lesson in contentment.

As Americans we have a proud heritage defined by hard work, perseverance and independence. It is easy to forget that, even with our effort and ingenuity, it is still God who provides the sunshine and rain that make plants grow. It is God who provides the natural resources to produce all of our modern “stuff.” It is God who gives us the ability to make a living. So ultimately it is God who gives us our Sunday dinner, whether at home, at a friend’s house, or in a restaurant.

We can be thankful to God whether we enjoy a Sunday dinner feast or meager leftovers; whether our clothing follows the latest fashion trend or is drab and outdated; whether we live in a three-story mansion on ten acres with a lake and a pool and an entertainment room and a guest house, heated garage and, and, and; or a small broken-down rental in a crowded part of town. You see, daily bread is not just about being content with the food we receive each day, it extends to all that God provides. He provides for us each day so that we will know that He is our Lord and our God.

If we are to pray, “Give us today our daily bread,” then at the end of the day would it not be worthwhile to pause for a brief moment and with contentment thank God for the daily bread and other provisions He has so freely given?

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

—Ephesians 5:16-18

Mark Stinnett

February 25, 2024

Pursuing Christ

Folks say that when pursued, there is a natural fight or flight response in animals and humans.

One of my children had hurt one of her sisters. As soon as I was told, I was angry and I immediately sprang to action. I can still hear my thoughts, “Where is she; we are going to deal with this right now!” In this case, I was in hot pursuit.

In a jealous rage King Saul threw a spear at David in hopes of killing him. King Saul’s jealousy stemmed from David’s popularity as Israel’s beloved warrior. David had to run for his life. However, King Saul discovered David’s hideout and took his army to destroy him. He was in hot pursuit of David; the hunter in pursuit of the hunted. (Read about this in 1 Samuel 18-24.)

A word was used in New Testament to describe one who is in pursuit of another: persecutor. Examples from Ancient Greek literature include a hunter chasing after his prey, or someone avenging the murder of another. In a legal context the same word was used for a prosecutor.

When “I” am the one being pursued, the terms persecutor and prosecutor seem quite fitting.

Jesus taught his followers:

Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.

—Matthew 5:44-45

Enemies are those who are hostile toward you. They may not carry pitchforks and torches, wave swords, or fire guns, but they have turned against you. They may not physically chase after you, but they persecute you. They are in pursuit!

Jesus asked his disciples to do something that was unnatural and difficult. It is easy to make rationalizations and skip over His teaching:
“Love my enemies!?”
“Pray for those who are in hot pursuit of me!?”
“Absurd! They don’t deserve it! I’m the victim.”
“How can anyone be expected to follow through on such a teaching?”

Most of us can think of a time when we could have been described as a persecutor; perhaps like the parent-child illustration. It is my guess that whenever we are the one in hot pursuit, we believe that we are justified in our action.

Now, consider a question:
Is it possible that when we have been persecuted, the persecutor believes they are justified? Even in a fit of jealous rage, it is possible that they just don’t realize what they are doing?

These questions are raised, not to imply that an evil person is not responsible for their sin, but to lead us to the solution that Jesus chose, a solution motived by love:

And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” 

—Luke 23:33-34

Jesus, the Son of God, put into practice the very words he taught. As Christians, we are children of God. For that reason, we ought to have the same attitude as our older Brother, Jesus. 

But how?

When we set our gaze on the cross of Christ, we will be able to see souls instead of the pain we feel from others. We will recognize that the difficulties that our enemies cause pale in comparison to what the enemies of Jesus did. When we die to ourselves and surrender to King Jesus, we will draw strength and courage from Jesus to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. It is ultimately dependent on what we chase in life.

May we choose to pursue the character of Christ.


Mark Stinnett

February 11, 2024

Would You Like to Talk about Hell?

“No!”
That’s my answer to the title question: “Would you like to talk about Hell?”

I don’t want to talk about the reality of Hell. 

I don’t want to talk about the doctrine of Hell. 

I really don’t want to talk about Hell. 

And yet, when you read and study the Bible, the subject is inescapable. Hell is the place of eternal destruction and its existence brings to the foreground the reality of divine judgment.

When the Apostle Paul went to Athens, he preached the gospel and concluded with a statement calling for repentance. Then, he added a statement of explanation:

Because He [God] has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness, through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. 

—Acts 17:31

The idea of judgment indicates that people will be evaluated and then placed into categories. Paul revealed the basis for judgment: righteousness. The one to do the judging is the man that God raised from the dead, that is, Jesus the righteous one.

There are several terms used in the Bible to describe the groups of separation in judgment:

• Righteous/Unrighteous
• Godly/Ungodly
• Holy/Unholy
• Good/Evil
• Forgiven/sinner

All of these can be reduced to the comparison: those who are like God and those who are not. Those who are righteous (godly, holy, good, forgiven) have been born again and are alive in Christ. Yet, those who are unrighteous (ungodly, unholy, evil, sinful) are dead. Life and death are not to be understood in a physical sense, but in light of one’s relationship with God. Those who are living are alive spiritually. Those who are not, are dead spiritually.

God’s judgement is the separation of the living and the dead, again, those who are like God and those who are not.

The fact that there will be a day of judgment is very clear in Scripture. 

   Jesus Himself spoke about the day of judgment (Matthew 11:22; 12:36). 

   Peter and John also warned their readers of the day of judgment (2 Peter 2:9; 1 John 4:17). 

   It was prophesied in the Psalms (9:8; 96:13; 98:9). 

Numerous other passages mirror the same.

To the surprise of some, Jesus will be the judge. That was not His role when He came to earth the first time.

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

—John 3:17

However, His return will be different…

...when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord…. 

 —2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

I don’t want to dwell on the day of judgment and hell. Yet, this negativity is true. It is placed in the Bible as a warning because God loves you and wants you to know Him. He wants you to obey the gospel, live righteously...and LIVE!

Mark Stinnett

February 4, 2024

Destiny and Fate

Do you believe you are destined for that one individual who is specifically meant for you…your soul mate? If so, how will you find them?
[Oops. Sorry…Silly question! If you are ‘destined’ to be together, it will all just work out: right time, right place, right person. You’ll just know. It’s all played out in the movies.]

Let’s go further...
Who or what is the source of destiny?

If you are destined for that one specific soul-mate are you also destined for just the right career? Just the right kids? Just the right city, house, friends?

Why stop there…? Are you destined to see the movies you will see? Read the books that you will read? Do that project around the house that you are destined to do? Get sick? Tell a lie?
Or does destiny only work with…LOVE?!

Destiny denies God, unless you believe that God destined all activities in life to play out a certain predetermined way. Either way, if destiny truly exists, choice is not a reality. And if we do not have the ability to choose, then we have been deceived. After all, God calls us to choose!

• “Choose life,” Joshua called to the Israelites.
• “Choose Jesus,” the apostles preached.
• “I am the way,” Jesus announced.

Destiny is the fool’s way of removing the guilt and responsibility of choosing to deny or reject God.

• Fate cries out, “It’s not my fault; I can’t help it.”
• Fate is arrogant, “That’s just the way I am.”
• Destiny is an excuse for pure selfishness.

What will happen if you awaken beside your destined soul-mate only to discover incompatibilities in your marriage? Did destiny make a mistake? Will destiny demand that you leave your first love behind and launch a search for a true soul-mate. [Oops again, no searching; fate just happens.]

And what if you discover some incompatible ugliness in your true soul-mate? Is there a truly true soul-mate?
What will you do when reality collides with destiny!?!

Belief in destiny will lead a person down a path of sin in a quest for a life that simply does not exist.

Young people! Wake up!
  Life is difficult.
  Life is not fair.
  Life does not always go YOUR way.

The wise Solomon tested life in order to find meaning. He tested wealth, work, wisdom, foolishness; and he even tested laziness and the party life, including getting drunk and having sex. He said it was all meaningless – empty.

The book of Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s final report of his research on ‘The Meaning of Life.’ His conclusion was that there was no meaning unless one looks beyond this life. It was only when he humbled himself before God that he found meaning. He wrote the book of Ecclesiastes so you would not have to do your own personal research.

An unknown remains: Are you are so infatuated with destiny that you cannot see reality? Does destiny make you so smart or clever or wise that you know more than your Creator knows?!

If your thinking collides with God’s Word, you are choosing self-centered arrogance over the God who made you and loves you, the God who pleads with you to choose Him.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” 

—Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

Destiny is a lie. 

The Fates come from mythology.

In humility, CHOOSE Life!

Mark Stinnett

January 28, 2024

Destiny or Faith?

One of the best ingredients for a good love story is destiny:

“We were meant to be together.”

Boy meets girl. They fall in love. “You are my destiny,” one says to the other. Difficult circumstances throw uncertainty onto their relationship. They separate, yet ultimately, fate brings them together again...and they live happily ever after...The End.

With many variations this storyline has been the basis for novels, short stories, movies, and songs. We laugh, we cry, and sometimes…we actually believe...we actually believe in destiny.

Those who have spent a few years on this earth living the reality of life understand the stark difference between life and fairy tales. We know there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. There is no glass slipper or pair of ruby slippers. There are no enchanted forests, no magic potions, no spells, no charms, no magic wands and no Jedi force. There is, however, life, a seemingly endless succession of events stitched together by time; good, bad and ho-hum (or heigh-ho’ if you’re one of seven dwarves).

However, many young people still refuse to set aside the fantasy of fate and in doing so set out on a quest for Prince Charming (for girls), or the beautiful Princess (for boys). After marrying their destined mate life soon unmasks a troll with irritating habits, inconsistencies, and imperfections. Some fall for the tempting plan of Peter Pan: never grow up (yet more sage wisdom from the world of fantasy).

Reality is difficult. It consists of choices, responsibilities, unexpected events, pain, needs, people, and the irreversible passage of time. Even the rich and famous are not exempted from reality; they just have enough money and glitter to hide it. It would appear that our society prefers the example of our hollow Hollywood heroes.

The Bible tells the truth. And from the beginning man has been hiding from reality, that is, the reality of the presence of his Creator. The Bible is full of men and women whose lives are laid bare before us as people living reality before God. Even those of great faith are covered with ugliness because of sin.

The Bible does not teach destiny, fate, or fantasy, yet, amazingly, it does teach happily ever after.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

--John 3:16

God has revealed his true nature to mankind through Jesus Christ. Your eternal destiny is determined by your choice in this life. You can choose by faith in that which is revealed or guess-choose fickle, unknowable fate.

Choose Jesus!

He’s real.

Mark Stinnett

January 21, 2024

More Important Than...

Do you remember the apostles’ argument about who was the greatest among them?
(Read about it in Luke 9:46-48.)

Jesus used a child as an object lesson on humility. I can only imagine that the apostles felt ashamed.

Have you ever been in a situation when someone else was receiving the attention and you were being left out? Perhaps they received recognition when you had also made sacrifices. Perhaps someone was promoted, but you were overlooked even though you knew that you were equally or better qualified. Perhaps you have been overlooked at home for doing all kinds of mundane tasks you perform…repeatedly. You want to feel appreciated; you want to know that you are important.

What would happen if everything were reversed? Really reversed!?

Married couples, what if you came home and greeted your spouse as if he/she were more important than yourself: “You are more important than my needs. What can I do for you?”

Instead of insisting that your needs be met; instead of struggling to be appreciated, instead of manipulating things for your personal advantage, instead of forcing your responsibilities onto someone else, instead of rationalizing your own importance...what if you literally adopted the attitude that your spouse is of greater importance than you?

It is a rather expensive prospect. By that I mean that your spouse could take advantage of you, your time, your energy. You might forfeit some relaxation; forfeit your favorite television show or ball game; forfeit some personal reading or computer time; forfeit an activity with your friends. You might find yourself doing some tasks that you normally leave for your spouse. You might attend a function/dinner/outing that you would not prefer. You might need to keep the kids or entertain your in-laws. You might have to spend your money on your spouse to buy something he/she needs instead of what you want. You might have to listen when you think you already know.

It could be expensive but...what if?

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.

—Philippians 2:3

The apostle Paul did not write this specifically to married couples, but to all Christians. This is the key that unlocks contentment. It applies to all of our relationships: spouse, parent, child, fellow Christian, elder, Bible class teacher, class participant; young, old; single, married; adults, someone else’s children; the list goes on and on.

It is natural to want to be treated as important by other people. However, I think that most of us would feel just a little embarrassed if someone said aloud: “You are more important than I.”

Knowing the plan, Jesus prayed to God asking if there was any other way than the cross. Even without a recorded answer in scripture, we know the answer was, “No.” Jesus was determined to do God’s will.

Jesus regarded you as more important than Himself and He died in your place. Jesus came to your home (earth) and said, “You are more important than I.” And He has turned the world upside down with that attitude!

What if…
              ...in this world…
                                         ...we acted just like Jesus?

What IF...?

Mark Stinnett

January 14, 2024

Discipline Isn't a Warm Fuzzy

Whether it is the discipline of a child, self-discipline, or even church discipline, it is not supposed to be fun. Discipline is not a warm fuzzy. And yet, in our day tolerance is king and we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.

I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I prefer to be tolerant. I was never excited about disciplining my own children. I never relished the thought of the next discipline event. Sometimes the discipline of my children was also painful to my wife and me. And yet…

Near the end of the book of Hebrews is an illuminating passage about discipline (12:4-11). Discipline in the home is used as an illustration to help us understand God’s discipline. Read that passage and then consider these observations.

We respect our earthly fathers for disciplining us (v. 9). Not everyone has had parents who disciplined in a good, constructive way. Television documentaries on ‘corporal punishment’ have consistently highlighted parents who were harsh, short-tempered, and who publicly humiliated their children. I think I know why we never saw good examples of discipline in the home in the documentaries. Discipline is intimate. In other words, it is a personal and private matter. Parents must not discipline in anger and must discipline in a way that fits the offense. They must ensure understanding before the disciplinary action is carried out. And they must show their love and acceptance afterward. That is part of the reason that we respect our fathers for disciplining us.

Discipline is to be expected because it is for good. Solomon has many things to say about discipline in the book of Proverbs. Many people reject his teachings because of his strong wording. However, the simple point is that proper discipline demonstrates love. The absence of discipline is a sign of the absence of love.

Discipline is not joyful in the moment, and that is true of every kind of discipline. Yet it has a purpose of making a person better. Of spiritual discipline God says that…

He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness (v. 10).

To those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness (v. 11).

In Peter’s list of Christian attributes are self-control and endurance (2 Peter 1:6). Self-control is the discipline of stopping. Stop talking to avoid gossip. Stop listening to avoid being a busybody. Stop anger before it becomes sin. Stop looking to avoid lust. Stop longing to avoid covetousness. In general, we need to stop before we give in to temptation and sin. Discipline is the opposite of temptation (James 1:14).

Endurance is the discipline of continuing. It is forgiving yet again, serving when you are tired, loving the unlovable. It is enduring the trials of life. It is doing good and continuing in righteousness when there seems to be no positive result and those around you prosper in sin.

Discipline is rooted in faith and hope. It is faith in God’s word realizing that you are not missing out on anything of significance when you do not possess all the things you wish or participate in all the activities you like. It is steadfastness when there is nothing in the present to validate your faith. Discipline makes sense when you keep your focus on the future promises of God.

Discipline yourself (and your children) so God doesn’t have to. 

Don’t give in to the fuzzy illusion of tolerance.

Mark Stinnett

January 7, 2024