NBibens, Author at Springer Road Church of Christ

For He is Good!

First Chronicles 16 records David’s song of thanks that he wrote to celebrate the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant in Jerusalem. The beautiful song is filled with praise and adoration for God. It’s also a song that reminds us why we have such tremendous reason to be thankful.

In verse 34, David says, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.”

David reminds us of some simple yet beautiful reasons to thank God. Today, let’s dwell on the fact that God is good. We often describe folks we like or admire as “good people.” But the truth is, no one we know is entirely good. Even the good people in our lives have made bad choices and done sinful things. But not God. God is wholly good. And what a blessing that is. How thankful we should be that we serve a perfect, holy, and good God!

What Did God Intend for the Promised Land?

God’s plan for Israel’s inheritance of Canaan may seem inconsequential to the New Testament Christian. But as Matthew Brown points out in this sermon, the church can learn some great lessons from God’s intended plan for the Promised Land!

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Tell of His Wondrous Works!

In 1 Chronicles 15, we read about David bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Then, chapter 16 records a song of thanks that David composed to commemorate the grand event. David’s song contains some simple reminders about thankfulness, and I would like to spend some time this week considering those lessons.

In 1 Chronicles 16:8, David begins his song with these words: “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!”

There are multiple ways to thank God. We can sing songs of thankfulness. We can thank the Lord while we speak to Him in prayer. But one beautiful way we can thank God is to tell others about Him. If you want to thank God today, why not tell someone else about the wonderful Lord and his glorious deeds?

Lamentations: An Overview

Lamentations is often overlooked and ignored. Perhaps it’s because of its poetic style, somber message, graphic descriptions of suffering, or some other reason. But the book of Lamentations is an important book about the consequences of sin and rebellion. Its message might not be easy, but God’s Word is challenging sometimes. In this sermon, Nate Bibens provides an overview of this Old Testament book.

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Culmination of the Ages

Have you ever considered how amazing it is to live when we do? I’m sure every generation has glamorized the past and wondered about the future. And sure, our times have their fair share of tragedies, hardships, and disappointments. But still, we live in an amazing time.

In 1 Corinthians 10:11, Paul says, “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.”^[1] We live in an era that no longer anticipates new revelation. God’s Word has been given, and His plan revealed. We get to see and know what so many in history longed to understand. Millennia went into building the foundation we get to build upon as the Lord’s people.

But also, because we live in the culmination of the ages, that means we are closer than ever to the return of Christ and reconciliation of all things to God—are you ready for that great and final Day?

^[1] NIV

The Lord’s People

Who do you belong to? We identify with different people and groups and develop a sense of belonging within various communities. We belong to families and neighborhoods. We have our favorite sports teams and schools. We belong to communities of people who enjoy the same hobbies as us or have similar political views. In dozens of ways, we find ourselves belonging to other people and groups. But there is one person and one group that we must belong to—The Lord and His people.

In 2 Chronicles 23:16, we read, “And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and all the people and the king that they should be the LORD’s people.” What an outstanding commitment! Jehoiada, the priest, bound himself, the nation, and the King of Judah to the Lord—they belonged to the Lord. And we should, too. Wherever else we think we belong, we belong to the Lord and must be His people.

Why Will You Die?

Imagine a hospital patient suffering from a fatal disease. In agony, they cry out to those around them that they don’t want to die. What a heartbreaking scene. But imagine that next to them stood a doctor who offered a cure. Their life could be spared! They don’t have to die! But they refuse the available treatment.

That happens every day in the spiritual realm. In Ezekiel 33:11, God says, “…I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?” Why will you die? What a question! God doesn’t want you to be lost. He doesn’t want your spiritual death; thus, He offers life! God has provided the cure for your sin-sick soul. There is no excuse for being lost. Why would you choose spiritual death when God offers eternal life?

Let Nothing Hinder?

In Numbers 22, the Moabite king, Balak sent dignitaries to ask Balaam, the prophet, to come and curse Israel. The prophet informed the enjoys that God would not allow him to return with them and do such a thing. Balak sent another group with the message, “Let nothing hinder you from coming to me, for I will surely do you great honor…”

The world still offers Balak’s advice. It encourages us to throw off our restraints and exercise our freedom. Reject inhibition and live life to the fullest—that’s the path to pleasure, honor, and fulfillment. Why hold back?

But there is a hindrance to such a view. Balak might say, “Let nothing hinder,” but what is such advice compared with God’s command? Balak could give gold, but God could provide so much more. The world may tempt you to live as you see fit—but don’t be persuaded by such empty talk. Modern promises are as empty as Balak’s was long ago. If you want meaning and fulfillment, find it by serving God.

He Who Has

In Mark 4:25, Jesus says something a little challenging. He teaches, “For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” That doesn’t quite sound right. Taking what little the poor have and giving to the rich seems atrocious. But that isn’t what Jesus is talking about. A verse earlier He says, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.” So, Jesus is teaching something similar to reaping what you sow. Let’s think in terms other than money.

Consider faith. The person with faith will find opportunities to grow their faith. The person who serves will continue to find ways to serve. So, Jesus isn’t teaching unfairness—He’s offering a promise of growth and warning against stagnation and faithlessness.

A Trustworthy Saying

We are engulfed in noise and information, much of which is misguided and false. In the deluge of uncertainty, we need truth we can trust in. In this sermon, evangelist Nate Bibens walks us through Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus and a handful of claims the inspired apostle declares to be “trustworthy sayings.” These sayings prove to be profound and powerful truths that can guide our hearts and lives so that we can be trustworthy and faithful servants of the Lord!