Dentist

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Mike Benson

“OPEN WIDER,” requested the dentist, as he began his examination of the patient…
“Oh, no!” he said. “You’ve got the biggest cavity I’ve ever seen — the biggest cavity I’ve ever seen.”
“OK Doc!” replied the patient. “I’m scared enough without you saying something like that twice.”
“I didn’t!” said the dentist. “That was the echo…”
I did something this past week that I never look forward to doing – I went to the dentist. Fortunately, it wasn’t anything traumatic, just a routine cleaning of the teeth. But it reminded me of something I have long believed – that going to the dentist relates to what we’re doing as a church (and specifically, what I’m doing as a preacher). Allow me to explain.
Like many people, I don’t enjoy going to the dentist and I tend to put it off a lot longer than I ought to. It’s not primarily because of the cost (although that’s certainly a factor). And while some people are afraid to go to the dentist, fearing possible pain, that’s never been a problem for me. I don’t mind the sound of the drill, or the poking and the prodding in my mouth. No, the reason I dread going to the dentist has to do with guilt.
You see, I don’t floss as often as I ought to. I know it’s important, but I have always found flossing to be a difficult habit for me to keep up. And whenever I go to the dentist, I know what he’s going to say – “You’re not flossing. Don’t you know how important flossing is? You need to floss!” And I want to say (but don’t), “Yes, I know. I’m guilty! I knew I was guilty before I walked in here. I don’t need you telling what a terrible person I am!”
I understand the position the dentist is in. He wants what is best for my health. If I’m doing something that is not beneficial to my teeth, he has a responsibility to tell me. I don’t want him to stop caring about me. But because of my guilt, I don’t want to hear it, so my response is to simply avoid going to see him.
I wonder how many people there are who approach the church in the same way. They know they’re not living right and when they go to worship, they know what they’re going to hear from the preacher — “You’re not living right. You need to change your life! This is the way you ought to live!” Their response is to say (or to think), “Yes, I know. I’m guilty! I knew I was guilty before I walked in here. I don’t need you telling what a terrible person I am!”
I’m in a situation similar to that of my dentist. I have a responsibility to talk about sin because I care about the spiritual well-being of others. We can’t ignore sin just because talking about it makes people uncomfortable. But if people already feel a burden of guilt and they don’t want to hear about it, they simply stop coming to worship.
As I was considering the awkward position my dentist was in (“Do I say something and make my patient feel more guilty or not say something and show that I don’t care?”), his dental assistant found the perfect words. She said to me, “As you know, you need to floss more. I understand, I have a hard time with it myself.”
Suddenly, I felt at ease. Here was someone who cared enough to tell me what I needed to hear, but who wasn’t looking down at me, criticizing me, and “beating me up”. Instead, we were on the same level, facing the same problem together. All it took was her saying, “I understand what you’re going through. I struggle with that, too.”
What a difference it would make if we could all simply acknowledge to one another, “You’re not doing what’s right, but I understand because I struggle, too.” What a difference it would make if the world could see us, not as a bunch of people looking down on them, criticizing them and “beating them up”, but as a group of people who share in their struggles and who truly desire to help one another to live holier lives.
KneEmail: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in a trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…” (Galatians 6:1)
(And in case you’re wondering, yes, I did floss this morning!) Alan Smith
Bible reading for 07.08.11: Acts 15.22-41; Job 36-37
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Support

Posted on April 20, 2011 by Mike Benson

THE SEQUOIA TREES of California, known as Redwoods, are spectacular – towering as much as 300 feet above the ground…
Strangely, these towering trees have unusually shallow root systems that spread out just under the surface of the ground to catch as much of the surface moisture they can. And this is their vulnerability. Storms with heavy winds would almost always bring these giants crashing to the ground but this rarely happens because they grow in clusters and their intertwining roots provide support for one another against the storms.
When we are together, either as a family or a church, we provide this same support. Pain and suffering come to all of us. But, just like those giant Sequoia trees, we can be supported in those difficult times by the touch of one another’s lives. The knowledge that we have someone; that we are not alone; that there is someone who is willing to touch us, hold us – keeps us from being destroyed.
The apostle Paul said that we are “many members, yet one body” (1 Cor. 12:20), and he goes on in that context to tell us that every member is vital to the whole (1 Cor. 12:22-27). As the body of Christ are built up by one another. “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16). To stand alone will bring destruction – we need one another. Tell your brethren this week how much you need them and appreciate them. And be the support for your brethren that they need. Tom Moore, Hamilton, Texas
KneEmail: “That there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.” 1 Corinthians 12.25
Bible reading for 04.20.11: Luke 15.11-32; 2 Samuel 9-11
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Being

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Mike Benson

AS CONGREGATIONS, WE have tried about everything…
…meetings, lectures, Vacation Bible Schools, “Operation Doorbell,” city-wide campaigns, television and radio programs, bus ministries, building buildings, and hiring preachers with sex-appeal. Some have even followed cultic schemes of “discipling” and instituted unscriptural tactics of evangelism. Many have thought that growth comes naturally, or that, through the employment of slick media methods or “get if for you wholesale” tactics, the noble purpose of the Lord could be realized. Now the time has come, having tried every modern method known to man and having imitated the “numbers-mad” denominations, to read the Lord’s instructions! “When all else fails,” they said, “read the instructions!”
Here comes our Lord giving us the very specific and powerful means to penetrate the world: 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5.13-16).
Jesus considered the way to penetrate the world was with light and salt. These two avenues, He says, are a demonstration of the most powerful and overwhelming arguments for Truth: a good life, a life full of good works. Good Christians, living a good life and doing good works before men, penetrate the world! Along with this, someone has said that there are five powerful things in the world. The fifth most powerful thing is an idea. The fourth most powerful thing is an idea that is true. The third most powerful thing is the truth of God’s Word. The second most powerful thing is the truth of God believed. But the most powerful thing in the world is the truth of the Living God believed and put into practice!
For too long, we have been salting ourselves. We have been lighting the church. The Lord says salt and light are no good unless they get out into society, into the world, where lost men and women live and die. Salt penetrates the food, preserves the food. Light penetrates the darkness. Leaven penetrates the bread to make it rise and good to eat.
This is our Lord’s way of telling us that every member of the body of Christ is to be involved in soul-winning, penetrating the world. We can all live good lives. We can all do good works before men so that they can glorify and know our Father in heaven. He calls us all, not only to be busy doing something, but to be busy being something. Mac Layton, “Jesus’ Supreme Goal: Great Outreach,” How to Build a Great Church, 113-114
KneEmail: Matthew 5.13-16
Bible reading for 02.15.11: Matthew 27.27-66; Leviticus 17-19
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Cold

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Mike Benson

SOMEONE HAS NOTED, “A cold church, like cold butter, never spreads well…”
I believe that there is a great deal of truth in the above statement. I am convinced that one of the reasons why congregations in many communities are not growing like they once did is because they are not as warm as they once were. Cold congregations don’t spread quickly or easily.
The early church spread rapidly. They enjoyed daily additions (Acts 2.47). Their numbers multiplied (Acts 6.1, 7). Why? What was responsible for the rapid spread of Christianity?
I do not think that we can attribute the rapid spread of Christianity to one thing. No doubt, many things played a part. However, I am convinced that one of the things that played a key role was the warmth of the early church. The early Christians had a fervent love for one another (1 Peter 1.22). Twice in the early chapters of Acts, Luke records how that they sold their possessions to help one another (Acts 2.44-46; 4.32-37). As you recall, this kind of love was the identifying trait that Jesus gave for His disciples. We read, “A new commandment I give unto you, that you should love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another” (John 13.34-35).
In addition to a fervent love for one another, the early church had a fervent love for the lost (Acts 8.4) and for the poor (Galatians 6.10). Is it any wonder that Christianity spread so rapidly? Wouldn’t you want to be a part of a family like that?
How well are we spreading as a congregation? Are our numbers going up or down? If we are not spreading quickly or easily as we want to, we may stand in need of warming up. Let me encourage you to go next door and to warmly talk with your neighbor. Furthermore, seek out someone new at work and warmly welcome them to the company. Finally, at the next church service, warmly greet visitors and brethren. In a short time, I believe that you will find that things are spreading easier and faster. Wade Webster, “A Cold Church,” The Searcher, 01.30.11
KneEmail: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 15.13).
Bible reading for 02.04.11: Matthew 22.23-46; Exodus 34-35
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Follow

Posted on January 20, 2011 by Mike Benson

THIS VERY DAY, among some 300 million Americans…
The number of people identified as “nonreligious” or having “no religion” will grow by 10,337.
The number of Mormons will grow by 1,787.
The number of Jews will grow by 1,063.
The number of Muslims will grow by 414.
The number of Buddhists will grow by 406.
The number of Hindus will grow by 288.
The number of Wicca followers will grow by 115.
But how many, this very same day, will decide to follow Jesus? From Missing in America, p. 9
How will these people learn about Jesus? Who will teach them His Word?
KneEmail: “Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” Luke 9.23
Bible reading for 01.20.11: Matthew 13.31-58; Genesis 49-50
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Date

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Mike Benson

JOSHUA HARRIS AFFIRMS that there are many people who “date” the church, but who are unwilling to fall in love with and be committed to her…
And you know, I think he’s right. How many people do you know who are “believers” but they’re not “belongers.” They believe in Jesus, but don’t want to be tied down. They “date” the church, but want to remain independent and free of commitment and responsibility.
Friends, instead of seeing the church for all its flaws and foibles, why not see it as the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:9-11), and the beautiful bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32). Committing to the church doesn’t tie one down, rather it anchors one through the storms of life. And it’s flaws? It’s flaws provide us with an opportunity to love, serve, practice patience, and grow more like our Savior.
Listen friends, don’t allow yourself to use the excuse that the church is too messed up to commit to it. Jesus is the only one who has the right to disown or give up on the church, but he never has and never will.
Therefore, let me leave you with this challenge. Many people are fond of saying that we need to develop a heart for the poor or a heart for the lost, and these are good desires. But may I challenge you to also develop a heart for the church? Get involved. Get committed. Take on responsibility. Invest yourself. After all, if Jesus loves the church, shouldn’t we? Steve Higginbotham at: http://preachinghelp.org/articles/MercEmail338%20(05-21-09).htm
KneEmail: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Bible reading for 12.13.10: Revelation 4; Hosea 12-14
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Cost

Posted on November 1, 2010 by Mike Benson

SUPPOSE I’M VISITING in your home and I notice a lovely vase on the coffee table…
I pick it up and admire it, but suddenly, it slips from my hand, falls to the floor, and breaks! “Oh, I’m so sorry,” I say, and I offer to pay for it. I know I have a fifty-dollar bill in my wallet, so I think I’m safe.
But you tell me there are only two such vases in the world, and the other one is valued at $2,000! Am I any sorrier now than I was a few moments ago? Yes. I am $2,000 sorrier! What made the difference? Knowing the cost.
THOUGHT: Many people look carelessly upon Christianity, thinking it’s just another of the world’s great religions. But when we look at the Cross of Calvary and realize what our salvation cost, suddenly Christianity and the One whose life it represents take on a whole new meaning.
So, then, what value do you place on Jesus? George Vandeman
KneEmail: 18 “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
Bible reading for 11.01.10: Titus 2; Jeremiah 24-26
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Illegal

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Mike Benson

AMONG HOT-BUTTON political issues, illegal immigration certainly ranks toward the top…
I am not naive enough to think I have all the answers, nor am I interested in discussing the political aspects in this article.
I do find some interesting similarities, however, between this subject and a current controversy within the Lord’s body.
Some American citizens espouse an “open borders” policy. Most of them would modify their position to keep out narco-terrorists and others who would overtly harm us.
But short of that, they do not believe that anyone should be denied entrance into the country. They insist that illegal immigrants are hard-working, law-abiding folks, despite the fact that crossing the border illegally prevents any accurate application of the description “law-abiding.” Those advocating open borders paste the label “anti-immigrant” on fellow-citizens who oppose their view.
This reminds me of some of my brethren who insist that anyone with some sort of faith in Jesus is a brother or sister in Christ, a fellow-citizen of Messiah’s kingdom. They know better than to extend the right hand of Christian fellowship to atheists or others who would blatantly deny Christ. However, we are too narrow, intolerant, and exclusive, they complain, when we contend that only those who have believed and obeyed the gospel of Christ are actually to be recognized as Christians (Acts 2:37-38,47).
After all, some who have been sprinkled for baptism or prayed the sinner’s prayer for salvation, or have otherwise deviated from the pattern in the New Testament, are good, hard-working, devout people. They obey New Testament teaching in numerous other ways. Sometimes they might work harder than most who have obeyed the gospel.
Other Americans maintain that those wishing to become citizens must comply with the lawful process Just so, we find brethren within the church who, like myself, stand firmly on the proposition that one wishing to be a citizen in Messiah’s Kingdom must believe and obey the gospel of Christ (Acts 22:16).
We love and admire many good things about people in the denominational world. We do not wish to keep them from citizenship. Indeed, we fervently pray they will obey the gospel; we tearfully plead with them to do so without delay! (Acts 17:30).
But we have neither the desire nor the ability to modify the word of the Lord. We would be cruel, indeed, to pretend that someone is saved when, in fact, that person is still lost in sin.
Unlike becoming an American citizen, entrance into Messiah’s Kingdom involves no waiting in line, filling out endless paperwork, or obtaining approval from some bureaucrat. We can confess Christ this very moment and be immersed in water for the remission of your sins ( Romans 6:1-4). We will enter into a saved relationship with God, and the Lord will add us to His church. Joe Slater at: http://www.forthright.net/guest_writers/illegal_immigration.html
KneEmail: “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:11
Bible reading for 09.22.10: Galatians 1; Ecclesiastes 10 – 12
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Advice

Posted on April 9, 2010 by Mike Benson

Bible class.jpg WHEN SOMEONE HAS just become a Christian and started out in the Christian life, what advice would you give that person about Bible classes…?
Would you say, “Now the church has Bible classes every Sunday and Wednesday, but they aren’t really important. That the church assembles on Sunday night but you do not have to go if you do not want to”? Or would you say to a son or daughter, “I know that you would like to go today, but I want to read the paper, or I want to sleep late this morning, and I don’t think those Bible classes are to important anyway”?
What advice would you give?
THOUGHT: When we willfully neglect the services (as some are doing) we are telling our children and those around us that the church is not important to us. Our children may even feel the church is not important enough to become members of it. Then what could we say for ourselves? Could we say, “Lord, I did my best to teach them the true value of the church–I did this by going and taking them to every service?” via Main Street Monitor, Manchester, TN
KneEmail: “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
Bible reading for 04.09.10: Luke 10:1-24; 1 Samuel 13-14
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Brawling

Posted on March 12, 2010 by Mike Benson

IN HER BOOK The Key to a Loving Heart, Karen Mains has parable entitled “The Brawling Bride…”
The parable describes a climatic moment in a wedding ceremony. Both families have been seated. The grooms and his attendants are in place and the minister is waiting. The bridesmaids are positioned and the wedding march begins to play. Down comes the bride, and the guests gasp as they see her limping. The future wife’s gown is ripped and covered with mud. One of her eyes is swollen and purple. Her hair is messy.
It is said that the groom in this parable is Jesus. Then the author asks this question: “Doesn’t the Lord deserve better than this?” God doesn’t want a beaten up bride or a bride ripped apart by division. The author’s question would have been appropriate for the brethren at Corinth because the church is the Lord’s bride (Ephesians 5:27). Brad Price in First Corinthians, at www.abiblecommentary.com
KneEmail: “For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.” 1 Corinthians 1:11
Bible reading for 03.12.10: Mark 13:1-20; Deuteronomy 17-19
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