2002

Where did the time go and what happened to 2001? As we grow older with the passing of another year in is important that we take inventory of more than our taxable assets, hair loss and weight gains. As Jehovah spake unto Moses in Exodus 40:1-2 he said, "On the first day of the first month shalt thou rear up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting..." (Ex. 40:1-2). This commandment was given to Moses on the second year after the children of Israel came out of Egypt. I don't know why God chose the "first day of the first month" for the construction of the tabernacle. Perhaps it was for the benefit of Israel, to make the work more memorable to them. Whatever the reason, it is well to begin a new year by evaluating our priorities and appraising our spiritual condition. As we do this, let us examine ourselves and not engage in the common practice of faultfinding and excuse making, but look to those things "I" can do to serve God better. The chief butler of Joseph's day said, "I do remember my faults this day" (Gen. 41:9).

Realize that time is precious. David prayed to God that he and the people might realize they did not have a perpetual lease on life. He prayed, "So teach us to number our days..." (Ps. 90:12). No moment can be recalled or reclaimed... It cannot be put back on the clock or calender. Peter said, "for all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass, The grass withereth and the flower thereof falleth away" (1 Pet. 1:24). James described our lives as a "vapor that appeareth for a little time..." (James 4:14). The conscious apprehension of approaching death and the brevity of time will make one more careful; will sober one's thinking about the seriousness of sin (Ezek. 18:20) and the opportunity to serve (Mt. 25:14-46). Both death and an accounting for sin are appointed with certainty (Heb. 9:27). We are commanded to "redeem the time" (Eph. 5:15-16), literally to buy up the opportunity. We have time and opportunity NOW (2 Cor. 6:2). Now is the time to teach our children, to worship and serve God faithfully. There have been a number of dramatic events in the past year that remind us of this sobering fact. Several have lost loved ones. Our nation still endures the shocking events of September 11, where over 3,000 lost their lives unexpectedly. If you knew you would not live beyond this year what would you change anything?

Would you change the way you think? Certainly this is a challenge! Paul warned the saints at Corinth lest "your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (2 Cor. 11:3). When the mind is corrupted, the whole being becomes contaminated (Mt. 15:19-20). We are to control our thoughts and think on the right things (Phil. 4:7-8). We must set our minds on "things above" (Col. 3:1-2), and "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). "For as he thinketh in his heart so is he" (Prov. 23:7).

Would you change the way you act? Elihu, the friend of Job said, "If I have done iniquity, I will do no more" (Job 34:32). If you knew you would die within the coming year, certainly you would want to abandon anything that had any hint of sin. Paul admonished, "Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thess. 5:22). Sin must be acknowledged and repented of. Note the words of God to Israel, "And Jehovah said unto me, Backsliding Israel hath showed herself more righteous than treacherous Judah. Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Jehovah; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith Jehovah, I will not keep (anger) for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against Jehovah thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith Jehovah" (Jer 3:11-13). Forgiveness and mercy is promised upon confession (1 Jno. 1:9). The wisdom writer stated, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy" (Prov. 28:13).

Would you change the way you worship God? Christians are commanded to assemble together to worship the God of heaven (Heb. 10:25). Early Christians came together "on the first day of the week" to remember the Savior and to pay homage to the God of heaven (Acts 20:7). Even during intense persecution, the Lord's disciples met together under adverse circumstances to escape the wrath of the emperor. Their adoration was truly from the depth of their beings. They realized the sacrifice of Jesus when He offered up His life's blood on the cross. They were glad when it came time to assemble with other Christians. David of old expressed it, "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord" (Ps. 122:1). New Testament Christians met regularly on the first day of the week to receive the encouragement, and challenge they needed to go forth throughout the week in service to God. Worship was not a drudgery, but a joy and privilege. Oh, how we need to change our thinking about the assembling of saints together. Beloved, our assembling together is just the beginning point. From it we gain the incentive to engage the enemy and accomplish the great work of God. Let us prayfully use our moments in worship together as a spring-board for action in service to our Master and King.

Would you change the way you study the Bible? Lack of knowledge has always gotten people into trouble. Hosea said, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6). The frightening fact is that very few people (and this includes members of the church), really study God's word. A host of presumptuous sins arise from ignorance. Jesus rebuked the Sadducces, "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God" (Mt. 22:29). Peter charged that it was the sin of ignorance that crucified the Christ (Acts 3:17). We are commanded to study to present ourselves approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15), yet many fail to realize this is the only road to knowledge of God's will. Numerous Bible classes are offered and many materials are available to assist you in your study, but the effort to learn must be individually yours. Will you change and avail yourselves of such opportunities that you might "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"? (2 Pet. 3:18) The contribution of your time to learn will contribute to the overall strength of the local church. If you knew you would die this year, would you come consistently to Bible classes ON TIME with MINDS and LESSONS PREPARED to study God's word?

Would you change who you associate with? Christians need to regularly associate with other Christians aside from the scheduled assemblies of the church. We need each other to encourage and strengthen each other. It is unlikely we will survive alone. Over one hundred times the New Testament writers use the term "one-another, love one another, comfort one another, exhort one another, serve one another, use hospitality one to another," etc. Christians should make friends from those of the world to evangelize them, but our closest friends should be of those in Christ! When Christians select as their closest companions those of the world, it is unto their own spiritual ruin. Paul stated as a matter of FACT, "Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33).

Would you change your attitude toward the lost? Have we forgotten our purpose? Have we forgotten how horrible it is to be lost, separated from God because of sin (Isa. 59:1-2; Eph. 2:11ff). We sing the song, "Into Our Hands"... "Millions are groping without the gospel, Quickly they'll reach eternity's night; Shall we sit idly as they rush onward? Haste, let us hold up Christ the true light...Into our hands the gospel is given, Into our hands is given the light, Haste, let us carry God's precious message, Guiding the erring back to the right..." Indeed, we have the gospel, the precious message of salvation. How many have you taught in the past year? If each one who is a Christian converts only one soul in a year, can you imagine the effect that would have on the world!!! Yes, there are many discouragements, but we must try! The wisdom writer said, "And he that is wise winneth souls" (Prov 11:30). Jesus said, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit: and so shall ye be my disciples" (Jno. 15:8). He described some having a good and honest heart who "heard the word, hold it fast, and bring forth fruit with patience" (Lk. 8:15). Some who have obeyed the gospel have again entered into sin. Paul COMMANDS, "Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Gal. 6:1). James tells us that those who do this "shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:20). If you knew you would die within this year, are there those you would diligently seek to teach?

Would you ask, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Oh, there is so much work to do. Indeed, "The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth laborers into his harvest" (Matt 9:37-38). Will the Lord be satisfied with the same as I have done in past years? Would you "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a WORKMAN that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15 ASV)? As a child of God, He would have you to grow, to advance toward a fuller, more complete service. He wants you to SERVE, to teach, reprove, exhort and to take a firmer more determined stand for His truth (Heb. 5:12; 2 Pet. 3:18). If you are not a Christian, God would have you to obey the gospel. Saul of Tarsus, who believed and had turned in repentance from sin was commanded to "Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16).

May the rich blessings of God abide with us as we strive to serve Him faithfully in 2002. Let's try to make the changes necessary to make this year the best year ever in our individual service to God.