Daily in the Word - Daily in the Word

The Measuring Stick

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth."

2 Thessalonians 1:1-3

Rather than measure churches by material wealth, we should measure them by spiritual health.

Author Dr. Arthur Boers once wrote, "I often visit newcomers in town and find them to be church shopping. They want to know what they can get out of church. Churches are one more consumer commodity. Worship services are not a place for us to serve God and neighbor but a place where people expect to purchase the best: Inspiring worship, good music, moving sermons, quality child care. As if we buy God and not vice versa."

Our culture has transformed the meaning of church and has adopted a self-centered attitude toward God's house. Churches are measured by services rendered, size of the congregation, social class of members, and availability of the pastor.

A church that wouldn't have met our society's standards was the church at Thessalonica. Founded in the capital of Macedonia, the Thessalonian church was a group of believers who didn't have much. The church had no building or wealthy bank account, offered no special programs for its members, and most its members were of a lower social class. It held no social or political influence as Christians were despised outcasts during Roman rule. Yet despite their not measuring up to today's standards, they were highly praised by the Apostle Paul. The Thessalonian church members had two characteristics that Paul pointed out.

They were a faith-filled church. Paul thanked God for the church "because that your faith groweth exceedingly." Being a faith-filled Christian cost more in the early church period than it does now. Think about it-Christians were punished, imprisoned, and killed for their faith. These believers didn't know freedom of religion or freedom to wholly pursue God in every area of their lives. Yet despite the restrictions they faced, they grew in faith.

They were a love-filled church. Paul also noted that "the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth." In a time when spies were a threat to their safety, the early church members not only embraced each other, but abounded in love toward each other. If there was a need in the life of a fellow Christian, they did all they could to help meet that need. Some Christians even sold all they had to help others.

How do we measure our church's health? Do we look to its programs and services or do we look at the members? Paul points out the health and growth of the Christians at Thessalonica. Even though they didn't have much, they glorified God where they were.

Take time to evaluate your own spiritual health. Are you growing in faith? God desires for you to step out by faith each day and trust Him to direct your life. Also, are you growing in love toward your fellow Christians? You may feel times of frustration and hurt from what someone does, but don't allow bitterness to keep you from abounding in love. Ask God to help you grow each day and reflect the qualities of the Thessalonian Christians.

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
Proverbs 3-5 | 2 Corinthians 1

Return

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

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Isaiah 55:6-7

In giving mercy, God is more concerned with the heart of the offender rather than the offense.

Do you remember being taught Bible stories as a child? If you grew up in church, you probably heard many stories as a young person-Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Jonah and the whale, David and Goliath, and other stories that teach godly lessons. Learning how God provided for His children encourages young people to trust God. But as you age and increase in understanding, you can notice a pattern in the lives of people God used. Think of Moses, Jonah, David, Paul, and others. What ties them together?

At one time in their lives, everyone God used failed Him. Moses gave excuses when God commanded him to face Pharaoh; Jonah ran from God and fell into self-pity; David relaxed his guard and committed adultery; Paul tried to silence Christ's followers before he was converted. The sin of these people didn't keep them from service, but allowed them to experience God's grace and mercy.

Read Isaiah 55:6-7 again, "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." One attribute that separates our God from other deities is the fact that God invites offenders to return to Him for forgiveness.

Remember the story of Saul, Israel's first king? God had commanded Saul to wait for Samuel before offering a sacrifice before battle, but feeling impatient, Saul offered the sacrifice himself. When confronted with his disobedience, Saul replied, "Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash; Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering" (1 Samuel 13:11-12). Saul shifted blame and failed to repent of his sin.

On the contrary, notice David's response after being confronted with his sin of adultery and murder, "I have sinned against the LORD" (2 Samuel 12:13). From our perspective, offering a sacrifice early does not compare to adultery and murder, but God was more concerned with the heart of the offender rather than the offense.

Just as God offered grace to those who disobeyed Him in Bible times, He offers it to anyone who has run from Him today. Have you run away from God, choosing your own path rather than His? You may not even realize you've strayed. David assumed things were fine between him and God, yet his sin had created a barrier. Saul, who later became Paul, thought he was serving God by silencing Christians, yet his religious views were skewed. Even those who outwardly appear to be serving God can be running from Him inwardly.

Take a moment to examine your life. Open your heart to God and like David, pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). God is ready to give you mercy and forgiveness, and a chance to start over. Return to Him and experience His grace 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 148-150 | 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

God's Plans

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 07:09:18 +0000

Monday, September 6, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

Even in our disappointment and pain, God's plans are greater than our own.

When we engage children in conversation one of the first things we ask them is "What do you want to be when you grow up?" We're curious about their plans, life interests, and goals. While we understand those plans can change often (sometimes daily!), asking a child about their future profession can be fun.

As we age, sometimes we continue the "guessing mentality" as far as our future plans. We consider what we're interested in, our own goals, and our life's aspirations. But many times, we fail to look to God and consider His plans for our lives. What does God want us to be when we "grow up"?

God doesn't always plan our lives how we'd plan them. We might dream of a loving marriage, financial stability, a well-paying and interesting job, time to travel, and all our life goals to come true. But more often than not, our lives don't pan out how we had them planned. While we may not always get what we want, remember that God's plans are so much better than our own plans. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

To read an example of God's plans trumping a person's plans, consider the story of Jairus and his sick daughter in Mark 5:22-23, "And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet, And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live." Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, was of the religious sect that denied Christ's deity, yet when his daughter was sick beyond conventional treatment, he approached Christ for help.

Jesus didn't agree to heal Jairus' daughter, but followed him to his home. I'm sure Jairus was trying to hurry Jesus along before his daughter died, but a crowd of people surrounded them. Then a woman with medical issues stopped Jesus by touching His garment. Imagine being in Jairus' position. His daughter was on the verge of death, he had sought help from someone he was supposed to deny, people were keeping Christ from healing his daughter, and then he received word that his daughter had died. Things weren't going as he had planned.

Yet above Jairus' plans was God's glorification. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing, despite Jairus' disappointment and hurt. Jesus continued to Jairus' home and brought his daughter back from the dead. Christ was glorified more in raising her from the dead rather than simply healing her. His plan was best.

Has God changed your ideal life plans? Has He thrown a curveball or two into your life? Perhaps a medical report, wayward child, financial dilemma, or unforeseen accident has left you questioning the future. Remember that God's still in control.

Rather than fearing the future or turning from God, continue with Him as Jairus did, and know that His will is better than anything you could imagine. Trust Him when He tells you, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

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
Proverbs 1-2 | 1 Corinthians 16

Come

Sun, 05 Sep 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Sunday, September 5, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee."

Isaiah 55:1-5

As desperate as we are for God during bad times, we should be as desperate for Him during good times.

The study of the workings of the human body is a fascinating topic. Did you know that your body needs three quarts of water each day to function properly? Water not only nourishes the body but helps break up and soften food. Your blood (which is ninety percent water) carries nutrients to cells, relying on the water to function. As a cooling agent, water regulates your body temperature through perspiration. And without its presence in the body, your joints and muscles would lose their lubrication-grinding against each other each time you move.

The statement is true that you never know how much you need something until it's gone. Grabbing a glass from the kitchen cabinet and getting some water to drink doesn't seem like a big deal to us. But working outside in 100 degree temperatures, high humidity, and sweating profusely makes us crave water above anything else. We don't wake up every morning physically thinking, "I need water today. I must consume three quarts of water so my blood can carry nutrients I digest to my body's cells." But when we are deprived of water, our bodies scream for it.

Just as we don't usually think of water first thing in the morning, many times we don't think of how much we need God each morning. When life goes well we often forget our utter dependence upon God. Our kids are well-behaved, the bills are being paid, the family is happy, and we go about our lives. But the minute disaster strikes, we're on our knees begging for God's help.

As desperate as we are for God during bad times, we should be as desperate for Him during good times. God invites us to seek Him, to find solace in His presence. "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price."

Although God stands ready to help during your need, He desires your desperate dependance on Him every day. You can do nothing to make today a good day for you or your family. Everything that happens comes from God, not from your own doing. You may have skills, talent, ambition, or insight; but God directs the events of the world, and the events of your life.

You have direct access to the One who controls the world. Why wouldn't you desperately seek His blessing each day? As Isaiah 55 says, God invites you to come to Him when you're thirsty, approach Him when you have no money, and draw from His resources when you have need. He wants you to rely upon Him every day.

Have you sought God's blessing today? He alone can protect your family, bless your work, and guide your steps today. Look to Him for help every day, even when things seem to be going well in 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 146-147 | 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

Of Greatest Importance

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Saturday, September 4, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death."

Philippians 1:20

God’s truth is far too great to be silenced by our fear.

In the fifteen hundreds there was a protestant reformer in England by the name of Hugh Latimer. He was known as a great preacher of his day and had many opportunities to preach around England, including an opportunity to preach before King Henry VIII of England. Before addressing the king, he thought about what he should preach, and reflected on his responsibility to bring a message before the King. He knew that the message that God had laid on his heart was not the message that the King wanted to hear. As he contemplated all this, he heard an inaudible voice in his soul that said, “Latimer, remember you are preaching before King Henry VIII who, if he wills, can take away your life.” Struggling with what to preach, he heard another voice, “Latimer, remember you are preaching before the King of Kings, do not displease him.”

Latimer had a struggle with the motives behind his message. Would he preach what man wanted to hear or would he preach what Christ would have him preach? Latimer chose to preach what Christ would have him to preach, and held nothing back as he faced King Henry VIII. Ultimately, this cost Latimer his life.

When Queen Mary came to the throne, Latimer was arrested, tried for heresy, and burned together with his friend Nicholas Ridley on October 16, 1555. Latimer’s last words at the stake were as follows: "Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man, for we shall this day light such a candle in England as I trust by God's grace shall never be put out."

Hugh Latimer and Christians of his day faced harsh persecution much like those applied to the early Christians. The Christians during Paul’s day faced fear, imprisonment, and death for their faith. Yet they trusted that God’s will would be done—whether through death or life.

We cannot comprehend the type of persecution many Christians faced in years past. To live in fear of discovery and taking extra steps to prevent imprisonment was commonplace among many Christians (and still is in some countries). Yet as we wonder how we would survive under such circumstances, notice that these Christians didn’t allow threats to thwart their zeal for Jesus.

Hugh Latimer stood before one of the most violent kings in England’s history and boldly proclaimed Christ. Paul stood before noble rulers and pointed out their sins. Christians through time have stood before danger and boldly claimed Jesus as their Saviour. They didn’t fear death, but trusted Christ.

I wonder how we would act if put in place of Hugh Latimer. Would we continue speaking of Jesus’ truth, or would we conform our message before a temperamental king? Every day we face persecution, trials, and threats. Our persecutions aren’t usually life-threats, but often silence our witness. Too often just a little persecution keeps us from our witness!

Consider your daily routine. Have you conformed your message or life’s convictions to please others? Have you quieted your witness when around certain people? Don’t allow persecution or threat of social awkwardness keep you from talking about your Lord. Follow the example of Hugh Latimer and remember that God’s message of salvation is of greatest importance.

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 143-145 | 1 Corinthians 14:21-40

Foundation of Forgiveness

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:00:01 +0000

Friday, September 3, 2010

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty."

Genesis 45:5-11

God has way more grace than we have sin.

Families stick together. Families have each other's back. Families stand together against outside threats, and stay close during difficult times. But sometimes that doesn't always happen.

Joseph had done nothing wrong against his brothers. He simply had tried to obey God, obey his father, and treat his brothers fairly. Jealousy got the better of his brothers and they turned on Joseph. The men he grew up admiring, respecting, and trying to be like turned on him like he was a stranger.

Joseph's brother's stripped him of his favorite coat, threw him in a pit, considered killing him, then sold him into slavery and told their father he was eaten by a wild animal. Some family! But all would not be lost as Joseph soon rose to be a very powerful ruler in Egypt, with God's help. Soon Joseph's brothers were seeking his help, sitting at his mercy. If there ever were a chance for revenge, this was it.

How did Joseph respond? He forgave them, mourned the time he'd missed with them, and offered to provide for them. What caused Joseph to forgive his brothers? He had learned the value of forgiveness and mercy.

One of the most difficult things to do is choose to forgive rather than seek revenge. Joseph had the power to punish his brothers for how they treated him and some would say he had every right to do so, but he chose instead to forgive his family. Like Joseph, none of our families are perfect. We all have struggles and difficulties, but if we desire to set a godly foundation for our families, we must learn to forgive each other.

You know better than anyone how difficult forgiving family members can be. The ones who are closest to you can hurt you the most. But God's desire is for your family to be a place of forgiveness, grace, and restoration. You won't feel like forgiving the loved one who wronged you, but just as God forgave you of your offenses against Him, so you can forgive your family members.

Jesus is our example in every area of our lives. We look to Him for guidance in how to live godly lives on this earth. When it comes to forgiveness, His example is clear-forgive others as He has forgiven us. Others don't deserve forgiveness for their wrong doings. But in the same way, we don't deserve eternal life and forgiveness of sins. God gives us so much more grace than we have sin.

How forgiving are you when a family member hurts you? Being the first to offer forgiveness can be humbling. Don't become so prideful that you hold on to anger and hurt. With Jesus' example in mind, offer forgiveness when others wrong 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 104-142 | 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

Foundation of Boldness

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

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

Foundation of Service

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

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

Foundation of Biblical Obedience

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

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

Foundation of Giving

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

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