In our last study, we considered Proverbs’ wisdom on God’s design for marriage, remembering that He sees, and recognizing the dangers of sexual sin. In this post, we’ll move forward with practical ways Proverbs teaches us to guard our hearts, avoid temptation, and replace sin with righteousness. 1.    Guard Your Heart and Mind Pornography begins in the heart before it manifests in action. Proverbs 4:23 : “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 26:24-25  warns against disguising what’s in the heart. We must protect our thought life: limit access, avoid triggers, and fill our hearts with God’s word.  2. Avoid Tempting Situations Wisdom teaches us to flee, not flirt with temptation. Proverbs 5:8 : “Keep your way far from her…” Proverbs 22:3 : The prudent avoid danger; the naïve suffer for it. Guardrails, accountability, and planning ahead are essential. Don’t wait until temptation knocks—decide in advance to avoid the door. 3. Confess and Repent Proverbs 28:13 : “He who conceals his transgression will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” Pornography brings secrets, but God offers mercy and forgiveness. Confession is humbling, but it is also healing. Satan wants us to believe we can’t be forgiven, but God promises compassion to those who confess and forsake. 4. Pursue Discipline and Self-Control Proverbs 25:28 : “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control of his spirit.” Proverbs 6:27-28  warns that playing with lust will burn us. Pornography thrives where there’s no self-control. Discipline—through prayer, fasting, and godly habits—rebuilds our defenses. 5. Seek Accountability and Counsel Proverbs 27:17 : “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” We need brothers and sisters who will challenge us, encourage us, and hold us accountable. There’s strength in numbers. 6. Replace Sin with Righteous Desires Pornography is counterfeit pleasure. God’s wisdom brings real joy. Proverbs 16:17 , 21:17 , 24:5 remind us that life, strength, and joy come from walking in righteousness. Don’t just say “No” to porn—say “Yes” to something greater: God’s word, service, love, and wisdom. Conclusion Pornography is one of the enemy’s most deceptive traps—it promises sweetness but delivers bitterness. Yet God’s word in Proverbs gives us the wisdom to fight back. Rejoicing in His design for marriage, guarding our hearts, avoiding temptation, confessing sin, and replacing counterfeit pleasures with true joy all lead to freedom.

Introduction This month, I’m sharing a two-part series from the book of Proverbs called Overcoming Pornography with Wisdom from Proverbs.  While Proverbs doesn’t use the word pornography, it paints a vivid picture of lust, temptation, and how to overcome it. Wisdom cries out to us (Proverbs 2:10-19), showing that God provides a way of escape. These posts are written to strengthen marriages, guard our hearts, and help us walk in integrity before God. Here is Part 1. We must always remember to trust in the LORD, Proverbs 3:5-8. I don’t need to share statistics about pornography. We’ve seen the devastation it causes in our lives, marriages, pulpits, and even most recently with a brother who had to be withdrawn from. Men and women of all ages are susceptible. It’s easy to say, “I would never…” but Proverbs 16:18 reminds us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Proverbs vividly portrays temptation, lust, and the dangers of giving in. Wisdom cries out to us, giving us a way of escape. 1. Rejoice in God’s Design for Marriage The Proverbs remind us of the joy and intimacy between a husband and wife. Proverbs 5:15-20 : “Drink water from your own cistern…” This is God’s design for sexual intimacy—pure, holy, and to be enjoyed in marriage. Pornography distorts intimacy, but God’s way builds trust and joy. Proverbs 18:22 : “He who finds a wife finds a good thing…” Marriage is a blessing. Proverbs 19:14 : Marriage is a gift from the LORD. Pornography cheapens God’s design, but rejoicing in your spouse protects against it. 2. Remember God Sees Pornography thrives in secrecy and lies, but there is no hiding from God. Proverbs 15:3 : “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, watching the evil and the good.” He sees the bad, but He also sees the good when we walk in integrity. Remembering His watchful eyes helps us make holy choices. 3. Recognize the Danger of Sexual Sin Proverbs pull no punches about the consequences. Proverbs 5:3-14  describes the “lips of an adulteress.”  The application extends to pornography—what seems sweet turns bitter. It promises pleasure but brings shame, guilt, broken families, and ruined ministries. Proverbs 7:21-23  shows how young men are drawn in, unaware of the deadly consequences. Proverbs 22:14  reminds us of sin’s true end. Pornography always over-promises and under-delivers. We must see it for what it really is—deadly. Conclusion Pornography is not new. It’s just a modern version of an ancient temptation. But God’s wisdom shows us the path to freedom: rejoice in marriage, remember God sees, and recognize the true danger.

In Matthew 21:33–46 , Jesus tells a story that was both piercing and personal to His audience.It wasn’t just a nice illustration—it was a direct confrontation. The Context: A Challenge to Jesus’ Authority Backing up to verse 23 , Jesus is in the temple, speaking to the chief priests and elders. These religious leaders question Him: “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Instead of answering directly, Jesus responds with His own question about the baptism of John. When they refuse to answer—fearing the reaction of the crowd—He refuses to answer them in return. But He doesn’t stop talking. He goes on to tell the parable of the two sons—one who says he’ll obey his father but doesn’t, and one who initially refuses but ultimately does the work. The point was clear: knowing the law means nothing if you don’t obey it. This was a direct call-out to these leaders for their failure to truly serve God. And then, to drive the message home even further, Jesus tells another parable: the Parable of the Wicked Tenants. The Vineyard and the Tenants The landowner in the parable represents God . The vineyard is God’s plan for His kingdom , and the tenants are those entrusted to care for it and bear fruit . In Israel’s history, that role belonged to the Jewish people—God’s chosen nation—tasked with playing a central role in bringing about His plan of redemption. They were to be faithful workers, tending the vineyard and producing fruit for the Master. But in this parable, the tenants reject their Master’s will. They refuse to give Him what is rightfully His. The Servants: God’s Messengers When the master sends servants to collect the fruit, the tenants beat, stone, and kill them. These servants represent God’s messengers—prophets, leaders, and teachers—sent to call His people back to faithfulness . Over and over, Israel rejected God’s messengers. They ignored the prophets’ warnings, resisted correction, and refused to prepare for the coming Messiah. From the earliest prophets to John the Baptist, the pattern was the same: messengers were sent, and messengers were rejected. The Son: The Final Messenger Finally, the landowner sends his son, thinking they will respect him. But instead, the tenants kill him, hoping to seize his inheritance. This is a clear picture of Jesus , the Son of God. After centuries of sending prophets, God sends His own Son to His people. Instead of receiving Him, the religious leaders plotted to kill Him—driven by fear of losing their power and position. They weren’t protecting God’s vineyard—they were trying to claim it for themselves. The Reversal: The Vineyard Taken Away When Jesus asks what the landowner will do, the leaders themselves answer: “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” And then Jesus turns the parable back on them: “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits” ( v. 43 ). They suddenly realize—they are the wicked tenants in the story. And rather than repenting, they become more determined to destroy Him. The Kingdom Given to Others The “new tenants” represent all who will receive Jesus and bear fruit for the kingdom —not just one nation, race, or heritage, but people from every background who choose to follow Him. God’s kingdom is no longer tied to one ethnic group. It belongs to those who hear, believe, and obey the Son. The Warning for Us This parable was a sharp rebuke to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, but it still speaks today.We, too, have been entrusted with responsibilities in God’s vineyard. We are called to produce fruit—good works, faithful obedience, and a life that reflects our Master’s will. Rejecting Jesus, ignoring His word, or refusing to live for Him puts us in the same position as the tenants who were cast out. But receiving Him, submitting to His authority, and working faithfully in His vineyard makes us heirs of His kingdom. Let’s not be found as those who reject the Son. Instead, let’s be tenants who joyfully bear fruit for the Master.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 Words are powerful! The Bible speaks often about the tongue. At West Main, we’ve studied the sins of the tongue, and one thing is clear: controlling our speech is an expectation from God. James reminds us: “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26 One sin of the tongue is gossip. The Scriptures give repeated warnings: “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy conceals a matter.” Proverbs 11:13 Gossip destroys trust, ruins reputations, and tears down relationships. Brothers and sisters in the first century were warned: “But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention…” 1 Timothy 5:11–13 What Is Gossip? Definitions help us see it clearly: “A statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty of facts.” ( Dictionary.com ) “Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature. A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts.” (American Heritage Dictionary) The Bible goes even deeper. In 1 Timothy 5:13 , translations use words like “gossips,” “tattlers,” or “talking foolishly.” These women were over-interested in the affairs of others, spreading things “not proper to mention.” In 1 Timothy 3:11 , Paul warns against “malicious gossips” or slanderers. The Greek word is diabolos—often translated as “Devil.” Gossip reflects Satan’s work as the adversary and accuser. It involves hostile intent (cf. 2 Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3). Gossip is ungodly and must be avoided. How Do I Know If I’m Gossiping? James urges us to be “quick to hear, slow to speak” (James 1:19). That alone would prevent much gossip. But we can also ask ourselves: Should I be sharing this? (Proverbs 11:13) What is my purpose for sharing this? (3 John 9–11) If the purpose is not to build up or bring grace, then it doesn’t belong on our lips. The Damage of Gossip We know the dangers, but let’s be reminded: It shows a lack of spiritual maturity and hinders others. It breeds distrust and suspicion. It destroys friendships (Proverbs 17:9). It damages our influence (Colossians 4:5–6). It fails to follow the example of Jesus (Ephesians 4:29–5:2). A Better Way Instead of gossip, let’s speak words that build up, encourage, and give grace. Let us be hearers and doers of the Word. Let us choose trustworthiness over talebearing. The devil thrives on gossip. God calls us to something better. Let’s avoid gossip at all costs.

In Luke 17:7–10 , Jesus tells His disciples a parable that doesn’t often get the same attention as some of His other stories. But it’s a powerful reminder about humility, faithfulness, and our place in God’s kingdom. The Setting Unlike many parables aimed at the Pharisees or other critics, this one is spoken to Jesus’ disciples—men who were eager to learn from Him. At the start of Luke 17 , Jesus warns them about temptation and the seriousness of causing others to stumble. Then, in verse 5 , the apostles say to Him: “Increase our faith!” Jesus responds first with the image of a mustard seed—tiny, yet capable of producing something great. Faith doesn’t have to start big to accomplish great things, but it must grow. And then, instead of promising to “increase their faith” for them, Jesus tells a story about a servant and his master. The Parable “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field,‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink,and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say,‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” ( Luke 17:7–10 ) Servants and Their Master In the parable: The master represents God. The servant represents Christians—in this immediate context, the apostles themselves. The servant’s obligation is simple: fulfill the master’s will before tending to his own needs. The master’s priorities come first. That’s the natural, expected relationship between a servant and a master. In the same way, God’s will must come before our own. We may care for our needs, but always within the boundaries and timing He sets. God as the Perfect Master In Jesus’ illustration, a good master makes his expectations clear and provides for his servants so they can succeed. God does this perfectly. Clear instructions: We have His word—an entire book laying out His will for our lives. He’s not vague about what He expects. Provision: God gives what we need to accomplish His work. He equips us for service and promises to care for us. Following His will benefits us, too. God’s ways lead to stronger relationships, wiser decisions, and better stewardship of life’s resources. Sin complicates and destroys; obedience builds and blesses. No “Thank You” Expected This is the part that can sound harsh: the master doesn’t say “thank you” to the servant for doing his job. Why? Because it’s the servant’s duty. The servant already receives the agreed-upon provision—food, clothing, shelter. Similarly, God doesn’t owe us gratitude for doing His will. Serving Him is our obligation. In our daily jobs, we don’t expect our boss to throw a party every time we complete an assignment. We simply do what we were hired to do and receive our wages. “Unworthy Servants” Jesus tells us to view ourselves as “unworthy” (or “unprofitable”) servants. That doesn’t mean our work is meaningless—it means our service doesn’t put God in our debt. We don’t “add value” to Him in the sense of increasing His worth. God is perfect and self-sufficient. But He chooses to let our work add value to His kingdom . That’s an incredible privilege—but it’s still not about us. It’s about Him. We don’t work to shine a light on ourselves, to earn salvation, or to make ourselves “worthy.” We work because it’s what we ought to do. The Heart of the Lesson This parable is about humility and perspective: Serving God is our duty —not a favor we’re doing for Him. Obedience doesn’t earn extra credit —we’re simply doing what’s expected. The reward is by God’s grace —not because we deserve it. The apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. His answer? You grow it yourself—like a mustard seed—through steady, humble service. Work hard, be faithful, and remember: you’re serving the Master, not working for applause. For Us Today It’s tempting to want recognition for what we do in the kingdom. But Jesus says that’s not the point. God already promised the greatest possible reward—eternal life with Him—not because we earned it, but because He loves us. Our role is clear:Serve faithfully. Put His will first. Do the work not for praise, but because it’s what we ought to do. And at the end of the day, when we’ve done everything commanded of us, our response should be: “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”

A while ago, I wrote a bulletin article on retaining more of what we read in the Bible, and I was encouraged by the positive feedback. God’s word must always be a priority for His people. He has given us His word so we can both read it and understand it. Paul said in Ephesians 3:3-5 :“…That by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit…” Notice three truths: Paul received revelation from God. He wrote it down. He wrote it so others (including us) could read and understand. From Genesis to Revelation, God has given us His words so that we might know Him. Yes, some passages are challenging—Peter himself admitted that some of Paul’s writings were “hard to understand” ( 2 Peter 3:16 ). But that shouldn’t discourage us. The Bible is a lifetime study, and God’s word is “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” ( Hebrews 4:12 ). Like many of you, I’ve struggled at times with consistency in daily Bible reading. Recently, however, I began something new with two brothers: a group we call “Arise and Build” (from Nehemiah’s work in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall, Nehemiah 6:15 ). We committed to a 52-Day Challenge where we meet daily for Bible reading and prayer. Here’s how we’ve approached it: The first time through Nehemiah (13 chapters), we simply read a chapter each day and discussed what we learned. The second time, we each prepared a brief outline of every chapter and compared notes. We also asked, “What’s one word that describes this chapter?” to help retain what we read. The third time, we’ll expand our outlines with more details. The fourth time, we plan to use colored pencils to mark themes—locations, people, prayers, sins, and more—so the text locks deeper into our memory. It’s not fast, but it’s effective. Slow and steady builds lasting understanding. By the end, we’ll each have a thorough outline of Nehemiah—and more importantly, we’ll have saturated our minds with God’s word. If you’ve struggled with Bible reading, consider studying with someone else. When our 52 days are up, we plan to start again and invite others to join. If 13 chapters feels overwhelming, try something smaller. Read Jude or 3 John (just one chapter) every day for a week. Or meditate on 10 verses at a time. The key is simple: Arise and Build. Take the step. Be intentional. Open God’s word again and again. As Paul wrote: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” ( Romans 10:17 ).

In Luke 7:36–50 , Jesus tells a short but powerful parable in the middle of an unexpected dinner party moment. It’s a story that challenges the way we think about sin, forgiveness, and love for God. And it starts with a Pharisee named Simon. The Setting Simon invites Jesus to eat at his home. We’re not told his motives — maybe they were genuine, maybe not — but like most encounters with Jesus, the evening doesn’t go as planned. While they’re reclining at the table, a woman from the city comes in, bringing an alabaster jar of perfume. She begins to weep, washing Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with the perfume. To us, that might feel unusual. But in their culture, this was a sign of deep respect and honor — the kind of welcome a host should have provided for a guest. She took it upon herself to do it for Jesus. Simon, however, isn’t impressed. Thinking to himself, he says, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is… that she is a sinner.” He doesn’t say it aloud, but Jesus answers anyway. The Parable Jesus tells him: “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”( Luke 7:41–42 ) Simon answers, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” Jesus says, “You have judged rightly.” The Meaning In the parable: The moneylender represents God, the one who forgives. The debt represents sin — something we cannot repay. The two debtors represent people who see themselves as very sinful (500 denarii) and less sinful (50 denarii). The Pharisee’s mistake — and ours at times — is thinking that the “amount” of sin changes our standing before God. We put sins on a scale: “That lie wasn’t so bad.” “At least I’m not like them.” Or the opposite: “I’ve sinned too much for God to forgive me.” But Jesus is making it clear: Sin is sin. All of it separates us from God. A “50 denarii sinner” and a “500 denarii sinner” are both hopeless without God’s forgiveness. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” There are no degrees of separation — only separation. What Both Debtors Had in Common Both were in debt.Both were unable to pay.Both were completely dependent on the moneylender’s mercy. The same is true for us. Whether we grew up in church or spent years running from God, we’re all in the same spiritual position apart from Christ — unable to repay what we owe. Why the Perception Matters Jesus applies the story directly to Simon. The woman washing His feet knew she needed forgiveness — and that awareness overflowed into love and gratitude. Simon, on the other hand, seemed to think he didn’t need much forgiveness at all. In his eyes, her sins were great and his were small. But his self-righteousness blinded him to his own debt. That’s the danger. When we forget how much we’ve been forgiven, our love for Jesus shrinks. We stop bowing at His feet. We stop pouring out our gratitude. We stop serving with joy. The Takeaway for Us Recognize Your Debt – No matter your past, you’ve been forgiven more than you can repay. Don’t minimize that truth. Stop Comparing – Other people’s sins don’t make yours less serious. Forgiveness is not about who was “worse” — it’s about who has been made whole in Christ. Let Forgiveness Fuel Love – The more we understand what we’ve been saved from, the more we’ll love and serve the One who saved us. Jesus ends by telling the woman, “Your sins are forgiven… your faith has saved you; go in peace.” That’s the invitation to all of us. Whether we see ourselves as a “50 denarii” or “500 denarii” debtor, the truth is the same: we were bankrupt without Him. And because He’s paid our debt in full, we can live in peace — and love Him with all we are.

I talked to someone on the phone a while back and they asked me, “Will I speak in tongues after I’m saved?” The short answer is “No!” The long answer is “No!” Why is it that some believe that they will speak in tongues after they are saved or think that they have to. The reason is due to false teaching. What was speaking in tongues? Tongues were languages. In Acts 2:4 it describes how the apostles began to speak with other tongues. Jews from every nation were in Jerusalem and every man heard them speak in his own language, Acts 2:5-6 .  See also Acts 2:7-13 . The apostles did not jabber with disconnected syllables coming from the mouth; they spoke languages, languages that could be understood, languages that men from the various provinces had learned. Biblically, speaking in tongues was the miracle of speaking in a language that had not been learned by the speaker. The gibberish and unintelligible sounds that some today call speaking in tongues is not like that found in the Bible. Tongues were a sign to the unbeliever, 1 Corinthians 14:22 . This gift was used in Acts 2 to convince unbelievers of the truth spoken by the apostles, Acts 2:12, 33 . In Acts 10:44-48 when Cornelius and his household began to speak in tongues, it was a sign to Peter and the Jewish brethren that (Gentiles) could be saved and a part of God’s kingdom. While it is true that tongues could be used to teach the gospel to those who did not understand the common tongue (Greek), that does not seem to be its primary use. It was used as a sign to cause unbelievers to believe, Mark 16:17-20 . In no place were tongues used as a sign that one is saved or that he is "close to God."   Tongues was a less desirable gift than prophecy, 1 Corinthians 14:5 . In an assembly where the language spoken was unknown, unless interpretation was given, the hearers were not edified by the gift of tongues, 1 Corinthians 14:5, 27-32 . Read 1 Corinthians 14:18-19 .  Paul used tongues outside the assembly. Tongues has limited use in the assembly. What would happen if an unbeliever came into an assembly where languages were spoken that the unbeliever didn't know and no interpreter was present?  They would think the Christians were crazy, 1 Corinthians 14:22-24 .  Tongues could be controlled by the speaker, 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 . All things must be done unto edification, 1 Corinthians 14:26, 40 . Only two, or at the most three, could speak in an assembly, 1 Corinthians 14:27 . If no interpreter was present, he must keep silent, 1 Corinthians 14:28 . Like the tongue speakers, the spirits of the prophets were subject to the prophets, 1 Corinthians 14:32 , indicating the gifts could be controlled. More could be said with respect to speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues does not determine if one is saved or not. Rather, following the words of Jesus and His apostles do, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38 . Some want people to think that if you speak in tongues, it shows how close you really are to God. That’s false! One has fellowship with the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirt when one believes and obeys the gospel! Not every Christian in the first century had the ability to speak in tongues. It didn’t make their relationship with God any less valuable or less important than those who could speak in tongues. So, how are claims of speaking in tongues explained today?           An emotional experience.  It is often necessary for those who speak in tongues to be whipped into an emotional frenzy in order to produce their phenomena. Many people think they need a sign that God has accepted them.  They have been taught that tongues is such a sign. If they have tongues, it means they are close to God and are spiritual people. They do not, however, speak actual languages by the Spirit of God. A learned experience.  People often mimic what they believe others are doing. The following questions may be asked of those who claim to speak in tongues by the Holy Spirit. Do you speak a language known to others in the world?  Acts 2:6, 8, 11 . Are your tongues used as a sign to unbelievers?  1 Corinthians 14:22 . Do several speak in tongues at once in your assemblies?  1 Corinthians 14:27 . Do your people speak in tongues only with an interpreter?  1 Corinthians 14:28 . Are your assemblies conducted in an orderly fashion?  1 Corinthians 14:40 . When one obeys the gospel, they are forgiven of their sins, Acts 2:38 . That’s reason to rejoice and to know you have fellowship with God.

In Matthew 21:28–32 , Jesus tells a short parable with a big punch. It’s directed straight at the chief priests and elders in the temple—religious leaders who were challenging His authority. They had just tried to trap Him with a question: “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Instead of answering directly, Jesus countered with His own question about John the Baptist’s ministry. Realizing that any answer would make them look bad—either to Jesus or the people—they opted for the safe, noncommittal answer: “We don’t know.” Jesus refused to answer them… but He didn’t stop talking. Instead, He said, “But what do you think?” and launched into this parable. The Parable A man had two sons. He told the first, “Go and work in the vineyard today.” The son said, “I will not,” but later changed his mind and went.The man told the second son the same thing. This son replied, “I go, sir,” but never actually went. Jesus’ question to the religious leaders was simple: “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They answered, “The first.” And they were right. Then came the sting: Jesus told them that tax collectors and prostitutes would enter the kingdom of God before them—because those sinners, like the first son, had once rejected God but later repented and obeyed. The religious leaders, like the second son, said the right words but refused to actually do what God commanded. What’s the Lesson for Us? 1. God Has Called Us to Work In the parable, the father sends his sons to work in his vineyard. Spiritually, God has called His people to work for His kingdom—not just in the “church building,” but in the world. That means sowing the seed of the gospel, serving others, and making disciples. John 9:4 reminds us, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” There’s an urgency to the work—our time is limited. 2. It’s Not About Where You Start The first son started wrong—saying “no” to his father’s request—but he turned around and obeyed. The second son started with the right words, but never followed through. Jesus’ point is clear: it’s not your starting point that matters; it’s where you finish. Repentance and obedience matter more than a history of religious appearances. 3. Saying It Isn’t Doing It The second son is the perfect picture of empty religion—saying the right things, wearing the right labels, showing up in the right places, but not actually doing the Father’s will. Sadly, this happens today. Some claim Christianity as a cultural identity but don’t live it out. Others attend worship faithfully but never engage in the work of the kingdom. Jesus says, “That’s not going to happen.” Calling yourself a Christian without obeying Christ is like promising to work and then walking away. 4. Our Words Are Commitments When we became Christians, we made a vow—publicly declaring that Jesus is Lord. Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 warns: “When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow.It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” God takes commitment seriously. Better not to promise at all than to promise and not follow through. A Self-Check If following Jesus feels “easy,” it might be time to examine whether we’re actually working in His vineyard. Jesus said following Him means taking up a cross, facing opposition, and sacrificing for the sake of the gospel. So ask yourself: Am I actively doing the Father’s will, or just saying I will? Do my actions match my confession? Am I serving in the kingdom with urgency and purpose? The Bottom Line The Father is still asking His children to go and work in His vineyard. The question is not, “Will you say yes?” but “Will you actually go?” It’s not our talk, reputation, or religious appearance that pleases God—it’s our obedience. And just like in Jesus’ day, the reward goes to the one who actually does what the Father says.

Is It A Sin To Be Cremated? No! There is no scriptural evidence that one sins if they decide to be cremated. There is no scriptural evidence if a family decides to have a loved one cremated, that they have committed sin. A person may have a preference with what they want to happen after they die. That is a personal decision one has to make considering a number of factors including cost and location. However, one’s soul is not in danger of being condemned if they decide to be cremated.   Let’s see what we can learn about death, the body, and cremation from the scriptures. The Bible teaches that it is appointed for men once to die according to Hebrews 9:27 . Unless we are alive when the Lord returns, we will all experience death. Therefore, one should be concerned about their soul salvation. We learn from the book of Genesis that man was created from the dust of the ground, Genesis 2:7 . The Bible says, “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” The Bible also teaches in Ecclesiastes 12:7 that “…Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it…” When we die, our bodies whether in a casket or through a cremation process will return to dust. We do have plenty of examples of individuals who were buried in scripture. Genesis 25:19-20 : “After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. So the field and the cave that is in it, were deeded over to Abraham for a burial site by the sons of Heth.” In Genesis 49:29 , Jacob said, “Then he charged them and said to them, ‘I am about to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite…” We have a unique example of King Saul and what happened to his body after he died in 1 Samuel 31:11-13 and in 1 Chronicles 10:11-12 . After the death of Saul and his sons, the Philistines found them, striped them, cut off Saul’s head and “…Sent them throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. They put his weapons in the temple of Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan. Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men rose and walked all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. They took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and fasted seven days.” We find in Joshua 7:25 how Achan along with his family were stoned and then their bodies were burned. This was a result of sinful conduct Achan engaged in. In 2 Kings 23:16-20 , we find King Josiah burned the bones of pagan priests on their altars according to the word of the LORD. In Amos 2:1 it says, “Thus says the LORD, For three transgressions of Moab and for four I will not revoke its punishment, Because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime.” A couple of thoughts to observe. 1.        The burning of bodies and bodies was often in unique situations of judgment and dishonor. 2.        The typical practice for Israelites, was a burial in a tomb or grave. In Conclusion: One day we will die. Some have died in the ocean and were never able to have a proper burial. Others have died in fires and all that remained may have been their bones. Others have died in horrific accidents where there are virtually no remains to bury or even to cremate. What will happen to them? When the Lord returns, all will rise according to John 5:28-29 . “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” No matter what happens to these physical bodies, we all stand before God, we will all rise from the dead and spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. It is a personal decision whether one decides to be buried or cremated.

One of the biggest evangelism fears Christians have is this: “What if I say the wrong thing?” Or worse— “What if I fail?” But Jesus told a parable that speaks directly to that fear. It’s often overlooked, found only in Mark 4:26–29, and sometimes called The Parable of the Seed Growing Itself . And it reminds us of something freeing and powerful: The growth of the gospel is not your job. Your job is to sow the seed. The Parable in Context This short parable comes right after the well-known Parable of the Sower. In that one, Jesus teaches us about how different hearts receive the word—some reject it, some accept it for a time, and others grow deep and bear fruit. This second parable continues the same theme but shifts the focus. Now, Jesus emphasizes what happens after the seed is planted. Here’s the parable, from Mark 4:26–29 (ESV): “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come. ” What’s the Point? This farmer does his part—he scatters the seed. But once it’s in the ground, he goes on with life. He sleeps. He wakes. The seed grows—but not because of anything he does . In fact, Jesus says, “he knows not how.” The message is clear: the power is in the seed , not in the sower. The seed in this parable represents the word of God (just as it did in the previous parable). The sower is anyone who shares that word. And once the seed is sown—once the message is spoken or taught— its growth doesn’t depend on the skill or cleverness of the speaker . It’s easy to feel pressure when sharing the gospel. We worry about saying everything perfectly or knowing every answer. But this parable reminds us that God never asked us to cause the growth. That’s His part. Our job is simply to sow the seed —to share the message. We Don’t Control the Growth Jesus says, “The earth produces by itself.” The phrase in Greek is automatos —meaning the growth happens automatically, on its own. That doesn’t mean we’re careless or indifferent. Good sowers can still water the soil, tend to it -- i.e. answer questions, and encourage hearts. But at the end of the day, no one becomes a Christian because we made them . They become one because they heard the word, received it, and let it grow. You don’t have to dig up the seed to check on it. You don’t need to crack it open to speed things up. You don’t stretch the stalk to make it taller. You let it grow all on it's own. That takes patience . Sometimes the response takes days, weeks, or even years. But when the seed is planted in a good heart— “first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” Growth takes time. The Harvest Will Come Eventually, Jesus says, the harvest comes. Some think this refers to judgment—and it may be. But more broadly, it’s the point at which the results are revealed. It’s the moment when the fruit shows whether or not the sowing was successful. And here’s the key: the sower is still not the one producing the fruit. He’s just the one who planted the seed and waited. So What Does This Mean for Us? It means we don’t need to fear sharing the gospel . We don’t need to wait until we know everything. We don’t need to stress about having just the right words. We just need to faithfully sow the word of God and trust that His power will do the growing . The seed is powerful.The word is living and active.And the soil—the heart of the hearer—is where the growth happens. So don’t be afraid to speak up. Don’t let fear of failure keep you silent. Sow the seed. And then—like the sower—go to bed. Go about your day. Trust God to do what He promised. The gospel works. God gives the growth. And your part is simply to plant.

This blog post idea came after one of our most recent Wednesday night Bible classes. We’ve had a number of brethren teach from the Proverbs. We studied Proverbs 6:16-19 where it says, “There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that run rapidly to evil, a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” The question that was raised to me after class was, “God hates the shedding of innocent blood, but what about the firstborns who died in the days of Egypt?” In Exodus 11 , it says, “Thus says the LORD, about midnight I am going out into the midst of Egypt, and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of the Pharaoh who sits on the throne, even to the firstborn of the slave girl who is behind the millstones; all the firstborn of the cattle as well… Exodus 11:4-5 Is this a contradiction? This is a question that can make people pause, especially those who may not be familiar with the context, character, and sovereignty of God. Let’s take a closer look. 1. God Can Do As He Pleases “Whatever the Lord pleases, He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps.” – Psalm 135:6 God is not limited by human standards or subject to human judgment. He is the Creator, and as such, He has full authority over all creation. He is perfectly just, perfectly holy, and perfectly good in all His ways. His actions are not up for debate—they are righteous by nature. 2. God Is the Potter—We Are the Clay “But now, O Lord, You are our Father, we are the clay, and You our potter; and all of us are the work of Your hand.” – Isaiah 64:8 “Know that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” – Psalm 100:3 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11 Who are we to challenge the Potter? This isn’t an excuse to avoid tough questions, but it’s a necessary posture of humility when approaching divine matters. The clay doesn’t question the hands shaping it. 3. God Was Extremely Patient First The death of the firstborn was not the first plague—it was the tenth. God had shown plague after plague in mercy, power, and warning. Pharaoh’s heart remained hard. The people refused to repent. Their nation worshiped false gods, oppressed God’s people, and had countless opportunities to turn back. God’s judgment wasn’t rushed—it was restrained until the appointed time. 4. The Sins of One Can Negatively Affect Many We don’t always like this truth, but it is seen all throughout Scripture. Think of Achan in Joshua 7:21-26 —one man’s sin brought defeat upon the entire camp and his family. Likewise, Pharaoh’s stubbornness and rebellion brought devastating consequences upon his own people. Yes, sometimes the innocent suffers because of the sins of others. This is why leadership matters. This is why repentance matters. This is why obedience matters. 5. Were the Firstborn Babies? Not Necessarily When we read “firstborn,” many imagine infants or toddlers. That could be the case at times. But they could have been a teen, adult, or elder. The assumption that these were all babies is not supported by the text. We must be careful not to inject our own emotional images into the account without scriptural backing. 6. And Even If Some Were Young… This may be difficult to consider, but even if some were babies or young children, God is still just. He knows what’s ahead. In a nation so steeped in idolatry and rebellion, being removed early could even be seen—through a divine lens—as an act of mercy. This could also be said about the young who died in the days of the world-wide flood. This doesn’t sit well with modern ears. But God sees the beginning from the end. He knows the future paths of every soul. 7. God’s Ways Are Always Pure “The words of the Lord are pure words…” – Psalm 12:6 “The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.” – Psalm 145:17 God is not like man. His judgments are never out of cruelty, spite, or vengeance as we know it. His ways are always driven by truth, holiness, and justice. That includes the judgment on Egypt’s firstborn. 8. His Thoughts Are Not Our Thoughts “'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord." – Isaiah 55:8 We must remember that God sees from eternity. He sees the full story. We only see a page. When we wrestle with hard things in scripture, it’s okay to ask questions—but we must also trust His character.