WHY SMART PEOPLE DO DUMB THINGS
Dr. Paul Kingsbury

All of us have done dumb things. But one of the dumbest things that anybody could have done is found in Genesis three. An intelligent man and an intelligent woman made a very dumb decision. This decision was so damaging that six thousand years later we still feel the repercussions of their dumb decisions.

Adam and Eve were no dummies. Adam’s first assignment when God made him was to name all the animals in the world. It takes a lot of intelligence to do that. When God made man in His own image, He didn’t make man dumb. He gave man a 3-pound brain that can do things that super computers cannot do!

What takes place in Genesis three is so intricate to our lives now. I consider this chapter to be one of the foundational chapters of the Bible. It is a key to understanding life, success, eternity, God, each other, and everything in between!

My life and ministry is consumed with people work. And I tell you, as I deal with their problems, I see daily that people do dumb things! Now, we are not speaking of uneducated, simple people here! It’s not even the backslidden Christian of whom we are speaking! If Adam and Eve were members of our local church, they would be the perfect couple! These were intelligent people!

First Timothy 2:14 helps us also better understand what took place on that fateful day in the lives of Adam and Eve. Speaking of that very occasion in the garden, God tells us that, “Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”

If we paddle up the streams of sin to the headwaters, we are going to find two sources for why smart people do dumb things. Why the smartest man and woman in the world, living in the best of environments, still sinned. This was extremely dumb! It was for two different reasons. We will first look at Eve’s story and then we will look at Adam’s.

The Bible says that Eve was deceived. It does not mean that Eve was of any less intelligence. Sin by its very nature deceives us.

How was Eve deceived? Well, at that time, there was only one deceiver available—Lucifer, otherwise known as, the devil. In Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28, we find out that Lucifer had superior intelligence, beauty, and incredible skill in music. He was in charge of 1/3 of heaven’s angels! But through his pride, he attempted to be equal with God. This plunged him into the world as Satan. In John 8:44, Jesus said that he is the father of lies, the great deceiver. And at the core of sin in most people’s lives is a deception!

Sin by its very nature is deceptive. Paul put it this way in Romans 7:11, “For sin… deceived me, and by it slew me.” Sin is packaged to look so good! It never shows the real picture of sin. Proverbs 20:1 tells us that, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Sin is deceptive! The world ought to package the sin like it really is! They don’t show the Marlboro man just before death, eaten with cancer. Alcohol never tells of the broken lives, torn families, and regretful consequences. Why? Because sin is deceiving.

People can deceive you. “Deceive” is used 67 times in the Bible. Almost every time it is used it is warning the reader against being deceived by people.

Trace sin back to its roots, and we see that sometimes we sin because we are simply deceived! We actually think we are doing something that’s good, beneficial and helpful! And yet, we sin. Even though Eve was deceived, she still suffered the consequences. Even though you may have been deceived into sin, you will still suffer your consequences.

You see, the greatest deceiver is not Satan, it’s self. Jeremiah 17:9 tells us that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” And that’s what makes this so difficult. We can often think that we are the ones that are okay. But in reality, we are being deceived. But that’s all part of being deceived—you don’t even know it!

Those on the outside, generally being authority, can clearly see the destruction of your foolish choices. But we decide, “Well, I just think it’s the right thing to do.” If it is contrary to God’s Word, then it’s not the right thing to do. You may say, “But I have such a good feeling about this!” Hang your feelings! If you live by your feelings, you will be like a yoyo. Feelings come and go, but God’s Word is eternal. He knows what is best for you.

When Eve took of that fruit, she thought she was doing something good for her husband, something good for her marriage, something good for the family! Why? Because sister Eve was deceived.

But a far more hideous and heinous crime occurred that day. Oh, yes it was more hideous and heinous than Eve’s. In fact, Adam’s sin was so great that God recorded in Romans 5:12 that, “…by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men.” What did Adam do? Adam went into this with his eyes wide open. Adam did not listen to the serpent as he suavely spoke to Eve and think, “Oh, this is a good idea!” He thought, “This is destructive! We can’t do this!”

You see, Adam’s sin was more hideous and heinous than Eve’s because here is what he did: He forsook his position under God’s authority, thus rendering himself ineffective as a leader in a position of authority in his own home to be the provider and protector of his wife. And by coming out from under his authority, Adam became his own authority, thus he lost his authority, and because of that, God said that his sin was the greater sin.

You see, if I don’t stay under God’s authority in my life, and I try to lead my wife and my family, my church, my responsibilities, whatever positions, whatever hats I wear among human relationships, once I vacate my proper position under authority, I marginalize my effectiveness in my positions of authority. That’s why their home imploded.

Sin can be traced back to the headwaters of rebellion against authority. You see, Adam’s sin was not the sin of deception; his sin was the sin of deliberation! He deliberately chose to sin, knowing full well what he was doing. Now, for you and me, six thousand years later, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is this: If you don’t deal with your sin biblically, you are going to destroy your life. I don’t care how ideal your marriage may be, you could have the nicest home like Adam and Eve did, you could have the greatest relationship with God, but if you get deceived by the devil, you will be destroyed. It doesn’t matter who you are; you can’t get into a position with God that you can’t be destroyed. And if you deliberately step out from under God’s ordained authority in your life, it will influence and impact your ability to lead others, and you will be responsible for destroying lives. It’s bad news, but it’s the truth.

The good news is this: Through confession of sin, forsaking of our sin, and trusting Jesus Christ, that sin can be broken. Glory to God! It is as if God puts up a dam at the headwaters and says, “You don’t have to be deceived. My blood can cleanse you from your sin and set you free. I can give you a sound mind, and you can make good decisions and good choices; you do not have to be deceived, glory to God!

And you can come back under His authority. God gave us authority for our protection. Put yourself back under that protection. You will find, smart friend, that it will keep you from making very dumb things!

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SANCTIFIED IN CHRIST
Pastor Kingsbury

To be sanctified in Christ is to be sacred and wholly consecrated unto God. In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, it was of the utmost urgency to him that this church understand their sanctification. In the opening greeting, he mentions their sanctification: “…to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints (same word as sanctified)…” (I Cor. 1:2). As a child of God, we too are sanctified and called to be saints.

To the Corinthians reading this letter from Paul, sanctification had a strong religious meaning to them. The Old Testament book of Leviticus was solely dedicated to the sanctification process of worship God set up for the children of Israel. Their tabernacle was a visual place where they could meet with the Lord.

During Old Testament days, they did not have the Holy Spirit indwelling within them. The tabernacle was their place of worship. The tabernacle was sanctified. It was not to be like any of the other buildings among the people. It was special, sacred and holy. It was consecrated unto God.

Not only was the tabernacle consecrated unto God, but anything that was in the tabernacle or came into the tabernacle was sanctified. From the basins to the candlesticks, animal sacrifices to the priest, everything that entered the tabernacle was chosen, cleansed, and consecrated for the tabernacle’s use.

These people understood that to be sanctified was to be sacred and set apart unto God. Likewise, those of us who know the Lord as our personal Savior are just like that tabernacle. We are sanctified, set apart unto God. First Corinthians 3:16 tells us, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (I Cor. 6:19)

Sanctification is a privilege. Friend, God has chosen you! God has selected you! God has blessed you and me with the privilege of being in Christ. Out of all the people in the world, He has chosen us to serve Him!

Sanctification is more than just God choosing you. Sanctification is a personal responsibility. The sanctified Christian life is our being useful to God. The tragedy of the un-sanctified Christian life is this: taking that which is sanctified unto God and using it for an unholy purpose.

If there was ever a church that needed this subject it was the church at Corinth.

You see, sanctification teaches us our position in Christ. This is not because of our own merit or our own goodness. It is a position we receive simply because we are in Christ. I have a position before God of sacred, consecrated holiness before Him. Why? Because one day I received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. What a privilege this position is! In fact, the second time this word “sanctification” is used in the Bible, it is in Exodus 13:1-2. The Bible says, “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Sanctify unto me all the firstborn…”. The firstborn was holy, sacred, sanctified, set apart unto God. If you were the firstborn in the family, you enjoyed privileges that nobody else in the family enjoyed.

This principle is carried forth in the New Testament where Jesus is called the firstborn among many brethren (Rom. 8:29). In Colossians 1:15, our Savior is called the firstborn of every creature. In Colossians 1:18, He is called the firstborn among the dead. This is a privileged position, reserved for the Lord Jesus Christ.

But I have news for you, my friend. Hebrews 12:22-23 says, “But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, and the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven…”. In Christ, I positionally am as equal as the firstborn Son of God. God looks at me as the privileged person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He sees Christ when He sees me. Glory to God, that is the position of sanctification! What a privilege it is!

But it did not come without a price. Sanctification is priceless. Hebrews 10:10 tells us concerning the price of our sanctification—“…we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” My friend, you can’t get accepted with God except through the blood of Jesus Christ. Through His death, His burial, and His resurrection, His shed blood, you and I can stand before God as His child sanctified in His sight. Praise God for the price that was paid.

However, in spite of all this, the people at Corinth were living far below their potential for Christ. They were living way outside of what God had really created them to be. I mean, God wanted them to be rocket scientists and they were out picking up garbage. But we as 21st century Christians are guilty of the same sin! If you are saved, you are a child of the King! We walk with the King. We know the King. We serve the King. It is a privilege and honor to have that kind of relationship with God Almighty and with His Son Jesus Christ. Why then ought we not want to sanctify ourselves that we might be vessels then that are fit for the Master’s use?

We are sanctified “in Christ.” But there is another side to the coin, so to speak. There is another issue you must face. It is not your position, it is now your progression. God has already positionally made us sacred. Now He is calling us to a sacred life.

Sanctification is a partnership. God is committed to doing His part. We must be committed to doing our part. You think about this. There is an unmistakable connection between how one lives their personal life and their effectiveness or lack of effectiveness in serving Jesus Christ. My friend, if you are a dirty vessel, you are not going to be useful for God. The reason the world is going to hell is because of the carnality of Corinthian-like Christians who are living way below their calling. We are called to be holy. Called to be saints. Called to be sanctified.

Now, I’m glad to tell you that you are not going to have to do it on your own. In fact, you cannot do it on your own. That is why God has given you a pastor. That is why God has given you a church. That is why God has given you the indwelling Spirit of God. And that’s why God has given us this book, the Bible.

Sin dirties the vessel and makes it unfit for the Master’s use. And as a result of that, we miss out on the blessing of serving Him and the world misses out on the blessing of serving Him. God is grieved and we are not happy. And it is all because we are not cooperating with God in this matter of sanctification!

You may think it is just a little sin. But it is the little foxes that spoil the vine. I’m simply saying that there needs to be in our lives as a sanctified Christian, there needs to be a zero tolerance for sin. Why? Because of who I am in Christ. I am a privileged person. I am sanctified in Him.

The apostle Paul said to the church at Corinth in I Corinthians 9:27, “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” What was he talking about? He is talking about this other side of sanctification. Sure, God has called us. God has chosen us. God created us to be a chosen vessel unto Him. But Paul recognized that it was up to him. He had to cooperate with God in this matter of personal sanctification.

When we got saved, all the equipping we needed we received right then. You see, there is a world of difference between being spiritually gifted and being spiritual. Far too many Christians are gifted, but yet they have allowed their vessels to become dirty.

Just the time you think a life is worthless, friend, think again! God can consecrate a life, and if we cooperate with His cleansing in our life, and the sky is the limit as to how He can use us for His glory.

I want you lastly to see that sanctification is a promise. First Corinthians 1:8 says, “Who (Jesus) shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” If we are in Christ, we have a promise from God that one day we won’t have to struggle with our ugly flesh any more. No more temptations, no more financial pressures, praise God! Someday I will be in heaven sanctified positionally and personally. We will be able to serve our Savior forever and ever. Amen!

Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Do you know anybody you need to claim that verse for? Maybe it is you. Friend, no matter where you are today, the sanctified life is attainable for you. It depends simply on your position of remaining “in Christ.”

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SUCH WERE SOME OF YOU

It is our responsibility to be the addictions treatment centers for our community. We ought not forsake this opportunity. In our church, you may walk in and be greeted by a former addict and you would never know it. You might be sitting next to one in your church pew. They are singing in the choir, serving in the different ministries… our students become active serving church members!

However, these miracles don’t come without “unique” happening. These become memories that you will later love. For instance, I had a husband and wife visit our church. They came up to me after the service to have me sign their books. When this distinguished couple approached me, the husband said, “Excuse me, Father, but could we have a word with you?”

I thought to myself, “I’ve got twelve kids and you don’t look familiar!” I didn’t say it, but I knew they were coming from a Catholic background. I didn’t bring out my latest Ian Paisley’s preaching sermon, nor did I make fun of them. I didn’t even rebuke them for that. I simply replied, “Welcome to North Love. We’re so glad you are here! How can I help you?”

They looked at me and said, “You know, this is the first time we’ve ever been in a Baaaaptist church! We thought Baptists rolled down the aisles! But nobody rolled down the aisles! We were taught you were a bunch of Holy Rollers! He inquisitively proceeded, “But, we’ve heard something we’ve never heard in the Catholic church all our lives!”

My friend, Jeremy. God has now blessed him with a beautiful Christian wife and children. When Jeremy first came here it took a while for the truth of RU to stick. First, I loaned Jeremy my car and he stole it. Can you believe that? He stole a preacher’s car! Not once, but twice! My wife said the first time it wasn’t my fault. But the second time? I have no excuse! The second time Jeremy ran away with it for a week. The car disappeared, he disappeared. He was living in it. Several days later I got a call from the police department from central Wisconsin. They found a vehicle registered in my name and had incarcerated the young man that was in it. They told me I could come get my car. But the police officer warned me that the car had been lived in and was not in good condition, if you know what I mean.

So, I called one of our deacons—Jeff Walker. Now, Jeff is a very distinguished, fastidious airline pilot. He is a very neat and clean kind of a guy. I asked him if he would like to go on a ride with me. So, he met me at the church and we headed to central Wisconsin. He eventually asked me what we were doing. “Oh, you’re going to help me pick up a car!” I responded. So, we got to the car, and it was worse than I had even imagined. It was really bad. The odor was unbearable. Jeff’s first question was, “Who’s driving that home?” I laughed.

The entire 90-minute mid-winter drive home all four windows were unrolled as Jeff’s head would reach out the driver’s window every few minutes gasping for fresh air.

But listen, when I walk through the doors on Friday night and I am greeted by a smiling Jeremy, or on Sunday mornings as I watch him with his new little baby and then see his attentiveness during the service and the tears rolling down his cheeks as I preach…it makes all those memories bring a smile to my face. It is worth it to invest in people! We have over 200 adults reached with similar stories. Not funny at the time, but all worth the hassle as I look back on it now.

Pastor Kingsbury

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“How art thou fallen from heaven O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground which didst weaken the nations.” (Isaiah 14:12)

“Ye are of your father the devil and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth because there’s no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

Lucifer went from being the “son of the morning” to becoming the “father of lies.”  How did this happen? This is a startling and vivid picture of the danger of losing the truth.  Before God created the world, He made the angels.  Above all the angels were three archangels—Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer.  Each of these glorious beings had a responsibility to lead other angels in praise and worship and service to God.  When God named them, He picked names with meaning.  Michael means “who is like God?” Gabriel means “strong man of God.” And Lucifer means “light-bringer.” God called him the “son of the morning” or a morning star, which is very significant because that is one of the names of Jesus.  (Revelation 22:16)

We are still dealing with Lucifer’s loss of trustworthiness, loss of transparent honesty, loss of integrity and character, and the sin he brought into the world through Adam even today.  The repercussions of the absence of truth in a person’s life last far into the future.  Before you give up truth, consider the consequences of dishonesty, the consequences of lying, the consequences of deceiving others, the consequences of playing the life of a hypocrite. It will destroy everything good and beautiful in your life.  And, you will not be able to limit the fallout—allowing the truth to flee from you will damage your family and those around you, perhaps for many generations to come.

If truth forsakes you, you are already on the way to a destiny of destruction. This drastic transformation is not just limited to the devil—it will happen in your life if you let truth run away.  Many a man and woman of character have forfeited integrity and honesty as the truth forsook them. The question then is, “What happened to Lucifer to so transform him?” The answer is found in Isaiah 14.

For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:  I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.  Isaiah 14:13&14

Notice that his problem started in his heart.  The loss of truth, the loss of honesty, the loss of integrity always starts there.  The person who trusts his heart is incredibly foolish.  Why? Because your heart is deceitful above all things, the Bible says, and desperately wicked. (Jeremiah 17:9)  You cannot follow your heart. You can follow the word of God. To keep the truth, we must follow what God leads us to do by His Spirit and by His Word. Notice the five statements Lucifer made:

1. I will ascend into heaven.
2. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.
3. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation in the sides in the north.
4. I will ascend above the height of the clouds.
5. I will be like the most High.

Now what is, “I will”? It is a statement of ambition. Now, ambition is a wonderful blessing.  It is a part of the character of God; and because we were made in God’s image, we have ambition as well. The problem comes when ambition goes awry.  All sin is an aberration or a distortion of something that God made good.

The thing that destroyed Lucifer was pride.  He was filled with pride over his own achievements, his own abilities, his own accomplishments, and his own God-given nature. The success that Lucifer achieved within God’s rules and God’s will led him to believe that he did not need God.  He forgot that everything he had was a result of God’s design.

That began the decision making process to take his ambition and extend it outside of God’s will; and when that happened, Lucifer lost his integrity. If we allow pride to grow in our hearts, we will lose our integrity also. Every good thing that you have and every good thing that you do is a direct result of the goodness and grace of Almighty God.

The loss of truth from your life and the horrible consequences that follow begin when your ambition is twisted and you start taking credit for accomplishments and achievements that ultimately belong to God. That is how the son of the morning became the father of lies. And it will devastate your life if you do not guard against it.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Dr. Paul A. Kingsbury

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Charles Haddon Spurgeon called the 85th Psalm “the prayer of a patriot for his afflicted country.” He expressed his belief that David penned this national hymn when the land was oppressed by the Philistines. When we come to the 85th Psalm, we are reading a passionate prayer for revival. In fact, if you will notice, the first seven verses are a prayer that God has inspired, recorded, and kept for us that we might gain a better understanding of how revival comes to an individual and to a nation.  You cannot lose your salvation, but you can lose the joy of your salvation. You can lose the thrill of what it means to belong to Christ and to live for Him and love Him. That is the reality of life…and that is when we need a revival.

David begins his prayer with a look back at history and a remembrance of how God favored Israel with revival in times past. Notice verse one, “Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.” The word revive means “to make alive again.” It is bringing life back to that which is dead or dying.  When the Psalmist looked back on the days of revival, he saw a time of blessing, prosperity, and the favor of God.  When the children of Israel were in captivity because of sin, God brought them to a renewed freedom.

In verses two and three, we see how revival restores our relationship with God.  “Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.   Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.” I have no doubt that God is angry with us as a nation today.  And, it is not “them” out there that is the problem; we are.  I am talking about God’s people. There is no question that we are in desperate need of an old-fashioned, Holy Ghost, God-sent revival.  It is not the iniquity of the world that kindles God’s wrath, but the iniquity tolerated, overlooked, and even enjoyed by His own people.  When revival occurs, there will be remarkable forgiveness of sin and a turning away of God’s wrath.  Oh, how we need that today!

Look at the plea for revival David voices in verse 4, “Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.” We do not hear much praying like this today.  Most of our prayers are short and simple (and not very sweet).   This is an earnest, fervent, passionate prayer from a man who means business with God.  Prayers that do not bring tears to our eyes or a quivering to our lips or an emotion that torments the spirit do not produce revival.  Until we are serious about our need for revival, it is unlikely that we will ever experience revival.  We cannot expect revival until we reach the end of ourselves and recognize that is only through God that we can have life again.

What happens when a real revival comes?  The answer is found in verse six.  “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Revival always brings a renewed joy to our relationship with God.   A person who experiences revival will rejoice in the Lord regardless of what else is going on in his life. You may be in times of great stress, difficulty, and challenge.   But, when revival takes place, God’s people rejoice; not necessarily in what is happening in their lives, but in what is happening in their relationship with God Himself. It is a rejoicing that is not born out of an appreciation for what God is doing for us, but of an appreciation for Who God is!

David concludes his prayer for revival in verse seven and then transitions to focus on what happens in the heart and life of a person who is looking for revival.  Psalm 85:7&8 says, “Show us thy mercy O Lord and grant us thy salvation.  I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” What signs can we look for to indicate revival is coming?  The first thing David mentions is that God’s people will be in tune with God’s voice.  God can speak to you, and when He does, you do not want to miss it.  I have noticed in my own life, that when God is about to do something significant, His voice will become a priority to me.   My friend, our country needs revival.  Our churches need revival. Individually, we need revival!! Did you hear His voice today?

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II Kings 5: 15-27

The natural inclination and deeds of the old nature are nowhere more cleverly disguised than in Christian service. Just because someone is actively serving the Lord, or at least outwardly appearing to do so, does not mean that God is pleased. Often we do not realize that selfish interests are involved, and this is what makes fleshly service so deceptive. This account of Gehazi’s trickery is helpful in evaluating our old service to see whether or not our interest, or God’s interest, is really at the heart of our labors.

Gehazi was a servant to Elisha (v. 20), who was the servant of God. The two held different stations, but both were equally responsible for being servants of God. Being around godliness or a godly man is not enough. There is always personal accountability to our Heavenly Father for a godly, dedicated walk. It was not enough that Gehazi was identified with a godly man like Elisha; Gehazi needed to be godly himself. We cannot rest on someone else’s laurels.

Gehazi saw Naaman as an income producing statistic rather than a sinner saved by grace (v. 20). Elisha, on the other hand, was concerned for the new converts spiritual well-being (v. 19). How do we view potential “converts?” As more income to meet the budget? If so, then we have a lot in common with Gehazi. What will it take to get us to compromise our message in order to keep more Naaman’s in the congregation? Is our honest desire spiritual growth or carnal gain?

Pious talk is often an attempt to cover an underlying deception of the heart – in this case an out right lie (v. 22). It is terribly tempting to talk about all we do for the Lord or how tirelessly and selflessly we serve and the Lord’s vineyard; but mere talk is a dead giveaway for a listless spirit within. Yes, Gehazi prospers for the moment (v. 23); but another ally is needed and so on, and so on, as the ditch defense (v. 25). The sin of selfishness in the end bears bitter and lasting fruit (vv. 26-27).

The preoccupation of Gehazi with the things which would seemingly bring gratification to the flesh pointed to the inner spirit of covetousness – the fountainhead of evil. Beware of this plague! Follow after the right things! Blessings are assured now, and reward later. Flee selfishness; follow after godliness! Which of the two are we living in our lives of Christian service?

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“And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”

(Luke 15:16-17)

Enablement defined is “any approach that provides means or opportunity.” A leading question among workers dealing with addicted people is, “How do I know the difference between enabling them and showing them love?” In the CD (available through Reformers Unanimous) entitled, “How to Minister to the Addicted”, I discuss three different models or philosophies in dealing with those who are addicted.

One of those models is the “impaired model of addictions.”  It deals with people who are looking at the actions and reactions of an addicted individual and judging that person based on what they see.  This model is prevalent in most churches today. They believe that it is just a lack of character that keeps this addicted individual bound and they just need to repent and exercise will power to stop their addiction.  However, but other times they will feel sorry for them and will continue to enable them-giving them enablement-a help that hurts! In this model of addiction, it is believed that the only treatment is to change the addict’s behavior through  shame, guilt, rejection, or by enabling them – which results in a deeper shame-based identity and stronger addiction.

To make this topic of “enablement” clearer, I want to list some examples to help you.  Many Christians want to help, out of a good heart and bowels of compassion, but that compassion should not be based on “soulical” needs of those we are trying to help, but rather spiritual needs. You see, you cannot help someone UNTIL they, just like the prodigal son mentioned in the verse above, come to the end of themselves. It does not mean that we do not help them, but it does mean that we do not enable them. In the years of watching some of our leaders here in Rockford minister to people that would have continued their habit; I want to present some situations in which you can show love without enabling:

1. If a student asks for food money -
   1. One who would enable them would give them money–quickly
   2. One who would love them could meet them at Wal-Mart and purchase the items the student needs, while spending time with them and developing them in spiritual ways.
2. If a student needs gas for his/her vehicle -
   1. Someone who would enable them would give them money. (Don’t ever give money! When a drug addict gets money they buy drugs!)
   2. Someone who would love them would take them to the gas station and put gas in their car for them, also spending time with them.
3. If a student’s car gets impounded for various reasons -
   1. A person who enables them will get their car out of the car impound without doing anything to help change their behavior.
   2. A person who would love them may look for other options (bus, bicycle, carpool,) without getting the car out of the car impound, to reveal to them that the consequences for our sin are inevitable, incalculable, and up to God. (Principle #9) We do not want to get in the way of what God is trying to do.

The Bible is clear that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. The real need of an individual is not to change their circumstances on the outside, but to be used of God to change their heart. The very thing that needs to be changed, their heart, is often used to manipulate and control all circumstances to their advantage. Once someone in leadership clearly sees this pattern, through the eyes of God’s love, they will realize (like the prodigal son’s father) that there was a time to give his son his inheritance with no strings attached. This was necessary for the son to get him in the position where no man was willing to give to him again to help him continue his behavior, his life style, and his heart’s appetites and desires. At Reformers Unanimous, we know that God will put a new heart in every believer, and that the power of the Gospel is able to transform anyone’s life – if they are willing to turn.  In summary, that for which an addict may be asking is not really what they need; and what you would like to do for them may not be what He would like to do in them. One thing is for sure, God has bestowed upon us His love, given us His Spirit, and the fruit of that Spirit is love, and may God help every one of us to demonstrate that I Corinthians 13 love in a way that would help people without hurting them.

Current Housing Needs

Don’t ask-Tell!

Understanding Nehemiah’s view in sharing his needs to people…

“We don’t ask man for money, we ask God-He owns it anyway! -Steven Curington

Our goals have grown away from asking people to help us with this project and that project.  Our need been met so many times simply because we asked God to meet then and shortly thereafter someone requested information on our needs and then just like that, the needs were met.

So please pray over our needs in your spare time…at least once! How about now? There are just a few….

Womens Home:

• Twelve girls to fill beds in the new home.  Reduced tuition for them if needed and accepted.
• A 15-passenger van, used but nice, for the Joy Belle’s summer tour.
• A 30 or more shuttle bus to transport ladies to work, church, and back.
• An “In Memory” or “In Honor” donor for the south wing rooms.
• A “Window of Opportunity” for individual donors to purchase a window for the girl’s bedrooms.Current windows are worn and will not last until or through winter.
• The commercial kitchen will remain closed until we can fill it with used, but nice, commercial kitchen appliances and equipment. One need at a time is our goal.  Though the home opens this week, the cafeteria will remain shuttered till God meets that need.

Men’s Home:

• Nine men to fill beds in the existing home. There is some tuition money available through the Timothy Fund to help a few.
• Tuition dollars “in memory” or “in honor” of someone you love to help men and women attend our program who could not otherwise afford it.

National Ministry:

• We need one man to fill a role of Marketing/Public Relations and Communications.  This interested candidate must be gain his Pastor’s permission before sending his resume and would require his move to Rockford preferably by June 15.
• We also are need of a strong Operations Director.  Someone who understands people movement, policy informant personal management and problem solvement.  This person works for me and oversees 75 staff, students and volunteers. Both positions report directly to Bro. Curington.
• We need talented graphic designers to assist our workload in our creative department.  This person does NOT need to relocate to Rockford, but will work independent of headquarters on plan preparation.  Chosen candidate will work for Will Fowler.

National Conference of Workshops: The Way is Agape!

To say that I am excited about this year’s conference is an understatement would be unparalleled in our ministry.  My excitement has been replaced with personal refinement.  I am learning so much about our topic of love and its alternative forms offered by man-Phileo; and what is offered by the enemy-Eros. I cannot wait to teach you what I have learned and the lessons I have spurned in an effort to become addicted to aggressive striving in the work of my ministry.  This aggressive striving led to an addiction to affirmation of those whom I strived to serve, whether students or pastors.  This addiction led to be seek the affirmation and praise of man.  This reciprocal cycle caused me to abandon what is common among family-time and energy; for that which was being blessed by my calling-my ministry.  I would tell my family I loved them, but when the day was done and I had only two weary hours left before their bedtime, they could sense something wasn’t right.  Disappointment and regret, rather than appreciation and affirmation set in and I was doomed.  Not making my family happy, with my people, staff and students struggling with many wants demanding they be met, they often voiced their great displeasure with me.  With vendors and customers waiting for money or product that we could not deliver and with churches dropping support regularly, I became a man not only unappreciated, I became a man most miserable whom people sensed the only way to help me was to request of me that which would only make me more miserable!

It is at this time I refined our topic to “The Way is Agape:  Learning to Live for the Audience of One!” As we teach, train, and coach your workers to this all important intimacy with the Father, we must understand how important that it be to us.  It must be our all sufficiency.  It must give us humility, transparency, sensibility and accountability.  And then, the way others feel for you or about you will change.  Not because they will cease to love you, but rather love you more because you are not expressing to them the Father’s love which has been bestowed upon you.

We surely hope your church and chapter can attend this year’s event.  Mark your calendars – Monday, September 27^th through Thursday, September 30. The Formal Banquet will be the evening of the 29^th.  You won’t want to miss this yearly awe-inspiring highlight.

RIP – Reformers Institutional Program

Here is a testimony from an incarcerated individual participating in the program:

“I love RU. My parole officer introduced me to the program. It is much better than A.A. I was saved back when I was 20 years old and in the U.S.M.C at Camp Pendleton, CA, but didn’t stay with the Lord. I was baptized in Oceanside, CA. I always felt a pull to God but didn’t know how to go to Him. I was brought up with a God who only punished, and I wasn’t taught about God’s loving side. I spent many years in prison for the crimes I committed. Being in Reformers has changed my life for the better. My family and friends (the few I have left) have seen a change in me. The nicest thing anyone has ever done for me, next to God’s gift of Jesus’ sacrifice and the Holy Spirit, was introduce me to R.U. My life will never be the same.”

- Jerry B. in New Jersey

(Click here to read other testimonies…)

It is exciting to see the continual growth of the Reformers Institutional Program (RIP) here and abroad. Testimonies like the one above come into our offices every single day. It is even more exciting to hear of those men that have been released from incarceration that have joined both the Friday night RU programs and local churches across this country. There is an exciting parallel going on between ministering to those that are incarcerated while at the same time ministering to their family members in the community through the local RU Chapter. We have discovered that, because of their stronger relationship with God, the reunion of the incarcerated with their loved ones is much sweeter, and the end result is families joining local churches all across America. If you are interested in starting a RIP program in your community please contact our offices at 815-986-0460, ext 150, or email us at rip@reformu.com.

Note to current RIP Programs:

Recently we were made aware that the bookmark awards for the RIP program are not able to go into a large majority of the jails and prisons, therefore we have discontinued these items and made certificates for those challenges. We have limited supplies of those bookmarks still available, and if your program allows you to use them you may purchase them through the sales manager, Barry Curington, at sales@reformu.com.

Rockford Training Days

The increased number of chapters this year encourages us. We have started nearly 50 chapters since January 1^st, using our new model of director training. Recently, we sent an email to pastors and directors of current RU chapters, encouraging them to attend one of these conferences here in Rockford to get retraining and re-certification in operating an RU Program. We have been surprised by the numbers of leaders, helpers, and even students that have attended these classes on overcoming stubborn habits and effectively helping others in your community. We invite you to learn more about these free opportunities of training by going to http://register.reformu.com/. Please note that this training would not be superior to that of our National Conference, but it would be a great addition to anyone or any chapter that is currently struggling.

RU Schools of Discipleship

“Looking back, I never would have seen it coming, and if you would have told me that my first hit of marijuana would have lead me to becoming a heroin addict, I wouldn’t have believed you. Because of my rebellion to God, I started to experiment with drugs and alcohol when I was 14 years old. By the time I was 19, I had already been to jail on numerous occasions. The last time I was arrested there was no hope of a release anytime soon. That’s where I heard about the Reformers Unanimous program. I started to attend the program, and gave my heart and my life back to God. Then I got court ordered to the Men’s School of Discipleship in Rockford, Illinois. There, I learned what it really meant to walk with God, and what it meant to study the Bible. Through the It’s Personal Daily Journal, and the Strongholds Study Course, I learned what it meant to be discipled and worship God. The accountability taught me about the structure and discipline I never had as a fatherless teenager. The daily counseling with the Stewad, Jeff R., got me through most of the program. He was always turning my heart towards God. The constant accountability also helped me to learn that freedom is found in boundaries. Today, I have the wonderful privilege and opportunity of not only studying for the work of the ministry in Bible College, but also working full-time in ministry underneath my pastor. I thank God almost everyday for the RIP Program that introduced me to Reformers Unanimous, as well as the School of Discipleship for changing my life.”

- Michie D. in Illinois

(click here to read more testimonies…)

There are people like Michie all across America who want help and are searching for freedom, but they cannot do it on their own. They need the extra accountability of an in-patient program. They can follow the same path to freedom and success. If you know of someone who could benefit from our 8 to 10 month Schools of Discipleship, please email us at weneedu@reformu.com or call us at (815) 986-0460 ext 115. We love you…at RU!

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New RUI Webstore 30-50% Off Books, Curriculum, and Audio Visual and More!

The Sale is still on at http://store.reformu.com! On Friday, April 30, we introduced a completely redesigned E-Store with 30% discounts.  But the news gets even better this Friday May 14th we will launch our new E-Store specifically designed for RU Chapters with discounts up to 40% off for supporting chapters.  Customers have already commented on noticeable improvements in speed, navigation, and search.

For our Supporting Chapters we will be offering 40% off of nearly every item in the store, and 20% off of all shirts. These are some of the deepest discounts we have ever offered. Consider stocking up on materials, and taking leader and student orders for shirts.  But that’s not all as a special incentive we are offering bobbleheads for 10 for $20 they make great gifts for students!

Don’t worry, we will still be offering a 30% discount for retail customers off our entire line of books, curriculum, and Audio visual products from Bro. Curington, Dr. Kingsbury, Dr. Crabb, Ben Burks, and others.  Don’t delay, these special deals will only last through May 30.

Basic Information for our Customers:  If you already have an account with RU, we should have successfully transferred all of your account information.  Just Login with your email address; and for your password, please use your last name combined with your billing zip code all lower case (example: fowler61104). You can change your password after you login.  If you have any trouble logging in or are not correctly marked as a supporting chapter, do not hesitate to contact Will Fowler at estore@reformu.com or 815-986-0460 ext. 133.

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Will Fowler

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“Owe no man anything, but to love one another…” (Romans 13:8.)

Recently in my travels, I realized that everyone is not an expert traveler like I have become! All joking aside, I began to notice people trying to get through the TSA lines that were unaware of the rules and regulations.  However, I also began to notice how these novice travelers were being treated by those who had a “job” to do. As I proceeded through the major international airport of Chicago, the Holy Spirit made me aware of others who could use a “helping hand.”

One such instance was a gate change, which caused over 200+ people to move from a C gate to an E gate. Since I spend almost every weekend at O’Hare International Airport, I know that this is a 25 minute walk or there is a bus that will take you there in just a couple of minutes. However, no one seemed to care to give this information, and many were just puzzled on how to get to where they needed to go.

Another such instance happened on the airplane, where I was sitting in “bulkhead” (the first seats behind first class.)  A traveler, who does not normally sit in bulkhead, was attempting to keep a large backpack on the floor in front of her.  I knew that once the airline attendant came through to check, this lady would be required to gate-check her bag, causing her much inconvenience, as the bins overhead were filling up fast.

During both of these situations, I had a decision.  I could selfishly enjoy my “typical Saturday morning commute” and keep to myself or I could heed the Holy Spirit and pay the “debt” in His power with the fruit He produces called love.

That morning, I had read the verses Romans 13:8-14, which includes the verse in the heading. I began to contemplate how much the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit loved Ben Burks – me! I believe every morning we ought to wake up and “take a bath in God’s love.” I think everyday we ought to try and feel loved by the Father. Every one of us needs a Resourcing of love. You can find this through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation is one enormous Book on the love of God. You can also be reminded of God’s love in a good song and hymn book from your church. One such song goes “Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan; oh, the grace that brought it down to man.” Or maybe even the little song, “I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.” Not only did I take a bath in God’s love that day, but I began to notice others to whom that love needed to be demonstrated.  Praise the Lord I heeded His leading and paid “love” to others in need of help.

It has been my observation that the biggest problem we have is the fact that love is lacking in the places where it is needed the most with the people who deserve it the least. There are many selfish reasons why we withhold love to those who need it the most and deserve it the least….but the truth is every one of us fall into this category as one of those people!

True love begins when nothing is looked for in return. To give and not expect anything in return is what lies at the heart of love. Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get…only what you’re expecting to give – which is everything. It’s easy in our world today to look around and see the appearance of chaos, difficulty, and strife; yet when we our hearts are open to His love, we can always see our opportunity to pay a debt of love.

P.S. Before you travel anywhere today – whether across the nation or across town or across your living room – take a bath in God’s love and share it along the way!

Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!

Benjamin R. Burks

Check out Bro. Burks’ great new book, “Recovery without Relapse“, available on ON SALE at the RU E-Store for $6.30, Normally $9.00

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