“To what can I compare the people of this generation?” Jesus asked. “How can I describe them? They are like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,

‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs,

and you didn’t weep.’

For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.

One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat. When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know what kind of woman is touching him. She’s a sinner!”

Then Jesus answered his thoughts. “Simon,” he said to the Pharisee, “I have something to say to you.” “Go ahead, Teacher,” Simon replied.

Then Jesus told him this story: “A man loaned money to two people—500 pieces of silver to one and 50 pieces to the other. But neither of them could repay him, so he kindly forgave them both, canceling their debts. Who do you suppose loved him more after that?”

 

Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the larger debt.”

“That’s right,” Jesus said. Then he turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Look at this woman kneeling here. When I entered your home, you didn’t offer me water to wash the dust from my feet, but she has washed them with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but from the time I first came in, she has not stopped kissing my feet. You neglected the courtesy of olive oil to anoint my head, but she has anointed my feet with rare perfume.

“I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love.”

Then Jesus said to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The men at the table said among themselves, “Who is this man, that he goes around forgiving sins?”

And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:31-50)

When I read this passage I am humbled because it brings out the hypocrisy in many who call themselves Christians. It is so prevalent in the churches today, and if we are truly a Christian, we need to stand before the mirror and ask, “Is it in me?”

I know the world is more and more critical of the Church, but sadly it is often justified. The world doesn’t understand that the Church is composed of broken people with broken lives who have come to Jesus because of the Good News. The world laughs at us because of our failures and it scorns us because of the haughtiness of some. Do we all fail at times? Yes. Are we all haughty? No, but this is the way we’re often seen for two reasons:

1. Some of us believe the Bible means just what it says, and will not bend on that issue, so we’re thought to be haughty.
2. Many in the local churches are just plain snooty.

Leaving category #1 by the wayside is not an option. Just one example: Jesus says He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Regardless of what anyone else says, I, and a host of others, will never bend on that. Jesus is the only way to be saved … period … end of discussion.

In the Scripture passage above Jesus was referring to the people of that time, particularly the Pharisees. Today, we have come full circle. There are many ‘Pharisees’ in the churches today.

Jesus made the point that John the Baptist did not spend his time eating and drinking and was said to be possessed by a demon. On the other hand, Jesus did spend time eating and drinking … with sinners no less … and was called a glutton, a drunkard and a friend to unsavory people; i.e. sinners. You can’t win with some people, because they have a Pharisaical mind-set.

Are there actually people in the local churches who think they are better than others? Unfortunately, the answer is “yes,” and it cannot be disputed. Sadly, it is often forgotten that we are all sinners, and but for the grace of God, we would all spend eternity in hell.

We must understand that God does not grade on the curve. Actually, there are no descending grades to be had. To pass, it is either absolute perfection, or total failure. Only one has ever lived on this earth in absolute perfection, with no stain of sin, and that is none other than the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Either we cling to Him, or there is nothing else to cling to.

All down through the ages there has been a bountiful supply of people who look down their self-righteous noses at others. Jesus talked about it. Paul talked about it. James talked about it. My goodness, it is seen all throughout the Bible.

The thing I love so much about God’s grace is the knowledge that when I die I won’t receive what I deserve, but I will receive what I don’t deserve. All the blessings of God in Jesus are mine because of nothing more than my putting my faith in Him. How could I ever be haughty toward another when knowing that?

Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments,” (John 14:15) and “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14)

Can I really keep His commandments, all the time, without fail? No, I cannot, but through His strength I will try, simply because he told me to, and because there is a new spirit within me that wants to. I often fail, but He has told me to confess my sins (1 John 1:9) and He will restore our fellowship and empower me to follow Him.

Many in the churches actually must think they rarely if ever fail keeping Christ’s commands, and in their self-righteousness, look down their long proboscis at others who don’t meet their expectations.

What did Jesus stress so much in His Word, the Bible?

• Obey Him
• Share the Gospel
• Love others

Sometimes, these so-called “perfect” Christians look over the rim of their glasses with a condemning scowl. It’s no wonder that people who have made a mess of their lives don’t feel welcome in many churches. We, the Church, are not allowing Christ to live in us. Should we compromise the truth of God’s word? Absolutely not, but if Jesus is living in us, we will love others and show it by our actions. By the way, most people aren’t stupid; they can usually sense how we feel toward them.

It’s hard to persuade a person filled with pride to take a long look in the mirror and change. Look where it got Jesus with the Pharisees. A prideful person will look in the mirror and see perfection. His mind will simply be re-enforced of his grandeur and importance, and he will continue to feel himself to be a better person than anyone else.

Many of the Pharisees were proud of their Hebraic heritage, and even more proud of their supposed ability to keep the Law. Truth is, they weren’t keeping anything but their self-righteous, worthless arrogance fed. One of them asked Jesus, “Which is the greatest commandment.” Jesus replied with,

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

 

That holier than thou group of hypocrites had so little love for God, they crucified His Son.

Sadly there are people within the churches today who act just like those Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes of Jesus day. There are those so proud of their self-proclaimed religious mantle they have so elegantly draped over their shoulders, but like the Pharisees of old, where is their love for God, much less their neighbor?

“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” (Matthew 15:14)

Because of their blindness Jesus said to them, “You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” (Matthew 23:24)

I have watched for many years, those with a Pharisaical mindset; try to run rough shod over weaker Christians. I have talked to those who have been so confused by the religious bullies, and they were in total despair from the browbeating they received.

Some are told they have to act a certain way, or dress a certain way, or do without certain things, or go to a particular church, or read a particular Bible version, and more; all this to be saved, and/or keep their salvation.

Others are shunned because they are poor, or alcoholics, or drug-addicts, or sexually immoral; in other words, simply from the wrong side of the tracks.

I wonder how many folks with an unsavory history will find that narrow gate (Matthew 7:14) before the self-righteous Pharisees of today.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.” (Matthew 21:31-32)

It is no accident that Jesus talked so much against pride. Remember, that’s the very thing that brought Satan down.

Maybe we should preach the Word, the whole Word, without compromise, but with the attitude of, “I’m also just a saved sinner, saved only by the grace of God.”

Every Christian and that includes me, should stand in front of the mirror each morning and ask of God, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

Grant Phillips

Email: grantphillips@windstream.net

People from all walks of life are asking that question. Some of us will find hope that will last a short time, and some of us will find a hope that will not fail us … ever. On the other hand, many will walk right by it and find no hope at all because they have eyes but do not see, and they have ears but do not hear.

Wealthy people have problems just as much as those who are poor. Whether you’re from the mountains or the plains, you will have problems in life. Sea-farers, desert dwellers, city folk, hillbillies, educated, uneducated, adults, children, we all have problems.

Many folks have landed in prison and are certainly asking “Is there any hope?” Far too many of our citizens are held in the firm grip of drug addiction and are asking the same question. Some make it out of that nightmare. Many do not.

It would take a book just to list all the many things the world can throw at us to bring us to our knees in despair. Unfortunately, all too often, we make our own bed of misery without any help from the world.

Politically speaking, many are placing a great deal of hope in our new President, Donald Trump. Let me say, that I am pleased that he won the election, and I believe he honestly wants to the reverse the decline of this nation. If Hillary Clinton had won, she would undoubtedly have continued the suicidal actions of Barack Obama. Regrettably, Soros, Obama, the Clintons, the Democratic Party, the news media and others are still working feverishly to hinder any progress of President Donald Trump and his administration.

Let us pray for President Trump and his administration every day, but let us also keep one thing in mind, if our hope is in him, it is in the wrong place. Our hope cannot be in man.

The prisoner cannot put any hope in man. Neither can the housewife, the student, the working person, the drug-addict, the alcoholic, etc.

Folks worry about things such as; marriage, health, children, job, debts, etc. and that’s just a start. How can we dispel the fears of hopelessness and see that, yes there is hope. There is a hope which is real and which will last.

At this point, many will be turned off by what I say next; because you’re getting the feeling that I’m now going to say that only God through His Son Jesus Christ can provide true hope. You don’t want to hear that. You don’t want to hear anything religious. Hear me out just a little longer.

First of all, forget the “religious” part. Knowing Jesus Christ as your very own Savior and Lord has nothing to do with religion. It’s all about a relationship. There are many religions in this fallen world, but there can be only one relationship. Only the one true God, through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, can provide us with a relationship with Him.

Is there any hope in whatever situation you are in? You bet there is, but you will never have true, lasting hope apart from Jesus. He is the only way.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NIV)

First of all let us understand something. It is impossible for God to lie. Every word He says is absolute truth.

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19 NIV)

“He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.” (1 Samuel 15:29 NIV)

“Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness— and I will not lie to David—“ (Psalm 89:35)

“God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.” (Hebrews 6:18 NIV)

There are over 7,000 promises in the Bible. Here is just a handful.

“I will never leave thee” (Heb. 13:5)

“I am thy shield” (Gen. 15:1)

“I will strengthen thee” (Isa. 41:10)

“I will help thee” (Isa. 41:10)

“I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil” (Jer. 29:11)

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

“The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name’s sake” (1 Sam. 12:22)

“All things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28)

Many folks will argue that they have cried out to God for help and He wasn’t there for them. Look, most all of us, if we will be honest with ourselves, will have to admit that we have felt this way at times. I too have had traumatic experiences in my life and have questioned God. He doesn’t mind our questioning Him. At least we’re paying attention. Now that He has our attention, He wants us to see things through His eyes. Even though we may not think so at the time, He does know what is best for us. Back in the 50s there used to be a television show called “Father Knows Best.” If you are His child, He really does know best. If you aren’t His child you can be, but only by coming to Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Our biggest problem is that we don’t want to suffer, even in the slightest. We want God to take the pain away, whether it’s physical or emotional or both, right away. Nobody in their right mind wants to suffer, but Jesus has told us that we will suffer in this world.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18 NIV)

We will suffer in this world, whether it’s from something circumstances throw upon us, or our own stupidity. It’s going to happen.

One of the promises God made is, “I will strengthen you.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV) Maybe He is allowing us to experience bankruptcy, or illness, or reactions from our own actions to strengthen us.

Have you ever considered that if the Apostle Paul hadn’t spent so much time in prison, we probably wouldn’t have much of the New Testament? If John Bunyan hadn’t been put in prison we would not have “Pilgrim’s Progress.” If Fanny Crosby had not become blind, maybe we would never have heard any of the 8,000 Christian songs she wrote.

Let us not forget what the Lord did in the 20th century through Corrie Ten Boom, and today, in the 21st century he is working through a man who was raised in a very well-known Christian home. As a young man he rebelled against God and his parent’s teachings, but finally the day came when he gave himself wholeheartedly to the Lord, and today serves Jesus Christ with all his being. His name is Franklin Graham.

I am reminded of, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

God will use any who are willing to serve him. He has a plan for the life of every Christian. He wants us to glorify His Son. It isn’t about us. It is about Jesus. We are to glorify Him, and when we glorify Him, He will glorify us. Even in the smallest of things we do for Him, it will not go unnoticed. He will use it for His glory. Some, because of their own self-centeredness, may think that is selfish of God, but the Lord says that one day we will understand.

“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV)

Maybe you are jobless. Trust completely in Him and allow Him to work in your life.

He can take that divorce you’ve been through and give you a new life, but you must trust Him.

Even in prison, He can change your heart and work through you to bring others to Him.

You may have a home life that stinks. He’ll get you through it. There is hope in Him.

We in America don’t have to face losing our family, our possessions, or even our life because of our trust in Jesus, yet even if or when that time comes we can face it with the confidence that He will be with us all the way. Jesus said,

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” (Luke 12:4-5 NIV)

Maybe you’re about to lose your business. Perhaps your children are giving you gray hairs. Maybe you’re praying for the right marriage partner (of the opposite sex) who will truly love you. You may be one of many who have made a colossal mess of your life.

God can and will help those who are His, in whatever predicament they’re in, but we must first trust Him completely. That means we are willing to accept the results of His decision, whatever it may be. His plan for us may not be what we wanted, but it will be the right decision.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Joni Eareckson Tada became a quadriplegic as a teenager, paralyzed from the shoulders down. Amidst what seemed to be a hopeless situation, God has brought joy to her and millions of others she has reached out to for Christ. He didn’t change her situation. He changed her, and simply by watching and listening to her we can see the joy of Jesus living in her.

There are times God may remove the problem that afflicts us, and there are times He chooses not to do so, but through our circumstances, He will bring joy if we allow Him to work in us. Hope is in Jesus Christ, regardless of the circumstances. Mrs. Tada found hope in Jesus and was given joy, even though her circumstances remained the same.

Is there any hope? Whether our circumstances are good or bad, removed or still with us, there is hope in Jesus. It is the only hope that provides a guarantee; hope for this life and for eternity that will never fail.

In America we have been mightily blessed with many comforts and luxuries. There is nothing wrong with that, and I enjoy them as much as the next person. Our problem arises when we, as Christians, forget who we serve. The Lord promises He will take care of our needs. Read Luke 12:22-34. Knowing that, we can serve Him without worrying about our needs.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

We can learn with Paul, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13 NIV)

Every true Christian has the power of God on their side. There is no problem too big or too small for Him, and He will always be there by our side as we face the storm.

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

It there any hope? If our hope is in Jesus and our desire is to glorify Him, there is a hope guaranteed by God Himself. If our hope is in anything apart from Him, there is no real hope.

Grant Phillips
Email: grantphillips@windstream.net