Malchus' Ear

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08/29/21 - Moral Issues

Malchus’ Ear

By Greg Gwin

Christians are often disappointed and discouraged when they fail to convince their unbelieving friends and relatives to accept the truth from the Scriptures. They ask questions like: "How can they ignore the evidence?" and "It's so obvious, why can't they see it?" These are good questions. We understand your frustration. We agree -- it is not logical for people to ignore the abundance of available proof.

Do you recall the occasion when Judas brought a band of armed men to arrest Jesus? Peter, thinking to defend Him with force, drew out his sword. Each of the gospel writers describe him cutting off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the high priest. Jesus rebuked Peter, and Luke tells us that He proceeded to heal the severed ear (Luke 22:51). Think about that a minute! In the presence of this mob of angry conspirators Jesus worked a miracle. They saw it! Yet still they proceeded to participate in the events that led to the unjust murder of God's own Son.

We remind you of this simply to illustrate that prejudiced men have always ignored evidence that contradicts their predetermined positions. If the Scribes and Pharisees could see the many miracles of Jesus and still call for his crucifixion, we should not be too surprised when men today reject the plain truths of God's word.

But, there is another, more positive lesson to be learned here. Jesus said in John 10:18, "No man taketh (my life) from me but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." In healing Malchus' ear, Jesus proved His point. By working that miracle He showed that He had unlimited power to save His own life, but He refused to use it. He died willingly for our sins. What a Savior! (The Beacon, 5/18/2010)

Why Do Your Best?

“Why should I try to do my best? No one else is doing his best or even cares.” How would you answer this person who was encouraged to do his best? Anytime we say a person ought to do a thing, there should be some good reasons for such an admonition. The following points stress why we should be the best for our heavenly Father.

1) That's all you can do. God hasn't called on you to be more than you can be or do more than you can do. Just do your best!

2) Because of the alternative to not doing your best is doing your worst. This is obviously not desirable. “Whatsoever thy hands find to do, do it with all thy might” (Ecc. 9:10). This proves that God expects our best.

3) Because of the results of not doing your best. It places a stumbling block in front of others.

4) Because a lost world deserves to see the best life we can live for the Lord. We must let our lights shine before men so they will glorify our father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

5) Because we are created in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27). This places a unique responsibility upon our shoulders.

6) Because of positive results. People will take knowledge that you have been with Jesus (Acts 4:13).

7) Because you will develop good habits from being the best for the Lord.

8) Because the church deserves the best effort you can put forth (1Cor. 12:12-30).

9) It brings happiness and peace of mind. There is a good feeling in knowing you have done your best for the Lord.

10) Because it will influence others to go and do likewise. So, Do Your Best!

Toothless in Hell?

A gospel preacher was preaching on Heaven and Hell. After painting the glories of heaven, he began to cover the terror of hell. Over and over he mentioned, "weeping and gnashing of teeth," "weeping and gnashing of teeth." Finally an older lady in the audience cried out, "I don't have any teeth!" A silence fell over the preacher and the audience. After a moment, the preacher raised his hand and a pointing finger, shouted, "Teeth... will be provided!"

Inside-Out Again

The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then in turn change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature. (Ezra Taft Benson)

A Moments Wisdom

--Before we set our hearts too much upon anything, let us examine how happy those are who already possess it.

--It is pretty hard to tell what does bring happiness; poverty and wealth have both failed.

--Peace is not an absence of war, it is a virtue, a state of mind, a disposition for benevolence, confidence, and justice.

--The actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.

--A preoccupation with the future not only prevents us from seeing the present as it is but often prompts us to rearrange the past.

--It is never too late to be who you might have been.

--Pessimist: One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.

--Some people always sigh when thanking God.

--God does not want your cleverness -- or your ignorance.

Test Your Bible Knowledge of the Psalms

1. This Psalm speaks of the future suffering of the Savior __________

2. This Psalm speaks of Asaph’s discouragement __________

3. This Psalm asks about why God regards human beings __________

4. This Psalm speaks of the universe declaring God’s praise __________

5. This Psalm is the shortest song in the book __________

6. This Psalm praises the singing of praises __________

Upcoming Sermons

8/29/21 AM - “Please Pray for Me”; PM - Guest Speaker: Doug Sanders - “Life is a Puzzle”

9/5/21 AM - What I Want to Say to God; PM - Monthly Singing Service (Congregational choice of songs)

9/12/21 AM - The Faith of the Wise Men; PM - God is Still on His Throne: A Study of Trust

9/19/21 AM - Why Did It Have to be Jesus?; PM - Joseph the Just

9/26/21 AM - The Gospel of Self; PM - God’s Purpose for Planet Earth