Insights Magazine: Number Five, 2017

NUMBER FIVE, 2017

ANCHORED

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Wisdom and the Unsent Letter

F I V E K Q V K B B Y V S C R I P T U R E Z H D N Y

U N A A V D K O K X R Y B X S F R A H C E E I Y N S

A W O S T R Z K E R N T J O A I I U D T L L I A E D V L A E A R E L T C O G N O T E N O I F E R Y U E T V P I X X C E E G C D S L A N K I K G A Y H Z T E V

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R L D V I E A M E I L U S J G O D I S C Q I V U H U V I R N E I T G Z N D A Y A T N L T N L I E Y H Y M R A W E R R O C I V O L H E Y A R V T C A O N E N C E V I W M E R P N A P F R L K B R E O T X D T X V W B F N M E D J K O W R A V A C B Q L U F N E J O H N

11 I Am

When to Stay Silent and When to Speak Up

12 Wondering about Wonders?

Learn to Discern

steve johnson

12

E E A E O K T Q A O U F M T E I S G O A K N A B I S

W C E W R O S F E M I L E B E R U S A E M V W O G M S O

Names of Jesus

charles r. swindoll

robyn roste 8

Q A C L J N V B G D E G N I G D U J R J U B L D R B

The Hea[r]t of the Issue steve johnson

Beyond the Broadcast

15 Getting Reacquainted with the Spirit of Power

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 2017 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 Photo: unsplash.com

In this issue

L M U M S T U R W I N T E R P R E T J J D T Q N P T

WISDOM AND THE

UNSENT LETTER by charles r. swindoll

R

ash reactions are never best.

In the moment, when we’re swimming in emotions and anger threatens to pull us under, a sudden outburst feels best. But if we give in, we say and do things we wish we’d never said or done.

I remember, years ago, a certain man would write railing letters to me.

Sometimes he’d sign them; often he didn’t.

I knew his handwriting, and I’d usually toss his letter aside with a shrug. But one day, in a weak moment, it got to me. The fuse lit, and BOOM! I grabbed his letter and wrote a scorching response. I spent over two hours on it—I mean I set the record straight and put that guy in his place!

I handed the letter to my executive assistant and said to her, “Here, type this up.” She typed it, then returned and said, “Do you mind if I make a comment?”

“No,” I answered.

Then she suggested, “I would sleep on that letter before I sent it. I think you’d be wise to just spend tonight thinking about it.”

She couldn’t have been more correct!

Her thinking was that after a night’s sleep, I would see the situation more clearly— through the eyes of wisdom.

Dictionaries offer multiple options, but really, wisdom has a simple definition: Looking at life from God’s point of view.

If we could see life as God sees it, we’d be able to see through problems to what’s right and good, not just at problems and how we feel about them.

Wouldn’t you like to see your problems from God’s point of view? You can…through the lens of His Word! More often than not, the book of Proverbs offers a good starting place. This eye-opening Old Testament book teaches us that wisdom is available.

Wisdom shouts in the streets, She cries out in the public square.

(Proverbs 1:20) Wisdom cries for your attention: “I want to be a part of you. Let me in!” Wisdom is knocking at your door, right now!

However, wisdom won’t barge in. It stands within reach, but you can choose to keep it at arm’s length. Wisdom can be spurned. Like a jilted lover, lady wisdom weeps: “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come.

I reached out to you, but you paid no attention.” (1:24) Our problem is not the availability of wisdom; rather, it’s our lack of passion for it. Remember impetuous Samson, that he-man with a she-weakness? He spurned wisdom’s resistance to Delilah’s seductions, and disaster came. Reject wisdom and “calamity overtakes you like a storm” (1:27).

Unlike Samson, Solomon initially and passionately pursued wisdom. When God invited the young king to ask for anything he wished, Solomon requested “an understanding heart…and know the difference between right and wrong” (1 Kings 3:9). God honoured his request and gave him “a wise and understanding heart” (3:12).

True wisdom originates from outside our rashly impulsive natures. Wisdom comes from God Himself—straight from His heart…through His Word…to where we live.

God still doles out a generous supply of wisdom to people with a passion for it. But you must ask for it (James 1:5)! And once you receive it, cling to it. Follow it. Don’t let your passion fade! Why? Just ask Solomon.

True wisdom originates from outside our rashly impulsive natures. Wisdom comes from God Himself—straight from His heart…through His Word…to where we live.

Need wisdom in dealing with a critic? An irrational ex-spouse? A back-talking teen?

A lifelong struggle with anxiety?

• Saturate your mind with God’s Word • Have an attentive ear to God’s voice • Request divine understanding from God’s heart • Seek wisdom with passion and then put it into practice!

The wisdom you need will be at hand precisely when you need it.

By the way, I found a proverb for the next time I’m tempted to cross swords with a critic: There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18, NASB) How helpful is that! Had I recalled that bit of godly counsel in the moment, God’s wisdom would have clarified my vision, calmed my heart…and I wouldn’t have wasted my time on that letter! (By the way, thanks to my assistant’s wise counsel, I never sent my rash letter.)

So, open the Book…God’s book of wisdom, His Word. And your eyes will open to wisdom. You’ll never waste your time doing that. I promise.

Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.

Putting Wisdom to Work SINGLE CD MESSAGE

WHAT GOOD IS WISDOM

if it doesn't benefit everyday life?

For ordering information visit insightforliving.ca or view enclosed flyer.

by Robyn Roste

I

think a lot of us would say we their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.” desire to be wise. For me it’s Wisdom, it seems, is one of those unattaintrue—I want to be a wise per- able goals. Just when you think you’ve got son. But often I suspect deep there you realize how much more there down I don’t mind not being wise so long is to learn. It seems a lot easier to keep up as others’ perception of me is that I am, in appearances by keeping my mouth shut.

But there’s a concept in 1 Peter 3:15, fact, wise.

This reminds me of a phrase often which gives me a lot to think about: repeated (with varying attributions), “Bet- “...And if someone asks about your hope ter to remain silent and be thought a fool as a believer, always be ready to explain than to speak and remove all doubt.” Prov- it.” Always be ready to explain? To anyone erbs 17:28 has a similar idea, “Even fools are who asks? But how will people think I’m thought wise when they keep silent; with wise then?

It was liberating to learn I didn’t need the perfect answer to every question; I just needed to be real with people.

I can still remember the panic I felt when I first came across this verse.

In reading 1 Peter I identified with Moses when God told him to speak to Pharaoh in Egypt and he responded, “...O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied and my words get tangled,” (Exodus 4:10). I get it—it’s too much! How could I, a regular and not-even-that-smart person explain the depth of my faith to anyone who comes along and asks?

It felt like this verse was asking me to get a 19 hand in cribbage—impossible!

In Bible school I took a course on 1 Peter and the way I viewed this verse was challenged and changed. I learned it’s emphasising a general readiness rather than a specific predicament. Peter is saying we need to have a gentle and respectful disposition towards all people (both friends and enemies), but also to be prepared to witness verbally about the faith, which has changed our lives.

It was liberating to learn I didn’t need the perfect answer to every question; I just needed to be real with people. And ready to talk about my faith whenever asked.

Talking about my faith is intimidating but the truth is there’s nothing to fear. The God who strengthened Moses is the same God who will be there in my time of need.

Look how He responded to Moses’ fears,

Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” (Exodus 4:11-12) To be prepared to talk about my faith I don’t need memorized scripts or talking points, but I do need to be in regular communication with God through prayer, Bible reading, and biblical instruction.

That’s the only way I will know what He wants me to say.

And wisdom? Wisdom comes from learning from others and applying knowledge to everyday life. If I think I know more than everyone else I won’t be open to learning new things. And if I’m afraid to let others see my imperfections then I limit my ability to glean from others’ experience. That’s the thing about wisdom. No matter how wise I become there’s always someone who is wiser. If only I can get over myself, then I’ll be on the wisdom path.

Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.

L Q F U A W O R L D V I E W V M A I N S T R E A M E I E C P U C V A Z K E L U S J G A E W M L E A R N T O D I S C E R N S J K V J O A Q I V U H O O N T N Q D I I U U V I R N K S C U V V K D T L E I T G Z T F X R B K O L I A N D A Y A Q E M W G B K E D V T N L T N A I L I D B X L A E L I E Y H O L Y N E Y R A R E Y M R A W U E T T G V Y L T C E R R O C F B I E N S B O G N I V O L H M E C R I C X O T E E Y A R V T R A P G R S N O I T C A O N E U P R D I F F E R E N C E V I S A E U P R Y U E I W M E R S A C T J T A T V P P N A P F G E N J R U H I X X R L K B R O M I J J R C C E E E O T X D A V E D U E E G C D T X V W B K W C T B Z E S L A F N M E D N O C Q L H I N K I J K O W R A G E N D D Y K G A A V A C B B M G P R N N Y H Z Q L U F N I S L T B Y S T E V E J O H N S O N

One reason this can seem confusing is because there are two meanings of the word “judge.” One means to condemn, the other means to evaluate. While we are forbidden to condemn—that’s God’s job—we are required to evaluate.

“D

on’t be so open-minded your brains fall out!” someone once said to me. Proverbs 3:21 puts it more eloquently, “My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them.” Hebrews 5:14 says, “Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” Learning discernment is being able to tell the difference between what is true and what is false.

We live in an age of relativism—the belief that every point of view is as valid as any other point of view and an individual is the measure of what is true for that person. If we do not learn to discern we too may become adrift on the iceberg of cultural mainstream.

We see this relativism exhibited in behaviour, such as that of Christians who use and abuse illegal drugs. And we see it in beliefs as it surfaces when Christians treat Scripture and the interpretation of it as relative to the individual. “What this means to me is…” or “That may be true for you…” or the classic, “Well, I don’t interpret it that way….”

Try having a discussion about why certain things are wrong. Watch people squirm at the thought of making judgments about the moral evils in society around us. They don’t think they are allowed to do that.

Adopting relativism they think loving others means never evaluating their actions.

You’ll hear Christians say “Jesus said, ‘Do not judge others, and you will not be judged’” (Matthew. 7:1), quite unaware that they are taking Jesus’ statement out of context and out of balance with His statement, “Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly” (John 7:24).

In order to judge correctly though, believers must judge. The Apostle Paul also makes it clear there are matters that we are to judge, like sinful behaviour in the church (1 Corinthians 5:12) and false teachers arising in our midst (1 Timothy 1:3).

One reason this can seem confusing is because there are two meanings of the word “judge.” One means to condemn, the other means to evaluate. While we are forbidden to condemn—that’s God’s job—we are required to evaluate. Without judging in this context, we’d be unable to discern the difference between the atrocities of Adolph Hitler and the humanitarian efforts of Mother Teresa.

So if we are to judge, or discern, in this way, upon what basis do we do it? Jesus said, “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth” (John 17:17). He is referring to the Bible as the Word of God. It is not a truth nor is it merely one valid view among many. It is truth.

Because of our sinful incapacity to know truth, God gave us the Bible as revealed truth. It reveals the truth about God, humanity, authority, morality and destiny—the basic concepts of any worldview.

And since He is the absolute and ultimate creator and authority of us all His Word is the absolute and ultimate authority for all. All beliefs and behaviours must be viewed through the lens of the truth He has revealed. It is our yardstick.

Most Christians would give a hearty “amen” to what I’ve written so far. In spite of this, some view their experience as an authoritative source of truth for their faith and lifestyle. A popular song of 1977 echoed the sentiment: “It can’t be wrong, if it feels so right.” But experience is not an adequate yardstick of truth because the question may fairly be asked, “Whose experience is unlimited enough or objective enough to be authoritative?” So experience must be tested against the yardstick of God’s truth and where it doesn’t match, experience is wrong.

Tradition is also used as the authoritative guide among many Christian people.

“This is the way our church does it….” But this too fails the test because whose tradi-

tion is to be followed among the many out there? Traditions too must be subject to the scrutiny of Scripture.

There are even those who set up some individual as an infallible source of truth for their faith and life. Again, among the many prominent people out there which one do we choose? How do we know that what they are saying is what should be followed? As mere mortals are they too not fallen and fallible? Even the Apostle Paul commended the Bereans for evaluating what he taught them in the light of Scripture (Acts 17:11).

In the past Christians have been known as People of the Book. The phrase “It is written…” once again needs to be our mantra and watchword. We will never learn to discern if we don’t return to the Book.

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

Wondering what Insight for Living is all about?

Read through our Case for Support and learn why we’re passionate about ministry in Canada at insightforliving.ca/support/case-for-support

God replied to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14)

Origins: Hebrew for “I AM” is a form of the verb “to be,” hayah Meaning: Yahweh is God’s personal name, eternal, timeless, self-existing and self-sufficient. God is the uncreated Creator, independent of any concept, force, or entity Usage: English Bibles substitute the word “LORD” for Yahweh. When the Pharisees asked who Jesus was He said, “Before Abraham was even born, I AM!” (John 8:56-58). He used the personal "I AM" name revealed in Exodus 3:14 thereby declaring He was the eternal God incarnate.

Application: Jesus used the same phrase in seven declarations. He said I AM...

• the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 41, 48, 51); Partake of Him and live • the Light of the World (John 8:12); Walk in His light • the Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7, 9); Enter eternal life through Him • the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14); Know, hear and follow Him • the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25); Trust Him and live in His power • the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6); Follow Him, know Him, accept Him • the True Vine (John 15:1, 5); Abide in Him and bear fruit Time does not change Jesus. Rest in His unchanging character. As the source of life, Jesus does not need anything. Depend on Him for everything.

by steve johnson

H

ave you wondered whether miracles, signs, and wonders (MSW) still happen today?

Some say they happen all around us all the time. Others deny their existence completely and say there are no real MSW. What are you to think? How are you to respond when the subject comes up?

Here’s Where They’re At

Photo: unsplash.com

When you discuss MSW with your adult children or co-workers, you might hear statements like these.

“There is no such thing as miracles.

There are scientific causes for things and when we can’t explain them it's because we don’t understand the science yet.”

“All television faith healers are phoney— just manipulating people for their money!”

“Most healing is psychosomatic and the power of positive thinking.”

“Any supposed MSW always take place in a way that is unverifiable.”

“I see everything in life as MSW including life itself.”

“MSW are for all Christians today. Name it and claim it!”

Here’s Where You’re At

Your beliefs about MSW may be captured by one of the following statements.

You believe all we need to know for salvation and godliness has been given in

Scripture. We don’t need MSW to verify the authority of Scripture because Scripture itself is a record of that authentication.

Therefore, you believe MSW ceased with the apostolic age and close of the canon of Scripture and any so-called manifestation today is either demonic or counterfeit.

You believe much of the confusion surrounding MSW stems from mislabelling.

Words like “apostle,” “prophecy,” “miracles,” and “revelation” are defined and used differently from Scripture. A word of prophecy, knowledge, or revelation in one context is labelled and applied differently in another. People call things miracles even though they do not fit the biblical criteria of miracle as a suspension of natural law to fulfil God’s purposes.

You believe God still does MSW today but you don’t think people in our churches today have such gifts.

Here’s Where Scripture’s At

MSW served to validate Jesus’ and the apostles’ authority, ministry, and Gospel message showing God was doing a new and unique thing (Acts 2:22; 2 Corinthians 12:12; Hebrews 2:4). They were not intended to be a regular part of church ministry or evangelism. Jesus’ miracles were a sign the kingdom of God had come (Luke 11:1423; Matthew 12:28) and revealed His deity (Matthew 14:33).

God does whatever He pleases, and that may include MSW (Psalm 115:3).

There can be counterfeit MSW (Exodus 7:22; Matthew 24:24; 2 Thessalonians 2:9).

Therefore, claims for miracles and healings must be verified (John 9). You can tell false messengers by their fruit (Matthew 7:16, 20) and their teaching (1 John 4:2-6).

What ultimately matters is not the ability to prophecy, drive out demons, and perform miracles but whether one is doing God’s will (Matthew 7:22-23).

Where to Go From Here

Honour the uniqueness of Jesus’ and the apostle’s ministry and that revelatory moment in history. God is still sovereign and may choose to pour out His Spirit in revival and evangelism accompanied by MSW. He can and does heal miraculously today. Open your mind to the possibility of God working in new ways, but be discerning.

Do not believe everything you hear or read. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, compare what you hear with Scripture. Discern between the true and false by testing the fruit of the messengers. A true work of the Spirit results in a deeper love for Christ, His Word, and His people and a greater hatred for sin.

Have people define what they mean when they use words like “miracle,” “word of knowledge,” “prophecy,” and “revelation.” And don’t expect someone else’s experience to be the same for your Christian experience.

There is nothing wrong with seeking MSW for the purposes for which God gives them. But avoid the two extremes of seeing everything and seeing nothing as MSW. Pursue growth and obedience to the Word instead of MSW (Matthew 12:39). Do not erroneously focus on MSW instead of the power of the Gospel. The Gospel, not MSW, is what saves.

Even if you don't frequently see extraordinary miraculous events, God is providentially active in the regular and natural processes you see every day. He is miraculously calling people to himself and He is active in miraculous ways among people around the world we don't know.

REMINDER:

Ask yourself, “Do I have a flexible mindset or tight and rigid one?”

This series provides training on having difficult conversations. How do you discuss difficult topics in a way you hear and are heard, maintain your influence, and avoid alienation? How do you deal with different worldviews while still valuing the person? Read our basic guidelines for having difficult conversations at insightforliving.ca/tough-talk.

Getting Reacquainted with the Spirit of Power

“The Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God to us in the Word of God, the Bible.”

- CHARLES R. SWINDOLL “Boo! I’m the Holy Ghost.” This is what some people think whenever the subject of the Holy Spirit arises. But who is He, really, and what exactly does He do? Is He an actual ghost, a mysterious fog-like substance floating in the ceilings of cathedrals and hovering over cemetery plots like an ethereal phantom? Hardly! Of the three persons in the godhead, including God the Father and God the Son, God the Holy Spirit is the least understood and most mystifying. Let’s dispel some of the myth and mystery by getting reacquainted with the Spirit of Power.

Who Is He?

The Holy Ghost isn’t a ghost at all—He is a Spirit who, as the third member of the godhead, possesses all the attributes of God and operates in the same realm as God the Father and God the Son.

What Is His Role?

The Holy Spirit works in regenerating the spiritually dead, baptizing saved individuals into the family of God, illuminating Christians with the truth, and sealing Christians for eternity.

Seals were important objects in the ancient world and were often engraved signet rings. Their biblical significance was twofold. First, usually with an image impressed in wax, they physically sealed letters (1 Kings 21:8), legal documents (Nehemiah 9:38, Jeremiah 32:10), scrolls (Isaiah 29:11, Revelation 5:1), or doorways (Matthew 27:66). Second, figuratively, seals, like rings, united lovers (Song of Solomon 8:6), symbolized the deputizing power of God (Haggai 2:23), served as a sign of covenant ratification (Romans 4:11), and became a form of identification (1 Corinthians 9:2) and a declaration of ownership (2 Timothy 2:19, Revelation 9:4).

Why Should We Care?

We should care about the Holy Spirit because we must guard against the thought that we have reached the pinnacle of our Christian maturity. Though the Holy Spirit no longer gives divine revelation through divine inspiration, He continues giving divine illumination into God’s deep truth and moving us to take the Gospel message of the Saviour where it’s needed.

“Getting Reacquainted with the Spirit of Power” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series How Great Is Our God! You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.