Dear Roger, I'm not even sure how to ask this question. I am terribly discouraged. I am so overwhelmed with what is happening in the world. I’ve prayed and prayed, but I feel that God will not answer me. I've been experiencing God's silence my entire life, 52 years. In the Bible, people had to go through seasons of hardships, seasons of God's silence. But what if your season is your entire life? I live and pray, and I feel I'll die of old age still suffering God's silence. Will God ever answer me? How long must I endure the agony of silence? Sincerely, Kenneth Dear Kenneth, I am grieved for you during this difficult time. If ever you needed to hear feel God’s peace and believe He is listening to your prayers, it is now. I hope that my answers will help you navigate this journey. I can’t imagine what it’s like not to hear God speak. It sounds scary, hopeless, fearful and disappointing. After considering your situation, I decided that it might be profitable to make a checklist of some of the reasons why Jesus at times seems so silent. I’m certain that you’ve already considered them. Nevertheless, maybe one of my suggestions may offer you a sort of “spiritual spark,” that opens the door for you to cut through the silence and hear God speak. I’d like to use your situation in the hope that it might help others who are struggling with the same sort of issues. Let’s look at  nine reasons God may seem silent sometimes: When our spiritual receptors are turned off. Only Christ can turn them back on! Our spiritual receptors are turned on when we receive Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Then and only then can he speak clearly to us. Here is  how you can be sure you know Jesus Christ , and the  Sinner’s Prayer for Salvation . God created man with three parts. Our body (soma) is our organ for world consciousness. Our soul (psyche) is our organ of self-consciousness. We have a mind, will, and emotions that are the essence of personality. Our soul is where we think and plan and make decisions. God lives in our inner-human spirit where we worship, commune and hear God speak Holy Spirit to human spirit. I call my human spirit my “knower.” You know what it’s like. Down deep inside you just know that God is speaking with you. We often say when someone receives Christ as their personal Savior, “Jesus came into my heart.” Technically he did not come into our hearts, but into our spirits. Think of a three-story building. The first floor is our body. The second floor is our soul. The third floor is our spirit. When we receive Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, Jesus comes to live in our spirit. When Adam sinned, a bomb went off in his third-floor. He would now die both spiritually and physically. He was kicked out of the garden so he could no longer hear God speak. His ability to hear God was blown away and now God was silent. Intimate Worship Fuels Connection In essence, his spiritual receptors were ruined. Instead of intimate worship and open fellowship with God,  Adam and Eve  were kicked out of the Garden with dastardly consequences. The entrance to the Garden was shut tight by angels with blazing swords. Another way to say it is that sin turned off the light. Only Jesus can turn it back on. Our now malfunctioning human spirit and ability to hear God speak commences when we surrender to Christ as personal Lord and Savior, confess and repent of our sin, receive Jesus into our lives and declare that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. Then and only can we hear the voice of God speak into our lives. Read Your Love Letter Two men, one a Christian and the other not, were discussing how to interpret the Bible. The non-Christian related that he really couldn’t understand it. The Christian said, “The Bible is a love letter to Christians. That’s what you get for reading other people’s mail!” This doesn’t mean that God never hears the prayers of non-Christians, it just means that God is under no obligation to answer the prayers of people who are not his own born-again children. Reason #2: Salvation Deserves a Re-Check Paul instructs us that it is occasionally good to re-check our personal  salvation  to be certain that all is in place! Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble  ( 2 Peter 1:10 ). I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders; I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.  ( Galatians 2:2 ) Another word for this might be: “double-check.” Julie and I go to the bank and withdraw some money. About 2 miles later I ask, “Are you sure you have the money?” We leave for the grocery store and about 10 minutes later I ask, “Did you remember to close the garage door?” Julie replies, “Why are you always double-checking me? Don’t you trust me?” “I don’t know, I say, it must be my obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Many of us can tend to obsess a bit too much about money, safety, and other daily matters. But when it comes to matters of salvation, it’s okay to somewhat obsess, or feel compelled, to double-check the authenticity of your commitment. Reason #3: We Haven’t Accepted Our Full Access Jesus tore open the temple curtain during his crucifixion to give us full access to God. This was symbolized when the temple curtain was opened from top to bottom and not from bottom to top. As Christians, we are invited to enter boldly into his throne room where we can enjoy his glory and presence and where he can speak directly to us, and we to him. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom  ( Matthew 27:51 ) We receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. Then, and only then, may we  “boldly enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain...and since we have a great high priest over the house of God that has drawn near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water  ( Hebrews 10:19-25 ;  Matthew 27:51 ). Standing before God in the Holy Place with the curtain torn from top to bottom we have full, unencumbered  communion  with God through the forgiving blood of Jesus Christ that allows us to see and hear from God. He is not silent; he is here. Why don’t you take a moment now and go into his throne room? Reason #4: We Give Up on Diligently Seeking We will hear the voice of God (or feel conviction in our Spirit from him) when we diligently seek him. Jesus said: But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.  ( Deuteronomy 4:29 ) If we make seeking his face the top priority in our lives, we may hear him in all kinds of ways, in all kinds of places. God seldom breaks into our lives with thoughts and ideas out of the “clear blue.” It’s when we are sitting quietly, reading the  Bible , thinking about spiritual things, sharing the Bible with friends, listening to a sermon, meditating, listening in our inner spirit—or otherwise actively inviting God to speak to us—that he will no longer be silent. Reason #5: We Need to Purify Our Heart Jesus said:  blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  ( Matthew 5:8 ). God may be speaking but he seems silent because sin dirties our inner-human spirit so that we cannot see or hear from God. I once knew a pastor who got caught up in porn addiction. He was devastated; but couldn’t seem to get free. He tried willpower; but that didn’t work. He was flying over Colorado, closed his eyes, and begged for God to strike him blind. When he opened up his eyes, mountains were everywhere. He finally found freedom while reading a prayer book written by a Catholic priest in the 15th century, which said: You can see Jesus or you can see your pornography; but you can’t have both. Clean up your spirit and hear God speak! The pastor decided that looking at porn did not come close to the beauty of seeing Jesus. Reason #6: Our Motives Are Wrong God does not speak to those who pray with wrong motives. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your own pleasures.  ( James 4:2-3 ) I’m reminded of many sports teams that have a habit of bowing in  prayer  to ask God to help them win. All the while, just before the game begins, there opponent is praying the same prayer. Perhaps a much better motive is to pray for the players to play their best, be free from harm, and compete with integrity. Many Christians end their prayers by saying something like, “In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.” It’s almost as if we are putting a stamp of approval on what we’ve asked for! Our prayers often take so little thought. In addition, if we listen carefully, we’ll discover that most of our prayers are about us. We must first determine whether or not what we’re asking for is God’s will, or simply ours. Godly prayers are for Jesus’ sake, not ours. Reason #7: We Aren’t Seeking with All Our Being We must diligently seek God with all of our being. But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.  ( Deuteronomy 4:29 ). If we seek his face by making the search top priority in our lives, we may hear him in all kinds of places. God seldom breaks into our thoughts out of the, “clear blue.” It’s when we are sitting quietly, reading the  Bible , thinking about spiritual things, meditating, listening in our inner spirit, or asking God to speak to us that he will no longer be silent. Reason #8: God Is Speaking, We Just Don’t Recognize It God may not be silent at all. It just may be that we don’t recognize his voice for what it is. After defeating Baal, Elijah was incredibly exhausted and depressed. In  1 Kings 19:11 , God told Elijah to stand on the mountain while he passed by. God was certainly not silent. But He also wasn’t in the howling wind, the violent earthquake, or the fire. He was in a gentle whisper. I was talking with my nine-year-old daughter about how God speaks to us. She said, “I’ve never heard God speak to me.” She expected God to speak in an audible voice. I explained to her how it didn’t work that way, but she was in no way satisfied. Over the years we’ve discussed at least 17different ways by which God might speak to us. Just so we don’t miss the fact that God is not silent, here are  17 different ways that God may speak to us, and is not silent: 17 Different Ways God Speaks 1. The  Bible  ( Psalm 119:105 ) 2. Jesus Christ ( Hebrews 1:1-3 ) 3. Signs And Wonders ( Acts 3:6-7 ) 4. Tests ( Judges 6:36-38 ) 5. Godly People ( Proverbs 8:32-34 ) 6. Creation ( Romans 1:20 ) 7. Preachers and Prophets ( Acts 11:27-28 ) 8. Bushes ( Exodus 3:1-4 ) 9. Angels ( Luke 1:26-28 ) 10. The Angel Of The Lord ( Genesis 22:10-11 ) 11. God’s Glory ( Exodus 33:18-19 ) 12. Circumstances ( Acts 16:6-8 ) 13. Reasons ( Isaiah 1:18 ) 14. Dreams ( Joel 2:28 ) 15. Visions ( Joel 2:28 ) 16. Failures ( Matthew 26:75 ) 17. The Human Spirit ( Jeremiah 29:12-13 ) Reason #9: We’re Not Listening, Even if God Shouts God may actually be shouting loudly, and it’s possible we’re just not listening. After running 90 miles away from Queen Jezebel because he had killed her 400 prophets of Baal, Elijah was exhausted and deeply depressed. Angels attended to him and then God was not silent. He spoke. “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.  ( 1 Kings 19:11-13 ) We listen because sometimes the winds are contrary. We listen because sometimes an earthquake is shaking the core of our being. We listen because sometimes it feels like a walking through the fires of  hell . We listen, fortunately, because sometimes his voice may be hard to hear...but he is not silent. In his own quiet way, Jesus is giving us the strength and grace we need for every situation. Then Jesus said, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear."  ( Mark 4:9 ) Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let them hear.  ( Matthew 3:43 ) God is not silent. He is speaking. He loves you deeply, and even if you don’t feel it, He is in control. Why don’t you take a moment to listen quietly? God may be speaking to you right now.

Dear Roger, When we think about the end times we think about the book of Revelation. The apostle John wrote the entire book of Revelation. Is there much scripture that tells us what Jesus himself actually taught? Sincerely, Christopher Dear Christopher, I’d like for us to interact with Jesus’s personal teachings about his second coming. Don’t hurry. Jesus has a lot to say and each word is important. FIRST, COMPARE AND CONTRAST JESUS’ BEHAVIOR BOTH BEFORE AND DURING THE END TIMES. Before the End Times commence, Jesus is filled with love and compassion for the woman who touched his robe in hopes of a healing. He has loving compassion for the woman about to be stoned by the Pharisees. He protects Mary after the disciples criticize her for wasting perfume on Jesus. Only once did Jesus ever describe his personal character. “For I am gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11 29. Isn’t that a beautiful picture of Jesus? On the other hand, during His Second Coming, Jesus comes riding on a white horse with a sword/to kill and bronze boots to stamp on those who have warred against him (Revelation 19:11-16). There is nothing heartwarming or attractive that can be said about his activities during the end times. He comes in judgment and vengeance. Which picture of Jesus’ behavior do you like best? Are you enjoying his love and compassion? Or, are you still worried that He’s upset and angry with you? That he is far away? That he is ashamed of you? SECOND, JESUS REVEALS HIS WEEPING COMPASSION. Do not hurry past these verses: “Oh Jerusalem, how often I have longed to gather your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings but you were not willing” ( Matthew 23:37-39). Have you ever thought that perhaps the real Jesus is praying for you? He is weeping with compassion? We so often see him as angry, upset, disappointed, distant or inspecting when we sin and disobey. Maybe it’s more likely that he is brokenhearted and weeping over our sin and behavior. Do you see the real Jesus? Or do you picture an un-biblical one that you’ve made up in your mind? THIRD, NOT EVEN JESUS KNOWS THE SECRET TIMING OF HIS RETURN. Many have tried but all have failed. They figure out days and months and timings and hours and all that they come up with are wrong guesses! “No one knows about that they are our, not even the angels in heaven, nor the son, but only the father” (Matthew 24:6). I recall a man who came to our city claiming to know the day and hour of the Lord’s return! Over the next several months he gathered a large contingent of followers. He encouraged his followers to sell all they had because none needed possessions after the Second Coming. His date came and went and we never heard him again. As far as I can tell, this is the only secret that the Father ever kept from the Son (Matthew 24:35). Have you figured out yet what day the second coming will occur? I’m just kidding! FOURTH, JESUS WAS DEEPLY CONCERNED ABOUT HIS FOLLOWERS BEING DECEIVED INTO FOLLOWING A FALSE CHRIST. “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name claiming, ‘I ’ m the Christ, and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:5). The best way to be undeceived is to know the truth. This is why saturating our minds with the Bible is so critically important. When we know the truth, we can spot the error. Jesus used the book of Daniel to show that the antichrist would be the best deceiver of all time. (Matthew 24:15). Jesus spoke often warning his disciples about slipping into deception. If he were so deeply concerned, so must we. Here Are Some Tools That Satan Might Use To Deceive Us. Distorting or misinterpreting the Bible Denying the divinity of Jesus Rejecting the virgin birthPromoting teachings and associating with of an individual who gathers a following Rejecting the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross for our sin Not realizing that following the teachings and principles of a false teacher will lead to hell False teaching will add to or subtract from the importance of faith.The salvation by faith formula is, “Faith plus absolutely nothing else produces salvation” (is freely given by grace). False teaching often claims to have secret knowledge known only to the false Prophet and to no one else Take a moment and evaluate now, how well you know the Scriptures. Do you feel secure in your Bible knowledge that gives you confidence you’re on the right track? Could there be anything in your life that might be construed as deceit? Think about the Christians you know. Are there any that need to be undeceived? Do you feel comfortable approaching them if you feel that they are in error? FIFTH, JESUS IDENTIFIED THE SIGN THAT WOULD HERALD THE COMING OF THE ANTICHRIST TO BEGIN THE SEVEN YEARS OF TRIBULATION. Jesus quotes from the book of Daniel: “So when you see standing in the holy Place, the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel – let the reader understand. . . .” (Matthew 24:15-16). Let’s be certain that we all understand. I’ll make it as simple. From Daniel’ s time, God’s prophetic time schedule for Israel was 490 years. The prophetic clock stopped seven years early at 483 years when Jesus entered triumphantly into the temple on Palm Sunday (the numbers work out to about 30 A.D.) There is now one seven-year period remaining. The book of Revelation is all about that seventh year (often called the Tribulation or the Great Tribulation) which concludes with the second coming of Christ. When the antichrist signs a peace treaty with Israel the seven- year prophetic clock will restart. After the first three and half years he breaks the Israeli peace treaty (Daniel 11:21) and slaughters a pig on the temple altar. He sets up a little image called the Abomination of Desolation. “He will confirm a covenant with many for seven years and on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation. . .. In the middle of the seven years he will put an end to sacrifice and offering” (Daniel 9:27). We are looking forward to the rapture when the Saints are taken up into heaven. However, Jesus makes it clear that the most critical sign is the signing of that peace treaty with the Antichrist. The seals, trumpets, and bowls of God’s wrath are poured out on earth during the last three and a half years (Revelation 6-16) Jesus was quite concerned that his followers understand the activities that will ultimately occur in the temple. The placing of the abomination of desolation is the signal that tells Israel to scatter and run because the greatest wave of anti-Semitism ever known is about to commence (Matthew 24:23). Now comes the question: just when does the rapture of the church occur when Jesus returns in the clouds to take his children home to Heaven? SIXTH, JESUS GAVE US TWO CLEAR PICTURES OF THE RAPTURE AND COMING DESTRUCTION IN LUKE 17:26-30. “Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.  27  They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot—they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building,  29  but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all—  30  so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed. There are countless pictures of the Rapture, removing God’s people, before destruction. Noah, Lot, the children of Israel and Red Sea are just a few. Explore the Old Testament stories and look for pictures as well as prophecies. What do you observe? Jesus was quite concerned that his followers understand the activities that will ultimately occur in the temple. The placing of the abomination of desolation is the signal that tells Israel to scatter and run because the greatest wave of anti-Semitism ever known is about to commence (Matthew 24:23). SEVENTH, JESUS SAID THAT HIS SECOND COMING WILL BE QUICK, SURPRISING, AND DEVASTATING. SO BE READY! “That is how will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field, one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; while be taken and the other left. Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:39-40). He could come at any moment. Few people are anticipating the Rapture. Most people never give it a thought. Take a moment and imagine what happens emotionally to those left behind when thousands of Christians rise up to meet the Lord. Are you ready? Consider how embarrassing to be caught in sin when he arrives?“In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52). How fast is the twinkling of an eye? It will take the speed of light (183,000 seconds) to move from the front of the eyeball to the back. Blink your eyes! That was too slow. Take a moment and imagine that you’ve just heard the trumpet call “when the Angels gather the elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (Matthew 24:31). Julie and I are planning on holding hands as we ascend. EIGHTH, JESUS SPOKE OFTEN ABOUT END TIME PERSECUTION AND HOW TO HANDLE IT. “Before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, all on account of my name. . . . then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death” (Matthew 24:9-13). A number of church leaders declare that more murder or persecution against Christians is happening in this generation than ever before on earth. This reminds me of Polycarp. He was the beloved 2nd-century Christian bishop of Smyrna. When the time came time to pledge allegiance to the Roman Emperor he flatly refused. He was so loved that the people of Smyrna that they begged him to hide away until it was safe. But he refused: “Eighty-six years I have followed Jesus. I have no intention of deserting him now.” He died a martyr, bound and burned at the stake, then stabbed when the fire failed to consume his body. At that time many will turn away from the faith and hate each other and many false prophets will appear and to see many people because of the increasing wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved Matthew 24:13 Apostasy! A number of “Christians” won’t make it without deserting Christ. Think about whether or not you have decided to follow Christ no matter what the cost. See if you can unravel who is the real Christian in Matthew 13:18-23. The first man certainly was not.The fourth man produced fruit and is certainly safe. The problem resolves around men two and three. They both started with Christ; but, somewhere along the way. What do you think? Were these two men saved? Is there such a thing as spiritual abortion (Hebrews 6:4-6)?But do not worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdoms that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict” (Luke 21:13-15). NINTH, JESUS SPOKE OFTEN ABOUT THE DEVASTATION THAT WILL OCCUR BEFORE HIS SECOND COMING. “Then, he said to them, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven” (Matthew 21:10-11). Jesus also mentioned war and many other catastrophes. In fact, the cataclysmic events during the second coming will rival the creation of the universe (Matthew 24:21). Think about how the weapons of war have increased since’ Jesus’ time. In his day, soldiers fought with swords and spears and arrows. Today, the thermonuclear killing zone stretches all the way around the world. FINALLY, JESUS IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS. HE INVITES PEOPLE OF ALL RACES, CULTURES, AND CREEDS TO OPEN THEIR LIVES AND LET HIM COME IN. “So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). His last words before His ascension in Acts 1:8 compelled His disciples to preach the Gospel to all nations. Perhaps you have seen the picture of Jesus standing before the door a house inviting those inside to open the door and let him come in! If you look carefully, you’ll see there’s no outside doorknob. He will not crash in. He only comes in when we open the door ourselves. Jesus has much to say to us. It’s all right for us to shout something back to him! Why wait? Take a moment and get down on your knees and join the millions who one day will shout in unison, “Jesus Christ is Lord!" Therefore God Exalted Him To The Highest Place And Gave Him The Name That Is Above Every Name, That At The Name Of Jesus Every Knee Should Bow, In Heaven And On Earth And Under The Earth, And Every Tongue Confess That Jesus Christ Is Lord, To The Glory Of God The Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

Dear Roger, It seems like the world is falling apart. I’m scared. My friends and I talk about what is happening to the global economy and I just get more scared. My house is worth less now than when I bought it. I feel stuck. I couldn’t sell it now even if I wanted to. The possible pandemic of coronavirus, unrest in Iran, political division in America, disastrous wildfires in Australia...What do you think is going to happen? Is this the end? Is the Book of Revelation being fulfilled now? Will things ever return to normal? Will the earthquakes, revolutions and genocide increase? I know I am asking a lot of questions and you don’t have to answer them all but I would appreciate it if you’d share some thoughts on the current crises. Thank you, A Concerned Christian Dear Concerned, Waiting for a wedding can be almost as tough as waiting for the Second Coming (Remember that Jesus compares himself to a bridegroom coming for his bride!). My youngest daughter went to look at wedding dresses just for fun. She found just the one that she wanted at a price we could afford. Bronwyn was so anxious that she bought hers early. I said, “Bronwyn, you don’t even have a boyfriend! She said, “Dad, this dress is so pretty it will go well with any guy! Concerned, you may be at peace. As a Christian, Jesus will come to take you to heaven before the terrible things you are afraid of take place. (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18). But I can tell that you are saying: “FIRST, IF I JUST KNEW WHAT’S COMING, I WOULDN’T BE SO STRESSED OUT!” The rapture, the event that occurs when Jesus takes his bride out of the earth and up to heaven’s glory, occurs before the time of great tribulation when all hell breaks loose on earth. But the "signs of the times" are not quite here yet, even though it might look like it! (Matthew 24:1-3). We will never know until it actually comes. Jesus said, “Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, there will be famines and earthquakes in various places all these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:1-3). Jesus said, “You will hear of rumors and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places and these are the beginning of birth pains (Matthew 24:6-8). We see today all of the things he mentioned and many more. These signs include, among many others: an increasing global temperature the destruction of seafood in the oceans an attempt at a world-wide government to deal with the crises of the end times a double invasion of “Rosh from the North” (Russia?) and a horde of “200 million red army soldiers” from the East into the Middle East, Palestine, Israel and Lebanon a nuclear holocaust in Israel. By the way, God has promised a crown for all of us who “love and look forward to the second coming of Christ.” Earthquakes in Haiti, New Zealand, Mexico, Nepal, and Turkey slaughter thousands. These are not supernatural. They are the normal movement of Continental Plates that have occurred for millennia. Tsunamis in Indonesia, Japan and Hawaii are not usually unusual supernatural acts of God. They are the natural results of earthquakes. We’ve lost the battle with global warming. greenhouse gases will continue to heat the earth like what happened to Venus (it’s a little more complicated than that). The Middle East is in unbelievable turmoil. Try as we might, the Scriptures tell us that there will never be peace in the Middle East. Of course, we have wars, genocide and totalitarian governments killing millions people. Lack of water, famine and disease in Africa break our hearts. Nuclear meltdowns are upon us from Nevada and Three Mile Island in America to the devastating tragedy in Japan with hundred square miles so decimated by radiation that no one can even walk there to Chernobyl in the Ukraine that spread radiation all over northern Europe. I believe that the worst is yet to come. All of these traumas are explicitly mentioned by Jesus and Revelation as well as in the Bible books listed above. “As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,' and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”  Matthew 24:1-8 Jesus says here that we are now in the beginning of the “Birth Pains.” What do we know about birth pangs? They increase in intensity and frequency. What else do we know? When the Baby comes, no one cares about birth pains! Julie, my wife, confided in me that she was afraid of going into labor. I calmly reassured her: “Julie, it is no big deal! You will get over it! We’ll have the Baby!” That’s easy for the father to say! The world is having birth pains. We’ll have to feel the labor pains. But then will come Christ’s return, the New Heavens and the New Earth. "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. “Matthew 24:30: So how do I prepare for Jesus’ return? DON'T LOSE HOPE Remember Jesus is waiting. Imagine Christ saying to you, “I’m proud of you; you never gave up; you never stopped looking for my return; I have a special blessing for you. Well, done!” “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. . . . Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:1- 3). The blessing is that we can be at peace. Don’t worry. God is there and everything is under control. REMEMBER TO INVEST IN HEAVENLY TREASURES AND NOT EARTHLY ONES. Imagine Jesus putting His arm around you and saying , “I’m so proud of you, you handled well the money and possessions that I placed in your hands!” This is a really big deal. Jesus often spoke about money. He’s very concerned about how we handle the possessions that he has placed in our care. To the person who manages God’s money well, Jesus gives great commendation: “Well done, faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master’s happiness!” Think of the Christian who makes more than he/she spends and thus has extra to help people in need and to advance the Kingdom of God on earth. On the other hand, to the person who manages God’s money poorly, Jesus has great condemnation: “you wicked, lazy servant! Take the money away from him and give to those who know how to use it well” (Matthew 25:1-30). Watch Jesus with a calculator as he examines your checkbook or online savings. Hopefully he’s smiling. BE SURE YOU'VE TRUSTED JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR. I see Jesus grinning as he opens the Book of Life. A big smile crosses his face as he finds your name among those who have surrendered their lives to him as Lord and Savior. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life. . . For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” JOHN 3:16-17 Doesn’t Jesus look excited or not! Rapture day is the wedding day. Listen as he tells us that he is coming for his bride, the Church. Like a bride is pure, holy and submissive to her husband, so we are to be pure and holy and submissive to Jesus. “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” 2 Peter 3:11-14 BE READY TO COLLECT YOUR CROWNS IN HEAVEN. Collect your crowns. Imagine Jesus’ smiling with open arms as you lay your heavenly crowns at His feet. God has promised a crown all who “love and look forward to His coming,” but there are other crowns to give Jesus. These crown-rewards are not “treasures” we lay up in Heaven for our future use (Matthew 6:19-21). Nor are they determiners of just how much responsibility we will or won’t have in Heaven (Matthew 25:14-30). They are objects that we will receive and then lay at the feet of Jesus: The Crown of Glory or the Soul Winner’s Crown (Philippians 4:1 and 2 Thessalonians 2:17-20) The Everlasting Crown of Self Discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 2 Timothy 2:5-7) The Crown of Righteousness or the Crown of Loving the Lord’s Coming (2 Timothy 4:6-8) The Crown of Life or the Martyrs’ Crown (James 1:12 and Revelation 2:10) The Crown of Glory or the Shepherd’s Crown (1 Peter 5:1-4) We can earn any one or all five of the rewards. Just as the Greeks won laurel wreathes, Christians win crowns. There are five of them. I want all of them—except one. PRAY THE LORD'S PRAYER We can help the Kingdom of God to come on earth sooner than later. “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’” (Matthew 6:9-13).” Final word as we depart. Don’t ever doubt whether or not the train will be on time as it comes into the station! The second coming is right on time! “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” ( 2 Peter 3:8-9) “Live as if Christ is coming in the next 10 minutes. Plan as if He is not coming for 1,000 years.” Dear concerned, I hope you find this helpful. Love, Roger

“Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.” Proverbs 18:24. MSG I hired Gary Shrader over the telephone. I was 26. Gary was 24, green and newly graduated from seminary. Our fledgling church needed a youth pastor. I received Gary’s resume and was so impressed that I didn’t even bother to bring him out for an interview. I noticed on his resume that he was valedictorian of his high school class. I thought that anyone who was valedictorian would be a great hire. Several months later, I discovered that there were only 13 in his graduating class. Gary pulled up to the church with a tiny U-Haul trailer. I asked, “Where is the rest of your stuff?” “This is everything I own,” he replied. Hiring Gary was the best decision I ever made. He was a splendid youth pastor. He was also hilarious. I loved his rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot, Short and Stout.” Imagine Gary painting lipstick around his belly button and making it talk. He played foppish King George in the Christmas Pageant, the Young Messiah , and brought down the house. He dressed as Albert Einstein when he played the Bionic Baptist in a sketch promoting missions. Gary sat on the lap of our Education Pastor and played a ventriloquist’s dummy. Gary, the deadpan puppet, told so many jokes off the cuff that people were falling out of their chairs. No one at youth camp can ever forget the story about “Diarrhea: it runs in your jeans.” Gary was the only one brave enough to accompany my wife Julie on youth mission trips. I tried to go once. I almost had a nervous breakdown. Julie was scatter-brained and was never afraid of anything. Gary was not afraid of Julie. Gary was our only eligible bachelor. He was a catch. Young women lined up at the door of the church office hoping to curry Gary’s favor. Only one woman won the prize: Gary’s heart. Jan Wooten became his bride. Jan was a pastor’s kid. Gary had a formidable father-in-law. When Pastor Henry Wooten performed Gary and Jan’s marriage ceremony, Henry said, “Do you promise to love, honor and cherish this woman?” Gary replied, “Yes.” Henry snarled, “If you don’t, I’ll break your neck!” Gary is one of the most spiritual men I’ve ever met. We were leading summer camp in the mountains of Northern Arizona. Gary and I got up early every morning to go to the chapel to pray. Long before there was ever a Prayer of Jabez book, I heard Gary praying the prayer of Jabez for himself. I heard him pray for God would expand his boundaries. God answered his prayer. He mentored young pastors and missionaries all over the globe. He was loyal, honest and faithful. He was always forward thinking, adaptable, open to change. That’s why he succeeded in every pastoral position he assumed. Gary was a renaissance man. I once asked him, “How did you get so wise?” He admitted that driving a tractor on his Oklahoma farm gave him time to think. Perhaps we all need to spend time on the farm. Billy Graham did also! My friend gave me the best advice I ever had. Once upon a time, we were facing a church split and I was deciding how to handle it. Gary appeared at my office door and said, “Roger, now is the time the average pastor does something stupid.” I kept my mouth shut as Gary advised, waited it out and God worked it out. I remember when I was a 30-year-old pastor with PTSD, the church leadership recommended I take a sabbatical to recover. I assigned Gary the job of holding the church together until I returned. He did. He gave his wise counsel in a number of different ways. He had the ability to sit quietly in a meeting, synthesize everything that was said, and then frame an answer that was directly from God and imminently practical. For example one of our worship leaders committed adultery. I was traumatized. I wasn’t sure to make it public. Gary encouraged me to handle it up front with the congregation. I preached the Sunday service. I preached on what to do biblically when a church leader sins, and Steve, head of our counseling department, shared with our congregation how to heal their grief and disappointment. Speaking the truth in love allowed the couple to stay in our church for a time, and paved the way for an easy staff transition. Gary was my go-to guy. Whenever the church had a problem, I asked Gary to fix it. We had a charismatic Sunday school teacher who convinced 100 people to follow him and make his own church. Instead of getting angry and vengeful, Gary said to pray a blessing over all of them. A year later, his church fell apart and most of our former members returned. It was our blessing that opened the door for their return. He was quite versatile. During his career he was a youth pastor, a missions pastor, a church administrator and an executive pastor. Gary excelled at every post. He was the steady hand that kept our ship aright. Gary consulted on every decision to hire church staff. I wanted his advice. He was an excellent judge of character. Gary helped me select hundreds of church personnel over the years. He helped me fire a few, too! Gary and I were always passionate about growing the church. We made an attendance chart on the back of the bathroom door in my study. Every Monday we would look at the numbers and see if we were doing enough to reach people for Christ. We were chatting in my tiny bathroom one Monday afternoon and Elsie Robinson, my secretary, knocked on the bathroom door. She looked in the door, saw both of us crammed into the tiny bathroom, shook her head and left. Gary called the 1980’s the “Camelot Years” at Casas. There was only one level of staff, we were all good friends, and the church was exploding. But we outgrew our old site. It took twelve years to re-locate our church to a 100-acre plot five miles north of our church. We faced almost insurmountable obstacles. Gary stood beside me in every challenge we faced. He helped coordinate the sale of the old property and secured continuing income for the Casas ministries today. Gary orchestrated plans to get the church debt-free by the time I retired. And he did! One thing that most impressed me was Gary’s vision to make our church a mission-minded church that spanned the globe. Casas gave millions of dollars to support world missions, and sent out hundreds of missionaries. I remember one summer we had over 500 people involved in long and short-term mission projects overseas. Gary and Dwight Nelson travelled to India to do mission work. Gary asked for bottled water. He looked out his window and saw the waiter fill a plastic bottle with a water hose. Gary also ventured to Kenya and went off into the bush to take photos. Suddenly a nearby elephant trumpeted and began to charge. He escaped to his tent not knowing if he and his wife would be trampled underfoot. Finally the elephant lost interest and lumbered away. When the Libyan Embassy became available in Pakistan, our church purchased the building. I assigned Gary to start a seminary for native pastors. We trained several hundred pastors over the next few years. It was all Gary. I never even went. Gary coordinated our 40-year partnership with Pastor Roberto Morales in Mexico. He also coordinated short-term mission trips throughout the year with our sister church. Pastor Roberto expanded his ministry throughout Mexico and Peru. What a legacy! Gary was a fabulous teacher but he hated to preach. He taught me what to do if ever I accidentally said a bad word in the pulpit. Gary was preaching on Jonah and used an illustration about a garbage scowl that confessed, “I wanted to be a beautiful ocean liner and all I ended up being is a stinking shi*.” He kept right on going. Everyone in the congregation said, “Did he really say that?” Gary never admitted it. I used his sage advice the next time that I bungled my words. I kept on going. I adopted his recommendation. “If you try to fix it, it will always be worse.” Gary had a personal prophecy for me. He said that my ministry after 55 would be greater than before. I grieved having to retire early for health reasons, and Gary’s words rang true when we began our web ministry. Preach It, Teach It fulfilled my dreams to help pastors and missionaries around the world. I counsel pastors on every continent every day. Our site reaches millions. His words have always given me God’s perspective instead of my own. He was a great encourager. When I was down, he had an open door to listen. The one thing I remember most was that Gary was always at my side. In every phase of my ministry, he never left. When I suffered through so many health challenges, crises and criticisms, Gary said, “Roger, you are the toughest man I ever met.” He was wrong. Gary was the toughest man. He fought a battle for his life. Inoperable brain cancer was his greatest challenge. He handled excruciating pain and relentless setbacks with grace. He even laughed in the face of adversity. Jan, his faith-filled wife, showed grace every day in his suffering. I have never known anyone like him. I will always love him and admire him. He truly is the friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Dear Roger, The needy are increasing every day as the coronavirus continues to disrupt everyday life.. I’d like some guidelines on what the  Bible  says about generosity. Can you help? Many people are getting tight on money. They have bills to pay, children to raise, groceries to secure, and mortgages to pay—and their money supply is rapidly dwindling. I believe there are a lot of good people in America who will be willing to share to help others. What are the biblical guidelines for generosity? Sincerely, Brian Dear Brian, Let me see if I can postulate with these eight helpful, biblical principles. 1. The Bible Says a Lot about Generosity 2 Corinthians: 8:2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 1 Timothy 6:18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. 1 Chronicles 29:14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. Proverbs 22:9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. 2. Generosity Takes Many Forms My wife, Julie, has severe lung problems. So, during this coronavirus crisis we've been very careful to avoid the virus. We've been to no stores, had all of our groceries delivered, and sprayed everything with Lysol. Yesterday, a young lady came to our front door pulling a red wagon filled with our groceries. I offered to help unload; she said "No." I offered again. Again, she said "No." "Well, I really appreciate it! Is bringing people’s wagons full of their groceries your full-time job?" I asked. "No,” she replied, “I'm a flight attendant and I wanted to do what I could help. So I volunteered." Generosity often means giving more than just money. Maybe it's giving a generous dose of your time to help one who’s lonely. Maybe it's mowing your neighbor's lawn when he/she can't do it his/herself. Maybe you're a plumber called upon by a financially struggling family to fix their broken water heater. Money during this crisis is financially touch-and-go for them. Why don't you fix their water heater for free? Or, better yet, give them a new one if you can afford it? Generosity may look like driving a cancer patient who has no other way to the oncology clinic for their regularly scheduled radiation treatment. What gifts do you have? Time? Teaching? Encouragement? Comforting? Service? Prayer? Spirituality? Trade them for use in the Christian community. 3. Generosity Is Often Determined by a Socioeconomic Ladder American society is often divided into 10 socioeconomic strata, with 0 being extreme poverty and 10 being extreme wealth. We might say that levels 1 through 3 are poor. Levels 4 through 8 are middle-class. Levels 9 through 10 are rich. By the way, the strata are not just about money. Most people congregate over no more than 2½ to 3 levels. We can illustrate this at the football stadium. Levels 1 through 3 can't afford to buy a ticket. Levels 4 through 7 can buy seats in the stadium—some seats better than others. Levels 8-10 watch the game from the skyboxes. Some Christians say, "Our church is open to everyone." However, that’s just not true! If most of the members are 7s, then most may be levels 6, 7 and 8—but not 4s. Why is this information important? Because statistically we know that  the poor are much more likely to give generously to those in need  because they are farther down the ladder than those who are rich.  The rich people are much less likely to see the needs of the poor because they're not around them. The most generous givers are on levels 1 through 3. People on lower levels give approximately 18% of their income to charity. The 9s, and10s give less than 1.5 % to charity. In other words: “When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.” The problem is that we tend to look up the ladder and compare ourselves with those above.  We look up the ladder and say, “I’m not rich enough to give! He’s rich!” If only we would look down the ladder and see how many are below us. We would see how rich we really are. But it is hard to look down the ladder once we've climbed up. 4. Be Like Jesus: Don’t Just Look Down the Ladder, Climb Down At the Jewish Feast of Purim there is a regulation which says that, however poor a man is, he must find someone poorer than himself and give him a gift. Make every day the Feast of Purim:  Find someone who is less fortunate and help him or her. Be like Jesus:   climb down the ladder. 5. Consider Your Gift an Act of Worship to the Lord Jesus Acts 10:4 (To Cornelius) The angel answered, ‘your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God...’ As the lady with the red wagon was unloading our groceries, I wondered to myself, "does she realize that using her gift is an act of worship to Jesus?” ( Matthew 25:45 ) Once, when I was preaching on generosity, I was greeting guests after the first service when a man that I didn’t know greeted me and said: "I live high on the ladder. I don't know many people down the ladder anymore. I want to help someone. You know, who is down the ladder." He handed me eight $100 bills. I mentioned that experience in the second, third, and fourth services. By the time I left, my hands were full of cash. 6. Paul Applies the ‘Law of Harvest’ to Our Resources Giving is like sowing seed. The more you sow the more you harvest. The stingier you are the less you will receive. Those who give a lot receive a lot. 2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Generosity is really a matter of the heart and attitude. 7. Paul Shows How – and How Not – to Give 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. "Reluctantly" simply means that you wish you hadn't given. You grieve over the loss of what you gave. "Under compulsion" means feeling forced to give because of what someone will think of you, or won't think of you, or because somebody twisted your arm to give. On the other hand, "for God loves a cheerful giver" translates the Greek word for "hilarious" giving! Becoming intoxicated. The more you give the more you delight in giving and want to give more. This word means that you'd rather give to buy a car for a missionary than to buy a car for yourself. 8. Be Grateful When You Receive I learned a wise lesson about how to receive a gift from one of our church members. My wife, Julie, and I lost our first child. We did not have much money. We were living on $1,100 per month. We'd saved up enough to have a baby. The gynecologist told us upfront that delivery would be $500. Then, things went wrong. Emergency C-section. Forty days in the ICU. Right after the delivery, I was with the doctor. “I’m certainly glad,” I said, “that we’d we saved up the $500 for the delivery.” The gynecologist said, “But a C-section is $1,000.” I recall sitting in a phone booth at the hospital with a handful of bills and tears in my eyes. Insurance covered only so much and Julie and I had increasing bills and no money. One of our members, Merle Speare, called to take me to lunch. “How much do you need?” he asked. “I want to pay the rest of your bills.” “Oh, you can’t do that,” I said. “It’s way too much. We can’t take your money. I really appreciate the offer but I can’t let you do that.” “Why not? We’ve been blessed and would like to pass some on to you.” “Still,” I answered, “I can’t let you do that.” He continued “How much are you short? I replied, “$1,800.” He reached in his coat pocket and pulled out his checkbook and wrote me a check for $1, 800. Then, he said, if any more bills come in, they are mine.” Then he gave me this lesson, or what I like to call  The Lesson: When someone gives you a gift, simply say,  “Thank you, I appreciate this gift, it means a lot to me.” When you stumble and “hem and haw” around, all you’re doing is devaluing the gifts they want to give you.  Why would you want to devalue their gift?  Let them enjoy the grace of giving! Well, Brian, thanks so much for such a great question. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, Many factors determine who should receive treatment during a world-wide health crisis. Who lives? Who dies? Who receives life-giving treatments? Essential workers, health workers, the elderly have been chosen first in our own country. The most vulnerable are receiving help before others. But that is not always the case in our world. Ken Turnage, a planning commissioner in Antioch, California is quoted as saying: “Just as a forest fire clears dead brush, the sick, the old, the injured should be left to meet their ‘natural course in nature’ during the coronavirus outbreak. He characterized the …”elderly, the homeless and people with weak immune systems as a drain on society who should be left to perish.” He confided, “If we were to live our lives, let nature run its course, yes we will all feel hardship, we will all feel loss,” but as a species the deaths would alleviate strain on the country’s healthcare and Social Security systems and free up jobs and housing. “As for “our homeless and other people who just defile themselves by either choice or mental issues, the virus would fix what is a significant burden on our society.” He was subsequently fired. “Even 70-year-old Dan Patrick, lieutenant governor of Texas, offered himself up as a sacrificial lamb, saying if more people have to die to save the economy for future generations, “I’m all in.” And California Gov. Gavin Newsom initially advised hospitals to prioritize younger people for care during the pandemic, although those guidelines were later retracted.” Many would say such views are extreme . But the pandemic is bringing out our best instincts and our worst, as well. How do we stop this terrifying trend of determining who lives or dies? Sincerely, Julie Dear Julie, Your observations about COVID-19 pose many questions. What is a human life worth? How are we responding unselfishly, compassionately? Are we seeing a Darwinian “survival of the fittest” mentality? How can we respond in a godly way? ABORTION AS AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS Currently, 61% of Americans say abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while 38% say it should be illegal in all or most cases. During the pandemic, The National Abortion Federation declared abortion clinics should be considered “essential businesses.” Many states have fought to oppose this ruling. Abortion contradicts the basic premise that God loved each child before birth. He planned every day of their lives: “For You made the parts inside me. You put me together inside my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for the greatness of the way I was made brings fear. Your works are great and my soul knows it very well. My bones were not hidden from You when I was made in secret and put together with care in the deep part of the earth.Your eyes saw me before I was put together. And all the days of my life were written in Your book before any of them came to be.” Psalm 139:13-16 NLV No child’s life, born or unborn, should be devalued. Ever! EXPENDABLE ELDERLY Many over-crowded hospitals here and abroad have the impossible dilemma of determining which patient will receive a ventilator: a 40-year old patient or an 80-year old patient with underlying conditions. Tough, agonizing choice! Steve Lopez of the LA Times writes : “It’s no accident that nursing homes — with too few supplies and resources for patients and employees — have become killing fields in a nation that has underfunded public health and failed to provide proper state and federal oversight of profiteering eldercare companies. Some see the elderly as expendable.” He continues, “we all want a return to something resembling normal, because people are hurting, they’re broke and they’re restless.” ‘You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the aged, and you shall fear your God ; I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:32 AMP “Gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life.” Proverbs 16:31 MSG What is the value of the life of one of our elders? They are the generation who braved the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression and two World Wars. They have wisdom and experience to help us brave our future challenges. MARGINALIZING MINORITIES The CDC reports: “When the Wuhan outbreak occurred, people around the world shunned people of Asian descent. Since then, minority groups who suffer the most infections live in densely populated areas, often serve as critical workers in crowded conditions with no paid sick leave and no health insurance. Many families live in multi-generational, smaller homes where isolation is not an option.” Hatred and fear during epidemics have often caused racism. Jews were widely blamed for the Black Death and immigrant Irish workers held responsible for cholera epidemics in the 1830s.” In the early 1900s, African Americans were supposed to cause the spread of syphilis. MERS, often called the “Camel Disease,” appeared in the Middle Eastern population. African citizens were blamed for spreading Ebola and HIV. Fear can devalue human life. Racism and superstition can prevent needed health care and foster distrust between us, just as we need each other the most! The Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 is a perfect example. Jesus chose to reveal His Messiahship to a woman (a de-valued member of society), a Samaritan (despised by the Jews). She believed a different religion, and she was of questionable moral character. Christians believe that all humans are made in God's image, and are therefore sacred. Jesus spent His ministry loving people of other races, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. We should love them in the same way. IGNORING THE POOR We must not ignore the poor, the hungry or the unemployed. Dire times require great sacrifice and selflessness! Since March, 23.1 million Americans are unemployed . As America opens, we hope to see an uptick in our economy. But people are hurting and we cannot turn a blind eye. Compassion and generosity is perfectly captured in Proverbs 14:31: “Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” NIV Look at the Lord’s words about the goodness of King Josiah in Jeremiah 22:16: “He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me, declares the LORD?” NIV. Jesus said, “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35 MSG EXPANDED EUTHANASIA When do we turn off someone’s ventilator? Do we turn away patients needing care because hospitals have no room for infected patients? Will we, like other nations, determine euthanasia is an easy way out? Ten countries and six states have legalized euthanasia. A new Dutch law was passed on January 1, 2020 stating that a person may be euthanized for mental illness or dementia as well as terminal health conditions. Here’s a chilling example: A psychiatric diagnosis is a more of a subjective assessment. Indeed, an otherwise healthy Dutch woman was euthanized 12 months after her husband’s death for “prolonged grief disorder.” Rabbi Pinchas Winston made some astute observations: “Abortions and assisted suicides are both prohibited by the Noahide Law that prohibits the spilling of blood.” “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; For in His image Did Jehovah make man.” Genesis 9:6 "It is unthinkable but many of these cases require a child giving permission to kill their parent," Rabbi Winston said. "Society seems to be moving in this direction as the connection between parent and child falls by the wayside. Abortion is a mother rejecting her child and euthanasia may be a child rejecting their parent." King Solomon declares, “No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death.” Ecclesiastes 8:8 NIV God has the final say over death (see 1 Corinthians 15:26, 54–56; Hebrews 2:9, 14–15; Revelation 21:4). Euthanasia and assisted suicide are man’s attempts to usurp that authority from God. Pope John Paul II’s edict states : “Nothing and no one can in any way permit the killing of an innocent human being, whether a fetus or an embryo, an infant or an adult, an old person, or one suffering from an incurable disease, or a person who is dying. There is a 'culture of death' in modern society, and said that human beings should always prefer the way of life to the way of death.” This means that suffering and pain do not stop life being valuable, and are not a reason for ending life. The church believes that each person should enter the dying process with all its mysteries with trust in God and in solidarity with their fellow human beings; they should die with the dignity of letting themselves be loved unconditionally. “True compassion leads to sharing another's pain; it does not kill the person whose suffering we cannot bear.” “We must that each human life is a manifestation of God in the world, a sign of his presence, a trace of his glory. "The life which God offers to man is a gift by which God shares something of himself with his creature." So how do we determine the value of a human life? God did that for us. He told us we were made in His image. Further, He sent His only Son to die for all of the darkness and selfishness inside of every man. Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for His friends.” Jesus modeled that unconditional, selfless love. We must do no less. I hope this helps. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, Our small group was studying the passage in John 21 where Jesus commissioned Peter to be a shepherd for His sheep. I hadn’t considered the next part before, where Jesus leads Peter to analyze how much he loved Jesus! We spent the rest of the evening discussing how deeply we felt our own love for Jesus. We all want to know more. Please help! Love, Sam Dear Sam, I’d like to answer your question by contrasting the maturing of Peter’s love for Jesus with how much Mary of Bethany loved Jesus. We’ll look at three key questions: - Do you know if your love for Christ is genuine? - How can you grow more deeply in that love? - How do you rekindle that love if you’ve lost it? My goal is that we all may be better equipped to evaluate and deepen our love for Jesus at any price. Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time. Put yourself in Peter’s and Mary’s sandals. Take time to evaluate the question, “How much do I love Jesus?” Let’s start by looking at Peter’s love for Jesus. A Look into Peter’s Faltering Love Peter’s love needed rekindling. After all, he denied Jesus three times the night before the crucifixion. In  John 21 , we see that Peter’s done it again! He’s given up on Jesus and returned to Galilee to reopen his fishing business. Jesus met Peter on the beach after His  resurrection . He asked three soul-searching questions to help him understand just how much he loved Jesus and why that matters so much. Read with me: Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.  ( John 21:15-17 ) Peter hadn’t shown His love for Jesus well. His behaviors spoke for themselves. So, Jesus challenged him, calling him to “care for the sheep,” or to lead the church. Surely, we can do better, knowing Jesus’ love for us and His call on our lives. Starting with, what’s true about love? Two Things Are Always True about Love 1. Love always expresses itself I dare you to fall in love and not do something about it. A little child plucks a daisy with no stem and comes running up to mom. Why? Because love always expresses itself. I recall the response of one teenage girl at summer camp who was asked to define love. As she stumbled all over her words, I thought about how love might feel to that 15-year-old girl. She said: “It’s an inward-ish-ness; no, it’s an outward-ish-ness, no, it’s an all-over-ish-nish-ness!” Follow that girl 10 years later as she sits with her firstborn, wiping a fevered brow all through the night. Then ask her, what is love? She’ll probably tell you that love is more giving than feeling. If you say you love Jesus and do nothing about it, I’ll tell you that it’s just not true! 2. Love always costs I made $25 per week preaching in a small country church during college. I had money to purchase preaching books, and gasoline and car repairs and insurance, and go to a few baseball games, but just barely! Then, I met Julie. She took me for everything else that I had left: movies, restaurants, flowers for Valentine’s Day, birthday presents and on and on. It wasn’t too long until she cost me everything that I had..but she was  worth it! When we truly love Jesus, we can’t help but express it. And when we truly love Jesus, it costs everything that we have. Remember in the upper room, Peter declared that he loved Jesus better than all the other disciples? He declared, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I will never go away. I’m ready to die for you.” ( John 13:37  NLT) Shortly thereafter, Peter turned and walked away from Jesus. The cost of following was too high. So what does the  Bible  say about kinds, or levels, of love? The Bible Uses Four Different Words to Describe ‘Love’ We use the word “love” for many things. We might say, “I love dogs; I love school; I love my girlfriend; I love my work; and I love to travel.” We use the word “love” every time! We don’t discriminate. However,  Greek has four different words  that expand the meaning of what we call “love.” First, the word “Storge” might be translated as the word “like.” Think “I like chicken; I like my car; I like chocolate ice cream; or, “I like my dog.” Next, the word “ Eros ” refers to erotic sex or erotic love. “Philos” basically means “close friend.” It describes “brotherly love.” This is also the word often used to describe marriage between husband and wife. Finally, “ Agape ” is a love of deepest intimacy, vulnerability, sacrifice, and devotion.  It is used to describe the intimate love of God. Agape is the word Jesus used whenever He talked about love! Agape is sacrificial, giving love that demands nothing in return: “For God so “agape’d” the world that he gave his only begotten son” ( John 3:16 , paraphrased). Agape loves the unlovable. Agape never quits. Jesus Evaluated Peter’s Love Level Let’s read  John 21  again, swapping out the words Jesus and Peter actually used for “love.” Notice that Jesus used “agape” twice and then switched to “philos,” while Peter used “philos” throughout. When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love ( agape ) me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (philos) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “’Simon son of John, do you love ( agape ) me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love (philos) you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love (philos) me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him the third time, “Do you love me (philos)?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love (philos) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” ( John 21:15-17 ) I remember once being head over heels in love with this girl named Janet.  Finally, I got up my courage and said, “I love you with all my heart. I worship the ground you walk on.” She said, “I like you a lot.” My seven-year-old heart was crushed. When He got to the third question, Jesus lowered the bar from “agape” to “philos,” asking if Peter even loved him like he would love a brother. Peter said, “Well, at least I love you like a brother. I think…” With that evaluation out of the way, Jesus began to transition Peter from fishing for men to shepherding God’s flock. Phileo love is not enough to impel a life of obedience, service, and self-denial for Christ. Phileo did not do it for Peter. It won’t do it for us either. There is no shortcut. Loving Jesus and serving Him takes  agape  love. By the way, eventually, Peter’s  agape  love for Jesus led him to Rome, where he preached the gospel with whole-hearted-agape devotion. Peter was crucified upside down, in honor of his Lord. If Simon Peter can develop a heart full of  agape love  for Jesus Christ, then, so can we. And here’s another Biblical example we can learn from... Do You Have a ‘Mary’ Kind of Love for Jesus? We can ask “Do I love Jesus?” But perhaps this is not the right question. We will “love” Jesus. But a better question is “What KIND of love do we have for Jesus?” Storge? Eros? Philos? Agape? Let’s compare Jesus’s evaluation of Peter’s love with Mary of Bethany’s. Then we’ll figure out which kind of love we have for Jesus. The most incredible picture of  agape love  for Jesus came during the Wednesday night before the Crucifixion. Jesus and His disciples were eating at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany, when Mary came bursting in the room and poured a treasure of perfume all over Jesus (read  John 12:1-8 ). Judas shouted: “Lord, make her stop it. She’s wasting it all on you!” John tells us that the rest of the disciples chimed in along with Judas! Judas continued, “It would have been better to sell this perfume and give the money to the poor instead of pouring it out on you!” Jesus replied, “Leave her alone. She’s done a great thing. She’s anointed my body for burial while I’m still alive and can enjoy it.” Continually, He told the disciples about His own coming crucifixion and resurrection. But they never got it. But Mary did. So, she poured out the perfume. Agape love filled the room and not one disciple recognized what was happening. How did Mary of Bethany get to know Jesus so well that she could love him so much? She is mentioned only three times in the New Testament; and every time she is in the same position—kneeling at the feet of Jesus. “Mary sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said” ( Luke 10:39 ). “When Mary reached the place where Jesus was, she fell at his feet and worshiped” ( John 11:32 ). “She took about a pint of pure nard, and poured out on Jesus' feet and washed his feet with her hair" ( John 12:3 ). This was a costly bottle of perfume. According to custom, it was her retirement fund. Leave it to Judas to total up the cost: “That perfume was worth a year’s wages!” Mary didn't calculate! She didn’t measure it out to see how much she could spare! She just poured it all over Him. You don't calculate that kind of love. Pour out some of it on Jesus? Certainly! Most of it? Commendable! All of it? Hold it! But Mary kept on pouring. The amount of “perfume” we are willing to pour out is determined by our love for Jesus. Judas said, “What a waste!” Jesus said, “I am worth every bit of it.” Waste? Or Worth? How much is Jesus worth to you? How much do you love Jesus? If Jesus is who the Bible says He is—and if He is what we say that He is—then it's incredible that we falter at breaking the bottle and pouring perfume all over Him. Love always expresses itself. Love always costs. They didn’t take many baths in those days. I can imagine Jesus hanging on the cross when a slight breeze passed his face. “What’s that I smell? It’s the perfume. It’s Mary. She did anoint my body for burial while I was alive and could enjoy it.” Are you ready to ask yourself? How Much Do You Love Jesus? The intensity of our love for Jesus is measured by the quality of our service for him. So, how much do you love Jesus? First,  those who are filled with whole-hearted love and devotion for Christ— agape love —understand that service to the sheep is the same as service done for Christ. “Feed my lambs...Take care of my sheep...Feed my sheep.” ( John 21:15-17 ) Second , we love Jesus above all else. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” ( Matthew 22:37 ) Third,  we follow Christ at any price. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” ( Matthew 13:45-46 ) Fourth,  we care for those in need. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” ( Matthew 25:35-36 ) Finally,  we wash feet. After that, Jesus poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around it. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I’ve done for you? I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet that you should also wash one another’s feet.” ( John 13:2-17 ) If You’ve Lost Agape Love for Jesus, Here’s How to Get it Back Agape love for Jesus was waning at the church in Ephesus. In the book of Revelation, Jesus declared that they had lost their agape love for him. As a result, he shared a simple model for restoring agape love. First,  remember what your love for Jesus used to be like when you first came to know Him. Next,  repent that it's not that way anymore. Finally,  repeat the things you used to do when you first fell in love with Jesus. I often tell people I fell in love with Julie, my wife, at first sight. But after loving her all of these years, I am just beginning to know  how to love her more. Well Sam, I hope that my answer gives your group more to discuss about Jesus and his love—and our love for Him. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, Our current crises are leading churches to develop all sorts of new technology to evangelize as well as minister to their own congregations. Streaming, zooming, drive-in church, online preaching and teaching, online church and self-taught Bible studies will most likely outlast the current epidemic. In other words, the church will have a different look in days to come. From your perspective, what is the most important lesson for us to learn from all the shuffling through crises? Sincerely, Andy Dear Andy, The greatest lesson I see is that we don’t lose the importance and significance of small groups. The stay-at-home church has several advantages, especially during times of pandemic. But on the other hand, it has a serious problem with developing face-to-face relationships which are essential for spiritual growth and personal ministry. What do you think? Here are  eight things to consider as we look to Jesus for inspiration on how to do small groups well: 1. Even Jesus Needed a Small Group The  Bible  says it’s not good to be alone. However, many have been taught (or model for us) that if we’re really mature, we don’t need any friends. Only the weak need somebody. That’s not true. Jesus had Twelve  – and three of these were intimate friends. Before Jesus goes to Jerusalem, knowing he was about to be crucified, he goes to see his good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jesus shared one of the greatest moments of his life with Peter, James, and John on the Mount of Transfiguration. He wanted his best friends to be there. Jesus was struggling in the garden the night before the crucifixion. He pleaded with his disciples to watch and pray for him. When he returned an hour later, they were all asleep: “Can you not pray with me one hour?” Then, it happened a second time. He needed comfort, but again they slept. “I wanted to watch and pray; get up. The betrayer is here. Do you feel the loneliness in these words? He couldn’t even carry his cross alone! Don’t you like to know that people are praying for you and standing with you in your crisis? So does Jesus. Inspecting the lists we observe that they contain three groups of four ( Matthew 10:1-4 ;  Mark 3:13-19 ;  Luke 6:13-16 ). The same four disciples appear in the same group in each passage. The first name in each of the three groups is always the same (as if they were the leader of the group). All the names of the disciples in each group are arranged randomly. Peter is always first and Judas is always last. First Group: Simon Peter: the rock Andrew: Peter’s brother James and John:  Sons of thunder Second Group: Philip: the Earnest Inquirer Bartholomew or Nathaniel: the guileless Israelite Thomas: the doubter Matthew: the tax collector Third Group: James the son of Alphaeus: or James the less ( Mark 15:40 ) Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus or Judas of James (The three named disciple) Simon the Zealot Judas the traitor I have always admired how the Southern Baptist denomination develops their small groups. First, people are invited to the large group called the worship service. Second, people are welcomed into midsized groups of 40 to 100. Finally, small groups develop out of the midsized groups. Sometimes it may be easier for people to go from a larger worship service, then into a midsized group than to go from a larger worship service straight to a small group. Jesus Used Small Groups As His Model for Ministry Jesus could have chosen any number of methods for his ministry. He could have transferred his ministry to one person that he had trained quite well. He could have refused all personal relationships and concentrated on mass teaching only the Twelve. He could have chosen a different Twelve every year and multiplied his ministry by 36 rather than 12. He could have held classes for any wanting to attend. But the fact is that Jesus chose the long-term, closed, small group as His primary strategy for personal community and ministry. I feel certain that the Christian church will come up with all sorts of structures and forms to continue positive ministry during times of pandemic. I doubt that COVID-19 will be the last of its kind! For example, 10 or so families may gather together intentionally as a small-group church which relates back to a larger church for strength, support and resources. Another option is to consider how many should be in a normal- to small-sized group? My opinion: At least four, maybe 12, but no more. The group needs to be large enough for ministry, but small enough so that everyone can take part. 4. Jesus Placed Highest Priority on His Small Group Jesus, who had the whole world to save, made the Twelve His priority. ( Matthew 13:10-11 ) ( John 17:6-26 ). He died for all, but He lived for a few! 5. There Are at Least 11 Great Reasons for Small Groups 1. Community:  There is no form of the Christian life except the one lived in community. You cannot make a case for the Christian life lived privately and alone with occasional or even regular forays into crowds of people listening to sermons. 2. Fellowship:  We enjoy the fullness of the New Testament concept of fellowship as described in  Acts 2:42 :  3. Friendships:  There is no better way to develop long-lasting friendships than to get with a few others week after week. 4. Comfort and Help:  Those who know best how to comfort and help us in our pains are those with whom we are most intimate. 5. Overcoming:  How else do we learn to accept a few others except by getting close enough to see one another’s faults—and help to overcome them? 6. Encouragement:  What better place is there to receive encouragement in the development of our own gifts and ministry than with those who know us best and are committed to our growth in the Lord? 7. Christian living:  Could there be a better place to live the Christian life than with a small group that meets regularly to share, pray, and encourage one another in Christ? 8. One another:  There are 50 “one anothers” in the New Testament. For example, these instruct us to love one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, and so on. Over time, those in small groups begin to experience all of the “one another’s.” 9. Openness:  One of the best joys of being in a small group is vulnerable and open friendship with each other. 10. Love:  is best expressed among those who participate in small groups. 11. Meeting with Jesus:  Small groups are some of the best places to meet with Jesus. Small groups were never conceived of as an institution; but rather exclusively as a fellowship of persons, as the common life based on fellowship with Jesus Christ, as a fellowship of the Spirit, and a fellowship of Christ. To be in Christ through  faith and to be in fellowship are one and the same thing. 6. Most Small Groups Mature Over Time Friends come in four classifications—not one. 1. Acquaintances:  That’s what most of us are in church. Acquaintances are those with whom we have spasmodic contact and superficial interaction, and we don’t ask hard questions: “How are you doing?” “I’m really not doing very well, but I can’t tell you.” 2. Casual friends:  This is the next level. More contact. Common interests. We are free to ask more specific questions. We may even ask an opinion of a casual friend. We are a little closer but we still keep a distance. 3. Close friends:  Similar life goals. Free to ask hard questions. These are people with whom we may go on a vacation. 4. Intimate friends:  Regular contact, deep commitment in mutual character development. Not only very open but anxiously awaiting their counsel and reproof. We are free to criticize, correct, embrace, and encourage them because there is a built-in mutual understanding. We may have only one, two, or three intimate friends with whom we can absolutely unveil the truth of our lives. We are fortunate if we have two or three intimate friends during our lifetime. Most people never have even one. That’s why life is so tough. 7. A Small Group Is a Sheltering Tree Samuel Coleridge was a British essayist and poet of great magnitude. Best remembered for , a becalmed ship filled with dead men. He lived a tough life, victimized by rheumatism. To deal with the pain he became addicted to opium before he was 30. He endured a lonely, miserable  marriage . His wife died young of cancer. He had one close friend named William Wordsworth. If you love poetry that name should ring a bell. He died in his 60s under a doctor’s care—still addicted, miserable, unable to settle the voices which were raging inside. One of his best works is one which has never been published. The best line is: “Friendship is a sheltering tree.” Think of friends like great trees, leafy limbs that come around us and spread themselves over us and bring shade from the sun, the blast of adversity, winter’s wind of loneliness—a great sheltering tree. That is a friend. Friends are like sheltering trees. How were they to love each other among the Twelve? It was to be as Jesus modeled for them which was with a quality of time and energy that was both self-revealing and self-giving. 8. 4 Ways to Get Into a Small Group 1. Start with people you already know and begin talking to them about meeting as a small group. 2. Accept the invitation by someone or some church to join their small group ministry. 3. Ask if you can be in somebody’s already existing group. 4. Look for people of common interest and see if they’re interested in starting a group. Well, Andy, I hope this helps and I pray that you are in a small group which is healthy and doing well. Love, Roger

Dear Roger. I think I take my loved ones for granted.. My kids are driving me crazy! I dread holidays and family reunions. They are always a mine field! We’ve tried all kinds of coping mechanisms. . Is there something you might suggest that maybe you have not heard or read about that might help? Sincerely, Leslie Dear Leslie, Here are just a mew suggestions: Now Is a Great Time to Appreciate Those We Love While They Are Still Alive and Can Enjoy It! Join me to look at one of the most beautiful acts of love in the Bible. It’s in a devotional form, so that you can work through it with your family—even your kids. It doesn’t get any better than the night that Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ head and washed his feet with her hair. You may already know the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet. I’ve studied it from multiple angles and learned different lessons every time. Take a few minutes to read the following Scripture passages; Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:1-9; John 12:1-8. FIRST, LET’S REFRESH OUR MINDS ABOUT MARY KNEELING AT JESUS’ FEET AND DRAW SOME LESSONS FROM HER ACTIONS. Throughout His ministry, Jesus had several places that He loved to visit, places where He could step aside in quiet solitude, sheltered by love and devotion of a family. These opportunities grew more precious as He neared the end of His earthly ministry. For example, He spent the last six nights of his life at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany, on the eastern side of the Mount of Olives. During the evening meal, Mary hurried up to Jesus with a bottle of very costly, rare perfume, and began to wash His feet with it. This was an act of overwhelming love and appreciation. Her actions provoked a quick discussion. Two thoughts were expressed. One was articulated by Jesus. He saw an act of pure love and worship. The other, evidently led by Judas, saw in her act a waste of money. By the way, this is quite an insight into the personality of Judas. Do you see what he has become? Mary’s was a magnificent, beautiful act of appreciation, and all he could think of was how much it cost. Don’t miss this lesson: “ A soul is on the verge of spiritual paralysis when everything is evaluated in terms of dollars .” Judas and his crowd said, “This perfume could’ve been sold, and the money given to the poor.” Judas didn’t care about the poor; as the disciples’ treasurer, he wanted the money. Wouldn’t the orphans and widows be an awful position if they had to depend upon Judas and his crowd? After all Jesus had done for Judas, his heart was empty of appreciation and gratitude. He couldn’t see past his greed to his Savior. So Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has done well. What she’s done will be spoken of her until I come again!” What was Mary doing? She was anointing His body for burial while Jesus was still alive and could enjoy it. By the way, forget about the disciples. Mary was the only one who knew Jesus well enough to understand that the cross was just around the corner. SECOND, MARY DID WHAT SHE DID BECAUSE SHE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE TIMING WAS RIGHT. Are you one of those people who always seem to do the right thing at the wrong time? Or, the wrong thing at the right time? Or, are you good at doing the right thing at the right time? If she were to do anything, Mary needed to do it now. She sensed that just over the hill was the cross. It was time to act. Love is sensitive enough to know when the time is just right. Perhaps, you have a friend who knows just the right time to call or send flowers. Something about them just seems to be wired properly. You answer the phone or get a text and it’s that friend! “Wow, did I need to speak to you!” Judas and his crowd were out there getting ready for the betrayal. He already had in his pocket the payoff to betray Jesus. No wonder Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She anoints my body for burial.” Mary timed her gift just right. We read of the other women who came to the tomb on Sunday morning to do what Mary had already done. They were too late. THIRD, SHE DID WHAT SHE DID BECAUSE HER MOTIVES WERE PURE. The important thing was not so much what she did but why she did it. She was expressing appreciation while expecting nothing in return! In our age of ethical ambiguity, it seems that everyone’s motives are suspect. Have you ever wondered about someone’s motives? Have you ever wondered why they gave you a gift? Maybe it’s a gift that seems strange? Perhaps, a compliment that just doesn’t sound right? Maybe they’re just trading out. You gave to them something nice out the goodness of your heart. Now they feel obligated to do something back for you? So, we wonder about someone’s motives. Then, we wonder about our motives. What are our motives behind what we say and do? Mary’s motives were clear—Jesus spelled them out. FOURTH, MARY DID WHAT SHE DID BECAUSE SHE LOVED HIM. Love always expresses itself. Mary loved Jesus. She had to do something about it. Mary lived in a culture where women were not allowed in the same room as men. She didn’t care. She just had to get to Jesus. Again, real love always expresses itself. The best part of love’s expression comes from something engineered deep inside our own fervent souls. It can come from no one else! No one can say it for us. What she did would not be worth half as much had Peter or John said, “Mary, I don’t have enough perfume left to finish anointing Him. Please get some for me.” Mary’s love, real and true, came only from her own heart and was expressed only by her. According to custom, this perfume was probably her retirement fund. “Three hundred pence” may sounds like little, but a Roman penny was a day’s wages. If Jesus were to be anointed by Mary, why use that precious perfume which comes from the Ganges River in India? There was plenty of oil on the Mount of Olives and in the bazaars of Jerusalem. That’s the beauty of love. It gives the best of the best. WHY DO WE WAIT TO TELL OTHERS HOW MUCH WE LOVE THEM? We go to a funeral and see the casket of one of our friends or loved one who has passed on. I hear the pastor stand and say, “Oh, how much he meant to us all.” I sometimes wonder, “Pastor, did you ever tell him that while he was alive and could enjoy it?” Flowers are stretched from wall to wall. “I wonder if you ever sent him one while he could still enjoy it?” Personally, I love a rose. I’d rather live to see one than have 10,000 after I’m dead and gone. I have a suspicion that most people are like that. So, Leslie, I hope that I’ve shared with you something special that you might utilize often. Here’s a story that I hope you’ll always remember—and put often into practice. Appreciate your family and friends while they’re here. Don’t wait till they’re dead and gone, and it’s too late. Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) was a Scottish essayist and historian. In 1826, he married Jane Welsh, his secretary. She soon became sick with cancer and was relegated to bed. Carlyle loved her dearly but seldom found time to stay with her long. He was too busy with his work. The day she was buried was a miserable day. The mud was deep, and the rain came in torrents. Carlyle took it quite hard. When all was over, he went up to her room, sat next to the bed and thought about how little time he'd spent with her. He wished that he'd done it differently.Then, he noticed her diary on the bed stand. He did not know that she kept one. He picked it up and read: "Yesterday he spent an hour with me, and it was like Heaven; I love him so." Then it dawned upon him how much that he meant to her. But being so busy, he hadn't noticed.He turned the page and read "I have listened all day to hear his steps in the hall, but now it’s getting late and I guess that he won't be coming today." They found him at the grave site; face in mud, tears rolling down his cheeks; "If only I had known; if only I had known," But, it was too late for Carlyle. She was dead and gone. He made little attempt to write again. He died 15 years later, a sorrowful recluse. Don't make the same mistake. Appreciate those you love while they're still here to enjoy it. There are some folks you need to express your love to today—while they are alive and can enjoy it. Don’t wait until it is too late to tell others that you love them. Leslie, thanks for the good question. I hope my answer will be of great help. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I always hear preachers and Bible teachers talking about money as if it is bad. Can you give me a good perspective on the biblical approach to money? Sincerely, Ronnie Dear Ronnie, I lived in Tucson, Arizona for over 40 years. Right now, the Bighorn Fire is devastating the Catalina Mountain range, just minutes from where we lived and the church I pastored. Every day, I see new photos of the devastation, and I hear about new evacuation orders that affect my friends and neighbors. My mountains may never be the same. My heart is breaking...out of control fire destroys! Money is like fire. It must be carefully controlled. Under control, fire warms and cooks. But out of control fire consumes everything in its path, leaving death and ashes behind. The Biblical Philosophy of  Controlled  Wealth I believe that the simplest truth expressing the biblical philosophy of money is in Matthew 6:19-20, where Jesus teaches: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. This is another way of saying, "Don't put your emphasis on the things of this earth." To place our emphasis on earthly things is to miss the point of life, because we are going to leave it all here when we die. We can’t take money with us...but we can build up treasures in heaven. So often we think of life as moving toward retirement or later years. Truth be told, life on this earth is moving toward eternity. The Biblical Philosophy of  Uncontrolled  Wealth Using a piece of raw meat, Paul portrayed the most graphic picture of out-of-control money to be found anywhere in the Scriptures. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it, but if we have food and clothing we will be content with that.  People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."  (1 Timothy 6:9-10). The phrase translated as “pierced themselves" literally means to put on a spit. You know what a spit is. You put a raw piece of meat on a spit and roast it over an open fire. However, instead of putting a piece of chicken or beef on a spit, suppose you put a live human being on the spit and turn him or her over to roast him or her on an open fire. Paul is giving a picture of torture. This is a metaphorical picture of a person torturing his own soul. Believers who are guilty of being eager for money (or who use it unwisely) will ultimately end up being tortured in their own souls. Some people are being tortured emotionally, mentally, financially, physically...and if we trace it all back, it may well lead right back to the sin of materialism and uncontrolled wealth. Biblical Examples of Positive, Powerful, Profitable Use Of Money In many places, money is seen as a blessing from God and, even more startling, as a means of enhancing our relationship with God. God's great generosity can be seen over and over in Scripture. He cares deeply for His people, including you and me. That means there is nothing wrong or sinful about being rich. Having a lot of money is fine, as long as we utilize a significant amount to further the Kingdom: The wise men  brought their wealth to Jesus as a means of worship. Their extravagant gifts finance the family’s flight to Egypt to escape King Herod’s demand to kill all the baby boys under the age of two. (Matthew 2:11-12) The poor widow  gave sacrificially. (Mark 12:41) Wealthy women  helped support the band of disciples. (Luke 8:2-3) Nicodemus and Joseph  of Arimathea used their wealth in the service of Christ. (John 19:38-42) Zacchaeus  gave generously (Luke 19:1-10). Please take a moment to read this passage and notice how a salvation experience completely changes one man's attitude towards money. Jesus' lunch with Zacchaeus had a remarkable outcome. This chief tax collector, for whom money was everything, was so freed by the life and presence of Jesus that he declared, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” (Luke 19:8) But even more striking is Jesus' response "Today salvation has come to this house." (Luke 19:9). Money Also Has a Very Dark and Dangerous Side When Jesus uses the Aramaic term "mammon" in the King James version to refer to wealth, He is giving it a personal and spiritual character. When he declares “You cannot serve both God and Mammon,” he is personifying mammon as a rival god: No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon (money; materialism).  (Matthew 6:24, my notes added) In saying this, Jesus is making it unmistakably clear that money is not some impersonal medium of exchange. Money is not morally neutral. Money is a power that seeks to dominate us. Spiritual forces lurk behind every form of money or possessions that we have. Also, money has many of the characteristics of deity. It gives us security, can induce guilt, gives us freedom, gives us power, and seems to be omnipresent. Most sinister of all, however, is money’s bid for omnipotence. It seeks to have the ultimate power in our lives. What Are the Symptoms That Money Is My God? Overspending Compulsive buying Being discontent with the things we have Hoarding earthly treasure Robbing God of the top portion of our income Not saving for the future Borrowing money for depreciating items Cheating on our income tax Using a credit card and not paying off (or being able to pay off) the balance completely at the end of each month Mammon (Money) Must Be Conquered We are constantly being programmed to seek a higher standard of living than we now have...to borrow money for depreciating items...to spend now and save later...to buy things that we do not need. And it is happening automatically, thanks to the drumbeat of our culture. We don't have to do a thing. It is all around us. The only antidote for this is a continuous deprogramming and reprogramming process whereby the rotten, materialistic, human viewpoint in our minds can be flushed out and replaced by the divine eternal truth of the Word of God. We must deliberately decide who is going to make our economic decisions—God or money? 7 Ways to Overcome the ‘Money God’ 1. Follow good biblical economics, which rests on these six pillars: The first 10% (tithe) of our income belongs to God (Malachi 3:8; Luke 11:42). The tithe should be a standard we will not go below except in the rarest of circumstances. This is not a rigid law, but a starting point for organizing our economic lives. The government deserves its share of taxes (Matthew 22:21). Family needs are to be met (1 Timothy 5:8). We are out of debt for depreciating items (Psalm 37:21). We have a positive cash flow. Faithful management yields a surplus which allows us to respond to the needs of others. 2. Discover ways to get in touch with the poor. One of the most damaging things affluence does is allow us to distance ourselves from the poor, so we no longer see their pain: The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.  (Proverbs 29:7). 3. Bring prayer to bear directly upon money matters. Money is a spiritual issue, and prayer is our chief weapon in the life of the spirit. 4. Turn to the technical side of money management. Get involved in such important items as family budgeting, estate planning, investments, deferred giving, and more. Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; for riches do not endure forever, and the crown is not secure for all generations.  (Proverbs 27:23-24) 5. Dethrone money by giving it away. If we take the biblical witness seriously, one of the best things we can do with money is to give it away. The reason is obvious: giving is one of our chief weapons in conquering Mammon. One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.  (Proverbs 11:24). 6. Let us give ourselves as well as our money. "First they gave themselves," declared Paul (2 Corinthians 8:5), as he compared the Macedonian church to the Corinthian church while teaching them about giving. So must we. This kind of giving is much more costly than writing a check. It takes sacrifice! In the midst of a very severe trial, overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.  (2 Corinthians 8:2-5) 7. We will one day give an account of our money handling! Jesus is interested in how much we give. In the moving parable about the "widow's mite," we are told that Jesus intentionally sat in front of the treasury and watched people putting in their offerings (Mark 12:41). By design, He saw what they gave, and discerned the spirit in which they gave. The time for our accounting will arise. Jesus will say, “Let’s see how you did. Did you build a life of gold, silver, and precious stone?” Or did you build a profitless life of wood, hay, and stubble?” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15, paraphrase). The time will come when God evaluates how well we did as managers of his money. Jesus will say, “Let’s see how well you did. Give me a report.” Many of us will reply at that time “Do you mean that I wasn't supposed to buy expensive clothes and drive three cars and have five TV’s? Should I not have bought the biggest house on the block and put a $2,000 stereo in my car...and overeat by $50 per week?" Martin Luther astutely observed, "There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, mind, and the purse." Of these three, it may well be that we moderns find the  conversion of the purse the most difficult. I am guilty. Lord, please forgive me of my sin. Well Ronnie, I hope that my answer provides you before God with some guidelines on the proper handling of your finances. Sincerely, Roger

Dear Roger, I'm a new Christian, and I've always associated the word rapture with something romantic or earthly. Can you help me understand, why is the word rapture associated with the return of Jesus? What does it mean to experience the rapture the Bible talks about? --Jerry Dear Jerry, When I think of the word “rapture” or “enraptured,” I’m a lot like you. I think of being deeply in love with someone, perhaps captivated by their personality or their looks. When we are enraptured, many deep feelings overwhelm us in a good way. The word can also refer to a memorable, dramatic experience. We’ll Meet Him in the Air! As followers of Jesus Christ, the word “rapture” has a very special, specific meaning. While the word itself is never specifically found in the Bible, the concept is deeply embedded in God’s Word. “Rapture” is from the Latin word “Rapturo,” which means “to catch away.” In biblical terms, the Rapture is an event near the End Times, when Jesus will secretly come in the air to gather His followers up into heaven. Those Christians who are already in their graves will be resurrected and join with Christians who are alive and be taken straight into heaven. “Rapture” is from the Latin word “Rapturo,” which means “to catch away.” It is used here to describe this moment, when we will be “caught up together … to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Those people who do not know Christ as their Savior will be left behind. Jesus explained the nature of the Rapture in Matthew 24:39-41; That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. Later, Paul expanded on Jesus’ teaching in First Thessalonians 4:13-18: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, . . . For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words. (emphasis added) I imagine that Jesus will shout the same words that he shouted when he called Lazarus up out of the grave in Bethany: “Lazarus, come forth”! (John 11:38-44). Have you ever thought about the fact that if Jesus had not specifically shouted the name “Lazarus,” the entire graveyard may well have emptied? What a sight the Rapture will be! His shout will penetrate every grave, pierce the deepest seas, and be heard by every one of His followers on earth. Christian bodies will resurrect from all over the world. Many will be in manmade graves. Others have gone down at sea; some were burned to death; some were cremated; some died in deserts and their bones were left to scorch in the heat; some were torn to bits in explosions. It doesn't matter to Jesus.  He knows everything; He knows where they are. After all, God created Adam out of the dust of the earth. I suppose that He can create bodies out of dust as often as He likes. What about Those Who Are Left Behind? Woe to those non-Christians who are left behind. They will enter a world of horrible hell on earth dominated by plagues, trials, plagues, trials, tribulations, famine and death. I need to give you a little contextual overview of the End Times for you to understand just how and where the Rapture fits. You need to know that Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ are NOT the same. The Rapture happens first, before the Tribulation begins (or possibly at the halfway mark). The Second Coming of Christ comes at the end of the seven-year Tribulation, before God creates a new heaven and a new earth. I just threw a lot of terms at you—the End Times are pretty complicated and filled with mystery. But I can share with you some of the highlights: When the Tribulation begins, a wicked man known in the Bible as the Antichrist will come to power and control ten countries which once occupied the area of the old Roman Empire. This area is essentially present-day Western Europe. He raises an enormous army with which he intends to invade Israel and conquer the earth. The seven-year clock starts when the Antichrist signs a peace treaty with the nation of Israel. After three-and-a-half years, he breaks the treaty and desecrates the Jewish Temple by putting a small image of himself inside. Scripture calls this moment the “Abomination of Desolation.” The small statute speaks ungodly blasphemies. At that point, the Antichrist breaks the treaty and the countries with him make war against Israel. When the peace treaty is broken, all hell breaks loose. Tormenting pains and destruction devastate the earth as described in the book of Revelation chapters 6 to 19. Seven seals reveal man’s destruction upon himself. Seven trumpets sound out Satan’s dastardly deeds against mankind. Seven bowls depict God’s wrath and subsequent great destruction upon earth. Many activities occur during the seven years. Like the German Holocaust in which six million Jews were slaughtered, the Antichrist will practice genocide on those Christians who remain. These were non-Christians who missed the Rapture. When they realize what’s happened, they turn their lives over to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. In Revelation chapter five, John gives us a good look at the martyrs from the Great Tribulation who are begging God to avenge their sacrifice by the Antichrist. Next, famine, pestilence, disease, earthquakes, war, incredible heat, darkness and worldwide oceanic pollution devastate the seas. The pictures of the sky rolling back upon itself likely describes a nuclear holocaust. Demonic forces are released from the pit to bring all sorts of suffering and misery to mankind. Then the Antichrist receives a mortal wound and comes back to life, which deceives the entire world into identifying him as God. He sets up an economic system by which the followers of Jesus cannot buy or sell anything unless they bow down to worship Him. A clue to the Antichrist’s identity is found by adding up the Greek numbers corresponding to his name, which will add up to the sum of 666. Why Does God Let These Things Occur? God will use these tragedies in the hope that they will encourage men and women to come to him for help and salvation. He utilizes all sorts of evangelistic tools to bring people to salvation. In fact, the end will not come until every person on earth has had the chance to hear the gospel! When that finally happens, near the end of the seven years, Antichrist and his forces face an army of 200 million soldiers from the East for the battle of Armageddon. At that moment the Second Coming of Christ occurs. The leaders of the two armies quickly recognizes that the real battle is not against each other; the real battle is against Jesus. Christ destroys both armies and conquers the earth. Man is no longer in charge. Jesus is the eternal Victor! Shortly thereafter, Christ begins a reign of a thousand years of peace and harmony on earth. Scripture doesn’t reveal much more about that time, but it is clear that those alive at the end of the Tribulation will be subject to Jesus. At the end of His thousand-year reign, a series of judgments occur in which Satan and his forces—and all of those who are not Christians, are cast into the Lake of Fire. Afterward, Jesus creates a new heaven and a new earth … then we will spend eternity in heaven with Him! Jerry, I know this sounds very complex, and it is. But you’ll discover in your studies of the End Times great insights into the character, life and power of Jesus Christ! The Big Question: When Will the Rapture Happen? The timing of the Rapture in relation to the Tribulation is one of the most controversial issues in the church today … and it has always been so. While no one knows the exact time of Jesus’s return for His followers, the Bible does give us some insights as to when it might occur. There are three basic options. The first interpretation is called “Pre-Tribulation.” This position declares that the Rapture of the church will occur before the seven-years of tribulation begin. I suppose that most Christians hold this view, which guarantees that Christians will avoid all of the suffering and trauma that will occur during the seven-year Tribulation. Historians tell us that the early Christians topped every hill looking for Jesus. They were constantly looking for His return. They expected Him to be right around the corner. It’s important to note that no prophetic events remain that must be fulfilled before the Rapture can occur. None! His return is imminent. Jesus could come for you and me at any moment. According to this viewpoint, we are not looking for the Second Coming of Christ or for the signing of a peace treaty between the Antichrist and Israel. We are looking for the Rapture. It will happen in the twinkling of an eye. The second possibility is called “Mid-Tribulation,” where scholars posit that the Rapture will occur three and a half years after the peace treaty which guarantees Israel’s safety. The book of Revelation teaches that the first three and half years will be peaceful. Again, Christians will not have to suffer through the punishments of the Great Tribulation. So, in that order of events, the Rapture happens, the peace treaty is broken, and all hell breaks loose as the seals, trumpets, and bowls of God’s wrath are unreleased. I believe that both the Pre-Tribulation and Mid-Tribulation viewpoints are possible according to Scripture. Finally, the third position is called “Post-Tribulation,” which postulates that the Rapture will occur at the actual Second Coming of Christ. This viewpoint equates the two events. I do not believe that the “Post-Tribulation” scenario is viable, because there are important differences between the Rapture and Second Coming: 1. At the Rapture, believers meet the Lord in the air ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ). At the Second Coming, believers return with the Lord to the earth ( Revelation 19:14 ). 2. The Second Coming occurs after the great and terrible Tribulation concludes (Revelation chapters 6–19). The Rapture occurs before the Tribulation begins ( 1 Thessalonians 5:9 ; Revelation 3:10 ). 3. The Rapture is the removal of believers from the earth as an act of deliverance ( 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 , 5:9 ). The Second Coming includes the removal of unbelievers as an act of judgment ( Matthew 24:40-41 ). 4. The Rapture will be secret and instant ( 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 ). The Second Coming will be visible to all ( Revelation 1:7 ; Matthew 24:29-30 ). 5. The Second Coming of Christ will not occur until after certain other End-Times events take place ( 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ; Matthew 24:15-30 ; Revelation 6–18). The Rapture is imminent; it could take place at any moment ( Titus 2:13 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ; 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 ). A Final Word of Encouragement Jerry, let me encourage you to seek out these and other related verses across the Bible and compare/contrast the timing of the Rapture. You’ll be able to make your own determination about which side makes the most sense—and it’s important to remember that this is a true mystery in Scripture. We will only know the complete answer when the Rapture occurs! I’m so glad you asked this question. As a new Christian, you are beginning on a great adventure! There is much that you will learn. Best of all, the Rapture is one of the greatest hopes for all Christians. I hope you find this answer helpful. If you have more questions, please feel free to ask. Love, Roger

Dear Roger, I’ve noticed in reading the Bible that there are a number of “mysteries.” Has God hidden things from us? What if we can’t figure them out? What are the mysteries anyway? Sincerely, Kate Dear Kate, A biblical “mystery” is a technical term referring to something that was hidden in the Old Testament but is now revealed in the New Testament. There are seven specific “mysteries” in Scripture. As you read the Bible, you will find more than seven mystery passages, because several overlap. But I’d like to share with you  the seven mysteries and what they mean for you and me today: 1. Christians Would Be Indwelt by the Holy Spirit The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.   –  Colossians 1:26-27 The moment that we receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us. We are guided by Him when we seek to follow Jesus, and He works through us to share the Gospel, pray when we can’t find the words, and comfort us when we need encouragement. In  Ephesians 5:18 , Paul urges us to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit:  "Do not get drunk on wine...Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”  The term, “be filled,” is a continual present tense. From this, we deduce that the filling of the Spirit is not permanent, but is to be repeated again and again. The  Bible  gives clear-cut  guidance on being filled with the Spirit: First,  stop sinning .  Our sins grieve the Holy Spirit and make it difficult for Him to live and work through us ( Ephesians 4:30 ). Second,  confess when we do sin  ( 1 John 1:9 ). We must be empty and clean in order to be filled. Third,  seek to live every moment in the Kingdom of God on earth  ( Matthew 5:6 ,  Matthew 6:33 ). A.W. Tozer said, “Every man is just as spiritual as he wants to be.” Fourth,  always respond positively to the inner speaking of the Holy Spirit .  Never quench his voice or refuse to do what He says ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ). Fifth,  pray to become a spiritual man or woman at any price ( 1 John 2:12-14 ). 2. The New Testament Messiah Bears Little Resemblance to the Old Testament Concept of the Messiah Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: he appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up to glory. –  1 Timothy 3:16 So that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  –  Colossians 2:2-3 The Old Testament saints had little understanding of what the real Christ would be like. They pictured a conquering hero who would come to set up an earthly kingdom and deliver Israel from its enemies. But the real Christ is not at all like that. He did not come to defeat the Romans or any other enemy. He came as the “Suffering Savior” to die for the sins of the world ( Isaiah 53 ). His is a spiritual ministry that led to Heaven’s glory! Our best response to this mystery is to fall on our knees in praise, worship, surrender, and adoration. We are given the opportunity to accept the  salvation  He offers as the Messiah of our hearts. Paul tells us in  Philippians 2  that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God! Take a moment and get down on your knees right now and declare Jesus Christ as your Lord. 3. The Gospel Message of “Faith Plus Nothing Equals Salvation” Was First Revealed in the New Testament Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known to the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him – to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.  –  Romans 16:25-27 Faith plus absolutely nothing produces salvation. Paul voiced it like this: By grace are you saved through faith, and not of works, lest any person should boast.  –  Ephesians 2:8-9 During Old Testament times, the way to find favor with God was by careful obedience to the Mosaic Laws. And in the Old Testament, religion was perceived as a works system whereby people obeyed the law and accomplished good works. There is much discussion concerning how Old Testament saints were saved. Some suggest that their salvation was based on their faith in God.  Habakkuk 2:4  declares, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Others suggest that the Old Testament saints had the opportunity to receive Christ as their personal Lord and Savior during the three days between Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. They interpret  1 Peter 3:19  to mean that Jesus preached the gospel to them during the interlude. But today, we come to salvation by confessing our sins to Jesus Christ, asking for forgiveness, and trusting Him as our Savior. Our responsibility is to share the gospel of Christ as an everyday lifestyle. A survey was taken at a  Bible  conference to determine the age at which various individuals were born again. Of those who were there, 20% came to Christ before teenage years; 83% came to know Christ before age 20; and 92% trusted Christ before 30. That number dwindled proportionately until less than 1% came to know Christ after the age of 60. I’ve seen some studies which reveal that in the United States, the person who waits until they are 65 has less than one chance in 35,000 of surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. I’ve also seen surveys which reveal that 98% of all Christians have yet to personally lead anyone to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. I love the words of C.T. Studd, the young Englishman, who gave away a fortune to preach the gospel in Africa: Some like to dwell Within the sound of church and chapel bell. But I want to run a rescue shop Within a yard of Hell. 4. The Rapture of the Church Was Hidden from the Old Testament Saints The secret “rapture” is the promise that Christ will come to take believers out of the world before He returns with them at the second coming. The rapture is “secret” in that no one will see Jesus coming except believers. This is in contrast to the second coming of Christ, after the  tribulation , when “every eye will see him” ( Revelation 1:7 ) Jesus described the rapture in  Matthew 24:39-41 : That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. There is considerable disagreement among Christians regarding the timing of the rapture. Some believe in the  pre-tribulation rapture , which occurs before the beginning of the  seven-year tribulation . Others hold to a  mid-tribulation rapture , and still others to a  post-tribulation  timing. Regardless, Paul teaches: Listen, I tell you a mystery: we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. –  1 Corinthians 15:51-52 5. Jews and Gentiles Would Be Molded Together into One Body This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. –  Ephesians 3:6 Throughout the Old Testament, Jews were incredibly racist. As God’s “chosen people,” they set themselves apart from all others. The idea that non-Jews (Gentiles) could be accepted into the kingdom of God was anathema to them. The Old Testament story of Jonah is all about a man who disobeyed God and refused his commission to warn the Ninevites of God’s coming judgment unless they repented of their sin. So, Jonah ran the other way. He refused to warn them of coming judgment because he wanted them all to die. God sent him all the way into the belly of a whale...and Jonah finally obeyed God, carrying God’s prophecy and promise to the Gentiles in Nineveh. They repented and were saved from God’s wrath. In contrast to that, in  Acts 10 , God gave Peter a vision of a sheet filled with clean and unclean animals. He instructed Peter that it was all right to eat unclean animals. Peter understood that now Gentiles were included in God’s Kingdom along with the Jews. The corollary here is the misguided tragedy of racism. Think about skin color. Of the 30,000 or so genes embedded in human DNA, only a few have anything to do with skin color. All races are basically alike in mental, emotional and physical make up. Skin color is simply cosmetic. Consider: 1. Is there a particular group of people/ethnicity/race that you simply can’t tolerate? 2. Is there any particular group of people/ethnicity/race that you wished your child wouldn’t marry? Or you wouldn’t marry? 3. Are there types of people you avoid? The  Bible  says that God is no respecter of persons. He looks not at our outward appearance, but at our hearts. Paul says that in Christ there is no male or female, Jew or Gentile. We all look alike to God. He loves us all the same. And He gives every single one of us the opportunity to know Jesus Christ and live forever in heaven with Him. 6. All Israel Would Be Saved I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved.  –  Romans 11:25-26 Paul wept over his Israeli brothers who were not saved ( Romans 9-11 ). He did not want them to be left out of the kingdom. Now, because of this revealed mystery, Paul could rejoice that his Israeli brothers and sisters could come to Christ. The Bible is clear that God still has two plans going simultaneously during the end times. One is for Israel, and the other is for the church. Today, many Christians are great supporters of the nation of Israel because of  Psalm 122:6 : “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: may those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.” Zionists go one step further, and they diligently support and encourage the return of the Jewish people to Israel and the continuation of Jewish sovereignty there. In this generation, many seek the protection of the Jewish nation of Israel through support for the Israeli Defense Forces. The United States has historically allied itself with Israel as well. Some wonder about the meaning of the eagle in  Revelation 12:14 , which protects Israel from the  Antichrist  during the time of great tribulation. Since the Eagle is a national symbol of America, many wonder if the current support of Israel has a scriptural basis. No matter how all of this plays out, God wants everyone in the world to come to Christ as their Lord and Savior. 7. Christ Calls Believing Followers to Bind Together in a Group Called the “Church” Husbands, love your wife, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and present her to himself as a radiant church without stain or wrinkle of any other blemish, but holy and blameless...This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church.”  –  Ephesians 5:25-33 Occasionally, I hear folks make statements like, “Hey, I’m a Christian. I’m saved. I don’t need to belong to a local church. I’ve got this great online Christian program that I watch every week. I get all my feeding there at home. I don’t need to be a member of a local church.” I respond, “Wait a minute. You misunderstand the whole purpose of a local church.” The great calling of the church is to make visible to the world the invisible Christ. Every Christian is needed for that to happen...if we stay out of the local church, we’re leaving that crucial work undone both spiritually and physically. Three things are necessary for a Christian to fulfill God’s design for believers: prayer;  Bible  study; and fellowship with other Christians. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  –  Hebrews 10:25 Right now, we’re facing an unprecedented time of lockdown and social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic. But that doesn’t mean we forget our local church. It’s time to work harder to connect with one another, and through technology, we have the opportunity to connect like never before. Use social media to share requests and pray for one another. Share the Gospel at every opportunity, whether virtually or in person. Love one another through acts of service whenever possible. Call, Zoom, or FaceTime as a Bible Study group or simply a gathering of friends. Fellowship is still possible! Thank you, Kate, for asking this question. In my experience, not many are familiar with the New Testament mysteries. They have a lot to show us about the nature of God, how we relate to Him, and how we relate to one another today. Sincerely, Roger