Perry’s Scope: Christian sermons, lessons, and resources for teachers

A woman walked into her bathroom at home. As she did, she saw her husband weighing himself on the scales, sucking in his stomach. The woman thought to herself, “He thinks that he will weigh less by sucking in his stomach.” So, the woman sarcastically said to her husband, “That’s not going to help.” Her husband said, “Sure it will. It’s the only way I can see the numbers.”

For Americans, the number one New Year’s resolution is – to lose weight. It is important to be healthy physically and also spiritually. John wrote, “ Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul” (3 John 2). We need “health” in every aspect of our lives.

The month of January was named after the Roman god, Janus. He was pictured as a man with two faces, one looking backward and the other forward. New Year’s Day provides a valuable time to reflect on the past while anticipating the future. As 2008 ends and 2009 begins, take a few minutes to think of where you have been and where you want to go. Then make definite, prayerful plans to get there. Don’t stop in the planning stage – follow through and do what you planned. You will be amazed at how much you will accomplish in 2009.

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

 Who told us . . . .

• That we are supposed to be comfortable as followers of Jesus? (See Matthew 8:20)
• That following Jesus is easy? (See Luke 9:23)
• That following Jesus is “free”? (See Luke 14:28)
• That following Jesus is a matter of our convenience? (See Matthew 19:16-22)
• That worship is the end result? (See Matthew 28:18-20)
• That tradition is more important than scripture? (See Matthew 15:8-9)

It is easy to buy into a false concept of an easy faith. This is especially true in places where “going to church” is normal behavior. Yet, as we read the above verses we see that following Jesus is not, nor was it ever intended to be “easy.”

It was not easy for Jesus to leave heaven. It was not easy for Jesus to empty himself of his “God-ness.” It certainly was not easy for him to endure the crucifixion and separation from his eternal Father. Yet, he endured all of this and more for our sakes.

Since the “servant is not above the master,” why do I think I will have it easy? Why do I think that all of the pieces will easily fall together for me? Why is it that I think I can give minimal effort and get maximum results?

It is not an easy road that we have chosen. HOWEVER, in the long run it pays off with a God-honoring life now and in eternity. Remember that this great reward requires nothing less than our greatest effort (see Matthew 22:37-39).

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

Have you ever thought about what our society would be without the influence of the Bible? Imagine a country with no compassion. Imagine a nation filled with people who only care about themselves.

Many organizations exist in the US because of the influence of the Bible. There are hospitals and benevolent organizations that exist for the legitimate care of others. Our military goes throughout the world with the latest, greatest weapons and display the hearts of servants, not conquerors. Even common (or maybe uncommon) courtesy is practiced because of the Bible.

When the Communists took over Russia, one of the first things they did was to prohibit churches from helping people – that was the government’s job. Churches slowly dried up and that society lost any Bible influence. Misery followed.

What would our nation be without the influence of scripture? What would our laws be like? How would we treat others? Whether we think of great multi-million dollar enterprises or simple acts of kindness, we are a better nation when the Bible impacts us – even subtly. No wonder Satan has been working so hard to remove it from our families, schools, courts, and society.

We may be the only “Bibles” some people see. We have a great opportunity to be salt and light for others. Let’s let the words of God influence our world through us!

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene

“Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. 34And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines” (Genesis 21:33-34).

Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant. As soon as they do, Abraham plants a tamarisk tree. He then lives in their land for a long time. Perhaps it was here that Isaac was born.

The Tamarisk tree is a hearty tree which is well suited for the desert climate. Its trunk grows about 12 inches every 500 years.  It provides shade for travelers as it grows slowly in the desert. But, why do you suppose Abraham chose this tree to plant?

Perhaps one of the things that Abraham intended was to use the tree as a symbol of the “everlasting God” and of the oath between the Philistines and himself. This slow growing hard wood would last for generations. People would see the tree and remember their covenant and Abraham’s God.

Perhaps Abraham leaves his legacy in the tree and his son. God had made a covenant with him that involved many years to come to completion. It was a covenant that involved blessings for others. We know that Messiah would come through Abraham to bless the world. It was not a short-term event; it took generations before the fullness of time came.

The covenant God has made with us is not an overnight process. The development of fruit in this covenant in our lives takes time. The good news is that it lasts for years. What seeds are we planting?

Keep The Light Burning!

Perry Greene