The Bible challenges today’s Christian teachers

by Barrett Vanlandingham

February 3, 2015

            In last week’s article, I wrote about an often overlooked scripture (Ephesians 3:10-11) in which Paul tells Christians that part of our job as members of the Lord’s church is to teach the angels about the wisdom of God.  

            I must admit it’s more than a little intimidating to think angels are learning about God from us!  But when you think about it, those Bible verses should not affect us that way. After all, the reason Jesus Himself came to earth was not only to save us through His sacrifice, but also to walk in our shoes, and be tempted in the ways we are tempted, and to be faced with the daily struggles of humanity.  God not only allowed humans to educate His Son here on earth, but He allows His church to educate angels to this very day.

            As interesting of an idea teaching angels is, there really is something else much more important for Christians to remember when it comes to teaching.  In the book of James, the writer tells us, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).”

            New Testament letters such as this one penned by James are known as epistles.  These letters were written to address problems in the first century church, or to answer questions from new Christians.  James is not trying to discourage people from teaching if that is their gift.  He is simply reminding those who want the position of a teacher to remember that their words must not only reflect God’s truth, but teachers must also put these truths into action in their own lives. 

            Based on other New Testament writings such as Paul’s, it appears that the early church had the same problem we have today.  Many people want to air their feelings on religious issues in the role of teacher.  But those same people are not always willing or successful at putting into action the things they are teaching.  James weaves the requirement of the faith and deeds combination throughout his letter.  What a challenge this is to me!  Perhaps it is to you as well.

            The fact is, when we commit our lives to Jesus Christ, part of our job description involves teaching others the complete will of God (ref: Matthew 28:19-20).  Each of us teaches in some capacity.  We do not all hold the official title of teacher.  But those to whom we are closest, and others with whom we interact, and even people who know we are Christians and watch us from a distance, are learning from our words and our actions.   May God bless each of us with the desire to live out His will everyday, wherever we are, as people learn from what we do, and not just what we say.  Have a great week!

Even angels learn from the church

by Barrett Vanlandingham

January 27, 2015

            Most conversations regarding church attendance find their way to the book of Hebrews which says, “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Heb. 10:24-25).”

            We understand the importance of coming together as worshippers to praise God and remember the sacrifice of His Son.  But there is another passage that may give you something new to consider when deciding just how much importance to place on His church.  We already know that Jesus died for the church to make it possible for sinners to be cleansed and give hope of heaven to a lost world.  But if you’re like me, you may have overlooked what Paul says God’s intentions for the church are in relation to the angels, yes angels!

            “10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 3:10-11).”

            The Creator Himself wants the church to educate angels on the many aspects of the wisdom of God?  So, what in the world could angels need to know from Christians that they don’t already know by simply being in God’s presence?  For starters, angels do not have to have faith that God and heaven are real, since they already dwell in His presence (ref: Matt. 18:10).

            Can you imagine what angels must be thinking when they witness some of the things that are unique to humans, especially those baptized believers that God has added to His church (Acts 2:41, 47), those who were lost and are now found?  Something tells me there’s not a lot of brokenness in God’s presence, no guilt-ridden, remorseful hearts confessing their faults to one another and praying for each other to receive spiritual healing (ref: James 5:16).  Those are things that only happen on earth, among those who have put their trust in God, those who worship Him with all their heart having never seen Him face to face.  Those are things that must be pretty mind-blowing to angelic beings.

            Maybe that’s why Jesus said, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10).”

            What a thrill that God actually allows Christians to take part in teaching angels things they couldn’t understand without observing the behavior of those in the Lord’s church.  We as Christians are honored that God allows us to participate in not only making a difference here on earth, but also among the angels as we honor God when we come together for worship, and as we honor Him in our daily lives in the way we interact with others.  Besides, do any of us really want to explain to God why we didn't participate in His plan for the church to teach angels?

            Have a blessed week!

God wants to see you in heaven

by Barrett Vanlandingham

January 20, 2015

            One of my favorite scriptures comes from John 14:1-4.  In this passage Jesus is comforting his disciples because His time here on earth is coming to a close. 

            “1. Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2.  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4. And you know the way to where I am going.”

            Wow!  It is hard for me to imagine actually needing to be comforted after spending three years preaching and doing miracles alongside Jesus Himself!  But His disciples did not exactly have the same perspective we do today.  Jewish teachers had taught people for generations that when the Messiah came, He would be an earthly king and would set up an earthly kingdom to benefit the Jews.  It is no wonder the disciples were confused that even though Jesus performed many miracles, His main interests were focused on a things beyond this earth.

            We are truly blessed to live in this day and time where we can learn about Jesus in a much broader context than the early disciples learned.  You see, when Jesus’ disciples and the earliest Christians were trying to get things figured out, they did not have the benefit of being able to go onto the internet and Google evidence of how to know the Bible is telling the truth.  Those early believers probably didn’t realize some of them would eventually be writing the books of the Bible by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. That must have been an amazing experience!

            Today, we not only have access to dozens of translations of the Bible, but almost unlimited resources including ancient history books from outside of the Bible that talk about Jesus.  Some of the authors were followers, some were not.  But they both confirmed His existence.  Beyond that, evidence of our universe being created by God and that the Bible is reliable has piled up like never before in just our lifetime.  The same science and technology that so many have tried to use to discredit God as Creator, have actually unearthed, revealed, scoped out, and focused in on so much evidence favoring the credibility of the Bible, that it would actually take more faith NOT TO believe in God and the Bible, than TO believe in Him.

            In the Bible, God has given us a roadmap to heaven.  So when I read those precious words of Jesus telling me that He has gone to prepare a place for me, I get really excited!  I know many of you do, too.  I look forward to reuniting with so many loved ones who’ve gone there.  But most of all, I look forward to meeting Jesus Christ, the One who made it all possible.  Have a great week!

A good feast is difficult to turn down

by Barrett Vanlandingham

January 13, 2015

            One bird, then no birds, then 14 birds.  How amazing it is to watch a scouting bird perch on the bird feeder under my pergola, get a few bites, and fly away.  At first, I thought the bird did not like what I had to offer.  But then, it brought several friends to join in the feast! Finches and Chickadees, all there for a few quick beak-fulls of birdseed. Some appeared to wait their turn, while others would dive-bomb their way into an open spot.

            Why did the other birds follow the first one back to the bird feeder?  It is the same reason many people attend church services for the first time.  It has to do with the attitude and message of the Christians who already attend.  If the existing church members have a positive message and a great attitude when they go back to work or school or wherever they encounter the most people, then it’s only natural their friends, classmates, or co-workers are curious.  That curiosity is an open door to invite them to worship or another church-related activity.

            On the other hand, when people know you attend church, but they see your bad attitude on the job, at school, at sporting events, or maybe at restaurants while a server is taking your order, then it is not likely they would want to follow you back to church on Sunday.  It is important for Christians to lead holy lives everywhere. That doesn’t mean snooty or “holier than thou” lives.  It simply means to be set apart from the world for service to God. Having a good all around attitude which includes having a servant-heart towards others is a HUGE part of serving God. A holy life is evident when Christ’s love is present in your thoughts, speech, and conduct.

            Jesus took the whole “greatest commandment” thing of loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself to another level when He said,             “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another (John 13:34-35).”  How could anyone resist love like that?

            So next time you see a bird flying somewhere with other birds following, just remember it is because the lead bird not only has a message worth listening to, but also has an attitude that has been changed by the feast it has eaten.  The other birds naturally want to follow. The same is true for people.  The question is, has your attitude been changed by what you’ve been feasting on spiritually?  Or is your message just words only, with no evidence of spiritual nutrition in your life?  May we all strive to give and live a message of love, peace, and joy that can be clearly seen by others.