Mike Rogers' Messages
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Mike's Message
Mike Rogers' Messages
(click on the month to view the messages for that month)
March 19, 2023
Revive Us Again: Christ is Better
The book of Hebrews may be the most needed study in the church today because sin is still the problem that overwhelms us all. Christ is still the only sure answer to sin, and the main focus of the letter to the Hebrews is Christ. Many of these Christians were slowly but surely slipping back to a comfortable and familiar way of life. It is much the same today. Many Christians are slipping back into the world; sin is the cause, and Christ is the answer then and now.
The three most prominent points in this letter intended to revive the faltering Christians is: First, a reminder that Christ is better – at least thirteen times in this letter the author reminds his readers that Jesus is better than anything they held dear under the Law. Second, the need for encouragement – the Hebrews writer uses the phrase "Let us" thirteen times empathizing with his readers. Third, faith – the Hebrews writer uses the word “faith” thirty-one times, twenty-four of those are in chapter 11. Certainly, the Hebrews writer wants to concentrate on the importance of faith in the life of the Christian.
Christians need reviving because too many are slipping away from Christ and His church. As stated earlier, Christians slip away because of sin. The Hebrews writer tells us why sin has such a negative effect on people. He reminds us that sin is deceitful (3:13), sin presents itself as pleasing (11:25; cf. Gen 3:6, 13), and sin entangles us (12:1).
The Hebrews writer also acknowledges the progressive nature of slipping away. The Christians he addresses were first neglecting Christ (2:3), their heart was growing hard (3:7, 8), they got tired of listening about the superiority of Christ (5:11), for many the next step was to stop assembling together (10:25), which showed they were on the verge of rejecting God completely (12:25). Christians still slip away today for the same reasons the Hebrew Christians were. It is a result of sin that deceives us, presents itself as attractive, and entangles us.
The Hebrews writer then warns his readers of the danger of slipping away. He declares that when one slips away and remains, he cannot escape the penalty of judgement (2:1-3; 12:25), cannot enter God’s eternal rest (4:1), he can get to the point of no return (6:4-6), and he has nothing to look forward to but the “terrifying expectation of judgement and the fury of fire which will consume the adversaries” (10:26- 27).
So, the only permanent answer to sin is Christ, because He is “better.” He is better than angels, he provides a better hope, a better covenant and promises, He is a better sacrifice, and mediator.
--Mike Roger
March 12, 2023
Our Living Hope
1 Peter 1:3-9
Peter writes to Christians who were running from Roman persecution. He reminds them that they were “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and sprinkling with His blood” (v. 2). God did His part so we can be “born again to a living hope.” This living hope suggests that our hope is real, genuine, active. It is in contrast to a dead hope that provides nothing. Our living hope is a future inheritance, established upon God’s mercy, secured through Christ’s resurrection, dependent upon our new birth, and protected by God’s power (1:3-5).
This living hope is in a perfect inheritance (v. 4). It is in an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, will not diminish, and is “reserved in heaven.”
Our living hope is established by the great mercy of God (v. 3). It is not founded on our own righteousness. It is because of God’s great mercy.
Our living hope is secured “through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (v. 3). Paul taught that without the resurrection from the dead our faith is worthless (1 Cor. 15:12-18).
Our living hope is dependent upon our new birth (v. 3). Jesus confirmed that “. . . unless one is born of the water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:3, 5). Being born of the water and Spirit is a reference to baptism (Rom. 6:4-7). One is born again when he is “sprinkled with the blood of Jesus” (1 Peter 1:2); and has his “heart sprinkled clean from an evil conscience” (Heb. 10:22). Without this new birth, Peters explains that we have no hope.
Finally, our living hope is guaranteed because we are protected by the power of God (v. 5). God preserves our inheritance while protecting us through difficult times. We can have no greater protector than God. There is no greater power in heaven or on earth. However, God will not protect us, if we do not do our part. We must be born again and live by faith (vv.3-9). To live by faith means that we must put our whole trust in God.
Once Peter’s readers learned of this living hope, there was a stirring in them that caused them to look to the future with a joyful expectation. They were strengthened even in their persecution. How about us? Are we able to endure our own persecution because of the hope of a perfect inheritance? Peter’s message of hope is a message of assurance. No matter what may befall us in this life, we have a hope for something much better.
--Mike Roger
March 5, 2023
A Heart of Thanksgiving
By law, they were to identify themselves to everyone they met. If a passerby came too close, they were required to shout “unclean, unclean.” Rejected by society, they were forced to live outside the city in a commune. They were lepers. With no known cure, many would die a slow and tormenting death isolated from all friends and family. They had no hope for the future. Life was meaningless, painful, and empty. Then, one day Jesus passed by. A group of despised and rejected lepers cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus looked at the group—not as other men looked at them—Jesus looked at them with compassion. His words were simple and straightforward: “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” (They could only return to society if the priest pronounced them clean). They headed toward the priests and a remarkable thing happened. “They were cleansed.” No doubt they were overcome with excitement, confusion, and awe all at the same time. Conceivably, they began to laugh and shout, and dance with joy. They ran to tell somebody, anybody, everybody, “We are healed!”
But one of the cleansed lepers was different. He was not a Jew that shared a heritage with Jesus. He was a Samaritan. As the Samaritan ran, something tugged at his heart. A sense of gratitude overtook him and with his restored legs, he ran back to Jesus, bowed his face to the ground at His feet, and thanked Him. Jesus appreciated his heartfelt thanks, but perhaps He looked in the direction of the nine and with a sad expression asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? Was there no one found who returned to give glory to God but this foreigner?” Then looking back at the one who returned with a pleasant expression of appreciation said, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.” We too were unclean, sentenced to torment and death; then Jesus came! Remember the words of Ananias who told Saul of Tarsus, “Now why do you delay? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). We should be thankful that Jesus had compassion for all of us who were despised and rejected. We were once without hope and without God (Eph. 2:12), but Jesus gave His life that we might be made clean. How thankful are we? Do we all have the same heart of thanksgiving the Samaritan had? Won’t you plan to assemble on Sunday to express your thanksgiving to God for His love and healing! Think about it!
--Mike Rogers
February 26, 2023
Love One Another
Love is a command (John 13:35). No one denies that it is hard to love some people, but it is still a command. If we don’t have to keep this command, why would we have to abstain from adultery, lying, stealing, drunkenness, etc.? No command is necessary if loving one another is not essential, because Jesus says that all commands depend on love (see Matt.22:37-40; cf. Rom. 13:8-10).
Also, Jesus was teaching about the kingdom of God in Luke 10:25-29 “and a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’ And He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?’ And he answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.’ But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” To love God like this is to love Him sincerely, emotionally, vigorously, and intellectually. We must love God completely. God comes before anything or anyone. Loving God means doing His will even if it costs us everything.
Second, we must love our neighbor as ourselves. Most of us have loving ourselves down pretty well. We do just about everything for ourselves. But do we love our neighbor the same way? We may be more like the lawyer who knew the right answer, but wanted to justify his wrongdoing so he asked, “Who is my neighbor?” This lawyer wanted to present himself before the Lord as if he had kept the law. Don’t we do this? Don’t we make excuses? We may say, “Yes, but Preacher, you just don’t understand what he has done to me.” God knows what “he” did to you, but He still commands you to love him! Remember what the people did to Jesus, yet the first thing He said as He hung on that cross was “Father, forgive them.”
In Romans 12:9-21 Paul teaches what it means to love our brethren. He says, “Let love be without hypocrisy . . .. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love . . .. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone . . .. If your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink . . ..” In Romans 13:8 Paul instructs, “Owe no man anything except to love one another, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.” We cannot love God, if we do not love our brethren (1 John 4:7-21).
--Mike Rogers
February 19, 2023
God and Government
Many of us have heard about the church in California that defied the government mandate to not assemble for worship during the COVID pandemic. God has given His directive that the church come together on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Heb. 10:25). God has also given instruction that we obey the laws of the land (Rom. 13:1). However, when that law violates a directive given by God, we are to “obey God rather than man” (Acts 5:29). God’s word has more authority than any law or any government mandate.
However, if the government makes a mandate that does not violate or hinder us from obeying God’s word, we are under obligation to obey that mandate (1 Peter 2:13). Thus, we wear a seatbelt and do not hold the cell phone when we drive a car, we pay attention to the speed limits and other road signs. We do not have to agree with the law, but we are instructed by God to be in submission to the civil laws.
But, someone may ask, “What about the separation of church and state?” The separation of church and state, as I understand it, protects the church from governmental control. When we are assembled as a church, the government has no authority over that assembly. The government can make recommendations that apply to citizens under their authority even when assembled for worship, this falls under the free speech act. The governing officials have no authority, however, to make mandates that govern when or how we worship God.
Elders must understand they only have the authority to instruct those under their charge in what God has already said in His inspired word. We, as members under their charge are to obey and submit to them (Heb. 13:17a). If we refuse to do that, the Hebrews writer says that it would be “unprofitable for [us]” (Heb. 13:17c). Therefore, elders strongly encourage those under their spiritual oversight to come together for worship and Bible Study. They have this authority given by God (see Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-3; cf. Heb. 10:25-26). If we refuse, it is a sin for which we will answer on judgment day (Heb. 10:26-27).
Therefore, as citizens of the US, we are under the authority of civil government; as citizens in God’s kingdom, we are under the authority/oversight of our elders. If we violate government, we will be punished. This is just as true if we violate the laws of God and refuse to submit to our elders. Think about it!
-Mike Rogers
February 12, 2023
How to Reignite Love in a Marriage
There are three natural prerequisites to love that couples must understand and agree to before love can be reignited in a marriage. First, couples must understand and agree that love is commanded. Husbands are commanded to love their wives (Eph. 5:25); wives are commanded to love their husbands (Tit. 2:4). Love may be the most difficult command to obey we are given. However, if you want to obey God, you will learn to love your spouse. Second, couples must understand and agree that love is always a choice. We can love our enemies if we choose (Matt. 5:44). Likewise, husbands and wives can love one another, but they must choose to do so (Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:4). The third prerequisite couples must understand and agree upon is that they must desire to love. I want to go on record as saying, “If one does not want to love their mate, if they are looking for an excuse to get out of a marriage, there is probably no way to have a scriptural divorce. I know this is hard to accept, but we cannot deny what the scriptures teach (Mal. 2:16; Matt. 19:3-9).
So, if love has been waning in your marriage and you want to reignite the flame of love, I want to offer some suggestions in addition to these prerequisites: First, fake it until you make it! This is probably not always good advice, but in the case of reigniting love, I think it is. Love is tough, but outward changes can and will create inward changes. Act like you love your mate and before long you will begin to change inside. Action often precedes understanding.
Second, apply the principles recorded in 1 Cor. 13:5-8. Be Persistent. Love is tough under the best circumstances! You have to be patient and endure (see 1 Cor. 13:4, 7). Love never quits (1 Cor. 13:8a). Be Kind to one another. You must be gentle and not arrogant or rude (see 1 Cor. 13:4c, 5a). You must not be intentionally irritating or resentful (1 Cor. 13:7c). Consider your mate first (1 Cor. 13:5b). When trying to reignite love, you must look out for the best interest of your mate. You cannot insist on having everything your own way. Paul makes this applicable for all of us (see Phil. 2:3-4). Jesus also applies this rule to all people (Matt. 7:12).
We should all desire love in our marriages. Not just because it is commanded, but also because love brings peace, joy, and contentment to our lives. Love takes the focus off ourselves and places it on others. Try this experiment for one week and see if you do not enjoy life better: Every time you think of something that you want for yourself, replace that thought with something that would be good for your spouse. If you are having marital issues, I can almost guarantee you will begin to see the flame of love reignite.
-Mike Rogers
February 5, 2023
Appointing an Overseer
Paul left Titus, an evangelist, in Crete to “put what remained in order, and appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5). We know that Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the congregations they established on the first missionary journey when they visited them on their return to Antioch (Acts 14:23). We also know there were elders in Jerusalem (Acts 11:30; 15:2), Ephesus (Acts 20:17), and Philippi (Phil. 1:1). From these few references we learn that God intends for every congregation to have a plurality of men to oversee, shepherd, and lead the church. Last Sunday I stated there is only one qualification for a husband and father who aspires and desires the work of an overseer, and that is, that he is “above reproach.” This means there is no legitimate criticism that he may be charged with in his family life, in his personal life, and in his spiritual life. These three areas cover his complete character. He is one with the highest moral, and spiritual integrity in every aspect of his life.
Being an overseer is a work. Paul states, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do” (1 Tim. 3:1). The work of overseers is to teach, lead, protect, and manage the church that has been put in their charge (see Heb. 13:17; Acts 20:28). Six different Greek terms are used to refer to the men that oversee a congregation. Five of them refer to the work he does. The only word that does not refer to the work is the one that traditionally translates “elder.” This word refers mostly to the wisdom, experience, and judgement of an older man.
When a man expresses his desire to work as one of the overseers of a congregation, the congregation should be given a reasonable amount of time to express any reason why the man’s character is not above reproach. If no opposition is given, the brother should be appointed. The Scriptures provide no information on how to appoint a man to the office and work of an overseer in congregations with overseers. (The examples in Acts 14:23; and Titus 1 are both congregations without overseers). For this reason, while the congregation selects the men, I think it is in keeping with the authority the Bible gives existing overseers to do the appointing of additional overseers. Please join us Sunday as we have a special service to appoint David Keith as one of our overseers.
–Mike Rogers
January 29, 2023
What it Takes to Be an Overseer
Justin Rogers wrote a book for Lads 2 Leaders entitled, Courage 2 Lead. In this book, Justin declares, leaders have to be self-motivated. He also asserts, “There is no right way to step into leadership. A leader needs only a heart attuned to God and a willingness to step up to His work” (21). Obviously, not all Christians can be elders. But as Justin affirms, all Christians should be leaders. In this lesson, I will discuss what it takes to be an overseer in the church. We will concentrate on 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Before digging into the qualities or attributes of an elder I want to say, Paul never intended for these verses to be a check list for elders.
First, for one to assume the office and work of an overseer, he must desire the work. In 1 Timothy 3:1 Paul states, “If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.” The word “aspires” means, “to work toward something,” “to strive for something.” The word “desires” means “to set the heart upon,” “to long for.” So, Paul declares that the work of an overseer is a good work upon which man first sets his heart; then, works diligently toward developing the attributes that qualify him to serve as an overseer. The point is that becoming an elder should not be something one achieves accidentally. It is a work one sets his heart upon early in life; then works to obtain it.
Secondly, Paul makes it perfectly clear that an overseer must be male (1 Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:6). Paul uses different words in 1 Timothy 3:2 and in Titus 1:6 for “husband,” but both words are gender-specific. It is impossible for a woman to be the “husband (male) of one wife” (female). An overseer must be, literally, “a one-woman-man.”
Third, he must have children ((Titus 1:6). How many children is not the issue. The point is he knows how to manage. I propose there is only one qualification for a man who desires the work of an overseer. The rest are attributes that explain the qualification. The qualification is, “above reproach.” Above reproach means that no legitimate criticism can be brought against this man. He is one with the highest moral and spiritual standards. All of the attributes Paul lists in Timothy and Titus can be read under three headings: An elder must be above reproach in his family life (the husband of one wife, having children who believe), above reproach in his spiritual life (“holding fast the faithful word,” and able to teach), and above reproach in his personal life (all the other attributes listed in Timothy and Titus explain the man’s personal life).
–Mike Rogers
January 22, 2023
From Stumbling Blocks to Stepping Stones
“You may be the only Bible some people ever read.” No doubt this statement is true, but have you ever really thought about its implications? We cannot deny there are hypocrites in the church; and we must all be aware that each of us is being watched by others. So, we ask, “Are you a stumbling block or a stepping stone?”
The Bible is filled with people who turned stumbling blocks into stepping stones. Joseph was ridiculed, mocked, plotted against, and sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, imprisoned and forgotten. Yet, Joseph only saw opportunity in the malevolence. Because of him, the entire nation of Israel was saved; in the end, Joseph told his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). How would you describe Joseph, a stumbling block or a stepping stone?
David had Bathsheba’s husband killed to try and hide his sin with her (see 2 Sam. 11-12). Yet when it was pointed out what he had done, he repented (2 Sam. 12:13). How would you describe David, a stumbling block or stepping stone?
In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he addresses Christians who would be a stumbling block to others, even though their actions might not be sinful. He says, “If food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble” (1 Cor. 8:13). In his letter to the Romans, Paul makes a similar assertion, “Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way” (Rom. 14:13).
We can even be stepping stones by helping others. The good Samaritan was a stepping stone (Luke 10:30-37). How do you respond to someone’s hardship? Do you pass by on the other side, or do you offer a helping hand? Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block? We should strive to be stepping stones for people. We are not perfect and we will make mistakes. Therefore, we must encourage, support and console people who are hurting— criticism or condemnation only produces more stumbling blocks.
When life knocks you down, don't stay down, jump back up! Everybody stumbles from time to time; the winners are the ones who keep getting back up! That may be what Paul meant when he said, “In all things we are more than conquerors.” We may not ever see the good in some adversities, but we must trust God. Someone once said, “The difference between winners and losers is their ability to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.”
--Mike Rogers
January 15, 2023
Dealing With Conflict from Within
Nehemiah 5:1-19
Chapter 4 ends on a note of victory over Sanballat and Tobiah, who were trying to stop the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. Chapter 5 deals with more opposition; this time, however, it is not opposition to stop the rebuilding of the walls; it is conflict among the Jews. The text does not say it, but it seems apparent that this internal conflict stopped the work on the wall. Conflict among a group of people is a sure way to stop the positive progress of any work.
In 5:1-5 we learn the reason for the conflict. Many poorer Jews who owned property were forced to mortgage their fields, vineyards, and houses to get food. Others had to borrow to pay the king’s tax on their lands. Some were even forced to sell their children into slavery to their fellow Jews to pay their bills. While it was not against the Law to loan money to the poor (Deut. 15:8), or to sell themselves as slaves, the Law did require that they be released after seven years or at the year of Jubilee (Lev. 25:39). Furthermore, the greedy Jews were charging an exorbitant amount of interest which the Law did not allow (see Ex. 22:25).
So, the oppressed were calling out to God with a “great outcry.” They were pleading with God for help. We are not told why the wealthier Jews were exploiting the poorer ones, but it appears to be selfish greed. Perhaps the rich saw an opportunity to get richer and took advantage of it. I am reminded of James 4:1 – “What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?” One’s selfish pleasures are almost always the source of conflict within a group.
When Nehemiah learned what was happening, he was “very angry” (5:6). Nehemiah’s anger did not consume him, rather he “consulted with himself” (v. 7a). Nehemiah did not strike out in anger. He took some time to consider how to deal with this injustice. After deciding the best approach, he confronted those who were exploiting the poor, and called for an assembly to deal with the greedy Jews. Nehemiah explained to them that they had sinned and told them to return everything, even the interest they had charged. The Jews solemnly promised to do as Nehemiah had instructed and to require nothing. This is a perfect example of repentance.
In verses 14-19, Nehemiah presents his own example for preventing conflict within a group of people. During the twelve years Nehemiah served as governor of Judah, he never burdened the people for food, even though former governors had, and it was acceptable to do so. Dealing with conflict means to put others before yourself (Phil. 2:3-4).
–Mike Rogers
January 8, 2023
Trials or Temptations?
As we reviewed Nehemiah chapter 2 last Sunday evening, we observed that our journey to success always has opposition. Opposition may come in various forms. One of the most harmful forms of oppositions may be found in our temptations. James explains where temptations come from saying, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted, when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:13-15). By the world's standards, sin is attractive. Otherwise, it would not be enticing. But God does not tempt us (v. 13). Temptation is one weapon Satan uses to fight the battle against righteousness. Satan determines what temptation is appropriate to entice an individual based on one’s vulnerability. When tempting Jesus in the wilderness, he first used food, because Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting (Matt. 4:1-3). Satan knows when we are most vulnerable, and where we are most vulnerable. Satan will try to entice us at our weakest moment, and with our weakest characteristic. Even though temptations are not from God (v. 13), He allows Satan to use trials to tempt us and test our faith (James 1:2-4; cf. Job 1-2). Whether our faith is strengthened or weakened depends on how we respond to the trials. To prevent the trials from becoming temptations we must “Keep watching and praying that [we] may not enter into temptation” (Matt. 26:41a, emphasis mine). James encourages us, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Also, we must learn to avoid the situations that may cause us to be more vulnerable. The inspired apostle Paul instructs, “Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33). He also instructs, “Abstain from every appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). Finally, we must view our trials with a positive attitude: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). The point James emphasizes is: “Do not think about what your trials can do to you; think about what they can do for you. When one looks at the trials in this way his faith is strengthened (James 1:2-4). You see God tests us with trials; Satan uses the trials to tempt us. We cannot avoid the trials. However, the way we respond to the trials will determine the effect they have on us.
--Mike Rogers
January 1, 2023
A Better New Year’s Resolution
Most Americans make a New Year’s resolution every year. The number one resolution that most Americans make is to lose weight. The second is to exercise more. While these resolutions can be profitable, they can only be so if they are continued, but statistics reveal that most Americans give up on their resolution within three days. Another resolution thousands of Christians make each year is to read through the Bible. Although I am no medical doctor or physical trainer, my personal experience tells me that losing weight and exercising will help you to think more clearly and thus your desire to study will be exalted as well. Therefore, make this resolution for 2023: “I will resolve to become more physically and spiritually fit this year.” One way to become more spiritually fit is to study the Bible more.
John Adams, the second president of the United States, read the entire Bible every year. He studied the Scriptures every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Reading and studying the Bible regularly shaped his character, and his character shaped our country. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “What lies behind you and what lies before you, pales in comparison to what lies inside you.” When you read the Bible and apply the truths, it will change your life, and you will never regret it. Andrew Jackson, our seventh president, referred to the Bible as “the rock on which our Republic rests.” It is said that he read three to five chapters each day. Abraham Lincoln, our 16th resident, called the Bible “the best gift God has ever given to man . . . but for it we could not know right from wrong.” Woodrow Wilson, our 28th president, said, “The Bible is the Word of life. I beg that you will read it and find this out for yourself. When you have read the Bible, you will know it is the Word of God, because you will have found in it the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty.” Dwight D. Eisenhower, our 34th president, and his family used the Bible each day during family devotions, with each family member taking his or her turn in reading a passage. Jimmy Carter, our 39th president, read the Bible daily and taught a Sunday school class for over four decades. Ronald Reagan, the 40th president, wrote, “Inside the Bible’s pages lie all the answers to all the problems man has ever known. I hope Americans will read and study the Bible . . . . It is my firm belief that the enduring values presented in its pages have a great meaning for each of us and for our nation.
The Bible can touch our hearts, order our minds, and refresh our souls.” Make it your New Years resolution to study your Bible more!
--Mike Rogers
December 25, 2022
The Torn Curtain
Several miracles might be noted at the cross, but possibly the greatest miracle was when the curtain that separated the holy place from the most holy place was torn into. This curtain was made of "blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twisted linen” (Ex. 36:35-38). According to Jewish tradition the curtain was 60’ long, 40’ wide and about 4” thick. Rabbinic literature claims it took 300 priests to clean it. The size of the curtain is not described in scripture, and the thickness, along with the number of priests it took to clean it may be somewhat exaggerated. Even so, this was no ordinary window covering. Yet at the death of Jesus, this massive majestic curtain, which concealed the holiest of all places, “was torn into, from top to bottom” (Matt. 27:51). What does this torn curtain mean? Only the high priest could enter through the curtain once a year for the explicit purpose of approaching God on behalf of himself and the people. If anyone else entered the most holy place he would die (Numb. 4:17-20). If the high priest entered through the curtain on any day other than the Day of Atonement, he would die (Lev. 16:2). If the high priest entered through the curtain without the proper attire he would die (Ex. 28:43). To the Jews, everything about the curtain served as a warning that trespassers and violators will be executed.
The torn curtain reveals an open door for all people to enter into the presence of God. The Hebrews writer declares that at the death of Jesus all people “have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh” (Heb. 10:19-20). This shows the torn curtain opens the way into the presence of God for anyone, not just the high priest. Furthermore, it is not the physical holy place that Jesus opens: “For Christ has not entered into the holy place made with hands . . . but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf” (Heb. 9:24).
"Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:14-16).
The emphasis on the curtain being torn from “top to bottom” shows that God opens the curtain completely and permanently. What does the torn curtain mean to you?
-Mike Rogers
December 18, 2022
When I See a Cross
The symbol of a cross has changed in significance over the years. Prior to Christianity the cross was a symbol of shame and humiliation, a symbol of warning and terror, it was the cruelest form of execution known. In early Christianity the cross still had connotations of shame. However, by the early third century, when Tertullian called Christians, “devotees of the cross” the cross became a recognized symbol for Christianity. Then, in the early fourth century the Roman emperor Constantine claimed to see a vision in the sky of a cross with the inscription, “Conquer by This.” The cross then became a symbol of divine protection and victory. It was not until the seventh century that the cross became a common symbol for victory through Christ’s crucifixion.
When I see a cross, I think of Christ. Although many other people have been crucified, even unjustifiably so, Christ is the one we think of. When I see a cross, I think of pain, suffering, and humiliation; and I feel sorry that my Lord had to suffer persecution. When I see a cross, I feel guilty, because it should have been me on that cross. When I see a cross, I think of complete submission to the Father. In the garden prior to His arrest, Jesus prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). On the cross, just before his death, Jesus cried out in confident submission, “Father, into y o u r h a n d s I c o m m i t m y s p i r i t ” ( L u k e 2 3 : 4 6 ) . When I see a cross, I think of the perfect forgiveness for my sins. We understand that “without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Heb. 9:22); the first words from the mouth of Jesus as he was raised on the cross was, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). It is remarkable that Jesus’ prayer during this time of pain and suffering is for those who are responsible for his suffering. To forgive is to choose to no longer hold one accountable for a debt owed (cf. Matt. 18:27). The debt I owe for my sins is my life (Rom. 6:23). Jesus paid that debt on the cross. A song that touches me every time we sing it is:
“He paid a debt he did not owe. I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away. He paid that debt at Calvary, He cleansed my soul and set me free, I’m glad that Jesus did all my sins erase; And now I sing a brand-new song: Amazing Grace. Christ Jesus paid the debt that I could never pay.”
Jesus took our place as sinners and gave us his place in righteousness (“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God in Him” [2 Cor. 5:21]).
--Mike Rogers
December 11, 2022
The Greatest Truth Ever Told
Truth is defined as indisputable facts. Truth is not always dependent on evidence, not always objective. I might tell you something is true. You may ask me to prove it. But, even if I can’t prove it, the lack of evidence does not negate the truth. It may hinder the believability, but if it is truth, it is still truth.
When one considers the origin of truth, three foundational principles come to mind. First, Jesus is the origin of truth (John 1:14, 17; John 14:6). Second, God’s word is the origin of truth (John 8:31-32; John 17:17). Third, truth is reflected in the “gospel” (Eph. 1:13).
The Greek word that translates “gospel” is used 76 times in the New Testament and always refers to the good news about a man who was conceived miraculously, lived humbly, died in agony, and raised in glory. His name is Jesus. Therefore, when we speak of the gospel we are speaking of the absolute, undeniable good news about the man, Savior, and Lord Jesus the Christ that is revealed in the word of God. What makes the story of Jesus the greatest truth ever told?
First, mankind was bound by sin punishable by death. The sacrifices of the old system could not take away sin (Heb. 10:4). Yet, because without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22), God sent His Son to become the perfect sacrifice to save us from the penalty of sin (Rom. 6:23). Paul explains that the core message of the gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Our own baptism is a reenactment of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (see Rom. 6:3-7). This is what Paul meant by “obey the gospel” (see 2 Thess. 1:8). This story not only tells of our freedom from sin, it tells of our blessed life in Christ. Obedience to the gospel can transform a sinner to a saint (Eph. 2:19). It can transfer one from death to life (Eph. 2:5; Col. 1:13). It also provides a life of peace beyond comprehension (cf. Phil. 4: 7), a life of inexpressible joy (1 Pt. 1:8; Rom. 14:17), hope (Col. 1:21-23, 27), and “every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3). A life of redemption, (Eph. 1:7, 13), “forgiveness” (v. 7) because there is no more debt to be paid. Our debt for sin has been paid in full, “salvation” (v. 13) because salvation refers to a delivering from the bondage, and debt of sin, “an inheritance”guaranteed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:11-14) that is greater than all the gold in the world.
What does the gospel really mean to you? Is it just another story, or is it the greatest truth ever told?
–Mike Rogers