Daily in the Word

Keeping Our Worship Pure—Part 1

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:01 +0000

We are One

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Galatians 3:28

One of the devil's biggest attack on churches is through the disunity of believers.

Someone once said, "Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together." Unity is a term that is sometimes misrepresented in our world. Unsaved leaders believe a unity of countries will bring peace. Misguided religious leaders believe a unity of faiths will bring salvation. This kind of unity can only bring greater destruction. But on the other hand, proper unity can be a very good thing. Unity of vision is a must for any company. Unity of coworkers helps accomplish great things. And a unity of teammates helps win the game.

Notice Paul's description of unity, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." Speaking to the troubled Galatian church, Paul points out a very important fact: they were now one body with one goal moving in one direction.

Unity is vital to the health of a church body. Consider this concept another way. When running, a runners entire body is working together to propel him to his goal. His feet run to the pace his brain has set. His arms alternate in motion to help his momentum. His breathing is steady and precise. His heartbeat is quickened to push blood to the straining muscles. Even certain body systems shut down temporarily to help the body concentrate on one goal-crossing the finish line. Were every part of the body not in agreement and unity, the runner would not be able to accomplish his goal.

The church body is a living, functioning body. The pastor, as the head, receives guidance from God and directs the church. The deacons or elders serve under the pastor and fulfill a specific role. Certain members help in the music ministry, others serve in the nursery, some serve in hospitality, and some serve in maintenance and upkeep. Each ministry is vitally important and without its function the church would not be able to accomplish its goal-seeing the Gospel given to those who need it.

Often the devil attacks churches by chipping away at unity among believers. One old preacher stated, "Among Christians there ought to be so great a dislike of schism, as that they may always avoid it so fast as lies in their power." Have you ever noticed that the devil likes to use petty things to break the unity of believers? A visitor in a regular attendees seat, a change in program, the temperature of the auditorium, or even a new carpet color. It doesn't take much to upset some people. Yet sometimes bigger problems can cause us to break unity as well.

Have you ever been hurt (willfully or not) by a fellow believer? We all have! People aren't perfect, and neither are Christians. If you haven't experienced it yet, some time in your life a fellow Christian will disappoint you. While the devil would love for you to break unity with that believer, God desires for you to look past your hurt feelings, a petty difference, or an awkward situation and seek unity.

Remember Paul's words, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." There are no longer rich Christians and poor Christians; educated and uneducated believers; talented and untalented Christians; or Christians with different backgrounds. Each local church must strive for one goal-seeing lost people saved.

Don't allow small differences (or even major ones, for that matter) to break the unity of your church. Disputes will come and your feelings may be hurt, but focus on retaining unity with your fellow believers so God's will can be accomplished. Submit yourself, humble your pride, and allow God to work through you and your church.

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
Deuteronomy 10-12 | Mark 12:1-27

God's Slide Rule

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:01 +0000

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chapell

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith."

Galatians 3:10-11

God's slide rule is far more accurate than ours.

Charles Kettering was an American inventor in the early 1900s. Working in many different companies, Kettering amassed over one hundred patents for products and systems he had invented. A few of those patents were for Freon (refrigerator liquid), the electrical starting motor, Duco lacquers and enamels, automobile paint, and leaded gasoline.

Kettering also served as the head of research for General Motors for nearly three decades. During that time, he made many breakthroughs in the way automobiles were being developed. When asked how he came up with so many revolutionary ideas, Kettering said, "When I...wanted a problem solved, I'd place a table outside the meeting room with a sign: 'Leave slide rules here.' If I didn't do that, I'd find someone reaching for his slide rule. Then he'd be on his feet saying, 'Boss, you can't do it.'

So often people reach for their slide rules in life to measure whether or not a system will work. Some measure through practicality, deductive reasoning, or common sense. Yet when it comes to obedience to God, we can't use our slide rules to determine our course of action.

From a young age, we've all been taught mathematics. 2 + 2 = 4. We have been taught universal rules that always add up. We've been told to think logically, solve problems through proven methods, and put to use the rules we've learned throughout our educational career. Yet sometimes God's answers to our problems transcend our limited logic.

Trusting an unseen God to solve a seen problem is so foreign to us; it's no wonder so many people buck at the idea. Why would God, with the expanses of problems He deals with and the enormous task of governing the world, attend to my insignificant problem? With this reasoning, many people choose to trust themselves and their slide rules rather than living by faith.

Have you noticed that the stories of those who saw God's greatest blessings were those who refused to use their slide rules? Moses didn't believe a large sea was a barrier. David refused to believe a giant five times his size could defeat him. The three Hebrew children weren't convinced being thrown into fire would kill them. The New Testament lad didn't care that five loaves and two fishes couldn't feed thousands of people. They all set aside their slide rules and trusted God.

How often has your slide rule gotten in the way of your faith? God doesn't use a slide rule to measure His ability. He wants you to throw out your slide rule and choose to trust that the Ruler of the Universe can and will meet your needs. Obey God even when His commands conflict with your reasoning, and you will find that His slide rule is far more accurate than your own.

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
Deuteronomy 7-9 | Mark 11:19-33

Kepping God First—Part 1

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:01 +0000

Living Crucified

Monday, March 8, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

Crucifying the old life means choosing to follow God's new life path.

An older Christian gentleman once lay dying at home. Sure of a home in Heaven through Christ, he gave testament to his final feelings:

"When you're old as I am, there are all sorts of extremely pleasant things that happen to you...the pleasantest of all is that you wake up in the night and you find that you are half in and half out of your battered old carcass. It seems quite a tossup whether you go back and resume full occupancy of your mortal body, or make off toward the bright glow you see in the sky, the lights of the city of God."

While physical death presents itself as a sweet time of release for those who know Christ, notice in today's verse a different type of "death" in which Christians are to take part.

Paul pointed out to the Galatians the fact that he had been crucified with Christ; his flesh was dead to sin. Not only was his old flesh dead-his new life was alive in the Lord. He was dead to the old and alive to the new.

The Galatians struggled with turning back to their old ways of fulfilling the law for religious merit and salvation. False teachers had encouraged them to go back to their former lives and continue their works-based religion. But Paul points out that because they are saved, their old lives are dead, crucified on Jesus' Cross.

Paul's answer to the Galatians was in his brief testament in verse 20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Paul was no longer living for himself; he lived for Christ. When you were saved, your sin was nailed to the Cross, being paid for by Jesus' blood. Yet your flesh daily seeks to pull you away from living for God.

As a believer, you face a choice every morning-will you follow your flesh or God? After Paul left the Galatians, they were faced with believing his preaching or the preaching of a false teacher. Sadly, they chose the latter. Still today, you will be faced with much the same battle. God has set His way before you, yet the old flesh will pull you to follow what it desires to do. One way to easily defeat this battle is to crucify your old flesh.

Before you begin each day, you must take time to be with God and to crucify your flesh before Him. Give God control over your actions, thoughts, and words so the flesh has no place to enter. Ask God to rule your life and guide your steps. Don't allow the devil one inch of room in your life. Crucify your flesh.

Choose to crucify your old life each day and follow the new life God offers you. Don't turn back or give up when life becomes difficult, but focus your eyes on the end of God's new life-an eternity in Heaven with your Saviour.

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
Deuteronomy 4-6 | Mark 11:1-18

Remembering to be Faithful—Part 2

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:02:38 +0000

The True Gospel

Friday, March 5, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."

Galatians 1:8-9

If something isn't found in the Bible, it's not of God.

An author once penned this poem about the society in which he lived:

First denistry was painless;
Then bicycles were chainless
And carriages were horseless
And many laws, enforceless.
Next, cookery was fireless,
Telegraphy was wireless,
And coffee, caffeineless.
Soon oranges were seedless,
The putting green was weedless,
The college boy hatless,
The proper diet, fatless,
Now motor roads are dustless,
The latest steel is rustless,
Our tennis courts are sodless,
Our new religions, godless.

Few people would guess that poem was written in 1936. Truly, those words could describe our own culture, especially the last line "Our new religions, godless."

Many religions preach a "new gospel," a new plan by which they claim followers can reach Heaven or God. Talk of one path or one way to Heaven is scoffed, and many people seek to satisfy their soul's longing through new religions.

Paul warned the Christians at Galatia of such teaching, some of which had already been introduced in their midst. Other religious people had sought to turn them away from Scripture by introducing new "teachings" they claimed Paul had given them. (Of course, Paul had not taught such things.)

In our own world, we Christians must be vigilant against "new gospels." The devil is subtle in his attack on the Scriptures. His plan includes introducing new teachings that may sound biblical yet differ from what God's Word teaches.

As a Christian, you must be diligent in reading, searching, and memorizing the Bible to ward off such attacks. The only way you'll be able to cling to the truth of God's Word and reject the false teachings of "religious" people is to daily spend time reading the Scriptures.

God doesn't simply want you to spend time studying His Word because He wrote it (although that's reason enough), but because He realizes the Bible is protection against false teachings. Don't be easily swayed by those who might sound biblical or religious.

Are you guarding yourself against false gospels? Daily spend time reading and studying God's Word. If a new teaching comes across your path, see what God has to say about it in His Word. Remember, if something isn't found in the Bible, it's not of God. Protect yourself from false teachings that would take you away from God by studying His Word right now.

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
Numbers 32-34 | Mark 9:30-50

Don't Turn Back

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:01 +0000

Thursday, March 4, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ."

Galatians 1:6-7

While the devil's path looks smooth and bump-free, only God's path provides eternal blessings and joy.

A popular character in English and Scottish literature, Sir Walter Scott is remembered as the inventor of the modern historical novel. Hailing from Scotland, Scott faced a serious situation when he contracted polio at a young age. Despite the medical pronouncement that he would struggle the rest of his life with basic tasks such as reading, writing, walking, and talking, Scott determined to recover from the disease and did so after many years spent in private therapy and tutelage.

After a successful recovery, Scott went on to pen many stories, Ivanhoe, Waverly, The Heart of Midlothian, and others. Scott was even given the task of entertaining the English King George IV when he visited Scotland in 1822. Yet despite his great successes, Scott fell into deep debt near the end of his life. Not wishing to incur the blemish of bankruptcy, he placed his income and home in a trust that was owned by his creditors. For the remaining years of his life, even though he was plagued by sickness, Scott spent most all his time writing to earn money to pay off his debts. He wrote of his focus on writing, "I often wish that I could lie down and sleep without waking. But I will fight it out if I can." And fight Scott did, for after his death, his novels saw great success and every one of his debts was paid off.

Perhaps born from his early struggles against polio, Scott was determined to not give up. He set his hand to work writing stories that could pay off his debts. While he didn't see them paid before he died, Scott's hard work and determination reaped benefits after he was gone.

We can learn a great life lesson from Sir Walter Scott-determination and hard work will pay off. Translating that into our Christian lives, God blesses faithfulness and perseverance. Even when things become difficult and, like Scott, we just want to lie down and be done with the struggle, God encourages us to keep going.

One group of people who struggled with being faithful was the believers in Galatia. Paul starts off his letter to the group of churches at Galatia with a simple statement, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel." The Galatians had allowed false teachers to enter their churches and confuse their doctrine. These false teachers had lied about Paul, discredited his teachings, and encouraged the Galatians to turn back to their old ways of living under the law.

Once a person accepts Christ as Saviour and seeks to live a new life that honors God, the devil targets their life. He knows he can no longer have their soul, so he seeks to turn them back to their old ways.

Have you ever been tempted to return to the way you used to live? This pull does not simply happen to new Christians; even the most veteran of believers are tempted to give in, give up, turn back, and throw in the towel. However, God encourages His people to follow Him, despite the devil's temptations, the struggles and trials of life, and the sometimes rocky road ahead. For while the devil's path looks smooth and bump-free, only God's path provides eternal blessings and joy.

On which path are you? Have you turned back to the devil's path in some area of your life? Don't believe the devil's lie that his path is easy. Choose the path of most resistance, the path on which God desires to mold you into His sanctified child. Choose to follow God in every area of life 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
Numbers 29-31 | Mark 9:1-29

Remember the Words He Spoke—Part 2

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:01 +0000

A Daily Prayer

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee."

Psalm 51:10-13

Prayer connects even the weakest Christian with the strength of the Creator of the world.

Prayer is a special part of the Christian life. Not only is it our chance to talk with God and connect with Him, but He also speaks to us through prayer. Many times in the Bible, God encourages us to spend time with Him through prayer. He longs to hear from us, to converse with us, and to spend time with us, His children.

God desires to hear from us every day, many times a day. Notice David's prayer in Psalm 51. While it is a prayer of confession and restoration, David outlines a daily prayer many of us should pray to God every day.

Create in me a clean heart. David desired that God would wash clean his sins and give him a second chance. Even so, many times sin can build up in our hearts. Daily we must approach God with the desire of a clean heart, asking Him to forgive our sins and wipe clean the slates of our hearts so we may serve Him.

Use me in Your holy plan. David goes on to say, "Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." Because David had sinned, God had every right, in His justice, to cast David away, to stop using him. Yet David begged God to continue to use Him. How often God could toss us aside due to our sin, yet God continues to use us despite our imperfections. Each day we must pray for God's continued use of our lives. God wants to hear our desire to be used of Him.

Fill me with your joy. Yesterday we saw that sin steals joy, but a life lived in obedience to God gives eternal joy that cannot be replaced. Living in a sinful, joyless world can sometimes dampen our joy or distract us from God's happiness. Daily praying for God's joy and focusing on His goodness will help renew the joy of the Lord in our lives.

Help me to show others Your love. "Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee." David's desire was for his mistake and failure to be an example to others. He wanted to continue serving God so others would come to know Him. Even so, our prayer should be that God would use us-even our mistakes-to point others to Him. One of our main purposes on earth is to tell others of God's love, to show them His work in our lives.

Daily God desires that you would meet with Him through prayer. He wants to hear from you, His child for whom He sacrificed His Son on Calvary to redeem. As you spend time with God, pray that He would wipe clean your heart from sin, use you to accomplish His will, give you unending joy, and help you show others the depths of His love for them. As you daily meet with God, seek that above all else, He would be glorified through your life and even through your mistakes.

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
Numbers 26-28 | Mark 8

Remember the Words He Spoke—Part 1

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:14:24 +0000

A Restoration of Joy

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities."

Psalm 51:8-9

Sin provides temporary pleasure but steals lasting joy.

Have you noticed that our world seems bent on finding joy or pleasure in life? Sports, hobbies, new gadgets, more possessions, bigger and better things seem to be the pursuit of many looking for happiness. "If I can get that job, with the higher salary, I'll be happy." "If I had this possession, I'd be happy." "If I lived in that city, I'd be happier." How often people look to things to bring them joy.

A look back through history shows that this trend is not new to society. Men and women have searched for joy and happiness in many places. Some have lived riotous lives, hoping to find happiness. One such man, Lord Byron, realized that joy is not found in such living, "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone." Some have sought happiness through money, yet Jay Gould, a millionaire, refuted that idea when he said, "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth." Joy cannot be found in fame or success, as Lord Beaconsfield reported, "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret."

Another person who can attest to the unsuccessful pursuit of joy and happiness is King David. Yesterday we saw his fall into adultery. We witnessed his failure, cover-ups, and eventual confession. King David teaches us that true joy cannot be found in the satisfaction of fleshly desires.

Often, we are told that in order to be happy, we must be satisfied. The world teaches that if your flesh wants it, do it. If you desire it, go for it. Why not satisfy yourself? After all, satisfaction of flesh is the only way to experience happiness.

The world is right that a satisfaction of flesh will bring happiness and pleasure, but that joy is temporary. David gave into his desires, sought to satisfy his flesh, and walked away a train wreck of failure. I'm sure he enjoyed his sin at the time, yet afterward he faced the consequences of his sin.

Sin provides temporary pleasure but steals lasting joy. Notice David's prayer of repentance, "Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice." David lost the joy he had enjoyed while he was walking with God. The joy of the Lord had left his heart, and David desperately wanted God to restore that joy in His life.

True joy comes from walking with God, obeying His commands, and following His path for your life. No circumstance, possession, pursuit, or person can give you joy like God can give. He is the source, provider, and facilitator of joy. If you truly want happiness and joy in life, you can find it by walking with God. David realized that God held the key to a joyful life, and he had lost that joy through seeking happiness on his own.

Do you have joy in your life? Joy doesn't mean being happy at all times, but being content knowing that God is in control. Have you lost your joy? Following fleshly desires brings temporary happiness but leaves a joyless soul. Seek joy in Christ. Look to Him for the satisfying, soul-filling joy that a life lived for Him can bring. As you travel the Christian journey, times of failure and loss of joy will come, but like King David, repent of the sin and seek the restoration of God's joy.

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
Numbers 23-25 | Mark 7:14-37

Remembering the Provision of His Grace—Part 2

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:01 +0000

Confession

Monday, March 1, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest."

Psalm 51:1-4

If we will confess our sins out of a repentant heart, God will restore us to Himself.

Throughout the Bible, God tells story after story of people who failed. These stories aren't meant to discourage believers, but to encourage perseverance. Notice the story of one believer who failed.

King David is one of the most beloved of all Bible figures. David exemplifies a Christian's relationship with God-time together, spiritual intimacy, and a love for God that dictated his actions. Yet even a man after God's own heart made mistakes. The mistake most people think of when David is mentioned is his sin of adultery and murder.

Second Samuel 11 shows us a saddening story of sin's power. While David allowed his army to go to battle without him, he found himself lusting after another man's wife, and eventually committing adultery with her. Seeking to cover his sin, he devised a plan, yet when that plan went wrong, he resorted to killing the woman's husband. Such an awful turn of events came about when David stepped away from his duties as king.

Many believers stumble and fall into sin, like King David. Yet what restored David's relationship with God was his response to his sin. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David didn't try to hide his sin, blame others, or change the subject, he answered, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13).

Psalm 51 is David's record of his confession to God for his sins of adultery and murder. In these verses we see, not a hard heart of defiance, but a soft heart of remorse and repentance. David's cry to God after his sin is an example every Christian ought to follow when confronted with sin.

David opens by begging God for mercy. David realized that the only reason why God should forgive him was God's unending mercy. God's mercy and love forgives even the most offending sins when we as believers seek Him out of repentant hearts.

"Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest." David recognized that he had not sinned against his kingdom, his friends, or those under his command. He had sinned against God Almighty.

When confronted with sin, how do you react? Do you become defensive, seeking to rationalize your actions? Or like David, do you acknowledge your sin and seek God's forgiveness? Human nature tells you to defend yourself, to make yourself look good. Yet David realized the only way he would restore his relationship with God was to completely admit his sin and beg for God's forgiveness.

What sin have you defended in your life? Don't cover sin or explain it away. Lay open your heart before God and seek God's cleansing of your heart. Remember God's promise in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

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
Numbers 20-22 | Mark 7:1-13

Remembering the Provision of His Grace—Part 1

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:25 +0000

Loving Enough to Give All

Friday, February 26, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"...that he gave his only begotten Son..."

John 3:16

True love sacrifices the best when it counts most.

King Frederick William III of Prussia had every good intention when he assumed the Prussian throne in 1897. After seeing the financial debt the country was in, he promptly fired longtime advisors, slashed the country's spending, and ordered a stay of the Prussian army. But despite his moves, Prussia seemed to fall further into debt. Through wars, uncontrolled spending, and unsuccessful financial investments, King Frederick's country faced financial ruin. Too proud to admit bankruptcy and too fearful to seek help from neighboring countries, King Frederick thought of a way to generate revenue for Prussia.

After much thought, he devised a plan. He decided to be honest with the Prussian people, and presented the need for gold in the kingdom for financial purposes. He encouraged the women to bring their gold jewelry to the government to aide in the rebuilding of their country. Surprisingly, the women responded enthusiastically, and an overwhelming supply of gold was brought to the king. In return for their sacrifice, each woman was given a bronze or iron decoration which stated, "I gave gold for iron, 1813." As a result of the movement, Prussian society soon felt the wearing of gold to be a display of unpatriotic feelings, and the Order of the Iron Cross was soon established.

Prussian women were more than willing to sacrifice for their king, and give of their own precious jewelry to aide in the rebuilding of their nation. They offered the best they had so that their country could be saved.

True love sacrifices the best when it counts most. Stories are told of family members offering organs to other family members in need. Reports are given of friends sacrificing life or limb to save another friend. Yet above any earthly sacrifice that can be made is the heavenly sacrifice God made many years ago.

God loved the entire world, yet rather than simply telling the world He loved them, God showed it by sacrificing the greatest thing He had-His only Son. He gave His best so that you and I could be saved from an eternity in Hell.

How great is God's love! He loved you enough to give His Son. Had you been the only person on earth, or the only person needing salvation, God would have just as willingly sacrificed His Son for your soul. He loved you enough to allow Jesus to suffer a cruel death that He did not deserve.

God loved enough to give His all. Can that be said of you? You may not be required to sacrifice a child, but God's love deserves a sacrifice from you. God wants you to give Him your life. A life spent following God's Word, displaying your love for Him, choosing to live righteously, telling others of His gift, and living a life that would honor Him.

Do you love God? If so, have you sacrificed or dedicated your life to God? True love always requires a sacrifice. God desires that because He sacrificed His only Son so that you might be saved, you would give Him your life and commit to living for Him. If you've never taken time to commit your life to God and follow His path, take a moment to do so. Let God have every part of you and give Him full control. Daily seek to follow Him through committing your life to Him. After all, is it too much for God to ask for your dedication after Who He sacrificed for 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
Numbers 12–14 | Mark 5:21–43

God's Love

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:44:57 +0000

Thursday, February 25, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For God so loved the world..."

John 3:16

God loves every person who has ever lived or who ever will live.

In a small town in rural America, a pastor of a small church was well-known around his county as using unconventional methods to drive home a point in his sermons. Once he brought in a live sheep to represent the relationship between believers (sheep) and the Lord (the Shepherd). Another time he rented a giant globe and placed it on stage to impact his congregation about the need for worldwide missions. No one knew what his next illustration would be.

One Sunday morning after the service, this pastor announced to his congregation that he would be preaching a special sermon that night on the love of God. The words "special sermon" caused everyone to imagine what the pastor would do next to help illustrate the love of God. That night, church members entered the church to see a large picture of the Cross with a depiction of Jesus on it. As the service reached the point when the pastor's sermon was about to begin, the pastor simply stood, pointed to the picture of Jesus' hands and feet, motioned to the crown of thorns, and sat down. Nothing else needed to be said about the love of God.

What more need to be said about the love of God than to ponder the sacrifice He made for us? As February comes to a close, let's focus on the subject of love, a subject that often characterizes this month. While many people would associate love with a bouquet of flowers, a piece of jewelry, a romantic card, or a thoughtful gift for a specific person, notice a different kind of love.

God's love isn't reserved for those closest to Him. He didn't exclusively offer His love to those who accepted Him and followed after Him. "For God so loved the world..." God's love extends to the entire world.

Imagine this. God loves those who hate Him. He loves those who purposefully mock and despise Him. He reaches out in love to the unlovely, the people whom most people disregard. He loves the castaways, rejects, lowly, forgotten, and unloved. God loves every person who has ever lived or who ever will live.

Do you have an image of God's love? The same type of love God shows the entire world, He desires for you to show as well. While society sets boundaries, defines who deserves to be loved, or chooses who to cast out, God desires for you to see others how He sees them. He wants you to love everyone.

Has there ever been a person you cast aside or accepted as unlovely? Perhaps the person was a stranger, a former friend, or a colleague. Do you know that God loved them so much He sent His only Son to die for them? God's love even extends to those people you do not love.

Love has become so twisted by society that people often fail to comprehend the expanse of God's love. In the same way, many Christians fail to exercise God-like love toward fellow human beings. As a Christian, who do you need to love? Who have you overlooked in loving, and what people have you cast aside and accepted as unlovely? Don't follow the world's restricted definition of love, but see others as God sees them-people worthy of the love of God Almighty.

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
Numbers 9–11 | Mark 5:1–20

Remembering His Faithfulness—Part 1

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:01 +0000

Putting off Anger

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

Ephesians 4:31-32

Holding onto anger is like holding onto a snaked poised to strike.

Arturo Toscanini was an expert conductor in the early 1900s. Known for his interpretation of great composers such as Verdi, Beethoven, Brahms, and Wagner; Toscanini was revered as one of the greatest Italian conductors of his time. Through his time conducting the NBC Symphony Orchestra on a radio program, he became a household name. What most people didn't know about the great composer was his often uncontrollable temper. In fits of rage he was known to throw precious masterpieces at his musicians and risk losing such great compositions. Especially troubled by his temper was his composition librarian. Charged to watch over the masterpieces, she went to great lengths to study Toscanini's behavior before a fit of temper. First, he would grab his baton with both hands and struggle to break it. If he succeeded, he would usually calm down afterward. If he did not succeed, he would grab the nearest compositions and begin hurling them at students. How did his librarian help preserve the compositions? She made sure Toscanini conducted with a weak baton.

Toscanini's anger almost cost him timeless, priceless pieces of workmanship. Rather than controlling his temper, he allowed his anger to overcome him. How many people could identify with Toscanini? Classes are taught, seminars held, and trained professionals hold meetings to help people combat anger issues. But God shows us in Ephesians 4 that His desire is for anger, hatred, a quick temper, and bitterness be put off each day, "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."

Put off anger. Someone once described anger as a man who hated being slapped on the back, so his solution was to strap dynamite to his back and wait to teach a lesson to the next person who slapped him. Anger not only hurts the people around you, but also hurts you.

Anger not only brings emotional and spiritual problems, but anger and bitterness has been linked to several medical problems. Doctors and medical professionals realize the danger in holding onto anger, and encourage people to release their anger in a constructive manner. While their methods are based on science, God's methods of putting off anger is based in His Word.

You must practice a putting off of anger each time your emotions rise. Even when a situation seems beyond your control and your flesh tells you to react harshly, seek God and put off the anger you feel.

Put on kindness. To replace the anger you feel, God commands you to put on kindness, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." When putting off something in your life, replacing it with something good helps keep you on the right track. In the case of anger, a good way to put off feelings of animosity is to replace them with feelings of kindness. Showing someone love, turning the other cheek, and returning evil with good are all ways God desires for you to put on kindness.

Do you ever feel anger toward someone? Perhaps a situation happens that "presses your buttons" or builds feelings of resentment in you. Rather than giving place to anger, seek God's help in putting off the old feelings of hatred and putting on kindness through loving actions toward others.

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
Numbers 7–8 | Mark 4:21–41