NUMBER ONE, 2018
LIFESAVING STRATEGIES FOR RESISTING DEPRAVITY’S UNDERTOW charles r. swindoll
AFTER THE STORM... REBUILD! charles r. swindoll
COMING TO TERMS: CREATION steve johnson + more
In this issue 3
Lifesaving Strategies for Resisting Depravity’s Undertow
6
After the Storm...Rebuild!
8
The Daily Digest
charles r. swindoll
charles r. swindoll terry boyle
10 Updating My Social Media Motives
robyn roste
Coming to Terms
12 Creation
steve johnson
Beyond the Broadcast
15 Stop Criticizing Earth and Start Contemplating Heaven
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2018 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada. Cover and artilce Image: Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
LIFESAVING STRATEGIES FOR RESISTING DEPRAVITY’S UNDERTOW by charles r. swindoll
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t’s impossible to exaggerate our world’s Gomorrah” (19:24). Can you feel the heat moral erosion. on your face as you read those words? The Culture has reached an all-time corrupt cities sank slowly as the Dead Sea low. Our cities have laws that forbid open bubbled over them and their inhabitants. sewers and unsafe cesspools, but we lack And Lot? He was running for his life with laws that forbid obscenity and pornography. his two daughters. The family was safe! Unrestrained, immorality parades through But not all the family. Mrs. Lot didn’t make every public square in a brazen display of it. Apparently, she couldn’t bring herself to depravity akin to Sodom’s. believe God meant what He said: “Lot’s wife The sordid account of Sodomite lifestyle looked back as she was following behind him, is graphically portrayed in Genesis 19. and she turned into a pillar of salt” (19:26). The place was shot through with open, Why was she behind him? I’d suggest shameless perversions. “Both young and she was still attached to that lifestyle. She old, all the people from every quarter” refused to sever emotional ties. All this practiced depravity (Genesis 19:4 NASB). business of running away and not looking Walking through Sodom would’ve made back was awfully extreme. Mrs. Lot’s driving through New York City’s red-light philosophy could’ve been etched on her saltdistrict seem like a bike ride block tombstone: NO NEED It’s tragic, but not along Cape Cod. It was gross. TO TAKE GOD SERIOUSLY. inevitable. We can Sodom’s citizens were I know of no philosophy wilfully-debased sinners more popular today. It’s resist depravity’s who regularly practiced dangerous undertow the reason we’re caught indecent, degrading acts in the do-your-own-thing by anchoring ourselves syndrome. Millions are on one another. For some strange reason, to God’s grace—daily, drowning in depravity’s Lot was drawn to Sodom. especially when we’re undertow...but instead of He and his family lived growing in our faith. screaming, “Help!” they among these people and, shout, “I’m free!” as they no doubt, became accustomed to their sink deeper and deeper. ways. Then God stepped in. It’s tragic, but not inevitable. We can Jealous for Lot’s deliverance, the Lord resist depravity’s dangerous undertow by clearly announced the evacuation plan: anchoring ourselves to God’s grace—daily, “‘Run for your lives! And don’t look back especially when we’re growing in our faith. or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to If you’re living like Lot right now, God’s the mountains, or you will be swept away!’” escape plan for you is the same as it was (Genesis 19:17 NLT). What grace! The Lord for him: run and don’t look back! If you’re cared enough for Lot and his family to map flourishing spiritually, remember “Sodom” out an escape plan. Nothing complicated. is never far away. (Don’t believe me? Keep No riddles. Just, “Run for the hills!” reading Lot’s story.) Ask the Lord to help you Behind this serious warning, a severe put into practice four lifesaving strategies extermination plot was unfolding. Doomsday for anchoring yourself to His grace. struck when “the LORD rained down fire and First, realize no one is immune to burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and the dangers. “If you think you are
standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience” (1 Corinthians 10:12–13). Depravity’s undertow is strong. The moment we think we’re good enough to swim alone, we get pulled under. Doesn’t matter whether you have a theology degree and a 50-year ministry or were reared in a godly home and have attended hundreds of Bible studies. Don’t listen to pride’s snooty voice telling you you’re better than those people. Admit, “I am vulnerable. It could happen to me.” Second, stay alert to subtle hints. “Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness” (Ephesians 5:10–11). Open your eyes! Do you see in your life and family a growing toleration of the profane? Lower standards? Making light of sacred things? Watch for hints of sin’s pull. Talk to your children and spouse about what you see. Ignoring problems never makes them go away. Third, declare and model your standard
repeatedly. “Commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands...Repeat them again and again to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). We never see Lot state godly virtues to his daughters! We live in a sexually-permissive society; we need to guard our homes. Write down your moral standards, post them on your refrigerator—then live by them! Ask someone to hold you accountable. Finally, guard against passivity. “Be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing” (2 Peter 3:17). It’s easy to shrug our shoulders when we see immorality seeping into every corner of our society and think, It’s no big deal. Passivity is an enemy! Defeat it by pointing out sin when you see it. You and your family can escape depravity’s undertow. God’s grace is real and powerful. But you must act...now! Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
An Autopsy of Depravity SINGLE CD MESSAGE
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by charles r. swindoll
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uring the last few months, natural disasters have battered North America. Wildfires have ravaged Northern and Southern California and the Pacific Northwest. Death and destruction piled high as the ground shook in Mexico. Hurricane after hurricane tore through South Texas and other parts of North America, including all of Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Neighbourhoods where children once played and moms strolled their babies have been destroyed. Rows of houses have turned into muddy, moulding mountains of debris. Families are still without their utilities, as they dig through the rubble. They’ll be cleaning up for months...perhaps years.
None of us knows if or when we may one day have to sift through the wreckage that was once our life’s treasures. We may or may not endure that particular devastation first-hand. But we do know this: we all have to endure hardships of one kind or another throughout our lives. The sudden death of a loved one, job loss, betrayal by a close friend, bankruptcy, serious illness, divorce—none of these whirlwinds appear on the radar before they strike. All of them leave us with the daunting task of picking up the pieces. What helps us rebuild after such storms? What is absolutely essential to cleaning up the mess and moving forward? Vision—the ability to see God’s presence,
perceive God’s power, and focus on God’s plan despite the obstacles. The keen-eyed prophet Nahum envisioned God’s presence in the storm: The LORD has His way In the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of his feet. (Nahum 1:3 NKJV) Can you see God sovereignly at work in your storm? If your vision is blurred by tears, it may be very difficult. I understand. More importantly, God does. It’s hard to see beyond the mountain of wreckage in front of you. What I like to call the “alphabet of vision” may help sharpen your view: A. Attitude. Stay positive. Rather than panic, pray with deep sincerity: “Lord, this is Your moment. This is where You take charge. I will trust You today and in the days to come.” B. Belief. Believe that God will get you through. Have confidence in His Word. God, in His grace, will enable you to step up and do what’s needed. C. Capacity. Be willing to be stretched. S-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d! In adversity, God will stretch your capacity to accomplish more than you ever thought possible. D. Determination. Hang tough when the going gets rough. No magic wand is available to make everything new again. Determination helps you lock your eyes on God’s vision, and go for it! In The Obstacle Is the Way, Ryan Holiday tells of the fire that destroyed Thomas Edison’s research facility: Fueled by the strange chemicals in the various buildings, green and yellow flames shot up six and seven stories, threatening to destroy the entire empire Edison had spent his life building. Edison calmly but quickly made his way to the fire...looking for his son. “Go
get your mother and all her friends,” he told his son with childlike excitement. “They’ll never see a fire like this again.”1 Don’t you love Edison’s positive response? Instead of breaking him, the disaster invigorated him! As he told a reporter the next day, he wasn’t too old to make a fresh start. “I’ve been through a lot of things like this. It prevents a man from being afflicted with ennui.”2 Edison was right. Ennui—that weary, sluggish feeling that results from having nothing challenging to do—is an affliction to beware of as you age...and remember: You’re never too old to make a fresh start! Edison was 67 when fire devastated his laboratory. The Old Testament’s Caleb was 85 when he declared, “If the LORD is with me, I will drive [the enemies] out of the land, just as the LORD said” (Joshua 14:12 NLT). Caleb locked his eyes on God’s vision for him and took the mountain the Lord had promised! Right now, you’re hurting. You may need time just to grieve. Eventually, though, you’ll need to rebuild, and that process begins with seeing God’s presence in the storm and His plan through the storm. He has not abandoned you! He is your comfort. He is the peace you’re aching for. He is the strength you need to start fresh. Won’t you open your eyes to what God has in store for you? After the storm...rebuild! Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas. 1. 2.
Ryan Holiday, The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph (Penguin Group, New York, 2014), 150. Holiday, 151.
by terry boyle
Image: Tori Nikkel
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hortly after last year’s hurricane ministry days in Dallas, Texas, the big quesone-two punch in Texas and Flor- tions started with, “Who was Jesus, and ida, a neighbour of mine in the UK what did He claim?” But in England, the big expressed her shock over US government questions start with, “Is there a God?” The rhythms and riffs of the Bible don’t run officials’ not only mentioning God but encouraging people to pray for victims. through our literature anymore, so people’s “That would never happen here,” she said. minds have fewer “hooks” to hang biblical “Our leaders don’t do God.” She was quot- ideas on. We can’t take for granted what ing Alastair Campbell’s smug quip from people on the street already know or believe. the days he served as Prime Minister Tony I once had lunch with a smart, well-educated commercial banker who was sure the Greek Blair’s spin-doctor. By and large, my neighbour was right. myth of Icarus and Daedalus was in the Old British Christians rarely poke their heads Testament! Our evangelical foot soldiers must be ready—in seaabove the public paraDuring my ministry days son and out—to argue pet of politics anymore. in Dallas, Texas, the big for God’s very existence When they do, it usubefore we get anywhere ally provokes a thrashquestions started with, near discussions about ing from the press. “Who was Jesus, and Jesus, let alone the case Last year, in fact, one what did He claim?” But in for the resurrection. prominent evangelical England, the big questions When I visit a church Christian resigned as head of his political start with, “Is there a God?” to preach, I have to remind myself that party in England, saying something akin to, “It would be impos- there will surely be people in the congresible for me to be a Liberal Democrat leader gation who have never cracked open a and remain faithful to Christ.” Many people Bible. They need a lot of background and suspected it, but it came as a shock to hear context before things make sense. That’s why Insight for Living United Kingdom is him say it out loud. such a crucial ministry. That’s what we do! But this isn’t a pity-party article! Below the stratosphere of our head-in- And once hungry people realize that they the-humanist-clouds government, there’s can personally forage God’s Word, taste the a lot going on at street level. God’s grace is Lord’s goodness, and be nourished through at work! People here are spiritually hungry, divine truth, they will be well on their way to but they don’t know where to find food. building a much better United Kingdom. They honestly don’t even know which questions to ask. The church my wife, Rosie, Dr. Terry Boyle serves as pastor for Insight for and I attend (when I’m not out preaching) Living UK. regularly offers an educational course that discusses the big questions. During my
Updating my Social Media Motives by Robyn Roste
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joined social media while living away from home. I saw it as a way to connect with friends and family and show them what I was up to. When I created my online profile I had a few blanks to fill in: name, description, interests, etc. I could even mark what type of connections I was looking for: Friendship, Dating, A Relationship, or Networking. What I didn’t realize until later was how easy it is to allow the allure of online popularity and temptation of presenting a false self on the Internet to overshadow my motivation for being online and making authentic connections. Relationships are important. God created us connect with Him and with each
other, so it makes sense why we seek to make connections and place so much importance on them. However, we must be careful not to confuse our Internet popularity with our self-worth. Regardless of how many Facebook friends or comments we have (or don’t have) our self-worth should come from God. For me, being authentic on social media is harder some days than others. But when I dig deep and ask God to show me my motivation for being online, I am able to back away from the computer with regained perspective on where my value comes from. Psalm 139:23 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts." If I’m willing to ask
(and hear the truth), God is faithful to tell they have to eat up our time. Deciding to me. The truth hurts sometimes but I’m have an online profile is a choice everyone has to make. always grateful for it. The social media profile is a pixelated Another question I ask is: does my online profile bring glory to God? Our digital collaboration designed to present lives should reflect our hearts, and if our the self we want others to see. So, what is hearts and minds are fixed on God, then it you want others to see and what are your it will filter down into every aspect of our motives behind it? Here’s a challenge: lives—including our What I didn’t realize until ask God to reveal your virtual lives. If we’re later was how easy it is to motivation for making led by God’s Spirit then the fruits of the Spirit allow the allure of online online connections. If will be evident: love, popularity and temptation you suspect it's to fill a void in your life, know joy, peace, patience, of presenting a false self on this is a void no social kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle- the Internet to overshadow network can fill—not online, not anywhere. ness, and self-control my motivation for being The void (as cliché as (Galatians 5:22-23). online and making it sounds) is God-sized Once I can admit my authentic connections. and no other relationsocial media motives, I find it easy to know what I should post, not ship will be enough, no matter how many post, or say in an online conversation. I’m Facebook friends, Twitter followers, or Insworking towards finding ways to engage tagram hearts you have. If it’s time to adjust that are fun but also authentic. I still have to your social media motives take a step back, check my motives, but asking the questions re-evaluate, and come back when you know like, “What are my motives?” and “Will this it’s for the right reasons. bring glory to God?” often makes the decision to post or not to post easy. Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager It's easy to understand how people are at Insight for Living Canada. wary of social media and, if we're honest with ourselves, it's easy to see the potential
Our national office is located in Abbotsford, BC but our program airs across the country. To find a station near you visit insightforliving.ca/find-station
CREATION | What does Creation tell us of God How long did Creation take How is Creation related to the Gospel By Steve Johnson
Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash
Terms in the Bible are specialized words of particular significance. In Coming to Terms we explore the significance of these terms to deepen our understanding of biblical truth through a question and answer and fill in the blank format. (Fill in the blanks where applicable to gain a deeper understanding of the term. I’ve used the New Living Translation for the Scripture passages.)
Unpacking the term
The term “creation” refers to the act by which God created everything. Miraculous creation by God is the major presupposition of the Bible and the foundational truth for all of Scripture. If God did not create then the rest of the Bible is irrelevant. Was God obliged to create? No. He did it because He wanted to. What is the purpose for which God created everything? To bring glory to Himself. To create the universe with design and purpose out of nothing with a command brings glory to God because only He can do the impossible. What is required for us to accept this great presupposition that God created everything out of nothing? Hebrews 11:3, “By ____________ we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see __________ __________ come from anything that can be seen.”
What does creation tell us about God? It identifies who He is. He is not an idea or moral standard. He is the Maker of all. Creation is filled with pointers to God showing His power and handiwork (Psalm 8:1; 19:1) and reflects His wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-21). Why is it significant that God made everything out of nothing? Because it means He is separate from what He created. Creation totally depends on God but does not emanate from Him. God does not want to be confused with His creation and so forbids idols representing Him (Exodus 20:4-6). How long did creation take? It can’t be determined from Scripture. The original cosmic creation may have been millions of years ago. And if the six creative days were literal days, large periods of time may have expired between them. What does creation tell us about man? It identifies who man is. Man is not just
How should you feel about what God a body or a product of natural processes. He is made in the image of God. Creation has made? First Timothy 4:4-5, “Since gives us our origin, identity, purpose and everything God created is ____________, we destiny. It means we are should not reject any of it accountable to God. So but receive it with thanks. If God can do the creation means there impossible in creation do For we know it is made will be a judgment day by the you believe He is able to ______________ (2 Corinthians 5:10). word of God and prayer.” To whom does every- save you, keep you, and What is our responsibilthing, including you, supply your every need in ity toward creation? God’s belong? Psalm 24:1, original mandate was for Christ Jesus? “The ____________ is man to govern and tend the LORD’s, and ____________ in it. The the earth (Genesis 1:28; 2:15). That became ____________ and all its ____________ distorted when man sinned. But since we are new creations in Christ, we should be belong to him.” How did God feel about what He made the best ecologists and stewards of creation (Genesis 1:31)? His final verdict when as we live redemptively under Christ who is He looked over all He made was it was Lord over all. If God can do the impossible in creation do __________ __________. It was perfect. What was the impact of sin on cre- you believe He is able to save you, keep you, ation (Romans 8:19-21)? Humanity—the and supply your every need in Christ Jesus? Elizabeth Barrett Browning summed up pinnacle of God’s creation—became depraved, affected in every aspect of our the difference between comprehending being by sin and not taking God seriously. the significance of creation or not. “Earth's Creation is intertwined with redemption. crammed with heaven, And every common Christ’s work of redemption brings about bush afire with God, But only he who sees new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians takes off his shoes; The rest sit round and 5:17) and eventually a new heaven and pluck blackberries.”1 Do you live with shoes off or are you a earth (2 Peter 3:5-13) in which righteousblackberry plucker? ness dwells (Revelation 21:1). How is creation related to the Gospel? Creation is the basis for the Gospel. Creation was very good but man sinned and Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for affected all creation (Romans 8:22). Death Living Canada. entered creation and needs a Saviour. 1. Elizabeth Barret Browning, Aurora Leigh: Book 7 So, how should we His creatures respond (Oxford University Press, New York, 1998), Lines to God and why? Psalm 148:13, “Let them 821-822. all __________ the name of the LORD. For his name is very ____________; his ____________ towers over the earth and heaven!” It only makes sense that we and all He created would praise Him and give Him glory (Psalm 100:3; Revelation 4:11).
Stop Criticizing Earth and Start Contemplating Heaven
“The Lord has given us just enough revelation about heaven to whet our appetites—to make us aware of the remarkable difference between where we are and where we will be.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL Do you take time to ref lect on the discover details of what’s in store for us in wonder of heaven? Do you think about eter- heaven. Below is an example of a simple nity with God and the complete and total way to observe contrasts. In this case, the banishment of death and sin? Do thoughts contrast is between earth and heaven. Here are three things to remember as you of heaven influence your earthly days? There is more to live for than the here reflect on your present and your future. and now. John 14:1-3 and Revelation 21:1-7 • Any place God plans to be, you should want to go remind us that we are not home yet. Some day God will make His home with us and • Anything God removes (pain, sorrow, death, suffering, fear, shadows, night) we will commune with Him, see Him, and you don’t need know Him in a way we can only dream • Any time God makes an offer, you’re about now. wise to accept it Jesus promised to prepare a place for us Father, help me to reflect on Your eternal and to come back to get us and take us there. In the time in between, we trust His timing glory. The world is broken and I long for the day when You make all things new. To be in and anticipate the joy to come. In this message, Chuck suggests we Your presence—what an unspeakable joy take a good look at Revelation 21:9-22:5 to that will be! Amen.
The World of Woe, Earth
Our Glorious Destination, Heaven
Depravity
Joy
Sin on parade
Sinlessness
Darkness and shadows
Light
Deformity, death, disabilities
Life without fear
Resistance to the Gospel/rejection of Christ
Worship of the living Christ
Sadness and suffering
Protection and perfection
“Stop Criticizing Earth and Start Contemplating Heaven” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series Things to Start and Stop. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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