NBibens, Author at Springer Road Church of Christ

Why Does He Speak Like That?

A paralyzed man’s friends once brought him to Jesus, and when they couldn’t reach the Lord because of the crowd, they went to the house’s roof, opened a hole, and lowered their friend to Jesus. When the Lord saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Some people nearby heard this, and Mark says they asked, “Why does this man speak like that?”^[1] They thought Jesus blasphemed because only God can forgive sins. And they would have been right if Jesus was just a man. But Jesus is not just a man—He is the Son of God, the eternal Word incarnate. Thus, He does have power to forgive sins.

But the question is a good one: “why does Jesus speak the way he does?” Because He is the Lord. His words are not just healing—they are also authoritative. And because He is the Lord, we must listen to and obey His words.

^[1] Cf. Mark 2:1-12

Acts: A Thematic Introduction (Part 2)

This is part two of a pair of sermons meant to introduce a new teaching series on the Book of Acts. Part 1 covered God in Acts—The Active God, The Reigning Son, and The Empowering Spirit. This lesson focuses on the themes of the Living Word, the King’s Gathered People, and the King’s Ambassadors!

Acts: A Thematic Introduction (Part 1)

Evangelist Nate Bibens kicks off a new series on the Book of Acts with a two-part introduction that focuses on the book’s key actors and activities. In Part 1, he discusses the Active God, the Reigning Son, and the Empowering Spirit!

Because He Had Talked With God

The life of Moses was filled with interesting, amazing, and even miraculous events. One seemingly small yet also incredible event is recorded in Exodus 34:29: “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai…Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” After being so close to the glory of God, Moses’ face literally shone. What this looked like, we can only imagine, but what an amazing (and frightening) sight it must have been. Moses’ shining face teaches a beautiful lesson. Remember what we read—Moses’ face shone “because he had been talking with God.”

We can’t talk with God the way Moses did, and our faces won’t shine miraculously, but are there ways that others can tell we’ve been talking with God? Do our lives demonstrate we regularly read God’s Word and spend time with God in prayer? Can others see that we have been talking with God?

Read, Do, Teach

The Bible is a big book, and many parts of Scripture are challenging. But many passages are also simple. Plenty of examples lay out a path that is easy enough to understand. One such example is Ezra. In Ezra 7:9, we read that the good hand of God was on Ezra. That sure sounds nice! How can we experience such a great gift? Well, verse 10 says, “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.”

That’s pretty easy to understand. What made Ezra successful? His commitment to read God’s Word, obey God’s Word, and teach God’s Word. Granted, each of those steps involve some challenges—but the plan itself is simple. Yet, too often, we don’t even make this simple commitment. Why not adopt this plan? Commit to reading the Bible, obeying what you learn, and sharing what you learn with others.

Psalm 4—Evening Reflections: Where Can We Find Peace?

Everyone wants peace, happiness, and security. In other words, we want a good life. But where can we find genuine, lasting peace and goodness? There are a lot of worldly answers to that question, but in Psalm 4, David provides us with the only answer that matters!

Who is the Lord?

People often say that power corrupts. One way it does so is through arrogance. Some powerful leaders become so arrogant they think they are greater than God! When Moses went to Pharaoh to inform him that Yahweh demanded Israel be released, Pharaoh responded, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?”^[1] The Assyrian king sent a message to Jerusalem that they shouldn’t trust in the Lord. After all, he argued, none of the “gods of the nations” had defeated him yet, so why would Israel’s God?^[2] When Nebuchadnezzar threatened the three Hebrew men, He said, “And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”^[3] These men all learned dramatic lessons about who the Lord is.

You don’t have to be a king or emperor to yield to arrogance and rebellion. Know the Lord, and submit to Him before you learn the hard way who God is.

^[1] Exodus 5:2

^[2] 2 Kings 18:35

^[3] Daniel 3:15

Because It’s Right

It’s nice to get a good explanation. When we are told to do something, we want to know why. We want to understand the details of what we’re supposed to do and why it’s important. That’s understandable, and many times, a deeper explanation is warranted. Other times, however, the reason might be quite simple. In Ephesians 6:1, the Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Why should children obey their parents? We could likely come up with several good explanations and talking points. Or we could make it easy and just agree that children should obey their parents because that’s the right thing to do.

Maybe we think such simple reasoning is only for children, but we could also benefit from such simplicity. Why should we obey God? Why should we love others? Why should we avoid sin? There are weighty answers to these and other questions. But there’s also a simple answer—because it’s the right thing to do.

As Was His Custom

What are your customary habits? All of us develop actions we just naturally do. Behaviors that become ingrained within us and that tend to define us. So, what types of things define you?

In Mark 10:1, we read, “And [Jesus] left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.”

When we think about the characteristics that define who Jesus was, many people would immediately think of love. And rightfully so! Jesus is the greatest example of love. Perhaps there are other elements of Jesus’ life that you think of. But we must remember the picture painted by the gospels—Jesus was a teacher. Jesus’ love didn’t keep Him silent but prompted Him to teach the truth. Wherever Jesus went, it was His custom—His natural inclination, you might say—to impart truth and teach others. Is it our custom to listen to His teachings and obey them?

Be Outstanding

First Corinthians 15 is the Apostle Paul’s magnificent treatise on the resurrection. His conclusion to that great chapter is this: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I like the way the New English Translation renders part of this verse. It says, “Always be outstanding in the work of the Lord.”

How would you describe your work in and for the Lord? Would you consider your church attendance outstanding? Do you consider your service towards others as not only good but outstanding? Is your love for your brothers and sisters in Christ outstanding? What about your giving? Or your willingness to suffer for righteousness? What of your commitment to share the gospel and be a light in the darkness to others? Jesus offers us an outstanding hope of eternal life—let that motivate us to outstanding service in His kingdom!