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QUESTION: "WHAT SHOULD WE LEARN FROM THE LIFE OF JOB?"

Answer: The life of Job is proof that man usually has no idea what God is doing behind the scenes in the life of each believer. All humans ask the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" It is the age-old question, and one that is sometimes difficult to answer in human terms, but believers have an advantage because we know that God is always in control, and, no matter what happens, there are no coincidences—nothing happens by chance. Job was such a man; he knew that God was on the throne and in total control, though he had no way of knowing why so many terrible tragedies were occurring in his life. Job never lost his faith in God, even under the most heartbreaking circumstances that tested him to his core. It’s hard to imagine losing everything we own in one day—property, possessions, and even children. Most men would sink into depression and even become suicidal after such a nightmare; however, Job never wavered in his understanding that God was still in control. Job’s three friends, on the other hand, instead of comforting him, gave him bad advice and even accused him of committing sins so grievous that God was punishing him by making his life miserable. Job knew God well enough to know that He did not work that way; in fact, he had such an intimate, personal relationship with Him that he was able to make the statement, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face” (Job 13:15). There is another lesson in the book of Job, and that concerns the bond between husband and wife. Satan declared war on Job, trying to prove that he was only faithful to God because God had blessed him. God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith, but He stopped him at the point of taking Job’s life (Job 1:12). God declares that a husband and wife are “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24); therefore, because of this God-ordained bond, Satan was forbidden to take the life of Job’s wife, as well as that of Job. She obviously did not have faith like that of Job, because her response to the calamity was to tell Job to “curse God and die!" (Job 2:9). Her faith did not spare her, but her marriage bond with Job did. She was considered the same flesh as her husband, so Satan could not take her life, either. Job’s plight, from the death of his children and loss of his property to the physical torment he endured, plus the unending harangue of his so-called friends, still never caused his faith to waver. He knew who his Messiah was, he knew that He was a living Savior, and he knew that someday He would physically stand on Planet Earth (Job 19:25). The spiritual depth of Job shows throughout his writings. He understood that man’s days are ordained (numbered), and they cannot be changed (Job 14:5). Job described the experience of salvation as one in which men, destined to eternity in “the pit,” are ransomed and redeemed by a gracious God who shines His light on them (Job 33:23-30). There are also many scientific and historical facts in the book of Job. He wrote that the earth is round long before it was proven to be so, referring to the “circuit of heaven” (Job 22:14). He spoke of dinosaurs, living not before man was created as secularists teach today, but living side-by-side with man, as stated in Job 40:15: "Now behold behemoth, which I made along with you; he eats grass like an ox” (KJV). The book of Job gives us a glimpse behind the veil that separates earthly life from the heavenly. In the beginning of the book, we see that Satan and his fallen angels are still allowed free access to heaven, going in and out to the prescribed meetings that take place there. What is obvious from these accounts is that Satan is busy working his evil on Planet Earth, as recorded in Job 1:6-7. Also, this account shows how Satan is “the accuser of the brethren,” which corresponds to Revelation 12:10, and it shows his arrogance and pride, as written in Isaiah 14:13-14. It is amazing to see how Satan challenges God; he has no scruples about confronting the Most High God because he has no fear of Him. The account in Job clearly shows Satan as he truly is—haughty, pride-filled, and evil to the core. Perhaps the greatest lesson we learn from the book of Job is that God does not have to answer to anyone for what He does or does not do. What we learn from Job’s experience is that we may never know the specific reason for suffering, but we must trust in our sovereign, holy, righteous God whose ways are perfect (Psalm 18:30). If God’s ways are “perfect,” then we can trust that whatever He does—and whatever He allows—is also perfect. This may not seem possible to us, but our minds are not God’s mind. It is true that we can’t expect to understand His mind perfectly, as He reminds us “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ says the LORD. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Nevertheless, our responsibility to God is to obey Him, to trust Him, and to submit to His will, whether we understand it or not. When we do, we will see more clearly the magnificence of our God and we will say, with Job, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5). Recommended Resources: Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance by Charles Swindoll and Logos Bible Software. Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/questweek.html#ixzz2mjS3FepS

QUESTION: "HOW MUCH EMPHASIS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO DEMONIC DELIVERANCE IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE?"

Answer:There are two extremes in people’s thinking about demons. One says that what we call demons are nothing more than negative thoughts and behaviors that any human being is capable of. Those who hold this view believe that “deliverance” from a “demon” is brought about by the application of self-control; this view is usually accompanied by the discounting of anything supernatural. The other extreme says that any bad happening whatsoever is the work of demons. Those who hold this view often “rebuke” everything from the common cold to a drop in the stock market. The correct emphasis on demonic deliverance lies somewhere between these two extremes.

Scripture is clear that demons are real and that they interfere in human affairs (Matthew 12:43;Mark 1:26;Acts 8:7). Demons were very much at work in Bible times, and there is no reason to assume that demons are inactive now (1 Peter 5:8). However, among those who do believe demons are at work today, there are a variety of perspectives. Some tend to over-emphasize the work of Satan, giving him more attention than he deserves. Our focus should be on the glory of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), since "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). Satan and God are not “equal” or “balanced” opposites, in ayin-yangway. Satan is a created, finite being who possesses only the power God allows him to have (Job 1:9-10).

Jesus cast out many demons during His earthly ministry, and the early church continued to address spiritual warfare after Jesus had ascended back to heaven (Acts 5:3;8:7;Ephesians 6:11-13;2 Corinthians 10:3-5). There is no evidence to suggest that Satan and his fallen angels have ceased to torment human beings. However,James 1:13-15makes it clear that much of our struggle against sin is due to our own fleshly desires, not a direct attack from Satan.

The Greek worddaimonizomai, often translated "demon-possessed" in the Gospels, simply means "demonized." The word refers to more than just possession. Anyone under the influence of a demon could be considered "demonized." Even a Christian can be "demonized" or sufferdemonic oppressionif he allows his thoughts, actions, or attitudes to be influenced by demons. EvenPeter, one of the Lord's closest friends, allowed himself to be a mouthpiece for Satan when he tried to talk Jesus out of going to the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). Although a Christian has been purchased by the blood of Jesus (John 10:28-29;Romans 5:9), Satan can still wreak a great deal of havoc if allowed. He cannot steal the soul of a Christian or possess him, but he can render him fruitless and rob his life of joy and victory.

Ephesians 6:10-17instructs us in combating the forces of darkness. We are told to continually put on the "full armor of God" and "stand firm." Although Satan and his forces are constantly at work to "steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10), God's armor allows His children to be victorious against the attacks. Often, in situations when demonic oppression in a believer's life is overwhelming, it is due to that believer's sinful choices (2 Corinthians 2:11). We are told toresist the devil(James 4:7), be careful of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27).

The most scriptural way of defeating demonic influence in a Christian's life is to follow Jesus’ example when He was tempted by Satan.Luke 4:1-12recounts the conversation between Jesus and Satan. Although Jesus is God in the flesh, He did not rely on His own wit or authority to rebuke His enemy. Every time Satan came against Him, He replied, "It is written..." The best defense against demonic attack is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Christians are in aspiritual battle, and we need to be aware of the spiritual realities around us. But our focus should not be on the demons; our eyes are to be fixed “on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). That’s where the victory is.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandVictory in Spiritual Warfare by Tony Evans.

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Related Topics:

What does the Bible say about demonic oppression?

How can demonic strongholds be overcome?

Can a Christian be demon possessed?

What does the Bible say about deliverance?

Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today?

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Questions about Angels and Demons

QUESTION: "WAS IT UNFAIR FOR GOD TO ALLOW JOB TO SUFFER OVER WHAT WAS BASICALLY AN ARGUMENT BETWEEN GOD AND SATAN?"

Answer:A surface reading of thebook of Jobusually evokes a reaction such as “Why is God making a ‘bet’ with the devil? God is being unfair to Job!” If we are honest and not just trying to defend God, He seems at first like some kind of cosmic ogre. God not only wagered Satan over the outcome of Job’s trials, but He actually provoked the bet (Job 1–2). To make matters worse,Jobnever finds out why he was afflicted in the first place. This is very disturbing for those who hope to see God as just, gracious and loving and not just “playing” with us as if we were pawns on a chessboard. So, in a way, the story of Job puts God on trial. To really understand what is going on in Job, we need to evaluate how this “trial” is litigated in the book’s argument.

On the surface, when God finally “testifies” in Job 38–42, the way He “grills” Job may seem to suggest that God is “against” Job rather than “for” him. The God-speeches are notable for their deep sarcasm, as if God were simply highlighting Job’s cluelessness (Job 38–39). However, a deeper look reveals a more redemptive dynamic in this trial: first, Job’s friend Elihu actually serves under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, both as Job’s advocate before God and God’s advocate before Job (Job 32–37); second, we find that God indeeddidexpress His love to Job, both in His speeches (Job 38–41) and in finally vindicating Job. God confirms that Job had spoken “what was right” about Him, whereas his first three friends had not (42:7).

As Job and his friends debate God’s fairness, it becomes apparent that all of them basically believe in the doctrine of “retribution theology”—every act receives just punishment or reward in this present life, so we should be able to tell who is righteous or wicked by whether they are visiblyblessedorcursedon earth. This is a false doctrine, but Job thought itshouldbe true and went on the offensive, charging God with injustice and calling for a trial (Job 29–31). Surprisingly, God condescends and agrees to be put on trial. The speeches in Job 38–41 actually consist of God’s testimony in His own defense. In the “trial” we see that Job has no legal standing to convict God. Job cannot demonstrate how God runs the universe, so he cannot present any evidence of injustice (chapters 38–39). Also, God establishes His absolute right to act as He sees fit. As proof, He points to two creatures—behemoth andleviathan—that mankind has no control over whatsoever and that answer only to God.

Even before God shows up, Elihu makes the same points and argues that God is deeply redemptive in His dealings with man in spite of man’s notorious tendency toward self-destruction (32–37). Since God validates Elihu’s points (38–41), the adversarial tone in God’s answer to Job makes even more sense: throughout Job’s dialogue with his friends (4–27) and in his formal complaint to God (29–31), Job had assumed that God wasunawareof what happened to him or that He wasdeliberately persecutinghim or that Job had inadvertently sinned and God wasnot willing to tell himwhat the problem was. Job thought he was being punished entirely out of proportion to any conceivable offense he may have committed. In fact, Job questions God incessantly throughout the dialogue. His protest climaxes in a direct indictment of God on the charge of injustice (29–31).

So what did Job “get right” (42:7)? The upshot of the trial is that Job finally sees that God’s governance of the universe is much more wonderful than he could have imagined, and he openly concedes this (42:2-5); sothisis what Job spoke about God that was “right” (42:7). Now, it is absolutely crucial to note the sequence of events at this point: it is only when Job obeys God and intercedes on behalf of his three friends—who had now become his enemies—that God actually blesses Job with a twofold inheritance (42:8-17). This “reward” was not at all some kind of “consolation prize” for Job’s unfair treatment; rather, it was the inheritance God promises to all who serve faithfully as redemptive agents of the Creator (cf.Daniel 12:3). Job obeyed God and was rewarded for his obedience.

In the end, God’s wager with Satan actually achieved an incredible coup: He harnessed evil and turned it to good (cf.Genesis 50:20), and He transformed Job into the most effective servant of all, one who took on God’s own redemptive character andloved his enemies. And this, in fact, is our take-home lesson from Job.

Recommended Resources:Logos Bible SoftwareandThe Serpent of Paradise by Erwin Lutzer.

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Related Topics:

Book of Job - Bible Survey

What should we learn from the life of Job?

Does Satan have to get God's permission before he can attack us?

What is a hedge of protection?

Why does God allow Satan to attack us?

Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/God-Job-Satan.html#ixzz2ORzKTJlT

SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN ~ MATTHEW 18:1-6, 19:13-15 ~

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:14 KJV).

On January 20 we will observe Sanctity of Human Life Day. Each year we choose the Sunday closest to the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. That decision matters because at least 50 million babies have been legally aborted in the last forty years.

50 million is a lot of people. Here’s a way to think about it.

Take the population of Georgia,
Plus the population of Michigan,
Add the population of Virginia,
Plus the population of Nebraska,
Add the population of Nevada,
Include the population of Iowa,
Add the population of South Dakota,
Then add the population of Rhode Island,
Take the population of Arizona,
Plus the population of Oregon,
Add the population of Kansas,
Include the population of Vermont,
Plus the population of Mississippi,
Then add the population of Alaska.

That would total approximately 50 million people.
That’s 14 states wiped out.
Gone. Vanished.
Legally killed.

That’s what we’ve done in America since 1973.
That’s what we’re still doing. 

In 2009 41% of all viable pregnancies in New York City ended in abortion.
It’s hard to know what to do with a number like that. 

Forty years after Roe v. Wade, abortion remains a divisive issue in American politics. In one hopeful note, the Gallup Poll on Abortion shows that support for the pro-life position has been slowing rising since 1996. In 2012 50% of those surveyed called themselves pro-life while 41% self-identified as pro-choice. 

Because this is a sensitive issue, many people prefer not to think about it. In any congregation you will find a spectrum of opinions and a spectrum of experiences.

Some are angry.
Some are brokenhearted.
Some are guilty.
Some are chained to the past.
Some are frustrated.
Some are unsure where they stand.
Some want to change the subject.

It’s almost impossible to find anyone who is truly neutral.

How should we approach this issue? I wonder what Jesus would say about abortion. How would he feel about it? What if he were walking among us today? Is there any way to be sure about what he would say?

We can begin with one obvious fact. Jesus never directly addressed this issue, mostly because abortion was not commonly practiced in Israel. It was considered a pagan practice. Because the Jews in Jesus’ day did not kill their unborn, there was no reason to address the issue (See The Early Church on Abortion and Abortion in the Bible and Church History).

So if we ask, “What would Jesus do today?” we’re not asking the right question. We ought to ask, “What did Jesus do and what did he say?" 

The gospels leave us with many important clues, none more important than this. How did the Lord Jesus treat children? 

Jesus dealt with children on two separate occasions. The first is recorded in Matthew 18 and Mark 9. The second is mentioned in Matthew 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18. All say substantially the same thing. 

The Basic Principle

Let’s begin with a statement of the basic principle from an incident recorded in Matthew 19:13-15.

Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

This has been called “the Magna Carta of Children.” These are some of the simplest words Jesus ever spoke. Only hard hearts would not be moved by them. 

I am touched by several things in this passage:

1. The spontaneous desire of parents to bring their children to Jesus. When Luke tells this story, he uses the Greek word for “babies.” It’s the same word he used for John the Baptist leaping for joy in his mother’s womb (Luke 1:44). 2. The disciples’ reluctance to let the children come near. How typical this is, how very modern. We get so task-oriented and so busy saving the world that we don’t want the children to bother the Savior. How strange, how sad, and yet how often this happens. The disciples were like the president’s bodyguards, keeping well-wishers at a distance. To the disciples, the children were just a bother, one more interruption in an already-busy day.  3. Jesus’ indignation at those who would keep children away from him. In Mark’s version of this incident (Mark 10:13-16), he uses a word that means Jesus was upset by what his disciples did. Many translations say he became angry. The ERV says it this way: “He did not like his followers telling the children not to come.” The Message says, “But Jesus was irate and let them know it."  4. Only those who are like children can come at all. Look at what Jesus said in Mark 10:15 (HCSB), “I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." That must have shocked those big-shot disciples. Ironically, at that moment the little children were closer to Jesus than the disciples who tried to keep them away.  5. Jesus’ willingness to embrace children and bless them. According to Mark 10:16, “He took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them." No wonder parents loved him. If you show kindness to my children, it means more than if you had shown kindness to me. Little children are smarter than we think. They know when they are loved, and they respond with love to those who love them. No wonder children flocked to him.

Think of it . . . the parents wanted their children to come to Jesus . . . the boys and girls were not afraid of him . . . and he picked them up in his arms . . . then he put his hands on them and blessed them. “Their innocent helplessness appealed to the King.” (Charles Erdman) 

Should we do any less? Is there any work greater than caring for children? Should we not also bring our children to him? And if we do, will he turn them away? No, he will not. He will embrace our children just as he embraced these children so long ago.

It is Christ-like to love children, to care for them, to welcome them, and to embrace them. It is like Jesus to become indignant at those who would mistreat them. 

Is it not like Jesus to save the babies the world would kill?

Jesus is the little child’s best friend. His blessing has brought its benediction wherever his name has been heard. Christianity has always been the religion that safeguarded the rights of children. 

Wherever the gospel goes . . . it honors families . . . it ennobles motherhood . . . it protects and preserves the place of children.

Where Christ is known and trusted and followed, and where his example is the model, there infancy is sacred and children are safe. 

The Solemn Warning

Lest we miss the seriousness of all this, Matthew 18 includes another story that starts as a question the disciples asked.

“Lord, who is the greatest in the kingdom?” (v. 1)

Strange that Jesus’ handpicked men would ask a question like that. You would think that having followed the Master for many months, all thought of human competition would have vanished. 

But you cannot cancel human nature.

So Jesus took a child and had him stand in their midst (v. 2).  As the disciples looked at the young boy, they wondered what Jesus meant to say. The answer was simple and clear:

“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3).

Then the direct answer to their question:

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (v. 4).

Then comes the heart of the message for us today. In the next few verses Jesus tells us why children matter so much to him and why they should matter to us. 

Here are three principles we need to consider:

1. When we welcome a child in Jesus’ name, we are welcoming Jesus himself.

“And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me" (v. 5). This statement has enormous implications:

1. How we feel about having children. 2. How we respond to cultural pressure from radical feminism. 3. How we react to the burden of childrearing.

Why does he say that to welcome a little child is to welcome him? Because Jesus himself was once a baby! 

The reverse is also true. When we reject our children, we are rejecting Christ himself. The words of Paul Vitz (Psychology as Religion, p. 66) come to mind: 

Recall that the young Mary was pregnant under circumstances that today routinely terminate in abortion. In the important theological context of Christmas, the killing of an unborn child is a symbolic killing of the Christ child.

2. When we deliberately harm a child, we face an unspeakable judgment.

“But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (v 6).

Literally the warning is against those who cause little children to stumble. What does Jesus mean by this? It means to lead them into sin, to tempt to evil, to hurt the children, to abuse them, to neglect them, to ignore them, to expose them to danger, and ultimately to harm them physically or spiritually. 

It’s anything we do that causes harm to come to our children. 

Note that Jesus applies this to “these little ones who believe in me,” thus teaching us a vital truth. Sometimes we wonder, “Can a child truly believe in Jesus?" Yes, indeed, and if we have raised our children in the truth of God, we ought to expect them to believe. 

Let us pray to that end and work to that end.
Let us ask God to save our children at an early age. 

Some people mock the faith of a child. That is a terrible thing to do. Some cast doubt and make jokes as if only adults can believe in Jesus. How sad, how tragic, how truly evil that we should make fun of God’s little children. Here is Charles Spurgeon’s comment in Do Not Hinder the Children:

People occasionally say of such a one, “He is only fit to teach children: he is no preacher.” I tell you, in God’s sight he is no preacher who does not care for the children.

John Piper (Let the Children Come to Me) offers this warning to those who belittle reaching children for Christ:

If you are receiving the kingdom yourself like a little child, then you will not do anything to hinder little children from coming to Jesus. But if you are trying to enter the kingdom some other way than by receiving it like a child, then you will probably be a hindrance to children. If you are not childlike toward God, children will probably be beneath you and not worth your time.

In my notes I found the following quote, which has no attribution. So I will share it not knowing who said it and simply make a follow-up comment. 

Children will come to Jesus if we do not hinder it.

Our responsibility is not so much to bring them to Christ as to get things out of the way that hinder them coming to Jesus. Then I found this written in my notes:

Children naturally love Jesus!

That statement strikes me as true if by it we mean something like this: “Just as the children of Jesus’ day knew that he was their friend, even so children today love to hear about him.” If we will but tell the story of Jesus, our children will be drawn to him by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

But then we must face the judgment of Matthew 18:6. In the ancient world, the farmers would take freshly-harvested grain and grind it between two heavy stones. The “millstone” was a huge stone so heavy that it was pulled by a donkey. The “depth of the sea” represents the deepest, darkest, most turbulent spot. If you hang a millstone around a man’s neck and drop him in the depth of the sea, he will most certainly drown. The millstone makes his death doubly sure. It speaks of a terrible, agonizing death. 

Jesus said the judgment of those who harm his children is much worse than that!

And so I must ask the question. What does Jesus say about those who make their living by killing babies? What of those who make millions in the evil abortion industry? What of the cowardly politicians who vote for it? 

I would not want to be in their shoes when Judgment Day comes.

Pope John Paul II cast the matter in a larger context with these words:

“Whoever attempts to destroy human life in the womb of the mother not only violates the sacredness of a living, growing and developing human being, and thus opposes God, but also attacks society by undermining respect for all human life."

President Ronald Reagan put it very simply: “Everybody who’s for abortion has already been born." 

3. When we protect a child from harm, we are only doing what God has already done.

“See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (v. 10).

Check out that phrase: “their angels in heaven.” Is this a reference to what we commonly call “guardian angels"? Perhaps. Certainly it means that the angels of God watch over little children. What do they do? They protect them, they care for them, they watch over them. 

I think I’ve learned something about this ever since our grandchildren started arriving several years ago. Whenever a new picture of Knox or Eli pops up on Facebook, Marlene makes sure I see it. A few weeks ago Josh posted a video of Knox standing in front of a snowman in Vermont. With a little prompting from Josh and Leah, Knox (who is 2 ½) sang “Frosty the Snowman." We played that video over and over again. Then Mark posted a video of Eli doing some Gangham-style dancing, if that’s what you call it when a little boy who is not yet two waves his arms to the music, dips this way and that way, claps his hands at the end, and then looks at the camera with a smile, as if to say, “I did a good job, didn’t I?" It was terrific, and we watched it over and over, examining every move he made. We never grow tired of it. 

Last June Josh and Leah made a Smilebox video of Knox wishing me Happy Father’s Day. He couldn’t quite get it all out, so he said, “Happy day,” and smiled. At the end he said, “Bye-bye, G-Pa.” I saved it on my computer desktop so I could watch it any time I like. I’ve seen it at least 35 or 40 times. And it does something to my heart every time I see it. 

I am captivated by my grandsons. Or perhaps I should say, “They have captured my heart,” and they did it without even trying. 

I will do whatever I can to help them. They don’t have to ask me. I should say in passing that it’s different even than when Josh, Mark and Nick were growing up. After thinking about it, I can’t explain exactly what the difference is, but it is there. 

So I think about my sons and now about my grandsons. They are never from my mind, and no one has to remind me to think about them. Even as I write these words, there is something inside that I feel, a kind of love and concern and fear and joy all mixed up together. 

But if I, a very imperfect father and grandfather, feel that way about my children and grandchildren, how much more does God love them.

How much more will God take care of them.
How much more will he watch out for them.
How much more will he reward their trusting hearts. 

If my children are precious to me, if my grandchildren mean so much to me, do they mean any less to God? They are far more precious, for he sends his angels to watch them while they sleep. Sometimes when I’m busy, I don’t think about them. But the Lord never forgets. 

But how does he remember them all? He never gets their names mixed up.

At this point I will interject something from my notes, written almost 30 years ago when the boys were still at home and very young:

“One of the angels leans over and says, ‘Joshua is the one who looks like his father. Mark is the one covered with paint. Nick is the one swallowing pennies.’”

Honestly, I can’t remember what that means because I wrote it a long time ago. But I’m sure it’s quite true, at least the larger point that God knows our children by name, individually and personally, and he knows which is which and never gets them mixed up.

The angels who watch over my sons and grandsons are in the presence of God.Nothing they need ever goes unnoticed. 

Doing the Work of Jesus

Our God sees and knows all the little children of the world. Every time we move with love and compassion on behalf of the children, born and unborn, we are doing that which is dear to the heart of God.

I will declare to you what I believe. The Lord Jesus is on the side of those who love little children. And we are on his side when we stand up for them. 

We are on the side of the angels when we do everything in our power to stop the killing of the unborn. 

We’re doing what Jesus would do.
We’re doing what he did when he took the children in his arms and blessed them. 

In its widest embrace, this principle involves all those who love little children. It includes an army of doctors and nurses who treat infants and young boys and girls. It includes those who teach our children. It certainly includes those who rescue children from brutality, abuse, slavery and sexual exploitation. 

God bless every Sunday School teacher who comes week after week to teach the children in her class.
God bless the Vacation Bible School volunteers.
God bless the Awana workers.
God bless the children’s choir leaders.
God bless those who lead backyard Bible clubs.
God bless those who take in foster children.
God bless those who adopt children.
God bless those who care for children with special needs.
God bless those who lead Children’s Church and give the Children’s Sermon on Sunday morning.
God bless those who write good books for children and design safe toys for them and sing to them and pray with them and for them. 

But there is more that needs to be said as we think about the tragedy of abortion.

When we give our money to those who help unwed mothers, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we give our time to counsel the confused, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we urge our leaders to protect the unborn, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we volunteer at our local crisis pregnancy center, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we speak out on behalf of those who have no voice, we are doing the work of Jesus.
When we risk misunderstanding and embarrassment to save lives, we are doing the work of Jesus.

As the old chorus says, “Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.” We need only to add that he loves those little children even before they come out of the womb.

Let me summarize my message this way: There are many reasons why we oppose abortion, and chief among them is this. We are for Jesus . . . and Jesus is for children.

That’s why he said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

What Our Children Teach Us

Our children can teach us so much. Dr. Thomas Elkins writes poignantly from his own personal experience:

“We look at our own child, Ginny, who has Down syndrome, and see our own limitedness. She shows us love even when we, at first, were not totally accepting of her. These kids love us until we begin to love them back. And by loving them, we learn a whole new definition of love-something very akin to grace.”

Our children teach us that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Love is deeper than that. You don’t have to have a spotless record. You can be the world’s biggest failure, and still you are loved. That’s grace!

And we learn it from our children.

Which leads me to ask this personal question. Do you want to go to heaven? It’s very simple, really. Just become like a little child. That’s all.

            –Come to Jesus and say, “I need you.”
            –Come to Jesus and say, “I’ve blown it.”
            –Come to Jesus and say, “I’m trusting in you.”

That’s like a child. . . . Humility . . . Total dependence . . . Complete honesty . . . No cover-ups . . . No games . . . No pride . . . No conditions . . . No deals.

As you come to Jesus, keep the words of this familiar children’s hymn in mind:

Jesus loves me! This I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
They are weak but He is strong.

This verse tells how Jesus saves us:

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

And the chorus is a wonderful affirmation of faith:

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Perhaps you should stop right now and sing those words and make them your own.

Heaven is for people who aren’t ashamed to become like children. That’s the only way anyone ever gets in. 

You aren’t perfect . . . That’s the truth.
But Jesus still loves you . . . That’s grace. 

You can enter the Kingdom of Heaven if you want to. The door is open to those who are not ashamed to come as little children.

WHAT THE BIBLE TELLS US ABOUT PERSECUTION

"The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church." Tertullian, 1st century AD

                          Reason for Persecution: the Cross separates us from the world

 

John 15:18-21

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you... because they do not know Him who sent Me."

 

John 16:1-4

“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues [today it might be from churches]; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them."

 

John 17:14-18

"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one."

 

Galatians 5:11

^"And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased."

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Reasons for Persecution: compromising leaders

 

John 12:42-44

"Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

 

Acts 13:48-52

"The word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. But the Jews [the religious establishment] stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. But...the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.  

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Covenant Relationship with Jesus: 

Sharing in His suffering and promises

Matthew 10:16-20

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues....But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."

 

Matthew 5:10-12

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven...." 

Matthew 20:23

"Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.”

Luke 22:20

"In the same way, He took the cup after they had eaten saying, "This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in My blood."  

Romans 8:16-18

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

 

Romans 8:35-39

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

 

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,  that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body."

 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

"And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 

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Prophecy

Matthew 10:21-22

"Now brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake."

 

Matthew 24:8-14

"... you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake... And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."    

Mark 13:11-13

"Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved."

2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-14

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…. And from such people turn away!

        "…all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned ..."

 

Luke 21:12-16

"…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, and all on account of my name.  This will result in your being witnesses to them.  But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.  For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.  You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death."

   

Revelation 17:6

 ^"I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with great amazement."

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Biblical Responses to Persecution

Psalms 31:16

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;  

I say, “You are my God.”

My times are in Your hand;

Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,

And from those who persecute me.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant;

Save me for Your mercies’ sake."

 

 

Matthew 5:43-45

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you..."

 

Mark 8:34-36

“Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" 

Mark 13:11  

“But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit."

 

Acts 4:18-20

^" Then they... commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God.  For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

 

Acts 5:28-29

“Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men.'"

 

Acts 5:40-42

^"They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left... rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ."

 

Acts 7:54-57

^"When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, 'Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!' Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord..."

 

Romans 12:14

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse."

 

2 Thessalonians 1:3-6

^"... we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer...."

 

2 Timothy 2:10-12

"Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This is a faithful saying:

For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.

If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.

If we deny Him, He also will deny us."

 

Hebrews 11:24-28

"By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible."

 

Hebrews 13:12-15

 ^"Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. "

 

1 Peter 2:20-24

"... if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.  To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."  

 

1 Peter 3:14-15

"But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear."  

1 Peter 4:12-13

^"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

1 John 3:13

"Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you."  

 

 Revelation 2:10-11

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life."

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Unbiblical Responses: Sin  & Compromise

Matthew 13:18-23

"...hear the parable of the sower: ... But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles." 

Mark 8:38

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes....”  

2 Timothy 4:16-17

"... no one stood with me, but all forsook me... But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me..."

 

Hebrews 10:32-36

^"But recall the former days .... you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."

 

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God’s Mercy for persecutors

Galatians 1:13-17

"You have heard... how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.... But ... it pleased God… to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles...."  

Galatians 1:23-24

But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me.  

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Triumph through Persecution

Philippians 1:12-14

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Notice that His triumphs are also shown in the above sections.