NUMBER SIX, 2022
In this issue 3
Creating a Legacy: Preparing the Stones
charles r. swindoll 6
An Ordinary Home Can Be a Holy Place
Barb Peil 8
Can a Christian be Demon Possessed?
steve johnson 11
Hudson Taylor
bill gemaehlich Understanding Our Times 12
Hedonism
steve johnson 14
The Lord Has Done Great Things!
insight for living ministries Puzzle 15
Pleasing the Spirit
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 40 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright © 2022 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 Centre for Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
CREATING A LEGACY: PREPARING THE STONES by charles r. swindoll
Cover & Article Photo: Jeremy Thomas on unsplash.com
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Papa, papa,” the boy pointed to a Sitting on the banks of the Jordan River stack of 12 stones as he yanked on that day, the Israelites learned an object his grandfather’s tunic. “What do these lesson on how to create a legacy. Think for a moment, where are your physical stones mean?” “Oh Jacob, let me tell you a story about reminders of God’s legacy in your life? This passage in Joshua prompted me to our Lord’s hand of deliverance....” After 40 years of pitching tents and dig- think of three words. First, create. God ging graves, the children of Israel finally wants us to go to the trouble of establishcrossed the Jordan River into the Promised ing historic markers. Notice I said, “Go to Land. Before God let them loose to replace the trouble.” Creating legacy reminders manna for grapes and lukewarm water for is not easy. These were big stones. They milk and honey, He commanded them to needed to be chosen, hauled, stacked, and build a curious monument out of 12 stones: then maintained as a lasting reminder of Now when all the nation had finished God’s faithfulness. Now, your historic markers may not be crossing the Jordan, the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, “Take for yourselves stones. Maybe you create a plaque with a twelve men from the people, one statement about His character, or start a man from each tribe, and command prayer journal with His answers permanently scripted in ink, or them, saying, ‘Take up If a picture is worth frame a handwritten copy of for yourselves twelve a thousand words, your salvation experience. stones from here out But whatever you decide, it of the middle of the a lasting legacy is will take creative thinking Jordan, from the place worth a million. followed by intentional and where the priests' feet are standing firm, and carry them over deliberate action. Second, remember. God cares about our with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge remembering Him and what He has done. Memory is a wonderful thing, but it fades tonight.’” (Joshua 4:1-3, NASB1995) Once the men hauled the river stones to as time passes. We get old so quickly. I remember hearing my friend Jim Dobson the designated spot, God continued: “Let this be a sign among you, so that say, “About the time your face clears up, when your children ask later, saying, your mind gets fuzzy.” Ever find yourself playing the name ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ then you shall say to them, ‘Because the game? Cynthia and I spend time saying, waters of the Jordan were cut off before “Remember, ah, ah...” And she’ll say, the ark of the covenant of the LORD; “Yeah, her name is Mary.” And I’ll say, when it crossed the Jordan, the waters “Right. Right. I remember when she...” of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these “Yeah, she did so-and-so.” “Yeah, that’s stones shall become a memorial to the right. That’s right.” One of the many benefits of living together long enough, the sons of Israel forever.” (Joshua 4:6-7) Trust me; no child treated this heap of other can finish your sentences. But God doesn’t want us EVER to forget stones like a jungle gym. These formed a visible memorial of God’s enduring what He has done, or who He is. Unfortufaithfulness. They were legacy stones. nately, we remember our failures far more
than God’s faithfulness. We remember tragedies and forget about triumphs. Physical reminders of His provision help us refocus our thoughts on Him when we lose a job or go through economic downturns. Monuments of His mercy comfort us when our children are rebellious. Reflections on His character give us courage for the future. Number three, impart. God cares that our children remember Him and what He has done. It’s the home where life makes up its mind, where life underscores its etchings. God is deeply concerned that the next generation learns about Him. That happens best through us. Before leaving on long trips or family vacations, Cynthia and I would usually pray in the car with the kids. It became such an expected practice that if we took off in a hurry, one of the children would pipe up, “We forgot to pray!” We’d pull over immediately and settle the issue. Of course,
right after we said, “Amen,” one of the four would snap, “Are we almost there?” Children learn by repetition. I don’t know how many times our adult children, now with children of their own, say, “How many times do you have to say the same thing for them to get it?” My answer is always the same, “More than you wish.” You have to do it over and over until it’s habit. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a lasting legacy is worth a million. Create. Remember. Impart. Do you have any legacy stones in your life right now? If not, it’s time to create a few. Taken from Charles R. Swindoll, “Creating a Legacy: Preparing the Stones,” Insights (January 2004): 1-2. Copyright © 2004 Insight for Living. All rights reserved worldwide.
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AN ORDINARY HOME CAN BE A HOLY PLACE by Barb Peil
Article Image: Mark Zamora unsplash.com
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he word holy means “set apart” for a specific purpose—like the linen and silverware you use only on holidays. As a place where the truth about God and His Word is modelled, your home can be a holy place—set apart for His children to grow. “Our home? Holy?” Yes! But... It Starts at the Top Deciding to make your home a holy place begins with you and your spouse’s choice to make your relationship with the Lord a part of your everyday lives. Welcome Him into every conversation, decision, and relationship that crosses your threshold. When you pray together, remember the little things. Remember too, spiritual talk isn’t reserved for Sunday. In fact, many times... It Happens at the Dinner Table In between “pass the carrots” and “chew with your mouth closed, please” often comes the opportunity to talk about how you and your children’s lives are different because you love God. As a parent, why not share something you’re learning in your Bible study or through your prayer life? Invite your kids to contribute too— you might be surprised at how God is working in their hearts. But remember... It Takes a Good Eye It takes discernment to spot significant junctions in your children’s spiritual maturity. What are their worries? Their questions and observations about life provide perfect prompts to talk about spiritual issues. These teachable moments come when you least expect them. Sometimes they’re cleverly wrapped in traffic jams or waiting rooms, over a mound of dishes in the sink, or at a checkerboard breakfast table. The important moments happen when you model your relationship with
God as a natural part of your daily lives. At these pivotal moments... It Matters What You Say It matters what you say and how you say it. If your tone of voice changes every time you say spiritual words, your kids will conclude that your relationship with God is fake too. Be real. Let your conversation about God be as natural as talking with them about their friends or family members. Encourage their questions, even if you don’t know the answers. They won’t mind your not knowing, if you can discover the answer together in God’s Word. And while we’re talking about talking... It Matters How You Pray When you became a parent, you decided from that moment on to let your heart run around outside your body. At times, the only communications that can reach your children are the conversations you have with God about them. As you pray, think through their day. What challenges do they face? Pray for their strength as you iron their shirts, pray for their health as you fix them nourishing meals. Plead for their protection as you watch them with their friends. Pray for them with your spouse after you tuck them in at night. The result will be... Growing Closer to God as a Family As parents, decide to be a spiritual influence in your home—setting it apart as a place where your relationship with God is as real as the kitchen sink. Together, serve God as you serve each other—with an honest attentiveness and a willingness to be involved in every family member’s growing awareness of God’s plan for their lives. Taken from “An Ordinary Home Can Be a Holy Place,” Insights, March 2000. Copyright © 2000, Insight for Living. All rights reserved worldwide.
CAN A CHRISTIAN BE DEMON POSSESSED? by steve johnson
Article Illustration: Tori Matthys
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There are neither biblical examples hen we inquire about things like demons, also called evil spirits, we of believers being possessed by demons need to remember that the only reliable nor is there biblical instruction regardsource of truth is the Bible because it is ing exorcism (expulsion of the demon). God’s Word. Tradition, human experience, If believers could be possessed we would and church authorities all must be sub- expect both. Therefore, the silence of jected to the standard of Scripture. When Scripture on these topics speaks volumes. When we first became believers, God we ask, “Can a believer be demon possessed?” the larger question is, “What does transferred us from the kingdom of darkthe Bible say about demon possession?” ness and the rule and reign of Satan to Although this is not addressed directly in the kingdom of righteousness and of His Scripture, there is enough biblical support Son Jesus Christ. In fact, 1 John 5:18 tells us “We know that God’s children do not to answer that question. make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son Demon possession in the Bible Theologians discuss the terms “demon holds them securely, and the evil one canpossessed” and “demonized” (the English not touch them.” The word “touch” in this verse has the sense of grabtransliteration of the Greek The believer belongs bing onto. Demons cannot word, which means having demons). But it’s the to Christ, and neither possess a believer. They do related biblical truths that Satan nor his demons not have the authority to shed light on the issue and can reclaim one who do so. The believer belongs to Christ, and neither Satan help us answer this quesbelongs to the Lord. nor his demons can reclaim tion, “Can a Christian be one who belongs to the Lord. demon possessed?” In Scripture, demon possession involves Demon oppression in the Bible Knowing he cannot possess believers, a demon, an evil spirit, having direct or complete control over the thoughts and/ Satan’s objective is to render us ineffecor actions of a person (Matthew 17:14–18; tive. All he can do is use his lies and power Luke 4:33–35, 8:27–33). Illness, rage, self- to influence, attack, and oppress us. He mutilation, and super-human strength can tells us lies about God, ourselves, and others to try to deceive us into behaving in be some of the effects of this control. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit ways that don’t glorify God. He can inflict indwells believers (Romans 8:9–10; 1 Cor- illness, adversity, and calamity to cause us inthians 3:16). Evidence of this is the fruit to question the character or will of God. of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). It is incon- He knows our personal weaknesses and ceivable that God the Holy Spirit would can use the lures of the flesh and the world allow one who Christ died for, the one who to bait us. He will wait years to spring his is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and the one trap if necessary. Believers who have been tripped up or who now belongs to the Lord, to be inhabcaught in one of Satan’s traps are in spiriited and controlled by an evil spirit.
tual bondage. Some of the more common things that bind believers and hinder our effectiveness are pride, bitterness, lack of forgiveness, and unconfessed sin “Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4: 26–27). These things quench the work of the Spirit in and through us and limit our effectiveness for the Lord. Sadly, Satan’s traps have sidelined many believers. Their refusal or inability to free themselves from his traps by confession and repentance keeps them limited. Since Satan’s aim is to trip us up, Scripture warns us repeatedly to be aware of his schemes and to be on the alert. We cannot stop his attacks but we can fight back with
the truth of God’s Word aimed directly at the lies. We are told to resist Satan and stand in the strength and power the Lord provides (Ephesians 6:10–18; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5: 8–9). Believers should neither fear possession nor be ignorant or cavalier about it. We are secure in Christ and the Spirit who lives in us is greater than the spirit who lives in the world (1 John 4:4). Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada. For more extensive treatment of this question, read Freedom from Spiritual Bondage by Charles R. Swindoll.
Insight for Living Canada began over 35 years ago when a Bible-study group in Vancouver decided to look into bringing Chuck Swindoll’s messages into Canada. For more visit insightforliving.ca/our-history
HUDSON TAYLOR by Bill Gemaehlich
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s we continue to put our hope and devastating, this trial paved the way for a trust in Christ like never before life-changing moment in Taylor’s walk with during COVID-19 and the current war Christ which he referred to as “the exchanged across our world, we can look to men and life.” Taylor wrote about this experience in a women of faith who have gone before us letter to his sister after the Yangzhou riots: for encouragement. “’If we believe not, He abideth faithful.’ I Hudson Taylor devoted his life as a mislooked to Jesus and saw (and when I saw, sionary in China for 51 years. Taylor served oh, how joy flowed!) that He had said, ‘I during a time when China was closed to will never leave you.’ ‘Ah, there is rest’ I foreigners and racial prejudice made it thought. ‘I have striven in vain to rest in hazardous to venture into the interior of Him. I’ll strive no more. For has he not the country. He courageously established a promised to abide with me, never to fail chain of missions, bringing the Gospel to a me?’ And, dearie, He never will!”1 nation who had never heard As we continue to faithLet us not grow weary fully seek Him day-by-day, the name of Jesus. and like Hudson Taylor faced many trials week-by-week, and monthas he led the British China by-month during these difTaylor be strong Inland Mission. One of the ficult days, let us not grow and courageous most famous trials was weary and like Hudson remembering the Lord Taylor be strong and couthe Yangzhou riot, which our God goes with erupted in August 1868. rageous remembering the The riot started in oppous and He will never Lord our God goes with us sition to the presence of forleave or forsake us. and He will never leave or eign Christian missionaries forsake us. because of rumours that they were stealing “If we are faithless, he remains babies and killing them to make medicine. faithful—for he cannot deny himself.” The angry mob, estimated between eight (2 Timothy 2:13 ESV) and 10 thousand people, assaulted the missionaries, looted, and burned the British 1 Taylor, Howard. Hudson Taylor and the China China Inland Mission. Inland Mission: Volume 2: The Growth of a Work of God. London: China Inland Mission, 1920. In his biography of Hudson and Maria Taylor, author John Pollock states that Hudson Bill Gemaehlich is the EVP/COO operations at Taylor was so discouraged by the riot that “he Insight for Living Ministries.assistant at Insight for was tempted to end his own life!” Although Living Canada.
HEDONISM by steve johnson
This outlook, with its own set of values edonism is another logical outcome of secularism. The hedonist sees himself and judgements, in turn produces its own as alone in the universe. He’s discarded the morality. “If it feels good, it is good” and Christian concept of the infinite, personal “It can’t be wrong, when it feels so right.” God, who made the world and rules it by Pleasure becomes the ultimate criterion His providence. And because there’s no of value so that truth and goodness are God, and since this life is all there is, the determined by what produces pleasure and hedonist reasons “Let’s party! If my life has avoids pain. There is nothing wrong with pleasure. But no eternal significance then why not enjoy whatever pleasure I can in my brief time when these interests dominate one’s life here? I’m here for a good time, not a long instead of God, they become sinful idols. For time. “’Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomor- that reason, Scripture condemns hedonism. Solomon tested all kinds of pleasures row we die.’” We all experience pain and we don’t like but they were all meaningless (Ecclesiastes it. We all experience pleasure and we do 2:1–11). Amos condemned the love of plealike it. What hedonism does is transform sure because of the callous selfishness so pleasure into a philosophy of ultimates. It’s often associated with this attitude (Amos the belief that man’s ultimate purpose is 6:1–7). Peter wrote to Christians who had found in pursuing ultimate pleasure, avoid- past hedonistic lives (1 Peter 4:3–4) and ing pain, and seeking happiness through Paul calls Christians not to live hedonistically. “Because we belong to the day, we food, drink, drugs, sex, sport, or whatever.
Article Image: Luca Iaconelli unsplash.com
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ing than the quest for pleasure. Repenting must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t means changing direction. So instead participate in the darkness of wild parties of delighting in pleasure-seeking, “Take and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity delight in the LORD, and he will give you and immoral living, or in quarreling and your heart’s desires” (Psalm 37:4). jealousy” (Romans 13:13). Christianity does not call us to seek 4. Reveal hedonism for what it is Show that hedonism is a dead end and suffering, pursue pain, or flee from that destructive to the individual committed to which is pleasant. There is no sin in being it. One problem with hedonism is the hedofree from pain and enjoying the pleasant. nistic paradox—the problem of excess. If, But there are times when as Christians we as hedonists, we fail to achieve the meamust choose the road that results in pain. sure of pleasure we seek, we experience “...we must suffer many hardships to enter frustration. Frustration is painful. The the Kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). That is more that happens the more pain is expewhy we do not consider hedonism as the rienced. On the other hand, if we achieve highest good. all the pleasure we seek, we become sated How should we as followers of Jesus and bored. Boredom is the respond to the culture and There is nothing wrong counterpart to frustration. allure of hedonism? with pleasure. But This too is painful to the 1. Remember what God says about hedonism when these interests hedonist. So the paradox is this: If we achieve what “Those who live only to dominate one’s life we want, we lose; if we satisfy their own sinful instead of God, they don’t achieve what we are nature will harvest decay and death from that sin- become sinful idols. For searching for, we lose. The ful nature. But those that reason, Scripture result of hedonism is the who live to please the condemns hedonism. opposite of its goal. Its only fruit is ultimate pain. Spirit will harvest everHedonism is a philosophy of despair. It lasting life from the Spirit.” (Galatians 6:8) reflects a deep-seated sense of hopeless2. Renounce hedonism Many Christians would deny being hedo- ness and longing. The hedonist is seeking nists, but their actions and lifestyles show fulfilment and looks for it in pleasure and otherwise. Scripture says, “Wherever your avoiding pain. We were created for God and just as fish treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21). A good test of are in despair out of water so the human what we ultimately value and are pursuing soul is in despair when it is outside of felin life is to look at what we are spending lowship with God. He is the source of true our time and money on. Let the Holy Spirit fulfilment and our greatest pleasure in life search our hearts and disclose to us what is to glorify and enjoy Him forever. our pursuits really are. 3. Repent of hedonism Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Only after we have recognized our own sin Living Canada. in this and repented of it can we credibly speak to others about it and share Christ. Knowing Him is infinitely more satisfy-
THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS!
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ven as newlyweds, Canadians Bob and Renae Kuhn devoted themselves to the Word of God. About five or six years into their marriage, they started a routine of visiting Renae’s family in and around the Portland, Oregon area. During every visit, Renae’s mom would have them listen with her to her favourite programs on Portland’s Christian radio station, 93.9 KPDQ. She was especially excited to share with them a newer program initially called New Standard for Living, Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s Bible-teaching broadcast. Through that program, God sparked inspiration into Bob and Renae’s hearts. Renae’s mom gave them some of Pastor Chuck’s sermon series cassette tapes to take across the border to listen to at home. For months, they used these tapes in their home Bible-study group. “It was GREAT!” writes Renae. Bob describes how “our small Bible-study group began studying, praying through, and applying the biblical truth that God brought to us when we needed it most.” They especially loved that “Chuck would not preach if he could not laugh, sharing his joy and wonderful sense of humour in a way that makes the Scriptures winsome.” When the group realized Pastor Chuck’s sermons were broadcast only in the United States, the same question crossed each member’s mind: Why not Canada? They would not let that thought evaporate into nothing. So, they nominated Bob, who practiced law, to write a letter to the newly minted Insight for Living Ministries (IFLM) in Fullerton,
California. Bob offered to help incorporate a Canadian “outpost” of the ministry. Impatient for a response, he placed a call shortly after he sent his letter and was connected to one of IFLM’s vice presidents, who seemed very enthusiastic but did not know anything about Canadian law, demographics, or ministry potential. Bob and the others in the small group offered to help by enlisting the support of several individuals who would serve as founding members of Insight for Living Canada’s Board of Directors. By the end of 1984, God had done a great thing. Insight for Living Canada was a Canadian-registered charity committed to spreading God’s Word through several US border radio stations beaming into Canada. Soon after, with the support of IFLM’s main office, Bob and the other founders witnessed Insight for Living Canada take root and make an impact in Canadian culture. From the first day until now, Bob has served as the chairman of the board. Each time God starts a great thing, He does not turn His face from it to let it run on its own steam. God tends to that work because He has the heart of a shepherd. You have probably experienced the same. The Great Shepherd raises up faithful leaders to keep a great work going, and that is exactly what He did with Insight for Living Canada. Excerpt taken from “The Lord Has Done Great Things!" Read the complete article online at insightforliving.ca/iflc.
Article Image: Henrik Donnestad unsplash.com
by Insight for Living Ministries
Puzzle — Code Word
Pleasing the Spirit Difficulty ● ● ○ ○
Each letter in this puzzle is represented by a number one through 26. Can you crack the code to solve the Bible verse found in the New International Version (NIV)? Two letters are already in place to get you started.
4 23 1 19 15 19 18 5 23 19 6 18
2 1 4 2
3 20 19 2 23
3 20 19 2 23
5 1 ,
2 1 4 2
3 18 1 7
4 6 20 20
10 19 2 5 18 12 22 5 6 1 21 5 1
;
2 11 6 18 6 5
,
O
14
2
3
4
5
15
16
17
18
T
4 23 1 19 15 19 18
3 18 1 7 4 6 20 20
19 5 19 18 21 8 20
5 23 19
18 19 8 11
11 20 19 8 2 19
2 11 6 18 6 5
1
11 20 19 8 2 19
5 23 19
5 23 19 18 19 8 11
20 6 3 19
.
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Puzzle solutions will be posted at insightforliving.ca/puzzle at a later date.
