Insights Magazine: Number Nine, 2018

NUMBER NINE, 2018

OFFERINGS charles r. swindoll

NOURISHING A NATION: GOD’S WORD FEEDS HUNGRY SOULS IN BRAZIL

GRACE steve johnson + more

In this issue 3 Offerings

charles r. swindoll 6

Nourishing a Nation: God’s Word Feeds Hungry Souls in Brazil

8

Giving is Heart Work

11

Simple Acts of Kindness Ideas

fernando bochio steve johnson robyn roste

Coming to Terms 12 Grace

steve johnson

Beyond the Broadcast 15 Warnings to the Wealthy

Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bibleteaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ.

Copyright Š 2018 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved.

No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher.

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration

by Tim Schellenberg. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.

by charles r. swindoll

Cover and artilce Images: Nicole Honeywill on Unsplash

Y

our response to the heading of precious moments that could otherwise today’s reading is probably: “Uh, make the difference between a ho-hum oh—another money plea!” or and a hallelujah experience.

Ecclesiastes 3:7 refers to a time to be “Here we go again…some Christian ministry trying to get into my wallet.” If that’s silent. The offering provides you with just your response, I hate to disappoint you, such a time—to be silent. To cease from but you’re wrong. Being wrong this time, talking. To think, to reflect, to meditate, to slow your motor down and be still. Ask however, disappoints no one!

I’m not going to talk about what you God how you might trade in any usual, should do when the plate is passed. humdrum habits for something new that Rather, I want to talk about what you would honour Him during this time.

If I may take the phrase in Ephesians 5:16, might do before and after that time. Twice every Sunday we spend five to eight making the most of your time, to include the silent moments during the minutes of very prime I’m not going to talk offering, let me offer some t i m e d o i n g zero. I f about what you should practical suggestions. you’re the average, tired Six come to my mind: churchgoer, young or do when the plate is 1. Take a pencil along old, you could check one passed. Rather, I want with the bulletin stub or more of the following to talk about what you and write down a list “offering pastimes.” Be might do before and of the things for which honest now. you are most grateful. ▫▫ w r i t i n g n o t e s … after that time.

Ponder each…and thank receiving replies your heavenly Father for them one by ▫▫ checking to see who’s missing in the one. Tape that list in a conspicuous choir place at home and look at it daily for ▫▫ getting better acquainted, chattering a week. with your friend 2. Turn to the Scripture that will be used in ▫▫ listening for the organist’s mistakes the sermon. Read it over slowly. Think ▫▫ observing the architecture, counting only about that passage throughout the bricks the offering time. Ask God to speak to ▫▫ planning next week’s activities you as though you were all alone in the ▫▫ drawing pictures…daydreaming… worship service. dozing ▫▫ looking around, watching ushers, 3. Pick out two or three people whom you know (perhaps some sitting with checking the time or near you) and pray specifically for ▫▫ inking out letters on the bulletin them. Ask God to encourage them and ▫▫ questioning why that fella in the new lift their spirits that day. You might suit didn’t drop something in the plate even follow that up by greeting them All of this? A complete waste of after the service and expressing intertime. Here we are, right in the midst est in their lives. Tell them that God of a carefully planned worship service, prompted you to pray for them. drifting and dreaming away a few

4. Locate in the hymnal the hymn the musician is playing if it is familiar to you. Read the words slowly. Allow yourself to picture the scene in the hymn and become thrilled with the message it communicates.

5. Close your eyes. Refuse every outside thought that knocks for entrance.

Think back over the week that’s passed. Praise God for His assistance.

Confess to Him the dirt you’ve swept under your life’s rug. Thank Him for your role in life, your job, your loved ones, your church, your spiritual gifts, your salvation, your trials, your destiny, your health, the Scriptures.

6. May I dare add another? Pray for the one who will bring the message.

Ask God to give him liberty, clarity, boldness, sensitivity, insight on his feet, freedom from distractions and petty worries. It’s amazing how much

more the message means to you when you’ve had a part in its delivery.

Hebrews 13:15 gives timely counsel along these lines: “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.”

That’s a switch, isn’t it? The traditional offering time becomes a “sacrifice of praise” time…a time when God, personally, receives your offering of gratitude…a time when He picks the “fruit of your lips.” What is most remarkable is how the juice from that fruit heals the ache in your left hip pocket.

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

Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

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NOURISHING A NATION

God’s Word Feeds Hungry Souls in Brazil by fernando bochio Image: Felipe Silva on Unsplash

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’ll never forget the first time I held my first granddaughter. Born prematurely, she was tiny—her little feet only half the length of my thumb! She was malnourished because her umbilical cord hadn’t worked properly. My daughter-in-law had eaten a healthy diet and produced all the nutrients the baby needed, but the umbilical cord hadn’t passed them on. The baby had been starved.

When I look at my country, I see a similar story. Most people in Brazil call themselves Christians and have access to the Word of God. Nonetheless, Brazil is like an undernourished baby—spiritually starving. The church should be feeding God’s Word to Brazil’s hungry souls, but the “umbilical cord” is compromised.

A vast country, Brazil’s coast stretches 4,600 miles. Its inland sprawls nearly 2,700 miles north to south and east to west, making it larger than the 48 contiguous United States with a population of more than 200 million.1 In big cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, you’ll find some gospel-preaching churches. But outside the metropolitan areas, whole communities haven’t been reached. Entire groups of people have been excluded or forgotten, and we lack churches and trained leaders to teach them.

Even in the cities, churches often only serve spiritual “fast food.” What would happen if you fed your toddler a diet of hot dogs, chips, and soda pop? The toddler might appear well-fed, but his or her weight would disguise a dangerous lack of nutrition inside.

But there is so much more to do! And In Brazil, many churches are like overweight right now, the table is set better than it ever but undernourished toddlers.

Many pastors offer easily accessible, has been. Through social media, the people appealing content. But it hides a weak of Brazil have exposed systemic corruption gospel. The teaching may look tasty and throughout the country on every level— government, public, and easy to swallow, but it’s Many pastors offer easily religious. As scandal shallow—a meal with no accessible, appealing after scandal has come to nutrients. Worse, many light, hopelessness has preach a false gospel content. But it hides spread rampantly. Men, of prosperity, selling a weak gospel. The women, and children “miracles” and “blessings” teaching may look tasty line the streets, banging to fill their own pockand easy to swallow, but saucepans and crying ets. All the while, the souls of people remain it’s shallow—a meal with out, “No more!” They are starving and desperate impoverished, starvno nutrients. for change. ing, and lost. Desperate RPV is committed to being the voice that for nourishment, people try to fill their empty “stomachs” with all sorts of other rises above the clamour, shouting, “There dangerous religions and spirituality. Truly, IS hope!” Beyond the broadcast, we are Paul’s warning could’ve been written about travelling throughout Brazil, teaching pastors and lay leaders how to prepare today’s Christians in Brazil: A time is coming when people will no for themselves and others spiritually longer listen to sound and wholesome nourishing meals using Chuck Swindoll’s teaching. They will follow their own personal Bible-study methods. These desires and will look for teachers who methods, which Chuck explains in his book will tell them whatever their itching ears Searching the Scriptures: Find the Nourishwant to hear. They will reject the truth ment Your Soul Needs, are designed to help and chase after myths. (2 Timothy 4:3–4) people become spiritually self-sustaining.

Through partners who have joined us Razão Para Viver (RPV), the Portugueselanguage version of Insight for Living, with gifts and prayers, we are equipping offers a banquet of healthy spiritual food Christians in Brazil to feed themselves harvested directly from God’s Word. From and others, speak up for truth, and be the São Paulo to the remote Amazon Jungle, we change they long to see in their country. We are serving God’s hardy, life-giving Truth are giving them the tools to rebuild Brazil to everyone, regardless of social, spiritual, from the inside out. Most importantly, we or cultural background. In a world where are pointing them to the only Hope that false messages flood the religious markets never fails and always satisfies. in an array of appealing packages, we don’t change the Word or make its truth easier Fernando Bochio is the pastor of Razão Para Viver. to swallow or digest. RPV offers God’s true 1. Richard P. Momsen, Ronald Milton Scheider, Lucibread for the spiritually hungry—Jesus, the ano Martins, E. Bradford Burns, Preston E. James, “bread of life” (John 6:35)! Insight for Living and Rollie E. Poppino, “Brazil,” Encyclopedia Ministries is the healthy “umbilical cord” Britannica, July 30, 2018, https://www.britannica. com/place/Brazil (accessed August 3, 2018).

God is using to feed that starving nation.

by steve johnson

I

heard a story about a man getting bap- people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s tized. As the pastor was about to immerse foundation on the seas and built it on the him the man suddenly realized he had ocean depths.” Our hearts need to line up his wallet in his pocket. Quickly he grabbed on this: everything, including all we are and it and held it aloft as the rest of him was have, is God’s. The question we ask is not, plunged into the water. His wallet never got “How much of my money should I give?” but, “How much of God’s baptized. The bottom line The question we ask is not, money should I keep?” is, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires “How much of my money Our giving is an extension of your heart will also be” should I give?” but, “How of our heart’s submission (Matthew 6:21). much of God’s money to the Lord and our dedication to stewardship for Talk about money and should I keep?”

Him (2 Corinthians 8:5). you touch a pressure point. For that reason, many pastors never He is our model, motivator, and equipper do—leaving some believers with unbiblical for giving (8:9; 9:8-10, 15). ideas about money and giving. They adopt the world’s attitudes never learning what 2. Attitudes—Our Heart ’s the Bible teaches, namely, that giving is first Perspective and foremost a heart issue, more about sense than dollars.

In God’s eyes heart attitude is more In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 Paul gives us some important than dollar amounts: “You must principles about giving, which I have gath- each decide in your heart how much to give. ered under four headings.

And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives 1. Assumptions—Our Heart’s cheerfully” (2 Corinthians 9:7). He allows us to participate with Him in His work of Presuppositions redemption, which means that giving is a Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians on privilege, not an onerous duty (8:4).

I love the story of the young boy sitting in giving needs to be understood in the wider biblical context of stewardship. Psalm church with his Dad when the offering plate 24:1-2 declares, “The earth is the LORD’s, was passed around. The Dad reached into his and everything in it. The world and all its pocket, pulled out a one-hundred-dollar bill

and put it on the plate. Suddenly, he realized he’d put the wrong bill in and, not wanting to appear stingy, he left it. Then he turned to his son and whispered in disgust, “I only meant to put a five-dollar bill on the plate.” To which his son replied, “That’s OK Dad. That’s all you’ll get credit for anyway.” A joyful heart attitude in giving pleases God. The way God calculates, the value of a gift is not determined by amount, but by its cost (8:2). The widow in Mark 12:41-44 who gave her two coins gave more in God’s eyes than everyone else because she gave all she had. And we can’t overlook the intentional positioning of this story. It was part of Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees for the way they covetously robbed widows (12:40) instead of caring for them as the Old Testament taught.

The greatest threat to generous giving is not poverty, it is an attitude of covetousness (9:5).

3. Abilities—Our Hear t ’s Potential When we are deciding how much to give Paul lays out several principles hinging on our heart’s faith. The first is that it is to be according to our ability (8:3) and according to what we have, not what we don’t have (8:12). Elsewhere, he says we are to give “in keeping with our income” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NIV). That means proportionately, as God has

prospered us. There is no specific amount nor a particular percentage enjoined upon Christians anywhere in the New Testament.

Increasing prosperity should result not only in an increase in the amount given, but in the percentage. That means some Christians should think in terms of 15, 20, 40 or even 60 per cent. Abundant receivers should be abundant givers. And if we promise financial support every effort must be made to fulfil it (2 Corinthians 8:10-12; 9:5).

4. Amounts—Our Hear t ’s Purposes Assumptions, attitudes and abilities are all matters of the heart. So is the amount we give. We are not expected to give more than we are able but we may find that we can give more than we thought we could afford (8:3, 12). What if we purpose in our hearts to give more? Those who want to give more will be given greater ability to give more (9:9-11). And “God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything” (2 Corinthians 9:8 The Message).

When taking account the bottom line is always the most important. With God it is this: giving is heart work.

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

We have hundreds of Bible-teaching articles, audio programs, and other resources designed to help you Insight for Living grow Canadainbegan 30 years ago when yourover faith. a Bible-study group in Vancouver decided to look into bringing Chuck Swindoll’s messages into Canada.

For more visit Visitinsightforliving.ca/our-history insightforliving.ca today!

by robyn roste

K

indness is a fascinating subject. Sim- in myself. I’m so focused on how I feel ple acts of kindness like picking up and how other people impact me I don’t litter or giving a compliment are easy even notice the opportunities to be kind yet it always comes as a surprise. Random presenting themselves each day.

Kindness is a quality God wants acts of kindness cause even bigger confusion for people—why this person; why this action; everyone to exhibit (Micah 6:8; Matthew 7:12). And there are more benefits than why this moment?

Doing acts of kindness feels great as well the good feeling of making someone’s day. as it makes the world or another person’s day Matthew 25:31–40 reminds me every time I am kind to someone a bit better. So I wonder Doing acts of kindness feels who is overlooked why being kind isn’t second nature to me. great as well as it makes the or ignored I am also being kind to God. If In his sermon world or another person’s that’s not motivation, Loving What’s Kind, day a bit better. So I wonder I don’t know what is.

Chuck Swindoll gives why being kind isn’t second Here are some a few reasons why we simple acts of kindaren’t kind. nature to me. ness ideas I’d like to • Kindness takes incorporate into my daily life. extra time and we’re all in a hurry • Do a favour without expecting anything • Kindness makes us put ourselves in in return someone else’s place and we’re all self• Bring a snack for your co-workers to enjoy ish (it doesn’t come naturally or easily) • Pay for someone’s morning coffee • Kindness calls for compassion and we • Let someone ahead of you in line are by nature preoccupied and intense • Water your neighbour’s garden • Kindness occasionally includes • Spend meaningful time with someone forgiveness but it’s so much easier to older than you hold a grudge If I’m honest the reason I am not blanketing the world in random acts Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager of kindness is because I’m wrapped up at Insight for Living Canada.

GRACE | The God of Grace who is infinitely holy He shows Grace by restraining evil The Grace of God is our sufficiency

By Steve Johnson

Photo by Felix Mittermeier on Unsplash

Terms in the Bible are specialized words of particular significance. In Coming to Terms we explore the significance of these terms to deepen our understanding of biblical truth through a question and answer format.

Unpacking the term

"Grace" in the Bible refers to the free, unmerited favour of God. It refers to the favour or kindness given to those who can never deserve it or earn it by anything they do or refrain from doing. Favour is given simply out of the goodness of the heart of the giver. God’s grace as one-way love is shown in many ways.

Where do we begin in order to understand the grace of God? We must begin with the God of grace who is infinitely holy and perfect (Psalm 92:15).

Contrast that with humanity: “…everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). Our sinfulness has made us by nature enemies with God (Colossians 1:21). God’s holy nature compels Him to respond to sin with anger (Romans 1:18) and so “…the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

Against this dark backdrop of man’s sinfulness, enmity to God, and His wrath toward sinners, how is God still gracious?

God graciously still allows sinners to live, albeit separated from Him, spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1, 5), and in need of reconciliation. God still shows grace to all he has made by giving good things to all including the ungrateful and wicked (Acts 14:17; Luke 6:35). He shows grace by restraining evil in human actions and in human hearts so even sinners do good things (Genesis 20:6).

How is God’s grace magnified even more? He gives saving grace to His enemies. The whole Bible is the story of God’s grace toward sinful man. Saving grace makes its ultimate, defining appearance in the person and work of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11). God graciously sent Jesus Christ to die in our place as sinners so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The central message of the New Testament is the fact that grace, the free gift of salvation through faith alone in Christ alone, is the means of salvation (Acts 14:3).

But isn’t there something we must do to but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). receive God’s saving grace? No. If God’s res- Humility is having a true perspective on cue program had included our efforts grace who we are in relation to God. It is to see would not be a free gift. Salvation is not of ourselves as God sees us—needy sinners our doing. “And since it is through God’s deserving death and totally dependent on kindness, then it is not by their good works. God and His grace in every way. The better For in that case, God’s grace would not be you believe yourself to be the less you will what it really is—free and undeserved” sense your need for God’s grace.

Accept God’s gracious gift of salvation.

(Romans 11:6). We receive it by believing the message. And even the faith to believe “So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift” (Romans 4:16). is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).

Live a life of gratitude to God and graceWhat place does grace have in the life of a believer? Having begun the Christian life by giving to others because of the grace He’s grace we continue to be totally dependent shown you. “Give as freely as you have on it. Grace gives us the desire and power received!” (Matthew 10:8).

In times of difficulty and suffering seek to live like Christ. Through His grace God equips us with spiritual gifts, strengthens “grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews us to walk as believers (2 Timothy 2:1) and 4:16). Persevere in the truth of the Gospel controls all phases of a believer’s life. By and don’t drift away (Colossians 1:19-23).

Participate in God’s mission. As recipiHis grace God gives us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16). ents of grace we are privileged to serve as The grace of God is our sufficiency for all agents of grace. Having been graciously that comes to pass in our lives: “My grace is reconciled to God we now are ambassasufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 2:9). “God dors carrying that message to a lost world is able to make all grace abound to you, so (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 2:8).

Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for What should be my response to the grace Living Canada. of God? Humility. “God opposes the proud

Warnings to the Wealthy

“God’s concern is not with actual wealth but our attitude toward wealth. When we keep, we rot. When we give, there is a refreshing stream of God’s blessing.”

- CHUCK SWINDOLL In his view, James had those who abuse In James 5:1–6 the Apostle James warned Jesus’ followers against playing God by their work, money, or influence to enrich presuming on the future. But let’s face it, themselves at the expense of others. He playing God is not just an ancient problem. was also warning those who commit idolaWe also fall too easily into the rhythm of try by placing their faith in stuff rather than self-sufficiency in our day-to-day decision in God. Anyone from any tax bracket can making with only a ceremonial hat-tip to be guilty of trusting in treasure rather than God. And the most common way we play in God. So how do we stop playing God with God? With our resources, money, and work—and our hallowed calendars and our stuff and, instead, allow Him to be the long-term plans. James shot straight in his steward of our wealth and the focus of our warnings to the wealthy. Get ready: James’ hearts? There are a few gut-checks we can advice isn’t just for people who possess remember in this all-important discipline great riches; it’s just as applicable to the of examining our hearts.

• God’s concern is not with actual wealth pauper in Christ as to the prince. but our attitude toward wealth “Look here, you rich people,” (James 5:1). Who exactly was James talking to? • We should never be conceited. We ought never find security in our dollar Earlier in his letter, James referenced the rich (James 1:10–11; 2:6–7) but in chapter • We can humbly fix our hope on God and be rich in good works 5 he nailed rich unbelievers to the wall Lord, everything I have is Yours. My life. with conviction.

James didn’t have a vendetta against My money. My employees and employers. My materially rich people; his warnings were family and friends. My children and grandspecifically for those who possess material children. You own everything, Lord. Keep my wealth but exist in spiritual poverty. His heart humble and my hands open to receive warning is clear: trusting in the strength of and give according to Your will. Thank You riches instead of trusting in Christ will end for Your generosity and love toward me. In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen. in disaster.

“Warnings to the Wealthy” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series James: Hands-On Christianity. You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.

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