NUMBER FOUR, 2016
Battling for TRUTH
In this issue
11
8
6
Your Marching Orders from God charles r. swindoll
11 30 Days to Taming the Gossip Habit steve johnson
6
Stay in Circulation charles r. swindoll
Beyond the Broadcast 15 What If You Are Being Stalked?
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Saying What You Mean robyn roste
3
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bible-teaching 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 2016 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 Laura Vanderwel. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and cover image Š stocksy.com certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
by charles r. swindoll
As Christians, we all have received our marching orders from the ultimate Authority: TO MAKE DISCIPLES.
Y
ou may not have thought about it before, but Christians have a lot more in common with soldiers than we might think. In what way? For starters, soldiers don’t serve to protect themselves but to guard the interests of their homeland. There is simply no room for ego or grandstanding among soldiers during the heat of battle. What matters is obeying the leader’s commands. I can’t help but think of Paul’s words to his young protege, Timothy: “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3-4). Of course, there’s also an intangible longing that keeps a soldier going—the desire to go home. The soldier isn’t just a military man or woman...but a son, daughter, father, mother, husband, or wife. As soldiers of
Christ, we yearn to be home with Him. I’ll never forget some valuable lessons I picked up while serving in active duty in the Marines. Two truths stand out more than others. First, there are some ideas worth fighting and dying for. For us as Christians, the Gospel is a legacy worth fighting and dying for. As servants of the Gospel, we press on through our present groaning in this world with our eyes fixed on home—and on the author and finisher of our faith, Jesus Christ. We forge ahead, knowing that we don’t fight against the visible, the flesh-and-the-blood world, but against rulers and authorities of the unseen world (Ephesians 6:12). We are encouraged by Jesus’ assurance that the gates of hades cannot and will not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18). We keep going in courage, knowing that what the Apostle Paul proclaimed is true: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Some ideas are worth that.
Second, you always dig your foxholes big enough for two people. Why? You need a buddy with you in the battle. The same is true in life. One of the first lies concocted by our adversary, the devil, attempted to isolate and deceive humanity into thinking we can live independently. It’s a voice we hear today, isn’t it? We face temptation to live only for ourselves, to consider the voice of God optional, and to sidestep any responsibility toward others. Have you ever heard the line: “Oh, it’s just me, Jesus, and my Bible!”? Oh, really? God has not called us to sit alone in the foxhole, waiting for the rapture—mentoring no one, witnessing to no one. Nonsense! We are our brother’s keeper. We are our sister’s keeper. As Christian soldiers, we never fight alone. The same is true at Insight for Living Ministries. It’s our passion. We see ourselves in a battle for truth alongside many others who share that same commitment. We teach and guide. We minister and mentor. This remains just as true of our ministry in Brazil or Australia or the Middle East as it is here in Frisco, Texas. Insight for Living
Ministries is dedicated to a broadcast ministry and pastoral staff wherever we serve. In fact, we are excited to be moving into our new international headquarters soon. The enthusiasm comes not because we intend to rest on our laurels, but because with the completion of this building, we increase our capacity to train, encourage, and launch even more pastors into the world to minister, ultimately, in every country. As Christians, we all have received our marching orders from the ultimate Authority: to make disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). The battle, my friends, is not over yet. There is so much more ministry ahead of us as God’s soldiers. We are not home yet. Don’t forget your marching orders... the Great Commission. And never forget that we are here for you—to pastor, to encourage, and to assist you in gaining godly insight for living until we reach our eternal home.
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
Knowing God: Life’s Major Pursuit
For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.
by charles r. swindoll
D
uring the reign of Oliver Cromwell, the British government began to run low on silver for coins. Lord Cromwell sent his men on an investigation of the local cathedral to see if they could find any precious metal there. After investigating, they reported: The only silver we could find is the statues of the saints standing in the corners.
To which the radical soldier and statesman of England replied: Good! We'll melt down the saints and put them into circulation! Not bad theology for a proper, strait-laced Lord Protector of the Isles! In just a few words, Cromwell's command stated the essence‌the kernel‌the practical goal of authentic Christianity. Not rows of silver saints, highly polished, frequently dusted, crammed into the corners of elegant
cathedrals. Not plaster people cloaked in thin layers of untarnished silver and topped with a metallic halo. But real persons. Melted saints circulating through the mainstream of humanity. Bringing worth and value down where life transpires in the raw. Without the faint aura of stained glass, the electric modulation of the organ, and the familiar comforts of padded pews and dimmed lights. Out where bottom-line theology is top-shelf priority. It's easy to kid ourselves. So easy. The Christian must guard against self-deception. We can begin to consider ourselves martyrs because we are in church twice on Sunday—really sacrificing by investing a few hours on the "day of rest." Listen, my friend, being among the saints is no sacrifice…it's a brief, choice privilege. The cost factor occurs on Monday or Tuesday…and during the rest of the week. That's when we're "melted down and put into circulation." That's when they go for the jugular. And it is remarkable how that monotonous workweek test discolours many a silver saint. "Sunday religion" may seem sufficient, but that's far from the truth. It's the acid grind that takes the toll. Maybe that explains why words of the venerable prophet touch a nerve: If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan? (Jeremiah 12:5 NIV) Doing battle in the steaming jungle calls for shock troops in super shape. No rhinestone cowboys can cut it among the swamps and insects of the gross world system. Sunday-go-to-meetin' silver saints in shin-
"It's easy to kid ourselves. So easy. The Christian must guard against self-deception."
ing armour are simply out of circulation if that's the limit to their faith. Waging wilderness warfare calls for sweat…energy… keen strategy…determination…a good supply of ammunition…willingness to fight…refusal to surrender, even with the elephants tromping on your air hose. And that is why we must be melted! It's all part of being "in circulation." Those who successfully wage war with silent heroism under relentless secular pressure—ah, they are the saints who know what it means to be melted. You can opt for an easier path. Sure. You can keep your own record and come out smelling like a rose. A silver saint. Polished to a high-gloss sheen. Icily regular, cool and casual, consistently present…and safely out of circulation. Another touch-me-not whatnot… Until the Lord calls for an investigation of the local cathedral. Talk with God about it today.
Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
Saying
What You
MEAN
by robyn roste
Have you ever played the telephone game? ow about Chinese whispers, grapevine, gossip, or pass the message? I'm sure you’ve played some version of it before. The first player whispers something to the second, and the second player whispers it to the third. The last player in the group announces the phrase aloud and everyone has a laugh at how much the message changed from beginning to end. The telephone game is a great example of communication breakdown, but it represents a larger issue. In Canada, we're famous for being indirect. We're regarded as a polite people and we love softening the blow of tough or awkward subjects by beating around the bush, sugar-coating, or alluding to something without ever saying what we mean. Words are easy to mix up, and you may be tempted to think it's irrelevant—because most people know what you mean anyway. But what if they don’t? And what if you don't understand how your word choices change the meaning of your phrases? In 2010, Readers Digest collected a list of words and phrases North Americans often misuse1. For example, using less when you might mean fewer, saying you could care less when you really couldn't, and saying we want to try and do something instead of trying to do it.
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When you don't say what you mean you risk misunderstandings. Another risk of not saying what you mean is breaking trust with people. Proverbs 12:17 says, “A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies,” (NIV) and both Matthew and James say, “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12). The Bible, the Christian's guidebook for life, teaches honest and direct communication but also cautions, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6). Effective communication is a tough skill to master, but it's an important tool. Your words and actions say a lot about you. If you're careful to speak with clarity and say what you mean, your message will have less chance of being misinterpreted. Have you ever heard someone almost quote the Bible? They repeat most of the verse, but miss out on a couple key words? Or swap in a new word for the original? The risk is the meaning of the verse changes. When people hear something almost true it's easy to accept it as true. That's the thing about miscommunication. It can lead to deception without even meaning to. Sometimes it's hardly noticeable, as small as uneasiness or something not sitting quite right. For example, how
"Knowing what God means and says is the first step to effective communication with Him." often do you hear or say, “God helps those who help themselves,” “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” or “Money is the root of all evil,” and attribute it to the Bible? Do you ever stop and wonder where it's found? (Hint: These are all almost from the Bible, but not quite.)
Knowing what you mean and meaning what you say are the first steps in effective communication. Knowing what God means and says is the first step to effective communication with Him. Understanding the Bible isn't easy. It takes a commitment and discipline many of us would rather avoid. It is always easier to not do, but when you don't take time to understand what the Bible says and means, you open a door for misunderstandings. Over the next couple days listen to how people speak to you—what do you notice? Are they sugar-coating? Insinuating? Alluding to tasks they want you to complete? Now listen to yourself—do you season your speech with sugar, or with salt? In the end it's up to you. But if you do choose to play the telephone game to make awkward conversations a little easier, remember how quickly “sweet dreams are made of these,” can turn into “sweet cream is made of cheese.” 1 DeMeo, Melissa and Silverman, Paul. 24 Things You Might Be Saying Wrong: Reader's Digest Version of all those confusing words and seemingly random rules you missed in English class. Readers Digest, September 2010.
Robyn Roste is the Media and Marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
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
TO TAMING THE GOSSIP HABIT
This article is designed to create a better understanding of how to tame the gossip habit. For the next 30 days read the questions and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.
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ossip is spreading idle talk or rumour, especially about the sensational, personal, or private affairs of others— usually behind their back. Often it’s done with the intent of building oneself up. When gossip turns ugly it is done out of spite and becomes slander. Slander is uttering false charges intended to tear down, defame, and damage others.
DAY 1
Read Galatians 2:11-14. Paul wrote about Peter’s sin. What is the difference between sharing information about someone and gossip? How can you tell?
DAY 2
Read Matthew 23:1-7. Jesus criticized the Pharisees. Based on Jesus’ example, what is the difference between criticism and gossip or slander?
DAY 3
Read Deuteronomy 1:27. Was Israel just venting about the Lord? When is it OK to vent about others? Is venting the same as grumbling and complaining? When is venting gossip?
DAY 4
Read Genesis 9:20-24. How was Ham guilty of gossip? What wrong attitude toward his father Noah motivated him?
DAY 5
Read Proverbs 26:21-22. For some people gossiping feeds their desire to feel powerful. Others feel better when they focus on others’ problems. What are ways you can curb gossip’s appeal?
DAY 6
Read Proverbs 26:21-22. Gossip makes some people feel better about themselves or included in a group. What are ways you can feel good about yourself instead of gossiping?
DAY 7
Read Proverbs 16:27-28. What is it about gossip that it separates friends? If you’ve lost a friend because of gossip, how did it make you feel? How can you restore the relationship?
DAY 8
Read Proverbs 26:20. Gossip intensifies disputes between people. When was a time this happened to you? What became of your relationship?
DAY 9
Read Psalm 15:1-3. How is your relationship to the Lord affected when you engage in or listen to gossip? What does coming into contact with gossip make you feel like?
DAY 10
Read Proverbs 25:10. If you’re known as a gossip, what impact does the knowledge have on you? Why is it important to have a good reputation with family, friends, and co-workers?
30 Days to Taming the Gossip Habit
DAY 11
Read James 3:2. What is James’ assumption about controlling the tongue? How much self-control is enough when it comes to gossip and slander?
DAY 12
Read James 1:26. Like an unbroken horse, the tongue needs to be bridled or restrained. How do you bridle your tongue? What are ways you can better restrain your tongue?
DAY 13
Read Romans 1:29-30. What does this list of sins indicate about how God feels about gossip and slander? Would you add gossip and slander alongside the other sins listed? Why or why not?
DAY 14
Read Proverbs 16:16-19. How does God feel about people who slander and sow discord? Why does He feel so strongly? If you’re guilty of discord, what are ways you can stop?
DAY 15
Read Proverbs 10:18. What does God call someone who slanders? Read Psalm 101:5. What does God say He will do to a slanderer? What kind of destruction is He referring to?
DAY 16
Read Proverbs 11:13. What does this verse indicate about the character of a gossip? Why is it important to be considered trustworthy?
DAY 17
Read 1 Timothy 3:11. From what are you disqualified if you engage in gossip and slander? What makes control of the tongue so important in spiritual leadership?
DAY 18
Read Matthew 12:36-37. What are Jesus’ warnings about the things you say? How do you feel knowing you must give an account for gossip and slander on judgment day?
DAY 19
Read Matthew 15:19. If evil speech comes from an evil heart, what ought you to do? How can you tame the gossip habit? What are ways God can help you?
DAY 20
Read Philippians 4:13. Who alone can help you tame your tongue and change your heart? What did Jesus do so you can break the gossip habit?
TIP: Keep your Bible handy and refer to it as you read the questions
DAY 21
Read Romans 6:12-13. What is one thing required of you to begin to control your gossip habit? How can you yield your tongue to God as an instrument of righteousness?
DAY 22
Read Ephesians 4:29. Putting off a bad habit is not complete until you have replaced it with its positive counterpart. What is the positive counterpart to gossip and slander?
DAY 23
Read Proverbs 12:18. Your words can either wound others or heal them. What are ways you can be wise by building up and healing others through your words?
DAY 24
Read James 1:19. How is James’ command to be “slow to speak” helpful in taming gossip and slander?
DAY 25
Read 1 Timothy 5:13-14 and Titus 2:3-5. What is one of Paul’s answers for those who engage in gossip? Why does meaningful work help you stop being a gossip?
DAY 26
Read 1 Timothy 5:22. Paul commands believers not to share in the sins of others. In what ways is it possible for you to share in others’ sins of gossip and slander?
DAY 27
Read Proverbs 17:4. What does this verse call one who listens to gossip? Why is the one who listens to gossip as guilty as the one who gossips?
DAY 28
Read Proverbs 20:19. If you don’t listen to gossip you won’t be tempted to pass it on. How can you stop gossiping? Who do you need to avoid?
DAY 29
Read Titus 3:10. How do you deal with people who gossip? What can you say to someone such as family or co-worker you must associate with but who gossips?
DAY 30
Read Ephesians 5:11. What two commands does Paul give regarding how to deal with sin including gossip and slander? What would happen if churches considered gossip a serious sin?
30 Days to Taming the Gossip Habit
WHAT IF YOU ARE BEING STALKED? “We’re not made to fly through life solo. God has others who are gifted and competent.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL Human depravity leads to every disturbing • Second, he completely miscalculated the situation situation we can imagine. Sinful people think sinful thoughts, which can result • Third, he foolishly neglected his own personal needs in sinful actions. Stalking in particular There are four lessons we can learn from creates within us an anxiety, making us this story to help us prepare for tomorrow. fearful as we attempt to cope. Stalking refers to contact from one 1. We’re not immune. Elijah was God’s specially ordained prophet, and trials found person to another, which is intended to him out. If trials could happen to Elijah, threaten or spread fear within the victim. they can happen to us Stalking can involve different behaviours including threats, harassment, being fol- 2. We’re not bulletproof. Let’s not embrace the mistaken idea that we can handle lowed, property damage, and slander. the difficult times on our own. We are Although the word “stalk” doesn’t not superhuman appear in Scripture, there are examples of it in both the Old and New Testament. In 3. We’re not alone. While we might believe at times we’re indispensable to God’s this lesson we’ll look at Elijah’s particular work, we need to remember there are experience with Jezebel found in 1 Kings 19 always others working alongside us and learn how (and how not) to handle this 4. We’re not in charge. Elijah believed he was threat to our well-being. in charge of his life, so he fled to safety. Immediately following Elijah’s victory However, God reminded the old prophet at Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18-19), he sufthat only the Lord is sovereign and only fered from fear, depression, and anxiety. the Lord knows all He has planned When Queen Jezebel threatened his life, The impact of stalking can be devastatElijah fled to the desert, leaving his servant ing, including the loss of appetite and anxibehind. Elijah mishandled his reaction to Jezebel’s ety attacks, and have dramatic results such as physical or sexual assault or even death. threat in three key ways. If you are being stalked contact your local • First, he immediately focused on the law enforcement agency for assistance. horizontal “What If You Are Being Stalked?” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series What If...? You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
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