Wisdom-Trek ©

Putnam Church Message – 04/14/2024

Last week, we began an extended, systematic study of the letters of 1st and 2nd Peter. Our message was “Smiling Through Suffering.” We highlighted the grace that strengthens us to go on in spite of our circumstances, and Peter shines the light on the resurrected Christ not on us or the world| as the one reliable source of living hope in hurtful times. Peter emphasizes hope to go on despite suffering. This hope grows stronger as we focus on the relief we’ll enjoy in our heavenly home.| Still focusing on the believer’s life in this fallen world, Peter now shifts his emphasis from physical trials to spiritual temptations. If the question last week was, “How can I remain joyful while suffering?” the question this week is, “How can I stay clean in a corrupt society?”

The Bible does not encourage us to become hermits, monks, or Utopians. Believers have a mission to accomplish in the world; therefore, we can’t afford to lock ourselves outside it. The Christian’s solution to the problem of holy living in an unholy world is not isolation; it’s insulation. This is why 1 Peter 1:13-21 challenges us to be different from our depraved society without fleeing to the caves, cloisters, or communes.

Let’s begin our study reading 1 Peter 1:13-21.

I can imagine that Peter dictated the first twelve verses of his letter in a posture of praise as he paced the room in Rome where he was staying. Perhaps he stared out the window, directing his prayerful words partly to his secretary, Silas, and partly to his heavenly Father, as he praised Him for the living hope believers have through Christ. But then, after he spoke the words “angels are eagerly watching these things happen” in 1:12, I can picture Peter stopping in his tracks, closing his eyes, and taking a deep breath. His tone changes from exultation to exhortation, and he says, “So prepare your minds for action” (1:13). In other words, in light of the great salvation that has been lavishly poured upon us, it’s time to get serious. He fires off a series of staccato commands, one after the other. He might have used bullet points if he were writing in today’s style.

Prepare your minds for action!

Exercise Self-Control

Put all your hope in the gracious salvation

Don’t be conformed! (Live as God’s Obedient Childre NLT)

Be holy!

Peter wants believers to realize that even though we live in a wicked world filled with thousands of daily trials and dark temptations, our focus must rise above the present circumstances. This means living by a higher standard than the world around us. That’s the meaning of “holiness” Peter’s addressing. The word Holy does not mean you live some ethereal pious life; it always means set apart for God’s purpose. Peter says it starts in the mind: “So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control” (1:13). But it leads outward, beyond ourselves: “Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.” According to 1 John 3:3, hope and holiness belong together: “And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.” (It sounds like Peter and John hung out often, doesn't it?)

Peter then assumes their obedience in verse 14. It's not an unreasonable assumption if they were obeying the commands of verse 13; if they had prepared their minds for action, exercised self-control with regard to the world around them, and fixed their hope on the coming of Christ, obedience would come more easily. Their obedience took a specific form: “So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then, 1:14. We've already seen how Peter and John used similar language regarding hope and holiness. Now, we observe a striking parallel between Peter and Paul. You may remember Paul’s language in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Another reminder: Holiness starts in the mind. It includes a departure from ignorance and a renewal of your thought life. And it leads to conforming to Christ's holiness rather than the world's lusts.

This leads to Peter's exhortation to holiness: Like the Holy One Himself, believers are to be holy (set apart) in all their behavior (1 Pet. 1:15). He reinforces this practical outworking of their hope and obedience by quoting the book of Leviticus. In Leviticus 11:44-45, God declared, “For I am the Lord your God. You must consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy…Therefore, you must be holy because I am holy.” In Leviticus 20:26, this same mandate is linked to the role of Israel as God's special people: You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own. Today, believers individually and the Church collectively are ‘set apart.’

What does it mean for Christians to be “holy”? In its primary sense, the term means to be set apart, that is, separated for a special, unique purpose. This is why marriage is sometimes called “holy matrimony." A husband and wife separate from their former family commitments as they commit themselves to each other in a unique, intimate relationship. We also call the Bible “Holy Scripture” because these writings, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are of such perfection that they have been set apart from all other human writings; however excellent and helpful other writings may be. So it is with God's people. Israel in the Old Testament and now Christians in the New are set apart for the glory of God.

What's true in marriage is true in our relationship with God. Our gracious God declared us “holy" when we were saved, ‘set apart’ to enter into a permanent relationship with Him. But daily, we must continually remind ourselves of our holy calling, recommit ourselves to it, and live in it. In the same manner, I must recommit myself to Paula in marriage. Our relationship is set apart from all other relationships.

Bulletin insert - This is why we should begin each day saying, “Lord, I set apart my mind for You today. I set apart my passion, my eyes, my ears, my lips. I set apart my motivations, my attitudes, and my disciplines. I set apart all these things to You.” This simple reminder will keep us moving toward the goal of holiness Peter mentions in 1 Peter 1:15-16. I urge you to do the same.

Not only are we to live holy lives in light of our hope (1:13-16) but also conduct our walk in the fear of the Lord (1:17). I know we're living in a world that doesn't like to talk much about the fear of God. People don't mind talking about God's love, grace, mercy, and blessings; but to refer to God as the Judge who evaluates our work—this thinking bothers many people today, even Christians. But Peter doesn't hesitate to refer to the great holiness and justice of God, who demands allegiance to Him and reverence before Him. We would be wise to conform our attitude to Peter’s words rather than the world’s preferences.

When Peter says, “And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray,” 1:17, If we're going to pray to God as “our Father,” then we must speak and act as “obedient children” (1:14). We should pledge our allegiance to Him and hold Him in high reverence, knowing that we will one day give account to Him for our time spent on this earth as believers. Hope again fills in the gap—but this is a realization that the hoped-for ascent to our heavenly dwelling will be accompanied by rewards directly related to the genuine quality of our lives. Paul gives us a similar sobering reminder: “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God,” Rom. 14:12. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, he writes, “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” These verses refer to believers, not those who have rejected Christ.

One day, believers will be brought before the judgment seat of Christ, where we will give account for our lives before God, and He will reward us accordingly. 1 Corinthians 3:15 makes it clear that even the believer who gains no reward will still be saved, but God's judgment will separate the quality things from the wasted things, which could be time, money, energy, and motives that tainted a believer's holiness. On this earth, Christians applaud other Christians who have dynamic ministries, impactful evangelism, and powerful testimonies. On the surface, some appear to be super-saints or have achieved celebrity status in the Christian realm. Regardless of all that admiration and applause, we must never forget God is the Judge. He alone knows the true motivation behind a person's life. In the final analysis, verse 17 says, “He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as ‘temporary residents.’” This is why our hope for heaven must induce us to holiness on earth.

Peter wants believers to live in holiness (1:13-16) and conduct their walk in reverent fear (1:17). He also wants them to focus their minds on Christ (1:18-21). Our focus must be on Christ because our primary battlefield is the mind. The enemy has his sights set on our minds. If he can get us to focus on something other than the hope we have in Jesus Christ, he will have won the battle; everything else will be just claiming the spoils of war.

We live holy lives in reverence of the Lord (1:18-19), knowing that “It was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value.  It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” Let me explain what this means. All those who don't know Christ are merchandise in the slave market of sin. Whether they realize it or not; they are in bondage to desires, impulses, and ignorance— alienated from God, the one source of true freedom. They live in a condition where they cannot help or change themselves. Spiritually blind and shackled in sin, they are jostled and abused by the uncontrollable flesh, the alluring world, and the seducing demons. They continue to dwell in that futile, frustrating lifestyle passed down from previous generations. Their only hope is help from the outside.

Christ provided that help at the cross, where His own blood paid the penalty for sin—death. He didn't pay in silver or gold—worthless scrap metal compared to the price of a human soul. No, Christ paid with His blood, breaking the chains, opening the door, and calling the unredeemed to step out of the bondage from which they had been purchased. That's redemption. The only thing keeping any person from receiving this freedom is their own decision to accept the free offer of eternal life, stepping from the darkness of futility into the light of a joyous, meaningful life.

God, of course, knew our total emptiness—that we were helpless to work or buy ourselves out of sin's slave market. (1:20). God chose him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days he has been revealed for your sake. And that plan meant that His eternal, divine Son would set aside His celestial comforts and privileges, take on full humanity, and voluntarily take the cross upon Himself on our behalf so that our faith and hope could rest in God. There is no other solid ground of hope in hurtful times than the fact that Christ Himself took it all on and rose victorious, ready to lead us to victory with Him (1:21). Through Christ you have come to trust in God. And you have placed your faith and hope in God because he raised Christ from the dead and gave him great glory.

General Instructions for Christ's Ambassadors

Christ didn't purchase us with His precious blood to turn us all into hermits, monks, and Utopians. We have been redeemed from slavery and called to be His ambassadors—special agents with a mission in the world. This requires us to stay clean in a corrupt society and to be representatives of light in a world of darkness. How can we do this? I have four suggestions I would urge you to remember. Think of them as your four general instructions as an agent or ambassadors of Christ sent on a mission into the world. We are ambassadors from the Kingdom of God to the world's empires!

First, pay close attention to what you look at. That takes us back to 1 Peter 1:13—So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. Your eyes are the closest connection to your mind. They capture images that are alluring, attractive, sensual, and pleasurable. Take care of what you allow to pass through the gates of your eyes, especially when you're alone. To reinforce this principle, read Job 31:1, Colossians 3:1-2, and 2 Peter 2:13-14.

Second, give greater thought to long-range consequences than to immediate pleasures. You'll notice that one of the characteristics of the world is that nobody ever mentions the disastrous consequences of pornography, an affair, or feeding your greed at the expense of your family. Walk through the consequences of your actions, thinking through the effects, naming the people whose lives will be harmed, and reminding yourself of the high cost of a ruined reputation. Journey through all the consequences of your actions. To help consider the consequences of sin, study Proverbs 7.

Third, start each day by renewing your sense of reverence for God. Don't limit that to the church or Bible study. Start each day by investing time with the Lord. Sometimes, simply say, “Lord, I'm here. I'm yours. I give You my day. As inadequate and fragile as I am, I need Your help this day.'' Revere Him as the source of your power. Start each day by renewing that Father-child relationship. To remind yourself of the need to fear God daily, read Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.

Fourth, refocus on Christ throughout the day. As people, events, and temptations cross your path, you’ll begin to drift from that original course. Whatever happens, realign your focus upon Christ. Even if it means regularly scheduling short times of prayer or reading your Bible or devotional during breaks or lunch. Take time to focus on Him throughout the day. Take a close look at Hebrews 12:1-2 to consider new ways to focus entirely on Christ.

We must stay clean in a corrupt society because we are ambassadors for the Kingdom of God to the Empires of the World!

Next week, we will continue to explore the letter of 1 Peter in a message titled “Reasons for Pulling Together.” Invest some time reading 1 Peter 1:22 – 2:3 for next week’s message.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2358 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll dive into Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher reflects on the futility of amassing wealth and possessions, recognizing the transience of human existence and the importance of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Let’s uncover the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 2:18-26.

The Teacher laments the fleeting nature of his labor and the reality that he must eventually leave his wealth and possessions to others.

What insights does the Teacher offer regarding the accumulation of wealth?

The Teacher recognizes the temporary nature of earthly possessions and the futility of amassing wealth that cannot be taken beyond the grave. He realizes that pursuing material gain is ultimately meaningless in the face of mortality.

Now, let’s explore verses 19-21.

The Teacher reflects on the uncertainty of the future and the possibility that his successors may squander the wealth he has accumulated through his labor. Faced with this reality, he feels a sense of despair and questions the value of his earthly pursuits.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the uncertainty of the future?

The Teacher acknowledges the uncertainty of life and the inability to control what happens to one’s possessions after death. This realization leads to a sense of despair and questioning of the value of earthly pursuits.

Next, let’s examine verses 22-23.

The Teacher observes the toil and anxiety that characterize human existence. Despite one’s hard work and efforts to accumulate wealth, life is filled with pain, grief, and restlessness, leading him to conclude that it is all meaningless.

What insights can we gain from the Teacher’s observations on the nature of human existence?

The Teacher reflects on the pain, grief, and restlessness accompanying human labor and the pursuit of wealth. Despite one’s efforts, life remains filled with meaninglessness and dissatisfaction.

Now, let’s explore verses 24-26.

The Teacher concludes that the best one can do in life is to find joy in simple pleasures and take satisfaction in one’s work. He recognizes that these pleasures are gifts from the hand of God, who gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. However, the wealth of sinners is ultimately fleeting and will be given to those who please God.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s conclusion regarding the source of true joy and satisfaction?

The Teacher acknowledges that true joy and satisfaction come from God, who graciously gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy in life’s simple pleasures and taking satisfaction in one’s work.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Ecclesiastes 2:18-26. The Teacher’s reflections remind us of the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits and the importance of finding joy and satisfaction in God.

As we reflect on the Teacher’s musings, may we find true joy and satisfaction in God, who graciously gives us wisdom, knowledge, and joy. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2357 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll explore Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher continues his reflections on the pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, grappling with the fleeting nature of human existence.

Let’s delve into the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 2:12-17.

In his quest for understanding, the Teacher sets out to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness. As the king, he possesses unparalleled resources and authority to undertake such a task.

What insights does the Teacher gain from his comparison of wisdom and folly?

The Teacher recognizes his unique position as king to assess the value of wisdom in contrast to foolishness and madness. His examination reflects a deep desire to understand the nature of human existence and the pursuit of knowledge.

Now, let’s explore verses 13-16.

The Teacher reflects on his pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure, recognizing the futility of such endeavors. Despite his intellectual achievements, he experiences profound grief and sorrow, realizing that the pursuit of pleasure ultimately leads to emptiness and meaninglessness.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s reflections on the pursuit of knowledge and pleasure?

The Teacher’s experiences lead him to conclude that the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and pleasure is ultimately futile and meaningless. Despite his efforts, he finds no lasting satisfaction or fulfillment in these pursuits, only grief and sorrow.

Now, let’s examine verse 17.

The Teacher reaffirms his assessment of wisdom, concluding that it is superior to foolishness and madness. Like light dispelling darkness, wisdom brings clarity and understanding to the complexities of life.

How does the Teacher’s comparison of wisdom and folly contribute to his understanding of life’s meaning?

The Teacher affirms the value of wisdom in contrast to foolishness and madness. He recognizes that wisdom brings illumination and clarity to life’s uncertainties, guiding one towards a deeper understanding of existence.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Ecclesiastes 2:12-17. The Teacher’s reflections remind us of the limitations of human knowledge and the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits.

As we reflect on the Teacher’s musings, may we seek wisdom that transcends human understanding and find solace in the sovereignty of our Creator. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2356 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

Starting today, I am beginning a new segment called Theology Thursday. Utilizing excerpts from a book titled: I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible written by Bible scholar and professor Dr. Michael S. Heiser, we will invest a couple of years going through the entire Bible, exploring short Biblical lessons that you may not have received in Bible classes or Church. Today, we will introduce why this study is both essential and relevant for us individually and the Church worldwide. So, let’s jump into our introduction.

The Bible is a wonderful book. Its pages reveal the epic story of God’s redemption of humankind and the long, bitter conflict against evil. Yet it’s also a book that seems strange to us. While God’s Word was written for us, it wasn’t written to us.

It’s been my experience as a father, gramps, entrepreneur, lifelong Bible student, seminarian, youth minister, church elder, and pastor; I have come to realize that most people don’t know what to do with the odd, perplexing, and perhaps frightening passages in Scripture. We tend to simply skip them. Yet by doing so, we abandon our responsibility to grasp and teach the entirety of Scripture—this book we believe to be the inspired Word of God.

As a consequence, believers tend to learn only the basic truths taught in the Bible. That is the milk of the Word and not solid food, as is mentioned in Hebrews 5:12, “You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.” My objective on Theology Thursday will be to help us consume Biblically solid food.

Recent studies from the Barna Group demonstrate a growing rate of biblical and theological illiteracy in the Church at all ages, especially for those under 50. Biblical and theological illiteracy contributes to less engagement with the Bible, less appetite for its teachings, and more confusion and skepticism.

Many Christians know the indispensable parts of the storyline of the Bible and the gospel message. Yet they are lost when it comes to the remainder of the Bible—especially the Old Testament, which comprises a full three-quarters of the book. Some believers try to mend this knowledge gap. They might read through all the notes in a study Bible or use various tools to study Hebrew and Greek words. Yet those are the exceptions. Many people, after years of inaction, get bored with the Bible.

I began my serious study of the Bible nearly 50 years ago as I attended a Christian College and have been a student of the Scriptures every day since. Over the subsequent decades, I have discovered this was not true for most adult Christians. This even holds true for those Christians who had grown up in the Church. They’d heard sermons, attended Sunday school classes, and listened to countless messages at youth groups and camps. In their minds, they’d heard it all. And in one sense, they had. They’d heard all the items covered in Christianity 101—hundreds of times, that is, the milk of the Word. Now that I am teaching as a Pastor every week, I can see that many adults are thinking, I dare you not to bore me with the Bible. I also publish my weekly messages as the Tuesday podcast episode if you want to follow along with what we are learning together during our Sunday services.

I have accepted the challenge. Teaching lessons at Church and other settings with so much to discover and think about in Scripture is thrilling. Those I teach need to understand that Bible reading is not Bible study, and that genuinely understanding much of the Bible requires seeing it in its original context, not filtering it through a familiar tradition. After my limited time teaching others, I pray they’d keep probing and discovering.

The lessons that will make up Theology Thursday on the Wisdom-Trek Podcast for the next couple of years will satisfy the statement, “I Dare You Not to Bore Me with the Bible.” I trust you’ll enjoy them—and, of course, not be bored.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2355 of our trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll dive into Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher continues his exploration of life’s meaning and purpose, delving into the pursuit of pleasure and material wealth.

Let’s uncover the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.

In his quest for meaning, the Teacher decides to indulge in pleasure and seek out the “good things” that life has to offer. However, he quickly discovers the emptiness and fleeting nature of such pursuits.

What insights does the Teacher offer regarding the pursuit of pleasure?

The Teacher’s experiment with pleasure reveals its ultimate meaninglessness. Despite its initial allure, pleasure fails to provide lasting satisfaction or purpose.

Now, let’s explore verses 2-3.

The Teacher turns to wine in an attempt to lift his spirits and find happiness. However, even as he continues to pursue wisdom, he finds himself grasping at foolishness in search of fleeting joy.

What lessons can we learn from the Teacher’s experimentation with wine?

The Teacher’s reliance on wine to alleviate his troubles highlights the temptation to seek solace in temporary pleasures. However, he recognizes the folly of such pursuits in the face of life’s brevity.

Next, let’s consider verses 4-8.

The Teacher embarks on a grandiose building project, constructing elaborate homes, vineyards, gardens, and parks. He amasses wealth and possessions, including slaves, herds, and flocks, surpassing even the wealth of his predecessors in Jerusalem.

How does the Teacher’s pursuit of material wealth contribute to his quest for meaning?

The Teacher’s accumulation of wealth and possessions reflects society’s common pursuit of material success as a means of finding fulfillment. However, he ultimately discovers the emptiness and transience of such pursuits.

Now, let’s explore verses 9-11.

Despite his unparalleled wealth and wisdom, the Teacher finds himself disillusioned with the fruits of his labor. He realizes that his achievements, no matter how great, ultimately amount to nothing and leave him feeling unfulfilled.

What conclusions can we draw from the Teacher’s reflections on his pursuits?

The Teacher’s relentless pursuit of success and pleasure leads him to the sobering realization that worldly accomplishments are ultimately meaningless and unfulfilling. Despite his best efforts, he finds no lasting satisfaction or purpose in his endeavors.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Ecclesiastes 2:1-11. The Teacher’s reflections remind us of the emptiness of pursuing pleasure and material wealth apart from a deeper understanding of life’s true purpose.

As we reflect on the Teacher’s musings, may we seek fulfillment in pursuits that transcend the temporal and find true meaning in a life devoted to God and others. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 04/07/2024

Last week was Ressurection Sunday, and we considered the evidence of Thomas the Scientist. After his experiment on Jesus, John 20:28-29 says, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.”

Today, we begin an extended, systematic study of the letters of 1st and 2nd Peter. Our message today is “Smiling Through Suffering.” But before that, to set the stage for our extended study, I would like to step back to Resurrection Sunday and into the empty tomb with only Peter and John and provide a dramatic reenactment of their time together that faithful morning.

Bursting into the darkness ahead of his younger companion, who had reached the tomb a few moments earlier, Peter's eyes needed to adjust to the darkness. It only took a glance for him to confirm Mary's report: Jesus' body was gone. But the situation was not as simple as a missing corpse. Instead of the dead body that had been placed in the tomb, Peter found the stained linen wrappings still lying on the slab and the facecloth rolled neatly and set aside.

John's voice suddenly broke the silence, echoing off the stone walls. “He's ... he's risen!”

“Shh!” Peter whispered, still thinking things through. He had made enough rash decisions to last a lifetime. He was not about to make another one. Somebody could have stolen the body. But who? None of the disciples; he knew that for sure. They had been hiding in a locked room since the crucifixion, fearing that they, too, would be arrested and executed like their Master. And it could not have been the Jewish authorities or the Romans. Of all people, they needed Jesus dead and buried. But who else would have snatched the body? And where would they have taken it?

“He's risen!” John insisted. Peter motioned for him to be silent, then stroked his beard with a trembling hand. Even if somebody had taken the body, they had left the burial clothes! And they had even taken the time to fold the face cloth neatly. How preposterous! You don't just go trudging around Jerusalem with a naked, cold corpse. That wasn't kosher by any standard. Peter closed his eyes as Jesus' words passed through his mind. It was as if the Lord Himself privately whispered them to him again: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32).

Tears welled up and overflowed as he opened his eyes and surveyed the empty tomb. John pressed forward, scanning the burial clothes and turning back to Peter with an expression somewhere between delight and terror: “Simon, listen to me ... He—has—risen. He—is—alive!"

Nodding his head, Peter leaned against the tomb wall and said, “You're right, John. He has risen indeed!” At that moment, Peter felt as if a massive tombstone had rolled away from his heart and stale burial wrappings had been removed from his mind. - He knew that everything would soon change—everything.

Almost thirty years later, Peter would pen these words of praise: All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Pet. 1:3).

Peter points to this living hope in the first major section of his letter. First, he informs his readers about their hope (1:1-2:12). Then he broadens his scope, letting believers of every generation know that grace and peace can be ours as we claim our hope amid suffering (1:3-12), as we walk in holiness in a corrupt world (1:13-25), and as we grow together in Christ as His special people (2:1-10).

Highlighting the grace that strengthens us to go on in spite of our circumstances, Peter shines the light on the resurrected Christ| not on us or the world| as the one reliable source of hope in hurtful times. And just as the light of day displaced the darkness in that empty tomb nearly two thousand years ago, the light of hope can fill all our hearts with joy, driving out the shadows of despair.

Let’s begin our study in 1 Peter 1:1-12 on pages 1886-1887 in your Pew Bibles.

All people, in all places and at all times, have one thing in common— we know what it means to hurt. Whether Jews or Christians, Muslims or Hindus, atheists or idolaters—our tears are all the same. Cultures ebb and flow, nations rise and fall, and people groups come and go; but suffering transcends all cultures, invades every nation, and translates its message of pain to everyone who has ever lived.

Pain, being such a pervasive problem, requires a potent prescription. Peter’s first letter dispenses the remedy by telling us how we can endure suffering, not with disciplined determination and clenched teeth but with a settled sense of peace—yes, even joy. For most, that sounds preposterous. But Peter deserves a fair hearing.

The people to whom Peter wrote were displaced believers, scarred by the flames of persecution. Their circumstances were bleak. They had every earthly reason to give up hope. Some were defecting. But Peter didn’t try to pump them full of positive thinking or offer a pile of empty platitudes. Instead, he came alongside them in their suffering, gently turning their attention heavenward, allowing them to see beyond their circumstances and find new hope in their celestial calling.

And Peter's words can do the same for us.

I love modern inventions and technology, and I am more than a bit of a geek regarding technology, especially its efficiency and convenience. But I also like old things—our ancestral home, pictures of Devola when it was still farms, quaint wise sayings from Ben Franklin, old tools, and antique furniture. One old thing I appreciate is the style of writing letters, where the person who wrote them puts their name at the beginning. Like some of my great-grandmother's diaries. Isn't that convenient? In ancient times, people signed their letters at the beginning, so the recipient knew immediately who put the ink on the papyrus.

Let’s step back again 2000 years and imagine you are a displaced Christian living amid tremendous pressure from every direction. In your best moments, you grit your teeth and complain about the Lord's delayed return. At your worst, you consider going back to the familiar rituals of the synagogue or even returning to those idol-filled temples. Somebody hands you a letter rolled up and bound at one of your disillusioned moments. You break the seal, slowly unroll the scroll, and read immediately: This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. Like a cool breeze cutting through the sultry summer heat, those opening words blow through your weariness and ignite fresh hope. That great apostle has written a letter —to you. Suddenly, that light roll of papyrus feels heavy in your hands, and you can't wait to gather with your fellow believers and pore over it. Hope has just arrived!

Peter wrote to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners. They were foreigners away from their homeland; their treasured destination was to be with Christ—in paradise when they died, | but ultimately beyond that, in His kingdom whenever He returned to establish His Global Eden. But now? Now, they were “scattered" (diaspora), displaced worldwide. Diaspora is the term James used to refer to displaced Jewish believers (Jas. 1:1). Peter uses the term in a broader sense, referring to all Christians —Jews and Gentiles—driven by hardship into the wilderness of a harsh and hostile world, persecuted and alienated. Whether they lived in their own homes or not, these readers had “scattered" lives, fractured spirits, and broken hearts. Their pain was bone-deep.

When facing persecution, our instincts tell us to flee or fight back. Persevering through suffering and responding with grace is extremely difficult. If you've ever had someone mistreat you, you know the great temptation to defend yourself, to lash back, to get even. Peter wrote to help his readers get beyond all that, gain composure, and find hope despite all the unfair treatment.

Peter begins to encourage his readers by reviewing their position before God. Verse 2 tells us God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. This reminder of God's grace toward them was to bring them peace “in abundance,” regardless of the chaos they endured in daily life.

In 1:3-9, Peter writes about how we can do more than cope with suffering. We can, in fact, defiantly rejoice in its midst! Verses 3-8 are a majestic hymn called a “doxology" (“glorifying words"). Peter praises God for providing at least six reasons we can rejoice through suffering. These verses are the meat on the bones of “grace and peace" mentioned in 1:2. And if 1:2 asserted our unconditional position before our triune God as His chosen ones, 1:3-9 describes the incomparable possessions we have in that abiding relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Bulletin Insert?

A living hope (1:3). The first reason we can rejoice is because we have a “living hope.” Believers in Jesus Christ have been “born again” to a living hope because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. When we realize that the ultimate destination on this long, arduous journey is an eternity in heaven, the potholes and breakdowns in life are worth bearing. To the unsaved, hope is nothing more than wishing upon a star.

“I hope I win the lottery."

“I hope my boy shapes up someday."

“I hope things work out for me in my job."

“I hope I make it to the next paycheck."

But this kind of wishful thinking isn't the same as a living hope. Christian hope is grounded on the reality of Christ and His resurrection. Because He rose from the grave, we, too, will be raised like Him in glorified bodies to dwell in a new heaven and new earth for eternity (1 Thes. 4:16-18; Rev. 21:5).

A permanent inheritance (1:4). The second reason we can rejoice in suffering is that we have a permanent inheritance. Have you ever been traveling and showed up at 9:30 at night exhausted from a long day of travel, you give the guy your name and credit card, and wait while he does some voodoo on his computer, then stares through you like you're a ghost? If your name isn't on their little screen, you don't exist! You then give him your confirmation number, but it does no good. Ultimately, you wind up in a seedy motel two miles down with nothing but a halfhearted apology because, somehow, your reservation vanished.

Peter offers excellent news: This will never happen to our reservation in glory! Our heavenly reservations are purchased by the blood of Christ and confirmed by His glorious resurrection. Some celestial receptionist won't look at you and say, “Now, what was your name again?" or “Could I see your credit card just once more?” No—after your long, painful journey in this life, the living God will welcome you home without an inch of red tape. We can rejoice in times of suffering because our inheritance is sure.

A divine protection (1:5). The third reason to rejoice in suffering is that “God is protecting you by his power." No matter how acute the persecution, you and I will never be lost in the process. God's hand of comfort and strength will remain with us. God is in control, no matter the calamity, no matter the cause of death, the depth of pain, the horror of catastrophe. And He is all-powerful, all-good, and all-knowing. That means we can trust Him regardless of our circumstances. Death may destroy our outward bodies, but God has promised to protect our souls—and to raise our bodies immortal and glorious “in the last time." No one can tell us why we go through such hard times. Nobody can explain it to our complete satisfaction. But because we know the kind of God we have, we can accept the mystery of suffering and know that God will protect us with His power throughout eternity.

A developing faith (1:6-7). The fourth reason to rejoice amid various trials is that these bring about a growing, strengthening faith. Peter acknowledges that they “have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." He doesn't try to downplay or dismiss the reality of suffering, but he offers a reason to “greatly rejoice" in spite of—not because of—the testing (1:6). Pain and suffering are not in themselves good. They are the result of a fallen world. We can be confident that those things will not be present When God cures this world from its curse. In spite of the evils of persecution, pain, and hardship, God providentially brings about good results.

Verses 6-7 offer four truths about trials.

They are necessary to humble us and turn our attention from self to God.

They are distressing, painful, difficult, not good, delightful, or easy.

They are varied and diverse; they come in different forms, at different times, and for different durations.

They are revealing, proving the genuineness of our faith, just as gold, when refined in fire, is purified and demonstrated to be authentic.

All these things merge to develop faith as believers endure trials throughout life. Although we don’t rejoice over the trial itself, we can rejoice over the result brought about by our God.

An unseen Savior (1:8). Christians can rejoice through times of suffering because we have confidence in the unseen power of Christ. Behind Peter’s words may be an event that happened several years earlier when Jesus revealed Himself alive to Thomas, who had doubted the Resurrection. When Thomas finally declared his belief in Jesus as Lord and God, Jesus responded, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (John 20:29). This is the category in which Peter’s readers found themselves—they were incredibly blessed because although they had not literally seen the Savior, they still believed in Him and loved Him as if He were present. We “see" Christ most clearly in times of trial. When suffering comes, it dispels much of the fog that clouds our vision. Often, all that remains is the Savior and our trust in Him.

A guaranteed deliverance (1:9). Have you ever traveled by plane and your luggage doesn’t arrive when you do?  That is frustrating. But Christ can guarantee delivery. The final reason we can rejoice in suffering is because the salvation of our souls is guaranteed. God has the power to save us physically through trials, but even when our bodies eventually succumb to death, our souls are faithfully delivered as promised.

Can we really rejoice while suffering? Peter answers this with a resounding “Yes!” But our rejoicing is not because suffering is great or because we’re out of touch with reality, but because we have a living hope, a permanent inheritance, a divine protection, a developing faith, an unseen Savior, and a guaranteed deliverance. Training ourselves to remember these truths helps to soften life's sharp edges.

What a marvelous salvation! It guarantees an inheritance for

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2353 of our trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be exploring Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, the Teacher continues his reflections on the pursuit of wisdom and the human experience.

Let’s delve into the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 1:12-18.

The Teacher, believed to be King Solomon, provides context for his reflections by identifying himself as the ruler of Israel and a resident of Jerusalem.

What insights does the Teacher offer regarding his pursuit of wisdom?

As a king, the Teacher possessed authority and access to resources, allowing him to pursue wisdom and knowledge. His position afforded him unique insights into the human condition and the pursuit of meaning.

Now, let’s explore verses 13-14.

The Teacher recounts his earnest quest for understanding and wisdom in these verses. Despite his diligent efforts, he concludes that humanity’s existence is marked by tragedy and meaninglessness.

What lessons can we glean from the Teacher’s pursuit of wisdom?

The Teacher’s dedicated pursuit of wisdom leads him to explore the complexities of human existence. However, his observations ultimately lead him to a sobering realization of life’s inherent futility and meaninglessness apart from God.

Next, let’s consider verses 15-16.

The Teacher reflects on the irreversibility of human actions and the limitations of wisdom in rectifying past mistakes. Despite his wisdom, he acknowledges his superiority over his predecessors in Jerusalem.

How does the Teacher’s assessment of his wisdom inform his perspective on life?

The Teacher recognizes the inherent limitations of wisdom in remedying past wrongs or recovering lost opportunities. Despite his superior wisdom, he acknowledges the inability to change what is inherently flawed or irretrievably lost.

Now, let’s explore verses 17-18.

The Teacher recounts his exhaustive pursuit of knowledge, encompassing wisdom, madness, and folly. However, he concludes that such endeavors only lead to frustration and sorrow, as increased wisdom brings greater awareness of life’s hardships and complexities.

What insights can we derive from the Teacher’s reflections on the pursuit of knowledge?

The Teacher’s pursuit of knowledge, spanning from wisdom to folly, ultimately yields disillusionment and sorrow. He warns against the futile pursuit of wisdom and knowledge, as increased understanding only magnifies the inherent difficulties of life.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Ecclesiastes 1:12-18. The Teacher’s reflections prompt us to consider the limitations of human wisdom and the inherent challenges of navigating life’s complexities.

As we reflect on the Teacher’s musings, may we seek wisdom that transcends human understanding and find solace in the sovereignty of our Creator. Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2352 of our trek. The purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be exploring Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 from the New Living Translation.

In these opening verses, we are introduced to the Teacher’s reflections and musings, who contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of meaning and purpose.

Let’s delve into the timeless wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.

Verse 1:

The book of Ecclesiastes begins with an introduction to the Teacher, identified as King Solomon, the son of King David, who reigned in Jerusalem. Solomon’s wisdom and experience lend weight to his reflections on life’s mysteries.

What insights does the Teacher offer in these opening verses?

The Teacher’s words carry authority and weight due to his royal lineage and reign in Jerusalem. His wealth of experience and wisdom informs his reflections on life.

Now, let’s explore verses 2-3.

In these verses, the Teacher introduces a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes—the notion of life’s meaninglessness or vanity. He questions the value of human endeavor and the ultimate purpose of toil and labor.

What insights can we glean from the Teacher’s perspective?

The Teacher’s observation of life’s transience and the futility of human efforts leads him to declare everything as meaningless. He prompts us to reflect on the purpose and significance of our endeavors in the grand scheme of things.

Next, let’s consider verses 4-7.

The Teacher reflects on life’s cyclical nature and the natural world’s perpetual motion in these verses. Despite the passage of generations and the changing seasons, the fundamental patterns of existence remain unchanged.

How does the Teacher’s observation of nature inform his reflections on life?

The Teacher draws parallels between the cyclical patterns of nature and the repetitive cycles of human existence. He observes the constancy of natural phenomena, highlighting the fleeting nature of human life in comparison.

Now, let’s explore verses 8-11.

In these verses, the Teacher laments the weariness and dissatisfaction inherent in human experience. He observes the cyclical nature of history, where events repeat themselves, and innovations are merely variations of past occurrences. Despite humanity’s quest for novelty, the passage of time erases memories and renders past deeds forgotten.

What insights can we gain from the Teacher’s reflections on the repetitiveness of life?

The Teacher acknowledges the wearisome and unsatisfying nature of human existence, characterized by a perpetual cycle of repetition and forgetfulness. He challenges us to confront the inevitability of history repeating itself and the fleeting nature of human achievements. This contrasts the lasting value of what we do to further God’s kingdom here on earth.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. The Teacher’s reflections prompt us to contemplate the transient nature of life and the pursuit of meaning amidst its apparent vanity.

As we reflect on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, may we strive to find meaning and purpose in God our creator during our fleeting lives. Until next time, keep seeking God’s wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Putnam Church Message – 03/31/2024

Today, we finish our five-week Lenten series this Resurrection Sunday. Today, our message is “Blessed Are Those Who Believe Without Seeing Me.”

Our Scripture passage for today is John 20:19-31.

There is no more important question than, “Did Jesus rise from the dead?" Because if Jesus did rise from the dead, then he has conquered sin and death. But if he did not rise from the dead, his claims are entirely false. There's nothing to them and no hope to be found in them. Either Christ is the hope of the world, or he is the great hoax of history, and the difference lies in his resurrection.

And that's why the story about Thomas in John's Gospel is so important. It truthfully allows us to ask the question, “What's the evidence? Did he rise from the dead, or did he not?" This question reminds me of the funny old Wendy’s commercials from 40 years ago where three older ladies are inspecting a hamburger with a giant bun and a small piece of beef, and one of the ladies keeps repeating, “Where’s the beef?” So today, we want to answer the question: “Where is the evidence of the Resurrection?” (Where’s the beef? The proof?)

As for Thomas, he only wanted hard, physical evidence. He knew the soldiers had pierced and wounded Jesus' body. He wanted to probe those wounds with his fingers to see if they were actually real. Thomas wanted to see a living person with a dead man's wounds. Only if he got evidence like that would Thomas commit his life to Jesus.

So, my question for you today is: What proof would satisfy you?

We live in a skeptical age, and rightfully so. We live in the age of twisted and tainted newscasts from all corners of media. Some people have boldly proclaimed it as fake news. While most news is probably not fake, most newscasts are slanted to a particular mindset or worldview. The objective is to instill enough fear in us so that we keep coming back for more.

Some people make spectacular claims on the internet fringe — like “The Earth is Flat” or “I saw Big Foot" — and we take such reports with a grain of salt. Some people today even doubt more established reports, such as the human-based lunar landings in the 1960s and 70s. In 2006, a poll of college students revealed that 27% doubted whether people had ever set foot on the moon. We're skeptical, and we expect there will be hoaxes.

We also realize that science can explain many things. For instance, it has been said that 60% of people losing their eyesight will start seeing things that are not there - like animals and geometric shapes. Some report seeing little people four inches high. It’s an actual medical condition called Charles Bonnet Syndrome. So, if you are losing your eyesight and see little people four inches high, you can shout out, “Leprechauns are for real!" or realize that you might have Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

Because of our skeptical age, when people consider the story of the resurrection of Jesus, many say, “The Apostles must have imagined it!" Or “It's an exaggeration.” In the 20th century, psychologist Sigmund Freud said that Jesus must have gone into a coma and appeared dead, but then he regained consciousness. He was not resurrected, but He was resuscitated instead.

The first clue is the actual evidence of death. Jesus lost a lot of blood from having his body scourged and his hands and feet pierced. Moreover, when a spear was thrust deep into his side, blood flowed out copiously. If he were still alive, he would have bled out in minutes. The soldiers who executed Jesus knew how to recognize death. Their jobs as executioners depended on it. Yet, they found no signs of life in Jesus. People in a coma always breathe and always have a pulse. But for Jesus, it was not like this.

The second clue is the despair of the apostles. They were despondent and confused. They did not know what to do as they hid behind locked doors and feared for their lives. When we are in deep grief, we get confused. Grieving and fearful people are hardly able to plot elaborate hoaxes like a resurrection. And certainly, the apostles had absolutely no motive to do so.

The third clue is the apostles' reaction when they saw the risen Jesus. They reacted with fear and doubt. They were alone behind locked doors when, suddenly, Jesus appeared before them. What was this? A ghost? An illusion? Luke tells us that Jesus asked for a piece of broiled fish and ate it in front of them (Luke 24:41-43). The Apostles knew that ghosts don’t eat fish. But that piece of fish convinced them he was alive, even while their heads were still spinning.

But Thomas wasn't there when Jesus appeared to the others. He witnessed none of the first-hand evidence for himself. For him, only hard physical evidence would do so. The same still holds true for so many people today.

There are two kinds of evidence in the world. The first is physical evidence, or what we call scientific evidence. It comes when we personally probe, observe, test, measure, and then draw conclusions. The second is what we call testimonial evidence. This is evidence based on the testimony of others — others who have done the observing for us.

Most people think that scientific evidence is superior to testimonial evidence, but we forget that most of what we accept as accurate is based on testimony. When you step on an airplane, you haven’t done all the science that went into making that plane fly - all the math and the testing in wind tunnels. Most of us don't know anything about aeronautical engineering. We simply trust the testimony of others that the plane will fly.

Think of it - most of what we know comes from the testimony of others. We accept that the earth is round, that it travels around the sun, and that the sun is a nuclear furnace hurtling through space, but how do we really know? It’s because others tell us. How do any of us know that World War I happened? Well, reliable people have told us so. Although there are holocaust deniers around today, we know that there was an actual Jewish holocaust because there are those who experienced it and wrote down what they witnessed, and we accept what they say.

Thomas did not want testimonial evidence. He wanted only physical evidence. But then Jesus, in his mercy to Thomas, allowed him to have it.

A week after Jesus first appeared to the Apostles, Jesus appeared again, but this time with Thomas present as well. Jesus said to him in verse 27, He was telling Thomas, “Go ahead and be the scientist. Do your experiments on me. Observe. Measure. Examine the hard, physical evidence."

Eighty years later, in his Letter to the church in Smyrna, Ignatius of Antioch wrote about that day when Jesus appeared to Thomas and the Apostles. Ignatius personally knew the Apostle John, who was there that day with Jesus and Thomas.

And Ignatius tells us - with information that likely came from the Apostle John himself, that Thomas actually did touch Jesus’ wounds. Thomas actually did probe. And investigate. And look closely. Not only him, but Ignatius also says that the other Apostles did. They all took a good, close look at the evidence.

Some people say there is no scientific evidence for the resurrection of Christ. That's not true. That day, the Apostles were the scientists. They were the investigators. They did the probing. They drew the conclusions. They announced their results to the world. And then they staked their reputations and lives on the physical evidence they found.

Thomas, the hard-core skeptic, saw the evidence and announced his results. Turning to Jesus he said, “My Lord and my God!" In reply, Jesus answered:

In these words, Jesus is speaking to us who wish we could have the same physical evidence that Thomas was given. Jesus knows how hard it is for us to believe without seeing. But we still have the testimonial evidence of the Apostles. Jesus blesses us if we base our faith on that testimonial evidence, even if we still yearn to be able to see the physical evidence with our own eyes.

What proof do you want before you accept the resurrection of Jesus? If only hard-core scientific evidence will satisfy you, then, sorry, you’re two thousand years too late for that. But you might as well stop believing anything that anyone ever tells you, because most of it is testimonial evidence.

But you still might want to listen to Thomas the Doubter, or should we call him Thomas the Scientist, because after he investigated Christ's wounds, he drew his conclusion by saying, “My Lord and My God!" This is the most substantial confession of faith in Christ we find anywhere in the Bible. So convinced was Thomas by what he saw that he brought the message about Christ to places now known as Iraq, Iran, and India. He is traditionally buried near the city of Madras in the south of India, where he was martyred because of his testimony.

In our skeptical age, people like to ask, “What scientific evidence is there for believing in God!” To that, we have to say, “There is none." And that might start you thinking, “Why should I believe in something without scientific evidence?"

But should you ever feel the lure of atheism or a more popular term today is deconstruction, know that it involves a more significant step of faith than believing in God. After all, there is no scientific evidence that disproves God either. No experiment can disprove the existence of God.

And neither is there any testimonial evidence that can disprove God. No one can testify to the non-existence of something. It's like testifying that Kenya does not exist because you’ve never personally seen a person from Kenya.

So, if you are ever attracted to atheism or deconstructionism, know that you will be taking a more significant step of faith that lacks both scientific evidence and testimonial evidence.

In contrast, although we may lack the physical evidence today for Christ's resurrection, the testimonial evidence is enormous. The Apostles were reliable men with nothing to gain by believing in the resurrection. They did not expect Jesus to rise from the dead. They initially doubted it. In the end, many of them ended up being killed for it.

Neither can we say that the resurrection was an elaborate hoax. Consider again the first lunar landings. Over 400,000 people worked on the Apollo space program, but none of them ever said, “It was a hoax. We were all just kidding!” Similarly, Paul writes that he knew over 500 people who saw the risen Christ, most of whom were still alive in Paul’s day. Yet none of them ever wrote a book that said, “We were just kidding.” If Christ's resurrection was just a hoax or a conspiracy, why did hundreds of people keep silent about it? Can so many people keep a secret for such a long time?

Carl Sagan was a scientist well-known for his books and television programs that explained science to the masses, but he was also a modern Doubting Thomas. Along the way, Carl Sagan and Frier John Catoir, a Catholic priest, began a correspondence. Carl Sagan wrote in one Letter: “There’s not a shred of evidence in the entire universe for the existence of the supernatural.” To which Frier John replied, “You're right. You can't prove the existence of God in a test tube. But there are more ways of knowing truth than just science. Just look at the universe - its intricacy, beauty, complexity, and exactness- does it not suggest the existence of a Creator?”

Then Frier John wrote this to Carl Sagen:

I mention this story about Carl Sagan simply because it is a perfect example of how hard it is for us to believe in the resurrection of Christ in our modern, scientific age.

Perhaps you sometimes struggle to believe God's promises through Jesus Christ. If you sometimes feel like a modern Doubting Thomas, know that Christ understands your struggle as you lack the scientific evidence. Still, he wants us to believe, and he blesses us when we believe based on testimonial evidence. We may lack scientific evidence, but we still have sufficient testimonial evidence to support our belief.

May God instill in all of our hearts this Easter Sunday, this Resurrection Sunday, genuine hope in the resurrection of Christ. And may God strengthen the gift of faith in all of us, especially when we doubt.

Next week, we begin a new series. We will systematically explore the letters of 1st and 2nd Peter. Invest some time reading 1st Peter 1:1-12 for next week’s message.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!

Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2350 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.

In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll be exploring the final portion of Proverbs, which covers Proverbs 31:10-31 from the New Living Translation.

In these verses, we encounter the noble virtues of an excellent wife, as King Lemuel’s mother described.

Let’s embark on our journey through the beautiful portrayal of an excellent wife in Proverbs 31.

This verse sets the stage for describing a woman of great worth and character.

What qualities define this virtuous wife?

Priceless Virtue: A virtuous wife possesses immeasurable worth, surpassing the value of precious gems. Her character and integrity are her most valuable assets.

Now, let’s explore verses 11-12.

These verses highlight the trustworthiness and positive impact of the virtuous wife on her husband’s life.

What role does trust play in the relationship between a husband and wife?

Trust and Enrichment: The virtuous wife is a faithful and reliable companion, enriching her husband’s life with her presence and actions. Her commitment to his well-being brings stability and joy to their relationship.

Next, let’s consider verses 13-19.

These verses portray the industrious and resourceful nature of the virtuous wife, who diligently tends to her household and engages in productive work.

What can we learn from the example of the virtuous wife’s industriousness?

The virtuous wife is proactive and resourceful, engaging in various tasks to provide for her family’s needs. She demonstrates diligence, foresight, and hard work in managing her household and pursuing profitable ventures.

Finally, let’s examine verses 20-31.

These verses depict the virtuous wife’s compassion, foresight, influence, wisdom, and reverence for the Lord, earning her praise and honor from her family and community.

What lessons can we derive from the exemplary qualities of the virtuous wife?

The virtuous wife exemplifies compassion towards the needy, wisdom in her words and actions, and reverence for the Lord in all aspects of her life. Her influence extends beyond her household, earning admiration and praise from her family and community.

And there you have it, my fellow trekkers, insights from Proverbs 31:10-31. These verses offer us a profound portrait of an excellent wife, embodying virtues that inspire and elevate.

As we continue our journey through the pages of the Bible, let’s aspire to embody the virtues of the excellent wife in our own lives. Until next time, keep seeking wisdom and make it a part of your daily trek.

If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of our Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.

Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal.

As we take this trek together, let us always:

Live Abundantly (Fully)

Love Unconditionally

Listen Intentionally

Learn Continuously

Lend to others Generously

Lead with Integrity

Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain reminding you to Keep Moving Forward, Enjoy Your Journey, and Create a Great Day Everyday! See you next time for more wisdom from God’s Word!