WHY WAS JESUS QUIET?
The Bible records 3 occasions in which Jesus was silent. The first occurred in Matt. 27:12-14 "And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then Pilate said to Him, "Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?" But he answered him not one word…" Why was Jesus quiet? Instead of defending himself, He was determined to do His Father’s will by going to the cross. In similar fashion, it is our Father's will that we remain silent when we are tempted to judge, lie, gossip, curse complain or speak evil of others. (See Matt. 7:1; Col. 3:9; Eph. 4:29; Jam. 4:11)
Another instance is recorded in Lk. 23:8-9. “Herod…had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him. Then he questioned Him with many words, but he answered him nothing." Jesus’ refusal to speak was based on Herod's motivation. Herod was more interested in being amused than in hearing the truth. Thus Jesus heeded Prov. 26:4, "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him". This is a valuable lesson for us. How many times have we become involved in a foolish argument, later regretting our words? Wisdom dictates that we keep quiet as opposed to being drawn into senseless disputes.
The third instance occurred prior to Jesus' trial. Luke 22:63-64 records, "Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him. And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?" There is no record that Jesus replied. What makes this remarkable is that He could have easily cited the names of His oppressors. Why did He keep quiet? To fulfill prophecy – “He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So he opened not his mouth.” (Isa. 53:7) This episode teaches us another invaluable lesson. Someone has observed, "Behind every fight is a harsh word." Every day, thousands of quarrels are triggered by a rash or unkind word. Even if we are unjustly criticized, it is better to keep quiet and allow God to handle things (see 1 Pet. 2:22-23) than to retaliate and start a “war”.
Jesus spoke as no other man (John 7:46), but He also knew when to keep quiet. So should we.
"He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Prov. 13:3)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

6 WAYS TO WIN A SOUL
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”  Mk. 16:15
Paul responded, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…”  Rom. 1:16
Nothing on earth is as fulfilling as leading a lost soul to Christ. On the other hand, fewer Christians are occupied with this pursuit than almost any other work. One problem is that many Christians believe that soul winning is limited to preachers or trained personal workers. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, there are at least 6 ways that virtually any Christian can help lead others to Christ.
1. Pray for at least one lost soul daily. Paul fervently prayed for his lost Jewish countrymen – Rom. 10:1.
2. Pray for God to lead you to a lost soul, or visa-versa. God has led many Christians in the direction of a perishing souls, and visa-versa. Read Acts 10:1ff & 16:9ff.
3. Call or visit a church member that is no longer faithful. James wrote, "…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death…." Jam. 5:19-20.
4. Keep inviting people to church services or activities. This is the “come & see” approach (Jn. 1:46). Nearly 40% of those that obey the gospel do so after accepting one of more invitations to attend church.
5. Speak to every visitor that attends church. Surveys indicate that the chief factor determining whether visitors return is the reception they receive. If a visitor feels that he or she has made genuine friends, they are far more likely to come back.
6. Give a little more. Many church leaders concede that soul-winning tools such as the use of billboards, radio, TV, the internet, and even newspapers are often restricted by a lack of funds. Some churches spend twice as much on air conditioning than on winning souls.
Won’t you take part in the greatest endeavor of all? "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise." Prov. 11:30
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis

THE POWER TO ACHIEVE
In my last article, I proposed several short and long-range goals for the church in Milan. They include:

• By Dec. 31, 2016 we locate and purchase property of sufficient size to accommodate a

building that would seat between 200 & 250 people.

• By July 1, 2018 we employ a full-time youth, educational & outreach minister.
• By May 1, 2020 we break ground on our new church building.
• By Nov. 1, 2021 we conduct our first service in our new facility.
• By Dec. 31, 2022 we appoint 3 elders & several deacons.

Although setting goals is very useful in advancing the kingdom, doing so is only the first step of the journey. What will it require for us to accomplish these goals?
UNITY, UNITY, UNITY! It is IMPERATIVE that we ALL support our goals. When earth’s early inhabitants decided to erect a tower that would reach heaven, God said, “Indeed the people are ONE and they all have ONE language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” (Gen. 11:6) When a group unanimously supports a challenging undertaking, amazing things result.
ACTION, ACTION, & MORE ACTION! Returning to the tower of Babel, the people realized that their tower would never “get off the ground” unless they went to work. “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar.” (Gen. 11:3) In order to achieve our goals, much work will be required, beginning with a financial commitment. One couple has pledged to donate a month’s salary for each of the next 4 years towards funding these goals.
PRAYER, PRAYER, & MORE PRAYER! “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (Jam. 5:16b) We must incessantly pray for unity, generosity, a willingness to work, and for God to help us achieve our goals.
FAITH, FAITH, & MORE FAITH! It has been said, “…FAITH is the FUEL that propels the work, sacrifice and persistence needed to attain lofty goals.” Jesus said, “…assuredly, I say to you, if you HAVE FAITH as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE for you.” (Matt. 17:20) Paul declared, “I CAN DO ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)
If the church in Milan accepts the aforementioned goals, we must start immediately by supporting, giving, praying and believing that God will help us attain them for His glory. (Col. 3:17)
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis