The Bible overflows with love

by Barrett Vanlandingham
February 13, 2022

 

            I think it is fair to say that over half of all songs ever written have something to do with love, although finding an exact number or a percentage has proven difficult. Simply put, songwriters for generations have found that people are interested in at least some aspect of love, and therefore write about it.

We all want to love and be loved. I guess you could say it is in our DNA. After all, a loving God created man and woman in His image, and love is the very first of God’s qualities the Bible lists in describing His Spirit.

            In the Bible, you can find the word love about 700 times, depending on which version you use. To love God and others is the greatest command (Mark 12:28-31). So it was a surprise to me that love is not even in the top 20 most used words in the Bible, that is, until I read that the word man (2750 times) was number three, right under Lord (8000 times) and God (4300 times). This makes sense, considering His word tells us that “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). The same is true for our Creator! So many times, just like a parent, God is at work doing things that prove His love for us even when He doesn’t specifically say the word love when He is blessing us. He may not use the word love but He is not vague about His feelings for mankind and who is in His heart. Adding the words people, children, men, and Israel easily quadruples the number of times the word man is used.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus is talking to His disciples, and makes clear the close relationship He wants with each of us: “I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:20-21).

            In Luke 12:6-7, Jesus reassures His disciples with these words of love, without actually using that word. “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

            In today’s times of worldly instability, what a beautiful thing, to love and be loved by the Creator himself! He not only demonstrated His love for us on the cross (Romans 5:8), He also wants us to take comfort in knowing that those who are in Christ Jesus cannot be separated from God’s love (Romans 8:37-39).  What a blessed assurance! Have a great week!

Educating our kids in God’s word is vital

January 16, 2022
by Barrett Vanlandingham

 Something about this recent news story really hit me:  “A new state law allowing public school students to transfer to any school district at any point in the year, as long as there is an opening, is now in effect. Some districts have lots of availability while others are limited” (1-3-22, Cal Day, The News on 6).

            It occurred to me how strange it would be if a similar news story broke, but instead, about churches!

            Just imagine this: “As of 2022, Churches with Bible classes are now accepting students from anywhere, as long as there is an opening. Availability may be limited. Make your reservation asap!”

That would be a nice problem to have for Fort Gibson’s church of Christ, wouldn’t it? Can you imagine people feverishly flocking to make it to the church building to enroll their children in our Bible classes, even re-arranging their schedules to make sure they were first in line? Unfortunately, this scenario would be hard to find at any church in any town today. It seems the only people spending much time studying are mostly those who can already quote much of the Bible from memory.

The Bible’s teachings on morality and New Testament Christianity have taken a back seat or no seat at all in comparison to the other things we think are most important for our children. And so, time passes, and each generation’s connection to Jesus has become weaker and weaker. As Dr. Phil sometimes says, “How’s that working for ya?” Have we as a culture simply given up? The consequences to our culture have become painfully obvious. The apostle Paul’s words come to mind:

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:7-9).

There is obviously nothing wrong with Christians of any age participating or even excelling in fun or extracurricular wholesome activities. How else are we supposed have opportunities to mix and mingle with lost souls and ultimately bring them to Christ? Still, the Bible has clear teachings about living in the world but choosing God’s ways.

Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Paul says “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

May we all strive to strike a healthy balance for us and our children that honors God in all things.  Have a great week!  Barrett