Called Missionary Committee Meeting
David Inzer, chairman of the Missionary Committee of Arkansas, has called a special meeting to consider a candidate for the north Russellville area, as presented to us by West Park Baptist Church in Ozark. The meeting is scheduled for June 18 at 10:20 a.m. at Chenal Valley Baptist Church (1800 Rahling Rd.) in Little Rock. Your presence will ensure we have the required quorum.
Do What?
Luke 14:26 may require a double take because it is one of the most jarring verses in the New Testament. Jesus declares, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). At first glance, this command seems to directly contradict other biblical mandates, such as the command to love one’s neighbor and honor one’s parents. The word “hate” feels incredibly harsh in our day, so understanding this verse requires a deeper look at its historical, linguistic, and literary context.
To understand what Jesus meant, it is helpful to examine the original Koine Greek word used in the passage: miseō. While it can translate literally as “hate,” biblical scholars note that this term was often used as an idiom to express “loving less” or “preferring one thing over another.” A clear biblical example of this linguistic style can be found in Gen. 29:31. The text says Leah was “hated,” but the context reveals Jacob simply favored, or loved, Rachel more. Similarly, in Matthew’s parallel account of this teaching, Jesus says, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me” (Matt. 10:37).
Jesus is not commanding His followers to harbor feelings of malice or ill will toward their families. Rather, He is using strong comparative language to make a powerful point. Jesus is emphasizing that our devotion to Him must be so total and supreme that all other loves look like “hate” in comparison.
Later in Luke 14, great multitudes were traveling with Jesus. Realizing many were following Him superficially — perhaps seeking miracles or free food — He turned to address them about the true cost of discipleship. In ancient times, allegiance to one’s family and clan was one of the highest priorities in family and community life. By making a statement about “hating” one’s family, Jesus was issuing a radical challenge to this cultural norm. He was establishing that allegiance to God must take absolute precedence over every human relationship and even over a person’s own life.
Jesus demands this because He knows that divided loyalties will ultimately draw a person away from faith. If our deepest desire is to follow Christ, we cannot allow competing attachments — even those to our dearest loved ones — to become obstacles that compromise our obedience to God’s truth. While most believers in the West will not face literal hostility from their relatives, many regions worldwide still see choosing Christ result in disownment or persecution by family members. In those painful circumstances, following Jesus often requires making choices that loved ones might perceive as “hateful.”
For everyone else, the application of Luke 14:26 remains just as relevant. When faced with a choice between what our family, our culture, or our own desires want and what Jesus commands, whose voice wins?
It has been said that a superior, supreme love for Christ is the best way to truly love your family. When God is rightly placed first in your life, you are better equipped to love your spouse, children, and parents with a pure, selfless, and godly love. Ultimately, Luke 14:26 serves as a stark reminder that salvation is a free gift, but discipleship carries a cost. It calls for total surrender, requiring followers of Jesus to treasure Him above every earthly tie and personal ambition.
From Our Missionaries
Ebenezer, West Little Rock: Ruben Isturiz writes, “The gospel transforms: When I was 25 years old, I took a mission trip into the jungle region of my home country. The only way to reach Mahawuaña was by airplane, landing on a small airstrip barely 300 meters long. It was there that God taught me a lesson I have never forgotten: when the gospel reaches a place, it does more than save souls — it transforms everything around it. It transforms families, changes the way people view life, impacts communities, and can even influence an entire nation.
“That is what we are striving to do at Ebenezer. We not only preach the gospel so people may be saved by God’s grace, but we also long to see that same grace transform their homes, relationships, and everyday lives.
“The Sunday before Memorial Day, we took time to teach our congregation about the significance of this important holiday and to pray for the nation that has welcomed us. We believe immigrating to a new country also means loving, respecting, and seeking the good of the nation where God has placed us. This kind of transformation can only come through the gospel. It reflects the principle in Jer. 29:7, where God’s people are called to seek the welfare of the city to which He has sent them.
“I am also seeing this transformation among the men of our church. That same weekend, 10 men gathered for our study on biblical manhood. Typically, Hispanic men are not known for being highly involved in the life of a local church, but when the gospel takes hold of a person’s heart, everything changes. During our time together, I saw men broken and challenged by the Word of God and eager to grow spiritually. As part of that gathering, the men’s ministry also selected its leadership team for the coming year.
“The following Sunday, it was the women’s turn. They recently began a study based on Twelve Extraordinary Women. I had the privilege of meeting with them and helping guide the process of selecting their ministry leadership team.
“Please continue praying for Ebenezer. God is at work, bringing real transformation to people’s lives. At the same time, we see the enemy working to oppose what God is doing. We deeply appreciate your prayers that we would remain faithful and that many more lives would be transformed by the power of the gospel.
“To God be all the glory!”
Faith Chapel, Flippin: Johnny Shew writes, “We had a great week at Faith Chapel, with a good number and a great time of worship!
“Our folks have been extremely busy preparing and decorating for our upcoming VBS, June 5-7, which is now upon us. The decorations are amazing, all their hard work is coming together, and our youth and everyone else helping are really excited. There is so much work involved in preparing for VBS, and I can’t thank our folks enough for their efforts. I also want to thank the folks from Mt. Pleasant at Plumerville for their help in putting on our first one! We have had a good response from the community, and those interested can find the registration information on our Facebook page.
“We thank you all for your support and prayers! Please continue praying, especially that this VBS will reach those in our community who desperately need to see the light of Jesus!”
Faith Journey, Benton: Bryan Clay writes, “Faith Journey had a great week full of discipleship opportunities! We kicked things off Tuesday night with our men’s and women’s Bible studies. Both groups are growing in their faith, and it has been exciting to see the women’s group growing in both numbers and friendships.
“Thursday was spent ministering at all three nursing homes. For nearly a year now, one of our young men from the mission has been coming with me to help lead worship with his guitar, singing older hymns and helping create praise-filled worship services. It has been a blessing to watch attendance grow and see so much joy and fellowship each week.
“We wrapped up the week with our Sunday services. Even with a few people traveling and others sick, we had a wonderful time worshiping together. One of the highlights came Sunday evening when a young lady from the mission taught a children’s Bible lesson for the very first time! It has been wonderful to see her growing in her faith and now investing in the next generation. God is continuing to work, and it is exciting to watch discipleship turn into action!”
Misión Gracia Soberana (Sovereign Grace), NWA:Roberto Marcelletti writes, “Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ, from Northwest Arkansas. Patty invited me to breakfast, and we went to Maria’s house. She is a lady who sells typical food from our country, and we were able to share the gospel with her. She was quite moved and promised to go to church. Patty has her phone number and is following up with her.
“I was able to talk to Eddy and Jacky, who are getting married in June, and encouraged them to do things right and seek to glorify God with their relationship.
“Several events involving relatives of our church members caused us to unite as a church and cry out to the Lord. Angela Matthew’s son, who has a pacemaker, had an emergency and was transferred to the hospital, but he is doing much better. Norberto, the father of Nani, also had an emergency and is hospitalized. My wife, Patty, has been struggling with pain in her knee and one foot. On Monday, she has two appointments scheduled to evaluate the next steps. For now, she has had to leave her job. I appreciate your prayers.”
