Preacher's Blog

Our preacher, Mark Stinnett, publishes articles for the church bulletin each week. These articles are designed to teach, encourage and challenge the members of our congregation. His latest articles can be found below with the most recent at the beginning of the list. Mark has archived all of his articles on his personal blog 'MicroMarks' which can be accessed at: micromarks.blogspot.com.

  • Thinking about 'Thinking'

    Sometimes we need to take a step back and think about things. It may sound odd, but I am thinking about thinking. Peter wrote:

    Be of sound judgment and sober for the purpose of prayer. 

    —1 Peter 4:7


    Together, the two terms, sound judgment and soberness, carry the idea of clear thinking and mental calmness. They follow in contrast to a series of terms that include drinking, sensuality, lust, and idolatry. Intoxication by alcohol and drugs affects the mind by physically interfering with the operation of thinking. The latter three terms refer to a muddling of the mind, yet without introducing a foreign physical substance. In all of these, the mind is unable to think clearly and calmly. Godliness is pushed out.


    Can you remember a time when an important event was shown on the news? Perhaps it was war overseas, or tragedy in the U. S. Perhaps it was the presidential election returns or the report of severe weather with significant damage.


    Whatever the case, do you remember having an intense desire to listen? You were focused on the television or radio or electronic device. You probably leaned in closely and may have turned your head slightly to hear better. Small insignificant noises around you were completely blocked out. Anyone not interested (kids) were asked to leave the room or “Shush!” If you had been feeling tired, you were suddenly wide awake…focused, but calm…mentally alert!

    That is the mind that God wants: wide awake; focused, but calm; mentally alert. And the object of our focus is Christ.


    The following verses of Scripture show the importance of a sober mind that is focused on God:


    Prepare your minds for action, keep sober. 

    --1 Peter 1:13


    A natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

    --1 Corinthians 2:14


    Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

    --Romans 12:2


    Walk no longer just as the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind.

    --Ephesians 4:17


    Let no one deceive you with empty words. 

    --Ephesians 5:6


    With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.

    --Ephesians. 6:18


    God desires for us to have a clear mind. When our mind is muddled by chemicals, or passions, or just the distractions of the day, we will be drawn away from God and will miss out on His gracious help. A calm and clear mind requires genuine intent and constant attention.


    Is your spirit clear and calm so you can pray?


    Think about thinking…calmly and clearly.


    Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.  

    —Philippians 4:8 (NASB95)

     


    Mark Stinnett

    May 5, 2024

  • In Abundance and in Need

    Carved into wooden plaques, sewn into Bible covers, printed on posters, and taped to mirrors, this familiar verse is often committed to memory:

    I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. —Philippians 4:13 (NASB95)


    All too often this passage has been quoted in sermons and books to encourage a positive attitude. It has been used to tell us that we can reach new heights and accomplish great things for the Lord: Success through Jesus.


    There is nothing wrong with keeping a positive attitude or being a part of a great effort for the Lord, but I’m quite sure that was not the point.

    The Apostle Paul had expressed gratitude to the Christians in Philippi for their generosity. He told them that he was not speaking out of a sense of need, because he had learned the secret of contentment in all circumstance in life.


    I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

    —Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)


    Contentment is rare in our society. I’m not sure folks have learned how to live in difficult times or in prosperity.


    You see, this verse is not about soaring with the eagles with success through Christ. Rather, it is about survival. It calls our attention to the One who provides us strength when our circumstances change for bad or for good. The central thought is that our external circumstances do not provide meaning in life. Our circumstances do not have to rule over us. Yet, many people, even Christians, live in the past as if those really were better days, or they live in the future, never content with their current situation.


    Remember the words of Solomon:

    There is a time for every event under heaven:

    A time to give birth and a time to die;

    A time to weep and a time to laugh;

    A time to keep and a time to throw away;

    A time for war and a time for peace.

    (Excerpts from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)


    Circumstances in life change and we should not be surprised. Our hope is in Christ, and our eyes should be trained toward eternity.


    Some Christians have learned this valuable lesson of contentment. They know that difficult circumstances do not define them. They remain loyal to Jesus when circumstances take a turn for the worse. They give their anxiety to God. However, there is more to contentment. The Apostle Paul was content, not only in difficult circumstances, but also in times of plenty.


    By way of example, ancient Israel often turned to idolatry during times of peace and prosperity. (Read Deuteronomy 8 or the book of Judges.) We should also recognize just how vulnerable we are in times of prosperity. It is then that we can easily fall to the deceptive and alluring ways of this world. For that reason, it is equally important to learn how trust in Jesus and honor God’s instruction in times of peace and prosperity, when things seem to be going our way.


    May we find the strength of contentment in Jesus, both in times of need and in times of peace and prosperity.


    Mark Stinnett

    April 28, 2024

  • The Feet Follow the Heart

    Mom said it rather tersely, “Straighten your face!” I heard other parents tell their kids, “You need to change your face!”


    These strong words were spoken when one of us kids had worn a sad face too long or we were simply pouting (a silent fit of anger). Have you ever wondered how effective this form of correction was? Did this type of correction bring about the desired response? Were the parents who demanded a ‘straight face’ only interested in seeing a face that was not sad or angry? Or was there a more noble desire? Did our parents really desire a change of heart?


    Now, as an adult reflecting on my ‘straighten your face’ experiences, I have considered other disciplinary actions. I have asked myself:

    • What is more important, a pleasant face, or a heart with the right attitude?
    • Is it better to have acceptable behavior, or a heart that desires to do right?
    • Should I teach my children to merely refrain from vulgar speech or train their hearts to think pure thoughts that generate wholesome speech?


    We all understand that it is the attitude and disposition of the heart that affects one’s face, affects one’s behavior, and affects one’s speech. We all know and teach that Jesus desired a response from the heart, not mere external obedience.


    People can fake the externals. People can put on a show by displaying a happy face, maintaining culturally acceptable behaviors, and acceptable speech. Yet, even with the outer display of goodness, the heart can be rotten.

    Jesus rebuked the hypocritical Pharisees of his day saying:

    These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

    — Matthew 15:8 (NIV)

     

    Parents, this is surely not the result we desire when we correct or discipline our children. We want their hearts to change.

    • God wants people with changed hearts.
    • Jesus wants people with changed hearts.
    • Parents want children with changed hearts.


    Did you know that that is what repentance is really all about!?


    At the heart of the New Testament word repentance is the idea of a changed mind or changed heart. God knew, and we intuitively know, that changed behavior without a changed heart is hypocritical. In contrast, a change in one’s thinking/attitude will naturally result in changed behaviors. Changed behaviors that are the result of discipline are known as the fruit of repentance. Repentance is always about the heart, about changing one’s perception to truth.


    Whether we are correcting our children, or conversing with an unbeliever, or reflecting on our own lives, we must recognize that God desires the heart. We can demand behavioral changes; but even an animal trainer does that.


    When the direction of the heart is changed, you can rest assured, the feet will follow.


    Mark Stinnett

    April 21, 2024