Even with the bitter cold and the “black ice” gripping the Kentucky roads this past week, the warmth of the Lord was felt in the sanctuary. Brother Duncan opened our mid-week study with a heart full of gratitude for those who braved the weather to be in the house of God.
Before the message, the church lifted their voices with two powerful hymns from the red hymnal: “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” and “Dwelling in Beulah Land.” There is truly nothing like the congregational singing of the saints to prepare the heart for the preaching of the Word.
1. The Snare of High-Mindedness
Teaching from 1 Timothy 6:17, Pastor Arville Duncan warned against the danger of “big-headedness” that often comes with worldly success.
- Don’t Be High-Minded: Brother Duncan reminded us that God hates pride. Whether a person makes a little or a lot, we must never think we are above anyone else.
- Uncertain Riches: We were cautioned not to trust in “uncertain riches.” As Brother Duncan noted, “When you die, somebody else is going to get them.” He reflected on the Great Depression, reminding us of those who took their own lives because their identity was in their bank account rather than in Christ.
2. The Blessing of the Lord
Brother Duncan pointed us to the promise found in Proverbs 10:22:
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
He shared that being “rich” in the Lord means having a good roof over your head, food on the table, and the peace of God in your heart. He spoke fondly of his 30 years at Ford and his years of labor before that, noting that through all the hard work, it was the Lord who provided the “provisions” for his family.
3. The Habit of Tithing
A key point of the evening was the importance of faithful giving. Brother Duncan shared his own testimony, noting that he and Gary started tithing the very week they were baptized over 52 years ago.
- It Belongs to God: “The tithe belongs to the Lord… you’re giving the Lord’s share back to him.”
- God’s Provision: He encouraged the congregation that you can never out-give God. When you are truthful with Him, He ensures you have what you need—from medicine to transportation.
4. A Firm Foundation
Drawing a comparison to an old building in Smithville that crumbled because it was built without footers, Brother Duncan emphasized the necessity of a spiritual foundation.
- The Only Foundation: He quoted 1 Corinthians 3:11: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
- The Word is God: He challenged the church to remember that the Bible is “very God” in print. Our foundation isn’t the church building or the campground—it is the Person of Jesus Christ and His excellent Word.
Closing Reflection: Satisfied in Glory
Brother Duncan shared a touching memory from a funeral service he conducted earlier that day for Sister Lee. He recounted how her only desire in her final days was to go home to heaven to be with her Savior and her husband. “She’s finally satisfied,” he said, reminding us all that heaven is our true eternal home.