Daily in the Word

The Admonitions of Bible Prophecy—Part 1

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Foundation of Boldness

Thursday, September 2, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do."

John 17:1-4

In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are stuttering.-Howard Hendricks

If we are to establish godly families, we must be bold in our witness for Christ. Preacher J. Wilbur Chapman makes the point that if we truly have a burden for the lost, we will do all we can to tell others of Christ's love for them.

"If today is the day of salvation, if tomorrow may never come and if life is equally uncertain, how can we eat, drink and be merry when those who live with us, work with us, walk with us and love us are unprepared for eternity because they are unprepared for time?

If Jesus called His disciples to be fishers of men, who gave us the right to be satisfied with making fishing tackle or pointing the way to the fishing banks instead of going ourselves to cast out the net until it be filled?

If Jesus Himself went seeking the lost, if Paul the Apostle was in agony because his kinsmen, according to the flesh, knew not Christ, why should we not consider it worthwhile to go out after the lost until they are found?

If I am to stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ to render an account for the deeds done in the Body, what shall I say to him if my children are missing, if my friends are not saved or if my employer or employee should miss the way because I have been faithless?

If I wish to be approved at the last, then let me remember that no intellectual superiority, no eloquence in preaching, no absorption in business, no shrinking temperament or no spirit of timidity can take the place of or be an excuse for my not making an honest, sincere, prayerful effort to win others to Christ."-J. Wilbur Chapman

How bold is your witness? Many Christians will go to church, serve God, and obey His commands as long as they don't have to tell others of Jesus. Speaking to strangers of Christ and His death on Calvary is too "extreme" for some people.

But notice Jesus' words in John 17:6, "I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word." At the end of His earthly life, Jesus was able to stand before His Father and say that He had completed the work God had for Him and had proclaimed the name of the Lord to the world.

One day you'll stand before God and give account for the opportunities you had to tell others of Him. What will you be able to say? While that day is coming, if you are a parent, the time is here that you must stand before your children and answer for your boldness in witnessing. Your children are watching you, picking up your habits, learning your priorities, and following your lead. Are you showing them boldness by telling others of God's free gift of salvation?

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 137-139 | 1 Corinthians 13

The Final Kingdom—Part 2

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Foundation of Service

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

John 13:12-17

Serving not only glorifies God, but it also knits together the hearts of the co-laborers.

The day was hot, the road was rough, and the travel had been long. Everyone was exhausted and was content to sit around the table and enjoy the food and conversation, but Christ chose to serve, washing the feet of His disciples.

While this action exemplifies selfless sacrifice, remember that people in Jesus' time had different customs than ours today. Travelers walked nearly everywhere they went, roads were made of dirt, and travelers often had dirty, dusty, dry, unkept feet. Their foot hygiene was not as well kept as ours is. For the Creator of the world to humble Himself enough to wash these people's feet is truly a remarkable example of service.

Jesus gave His disciples (His spiritual children) an example of service and sacrifice. He gave up what He valued in order to meet the needs of those around Him. As we lay foundations in our lives upon which we will build our families, notice the priority God puts on godly service.

Serving not only glorifies God, but it also knits together the hearts of the co-laborers. Christian togetherness comes from serving alongside fellow Christians in the church and in the community. When you work alongside fellow Christians, you grow closer to them, and are able to help minister to them. Hebrews 10:23-25 describes the benefits of Christian service, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

God wants you to get involved in your church, work alongside fellow believers, and exhort them through serving. Some of the best friends I have are those I've met while preaching or serving in churches. I know these people value God's work and are actively involved in furthering it.

Just as we saw that what we spend our money on tells what we value, so what we spend our time on shows what we value. I remember watching my parents serve God by helping out around the church and putting God's work high on their priorities. We children were taught that God is honored by sacrificial service through our parents' example.

What do your children see that you value in life? Set the foundation of service early in their life. Make sure they know that church isn't simply a weekly attendance, but it's where the family gets involved in helping other Christians and encourages others in their walk with God.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 135-136 | 1 Corinthians 12

The Final Kingdom—Part 1

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Foundation of Biblical Obedience

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

James 1:21–25

We do what we believe.

God’s Word is a vital part of our lives—we can’t live without it! Yet simply reading God’s Word each day is not enough to help us grow and mature as Christians. Continuing our look at foundations we must lay for a healthy family, notice today’s foundational pillar: obedience to God’s Word.

James states the importance of biblical obedience in James 1:22–25: “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

Imagine being told your outfit was on backward, even portraying shock and embarrassment at the mistake, but never turning your clothes around. So is simply reading the Bible, hearing of mistakes and short-comings in your life, and never changing your ways.

While your family needs to prioritize church attendance, more importantly than sitting in church each week, they need to see you obeying God’s Word. God wants us to be doers of His Word, obeying His commands, and following His advice. Hearing but not doing does not lead to growth.

If someone believes strongly in conservative values, they demonstrate them through political activism, candidate support, or voting. If someone believes strongly in a certain sporting team, they follow that belief with game attendance, faithful viewing of games, and even apparel purchase. People do what they believe.

When your children look at your life, what will they see that you believe? Will they see a parent who attends church and studies the Bible, but never acts upon God’s principles? Set the foundation of biblical obedience in your home by not only hearing God’s Word but acting upon that knowledge.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 132-134 | 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Christ's Coming at Armageddon—Part 2

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Foundation of Giving

Monday, August 30, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

Make sure your children know that you value God's work by giving to Him.

In a survey of church giving in 2010, pollsters found that 38% of churches had decreased giving. Fifty-five percent of those church who saw decline were in the pacific states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Even churches outside the United States saw a twenty-four percent decrease in giving. What's surprising is the churches who saw the most decline in giving were churches with over two thousand members. Forty-seven percent of churches with over two thousand members saw a decline in giving, while only thirty-six percent of churches with under one hundred members saw a decrease. (Statistics provided by 2010 State of the Plate surveys)

While God's work continues even in tough economic times, many times Christian giving slows down. We've recently examined God's commands for tithing and giving. But today, let's look at giving and generosity from a different perspective.

Over the next few days we're going to look at a few foundations that need to be set to build healthy, God-honoring families. What can we as parents, and even single adults, do right now that will help us raise godly children? First, notice the foundation of giving.

Did you know that only three percent of Christian church attenders in the United States tithe? Granted, the percentage for strictly Baptist churches would be different, but think about that number-only three percent of attenders are obeying God's command to give.

Matthew 6 lays out a logical approach to giving by saying, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal." Nothing we have right now will be with us in Heaven! But by investing our resources in God's work and in seeing others saved, we will have those rewards for all eternity.

Establishing the foundation of being generous with your resources sets a good example for your children and future children. Your children notice where you spend your money-whether it's on the latest technological gadget or at church. They know what you prioritize in life by where most of your money goes. As God says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Teach your children early on that Mom and Dad put a priority on God's work. Be faithful in your giving to God, and in your giving to others. Don't let them see parents who are so consumed with getting and keeping money that they miss out on the blessing of being involved in God's work.

Giving isn't about your church wanting your money, but about God wanting your heart. God wants you to put Him above the rest of your earthly financial pursuits. And when you do, He has more blessings to give to you than you could ever give back to Him.

If we were to take a look at your bank statement, what would we see that you prioritize? What kind of an example are you setting for your children? Establish a foundation of loose-fistedness when it comes to tithing and giving to God. Make sure your children know that you value God's work by giving to Him.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 129-131 | 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

You've Been Bought

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Saturday, August 28, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."

1 Corinthians 7:22-24

Life isn't all about you, but all about God.

Amy Carmichael, the devoted missionary to India, once wrote the following poem about her life:

My God, who has committed to my care
Thy ransomed one
Lest I be scattered here and there
and she be gone
Give me to hold me firmly to my trust
Let all that would distract me be as dust.
'Thy life for hers'-O solemn, urgent word-
Lest I forget,
My sense of values waver, or be blurred,
Or overset
By other things, take me and purge and bend
Each power and purpose to one single end.
Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth Thee
O Lord, my God
Give clearness, lest some by-way tangle me.
Where Christ hath trod
There would I tred, nor ever turn aside,
Lest she be missing for whom Christ hath died.

Amy Carmichael realized that her life was a precious gift from God, a gift that had been purchased with the highest form of payment-the blood of Jesus Christ. Hers wasn't to spend her life on her own pursuits or strive for ungodly things. Hers was to properly steward the life given her by giving it back to God.

Sometimes we lose perspective on life. We become wrapped up in our own pursuits, that we forget that our lives are not our own. The body you call yours is actually God's, and the talents, abilities, desires, dreams, goals, and pursuits that come along with your life come from God. He created you to do His will and to follow His path.

Being gracious, God has given you a free will. He allows you to choose to either serve Him or serve yourself. He allows His children to serve their own selfish desires, but He promises that those who serve Him will live fuller, more joyous lives.

First Corinthians 7:23 is a well-known verse, but consider its words carefully, "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." Christ gave His life so you could live in freedom today. He loved you enough that He paid for salvation by dying on the Cross.

You weren't bought by Christ's blood so you could live for yourself. How selfish would it be for a person saved by a doctor's miraculous surgery to disregard the doctor's advisement and live recklessly. Yet every day we do the same thing. We forget our life's purpose and live for our own fulfillment.

God has bought you with a price. Never get over the fact that Jesus died in your place, to save your soul, and to free you from sin. When you reacquire the proper perspective of life, you'll realize that life isn't all about you, but all about God. Live to honor and glorify Him today.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 123-125 | 1 Corinthians 10:1-18

Christ's Coming at Armageddon—Part 1

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Your Epitaph

Friday, August 27, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."

Proverbs 4:1-7

When your life is done, you'll wish you had told more people of your faith.

You cannot study English poetry without noting the impact of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. His poems have been lauded as some of the foundations of the Romantic Movement that swept England in the early 1800s. Yet of all he accomplished in his lifetime, he wished not to be remembered for the strides he made in English poetry, or the many wonderful poems he wrote. He wished to be remembered as a man who followed Christ. In his poem Epitaph he describes how he wished to be remembered:

Stop, Christian passer-by!-Stop, child of God,
And read with gentle breast. Beneath this sod
A poet lies, or that which once seemed he.
O, lift one thought in prayer for S. T. C.;
That he who many a year with toil of breath
Found death in life, may here find life in death!
Mercy for praise-to be forgiven for fame
He asked, and hoped, through Christ. Do thou the same!

Some people live their whole lives, striving for glory, working for wealth, and seeking advancement, yet at the end of their lives, they have nothing worthwhile to put on their tombstone. Their tombstone is made of marble and many come to the funeral, yet few remember their lives.

An epitaph is defined as "a commemorative inscription on a tomb or mortuary; a monument about the person buried at that site." While this is the meaning we often associate with the word epitaph, notice a second meaning of the word: "brief poem or other writing in praise of a deceased person."

If your friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors were given the task of writing an epitaph of you once you passed, what would they say? Would they speak of a kind-hearted person, always willing to help, and seeking the good of others, yet leave out your faith? Would they speak of a person who was determined, diligent, hard-working, yet had little time for others? Or would they immediately note your Christian faith, speaking of how it permeated every aspect of your life?

Solomon allowed God's Word to flow through him to those around him, especially his children. He took time to teach them the wisdom God had given him. "Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law."

How bright is your Christian light? Do others know of your faith or do you do your best to hide that part of your life? Let God permeate your life, showing forth in every aspect. Don't be ashamed of your faith, but proudly claim the truth of God's Word. After all, when your life is done, you'll wish you had told more people of your faith.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 120-122 | 1 Corinthians 9

The Great Tribulation—Part 2

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Forgiveness from God

Thursday, August 26, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"But 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. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

1 John 1:7-10

You cannot out-sin God's forgiveness. It will never run out.

John Donne was a well-known poet and preacher in England in the late 1500s and early 1600s. Among his many poems on biblical subjects is his A Hymn to God the Father which beseeches God's forgiveness in his own life:

Wilt thou forgive that sin where I begun,
Which was my sin, though it were done before?
Wilt thou forgive that sin, through which I run,
And do run still, though still I do deplore?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.

Wilt thou forgive that sin which I have won
Others to sin, and made my sin their door?
Wilt thou forgive that sin which I did shun
A year or two, but wallow'd in, a score?
When thou hast done, thou hast not done,
For I have more.

I have a sin of fear, that when I have spun
My last thread, I shall perish on the shore;
But swear by thyself, that at my death thy Son
Shall shine as he shines now, and heretofore;
And, having done that, thou hast done;
I fear no more.

Donne knew his only hope of forgiveness was through Jesus Christ. He realized his sin, failure, mistake, shortcoming, and misstep. He knew what he had done was wrong. Rather than hiding his sin or living with defeat, he openly confessed his sin before God.

Many religious people in the world confess their sins before their deity. They light candles, say prayers, chant verses, count beads, offer food, and do other things to atone for their sins. Yet only one religion offers complete forgiveness. Only one deity promises to forgive those who offend Him every time they repent.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Every time you sin (whether it's your first time or one thousandth time) God promises to forgive you if you confess your sin. You cannot out-sin God's forgiveness. It will never run out.

Have you been running from God, fearing His wrath for your sins? Have you hidden your sin, ashamed at failing yet again? Don't run away from God, but open your heart in full repentance before Him. He promises to forgive you and accept you into His good graces as if you'd never sinned. Claim His promise of forgiveness every time you fall.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 119:89-176 | 1 Corinthians 8

The Great Tribulation—Part 2

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Forgiveness from God

Thursday, August 26, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

1 John 1:7-10

You cannot out-sin God's forgiveness. It will never run out.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 119:89-176 | 1 Corinthians 8

Desiring God's Blessing

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Earthly goods mean little without heavenly treasures.

Christian author Marjorie Holmes once faced a tough time of trial after one of her close friends passed away. Her friend had much wealth, had many possessions, and had social status. Yet despite her luxury, she was called home while her possessions remained. Holmes wrote the following prayer after her friend's death:

Help me not to put too much stock in possessions, Lord. I want things, sure. But life seems to be a continual round of wanting things-from the first toys we fight over as children to our thrilled unwrapping of wedding presents to those we buy in our old age. Our concern is not primarily love and friends and pride in what we can do, but things. Sometimes I'm ashamed of how much I want mere possessions-things for my husband and the house and the children. Yes, and things for myself, too. And this hunger is enhanced every time I turn on the television or walk through a shopping mall. My senses are tormented by the dazzling world of things. Lord, cool these fires of wanting.

Our world has made a career out of marketing possessions. People study trends, analyze prices, and tailor-make ads to target shoppers. Even the layout of stores play a large role in getting customers to purchase more items. While purchasing possessions and owning nice things is not wrong at all, desiring them more than you desire God is idol worship.

Consider Paul's pronouncement to the Corinthian Christians: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing." Even if Paul had talents, abilities, and possessions beyond others, and yet did not have love for others, all was lost.

Paul taught the Corinthians that earthly goods meant little if they didn't seek heavenly treasures. In your own life, ask yourself this: Do I desire a possession or ability more than I desire God's blessings? Sometimes we put earthly objects above God's blessings. We make an idol out of objects.

Recognizing idols in your life isn't always easy. You may feel your pursuits are justified, your passions warranted. But take a minute to lay your heart open before God. Seek His help in identifying idols in your life. And as He reveals idols, willingly give them up so that His will may be done through you.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 119:1-88 | 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

The One World Religion—Part 2

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Not Alone

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Philippians 4:9-13

When God commands you to accomplish a major feat, He isn't asking you to do it alone.

Our society has made an art out of positive thinking. Seminars teach people how to overcome problems and accomplish tasks through self-reinforcement and positive pep talks. Many books have been written that teach readers how to better themselves. The focus seems to always be on self and what you can do to help yourself.

As Christians we know that true help comes not from self but from God. We can point to Scripture that speaks of God's power, and claim His ability to help. Yet when we find ourselves in the midst of a storm, searching for a way out, we can forget God's promise of help.

Have you ever felt God leading you to accomplish a certain task (building a church, moving to another country, witnessing to a coworker, giving more to His church) yet felt fear at how such a feat would be accomplished? The world would tell you to look yourself in the mirror and recite phrases of positive reinforcement. But God provides a divine promise to claim: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

You can't build a church by yourself. You can't move to another country alone. You can't lead a coworker to Christ. You can't give more to God during a recession. You can't accomplish anything by yourself. You need God's strength.

When God commands you to accomplish a major feat, He isn't asking you to do it alone. He knows you can't do it alone. What He desires is for you to realize your inability and beg Him for help. He wants to accomplish the feat through you, not watch you do it alone.

Take time to realize your inability to accomplish anything without Christ. Without Him, you'd be a lost sinner, striving for your own glory. Yet through Christ, you are unconquerable. Satan cannot prevail against you. The next time God gives you a task, immediately give it back to Him and ask Him to accomplish it through you.

Never forget: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 116-118 | 1 Corinthians 7:1-19

The One World Religion—Part 1

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Under God

Monday, August 23, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

Matthew 5:41-48

We cannot criticize national leaders for doing things we've done in our own lives.

In his book Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things, Charles Panati discusses the origin of the Pledge of Allegiance. Unlike many of our nation's symbols, the pledge wasn't instituted by Congress:

The Pledge of Allegiance is not a verse composed by the Founding Fathers of our republic. It was written especially for children in the summer is 1892 to commemorate that year's celebration of Columbus Day in public schools through out the country. The pledge first appeared in print on September 8, 1892, in The Youth's Companion, an educational publication. In its original form, it read: "I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which is stands-one nation indivisible-with liberty and justice for all."

Its author was Francis Bellamy, an assistant editor of The Youth's Companion, who intended it fora one-time recitation. But its immediate popularity transformed it first into an annual Columbus Day tradition and then into a daily classroom ritual. It became one of the earliest verses memorized by students. Since its debut, Bellamy's pledge has undergone two major alterations. In 1923, the National Flag Conference of the American Legion replaced the somewhat ambiguously personal "my Flag" wording with the more explicitly patriotic "the Flag of the United States of America." And in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill that added the words "Under God."

As Christians, we reject the idea of omitting the "under God" part of the pledge. We become defensive when someone challenges the inclusivity of that phrase, and lobby hard against those who wish to remove it. But have our lives and our actions already removed such a phrase?

We want to pledge to a nation "under God," but are we living under God's control? We want to pray in schools and public gatherings, but are we praying at home with our families? We want to be free to say Jesus' name in public, yet are we crying out to Him when we're alone?

In Matthew 5, God gives us examples of how to treat others. Give to them abundantly, love them unconditionally, and pray for them faithfully. Yet many times we overlook such commands, content with keeping to ourselves.

How can we condemn a government or group of leaders for actions we have already done in our lives? Have we given to the poor, loved those who hate us, and prayed for those who wish us harm? God isn't looking for a new government leader to reform our nation, but is waiting for Christians to read His Word and obey His commands. Only then will our nation return to being a land "under God."

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 113-115 | 1 Corinthians 6

Keeping Truth—Part 2

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Let your Light Shine

Sunday, August 22, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

Make sure your faith isn't simply coming from your lips, but is being shown through your life.

Not too long ago we read Aesop's fable about the lion and the mouse. While Aesop never professed to be a Christian, his fables have taught many children (and adults) biblical principles and morals. In today's Aesop's fable, notice the principle behind Aesop's story of the sun and the win:

The Wind and the Sun were disputing which was the stronger. Suddenly they saw a traveler coming down the road, and the Sun said: "I see a way to decide our dispute. Whichever of us can cause that traveler to take off his cloak shall be regarded as the stronger You begin." So the Sun retired behind a cloud, and the Wind began to blow as hard as it could upon the traveler. But the harder he blew the more closely did the traveler wrap his cloak round him, till at last the Wind had to give up in despair. Then the Sun came out and shone in all his glory upon the traveler, who soon found it too hot to walk with his cloak on.

The wind thought through might and persuasion he could take off the traveler's coat, yet the harder he tried, the further he got from causing the traveler to shed his coat. When the sun's turn came he simply shone, peacefully giving off radiant waves of heat, and soon the traveler decided to take his coat off. It was nothing he did, but simply a result of what he was.

While God commands us to tell others of His salvation, notice that He also says part of our witness must radiate through our lives: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

We read and understand God's command to witness with our lips, but too often many Christians think verbal witnessing is a replacement for a life that points honor to Christ. God commands us to live so that others see His light in us and are drawn to Him. How can you live in such a way?

Follow His commands. Perhaps the greatest determent to shining for Christ is disobedience to God's Word. You may not participate in well-known sins, but are you unkind, pious, prideful, self-centered, or hypocritical? Those sins bring great dishonor to the name of Christ.

Live faithfully. People know you're a Christian. You may not have told them of your faith, but they know you're different than they are. What a great opportunity to point them to Christ! As you faithfully put a priority on God's work, others will notice. Take that chance to invite them to church, give them a tract, or tell them of God's work in your life.

Love others. People have heard that Jesus is a God of love, differentiating Him from nearly every other deity. Yet if His children, the people who follow Him, don't show love, why would someone desire to meet Jesus? Take time to show others that God not only claims to be love, but shows it through your life.

Is your life a light to people you come into contact with? Do your coworkers know of your faith-not just hear it, but also see it? Do your friends know how important God is to you? Make sure your faith isn't simply coming from your lips, but that it is being shown through your life.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 110-112 | 1 Corinthians 5

The One World Ruler—Part 3

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Faithfulness over Ability

Friday, August 20, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them. I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity. Therefore the LORD hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight."

2 Samuel 22:22-25

God values faithfulness over ability and success.

It's difficult for our human nature to accept, but God teaches us that He values faithfulness over ability or even success. To understand such a principle, consider the story of the space probe Pioneer 10 as told by Craig Larson in his book Pastoral Grit: the Strength to Stand and to Stay:

In 1972, NASA launched the exploratory space probe Pioneer 10. According to Leon Jaroff in Time, the satellite's primary mission was to reach Jupiter, photograph the planet and its moons, and beam data to earth about Jupiter's magnetic field, radiation belts, and atmosphere. Scientists regarded this as a bold plan, for at that time no earth satellite had ever gone beyond Mars, and they feared the asteroid belt would destroy the satellite before it could reach its target.

"But Pioneer 10 accomplished its mission and much, much more. Swinging past the giant planet in November 1973, Jupiter's immense gravity hurled Pioneer 10 at a higher rate of speed toward the edge of the solar system. At one billion miles from the sun, Pioneer 10 passed Saturn. At some two billion miles, it hurtled past Uranus; Neptune at nearly three billion miles; Pluto at almost four billion miles. By 1997, twenty-five years after its launch, Pioneer 10 was more than six billion miles from the sun.

"And despite that immense distance, Pioneer 10 continued to beam back radio signals to scientists on Earth. 'Perhaps most remarkable,' writes Jaroff, 'those signals emanate from an 8-watt transmitter, which radiates about as much power as a bedroom night light, and takes more than nine hours to reach Earth.'"

The Pioneer 10 was only expected to reach Jupiter, transmit messages, and then be done with its mission. Yet the probe went above and beyond the required actions, even though many deemed it impossible for the probe to do so on such a small transmitter.

Time and again the Bible commands us to be faithful, but search the Scriptures and you will not find a command to be successful. God gives the increase and blesses each person as best fits His plan. Rather than focusing on abilities or successes, focus on being faithful.

Many people would say that David was a very gifted and successful man, yet when speaking of his life he pointed to his faithfulness, "For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them. I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity." David wasn't perfect at all, but he was faithful.

Consider your life. You may not be as skilled as some people. You may not have the gifts and talents you desire. You may not even believe you have what it takes to accomplish much in God's work, yet God doesn't judge you based on your abilities. After all, He gave you the abilities you have. He also gives success and blessing as He sees fit. Shift your focus from results and value faithfulness. Commit to being faithful to obeying God no matter what the results may be.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 105-106 | 1 Corinthians 3