19

Jump Start # 4079

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4079

 

John 8:32 “And you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.”

 

I read a very interesting article the other morning about our Lord’s first miracle, the turning of water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana. The author of the article went into great details about Jewish weddings and how running out of wine was not only embarrassing to the host family, it could be a breach of contract. The bride’s family could sue the groom’s family because of the social blunder. The article detailed how not only did Jesus do what the groom could not do, Jesus did it in abundance in quantity and excellence in quality. Those were the common trademarks of God. He always brought the best. Such was a mirror to the Cross.

 

Loved the article and was very helpful. But in thinking on it, the author gave no references, detailed no footnotes, and never told his readers how he knew that Jewish weddings were like that. And, that thought led to some more thoughts.

 

The Bible landed in a time, culture and history that was already set and taking place. The more we understand those things the more insight into “why” certain things are asked and certain things are done. Reading the Bible with American eyes and with an American culture, can sometimes miss the settings and the backgrounds of what is going on. There are many resources that are rich in explaining things that helps us to understand. For instance, it seems very odd to us that Queen Esther could not just go talk to her husband, the king without being summoned. It’s odd, because that’s not the way our culture is. We see our President and the First Lady walking together to a helicopter, sitting together at a banquet, riding in the presidential car side by side. There is no formal appointment that she must make to talk to him. Our culture and Persian culture are not the same.

 

Good Bible classes will help us to understand the culture of ancient times and that will bring more insight and life to the verses of the Bible we study. I do this all the time.

 

HOWEVER, and there always seems to be a however hovering around, consider:

 

First, if we are not careful, we feel that it is necessary to rely upon these extra outside histories in order to know the Bible. Without admitting it, we conclude that we cannot know God’s word without these extra tools.  And, that makes us struggle with our verse today. Jesus said we can know the truth. Can I know it with just the Bible? Nothing but the Bible?

 

What about those believers who lived in small villages in Europe in the 1200’s? Many could barely read. They did not have access to universities, books and other studies. Was it possible for those people to know God’s word? Could they go to Heaven with just the Bible?

 

Second, our advance knowledge into cultures, languages, histories can make us believe that we are superior to others who do not know these things. Our insights and understanding of cultures can lead to thinking that we are more spiritual than those who don’t know these things. We may be able to dive deeply into Babylonian history and culture, but the ole’ farmer who has worn out his Bible though decades of reading may very well have a better understanding of the Lord than we do. Because we may know the gender of a word, and where the root word is from, does not mean that we are better than that simple farmer. There is always a place for learning. But intellectualism is just a step or two from arrogance.

 

Our Lord understood the value of speaking to the people. He chose a language that they could understand. He used illustrations that they would have seen in everyday life. He brought the message to the people. You don’t find the Lord using words that few understood. You don’t see Him explaining complex theories that only a handful would have understood. One doesn’t need a dictionary in one hand and a Bible in the other hand to understand the Lord.

 

Third, our times have made amazing strides and advancement in understanding the cultures that the Bible was placed in. Do your home work and check things out and not just take them for granted. Don’t be afraid to learn more about the life, the times, the cultures that our Bibles were a part of.

 

In the end, “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.”

 

Roger

 

 

 

18

Jump Start # 4078

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4078

Revelation 3:21 “He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I have also overcame, and sat down with My Father on His throne.”

 

Our verse today is what was said to the indifferent brethren at Laodicea. They were identified as being lukewarm. They claimed that they needed nothing. They didn’t see themselves as the Lord saw them. Pride and wealth had gotten the best of them.

 

It would be hard to be a member at Laodicea. You want to turn the temperature up on their faith and activity and they are very content to remain right where they were. You want more, and they don’t. You want depth, and they are happy with the way things are. Lukewarm, just enough faith to make one feel good and not enough faith to make a difference. Big toe in the water is what Laodicea was.

 

However, within these words we find hope. God had not given up on them. God did not walk away from them. Overcome, one of the key words in Revelation, is used twice in our verse. The Lord overcame. You overcome and there will be blessings.

 

The idea of overcome is not the same as ignoring, avoiding or getting around something. To overcome means you have gone through something. Most times it is something not pleasant. Rather than being defeated, you overcame. You became the victor.

 

Jesus overcame. Have you thought about what that involves?

 

  • Jesus overcame temptation. It’s one thing to say He was never tempted. But, that’s not the case. He was tempted. He saw the sweet appeal of thinking only of Himself. He saw how for the moment, what temptation offers seems very appealing. But, Christ overcame. He saw through those things and remained sinless.

 

  • Jesus overcame the desire to walk away from His mission. “Let this cup pass,” was a plea to find another way. Not the cross. Not the torture. Not the pain. Yet, He corralled His will by saying, “Thy will be done.” When the radicals begged Jesus to come off the cross, how appealing those words must have sounded. Jesus overcame. He stuck with the plan and became the sacrifice for the world.

 

  • Jesus overcame death. Satan’s greatest power is the darkness of death. Death could not hold Jesus. Up from the grave He arose. Death could not hold Him. He overcame.

 

That was the Lord. How about us?

 

First, contextually, the Laodiceans needed to overcome their spiritual apathy and indifference. It could be done. One doesn’t have to be like everyone else in the congregation. Do what you know is right and honor the Lord through your faith and actions.

 

Lifeless worship services does not have to be your prison. Find ways to honor the Lord and be engaged with the Lord in worship. Get there early. Bring your Bible. Think deeply. Pray earnestly. Overcome the dry, dull, meaningless worship that lukewarm Christians are content with. You paise the Lord from a heart that loves the Lord. Overcome.

 

Second, we must overcome the pull to be like everyone else. Be yourself. Be a disciple of the Lord. Let the Lord be your strength and your guide. Overcome the image that our culture paints. You don’t have to fall asleep with the TV on or looking at your phone only to walk up and that’s the first thing you do in the morning. That’s the way most live. You are living differently. You are living for the Lord.

 

Third, overcome the attitudes of complaining, bitterness and negativity. That’s our times. We complain about the weather, the food, the prices, the traffic, work and even worship. Don’t get caught up in that. Overcome. This is the day that the Lord has made, Rejoice. The complaining heart is not very thankful. It sees problems and not blessings. You overcome. You be the reason that someone smiles today. You find wonderful ways to thank the Lord.

 

Overcome. If we continued, we could make a long list. Those that overcome are the victors. They have walked by faith and used that courage that comes from the Cross.

 

The door wasn’t shut and locked on Laodicea. There was a light shinning through a window. Overcome. Rise to the occasion and do what you know the Lord wants. You can do it, because the Lord said so.

 

Overcome.

 

Roger

 

15

Jump Start # 4077

Posted on May 15, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4077

 

1 Kings 12:8 “But he forsook the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted with the young men who grew up with him and served him.”

 

Our verse today reveals one of the lead up causes for the division of the nation of Israel. David made the nation strong. Solomon made the nation wealthy. Now, the torch is passed to Rehoboam, Solomon’s son. Rather than staying the course, he rejected the counsel of the elders and listened to his buddies that he grew up with. Solomon had taxed the people heavily to fund the construction of the Temple, his palace and other projects. Remember Ecclesiastes 2 where a detailed list of houses, gardens, ponds, orchards and livestock. I doubt Solomon used his own money for these things. Now, a new king was on the throne. Would he keep the heavy burden of taxes on the people or would he reduce them? The elders suggested lowering the taxes. The young friends of the king encouraged him to raise the taxes even more. The king did just that. It resulted in a passive civil war. The kingdom split. Israel and Judah became two separate nations. They never got back together again.

 

Rehoboam’s spirit lingers on today. In homes and in congregations, the advice of seasoned Christians is ignored. And, much too often, like with Rehoboam’s nation, trouble, division and heart ache follows.

 

Here are some thoughts:

 

First, the counsel of the elders would have been the men who helped advise Solomon. They got the nation to a good place. Experience, understanding the times, seeing potential troubles, anticipating consequences, knowing how to work with people, patience are all in the files of these elder counselors. Been there and done that is something that they could say. Seen that before, is yet another aspect of their wisdom and understanding.

 

Could this be one reason why the leadership in God’s church is called “elders.” Not ancient. Not out of touch. But, full of wisdom, experience and understanding.

 

It is the tragedy of youth to reject what older Christians say merely because they are “old.” And, because of that, just like Rehoboam, many rush into ideas that have not been well thought out, chasing the latest fad because it seems exciting, and ending up in a mess that they cannot get themselves out of. This results in wrecked marriages, ruined congregations and a whole bunch of bitter and unhappy people.

 

Just recently, I’ve known of three or four congregations that were in search for a preacher. “How do you find a good one?” I was asked. I walked through the steps with them. I’ve done this a few times and understand how valuable these steps are. I gave them some suggestions. I shared that if you stick with this, it will become a win-win situation for everyone. Did they follow my advice? Absolutely not. Some of those congregations are headed for a major disaster. I see it coming.

 

Pride has a lot to do with listening to others. We think we know. We don’t want to ask for advice. And, that pride will lead us straight into the arms of trouble. Among shepherds in the church, we don’t ask for the advice of other shepherds outside of our congregation for fear of violating some aspect of autonomy. So, we are left to our own thinking and choices. Wisdom is there, if we would seek it.

 

Second, the young friends of Rehoboam, likely loved the position and power they got from being around the king. They may even had some personal agenda and profit in mind when they suggested raising the taxes even more. Selfish, prideful and not thinking about the wellbeing of others, decisions are made that hurt the nation. The same can be said of the home. The same can be said of the church. Full of ideas, ambition and running faster than they were thinking decisions are made that cannot be unmade. Job promotions, moving, switching jobs, switching schools, switching majors, proposing marriage to someone, all of these ought to be considered after seasoned and spiritual eyes look them over. I’ve had a young man tell me about exciting job opportunities that he was pursuing. It meant moving the family across the country. Lots of money and opportunity was the talk. When I asked about a church there, a blank stare came across his face. Hadn’t thought about that, was the reply. Don’t you think that is important, I said. Choices made without the advice of someone older and someone spiritual.

 

Third, we elders need not be telling younger people, “I told you so,” when they come to us and expect us to clean up a mess they made by rushing into something without thinking it through. Be kind. Be helpful. Lessons are being learned. And, the next time, they may come to you for insights and instruction, because you have helped them. It’s hard seeing others heading to a waterfall after you warned them and told them to turn around. Stubborn, they believed they knew better. And, now they are about to go over and crash. Be there to help pick up the pieces. Be there in patience and kindness.

 

Advice. Wisdom. Experience. Help. Don’t ignore those things. Be careful who you ask. Be careful what you listen to. Don’t make the Rehoboam blunder!

 

Roger

 

14

Jump Start # 4076

Posted on May 14, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4076

 

Psalm 139:14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.

 

Throwback Thursday: an article written from the past

 

My Name is Amy

My name is Amy.

In a few months I will be nine.

All of my friends will come to my house for a party.

I have many friends.

My name is Amy.

I am in the third grade.

I like to bring papers home to show my mother.

I like going to school.

My name is Amy.

After school, I enjoy riding my bike.

Someday I am going to get a puppy.

I will take very good care of my puppy.

My name is Amy.

I like to sing songs.

Sometimes when I am sad, I sing, “Jesus loves me.”

That song always makes me feel better.

My name is Amy.

When I grow up I want to be just like my mother.

She is very pretty.

I love my mother.

My name is Amy.

I would be going on nine,

But my mother had an abortion.

And, I do not know why.

My name is Amy.

 

Roger

March, 1993

 

13

Jump Start # 4075

Posted on May 13, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4075

 

1 Chronicles 12:32 “Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command. “

 

What a powerful and insightful expression, the men of Issachar ’understood the times.’ There are many who never get that. They don’t know what time it is. For some, the calendars ought to still read 1970’s. The world has moved past that, but some haven’t. In their thinking, in the way their congregations operate, they still want it to be the glorious ’70s.

 

Individually, a person needs to understand the times.  We preachers often struggle with this. One of the reasons why I am retiring from local preaching is that the congregation I am a part of is changing. It is transitioning to becoming a younger demographic. Many young people getting married. Lots of babies being born. Many young couples. It’s exciting and great to see. A lot of energy. Tons of talent. It’s a great season for our congregation. But, understanding the times, our group doesn’t need a grandfather like me trying to connect to their world. They need someone who is right in there with them and fits their age. There comes a time to pass the baton on to someone younger, who has the energy and drive to help those of the same age. It’s a matter of “understanding the times.” There is no shame, sadness or wishing things could be different. The times dictate this and that is wonderful. I have seen old preachers trying to hang on, telling old and out of date stories, and not really connecting with the audience. Bless their hearts, they don’t understand the times. I made a reference in a Bible class to the famed Gano family of preachers from which Howard Hughes came. I think about half the audience had no idea who Howard Hughes was. Understanding the times.

 

Here are some thoughts about understanding the times:

 

First, we may not like the times and wish for other times, but what we have is what we need to work with. Studies after studies reveal that most people do not like to read. Magazines and newspapers have died because they didn’t understand the times. So, if everything a congregation is doing is in print form and a vast majority of the community is no longer reading, then a major disconnect takes place. Tract racks hanging on the back wall of a church building was a thing in the 70s. Today, most of those tracts gather dust.

 

Our times is into bullet points, videos, podcasts and short messages. Congregations need to pour more resources into websites that are user friendly, attractive and up to date. I’ve looked at some church websites that our brethren have and find the most current sermon was three or four years ago. People will check you out on line before they ever walk into your building. Understand the times.

 

New cars no longer come with CD players. Are we still cranking out CD’s of each sermon? Understand the times.

 

If a congregation does not know how to do those things, reach out and find someone who can show you, teach you and develop what you need.

 

Second, in our homes, we need to understand the times. Friction is caused when parents and grandparents insist on how to lay a baby in bed, feed a baby or things like that. Understand the times. Things change and ways we thought were right may not be the best methods today.

 

Third,  For generations, most congregations have run a thirteen week Bible class schedule. Most class material is written in thirteen weeks. To be honest, there are some times when by week eight, as a teacher, I’m finished with the class. Rabbits are chased just to complete the thirteen weeks. Why? Who says classes must be thirteen weeks long? A few years ago, we tried an experiment with teaching back to back five week classes. I was the teacher for this project. The first five weeks: Five things you need to know about the Holy Spirit. The second five weeks: Revelation in Five Days. Fast paced and great. Understand the times.

 

We have seen this transition in the way we hold Gospel Meetings. These days it is very common to have a Sunday through Wednesday meeting. Some miss the good ole’ days of a Sunday through Friday meeting. If you are old enough, before that the meetings were two weeks long. Every night for two weeks. Before that, some never had an ending time. When people were not being baptized, the meeting would conclude. It might be two weeks. It might be twenty days. No one really knew. These days, that just wouldn’t work well. We haven’t lost the faith. We understand the times.

 

There was a time when congregations would print up hundreds of flyers and mail them out to the community advertising an upcoming Gospel meeting. And, we loved that expression, “Gospel Meeting.” These days, many do not have a clue what that means. Our neighbors have “meetings” at work and they are long and boring. So, after a full days work come over to our Gospel MEETING, just doesn’t sound inviting to them. Maybe “Bible Lessons.” Maybe promote the topic more than the preacher. And, those flyers, these days, most are thrown immediately in the trash. We just had an election here in Indiana. Every day, my mail box had a bunch of political flyers. Did I read them? Did I even look at them? It is expensive to print and mail. Try social media. Try getting the congregation to post things their friends.

 

Understanding the times. The guys at Issachar got it. They knew what time it was. Do we? Let’s take a look at what we do and why we are doing it. Maybe it’s time to toss the 1970s calendars.

 

Roger