Church Growth

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Problem Stated

Christians today have become discouraged.  In our classes, we read the book of Acts.  We see how rapidly the church expanded during this period of time.  Then we turn, examine ourselves, and want to know why similar results do not occur in this present age.  Certainly, our labors are not without efforts.  Certainly, we desire the church to grow.  Yet, the dynamic and exciting growth of the first century never seems to occur.  Why, we ask, why?

False solutions

As a result of this troubling question, church growth seminars tend to emphasize method rather than message.  Symbolism is placed over substance.  Many of these seminars have changed Gospel preachers into warmed over motivational speakers (Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins) cheerleaders and clowns.

Many members have misplaced emphasis.  This shift in value has caused some to make statements such as follows: “If only  we could procure on to lead us in song that has a voice like Elvis Presley – then we would grow”…  “If only  we hired a preacher that was a great orator like Jimmy Swaggart, Oral Roberts, Billy Graham, or Martin Luther King Jr. – then we would really see growth”… “If only we could find a preacher with a voice like Orson Welles, James Earl Jones, or Morgan Freeman”…”If only the preacher looked like Burt Lancaster, or Brad Pitt”…”If only  we had a nicer auditorium then people would come.”

This writer understands the importance of presenting ourselves in an attractive way. However, this mentality has gone to an extreme that is leading us down a very dangerous path.

Several false assumptions have developed as a result of this current thinking.  Today, members honestly believe that if the preacher presented himself in proper fashion and worked hard, the church would grow.  They also assume that if the church does not grow the preacher must not be doing something right, and therefore, must be relieved of duty.  Though most would never explicitly state it, they believe it is no longer the Gospel that saves (Romans 1:16) but growth is the result of having proper programs and pleasing personalities in place.

How does this reasoning fit with Bible teaching?  First, it would imply that Jesus needed to attend a church growth seminar (John 6:53-6:66).  Many rejected Jesus (John 1:10, 11).  It would imply Noah did something wrong (2 Peter 2:5).  It implies the same of Abraham (Genesis 18:24-32), Jeremiah or Ezekiel would also be guilty of being poor preachers by implication (Jeremiah 5:1-ff;Ezekiel 23:30).

How should we view the situation Biblically?

First, the Bible clearly affirms that few will make it (Luke 13:23, 24; 1 Corinthians 1:26).  In Mark 4 only one of the four soil types received the seed the way  it should be received.  We must not set our expectation level too high or we will become discouraged and give up.

Second, we must never put method and style ahead of message and substance.  Paul was not the best pulpit preacher (2 Corinthians 10:10; 1 Corinthians 2:3-5).  Nevertheless, He is our proper model (1 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9).  Members and elders should demand that the preacher preach the truth, and the whole truth (2 Timothy 4:1-2; Acts 20:20,27).

Third, we must remember God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6).  If the seed is being sown both publicly and house to house by the preacher and members and numbers are not being converted, then, it is not the fault of the local church or the preacher. The fault is in the hearers. {Note: This assumes that the work is actually being done. This also assumes that the truth is being preached in love (Ephesian 4:15). In many cases the work is not being done, and it is not being done with love.}

Fourth, we must realize evangelism is only part of our purpose as a church.  We are first and foremost here to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 4:11).

Fifth, let us realistically look at reasons accelerated, rapid growth occurs.  Sometimes growth occurs simply because the area is growing in population.  We have little control of this.  Rapid growth also occurs because of a watered-down message (2 Timothy 4:3).  This is not the kind of growth for which we should strive. Growth sometimes comes from sister churches having problems. This is not really growth, but a shifting of numbers. The last reason growth occurs is because of fertile soil (Acts 2; Matthew 13).  This is the kind of growth we desire, but we must realize we can’t control this either.  Some parts of the world are ready and hungry for the Gospel. Other parts are not. These things sometimes change over time. {Note: I have preached in places where dozens of baptism per year occurred. I have preached in places where few baptism a year occurred. I have held meetings which resulted in many baptism. I have held meetings in which no one was baptized. I have done mission trips which have resulted in hundreds of baptisms. I have done mission trips with hardly any responses. Yet, the same message was preached. The message did not change. Further, I have seen different responses, and different levels of interest even in the same place at different times}

Let us simple continue to sow the seed where ever we are, and whenever we have opportunity. This pleases God.  Let us seek to magnify Him in this life. Don’t get discouraged. Preach the word! Live for Him! Do so whether others choose to follow Him or not.

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Anti-Semitism

Posted on July 13, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Many Jews were offended over the movie, “The Passion of the Christ.”.  They did not want it to appear as if they were the ones who caused Jesus to be crucified; but of course, their ancestors were responsible (John 19:11; Matthew 27:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15).

Having said this, should we be anti-semitic?  Absolutely not!  Jesus Himself was a Jew.  Moreover, let us remind ourselves that Jesus really did for us all (Hebrews 2:9).  Further,  the fact that just because someone`s ancestors might have done this or that in the past does not mean that one should be held as guilty of such (Ezekiel 18:20).

Anti-Semitism is nothing new. This is why the Apostle Paul argues that God had not rejected all Israelites. First, he points out that he too was an Israelite (Romans 11:1).  Paul’s salvation demonstrated that God had not arbitrarily rejected Israelites.  Robert Taylor Jr. has written, “Salvation is available for both Jew and Gentile but only if welcomed and obeyed by individuals of each race.  Redemption is individually centered – not nationally accepted” (Studies in Romans, p. 190). Let us consider Romans 1:14-16.  Again, brother Taylor has written, “God had rejected them as a nation for a surety and for good reason… But national rejection had not as much as a particle to do with whether they, as individuals, could be saved” (ibid, 191).

Second, Paul affirms that just as God had a faithful remnant in Elijah’s day, even so He had such in Paul’s day (Romans 11:4-5).  Not all of Israel had rejected the Gospel.

Third, though Paul was primarily working with the Gentiles, he still cared very deeply about the Jewish people (cf. Romans 9:1-3; 10:1; 11:13-14).  Paul’s hope was that the Gentiles might be able to provoke (in a good sense) some of the Jews to obedience to the Gospel (Romans 11:11,13-14).

Fourth, he reminds the Gentiles of “the firstfruit” (Romans 11:16a).  The wording is often used of the first converts in time or area (eg. Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15; James 1:18).  Let us remember the first of all converts were Israelites (Acts 2).  Bobby Liddell has written, “The believing Jews on Pentecost were the first fruits… As such, they were the pledge of a fuller harvest.  All who will follow their good examples and do as they did will be as they were – saved in Christ” (Annual Denton Lectureship Book, Studies in Romans, p. 215).

Fifth, “the root” is mentioned (Romans 11:16b).  The root, many think, refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  The promise was made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  All things grew from there.  The Gentiles were beneficiaries of that root.  The root bears or supports the Gentiles, not the other way around (Romans 11:18).  It was Israelites who carried the Gospel into all the world (cf. Romans 15:26-27 with Galatians 6:6).  Salvation was of the Jews (John 4:22; cf. Isaiah 2; Micah 4; Acts 8:4; Acts 10-11; Acts 9:15).

Sixth, they should not boast against the Jews (Romans 11:18).  Why not?  Namely, he mentions that the root bears or supports them (Romans 11:18).  Also, God had not arbitrarily rejected all of Israel (Romans 11:1, 20, 23); nor, had He arbitrarily accepted all of the Gentiles (Romans 11:20-22).

Seventh, Paul compares the Jew and Gentile (Romans 11:19-22).  Some might have thought Israel was broken off due to their own unworthiness and the Gentiles grafted in due to their own worthiness. Some might have concluded –  “Aren’t we special!”  Paul says, you should consider this: Those who know olive trees (or any fruit trees) know that pruning does takes place from time to time.  The fact is – the Jews had no monopoly on unbelief.  If a Gentile did not continue in His goodness, pruning time would come.

Eighth, Paul makes the point that it was indeed possible for an unbeliever to become a believer (Romans 11:23-24).  In grafting an orchard or vineyard one usually chooses the most cultivated branches, branches of similar quality as the stock.  In Paul’s illustration the inferior branch is the Gentiles.  The point is this –  if God is able to graft in an uncultivated branch, then He certainly is able to graft in a branch that had been cultivated (the Jews – Romans 3:1-2; 9:4-5; 10:4).

Ninth, the great point which they weren’t to forget is that Israel could be saved (Romans 11:26-27).  The word ‘so’ (houtos) means ‘in this way’ or ‘by this manner.’  McCord’s New Testament translates the “In this way, all Israel will be saved.”   The context is clear, Israel’s hope is in Christ (Romans 11:26-27).  They must turn from their unbelief  (Romans 11:23).  They must believe the Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16).  They must obey (Romans 6:16-18; 1:5; 16:26; cf. Hebrews 5:9).

Tenth, Paul again hoped that through the Gentiles living the Gospel, more and more Jews might likewise become obedient (Romans 11:31, 11, 14-15 cf. 2 Corinthians 9:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

Eleventh, though Israel had turned out to be (in general) enemies of the Gospel, the Gentiles should not forget that God chose to work His plan through those people due to His love of the fathers (Romans 11:28). The fathers are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. Deuteronomy 4:37; 7:7-8; 10:15 cf. Romans 11:28).

Twelfth, God’s mercy was what permitted justification (Romans 11:30-31).  This was true of both Jew and Gentile.  So where is the place of boasting? (Romans 11:18, 25a).

Christ is to be Lord of all. The gospel of Christ is God`s power to save both the Jews and the Gentiles (Romans 1:16).  “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him” (Romans 10:12). “For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9).

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A Monument to the Boll Weevil?

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Located in the small town of Enterprise, Alabama, a town about 30 miles north of the Florida state line, stands the world’s only monument in honor of an insect – the Boll Weevil.

The Boll Weevil is a small beetle, thought to be native to Central America. It entered the United States  in 1892 from Mexico. It first appeared in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, but by 1909 it had spread across the South (note: it also spread in the 1940s into South America). Its average length is just 6 millimeters. However, it is a big problem for cotton farmers. It feeds upon the cotton plant. It is estimated that this insect has cost U.S. farmers $13 billion, since its appearance. The boll weevil eradication program which began in 1978 has been a great success. Moreover, the appearance of the Fire Ant has also contributed to the Boll Weevil’s decline.

Why would any southern town erect such a monument?  This town in the early 1900’s was a cotton town.  But then in 1915 came those dreaded boll weevils.  Two-thirds of the country’s crop that year was destroyed.  The devastation led to agricultural diversification.  Many of the farmers turned to the growing of peanuts for income.  The result was the local economy was healthier and more vibrant than ever, and the local farmers likewise were more prosperous than ever before.  And so, in 1919 the monument was erected to give thanks for the boll weevil.

We too can learn, grow, and mature through diversity.  When life is difficult, don’t give up, but adapt. May we use all of life as an opportunity to do good, spiritually grow and draw closer to God (Genesis 50:20-21; Psalm 119:67, 71).

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Serotinous Cones

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

A forest fire rages. Thousands of acres burn.  How is the forest to survive?

The Bible proclaims, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead (divine nature B.H.)…” (Romans 1:20).  Evidence of Intelligent Design is seen in the created order.  Let’s examine His planning for forest fires.

Many conifer trees (such as pine, spruce, cypress and Sequoia) are designed for regrowth after a fire.  Seeds of these plants are protected in the cones. These trees produce a certain portion of their cones serotinous, or sealed with resin.   The cones open, releasing the seeds, after being exposed to high temperatures (the kind of heat produced by fire).  Note: some angiosperms (such as the eucalyptus) also have similar designed in their pods.

A man, I know, visited Yellowstone National Park after a great fire, several years ago.  He was amazed to see the abundant growth in areas that had been scorched.  He was told of serotinous cones. What a design!  God provided a way for reforestation to occur.  While other plants regrow in a burned area slowly though wind and animals transporting the seeds, God has provided a means to expedite regrowth –  thus,  speeding the return of animals to the area.

Did this just happen?  Did it happen by chance or random mutation?  Did it not take a mind for such design?  But, trees have no mind.  There must have been a mind, an intellect for such a design to be in place, for if there is design there must be a designer.  The Bible says, “every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4).

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Lester Tipton

Posted on July 6, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

 You might sometimes wonder if your good deeds of kindness are really making positively difference in the lives of others. You might wonder if  you are leaving a lasting positive influence on others. I’m here to tell you that you may well be, far more than you ever know.

When I was in  preacher training school, struggling as most students to make ends meet, a deed of kindness was done unto me which I will never forget.  I was driving the nearly 45 miles between my home and the school on four bald tires.  Suddenly, one of my rear tires blew.  I managed to get the car to the side of the road and off the freeway.  I walked from there to the home of a church member.  His name was Lester Tipton.  All I wanted to do was use his phone to call someone to pick me up.  He, seeing the predicament I was in, took me to a tire store and bought me a new set of tires.

Lester is now dead, but his kindness still encourages me.  I often think about his act of kindness.  When the world is unkind, and when even some brethren behave like the devil, I think upon Lester Tipton. His kindness reminds me that are  good, kind souls out there. Moreover, his act of kindness reminds me how encouraging deeds of kindness can be to others. This motivates me to show kindness.

Brethren, as we go throughout our lives, let us show kindness.  Let us remember the words of Jesus, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me… Inasmuch as you did  not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to  Me” (Matthew 25:40, 45).  Jesus after setting forth the parable of The Good Samaritan said  “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).  Let us remember (1 John 3:17), “Whoever has this world’s good, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?”  How you treat another may help to edify another years later.

Furthermore, remember  God appreciates these acts of kindness – “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10); “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Mark 9:41).

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The Man, The Boy, The Donkey

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Once upon a time there was a man, a boy (the man’s son), and a donkey.  The three were headed to the market.  They had not gone far before they met a farmer.  He said, “You are very foolish to walk to town and lead the donkey behind you.  What is a donkey good for, if not to ride upon?”  The man, wanting to please the farmer, put his son upon the donkey and away they went.

Soon, they met another who said, “See the lazy boy.  He rides on the donkey while his poor father walks.”  The father, not wanting to displease, exchanged places with the boy.

Next, they met two women who criticized saying, “Did you ever see so lazy a man?  He rides and takes his ease, while his son walks.”  The man, wanting to please everyone, pulled his son up on the donkey with him.

Finally, They passed some men who, seeing them both ride, said, “You ought to be ashamed of yourself for being so cruel to that donkey.  It is too much for so small an animal to carry so heavy a load.”  Wanting to please everyone the father had a plan. He took a long pole and tied the donkey’s feet to it, and father and son began to carry the donkey.  The father thought, “I think we’re pleasing everyone now.”  But, as they crossed the bridge they stumbled; the donkey rolled into the river below, and drowned.

This is an ancient moral story.  The point of which is that it is not always possible to please everyone.

We, as God’s people, need to get clear in our minds, who it is that we wish to please.  Paul wrote, “Therefore, we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). He instructed, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God..” ( 2 Timothy 2:15).

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A Look at Mark 16:16

Posted on July 1, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). “

It behooves us to consider the word order in Mark 16:16.  (1) Some insist by their doctrine that faith comes first, then salvation, followed by baptism.  (2) Other claim that baptism (of infants) comes first, then salvation (from original sins), followed by faith eventually.  (3) Still others claim that salvation comes first (by an arbitrary predetermination of God for each individual), then baptism and faith come along later in one order or another.  (4) But none of this is said by Jesus in Mark 16:16.  He put it in this order – belief, baptism, salvation.

The terms – “believes” and “is baptized” – are both participles.  A participle is an adjective or noun formed from a verb.  Both words modify the term “He.”  Moreover, the words “believes” and “is baptized” are not just participles, but aorist participles.  Ray Summers, in his “Essentials of New Testament Greek” said, “The kind of action in the aorist participle is punctiliar, i.e., finished action.  The time of the action is antecedent to the action of the main verb…” (page 94).   The main verb is “will be saved.” Thus,  both acts grammatically come before the words “will be saved.”  In a public debate, Garland Elkins correctly said, “Since the aorist participle never indicates action which is subsequent to the main verb, neither believing nor being baptized occur after one is saved.  But, both occur before one is saved” (Elkins – Ross Debate On Baptism and Faith Alone, pp. 7-8)

A common objection to baptism is “But, look at the final part (Mark 16:16b).  He didn’t say, ‘he who believes not and is baptized not will be condemned.’  He simply said, ‘he who believes not will be condemned.’ Therefore, baptism cannot be essential”

I have two responses.  First, He didn’t need to include baptism in the second clause.  Let me illustrate.  If I said, “He who eats and digests will live; but he that eats not shall die,”  would any object that I did not say in the second part “digests not?”  Of course not.  To negate the first is to negate the second.  Another illustration, If I said “He who takes and passes to bar examine may practice law; he who does not take the bar examine may not practice law,” would any object? Certainly not. Negating the first negates the second. Biblical baptism follows belief.  Thus, to negate the first is to negate the second. Belief is a necessary condition for Bible baptism (cf. Acts 8:12; 8:36-37; 16:30-34).

Second,  if Jesus had said – “he who does not believe and is not baptized  will be condemned,” there would be a problem.  If it was written this way, then those lost would be those who both do not believe and are not baptized. Furthermore (based on the first clause), those saved would be those who both believe and are baptized. This wording would create a difficulty. (1) What  about those who believe but are never baptized? There would be some who are neither saved, nor lost.  (2) What about those who are baptized ( perhaps as small children) but never believe?  There would be some neither saved, nor lost. Writing it as some folks would have it, creates a group of people who are neither saved or lost!  Such complicates things instead of simplifying.

Jesus said what He meant and meant what He said. Let us accept His words, and do what He said is necessary for salvation (cf. John 12:48).

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God’s Safety Net

Posted on June 29, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Some think that it is primarily the government’s or the church’s responsibility to care for those in need.  I have seen church members, who were able to relieve a family member in need, refuse to do so themselves, but instead turn to the church.

However, consider the responsibility that God has placed on the family.  Proverbs 17:17b reads, “A brother is born for adversity.” Think of Joseph.  He told his brothers, “I will provide for you and your little ones” (Genesis 50:21).  Children are a defense for aging parents.  “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth… They shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate” (Psalm 127:4-5).  The gate was the place of legal transactions (Deuteronomy 16:18; 21:18-20; Joshua 20:4; Ruth 4:1-2, 11; Proverbs 22:22).  Children are to protect their parents from being wronged or taken advantage of in their old age.  Matthew Henry commented, “The family that has a large stock of children is like a quiver full of arrows, of different sizes we may suppose, but all of use one time or other; children of different capacities and inclinations may be several ways serviceable to the family.”  Paul instructed, “If any widow has children or grandchildren let them first show piety at home and repay their parents… if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.. if any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows” (1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16).

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Our Mighty God – Behemoth and Leviathan

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

 God rapidly fire a series of questions Job, beginning in the 38th chapter of Job.  These questions demand a negative response, and are posed to demonstrate to Job that God is the mighty,and  wise  controller of the universe; and that God is sovereign.

In the 38th chapter, verse 39 and following, God illustrates from the animal kingdom His control, provision, and sovereignty He has over life.  Twelve animals are used in this illustration. The first ten animals are fairly easy for us to identify (though some of these are perhaps extinct).  These first ten include: the lion, raven, mountain goat, deer, wild donkey, wild ox, ostrich, horse,  hawk and the eagle.

The final two, however, are not so easy for us to identify, and their identity has troubled many a Bible student. They are Behemoth and Leviathan.

Some dismiss these as fictional, mythological creatures.  Thomas Nelson’s New Open Bible (NKJV) rightly says on page 618, “Those who believe that the Bible contains mythology have no problem with these creatures; to them, they simply never existed.” However, explaining these creatures as fictional, mythology destroys the whole argument of this passage.  God is reasoning with Job by appealing to these creatures.  How can Job consider a nonexistent animals to be proof of His majestic sovereign rule?

If not myth, what then are the identities of these creatures?

BEHEMOTH

Behemoth is the plural form of the hebrew word for “beast” (Behema), but in the book of Job this word is joined syntactically with singular verb forms, and singular pronouns.  Therefore, it is clear that the plural, “Behemoth,” is majestic plural. The plural is used for intensification and is referring to a “great beast,” a “beast of beasts.”

Some have contended that this animal is the hippopotamus.  In fact, the American Standard Version 1901, has so translated this word. However, this is not plausible for several reasons.  First, this creature has a tail like a cedar (40:17). This does not describe the hippo.  Second, this creature is “chief of the ways of God” (40:19), obviously a reference to size and might. The hippo is large:  5  feet tall, 13 feet long, and  3 1/2 tons. But other animals are larger. The elephant is larger: 13 feet high at the shoulders, 24 feet long, and 13,000 in weight.  The wooly mammoth was about the size of an African elephant. Dinosaurs were much larger. Argentinosaurus is thought to have been 120 feet long and to have weighted nearly 100 tons.  Brachiosaurus is thought to have stood 50 feet in height. Sauroposeidon was perhaps 70 feet tall.  Third, this creature feeds on mountains (40:20), while the hippo remains near the water.

LEVIATHAN

Evidently this creature, whatever it is, dwells primarily in the sea (Psalm 104:26).  What was it?

Some have suggested this creature to be the crocodile, but there are some difficulties in accepting such. First, this creature is described as raising itself up  high and in a frightening manner (41:21,34).  This does not sound like a crocodile. Second, this creature’s belly is evidently tough (41:30). While it is true that this may describe the crocodile’s backside, it certainly doesn’t fit the description of its underside.  Third, this creature churns the water as it swims (41:31-32). The crocodile moves stealthily in the water.  Fourth, this creature breaths fire (41:19-21). This can’t be a description of the crocodile.  Fifth, this creature appears to be untamable (41:1-8).  Herodotus (2:39) says that the Egyptians tamed the crocodile.

These creature were alive after the flood. This is evident because the book of Job was written after the flood (cf Job 22:16).

What are these creatures?  I don’t know, but likely they are both some type of extinct dinosaur.  Yes, God made the dinosaurs (Exodus 20:11)!

Whatever the case, God’s argument still stands.  “No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him (Leviathan B.H.) up. Who then is able to stand before Me?  Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is mine” (Job 41:10-11).

May we try to grasp how wise and mighty our God is. No, in our limited understanding,  we will not fully understand. But let us try to grasp it even in an imperfect way. He is truly awesome. He should be respected. He should be trusted. He knows what He is doing with His creation. Moreover, He is sovereign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lasting Value

Posted on June 23, 2014 by Bryan Hodge

Aluminum in the mid-1800’s was an extreme expensive metal.  Aluminum was plentiful (in fact, the most plentiful metallic element in the earth’s crust).  That was not the problem with this element.  The problem was that the refinement process at the time was very expensive.

The Emperor of France, Napoleon III, it is said, let his most honored guests eat with aluminum flatware. His less distinguished guests ate with gold and silver flatware.

The Washington Monument was built to  honor George Washington.  Work began in 1848.  The work was interrupted from 1855 until 1878 due to finances and the Civil War.  Finally in 1885 the work was finished and an expensive aluminum cap of six pounds was placed atop the monument.

Charles Martin Hall, an American, and Paul Heroult, a Frenchman, both about the same time (1886) found a way to refine the metal inexpensively.  The result – within two years of the Washington Monument being capped the value of the cap decreased to 1/1000 of its original price! (John Hudson Tiner, The World of Chemistry, p. 122). Today, every day pots and pans, foil, and even pop cans are made out of aluminum.

The point?  The point I am making is that what we treasure today may not be so valuable tomorrow.  Remember that true lasting, eternal riches are found in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20 reads, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through nor steal.”

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