I envisioned what I wanted the podcast to become and got to work. I came up with a name, logo, and the general theme for the show. The first episode was released on June 14, 2011 and it set the pace for the entire series.

Here’s a partial transcript from Episode 1:

I have come to discover the right path is generally the path less traveled. If you are a student of the Bible you should believe this as well. Jesus Christ himself taught this very concept. In his sermon on the mount, he said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

…

Yet, anytime someone comes along who is asking the difficult questions and pointing out the flaws in the conventional wisdom of the day, they are quickly labeled a kook. They’re of the fringe. They’re an outsider. Of course, anyone we label a kook immediately becomes a person that the majority feel quite comfortable ignoring. This is a result of the sheeple effect. We do not outgrow peer pressure when we become adults.

…

If you ask me, we need people who think outside of the box. Instead, we take people like that and we either ignore them or try and convert them into someone normal–as though there really can be such a standard. If someone dares question conventional wisdom, all too often they are ostracized. I guess they’re guilty of disturbing the natural order. They’ve upset the herd. I have been in that position far too many times to count.

Many assume I’m maliciously asking questions or proposing alternative ideas when really I’m as sincere as I can be. I’m asking the questions either because I don’t yet understand or I truly believe the conventional wisdom of the day should be questioned. Remember, broad is the way that leadeth to destruction.

Perhaps not every episode has been so unconventional, but I do try my best to keep things interesting. Regardless, through all of my experimentation with the format and the evolution of the show in general, it still has not become what I always wanted it to become. For the most part, the podcast continues to be monologue recordings when I always envisioned it becoming insightful conversation.

I guess I had been waiting for the right co-host to come along and join me. Though I’ve had prospects over the past year, it has never worked out for one reason or another. However, over the last few weeks, I’ve invited a few guest co-hosts to chat with me and I loved it. That’s where I want the show to go.

Why do you think I called the podcast, Coffee & Cigarettes? I pictured some of those deep conversations about politics, religion, and life in general you have with friends while sitting on the patio and sipping on coffee (and possibly smoking) after dinner in the evening. It’s pretty hard to recreate that feel when I’m sitting alone in the studio.

From this point on, I’m going to put forth more effort to bring conversation into the podcast. I’m going to actively seek out people to talk with me. I’m going to start recording conversations with friends when we’re together in person–with their permission, of course. I’ve even provided a way for anyone to request an appearance on the show.

With that said, if you want to join me on a future episode of the podcast, visit http://jeremysarber.com/guest/ and get in touch with me. We’ll plan a show together.

In the meantime, I’ll still put out monologue shows. I hope to have a new episode released before the end of the week, assuming I can finally get rid of this cold and cough. It refuses to go away.

Have feedback? Leave a comment at Join Me on an Episode of the Podcast

Daniel 4:35
And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

God is sovereign. He does what He wants, when He wants, and how He wants, and no one has the right to question Him or challenge His authority. He is in absolute control of every second of every minute of every day. Yet people make choices. They have the option of choosing option A or option B, choosing between right and wrong, taking the left or taking the right. It can seem difficult to understand how these two things can even co-exist, much less work together. How can God be in control of everything, yet people make their own decisions in life? God’s word provides us the answer in many examples.

One of which I feel is the best and clearest example, can be found in the Old Testament account of the life of Joseph. Here we have a wonderful picture of God’s sovereignty playing out, even in the midst of the sinful choices of man, starting with the shameful decision of Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery. In the ensuing story, time after time we see the choices of men, in what seem to be unconnected and random acts, leading Joseph step by step to exactly where God wanted him to be. Many things transpire due to the sinful acts of others that move him from point to point. This eventually places him in a powerful postition in the land of Egypt during a time of great famine, in which he is able to provide food for his family, including the very brothers that sold him away. In the following two statements that Joseph makes to his brothers at the conclusion of this providential event, we see a wonderful explanation of how God’s sovereignty works with man’s seemingly unconnected choices.

Genesis 45:5
Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

Genesis 50:20
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

It is important to note, that while Joseph clearly has forgiveness for his brothers, he distinctly tells them “ye thought evil against me”.  We must keep in mind the fact that just because God allows, or “suffers” sin to be committed by the choices of man, and brings good out of it, does not mean that God caused the sin. As the bible states in Deuteronomy 32:4, God is without iniquity. He is not the author of sin. God does not cause sin, even though He may in fact use it to bring about good. Even though God may override sin in such a manner, whoever commits the sin is still guilty and has no excuse before God for his actions. Notice what Peter says to the crowd on the day of Pentecost.

Acts 2:22
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Even though it was Jesus’ purpose to die (Matthew 20:28), and God’s will for Him to do so (Luke 22:42), Peter still puts the guilt of the act where it belongs. He said “ye have taken and by wicked hands”. The fact that this wicked act worked in harmony with God’s righteous plan did not excuse them from their sin. They are no less guilty. I like the way Matthew Henry put it:

Neither God’s designing it from eternity, nor his bringing good out of it to eternity, would in the least excuse their sin; for it was their voluntary act and deed, from a principle morally evil, and therefore “they were wicked hands with which you have crucified and slain him.’’ 

In regards to the sovereignty of God and the choices of man, we must realize that God is not in heaven wringing His hands and pacing the golden streets in frustration because one of us lowly mortals has made a decision in our lives that throws a monkey wrench into His plans. As our introductory verse from Daniel 4:35 stated, God does whatever God wants to do, and nothing will get in His way. We cannot thwart God’s plan, but rather, as the saying goes, “if you want to make God laugh, tell Him about your plans!

Have feedback? Leave a comment at How does God’s sovereignty work with free will?

There is no commandment in the New Testament which gives us a clear and defined figure or percentage. However, the Old Testament does give specific commands which may be used as guidelines for us today. Most who use those guidelines live by the “10-percent” rule where they strive to give 10 percent of their income. This is because saints of the Old Testament were commanded to tithe one-tenth of their increase. (The word tithe actually means “one-tenth”.)

As I have studied the matter further, it would seem the “10-percent” rule would not be sufficient according to Old Testament text. There were actually three different tithes that were required of the people. First, one-tenth was given to the Levitical priests (Lev. 27:30-32). Second, one-tenth was given for the yearly feasts (Deut. 14:22-27). Third, one-tenth was given every three years to help the needy (Deut. 14:28-29). That amounts to approximately 23 percent. That is not to say we must give that amount of our income, but perhaps it gives us some idea as to what was meant throughout the New Testament instructions on giving.

New Testament Principles of Giving

1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Paul instructs the Corinthian Church to give “as God hath prospered.” In other words, we cannot necessarily compare our giving to another in the church. We can only give based on what we have to give. In addition, it is implied that as the Lord prospers us with more, we should also give more. We often fall into the habit of giving a set dollar amount to the church each week or each month. In all reality, the amount we give should vary according to what we have.

2 Corinthians 8:7-11
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Paul wrote, “See that ye abound in this grace also.” It is a godly mentality to desire to do more always. A disciple of Christ should always seek to excel even in giving.

2 Corinthians 8:12
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Christian giving is not about dollar amounts or economics. It is about the individual willingness to sacrifice something of value in the Lord’s service.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Our giving should not be a last-minute thought at church on Sunday morning where we look into our wallets or purses to see if we have any cash to give. Our giving should be purposeful and planned. When we prepare our budgets for the month, giving to the church ought to be a top priority.

Proverbs 3:9-10
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

It honors the Lord to give our firstfruits. Individuals in the church should give their first and best–not what is left over in the end. Churches should also be reminded that we should not wait until last minute to raise money for any need. Often when something comes up, the deacons press the church to give more as they pass around the collection plate. That would not be necessary if we all gave like we should all of the time. Paul had written, “Let every one of you lay by him in store…that there be no gatherings when I come.”

Our churches should be prepared beforehand. For instance, what if, God forbid, a tragic illness was to strike one of the members? Perhaps their insurance fails to cover the medical expenses and the family cannot cover it by themselves. How is the church to help that family if our treasury lacks? It may be extremely difficult to raise the money we need in that moment. Or, what if the Lord blesses our church to outgrow the building? If we truly want such a thing to happen, then we should act like we do by preparing for it (i.e. saving money to eventually build a bigger church building).

To give some perspective on what proper giving according to biblical principles can do, allow me to provide some real numbers. These numbers may not accurately reflect any given church.

The average American family has an income of approximately $50,000 per year. If a church has fifteen families that totals $750,000 among them. If all fifteen families give according to the “10-percent” rule, they would give a total of $75,000 each year. If they give 23 percent, they would give $172,500 each year.

Based on New Testament teachings as well as Old Testament tithing commandments, the three basic uses of church funds should be the support of the ministry, paying general church expenses, and helping the poor and needy. When it comes to supporting a pastor, I feel he should never be given more than the average income of the church. In the example above, the pastor would receive no more than $50,000 per year. If the church gives 23 percent, $122,500 would be leftover each year to pay expenses, help the poor, and save for future need. Even if the church lives by the “10-percent” rule and gives their pastor the maximum amount, they would be left with $12,500 to pay expenses and so on.

Let me say again the reason for giving to the church is not for dollar amounts. It for the purpose of giving itself. Though it flies in the face of conventional wisdom, Proverb 3:10 does tell us that if we give our firstfruits, we will be rewarded with barns filled with plenty and presses bursting with new wine. Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you.” What the Lord blesses you with essentially belongs to Him. We should not ask what we want to do with it, but what would God want us to do with it.

Have feedback? Leave a comment at How much should I give to the church?

The above verse is not teaching that the Ephesians were natural descendants of Jacob (Israel). By the time of Christ and the primitive church’s establishment, there was little identifiable about the ten northern tribes of Israel. They had been absorbed into the ranks of the heathen through the years due to their wickedness and apostasy.

The Apostle Paul is writing here to the predominantly Gentile church at Ephesus who were in the above described state prior to what is described in verse 13 – “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Before the preaching of Christ they were in abject ignorance of the covenant promises which the Lord made regarding his chosen nation throughout the history of the Israelites. They had been immersed in heathen ignorance, superstitions, and error. It’s in this sense that they were aliens, not that they had become separate in the past, but that they had always been separate.

Here, when Paul uses the term Israel, he is alluding to being a manifest covenant child. Though the chosen nation of the Lord at the time of Christ was more commonly known as the Jews (descendants of the combined tribes of Benjamin and Judah), this does not disqualify the term Israelite from being proper also when referring to the natural Jews of Christ’s time or even the spiritual Jews (Romans 2:28-29) of the present day. The Jews were once identified under the banner of the Israelites. It’s by the same token that it was proper for Paul to equate believers in Christ to the standings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Galatians 4:28; Matthew 8:11), all identifiers which predate the terms Jew and Israelite.

Have feedback? Leave a comment at Were the Ephesians a portion of the divorced northern kingdom of Israel (Ephesians 2:12)?

In many places in scripture we can find people asking questions to ministers. In Acts 8:29-39 we see that the Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized after a dialog with Phillip. In Acts 10 the entire household of Cornelius was converted to the knowledge of the truth through an in dept biblical discussion.

Acts 17:11 describes people that actively studied God’s word and were more noble then those who ignored the word. In many places we can find where the disciples asked Jesus, their teacher, questions. (Matthew 17:10, Matthew 24:3, Mark 7:17, Mark 9:28, Mark 10:10, Luke 8:9, John 9:2) These questions may have not been in a formal worship service but we see a pattern of the students gathered together asking questions from their teacher. Multiple times these questions lead to conversion.

Like many things in life, if done properly, a bible study can be profitable. Here are some biblical guide lines for bible studies:

1 Timothy 3:2 “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”

The only person commanded to be a formal teacher in the church of God is a bishop/elder. Those men to whom God has called to preach are to do the teaching.

1 Corinthians 14:40 “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Anything done in the house of God is to be done in an orderly fashion. No one should argue with, interrupt, or belittle the minister as he answers questions from the congregation.

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

God has placed his ministry as someone that is a superintendent over spiritual things. The word bishop means superintendent. In this text the writer uses the phrase “rule over” to indicate the role of the minister. In teaching and answering question they are watching for the welfare of your lives. That is not to mean that they are to lord over God’s heritage. He commands his ministers to be loving, meek, and longsuffering.

John 21:15-17 “….feed my lambs…..feed by sheep…..feed my sheep…”

There is no New Testament precedent that gives any reason to segregate because of gender, rank, race, age, or maturity. In John 21:15-17, Jesus commands Peter to feed his sheep and lambs, the person that feeds sheep is the same person that feeds the lambs. The understanding of a child can often be greater than that of a wise and prudent adult (Matthew 11:25, Matthew 21:15). To imply that children cannot learn on the same level of an adult is contrary to words of our savior. Galatians 3:28 gives the final understanding that within baptized believer, there are none superior or inferior; all are treated on the same level.

1 Timothy 2:12 “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”

Woman are not to lead formal church bible studies. Only the minister has the biblical authority to lead the congregation in study. For further clarification on this point check out our answer to question; “Should a Woman Lead a Bible Study.”

2 Timothy 2:23 “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”

Questions should be well thought out and prayed about before being submitted to the qualified minister.

By that definition and qualifications, I would say that a formal bible study is not an ‘addition’ to the church. When done the right way, bible studies can be a very useful tool in teaching the congregation. Nevertheless, if anything done in church capacity goes against these general rules (qualified ministers, integrated worship, decent and orderly behavior), it would not be following the biblical guidelines and I would consider it ‘wrong’.

I would like to end with a Historical quote from Elder Walter Cash.

An answer to a sister who asked about our churches having prayer meetings and Bible discussions: The Baptists, in the early days of this country, had prayer meetings, but of late they have been discontinued with few exceptions. It would be better if they were kept up. There are so few members in our churches who can lead in prayer in the introduction of service. It is in agreement with the Scriptures that teach much about prayer and the obligation to pray with and for each other. To be engaged in prayer would be much better than repeating gossip and talking foolishness. The prayer meeting might be combined with reading the Bible. As to Bible readings, I have had them in my churches for twenty-five years. When we meet, we read as many chapters as we can and talk about the passages as we read them, thus, having many profitable times together.

I have heard objections to our meeting together to read the Bible by Baptists who probably read very few chapters at home the entire year.

What we need is to read the Bible more. The members would understand the preaching better if they were informed on the teaching of the Bible. In the time of the Saviour, the people gathered in the synagogues to hear the Bible read, for they did not have the books as we do now. Jesus went there and read, and then would take occasion to tell what the passages meant. Read Luke 4:16-21. It is alright to read the Bible at home, but the trouble is that people let other things engage their attention and neglect the reading of the Bible. I have known preachers who have objected to Bible readings (discussions) when they themselves would have been benefited by such gatherings: their sermons showed they were not familiar with the reading of the Bible.
Reading leads to investigation, which is what the Bereans did. See Acts 17:10-11. They were commended for this searching of the Scriptures. It is better to read the Bible in company with others, for the exchange of thoughts helps us to an understanding.” Elder Walter Cash, From Messenger of Peace, 1927

Final note: This subject should not be a point of contention. There are good ministers that agree and disagree with formal bible studies. This is a topic that should always fall under the label of Christian liberty.

Have feedback? Leave a comment at Is a formal Bible study an ‘addition’ to the church? If it is wrong, what makes it so?

Since I got married last fall, I have increasingly pursued a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. A few months ago, my wife and I took up running–something I hadn’t done since high school. Thanks to my wife, I also eat much better these day. Of course, it doesn’t take much to create a healthier meal than Domino’s delivery. But the next step is to correct my sleeping patterns or lack thereof. I’m going to assume it’s not genetic and see what happens.

So, I’ve been studying the subject of sleep and here are a few things I’ve learned…

There are two main types of sleep:
1) Non-REM (NREM) sleep consists of three stages of sleep, each deeper than the last.
2) REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep is when you do most active dreaming. Your eyes actually move back and forth during this stage, which is why it is called Rapid Eye Movement sleep.

The stages of non-REM sleep:
1) Stage N1 (Transition to sleep) – This stage lasts about five minutes. Eyes move slowly under the eyelids, muscle activity slows down, and you are easily awakened.
2) Stage N2 (Light sleep) – This is the first stage of true sleep, lasting from 10 to 25 minutes. Eye movement stops, heart rate slows, and body temperature decreases.
3) Stage N3 (Deep sleep) – You’re difficult to awaken, and if you are awakened, you do not adjust immediately and often feel groggy and disoriented for several minutes. In this deepest stage of sleep, brain waves are extremely slow. Blood flow is directed away from the brain and towards the muscles, restoring physical energy.

REM sleep:
REM sleep (Dream sleep) – About 70 to 90 minutes after falling asleep, you enter REM sleep, where dreaming occurs. Eyes move rapidly. Breathing is shallow. Heart rate and blood pressure increase. Arm and leg muscles are paralyzed.

Each stage of sleep in the sleep cycle offers benefits to the sleeper. However, deep sleep and REM sleep are particularly important. Deep sleep is a time when the body repairs itself and builds up energy for the day ahead. REM sleep plays a key role in learning and memory. So, it’s not about how much you sleep as it is how you sleep.

In order to correct my erratic sleeping patterns, I’ve had it suggested to me that I first need to train my body to sleep at specific times. In other words, I set a bed time that is consistent throughout the week as well as a time to get up in the mornings. I’ve also incorporated a short nap into each afternoon which I wrote about yesterday. Finally, I am employing some available technology to help me wake up while I’m in the lighter sleep stages.

I downloaded the Sleep Cycle alarm clock app for my iPhone by Maciek Drejak Labs. It uses the accelerometer technology in the phone. When placed under the sheet on the corner of my mattress, it can detect my movements and, in turn, my stage of sleep. Within thirty minutes of the time I set on my alarm, the app attempts to wake me when it assumes I’m in my lightest sleep phase. I tried it today and got positive results.

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. (Pro. 3:24)

Have feedback? Leave a comment at Learning How to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

The doctors tell me I have attention deficit disorder. While ADD might be one of the most over-diagnosed “disorders” in America, I believe the doctors got it right in my case. The way my brain works would be maddening to a lot of people. My thoughts go from one thing to the next in a matter of seconds and it runs full speed all day long. Even I have mild mental breakdowns from time to time. It’s very difficult to stay focused and get things done.

Since my mind doesn’t naturally have much discipline or organization, I feel I have no other choice but to force it, so to speak. Hence, the schedule I’ve been working on this morning. If I rely on the impulses of my brain alone, I do get things done but not very efficiently. I tend to procrastinate and/or work on too many things at once. Often I end the day with needless frustrations because I failed to accomplish my task list or didn’t get enough done.

Perhaps now you understand my logo

One of the first things I wanted to do when creating this new schedule was establish specific blocks of time for email and social networking. There is no greater distraction for me throughout the day than the constant notifications on my phone and Internet browser. I am instantly notified about every email, every message, every comment, and every reply. I always want to stop what I’m doing and check whatever it is. It’s a time-killer.

So, I disabled Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Gmail, and all other notifications on my phone and computer. I will only check them when my schedule says I can check them. I created five time slots for it and that should be plenty.

Another thing I wanted on the schedule was nap time. I’m not kidding. I’ve long believed in the value of naps though I rarely take them. After listening to the most recent episode of Michael Hyatt’s podcast, This Is Your Life, I was given all the incentive I needed to start napping more. Instead of wiping out by mid-afternoon and being very unproductive the rest of the day, I’m going to enjoy a 20-minute nap/relaxation time after lunch.

The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much… (Eccl. 5:12)

This isn’t about becoming a workaholic or somehow making more money. This is about being efficient, productive, and getting as much done within certain hours of each day so that I enjoy life a bit more during the remaining time.

Have feedback? Leave a comment at Less Time on Facebook and More Time Napping

An important characteristic of both crimes and fires is the impossibility of knowing where either will occur. Firemen may have a general sense of the buildings that are at a higher risk of burning down, but they have absolutely no idea about which particular house will be the next one to catch fire. Similarly, cops may have a general sense of what neighborhoods have a higher crime rate than others, but they have absolutely no idea which person will be the next one to commit murder or rape.

Given that cops and firemen are both concerned to respond to events that cannot be predicted, it is extremely odd that they act so differently from one another. Firemen do not “patrol” neighborhoods in the hope of spotting the next house fire or car accident. They wait until someone calls them, and they respond accordingly. Cops, on the other hand, do “patrol” neighborhoods, hide under overpasses, dress up in “undercover” costumes and otherwise skulk about their communities looking for crimes that are being committed.

What gives? Why don’t cops and firemen use the same strategy? Crimes can be predicted no better than fires, so why don’t cops just wait to be called instead of driving around looking for something that is impossible to predict?

The answer is pretty simple. When almost everything is regulated or downright illegal there are so-called crimes happening everywhere at almost any time of the day. The real crimes–murder, theft, etc.–are relatively rare, but so many other activities have been made illegal by the political class. As I write this, people are driving over the arbitrary speed limit, not wearing a seatbelt, building something on their property without government permission, and so on and so on and so on. People, not doing harm to anyone else, are breaking the law all around us.

Firemen are largely volunteers who respond to accidents and emergencies. Police patrol the streets looking for violators of the ever-expanding definition of crime. I don’t mean to insult police officers. There are some good people who work in law enforcement. I am much more concerned with what the legislators have done and continue to do.

In a truly free society, the police act just like firemen, and they wait to be called upon to protect people’s lives and property. That’s it. There is no room in a free society for laws and regulations that criminalize normal, non-aggressive actions to the point where policemen must be on patrol 24 hours a day. If the police feel overwhelmed with “criminals” and they have no time to simply go back to the office for doughnuts, this is a sure sign that liberty is dead.

“Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.” (Proverbs 3:30-31)

Cops Should Act Like Firemen in a Free Society | LewRockwell.com
http://lewrockwell.com/crovelli/crovelli70.1.html

Have feedback? Leave a comment at Why Don’t Cops and Firefighters Use the Same Strategy?

Of course, we still have standards to follow in the church–we are to worship in truth. We cannot do anything we want and call it church or worship. We are given obvious instructions and there are warnings to those who would add to or take away from them. To top things off, we also have to factor in Christian liberty.

With all of that said, how much liberty do we really have in the church? What’s the rule here? What can be classified as a harmless aid or addition as opposed to the type of thing Jesus would drive out with a whip?

Pastor Ben Winslett gives us his take on the “gray areas” in worship.

Show Notes and Links

Flint River Primitive Baptist Church
http://flintriverpbc.org/

March To Zion
http://marchtozion.com/

Sponsor episodes of Coffee & Cigarettes
http://jeremysarber.com/sponsor

Have feedback? Leave a comment at Ambiguous Worship | 151 Coffee & Cigarettes

Please don’t get disgusted at the previous paragraph and stop reading. I did hit you with a stark, brusque reality, but now it’s time for the good news! Though we deserve all of sin’s poison, thanks be to God that He kindly cares for us providentially, relieving pain, curing and preventing diseases and traumas, and comforting our heavy hearts. We must also consider that, despite the pain and discomfort we experience today, how many days He has blessedly prevented us from injury, disease, and pain. Should we dare believe that we have the wonders of God inventoried? As the old, sweet hymn declares, “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform”! So many of His providences are unseen by our feeble sight. Many charge God foolishly over a day of pain, not appreciating the thousand pain-free days He has gracefully provided.

Pain also serves to remind the child of God of their need of Him and His salvation. As a child runs to Momma after a scuffed knee, the child of grace desires a closer fellowship with the Father in times of great need, distress, and pain. Paul testified of this after beseeching the Lord thrice to remove the thorn in his flesh. The Lord’s response to the prayers of His faithful servant – “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness…” (II Corinthians 12:9). David’s testimony was the same – “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept thy word” (Psalm 119:67); “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

Even the worst pains become exponentially more bearable when one can look to the end of the travail. My dear wife birthed four children. Believe me, she had travail. Yet, even her labor pains were nothing compared to so many women who have lovingly suffered for long hours in agony of labor without epidurals or other reliefs of modern medicine. How could they bear it? How can some women willingly bear such pains one, three, ten, or twenty times? It’s because they are looking to the fruition! They desire that lovely infant. That makes all the burdens and pains worth it. By the same token, a life full of pain on Earth, though seemingly unbearable, is nothing more than a fleeting vapor as compared to eternity. We as the beloved of Jesus Christ can take power from His promises – “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Notice the promise inherent in this statement. It teaches that as bad as it could ever possibly, conceivably get in this short life of ours, the joys of heaven will be conversely more glorious and, at the same time, eternal! Just imagine how much torment, savagery, and travail could be heaped upon you. As bad as that would be, that measure of pain would never come close to the measure of joy and comfort we’ll have in heaven forevermore!

We all need to spend more time anticipating the delivery rather than agonizing over the travail. Lord, give us the grace to do so.

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