Insights Magazine: Issue Six, 2024

Love is the greatest thing, but for it to thrive, it must be the main thing... in your walk...in your witness...in your worship.

Keeping the Greatest Thing the Main Thing

by Charles R. Swindoll

Cynthia and I recently celebrated 69 years of marriage. Yes, you read that right. Sixty-nine years!

The pages on the calendar whirl by in my mind as I think back to the day of our wedding.

The place: First Baptist Church in Galena Park, Texas.

The date: June 18, 1955.

The time: 8 p.m.

I can still see my sweetheart, as radiant as an angel, wearing the wedding dress she had made, walking down the aisle on her father’s arm. Soon, we were on our way to a lifetime of learning and growing, delights as well as disappointments, heartaches and joyous laughter, family and ministry.

We had no clue our path would plant us in three states—Massachusetts, California, Texas—and send us to minister all around the world. Whew!

Countless scenes still play in my memory. Many of them touch my heart. Deep down, Cynthia and I have not changed—having the same passion for ministry, same love for family, and same granite-like commitment to each other.

We started with hearts in tune. Though youthful, we had no disagreement over who would have the final word... our Lord . He had called us to become one, and we wanted Him to remain preeminent.

We were determined not to let anything decrease the priority of our marriage and our family—not seminary, not church or work responsibilities, not our kids’ teenaged years, not our own goals, not even the maddening pace of life. All praise to His name, Cynthia

and I are still close...still committed...and even more in love than when we first made our vows at the altar.

That kind of love has always been our aim to cultivate and sustain.

In the book, Passages of Marriage , I recall reading about the fifth and ultimate stage of love, Transcendent Love— “a profound and peaceful perspective toward your partner and toward life.” We’re in that stage now. I think of it as a deep trust in each other, an abiding confidence and respect for the other person, as well as a shared delight in and enjoyment of one another.

A love like that takes consistency over time—including some dogged effort! When life gets hectic, noisy, and difficult and the world’s chaos bombards you, it is easy to become distracted and get pushed apart. Stress can create friction. Life can sink into a cold routine. Without intentionality, the flame of deep love flickers out.

The believers in Ephesus allowed that to happen to them...not in their marriages...but for their Saviour. By the time the apostle John recorded and circulated the book of Revelation, the Ephesian church kept serving Christ as before, yet without enjoying Him or delighting in Him.

Oh, they were busy doing all the right things and staying committed. Jesus commended them for their diligent work, patient endurance, and rock-solid theology (Revelation 2:2–3).

Even so, the heartbroken Bridegroom (Jesus) told His bride (the church), “you have left your first love” (2:4 NASB).

The word left suggests not a sudden departure but a slow erosion. While they toiled and defended the faith, their love for Jesus had cooled over the years.

Duty replaced devotion. But just as in relationships, love for the Lord can be rekindled.

First, Jesus told them to “remember” (2:5). They needed to remember it was God’s love that led Him to send His Son. They needed to remember how Jesus loved the church, which is why He gave Himself for her. Sustaining your first love in Christ includes remembering the love that drew you to Him.

Second, Jesus told them to “repent” and “do the deeds you did at first” (2:5). Repent means to turn, to change. It’s never too late to start over with God. Go back to those early days of loving the Lord as you serve Him.

A timely lesson surfaces for us in these commands.

Do not get so busy doing for Christ that you neglect being with Christ.

Love is the greatest thing, but for it to thrive, it must be the main thing...in your walk...in your witness...in your worship.

Whether you’re directing cars in the church parking lot, handing out meals at the homeless

shelter, planning an evangelistic outreach event, leading a Bible study, shepherding your family, giving your financial gift, or doing any one of countless acts of commendable service, keep your love of Christ foremost in your heart, letting your service to Him flow out of your intimacy with Him.

Sixty-nine years of marriage has been a true adventure of love. Even now, we don’t take it for granted. Kindling the deep flame of love requires consistent demonstration. For decades, one of the ways Cynthia and I have expressed and renewed our love for one another is by drinking coffee together in the quiet hours of the morning. Our commitment to spending those moments together has only fuelled our affection for each other. What we have experienced together can also be true in every believer’s relationship with Jesus. If that isn’t your habit, I encourage you to start today. Spend quality time with your Saviour who loves you. Are you wondering where to begin? How about with this simple expression, “Lord, I love you. Here I am ready to be with you.”

A Gift for Dad

by Charles R. Swindoll

In an age of equal rights and equal time, it seems only fair to give dads equal attention.

Moms get the lion’s share of the parenting accolades, and let’s be honest—they deserve every bit they receive. Too often though, dads get lost in the shuffle. So for the next few moments, move over, ladies...make way for the men; in fact, a very select group of men: fathers

At those times when families traditionally honour dads—on his birthday, at Christmas, or

on some other special day, the eyes and ears of children and spouses perk up. They scan store windows, watch television commercials, flip through newspaper ads, and undertake furious Internet searches. Our families wonder whether to wrap us in robes, fill us with food, surprise us with skis, tickle us with tools, or just cover us with kisses. If I know dads, most of ’em blush no matter what you do. They are so used to providing, receiving is a little weird. Occasionally, it is

downright embarrassing! Most dads are quick to say to their families (with pardonable pride):

“Look, just sit back and relax...and leave the striving to us!”

For the next several minutes, think about your father, OK? Meditate on what that one individual has contributed. Think about his influence over you, his investment in you, his insights to you. Study his face...the lines that are now indelibly etched in your mind. Listen again to the echo of his voice...that infectious laugh...those unique expressions that emerge through the miracle of memory. Feel his hand wrapped around yours...his strong, secure arm across your shoulders. Remember his grip that once communicated a balanced mixture of gentleness and determination, compassion and masculinity...not only his, “I understand,” but also his, “Now, straighten up!” Watch his walk. There is no other walk like his, is there? Those sure steps. That inimitable stride. Arms swinging and back arched...head tilted just so.

A righteous man who walks in his integrity—

How blessed are his sons [and daughters] after him. (Proverbs 20:7 NASB1995)

How very true! How blessed you are!

TAKE IT FROM ME, WHEN THE TIME COMES

Our Lord declares that you are the beneficiary in a perpetual, paternal policy. For the balance of your life, you receive the dividends from your father’s wise and sacrificial investments in “integrity stock.” Most of those dividends were unknown and unclaimed until you grew up and became aware of your inheritance. You may not have realized until recently how richly endowed you really are!

FOR GIFT-GIVING, THERE’S ONLY ONE THING HE NEEDS.

Best of all, take time to recall his exemplary character. The word is integrity. As you read this, pause and remind yourself of just one or two choice moments in your past when he stood alone, when he stood by you...when he stood against insurmountable odds...when he provided that shelter in your time of storm. When he protected you from the bitter blast of life’s harsh consequences. When he chose to say, “Honey, I forgive you,” instead of, “Why, you ought to be ashamed!” What wonderful memories!

In the wake of such a legacy which time can never erase, give God thanks. Thank the Giver of every good and perfect gift for the meaningful marks your dad has branded on the core of your character...the wholesome habits he has woven into the fabric of your flesh. While meandering through this forest of nostalgia, stop at the great oak named Proverbs and reflect upon the words the wise man carved into its bark 29 centuries ago:

Your dad is not perfect; painful though it is, he would be the first to admit it. Nor is he infallible, much to his own disappointment. Nor altogether fair...nor always right. But there’s one thing he is—always and altogether—he is your dad...the only one you’ll ever have. Take it from me, when the time comes for gift-giving, there’s only one thing he needs. Plain and simple, he needs to hear you say,

“Dad, I love you.”

That’s the best gift you can give. If you give him your love, you can forget all the other stuff that comes with a price tag. Nothing you could buy will bring him anywhere near the satisfaction that four-word gift will provide.

As you consider a gift for dad when his special day comes around, look him in the eye or call him on the phone and give him the gift he needs more than anything.

Give him your love.

A

Gift for Dad (TIO n.d.; FIN bk p. 262; SEA p. 219)

Samuel: Faithful Prophet and Honest Judge

by Insight for Living Canada

The Old Testament character of Samuel is remembered for his trustworthiness, faithfulness, and honesty. His life began as an answer to prayer and Samuel lived his life as an obedient servant!

Name Means “name of God”, but sounds like “heard by God” because God listened to and answered Hannah’s prayer for a child.

Outstanding Characteristics

Faithfulness and honesty.

Summary

Born in response to barren Hannah’s prayer, Samuel was dedicated to the Lord. After his wean-

ing he was brought up in the Shiloh temple by Eli and ministered to God there. While still a boy, he experienced the prophetic call and in due course became the prophet of the Lord. It was Samuel who delivered God’s difficult message of judgment on Eli and his wicked sons. Samuel’s wisdom increased over the years and eventually became the last judge in Israel. After the death of Eli, Samuel led Israel to victory over the Philistines and settled disputes in various cities in Israel. Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah, who were delegated to become judges after him. When his sons grew up both became corrupt, so the people demanded that a king be appointed. Samuel initially resisted

Article

Photo: Joshua Reynolds, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

the idea of having a king over Israel but was led by God to anoint Saul. As priest, Samuel presided over the monarchy, but eventually conflict developed resulting in Saul disobeying the prophet and Samuel rejecting Saul. Samuel’s final act was to anoint David as the next king.

Key Scripture

As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord

it’s possible he was too busy doing ministry. The warning for us is not to become so involved in serving God that we neglect our own family. A parent’s first ministry is to their family and after that to the whole church of God.

5. Practicing Truthful Communication

THE OLD TESTAMENT CHARACTER OF SAMUEL IS REMEMBERED FOR HIS TRUSTWORTHINESS, FAITHFULNESS, AND HONESTY.

The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle. (1 Samuel 3:19–21)

Lessons Learned

1. Keeping an Open Ear

Samuel had an open ear to God (1 Samuel 3:1–21). Like Samuel, we too are servants and must keep an open ear to hear God’s Word to us. We must also have a heart to obey and speak His Word even though it may be difficult or unpopular.

2. Right and Wrong

Samuel recognized the false standard of the world and was displeased that Israel wanted a king like the other nations (1 Samuel 8:4–6). We too must know God’s standards of right and wrong and be willing to obey Him. When confronted with difficult choices we, like Samuel, should take them to God in prayer.

3. Seeking and Following Guidance

Despite having reservations about anointing a king for the people, Samuel sought God’s advice and abided by His decision. Most of us indeed consult God when confronting important life decisions. But how many of us are willing to follow His guidance, even when it seems contrary to our own desires?

4. Neglected Family

Samuel’s sons failed to follow the Lord. While it is true that it is not necessarily Samuel’s fault

Whatever God told Samuel, as a faithful prophet, he truthfully passed it on to the people even when it hurt. He didn’t mince words. He didn’t sugarcoat things. We should follow Samuel’s example to share the Gospel and teach the word of God truthfully without sugar coating it and without regard to how we will be perceived or how our audience will react.

6. Steadfast in Faith and Obedience

Samuel was obedient even when others weren’t (1 Samuel 15:13–23). As Samuel proved more than once, no matter how intimidated we are by those in authority, we must remain obedient to God. Just as to obey was better than to sacrifice, so today, God defines our love for Him in terms of keeping His commandments (Matthew 7:21). Those who remain steadfast in their faith may be looked upon cynically by the world. Despite this, those who remain faithful to God will be vindicated.

Samuel was a faithful prophet and honest judge. His life story is an inspiration for us to follow, one marked by transparency, obedience, and trustworthiness.

Bible Basics: Transmission of the Scriptures

by Steve Johnson

The term “transmission” refers to the process of how the Scriptures were written down and copied. It’s a process connected to the history of writing and the ancient writing materials used in making the Bible. Transmission describes how the Bible came to be.

The first known system of writing is from Mesopotamia dated around 3000–4000 BC and was done in pictures called cuneiform script, similar to Egyptian hieroglyphics. Picture writing is basic and can’t express many of the more complex ideas and concepts found in Scripture. Subsequently, an alphabet was developed. Examples of the first-known alphabet were discovered in the region of Mount Sinai. The inscriptions on rocks in this area are dated about 1500 BC. This helps us understand the origin of the Bible since now we know an alphabetic script was in use in that area around the time Moses lived and wrote the first five books of the Bible.

The Bible also makes reference to the ancient writing materials used by people of ancient times.

• Stone

Stone inscriptions have been found all over the ancient world with the earliest known examples having been found in Palestine. This agrees with what the Bible says about early writing because the Ten Commandments were first written on stone tablets (Exodus 31:18).

• Clay

Clay was also used as a writing material and huge libraries containing thousands of clay

tablets have been unearthed. Soft clay would be formed into tablets and the writer would take a stylus and imprint his message upon the clay and it would harden. Ezekiel 4:1 references this writing material where the prophet Ezekiel was told to draw on a clay tablet.

• Leather

Leather is the material that was used to write down the law in the Old Testament times. This practice is continued today. The Jewish Talmud required that the law be copied on animal skins.

• Papyrus

Papyrus was the most common writing material during the New Testament times. Thin strips were cut from the stem of the papyrus plant and laid side by side to form a sheet. A second layer was then laid across the first in the opposite direction and joined to it by moisture and pressure. After drying the sheet was ready for use.

Papyrus was so widely used that it is almost certain that the original New Testament books were written on papyrus sheets. The New Testament books of Second John and Third John would have only taken single sheets of papyrus. For longer letters or manuscripts such as Matthew, Luke, and Acts, individual sheets of papyrus would be joined together to be stored in scroll form.

Around the first or second century AD, papyrus scrolls began to give way to what is known as the papyrus codex—an early form of a book. For Christians who copied and circulated the

New Testament writings, the codex had great advantages. The separate pages of papyrus would be stacked together and sewn along one edge making transporting much easier.

The Bible was originally written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The majority of the Bible was written in Hebrew. A smaller portion was written in Greek and only a few chapters were written in Aramaic.

Almost all of the Old Testament books were written in Hebrew. To English-speakers, Hebrew is a strange language. It is written from right to left and its alphabet of 22 letters has no vowels. This would be the same way that the Old Testament text originally appeared.

transmission. They used great effort in copying the Bible texts by hand. It was difficult, slow, and tiring work, and it required a great deal of mental concentration.

THE TERM

“TRANSMISSION” REFERS TO THE PROCESS OF HOW THE SCRIPTURES WERE WRITTEN DOWN AND COPIED.

Aramaic is a language related to Hebrew. At around 500 BC, it was the language of the common man in Palestine. It is not surprising then to find parts of the Old Testament in Aramaic. There are about nine chapters in all, mostly from the books of Ezra and Daniel. Aramaic remained the language of Palestine for centuries.

Although the native language of Jesus was Aramaic, the books of the New Testament were written in Greek because Greek was the international language at that time. A document written in Greek could be understood as far west as Spain and as far south as the northern coast of Africa.

The original writers of the New Testament probably wrote their letters or books on papyrus sheets. But it was not durable and deteriorated over time. That’s why the original copies of New Testament writings are no longer available. But there is no doubt that we possess the original message of the New Testament. More than 5,000 copies or manuscripts of these writings in whole or in part have been discovered.

Once the original letters were written, individuals made copies of them by textual

As time went by, Christianity spread and the need for additional copies of the Scriptures increased. So, they devised a new method, manuscript transmission, that would make it possible to make multiple copies at once. Several scribes, together with all their necessary supplies, gathered in a room called a scriptorium . An individual would read the Scriptures aloud and the scribes would write down what the reader was saying. With this technique, many more copies of the Scripture could be created at the same time.

Although the scribes tried hard to copy accurately, there are still some scribal variations between manuscripts. This is because all ancient books had to be copied by hand and no human hand is perfect.

The kind of mistakes in the biblical manuscripts are the same kind of mistakes that we make when we write or copy things down, such as in spelling. For example, we may write “beleive” instead of “believe.”

When copying dictation, most errors would be due to hearing mistakes. For example, copying “their” instead of “there” and omitting small words like “and” or “the.” It is the same way with biblical manuscripts. In most cases where there is a variation in the text, it is because of mistakes of the eye or ear. But again, with over 5,000 manuscripts available to compare, variations like these can be checked easily and we can be sure the New Testament text is reliable.

The written copies of the Old Testament are not as numerous as the many thousand copies of the New Testament texts. Even so, the text of the Old Testament has been remarkably preserved.

A great example of this is the Dead Sea Scrolls. A copy of the book of Isaiah found with these scrolls predates the earliest copy we had of this book by 1,100 years. Even with this large time gap, the Isaiah scroll is amazingly similar to the later copies and our English Bibles today.

In conclusion, three important facts must be kept in mind. First, we must remember that all ancient books have come to us by means of textual transmission. The Bible texts have thousands of these copies available for examination.

Second, manuscripts of the Bible range in date from the second to the 16th centuries and come from many parts of the world. This in itself is a significant indication that there isn’t a conspiracy or purposeful manipulation of the text by Christian scribes.

Finally, variations do exist in the manuscripts but they only concern small errors that even we make today when we copy by hand or transcribe by ear. It is good to remember though that examining the many copies available is an effective way of determining the true wording and give us confidence we have God’s Word today.

Isn’t that incredible? Although how the Bible came to be feels mysterious, it comes down to ancient writing materials and transmission of the Scriptures.

Insight for Living Canada is a registered non-profit charity. Because of this we need to fundraise, which can be distracting.

Learn more about why we ask for money at insightforliving.ca/why-donate

Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.

THE INTEGRITY OF A COURAGEOUS CONFRONTATION

insight for living ministries

The following mini-study is presented to familiarize you with Pastor Chuck’s method of Bible study and provide an opportunity to study the passage yourself.

WHEN“The goal of confrontation is not simply to reprove, it’s to restore. It’s not simply to point out what’s wrong, it’s to bring the person to repentance.”

—Pastor Charles R. Swindoll

a great leader commits a great sin, he or she can usually pull the wool over the public’s eyes and keep it secret. Those closest to that leader, however, aren’t so easily fooled.

David was hardly free. The memory of his sin hounded his conscience day and night. Despite his agony, David hardened his heart and did not admit his sin, until finally the courageous prophet Nathan knocked on David’s door with a message from God as an act of fearless confrontation.

Prepare Your Heart

Scripture encourages us to “come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will... find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:16). Express to God your desire for grace as you turn to His Word.

Turn to the Scriptures

Our key passage for this study is 2 Samuel 12:1–14.

When Nathan came to David, about a year had passed since the adulterous affair. David was miserable. “My sin is ever before me,” David later lamented (Psalm 51:3 NASB1995) and pleaded with God, “Oh, give me back my joy again” (51:8).

God gave David plenty of time to repent on his own. Month after month, the Lord waited for sin’s wretchedness to sufficiently soften David’s guilty heart. At just the right time

(which may seem like a long time to us), the Lord stepped in. “ Then the Lord sent Nathan to David” (2 Samuel 12:1, emphasis added).

Observation: Nathan’s Moment of Truth

Observation is an important first step in Searching the Scriptures as we let the words and images of the passage soak into our minds. Read slowly and thoughtfully.

Nathan’s Disarming Story—2 Samuel 12:1–6

: O Read Nathan’s opening story in 2 Samuel 12:1–4, noting the sympathy he creates for the poor man and antipathy for the rich man. What was Nathan’s purpose for first telling a story that David could relate to?

: O According to 12:5–6, how did David respond?

: O How do you think David’s past played into his outrage (1 Samuel 16:6–12; 17:28)?

Nathan’s Direct Rebuke—2 Samuel 12:7–12 David’s pity for the poor man and anger at evil opened David’s heart just enough for Nathan to land his rebuke.

: O According to 2 Samuel 12:7–10, how did Nathan turn the tables on David?

: O According to 2 Samuel 12:11–12, how did the consequences match David’s crimes?

David’s Repentance and Restoration—2 Samuel 12:13–14

Instead of rationalizing, David simply told the truth: “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:13).

: O In 2 Samuel 12:13-14, how did the Lord show grace to David, despite the severity of the consequences?

Interpretation: Principles for Effective Confrontation

: I God didn’t send Nathan to confront David until a year after David’s behaviour toward Bathsheba and Uriah. What does the Lord’s delay teach about His character and response to sinful people?

:I What does an emotional word picture or story accomplish in confronting a resistant person?

:I After telling the story, Nathan focused on the facts of David’s sin. What principle does Nathan’s facts- based confrontation exemplify?

:I Nathan didn’t approach David with a vindictive or superior attitude. What principle does Nathan’s attitude convey about the proper tone for effective confrontation?

Correlation: Confrontation

Methods in the New Testament

:C According to Ephesians 4:14–15, what do we keep in balance as we select our words and display our attitude?

:C What did Paul teach in Galatians 6:1–3 regarding our reasons, goals, and attitudes toward confrontation? What warning did Paul give?

Application: Lessons about Confrontation and Confession

Through Nathan’s confrontation, David’s broken relationship with God was mended. Later, forgiven David declared in relief, “Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” (Psalm 32:2)

If the red light on the moral dashboard of your conscience is flashing your guilt, don’t wait to confess your sin like David did. Openly admit the

truth. Be sincere in your desire to break from the sin and display a broken and humble spirit.

:A Has the Spirit been revealing a sin to your conscience? If so, use David’s own words in a prayer to the Lord: “wash me clean,” “purify me” (Psalm 51:2), “create in me a clean heart” (51:10), and “forgive me” (51:14).

: A On the other hand, you might feel the Lord sending you to be like a Nathan to confront a David. If so, what principles for effective confrontation from Nathan’s example can you follow?

:A What are the facts that you might want to point out, rather than getting sidetracked into conjecture and hearsay?

:A Confrontations are never easy. We always run the risk of straining a relationship but the risk is worth the reward when the person is restored.

A Final Prayer

Father, when I must confront someone, please send me. I don’t want to go on my own or in my own strength. I need Your words, Your wisdom, and Your love for fearless and effective confrontation. You long to restore Your sinning child, and I join You in that purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Go to insightforliving.ca/confrontation to download the full-length Searching the Scripture Study and listen to Pastor Chuck’s message.

“Thank you for the Insight for Living magazine that comes monthly. I find it very inspiring.” –Barb

When Insight for Living Canada started in 1984, the ministry was supported and subsidized by Insight for Living Ministries in the United States. In 2000, we became totally self-supporting. Since then, God has used faithful and generous supporters to meet our needs. And some of you have been standing with us since the beginning.

Can we count on your continued prayer and financial support to move with us past 40 years of ministry and into the future?