Most of the people who know me know that I love the music that was popular in the 1960’s.  If I can find an “oldies” station, that’s the one I’ll be listening to.  I’ve got a couple of Pandora channels (if that’s what you call them) devoted to that music as well.

The other day I was listening to a song I’ve heard more times than I can count.  This time, though, the message of one line of that song struck me like it has never struck me before.

You know I love you; I always will.

            My mind’s made up by the way that I feel.

I invite you to take a second look at that.  If a person’s decisions are determined by feelings, is it not possible for his or her mind can be changed if the feelings are changed?  Isn’t that what is happening to some of the “commitments” made by so many today? Or — to ask the question in a way in keeping with the song, wouldn’t it be possible for my feelings to cause me to “un-make up” my mind?

We’ve all seen this happen. 

The years go by and a man or woman doesn’t feel like he/she did on the wedding day, so the words “’til death do us part” are thrown on the garbage pile – maybe along with some innocent children.   An employee doesn’t feel appreciated, so another promising career goes down the tubes. 

There are multiple examples of this type of thinking.  There is one, though, that was the first to come to my mind when I heard those words sung.  In my mind, it is the most important.

How many people do you know who base their eternal destiny primarily, if not solely, on their feelings.  Sadly, they —

• Feel as though something is right religiously, even though the Bible says otherwise. 
• Sincerely believe that they are saved because they feel saved, not because they’ve complied with the conditions of pardon found in the New Testament. 
• Worship the way they do because that type of worship makes them feel good.

            The apostle Paul made an interesting statement which is recorded in Acts 22:1, when he said, “…I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”  When he was committing all sorts of atrocities against Christians, he felt good about doing that.  He felt that he was doing the right thing.

            Another apostle, Peter, was “on target” when he made this statement to Jesus:  “…You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).  In that statement, he did something that many other passages verify.  He made the divine message the standard. 

            If we follow the example of Peter, our minds will be made up by something verifiable, not by our feelings.  The feelings, opinions, and whims of mere humans will mean nothing in eternity.

            Feelings are fickle.  Don’t get (as another oldie says) “hooked on a feeling.” 

            Eternity is way too long for me to allow my feelings to be my guide.

“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89).

Jim Faughn

Every once in a while, my wife and I just feel like we need to get back to the Smoky Mountains.  We honeymooned there.  We took our children there enough times when they were growing up that they probably got tired of the same old trip.  I’m sure there are more exciting places in the world, but these mountains mean a lot to us.

My wife always comments on the sense of stability and permanence she feels every time she gets to be in that area.  It is comforting to know that, in a world where things seem to be constantly changing, those mountains are still there.

It would be tempting to say that the mountains never change, but that is not true. They do change.  While they remain in the same place, their appearance is different during different seasons of the year.  In fact, the appearance changes in a matter of seconds sometimes.

So, which is it?  Do the mountains remain the same or are they constantly changing?

It seems to me that the answer is — yes!

If people want to  visit the Smoky Mountains, he or she can find them at the same location regardless of when they choose to make that trip.  As they travel to their destination, they don’t have to worry about whether somebody moved them to a different location.  They can be sure that they will be “right where they are supposed to be.

It seems to me to be significant that the Lord’s church is referred to and described by language that reminds us of the permanence and stability of mountains.  In prophecy, it is referred to as “…the mountain of the Lord’s house…” (Isaiah 2:2).  The bedrock truth upon which Jesus promised to build His church is  the confession that He is “…the Christ, the son of the living God” (Matt. 16:16).

The permanence of the church is stated in Matt. 16:18 where our Lord is quoted as saying that “…the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”  this is in keeping with the prophecy of Daniel that “…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed…” (Dan. 2:44).

Have there been no changes since that memorable day of Pentecost when the church came into existence on the earth (cf. Acts 2)?  Are we still traveling by foot and horseback to spread the gospel?  Do we still meet in the same types of facilities in which they met?  Did they use PowerPoint or even “sheet sermons” to communicate God’s truths to their fellow man?

None of the changes suggested thus far change the message of the gospel.  Only methods have been changed.

Sadly, there are some of our day who thing we need to change the essence of the gospel.  Basic truths about the deity of our Lord, the nature and worship of His church, His plan of salvation and so many other things are among those things promoted as “needed changes.”

Changing methods and changing the message are two totally different things.  As we adopt and adapt our “tools” and our approach, we need to make sure we do not change God’s message to His creation.

We still need to “…contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).  Let’s not try to change the unchangeable.

Jim Faughn

Can you imagine walking into the room in which the Lord was eating with His apostles for that one final time before He went to the cross?  Would you expect those twelve men to be representing twelve different religious denominations?

Most of us would think that suggestion to be ludicrous.  “Of course not,” some would answer.  “These men (with the exception of Judas who would soon leave the room) were united by their love for the Lord and their commitment to Him.” 

Why, then, have we grown so accustomed to “unity in diversity” today?  Why do we think it is normal for all of us to be wearing different religious names and practicing different things, while at the same time claiming to be united in our love for Jesus? 

Have we forgotten our Lord’s prayer for the unity of all who would believe in Him (cf. John 17:20-21). 

Is there a way to answer that prayer in our time?

I believe there is!

That way is not to be found in the seemingly dominate thinking of our day that would have us to believe that there is no such thing as absolute truth.  Listen closely to what many are saying today. You will hear references to my truth, your truth, their truth, our truth, etc.  There will be little, if any, mention of the truth. 

However, it was our Lord who said, “…If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32, ESV).  Apparently, He would not endorse the “I’m OK; you’re OK” thinking of our day.

The way to the unity of all believers is not to be found in any of the following methods:

• Agreeing to disagree
• Using my feelings as my guide
• Making my preferences paramount
• Uniting for certain activities while firmly holding on to the doctrines and practices of individual religious groups
• Buying into the idea that there is no such thing as absolute truth
• Convincing ourselves that this subject is of little or no importance

            Please consider carefully these words written by the apostle Paul:

“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10, ESV).

The path to unity is found in Bible.  The place of unity is at the foot of the cross.  The attitude of unity is one that recognizes Jesus and His word as our sole authority.

Jim Faughn

That word (consequences) may seem like a foreign word to a lot of people today. We live in a society in which we are not made to live with the consequences of decisions we make and/or actions we take.

Teens are told that they are grounded for two weeks. They know all along that, if there is something they really want to do, that “sentence” will be lifted. How many people do you know of who have been caught driving “while under the influence,” but who still have their license to drive?

Example after example could be given, but these two should be enough to illustrate an important and disturbing principle. Many, if not most, people today think that the concept of fairness means that they get to do what they want to do whenever they want to do it without any regard for consequences.

This type o thinking has influenced our perception of God; of justice; and of judgement. How many times have you heard somebody say this: “I don’t believe that a loving God would send anybody to hell forever”?

What is really being said is, “I don’t think that God would make anyboy live with the consequences of a life of disobedience and misbehavior.” It seems to me that a couple of thing need to be kept in mind.

First, much of what we learn about eternal punishment is found in the teachings of the gentle and loving Savior; Jesus Christ. Secondly, God is not limited in any way by our perceptions, preconceived ideas, or theories. He has given us abundant evidence in His word that each individual will, indeed, be held accountable. In other words, there will be consequences – both good and bad.

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Jim Faughn

It was one of those parent-teacher conferences designed to provide information for the parents. Thankfully, it was not one of those “we have a problem” conferences.

At one point, the parents were being informed that putting a child’s name on the board served as a warning. Further misbehavior would result in other actions being taken.

One statement made an impact on the parents. They were told that the board was erased at the end of each school day. That meant that every student began every day with a “clean slate.”

Can you imagine getting on the school bus every morning knowing that you already have a strike or two against you? That would get your day off to a great start, wouldn’t it?

In our relationship with God, the passage of time does not “erase the board.” The “cleansing agent” for our sins is the blood of Jesus (cf. 1 John 1:7). Because of His sacrifice and our obedience to Him, we do not need to feel as though we already have two strikes against us in the eyes of God.

This does not just apply to our relationship with God. We are not to treat other people as though they have strikes against them in their relationship with us. The admonition to “…let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Eph. 4:26) is only one of many passages that teach that our lives would be much better if we would be more forgiving.

Aren’t you glad that God can and does erase the board.  

Do you need to do the same?

Jim Faughn

There are any number of people who make a journey of thousands of miles in order to visit some of the areas described in the Bible.  One of the thoughts usually expressed by these individuals has to do with how thrilling it is to know that they have stood in some of the same places that Jesus stood and/or walked where He walked.

I am not at all critical of these people.  In fact, I would like to make that same journey myself someday.

At the same time, there is a place to stand that is even more compelling than any physical feature on this planet.  There is a path for our feet to tread upon which will carry us to a far greater destination than any path of stone or dirt.

It would be helpful at this point to read and compare such passages as John 14:6, Romans 5:1-4, 1 Cor. 15:1-2, and 1 Peter 2:21.

When those passages (and many others) are considered, we learn a lot about where we are to stand and how we are to travel.  We also learn that Jesus is, at once, the reason we travel and our constant companion as we make our journey.

Many religions require a pilgrimage.  The true Christian realized that our life is a pilgrimage (cf. 1 Peter 2:11).

We are not required to retrace the steps that Jesus took while on earth or visit His earthly homeland.  If we are to join Him in heaven, however, we must stand and walk with Him here.

Jim Faughn

I can still remember walking by that picture in the post office.  I was just a young boy then, but I still remember it today.  It looked like “Uncle Sam” was pointing directly at me.  The accompanying slogan was, “I need you.”  

The message was loud and clear.  If I “answered the call” of that poster, I would be enlisting in the service.

Have you noticed how the slogans and methods of recruiting for our armed forces have changed over the years?  Now, the emphasis seems to be on how the individual who enlists can benefit from his/her service experience.  The focus seems to be on pride and privileges, rather than sacrifice and service.  

I love our nation, but I love the Lord’s church even more.  I’m wondering if we’ve fallen into the same trap as our nation with regard to our “recruiting techniques.”

Beginning with that great sermon on the day of Pentecost, people were impressed with the Lordship of Christ (cf. Acts 2:36).  They were confronted with guilt due to their sin (cf. Acts 2:36, 38).  Those who “…gladly received his word were baptized…” (Acts 2:40).  From that point on, they were to live a life of service to the Lord.

Would the church of today be stronger if we minimized the appeal to “be all that you can be?”

Would we be better off if we encouraged others and one another to “…worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve”?

The “old way” may not be as attractive, but I believe it is more effective.

Jim Faughn

There are some who apparently have decided that one hour of worship on Sunday morning provides sufficient spiritual nourishment for them.  I wonder if they’ve decided this because they are real spiritual giants.  Maybe it just takes less for them than it does for the rest of us.

However, I’ve observed that one hour on Sunday morning is not enough for the elders of a local congregation.  By definition, the elders are to be spiritually mature.  Why, then, do we find dedicated elders at every opportunity for worship and Bible study? 

As I think about this, it also occurs to me that the same goes for our deacons.  One hour on Sunday morning is not enough for these special servants.  Isn’t is also strange that the most dedicated Bible class teachers are found in classes other than the ones they teach?  Why is one hour on Sunday morning not good enough for them?

At the risk of sounding judgmental, I think it is safe to say that none of the “backbone members” of any local congregation are found in the one hour crowd.  For some reason, they seem to take advantage of every opportunity to worship, learn, and serve.

One hour is not good enough for them.  

Is it good enough for you?

Jim Faughn

More often than I would like to admit, I’ve had an unsettling experience while I’ve been working on a lesson, an article, etc.  I’ll think I’m all prepared.  I’ve got the top of my desk covered with writing materials, commentaries, some old notes of mine, and a few other things that I think will be helpful.  My computer is on, so I can quickly access more commentaries, word studies, dictionaries, maps, etc.

I’m “all set” until I realize that one thing is missing.  At that moment, the search is on.  It’s imperative that I find that one thing missing from my Bible study — my Bible.  

The search usually only lasts a couple of seconds, but those couple of seconds teach me a lot.  I am reminded about how easy it is to substitute studying about the Bible for studying the sacred text itself.

Nothing can compare with or substitute for a thorough investigation of God’s inspired message to mankind.  This should be the aim of our Bible study, whether that study is done in the privacy of our own homes or in our Bible classes.

If we shift our emphasis from serious Bible study to anything else, we are making a major mistake.  We are getting away from studying the one source that can set us free (cf. John 8:32) and is all-sufficient (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17).  

I’m thankful for all of the tools I have at my disposal that aid me in my study of the word of God.  I pray that they will never let them substitute for His word.

Jim Faughn

How many times as a member of a local congregation and/or of the church in the universal sense have you heard this statement: “…and that is what is wrong with us!”?

It is my opinion that the value of that statement may depend on when it is said.  If it is the closing comment in a sermon or article, it may be of very little value.  If, on the other hand, it is offered in a way and at a time that allow for some solutions to be given, it could be of great value.

We can often tell if we have a physical problem.  If a doctor is able to diagnose the problem and prescribe proper treatment, he has helped us greatly.  

However, if he only diagnoses the problem, but offers no solutions, he has not been of much help.  We are not much better off than we were before we went to see him.  

Most of us are aware of at least some of our individual and collective spiritual shortcomings.  If somebody is candid and loving enough to diagnose our problem and  offer suggestions and support as we seek to improve, he/she is a true friend and a valuable servant of God.

If, on the other hand, he/she just tells us what is wrong, he/she is only a critic.  To my knowledge, nobody has ever erected a monument to a critic.

Jim Faughn