Can non-Christians do good works?

August 21. 2025

The Bible teaches us that Christians are to do good works, even though we cannot do good works to earn salvation. But do you need to be a Christian to do good works? Can’t you do good without being a Christian? The answer is not straightforward.

Non-Christians do right things

If you look at the life of any non-Christian, you will find he does many things that are right. E.g. speaking the truth, raising children lovingly, helping others, and giving money to charity. There are even non-Christians who can serve as examples to Christians through all the good things they do.

The Bible recognizes that unbelievers can do good things. In Isaiah 44:28 God says about the Persian king Cyrus: “he shall fulfill all My purpose”, in bringing Israel back to its country. That is obviously a good thing. But God also says about this king: “you do not know Me” (Isaiah 45:5).

Another example is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus makes his hearers squirm by telling a story where the unbeliever is the good guy. The priest and the Levite abandon a wounded traveler, but the Samaritan, who does not belong to God’s people, helps him.

Now this is not something that really happened, it is just a story that Jesus told. But through telling the story Jesus shows that this is something that could happen. And we probably all know examples when Christians failed and unbelievers did the right thing. So the first thing that needs to be said it: yes, non-Christians definitely can do right things – even to the extent that it makes Christian ashamed.

A right thing is not a good work

But now we need to take the next step. The Bible also says that when God looks down from heaven on the children of man, He says “there is none who does good, not even one”. This is written in Psalm 14:3, and repeated in Romans 3:12. So how is it possible that people can do the right things without God, but that He still says that they don’t do good?

This is where we have to bring in the intentions we have. Non-Christians can do the right things, even with the right intentions towards other people. But God is looking for another good intention before He considers something a good work: whether we do it to honor Him. In Hebrews 11:6 we read: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.”

This sounds pretty extreme, but you should be able to understand it when you compare it to this: a young man curses his parents, cuts off contact with them, and emigrates to another country. After a few years, the parents hear that their son has become very successful. He has become a wealthy and respected businessman. Are they now pleased with their son? No. They are still hurt, sad, and disappointed that their son does not want to have anything to do with his parents.

In the same way, all the right things that people do have no value for God if they do not love and honor Him. Intentions are important. A right thing to do only becomes a good work in the sight of God if it is done to honor Him.

You need the Holy Spirit for good works

If you don’t love God, you can’t do good things with the intention that God wants. But if you love God, you can often still fail to do good works. You need to be renewed through the power of the Holy Spirit to do good works. It does not start with your effort, but with your personality being changed.

When the Holy Spirit lives in you, this is what happens: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). When this becomes your personality, good works will flow from it. People will see the power of God at work in you, in a way that is never possible for someone who does not believe in God, does not trust in Jesus, and does not have the Holy Spirit in his heart.

Guest Writer Marten Visser

A question came into the text line on Sunday that was similar to the title of this article, which answers it very well. I didn’t take the time to reinvent this wheel. 🙂

Pastor Scott

Just a Thought – 07.10.25

Humility

The famous Kenosis passage (Philippians 2:1-11) calls us to humility. Paul, before he extols the virtue of Christ’s emptying of Himself, says to believers, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (vs 3-4)

Am I so interested in my own welfare (or spirituality or success or even my humility) that I act, live, as if my interests supersede everybody else’s? I may be vertically super-humble, but am I humble horizontally? I like what Lewis said, in Mere Christianity:

Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call ‘humble’ nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.

If anyone would like to acquire humility, I can, I think, tell him the first step. The first step is to realise that one is proud. And a biggish step, too. At least, nothing whatever can be done before it. If you think you are not conceited, it means you are very conceited indeed.

What would our homes, our church, or our nation look like if everyone regarded his brothers and sisters as more important than he is?

Trying to keep it real,

Pastor Scott

Bowels of Mercy – May 15, 2025

I find writing on a given subject goes rather smoothly, but am sometimes challenged to come up with a subject. This morning a grandson’s conversation had the term “bowels of mercies” running through my head. The phrase appears 11 times in the KJV, but most notably (at least to me) in Colossians 3:12:

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;…

I love the following illustration, especially, in light of the acrimoniousness of today’s political and theological discourse! I think it stands in place of anything I could write on the matter. ~Pastor Scott

A true Christian is like the lily which stings no one, and yet he lives among those who are full of sharpness. He aims to please, and not to provoke, and yet he lives among those whose existence is a standing menace. The thorn tears and lacerates: it is all armed from its root to its topmost branch, defying all comers. But there stands the lily, smiling, not defying; charming, and not harming. Such is the real Christian, holy, harmless, full of love and gentleness and tenderness. Therein lieth his excellence. Who would not stop and turn aside to see a lily among thorns, and think he reads a promise from his God to comfort him amid distress? Such is a true Christian: he is a consolation in his family, a comfort in his neighbourhood, an ornament to his profession, and a benediction to his age. He is all tenderness and gentleness, and yet it may be he lives among the envious, the malicious, and the profane, a lily among thorns. The thorn saith, “Keep away; no one shall touch me with impunity.” The lily cries, “I come to you, I shed my soul abroad to please you.”

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; please you.” (Col 3:12 NASB1995)

And speaking of “bowels* of mercy”, this a good article:

https://telosblog.com/the-sacred-spleen-of-jesus/

*Paul technically used the Greek word for “spleen”.

New Question, Old Answer – May 8, 2025

Back in the day the publisher of the monthly newsletter would submit questions for me to answer in my column. This question from 2010 popped up this last week in class. So I offer this exchange between a “nit-picker” and me.

Dear Pastor Scott,

Why are we a congregational church rather than an elder-led church? My sister says there’s no scriptural support for that model. What gives???

Too Nit-Picky?

Dear Nit-Picker,

That’s sort of like asking, “Pastor Scott how can you say you’re Swedish when we can all see you are a Caucasian?” We are legally or technically a congregational church and we are actually an elder-led church. Let me see if I can explain.

There are three generally (legally?) recognized forms of church polity. They are (according to Theopikea):

Episcopal – Churches having Episcopal polity are governed by bishops. The title bishop comes from the Greek word episkopos, which literally translates into overseer. In regard to Catholicism, bishops have authority over the diocese, which is both sacramental and political; as well as performing ordinations, confirmations, and consecrations, the bishop supervises the clergy of the diocese and represents the diocese both secularly and in the hierarchy of church governance. Bishops in this system may be subject to higher ranking bishops (variously called archbishops, metropolitans, and/or patriarchs, depending upon the tradition; They also meet in councils or synods. These synods, subject to presidency by higher ranking bishops, may govern the dioceses which are represented in the council, though the synod may also be purely advisory.

Presbyterian – meaning “Elder-led.” Many Reformed churches, notably those in the Presbyterian and Continental Reformed traditions, are governed by a hierarchy of councils. The lowest level council governs a single local church and is called the session or consistory; its members are called elders. The minister of the church (sometimes referred to as a teaching elder) is a member of and presides over the session; lay representatives (ruling elders or, informally, just elders) are elected by the congregation. The session sends representatives to the next level higher council, called the presbytery or classis. In some Presbyterian churches there are higher level councils (synods and/or general assemblies). Each council has authority over its constituents, and the representatives at each level are expected to use their own judgment. Hence higher level councils act as courts of appeal for church trials and disputes, and it is not uncommon to see rulings and decisions overturned.

Congregational – Congregationalist polity dispenses with titled positions such as bishop as a requirement of church structure. The local congregation rules itself, though local leaders and councils may be appointed. Members may be sent from the congregation to associations that are sometimes identified with the church bodies formed by Lutherans, Presbyterians, Anglicans, and other non-congregational Protestants. The similarity is deceptive, however, because the congregationalist associations do not exercise control over their members (other than ending their membership in the association). Many congregationalist churches are completely independent in principle. One major exception is Ordination, where even congregationalist churches often invite members of the vicinage or association to ordain their called pastor. It is a principle of congregationalism that ministers do not govern congregations by themselves. They may preside over the congregation, but it is the congregation which exerts its authority in the end. Congregational polity is sometimes called “Baptist polity”, as it is the characteristic polity of Baptist churches.

I wasn’t even born when Blue Ridge (Now DBA Word of Grace) was incorporated, but as I understand it we (they) had three choices. We (they) strongly believed that our church should be self-governed and, therefore we are, by definition, a congregational church. And I would bet my left lung, if I were a betting man, that your sister’s church is “congregational” too, at least according to the definitions above.

By now I trust the reader is wondering how it is that I can say we are a Congregational/Elder-led church. Let’s start by looking at some definitions in Scripture:

In Acts 6 we have the story of the Apostles (who were serving as the Elders/Overseers of the one and only church at that time) being bombarded by service requests. Their response was to tell the congregation to go choose seven men, filled with the Holy Spirit, to serve the Apostles as deacons (ministers, servants). In one passage you have the establishment of congregational polity and the office of deacon.

Later, as the church grew, elders were established. We first see it in Acts 14:23 – “When they had appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” The word isn’t really explained since there were always elders in Israel. But it’s interesting to note that the word “elder” is plural and the word “church” is singular. Notice James 5:14 – “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;” or 1 Peter 5:1 “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed,” It seems pretty clear to me that every church has a plurality of elders, but what about the bishops? Are they in Scripture as well?

As mentioned in the article above, the Greek word is Episkopos and it is translated “Overseer” and transliterated as “Bishop.” It is only used in the Pastoral Epistles. We see it in 1 Timothy 3:1-2 – “It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach,….” The office of overseer seems to come from out of the blue here, except that in chapter five he starts talking about “Elders who rule well” which gives us a hint that he might be using the word Elder and Bishop interchangeably. This hint is confirmed in Titus when he gives Titus the same instruction: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain,” Elders are Overseers (Bishops) and Overseers are Elders. At least in the Bible, but not in “the church.”

The Church that became the RC saw Paul referring to the office, singular, of Overseer – Bishop they also saw (or some would argue, inherited) a system whereby individual men already had a lot of power. For all that they claim Peter was the first pope, it was James (Acts 15) that headed the council at Jerusalem, to whom Paul, the overseer of all gentile churches, reported. In the same way Paul then seems to oversee Timothy and Titus, heads of the churches in Ephesus and in Crete. I truly see a plurality of Elders, but it’s not hard to see how the Bishoprics got started.

That brings us to the reformation. Calvin and Knox agree with me about the plurality of Elders but they still thought in terms of church hierarchy. So you have councils of Elders reporting to Councils of Elders (Presbyterianism). Still others in the reform movement determined to place the authority in the local church movement and thus Congregationalism was formed.

We are a Bible Church. Our movement was born just 100 years ago when many of the mainline denominations started to slip away from Fundamental Doctrines of the Faith. Many of our parent denominations were Hierarchical in nature and we wanted nothing to do with that so we (along with most evangelical/fundamental churches) chose to keep our churches autonomous and therefore congregational. We believe in a plurality of Elders and our bylaws do affirm that the Elders oversee EVERYTHING. However, in keeping with the fact that the church (the body) is autonomous the congregation still votes on (ratifies) things like the hiring of a new senior pastor, the annual budget and our deacons and our elders. It’s really a model of the republic and some have called our model the federated model.

And that’s probably waaay more than you wanted to know.

In Christ,

Pastor Scott

Psalm 138:6 – May 1, 2025

Given a choice between being an eagle and being a sparrow I would much rather be an eagle! Soaring over the mountain ranges rather than hovering around someone’s chimney. Of course, that’s a gut reaction not a wise response. The truth is an eagle neither needs nor asks for help. In my flesh that’s who/what I want to be. Then I remember that even if I was an Olympic Power Lifter or a ranking member of Mensa and felt totally capable of dealing with anything that comes my way; “He gives us more grace. This is why it says: ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” James 4:6

So go ahead and embrace “sparrowhood” – His eye, after all, isn’t on the eagle!

~ Just a thought, Pastor Scott

Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
And long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion?
My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.I sing because I’m happy—
I sing because I’m free—
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled.”
His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness,
I lose my doubt and fear.
Though by the path He leadeth,
But one step I may see:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy—
I sing because I’m free—
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted,
Whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing,
When hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him;
From care He sets me free:
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
I sing because I’m happy—
I sing because I’m free—
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Strength – April 10, 2025

Do you face a task or challenge that seems too big (or annoying)? Do you have a person in your life that you find hard to understand (or may even tolerate)? Do you have some hurdle or challenge affecting your health or finances?

Take a minute, read the verses below – out loud if possible – and let the true Word of God wash over you! ~Pastor Scott

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is all you need, for My power is the greatest when you are weak.”
Psalm 73:26 – “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Nehemiah 8:10 – “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Isaiah 40:31 – But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Exodus 15:2 – The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
1 Chronicles 16:11 – Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!
Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
1 Corinthians 16:13 – Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
Exodus 15:2 – The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.

Partakers – March 13, 2025

We are in the middle of our annual month-long Missions Conference. Some of the missionaries we have heard from have been supported by this church for decades. A verse that keeps going through my head, as I listen, is Philippians 1:5, which says, in context:

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. (Philippians 1:3-7 Empahis added)

The word koinonia appears twice in the passage. The word, elsewhere, is also translated “fellowship,” “sharing,” “communion,” “contribution,” and, “partnership.” As I have often said, it’s a very high privilege to have been in partnership with some many ministers of the gospel for so many years. At the same time it makes me want to ask; “What can we, as a church and/or as individuals, do to make the fellowship even sweeter?” I think for starters we can meditate on the Lexicon below (particularly the “usage” and “Cultural/Historical Background” paragraphs) and ask God for specific ideas of something that can be implemented (done) this week (month or even year) that would bring you closer to any of our missions family members.

Pastor Scott – James 1:22

Strong’s Lexicon

koinónia: Fellowship, communion, participation, sharing

Original Word: κοινωνία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: koinónia
Pronunciation: koy-nohn-EE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (koy-nohn-ee’-ah)
Definition: Fellowship, communion, participation, sharing
Meaning: (lit: partnership) (a) contributory help, participation, (b) sharing in, communion, (c) spiritual fellowship, a fellowship in the spirit.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word κοινός (koinos), meaning “common” or “shared.”

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: – Strong’s Hebrew 2266: חָבַר (chabar) – to join, to unite, to be in fellowship

– Strong’s Hebrew 7453: רֵעַ (rea) – friend, companion, fellow

Usage: Koinónia refers to the deep, intimate fellowship and communal participation among believers, as well as their shared relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It encompasses the idea of sharing in spiritual blessings, mutual support, and active partnership in the faith. This term is often used to describe the unity and community life of the early church, emphasizing the believers’ common bond in Christ.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, koinónia was a term used to describe various forms of partnership and communal life, including business partnerships and civic associations. In the New Testament, the term takes on a distinctly Christian meaning, highlighting the spiritual and relational aspects of the Christian community. The early church was characterized by a strong sense of koinónia, as believers shared their lives, resources, and faith with one another, reflecting the unity and love of the body of Christ.

Peacemakers – Mar 6, 2025

Had we had Awana this week, I would have spoken in Large Group time using this outline. I thought it’s worth using here!

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, because they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). Into a world that is ugly with violence and hate, Jesus sends us as peacemakers. We aren’t given the choice of whether or not we would like to be peacemakers and we certainly aren’t given the choice of what kind of world we would like to live in. As bad as things may be, this is the only world we have and if we are going to be true to our Lord, we must be peacemakers. But, what did he mean by peacemakers?

I. The misconceptions of peacemaker

First, let’s dispel the misconceptions of peacemakers. Peacemaking is not the

Absence of conflict. Peace in the Bible is never to be confused with pacifism.

Avoidance of strife. Never are we instructed to run from conflict. Putting our head in the sand, hoping that the conflict will end, only delays the inevitable.

Appeasement of parties. The “peace at any price” mentality is far from biblical command. I have discovered that you can never make everyone happy all the time.

Accommodation of issues.

The person who glosses over the problems, acting as if everything is alright when it is not is not a peacemaker.

II. The model peacemaker

Peacemaking is a divine work. God is the author of peace. And, Jesus is the supreme Peacemaker. Jesus came to establish peace; his message explained peace; his death purchased peace; and his resurrected presence enables peace. The messianic predictions were that he would be the “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). The angels announced his birth by singing, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth (B) to people He favors!” (Luke 2:14). Jesus’ persistent word of absolution to sinners was, “Go in peace!” Just before he was crucified, Jesus’ last will and testament was, “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful” (John 14:27). When the Lord returned after the resurrection, his first word to the disciples was “Shalom.” “Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36).

The life of Jesus was saturated with his mission to bring the peace of God and to initiate the healing relationships of peace with God. He paid an enormous price for us to experience peace. In fact, the very same word, peacemakers, which is used of us in this Beatitude, is applied by the apostle Paul to what God has done through Christ so that we could be at peace with God. Through Christ God was pleased “. . . to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20). Furthermore, the apostle Paul informed us that Jesus “. . . might create in Himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace” (Eph. 2:15). Jesus saw the gravity of our problem and he refused to sweep it under the rug or stick his head in the sand. Only a drastic solution would suffice, so he “made peace” by shedding his blood on the cross. Christ is our supreme example in bringing peace in our hearts, our relationships, our church, our nation, and our world.

III. The method of peacemaking

That task, however, will not be easy nor will it be pretty. And, those who do it will often be misunderstood. In 1781 Ben Franklin wrote to John Adams, “‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ is, I suppose, for another world. In this world they are frequently cursed.” Unfortunately, that’s true.

Unfortunately, when we read the words of Jesus, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” we smile blandly and say, “Oh, that’s nice.” But peacemaking is not nice. Peacemaking is messy and wrenching work. It takes time and a lot of emotional energy. It is like crossing a fast moving creek on slippery rocks. The journey is needed. The work is risky. And, sometimes you fall. You get bruised. And, sometimes you don’t make it across the stream.

And, let me be honest, sometimes, peacemaking doesn’t work. In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he exhorted, “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). We are to live at peace with everyone. That is a pretty clear command. But Paul adds that all important phrase, “If it is possible.” Sometimes peace isn’t possible. There are those cantankerous types who just go through life picking fights with everyone they meet. You can’t always live at peace with people like that.

However, let’s focus on the phrase “as far as it depends on you.” The hallmark of a Christian is the ability to get along with other people. The testimony of a church is its ability to get along with other people. We have a God-given, scripturally-directed responsibility to pursue peace. The apostle Paul declared, “God has called you to peace” (1 Cor. 7:15). Does that mean we agree with everything others say or do? No. Sometimes we agree to disagree, agreeably. God wants his children to be bridge builders. What can you and I do to build those bridges of peace? What steps, what methods, can we employ to actively reconcile people to God and to one another?

A. Talk to God

I find it crucial to talk to the Lord about what I’ve done or what people have done to me before I talk to them. It gives me perspective and tenderness. The Lord helps me see the deeper needs in the relationship and what has caused the problem. He, also, shows me my part, and often, my wrong words, behavior, or attitude that is hindering the reconciliation. Even if the other person is 95 percent in the wrong and I am only 5 percent in the wrong, I still have to confess my error. Then, I surrender the conflict to the Lord.

B. Take the first step

Jesus is real clear on this action. Jesus said, “So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matt. 5:23-24). This, I believe, is the most ignored verse in the Bible. Later, Jesus said, “”If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother” (Matt. 18:15). You are to make the first move. Peacemakers take the initiative. “But,” you say, “Why should I go to the person when they are the one that hurt me.” Do you want the biblical answer? Because Jesus says so. Conflict is never resolved accidentally. That first step may be a letter, a phone call, or a visit. If someone has wrong you or you have wronged someone else, take action today. Your peace of mind and your Christian witness depends on your taking the first step. Happiness awaits action.

C. Tell the other person how you feel

When you take the first step and speak to the other person, before you speak, remember the words of Solomon and Paul. Solomon wrote, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath” (Prov. 15:1). Paul wrote, “No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29). Empathize with their feelings. Consider their situation. Attack the problem not the person. Clarify don’t confront. Cooperate as much as possible. Emphasize reconciliation not resolution. Reconciliation is more crucial than being right.

D. Stop talking about the people who have hurt you to other people

Nothing disqualifies us in being peacemakers more than talking about people rather than talking to them. The old Spanish proverb is correct: “Whoever gossips to you will gossip of you.” A peacemaker never says anything about another person that she or he has not first said to that person directly. After that, why tell anyone else?

Some 700 years ago a remarkable man was born. Although he was the son of an Italian cloth merchant and destined to be a knight, he forsook the path of wealth and fame, choosing instead to wear a ragged cloak tied with a rope borrowed from a scarecrow. He spent his days preaching and giving to others. He chose to live in utter poverty.

History records that he was a noble, kind, humble, Christlike man – one of the greatest Christians who ever lived. We know him today as St. Francis of Assisi. Centuries after his death, someone translated one of his prayers into English. It was later set to music. Many of you know these words by heart.

“Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace Where there is hatred, let me sow love Where there is injury, pardon, Where there is doubt, faith Where there is despair, hope Where there is darkness, light Where there is sadness, joy

“O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console To be understood as to understand To be loved as to love

“For it is in giving that we receive It is in pardoning that we are pardoned It is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”

Praying God’s Will – February 27, 2025

Three times in the Gospels Jesus says that with enough faith we can move mountains. Everything we ask will be granted if we ask in faith. In Luke 18, using the parable of the widow and judge, he teaches persistence in prayer. HOWEVER, in the garden of Gethsemane He leads by example and submits to the Father’s will. “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

Sometimes it’s easy to pray the will of God, such as when praying for a prodigal to come home or a marriage to be healed, but sometimes when asking for escape from a trial or a special blessing, it’s not easy to know what God wants…unless we pray for the part of the person (or ourselves) that is eternal. Why not intercede for your friend or loved one by praying the prayers of the Bible?

As I sat to write this I was thinking primarily of the prayers in Colossians 1 and Ephesians 3, but I googled NT prayers to make sure I wasn’t missing one and I found an article that mirrors what I want to write. Please take a moment to read and notate the passages! ~Pastor Scott

Do you want to pray a Bible prayer that appeared in the New Testament? These nine prayers are found in the text of the Gospels and Epistles. Learn more about them. You may want to pray them verbatim in some circumstances or use them as inspiration for prayer. The beginnings of the passages are quoted. You may wish to look up the full verses to read, understand, and use.

The Lord’s Prayer

When his disciples asked to be taught how to pray, Jesus gave them this simple prayer. It shows several different aspects of prayer. First, it acknowledges and praises God and his works and submission to his will. Then it petitions God for basic needs. It asks for forgiveness for our wrongdoing and affirms that we need to act in a compassionate way towards others. It asks that we are able to resist temptation.

Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)

“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.'”

The Tax Collector’s Prayer

How should you pray when you know you have been doing wrong? The tax collector in this parable prayed humbly, and the parable says that his prayers were heard. This is in comparison to the Pharisee, who stands in the front and proudly declares his worthiness.

Luke 18:13 (NLT)

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’

Christ’s Intercessory Prayer

In John 17, Jesus gives a long intercessory prayer, first for his own glorification, then for his disciples, and then for all believers. The full text can be useful in many circumstances for inspiration.

John 17 (NLT)

“When Jesus had finished saying all these things, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone in all the earth. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth…'”

Stephen’s Prayer at His Stoning

Stephen was the first martyr. His prayer at his death set an example for all those who die for their faith. Even as he died, he prayed for those who killed him. These are very short prayers, but they show a devout adherence to Christ’s principles of turning the other cheek and showing love towards your enemies.

Acts 7:59-60 (NIV)
“While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Paul’s Prayer for Knowing God’s Will

Paul wrote to the new Christian community and told them how he was praying for them. This might be a way that you would pray for someone with new-found faith.

Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”

Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Wisdom

Similarly, Paul wrote to the new Christian community at Ephesus to tell them he was praying for them for spiritual wisdom and spiritual growth. Look up the full passages for more words that may inspire you when praying for a congregation or an individual believer.

Ephesians 1:15-23 (NLT)

“Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God’s people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God…”

Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)

“For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God…”

Paul’s Prayer for Partners in Ministry

These verses may be useful for praying for those in the ministry. The passage goes on in greater detail for more inspiration.

Philippians 1:3-11

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns…”

A Prayer of Praise

This prayer is appropriate for giving praise to God. It is short enough to pray verbatim but is also packed with meaning that you might use to contemplate the nature of God.

Jude 1:24-25 (NLT)

“Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.”

Fairchild, Mary. “New Testament Prayers.” Learn Religions, Apr. 5, 2023, learnreligions.com/new-testament-prayers-701356.

With Gentleness and Reverence – 02.19.2025

I was planning to address the issue of mean-spiritedness that I sometimes see in human discourse. This article was one of the documents that came up with that particular search string. I don’t know Kyle but, while he and I share a different soteriology, his understanding of “balance” seems biblically accurate and insightful. Take a few minutes to read it, Pastor Scott

13 February 2025/Kyle Borg

The Reluctant Polemicist

One of the most embarrassing moments of my life happened when I was a new seminary student. I had scheduled lunch with one of my professors, excited to talk theology and ask about preaching. As I got into his car and was buckling up, he said in his strong Scottish accent, “Kyle, I’ve seen how you interact on social media. If there were a degree for being argumentative, you’d be at the top of the class.” I wanted to run, but the car was already moving, and I was stuck.

I grew up in a home that encouraged me to challenge what I was taught and to have informed convictions. My family enjoyed a good-spirited argument around the dinner table, and due to natural “abilities” I believe that if something is worth saying it’s worth saying loudly. In college I won an award for the best speaker in debate, and on one particular occasion I received applause when I reduced my rival to tears as she fled the room. I studied philosophy and was always asked to prove or disprove the world of ideas. When social media became popularized it gave me endless chances to tell people they were wrong.

In my formative years my love for arguing turned theological. I had big shifts in my thinking when I was introduced to Calvinism and Reformed theology. Far more ignorant than knowledgeable, I fiercely argued with anyone who disagreed with me, even if I had shared their view minutes earlier. I didn’t listen; I only responded. I didn’t try to understand; I just wanted to win. I thought I was being heroic, especially since John Calvin famously said: “A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.”

Then came my professor’s confrontation. His words hit me hard, they were shattering. But it was an “Aha-Moment” — I wasn’t a defender of the faith, I was just being a jerk, hiding behind a think mask of piety. Unfortunately, my actions had consequences. I needlessly offended others, I hurt people not with the truth but with my words, and I dishonored Jesus. Since that day I’ve tried to blunt my polemical edge — or, to put it more accurately, I’ve tried to have that edge sanctified.

I say “sanctified” because there’s a place for Christians to stand firm and refute. After all, we believe in the authority and clarity of the Bible and this should lead us to have strong convictions on theological matters. The Prophets, Apostles, and even Jesus didn’t shy away from contending vigorously for the truth — speaking boldly and convincingly. But to do this in a godly way requires grace and wisdom — qualities that are, in my view, rare. There’s a fine line between contending and stirring up trouble (Prov. 29:22), speaking a soft word or being harsh (Prov. 15:1), being prepared or disrespectful (1 Pt. 3:15), being responsible or a busybody (2 Thess. 3:11); correcting or fault-finding (Matt. 7:3-5), being discerning or divisive (Titus 3:10). There’s a fine line between seeking peace and exhibiting pride. A godly polemicist needs to know that line, and I fear very few do.

When the Dutch theologian Herman Witsius was invited to give a response to a big theological controversy in Britain, he began his response by writing:

And I reckon it not the smallest part of our calamity, or at least the most painful of our office, that we who preside in matters of Christianity, are often constrained to bestow tedious labour in resolving the difficulties of thorny controversies. So is the age; all places resound with debates: that very temple not excepted which the Lord hath consecrated to peace and concord […] Be ye willing or unwilling, in battle you must engage; O that it were always that good fight of faith, which Paul recommended to Timothy! However, if we are not permitted to shun the conflict, the prudence of the just demands, that they, who in the defense of orthodoxy show themselves the right guardians of truth, should remember studiously to avoid [those] things which are not lawful for ministers of peace.

Witsius wasn’t unwilling to engage. Anyone familiar with his writings knows how thoughtfully, thoroughly, and strongly he did so. There’s a time and a place and a way to do so — and passivity lacks the courage that should distinguish believers. But he was also reluctant. He was reluctant because controversy can come from the spirit of the age, the fight of faith can be counterfeited, the peace of the church easily disturbed, and argumentation can become lawless warfare. Such polemics are beneath the dignity of Christianity.

What does the church need most today? The answer can vary depending on your perspective. After observing many debates on social media, you might think the church needs less arguing and more caution. I can relate to that view. Most social media interactions don’t seem to be helpful, kind, or honoring to Christ. A lot of it is just rude, uncharitable, and straining gnats. It’s just a shameless craving for controversy. On the other hand, when we look at the culture, we see many Christians who are indifferent—those who aren’t deeply convicted or committed, and they avoid necessary conflicts at almost all costs. I understand that too, and wish the church had more of a fighting spirit.

In my opinion, the church needs the reluctant polemicist. We don’t need reluctant people without polemics, nor do we need polemics without reluctance. We need those with an uncompromising backbone who are willing and able to zealously contend for biblical doctrine, worship, and godliness. Men who fight for the honor bestowed by God alone. But they also need to have enough reluctance to avoid, in the fight, everything unbecoming of one enlisted under the banner of Jesus Christ, and whose contending is for peace. Again, in the words of Witsius: “Those men [are] the most happy, who knowing nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified, and living soberly, righteously, and godly according to the prescription of the gospel” remain far from contentions and striving.

Kyle Borg

Husband of one. Father of six. Pastor of more. Rural enthusiast.