Happiness or Joy?

June 1970: Family reunion & camping.
Summer, 1976: Water fights & hilarity in the back yard.
Fall, 1982: Grilling out with other poor young married couples.
June, 1987: First baby girl.
July, 1992: First house.
October, 2007: Vacation in the sun; no kids.
Christmas break, 2014: Holiday feast; all the kids home; games and gifts.
2017, 2022, 2024: Italy, Italy, Italy.

Memorable occasions stand out for one reason or another reminding us of happy times. With each happy memory comes stories of laughter, fun, and particularly satisfying events. Perhaps one reason that we have those special memories is because those were occasions that were out of the ordinary. We would like every day to be an “amusement park” day filled with fun and excitement and cotton candy (or other tasty food with absolutely no nutritional value).

Occasions such as these come under the banner of happiness.

We all know what happiness is. However, you might not know that the word happiness is dependent upon circumstances. It is a cousin to the word happen. (Check that out in one of those big, thick dictionaries.)

Happiness fades, often with the fading light of day. Why? Our circumstances change day by day; things happen.

Yet, there are some people who seem to be happy all the time. Nothing gets them down, even when they are down. They seem to be different from everyone else. I have heard some claim that they have simply decided to be happy. That’s nice, but sometimes life stinks. I want something better.

Others gage their happiness by comparing their life to others. They recognize that they are more fortunate and that gives them reason to be happy. That’s also nice but still dependent on circumstances. Anything better?

I have decided to set my eyes on Jesus who is…

The author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

 —Hebrews 12:2

What is that joy that Jesus possessed? How was it possible for him to have joy while enduring the pain and shame of the cross?

The joy that Jesus possessed was not based upon circumstances. The pain of the crucifixion did not bring joy, nor did the shame. Yet the pain and shame brought about a good result, our salvation. His joy was in knowing the future result that God had promised mankind through His death.

His joy was not a mere positive attitude. His joy was not a mere point of view by comparing Himself to others. His joy was based on something real. He actually grabbed hold of something with substance, God’s promises. That same joy exists for those who are saints in Christ.

Would you rather possess lasting joy rooted in the promises of God, or the temporary happiness that is dependent upon circumstances?

Have you grabbed hold of God’s promises?

Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

 —Hebrews 12:3

Mark Stinnett

May 17, 2026

The Power of Mockery

Perhaps one of the most demeaning aspects of the life of Jesus was the mockery He endured during His trial and crucifixion.

Pilate asked Jesus if He was a king and Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world. After that, Pilate referred to Jesus as the king of the Jews. In doing so, he mocked the Jews who accused Jesus, but he also mocked Jesus.

Before being crucified Jesus was scourged (whipped) like a criminal. The Roman soldiers dressed Him in purple as if He were a king: mockery. They twisted a crown of thorns and put it on Him: mockery. They called to Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Mockery. They beat His head with a stick, spit on Him, and were bowed before Him: mockery.

The Jews were no different. As Jesus was displayed on the cross to passer-byers (mockery), the religious leaders of the Jews said, “He saved others; He cannot save himself.” Mockery. Those passing by wagged their head at Him and sneered: mockery. Some were saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Mockery.

Even the two criminals who were crucified with Jesus insulted him: mockery.

It is my opinion that no one reading this has been mocked like Jesus. And yet, all mockery is the same, perhaps just different in severity.

A little child would say that he/she was made fun of. Mockery is ridicule that insults and shows contempt toward another person. People may mock ideas or ideals that are held by others. Mockery is usually a verbal expression that sharply puts someone down or devalues something held to be true. Mockery may also be non-verbal.

A young man tells his girlfriend, “If you love me you will….” Then he tries to coax her into compromising her sexual purity. He is mocking love and mocking his girlfriend for his own pleasure.

A friend group pressures a reluctant teen to shoplift as an initiation into the group. They mock the law and they mock the teen for his reluctance.

A young lady is left out of future outings with friends when she insists on abiding by her parents’ curfew. Her friends mock her obedience and, in doing so, also mock God’s word that instructs children to honor their parents.

A person declares, “You have your interpretation of the Bible; I have mine.” He mocks the existence of knowable truth.

A college student scoffs at the biblical account of creation claiming a conflict with science. She mocks genuine scientific inquiry and, at the same time, the divine revelation of God.

Mockery may be experienced through an accusation on social media or ridicule for something you did or said that offended someone. Your boss may take advantage of your Christian values and in doing so, mock you and Christianity.

Solomon said that there is a time to answer mockery and a time to remain silent. (See Proverbs 26:4-5.) We need discernment.

Jesus answered mockery by fulfilling His earthly mission. He was then enthroned as King of the kingdom of God!

The power of mockery lies in those who listen, who give mockery relevance. Some believe they must defend the truth. Yet, in reality, truth defends itself and in doing so mocks the mocker.

Do not fear powerless mockery. 

God is your Judge, and He is your Father.

Fulfill your purpose.

Mark Stinnett

December 22, 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 followers of Jesus. This is the key that unlocks contentment. It applies to all of our relationships: spouse, parent, child, fellow believer, 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 God's plan which would require His death, 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.” Yet, 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

"...In Jesus' Name"

Centuries ago a commander in the king’s army approached a cottage and called for all the sons of the family who were old enough to fight in battle. The parents released their sons and the sons went willingly – The commander had come in the name of the king!

In that example, we understand that the word of the commander was not his own, but rather the word of the king. The family did not see the king’s face or hear his voice, but they recognized the king’s authority and responded accordingly.

As Christians, we have been given the right to approach God and make requests in the name of Jesus, our King. In a prayer, when we say the words, “in Jesus’ name,” we are not casting a spell or a charm. There is no magic that compels God as if we have power over Him by speaking the right words in the right order on the right occasion.

In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 

 —John 16:26-27

In this statement Jesus assured His disciples that in His absence they themselves would have the right to speak to God. “In Jesus’ name” was not a new rule for ending prayers, but the way in which the disciples of Jesus would identify themselves when approaching God in prayer.

Does God know you?

“Yes, of course,” you reply.

Yet, in what way?

Without Jesus you are no different than any other sinner. God gives no special privileges to one sinner over another. So, as a sinner you have no expectation that God would respond to your words or my words when we speak on our own, that is, in our own name. Would we dare to approach God to speak to Him face-to-face in our name?

Without Jesus we are rebellious sinners. As humans we broke the original relationship the Creator had with his created. We are unholy.

However, God does recognize Jesus. So, when Christians approach God, speaking in the name of Jesus...God springs forward to listen, to give gifts, to protect, to assist, to forgive. He responds to those He loves, and He loves those who are clothed with Christ, those who have devoted their lives to Jesus the King.

_________________________

Do not take lightly the words that you speak in prayer to God. The words, “...in Jesus’ name,” are not added to a prayer as a command. Nor are they magic as if to control or manipulate Deity. Nor are they a trite ending to our prayers like an “excuse me” after a sneeze (just good manners).

When we pray we ought to remember that we have been given the privilege to speak to God, but in Jesus’ name. Considering that privilege, we ought to give thought to the content of our prayers. When we speak to God in Jesus’ name, the things we say ought to reflect the will of our Savior, and not our self-centered will. Then, when we stand before God, we stand with the assurance that Jesus spoke of. We can be confident that God will listen and respond to those who come to him with a heart of humility and faith...

...In Jesus’ name.

Mark Stinnett

November 5, 2023

Superstition and Ancestors

Someone gave me a lucky rabbit’s foot when I was a kid. I lost it, but it was no great loss. After all, the bone that I could feel through the fur kind of grossed me out. I don’t have a lucky penny, or a lucky horseshoe over my doorway. I don’t even know how to make lucky things work. Do you?

I guess people usually think that lucky items simply bring good luck. But I saw someone in a movie rubbing her lucky charm when she was afraid. (It didn’t turn out good.)

Just for fun I jumped onto the Internet to solve my quandary. I read things about the lucky horseshoe that were amazing, confusing, and mysterious. Ha! The website I had found was about a video game!

Now, doesn’t that sum it all up? Superstition is made up. It comes from the minds of people, like a video game; nothing real, no substance.

Is it really bad luck if a black cat runs in front of you? If you step on a crack, will it really break your mother’s back? While some superstitions are simply ridiculous, others have grown out of religious beliefs, yet with no basis in Scripture.

Superstition has been used to frighten children (and adults) into obedience. Superstition has been used to promise good things. But how? Where does superstition get its power?? Is it unharnessed power that you can possess with the right charm or potion or words? Why is the horseshoe lucky instead of bringing a curse?

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy:

Instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

—1 Timothy 1:3-4

Myths. Superstitions are myths.

“The administration of God” that Paul referred to is God’s management of His divine will. So, putting faith in empty, speculative superstition, works against the will of God. Superstition is a matter of misplaced faith. Avoid it!

_____________________

Perhaps you’re heard of those eastern religions that have ancestor worship. It’s a good thing we don’t do that kind of thing! It was a problem in ancient times. God warned the Israelites to avoid the occult practices of the pagan nations. One of their practices was attempting to call up the dead. (Deuteronomy 18:11)

In the New Testament Jesus told about a man who died and ended up in Hades, the place of the unrighteous dead. In torment he cried out for relief but received none. Only then did he cry out with concern for his living relatives. He asked that someone be sent back from the dead to his living brothers to warn them.

The response he received: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.”

God wants His people to listen to Him, not dead ancestors. I can assure you that your dead ancestors have no concern about their pets or your pets, your love life, or your career. They have no desire to send you warm, fuzzy messages from beyond, or status reports on other deceased loved ones. If they have any message at all would be a single unified message:

     If they are in the Paradise of God, they would tell you, “Follow Jesus.”

     If they are in the torment of Hades, they would tell you, “Follow Jesus.”

Anything else is superstition, just another idol.


Mark Stinnett

July 2, 2023

Salting the Oats

You’ve heard the saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” (Chuckle) Someone added, “But you CAN salt the oats.” (Hahaha!) Applied to people the saying suggests that a person might be presented a good choice, yet refuse it. And yet, there are ways to help them make that 'good' choice (by 'salting the oats').

Many churches have used this strategy to draw people in. They recognize the declining interest in church and respond by adding salt to the oats. In other words, they manipulate people by attempting to create a thirst for church. That thirst is created through playful preaching, music ministries, service programs, children’s programs, pageants, plays, block parties, family activities and all kinds of feedings.

The salt in the oats creates thirst in the horse, but the thirst is manufactured. The horse is manipulated in a way that will produce a desired behavior. Take away the salt and you’re back where you started...a horse that is led to water but will ot drink, not because he’s stubborn, but because he not thirsty.

Applied to churches, it is a kind of bait-and-switch manipulation. It is as if a small committee met in a dimly lit room and worked out an ingenious plan: “We’ll offer them all the things that appeal to them. Then, when we’ve got them all together, we’ll give them Jesus!” It is a manipulation, false advertising.

Jesus rebuked a crowd of people who were following because He had fed them (John 6). He knew that they were following their stomachs. They stopped following Jesus when the gravy train stopped. Why? Because there was no genuine love for Jesus; no genuine faith in Him and His word. Jesus showed that by removing false incentives a person’s faith would be revealed.

In and of themselves, made-up ministries and programs and activities may be fine. Yet, Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” (John 12:32) Made-up ministries and programs and activities do not produce faith. Remove the incentive and people return to the way they were.

My mind keeps returning to the crowd of followers in John 6. Jesus taught the people and, out of compassion, he fed the people. Yet, Jesus knew their hearts. So, through His teaching He placed them at a figurative “Y” in the road. He confronted them with the truth of their desire by placing in front of them true food, His body, and true drink, His blood. He was using a figure of speech to refer to spiritual food, but the people did not understand and were repulsed.

Jesus offered true spiritual food. 

The crowd was only interested in belly-food.

Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Jesus was not good at marketing. He practically invited them to leave! And yet, He forced His disciples to face the same “Y” in the road. His question was a faith question: “Are you hungry like all the rest? Will you follow only if I keep providing belly-food? Or, are you spiritually hungry?”

Will you follow only if…

• ...there is a youth/women’s/men’s ministry?
• ...there is a Christmas/Easter extravaganza?
• ...there is an exciting music ministry (band)?
• ...there is an eloquent, humorous speaker?

We are not in the business of filling our church pews just to create the illusion of faith. Rather, we must lift up Jesus, our crucified Christ, our risen Savior, our King eternal.

Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.”

Reflecting on your life, what are you lifting up???

Mark Stinnett

November 13, 2022

Did Jesus Ever Visit Hell?

Jesus in Hell?! Preposterous!

Yet, that is exactly what is said in Acts 2:27...in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible.*

Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell….

Now, before going any further, the Greek text has the word for Hades (hadays). So, did the translators of the KJV err? 

Perhaps not.

Two English words developed from a German ancestor that meant, a covered place:

• Hall: a covered (with a roof) place; and
• Hell: a covered (with earth) place.

Considering that people are buried in the ground after death, a covered with earth place (hell) describes the place of the dead. That is true in many cultures including that of the ancient Hebrews and Greeks. So, both the Hebrew word Sheol and the Greek word Hades referred to the place of the dead, or the underworld. Clearly, the original meaning of the English word hell fit both Sheol and Hades. So, at one time the word hell would have been a natural choice for translators.

Did the KJV translators think that hell meant place of the dead or underworld? It is impossible to read minds, but they did use the English word hell to translate the Hebrew word Sheol in 31 of its 65 occurrences. In the New Testament the English word hell was used to translate the Greek word Hades in all occurrences but one. So, it would appear that the KJV translators were using the original meaning of the English word hell.

Modern translations, however, now use the word hell fairly consistently for the eternal destruction of the ungodly after the final judgment. For that reason, the text of Acts 2:27 in modern translations reads as follows:

You will not abandon my soul to Hades….

With a better understanding why the KJV has the word hell in Acts 2:27, let’s reword the question for today using modern translations:

Did Jesus ever visit Hades?

To answer, first remember that Hades is not for the righteous, but the unrighteous dead. Their final destination will be the lake of fire.

Next, consider the text of Acts 2:27. Peter was preaching and quoted an Old Testament prophecy in reference to Jesus. The quotation was a plea that the soul of Jesus would not be abandoned in Hades. That suggests that Jesus was in Hades at some point.

Shortly after that prophetic statement Peter proclaimed that God had raised Jesus from the dead (v. 32). So, the resurrection of Jesus shows that He was not abandoned in Hades. Yet, it also suggests that Jesus was in Hades for the time between His death and His resurrection. Does that make sense?

The prophet Isaiah looked forward to the coming Messiah saying that He would bear the sins of many. Validating its fulfillment Peter wrote:

He [Jesus] Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness…. 

—1 Peter 2:24

Since Jesus “bore our sins,” He went to Hades after His death. However, the sins He bore were not His own. So, He did not deserve death and He did not deserve Hades. It is for that reason that God did not abandon Him in Hades. So, “Yes,” Jesus did go to Hades temporarily, so that we would not have to suffer eternal death.

That is why, on the day Jesus was crucified, people heard that heart-wrenching cry...

My God! My God! Why have you forsaken Me?

He was forsaken by God...but not abandoned!

Mark Stinnett

September 25, 2022


*The Douay-Rheims Bible (1609), an official English translation of the Roman Catholic Church, also used the word hell in Acts 2:27.

One Thing You Really Ought to Know about Christmas

The Holiday

Yes, it is true. We really do not know the exact date of Jesus’ birth. Early Christian writers favored a date around December 25th because they held to the belief that Jesus was conceived at Passover. However, this view was held with no known evidence. A birth in the spring or fall is favored by many modern scholars. One writer has commented that about the only thing we know for sure is that Jesus was not born on December 25th.

The word Christmas does not come from the Bible, but from the Roman Catholic Church. It is a shortened form of “Christ’s Mass,” a celebration of Christ’s birth, a celebration which originated in about the 4th century A.D.

What are we supposed to do with this information? Some believers feel that Christmas should not be observed since it is not in the Bible. Other believers love the holiday and would prefer not to be bothered with facts. Some folks who do not believe in Jesus look at the facts and think Christians to be foolish for celebrating a made-up holiday. (Of course, for non-believers, all holidays are made-up.)

When we turn to the Bible the birth of Jesus brought joy to those awaiting the Messiah, and it brought praise to God for fulfilling His promise of salvation. Yet, as joyful a time as it was, the earliest Christians do not appear to have celebrated His birth, nor were they instructed to do so in Scripture. That said, Christians today are given the liberty to celebrate Christmas if they wish, as they wish, whenever they wish...even in July.

The Wise Men

Yes, it is true. No one really knows how many wise men visited Jesus; and no one knows their names. It is somewhat unclear from scripture whether Joseph and Mary had returned to Nazareth or stayed in Bethlehem when the wise men visited. (Compare Matthew's account with Luke's account.) It is also unclear how old Jesus was when the wise men presented Him gifts. About the only thing we know for sure is that Jesus was not lying in a manger in a stable when the wise men visited. He was inside a house with His mother:

“After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." —Matthew 2:11

There are things we are accustomed to hearing and seeing at Christmastime, things we even expect: trees and stockings, fruitcakes and shopping; fa la la la laa, la la la laaaaa.

Whether you celebrate, or in whatever way you may celebrate, your Christmas traditions are yours: December 25th, the wise trio, manger & stable scenes, Tannenbaum and carols; the jolly, rotund, chimney sweep with a big bountiful bag; it is all up to you. But there is one thing you really ought to know about Christmas...

Peace on Earth

An angel announced the birth of Jesus to nearby shepherds. Then the heavenly host responded:

Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace among men with whom he is well pleased.
—Luke 2:14 (NASB)

This was not a divine greeting, but a declaration. Peace on earth would be nice in any century, but God never promised everybody peace on earth. You ought to know that the only ones who will have peace are those "with whom He is well pleased." And that demands a response, not to the baby in a manger, but to the Christ upon the cross, to the risen Savior and reigning King.

Jesus, the adult Jesus, the one called Messiah, and Lord; the man that God acknowledged as his Son; He said that He had come to bring a sword (Matthew 10:34). His sword of judgment will one day separate believers from unbelievers for all eternity.

Jesus did bring peace to earth, but it was peace between God and sinful man. (Just read the first two chapters of the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke and see for yourself.) Zacharias, the father of John said it; Mary said it; the old man Simeon said it; the angel announced it: 

Jesus came to bring peace between God and man...

            ...to those with whom He is well pleased.

Is God well pleased with you???
BELIEVE...

Mark Stinnett
(Revised: December, 2022.)

Which of Jesus' Teachings Do You Follow?

“When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”
—Matthew 7:28-29

This description followed what we call ‘The Sermon on the Mount.’ There were similar reactions to Jesus' teachings later on.

For example...
Just a couple of days before the crucifixion of Jesus His religious opponents attacked Him with everything they had. The Pharisees plotted together to trap Jesus in what he said by putting Him in a politically awkward position. After Jesus’ had wisely responded…

“And hearing this, they were amazed….” 
—Matthew 22:22

Then the Sadducees posed a question, more of a riddle. They intended to embarrass Jesus with an impossible theological conundrum. Again He answered wisely.

“When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.”
—Matthew 22:33

The Pharisees challenged Jesus again, and once again He answered them. Then, He asked them a question regarding their interpretation of Scripture.

“No one was able to answer Him a word, nor did anyone dare from that day on to ask Him another question.” 
—Matthew 22:46

(Some have called Jesus the Master Teacher, and rightfully so.)

Then, in the very next verse, or more accurately, in the very next breath, Jesus began to warn His disciples AND the crowds about the scribes and Pharisees. He publicly humiliated them, labeling them as hypocrites!

That’s right. In Matthew 23 Jesus pointed out the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees (the teachers of the people) and warned folks not to follow their example. Jesus was not guilty of name-calling. Yet, many in our current society would ‘crucify’ a person for lashing out in judgment like that! (They misunderstand.)

People today love the teachings of Jesus when He says, “Love one another”; when He tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan; the Beatitudes; when He says, “I will give you rest.”

However, some people cannot tolerate the strong stance of Jesus against sin:

• Anger brings guilt just like murder.
• Lusting for a woman is sinful.
• Divorce is almost always wrong.
• Lying is wrong (all the time).
• Retaliation is not God’s way.
• If you refuse to forgive another person, God will not forgive you.
• Religious activity is meaningless without a sincere heart.

These are some of the moral and ethical teachings of Jesus also found in the Sermon on the Mount.

The Master Teacher who amazed the crowds and taught love ALSO preached repentance saying that without upright, moral living “you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus even warned that there would be many who would claim to be His followers, who would claim to have done good deeds in His name, yet who practiced unrighteousness. We must embrace all that Jesus did and all that He taught.

Enter through the narrow gate...for the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. 
—Matthew 7:13-14

Mark Stinnett