In the World, Not of the World

Believers might wonder: With the world being such a sinful place, and seeming to grow worse daily, how can we actively live in today’s society and still maintain a good conscience as a believer? The narrative of Daniel and his friends in the Old Testament helps us to consider this question. All in God’s Plan The first chapter of Daniel relates how King Nebuchadnezzar, of Babylon, led his army of conquest into Jerusalem and sacked the city. Daniel was a young boy in Judah when this happened, and God’s Word explains that Nebuchadnezzar took Daniel and the other boys, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, away to serve him in Babylon. These youth were selected, as the Bible explains, because they were “children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans” (Dan. 1:4). These boys were chosen because they had demonstrated their ability to learn. We could say, perhaps, that they were “straight-A” students. King Nebuchadnezzar wanted boys who could learn the language of his people and serve in his government, so his country would flourish. Thus, he selected the best and the brightest youth and taught them how to be successful in his land. They were taken against their will as spoils of war; but this was God’s plan for them. With this special trial of being taken from home, they were also given a great opportunity to succeed in the world. Today we have great opportunities for schooling. Access to education is, in North America, better than ever, with public schools, student loans, grants, Internet-based instruction, veteran’s educational benefits, and more. Many believers have been able to take advantage of these opportunities, learning to be productive members of society. Believers graduate from vocational schools, universities, medical schools, law schools, and others. Many choose to use their gifts to serve fellow citizens as police, firefighters, and other public positions in government. Others work in the private sector. Like the boys in the Old Testament, we are given opportunities to use our gifts in our temporal endeavors, and it is clearly not wrong to do so. Indeed, it is good and proper to do so. They Faced Challenges, Too But the boys were confronted with challenges. The king prescribed a certain diet for them. He wanted them fed with the best food, the same food that he ate, with his wine and meat. The king thought this was best for the boys, and that it would support them in their studies and work. But the food and wine offered by the king upset Daniel’s conscience. Old Testament dietary laws forbade many of the foods offered by the king, and Daniel did not want to drink the king’s wine. He did not want to disobey God’s Word, but he also did not want to disobey the king. Daniel explained the matter to his superior and confessed his faith openly, and worked to find an alternative that satisfied both the king and his conscience. The text continues: “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. “Now God had brought Daniel into favour and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. “Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king’s meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. “So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom” (Dan. 1:8–17). Obedience and Blessing, Then and Now Daniel’s diet confounded his superiors. To them it made no sense. So it is for believers today. A believer’s life choices often make no sense to the unbelieving world and to the rationale of man. The king’s diet could be seen as the extracurricular activities often associated with the educational and workplace environments: the sports teams, athletic games, dances, dinner parties, and other social activities the world deems as important as the classroom learning or job performance, but believers choose not to participate in. In Daniel’s time, as well as in today’s sinful society, people often respect the decisions of a believer when faith is freely confessed. God blessed the believing boys. They were able to complete their studies. They prospered in their work for the king, and were so successful that the Bible relates, “in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm” (Dan. 1:20). Jesus prays for His own in this way, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:14). He does not ask God to remove them from the world. He does not pray that His own should be isolated from the greater society. Rather, He prays that God should keep His children from evil. We can freely participate in our earthly calling at school, at work, or in our hobbies. We can fully strive to do our best in all that we do. We can trust that God will still protect us from evil today. Daniel simply confessed his faith, and humbly desired to fulfill his duties. God provided Daniel a way to accomplish these things while maintaining faith and a good conscience. So we trust that God through His Word provides a way to actively participate in the world without accepting the ways of the world.

She Wrapped Him in Swaddling Clothes

Christmas is an exciting time! At home you help your mom and dad clean, bake, and decorate for Christmas. Perhaps you write a letter to Santa or write a list of presents you hope to receive. At services you hear the ministers talk about Advent, the time of waiting before Christmas. You practice your part for the Sunday school program. You hear the story of Jesus’ birth. When Jesus was almost ready to be born, Mary and Joseph had to go on a long trip. They needed to go to Bethlehem so they could be counted or registered with the government. There were many people in Bethlehem, and Mary knew that Jesus would be born. The only place that they could find to stay was a stable. Here Jesus was born. Even though this was the animals’ shelter, the birth of Jesus brought much joy to Mary and Joseph. Angels shared the good news with the shepherds and they came to visit Baby Jesus. The stable where Jesus was born is a picture of God’s kingdom. When you hear the Christmas Gospel, do you notice what Mary did for her baby, Jesus? The Bible tells us that she “wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.” The swaddling clothes that wrapped Baby Jesus are a picture of God’s Word. Mary wrapped Baby Jesus just like mothers today might wrap their baby in a blanket. Babies feel secure when they are wrapped in this way. The manger filled with warm clean hay was a safe place for Mary to place her baby. Baby Jesus was happy, safe, and warm in the manger. Jesus was born of Mary and was also the Son of God, but He was raised in the home of earthly parents Mary and Joseph. They loved Him, cared for Him, and wanted Him to be safe. You are also a gift from the Heavenly Father to your mom and dad. They give you food to eat, clothes to wear, and a home to live in. They love you and want you to be safe. They take you to services and Sunday school so you can learn about God and Jesus. They pray for you and hope that you will always be a believer. As believing children you have received a double blessing! Not only do your parents care for you, but you have another mother also. This is God’s kingdom. Here we are safe and protected because we believe our sins forgiven according to God’s Word. As Christmas comes again, remember to thank God. He has given you a mother and father. You can be a child in His kingdom. He has also given you the best Christmas gift—Jesus the Savior!

Advent—a Time of Preparing

This time of year leading up to Christmas is a special season for young and old. It is a time of preparing for Christmas. What Is Most Important? Do we place too much emphasis on the externals? Has the material preparation become too important? On one hand, the planning, the shopping, and the gifts have become part of our tradition. Is not the inward preparation and celebration of the true meaning of Christmas most important? In many homes the busyness of life seems to swirl around us. It often causes weariness. The psalm writer reminds us of God’s counsel, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). It is good for us in quietness and stillness to reflect on God’s grace and blessing. Let us try to make time to speak of the true meaning of Christmas in our homes. Christ’s Grace and Forgiveness This little Christ Child was born for you and me, and for all people. May He dwell forever in the manger of our hearts. Jesus went on to prepare the way of salvation for sin-fallen mankind. Through His precious merit-work we have become heaven acceptable. Jesus willingly takes our sins upon himself and presents us His grace and forgiveness as the most precious gift. During the four weeks of Advent we are reminded how Jesus comes in humility and great glory. He came to save mankind from sin, Satan, and death. During the final Advent Sunday is the exhortation, “The birth of the Lord is nigh.” It reminds us of that eternal Christmas that is before us. We are secure here in God’s kingdom. Our Lord Jesus has prepared everything for us. The gospel carries us and is our strength on this journey as we await the coming of our Lord. May God bless you and your loved ones during this time of the Christmas celebration, and always.

Feeling Alone in a Community of Believers

Have you ever felt alone at a gathering of a large group of people? There can be times in life when we feel alone even though we’re among familiar ones. We all probably have felt shy and alone approaching others within a large group, all of whom appear to be visiting with someone else already. Many Reasons to Feel Alone Feelings of being alone are also familiar to believers from time to time. Feeling alone might be more common for a believer in a large congregation, where it may be more difficult to make and maintain friendships if one is shy or reserved. In some areas, we might be part of a large congregation but do not live in close proximity to others who are familiar to us. Some people have lots of believing family and relatives, and their social activities revolve around family events such as birthdays, anniversary parties, etc. The person without close relatives can feel left out, more alone. In moving to a new congregation, an individual or family may not have extended family or relatives nearby. Without family and close friends, it becomes easier to feel alone. Holidays can accentuate feelings of loneliness. Because others have well-established circles of friends, it may seem hard to join these circles. Such experiences, too, heighten the sense of feeling alone. There are other life changes that can bring on feelings of loneliness. Friends move. Friends may get married while we remain single. People change jobs and/or work hours and aren’t available for shared activities. Friends may begin having children and are busy with their young families. Others have large families. Some have few, one, or no children. These differences may change opportunities or frequency of fellowship. We Need Travel Escorts It is important that we adapt socially with these life changes. We all need friends and journey companions. We need to be cared for in our walk of faith. We need others to preach the gospel to preserve faith and a clean conscience and to strengthen our faith. God’s Word instructs: “If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Feelings of loneliness, if they persist, can cause us to doubt our faith. Is this not the work of the enemy of souls? Doesn’t he want us to feel despair? Doesn’t he want us to give up our faith? He might prompt further doubt: “Nobody cares about me. I might as well quit believing this way because none of these people will be my friend,” or perhaps, “Nobody else can understand my lonely feelings.” Serve God’s Kingdom All believers are worthy of escorts and friends and need to seek the company of other believers. It is written in Ecclesiastes 4:9,10: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” We are blessed to be traveling in the flock of believers in the Heavenly Father’s care. It is good to reach out to others to find friendship and social activity in God’s kingdom. We can also pray for friends and escorts. One way to develop friendships is to volunteer in congregational activities and willingly serve God’s kingdom. You don’t feel alone when you join in to help others or join in the mutual work of the congregation. Freely share your gifts. When we work with others, we develop camaraderie and friendship. A good example of this is serving together at camps. We often leave with warm feelings and with new friends from among the camp participants or others serving there. By attending services, participating in camps and other organized activities, we feel the love of the believers, and we feel that we belong. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). Singing songs of Zion with other believers can also help us feel warmth and belonging. Reach Out to Others God’s Word teaches us to love and serve one another. “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). For example, we should try to include those who are new to our congregations, either having recently moved or are just visiting. If we notice that people are alone, we should not walk by but greet them—welcome them if they are a visitor. It’s also nice to reach out to those living without family nearby during holidays and other times when they might especially need inclusion. “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2). Most importantly, we are instructed to care for one another. “And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:21). We are all traveling together to reach our heavenly home. Jesus has promised to be with us: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20). Let us freely preach the gospel to one another to strengthen our faith and bonds of Christian love. Paul instructs, “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:2,3). Let us be a support to one another so no one would have to feel alone on this journey and all would reach heaven.

The Good Samaritan

Jesus once told a story that we call the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It is found in the Bible in Luke 10:25–37. The story tells about a man who was traveling between two cities. On this trip, the man fell among thieves who took his clothing and left him wounded by the side of the road. Many of us have taken trips, traveling from one city to another. This man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, two cities in the land where Jesus lived. In the Bible, the city of Jerusalem is used as a picture of God’s kingdom. The city of Jericho pictures the unbelieving world. The man in this story was traveling from God’s kingdom into the world of sin and unbelief. He did not have believers with him on this trip. He was among thieves, who were not believers. They could not help him when he was wounded. Instead, they left him half dead on the side of the road. Now the man was in a dangerous place and was not able to help himself. If his wounds did not receive care, he would die. Perhaps you know of people who have taken this kind of a trip. On this trip, a person falls into sin and is wounded. If sin is not cared for, or forgiven, the result is that a person loses their faith. Then he leaves God’s kingdom and begins to live a life of unbelief in this world. This story teaches us how important our believing friends and family members are. We, too, have experienced the wounds of sin, when sin hurts our conscience. When this happens, we know that there is only one thing that can help us. It is to hear from another believer that our sins can be forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus. We call this good message of forgiveness the gospel. It feels good to hear and believe the gospel when we are troubled by sin. The wounds of sin are then healed, and we can again be happy children of God. We may have friends and even family members who are not believing. We still love them, but they are not able to help us if we sin. The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors and all people, but it also warns us about becoming too close to this world, where there are many temptations. Unbelieving friends might want us to do things that would wound our conscience. It could happen like the man in our story, that we become wounded by sin and have no believers close to us who can help us. Fortunately, for this man, someone found him and was able to help him. It was the Good Samaritan, who is a picture of Jesus. Jesus was able and willing to help this man. He could heal his wounds and bring him to a place where he could be cared for. Where did Jesus bring this traveler? He brought him to an inn, which is God’s house. God’s house is a place of care for all children of God. In God’s house, the gospel cares for our wounds of sin. The other children of God love us and take care of us. Is there anything that we can do for each other that is more important than to help each other fight against sin and to preach the gospel of forgiveness to each other? How good it feels when sins are forgiven, and we can travel together on the way to heaven. Let us never tire of preaching the gospel to each other, in our homes and families, and with our believing friends.

The Family Unit

A New Year Brings Hope The Christian family can look to the future with hope even in this time of increasing spiritual darkness. Faith in the gospel has sustained the family in the passing year and will do so in the new year. The dawn of a new year offers a time of reflection on the events and experiences of the past year and the promises of hope for the new. A new beginning in both temporal and spiritual life is possible. What promises can family members make for the new year? What changes would be beneficial for the faith and temporal life of the family? Stepping back and taking the landscape view one can first ask, “What has God intended for Christian family life?” Further, what does the Bible say? What do the experiences of life reveal? In What Ways Can the Family Unit Be Strengthened? Spending time together strengthens the bond of the family unit. Engaging all family members as equals and listening to the opinions of others is a good start for building unity. Maintaining a healthy atmosphere where there is freedom to speak even of the wounds and defeats is also important. This atmosphere is best created and cared for with God’s Word and the spirit of the gospel. In this, parents can have a major influence. Also important is that parents must pull in the same direction as guided by the Holy Spirit. Children can detect if parents are not of one mind and will soon learn which parent will “give in.” A special challenge for maintaining a healthy atmosphere exists if the family includes a member living at home who is not in faith. In fear of losing other children to unbelief a danger exists of becoming too tight or too lenient. The rules set up for the operation of the Christian home should not be changed to accommodate the one who has left faith. The gospel is the power of God for salvation. Children learn a lot by example and experience. Learning how to care for matters with the gospel is usually first learned at home. Caring for them as wide as they have affected applies in the home also. The personal faith and care of the conscience by parents and children are fundamental for harmony and peace. Making it important to get to the services and other activities of God’s children sets a good example for children as to what really is important in life. Children and parents can both help nurture the home setting by supporting one another with forgiveness, kindness, meekness, and respect. Saying the words “I love you” or expressing appreciation for another’s help or faithfulness to their home duties strengthens the family bond. Marriage and Family Is under Attack The Christian understanding of marriage and family is under attack. A powerful spirit of delusion, atheism, has entered the world and demands a different definition of both marriage and family. In the name of human rights and freedom, the atheist “exalteth himself above all that is called God” (2 Thess. 2:4). Marriage was established by the Creator himself and is holy in His sight. Being witnesses to the attacks on marriage and family brings distress and sorrow to our hearts. We live in a time when there is a general falling away of the heart of man from God. This time was prophesied of by Paul as the coming revelation of the “man of sin…the son of perdition” (2 Thess. 2:3). Demands to redefine marriage come from the gay and lesbian communities and their supporters. A downward spiral starting from the rejection of God as the Creator and no longer being thankful to Him, have caused gays and lesbians to become slaves of their own lusts (Rom. 1:18–32). We live in a time when morals are decided by vote, courts, and public opinion polls instead of God’s Word. It is the time of moral relativism. Atheism is insistent in its effort to remove God from all aspects of our lives. The God-intended purpose for family will be lost if family can no longer be ideally defined in terms of father, mother, parents, sons, daughters, or grandparents. The Joy of Salvation The spiritual darkness of this world weighs heavy on our hearts. We must not, however, let it diminish the joy of salvation we have or the joy we experience in the Christian home. We have much to be thankful for. We can counter spiritual darkness by gathering more often in the light of God’s Word and in the name of Jesus. The Christian home is an excellent setting for such gathering. Using the Bible, the Voice of Zion and other Christian publications, or general discussion, parents and children can verify what God’s Word teaches on the various issues we face in our time. Reinforcing the “ABCs” or fundamentals of what we believe, and why, helps establish the home and prepare our children to battle against darkness. Religious training begins in the home and is supported by God’s kingdom. Parents need to take responsibility for it. It is not a task left only for the congregation. The congregation will “water that seed that has been planted,” however. Luther reflects that God has place a child into our laps as a living soul to be nurtured. This insight focuses for us what really is important in our day-to-day efforts. As we begin this new year, as individuals and families, let us renew the promise to keep faith and a good conscience. Let us ask for guidance and heavenly wisdom in the rearing of our children and the spiritual edification of families.

Why Me?

All People Have Trials In the Bible, we can find many examples that teach us that we are not so different. Others have had trials. Beginning with the family of Adam and Eve, we can read about difficulties experienced within the family. We can go on to read about the difficulties in the family of Jacob, whose wife Rachel died in childbirth, and who later thought that his son Joseph had also died, when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. And what trials did Joseph experience in his life; sold by his brothers, separated from his family, and later wrongly imprisoned in the land of Egypt? The book of Job describes the trials of his life, his struggles to deal with those trials, and the reason they happened to him. The Bible relates in detail about the life of David and its ups and downs. The book of Daniel tells us of some of the trials that Daniel and his three friends had to face in Babylon. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews says that “the time would fail” him to tell of all that the former saints endured. We Are Not So Different Apostle Peter teaches us not to think of ourselves as strange or different because of our trials. Peter also writes that we should resist the devil even in the midst of trials, “knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Pet. 5:9). Jesus says, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). Apostle Paul, who writes about his many difficult experiences, says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man” (1 Cor. 10:13). Sometimes we look at others, and their lives can seem so much easier than ours. We might think that they do not have the kinds of struggles that we have. Then when we are able to speak with others about their lives, we learn that we are not so different. They have also experienced difficult times and trials in life like we have. Perhaps the trials are not the same, but we realize that every family and every person has struggles. God Helps God’s Word does not leave us to sorrow over our trials. It assures us that God knows our needs and takes care of us. When he writes of our common afflictions, Peter says, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Pet. 5:10). When Paul writes of our common temptation, he says, “but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13). And when Jesus warns that in the world we shall have tribulation, He says, “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Apostle John writes, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). In the same way, the writer to the Hebrews, in recalling the trials of former saints, writes that they were victorious by faith (Heb. 11). Content in God’s Grace In times of trials or sorrow in my life, I have tried to remember that all people have such times and to remember how fortunate it is to be able to face trials as a child of God. God takes care of us in His kingdom. It is a grace kingdom. In His kingdom, God cares for us with His grace and the gospel of forgiveness. Our brothers and sisters help us. They lift us up with the gospel. They share our burdens. And they carry us in their prayers. In God’s kingdom we do not have to feel like we are different because of our struggles. We can be who we are—as God made us. Apostle Paul asks the question, “Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?” (Rom. 9:20). It is good to be free to be who we are, to be open epistles, and to share our joys and our sorrows. God’s message to Apostle Paul is a message to us also, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Together with Paul, we say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:9,10). We can cast our cares upon Him who cares for us. In the hearing of the gospel we can believe all of our sins and doubts forgiven in the name and blood of Jesus. In this gospel, God gives us the power to continue in faith, even in the midst of trials.