From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Wed Aug  1 03:26:33 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 04:26:33 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] A) SEEING THE INVISIBLE
Message-ID: <c3c.191bf75c.33e19db9@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Wednesday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is an article from my files:

SEEING THE INVISIBLE

     The eyes of faith look upon things that are not visible.  It 
is this seeing that enables us to endure afflictions and go on-
ward even though we see the world around us decaying.
Paul said, "Therefore we do not lose heart.  Even though our
outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renew-
ed day by day.  For our light affliction (which we do see and
experience physically -- Remember what Paul's afflictions con-
sisted of, and yet he called them light), which is but for a moment (though 
at the time it is happening, it may seem end-
less), is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weig-
ht of glory (which we can see only through the eyes of faith),
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the
things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are
temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal"
(2 Cor. 4:16-18).  Of Moses it is said, "By faith he forsook
Egypt, not fear the wrath of the king; for he endured as see-
ing Him who is invisible" (Heb. 11:27).  It is through faith that
the "invisible attributes" of God "are clearly seen, being understood by the 
things that are made, even His eternal 
power and Godhead, so that they (unbelievers) are without
excuse..." (Rom. 1:20).

     We love Him whom we have not seen, and "rejoice with
joy unspeakable and full of glory" because we believe (1 Pet.
1:8).  We have not seen the inheritance, but faith assures us
that it is reserved in heave for us (1 Pet. 1:3-12).  By faith "we
see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels, for
the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He,
by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone" (Heb. 2:
9).  When Simeon saw the infant Jesus, he took Him up in his
arms and said that he could die in peace because he had seen the Lord's 
salvation prepared before the face of all peo-
ples, to be a light to the nations and glory to Israel (Lk. 2:23-
32).  By faith in the promise of God, he saw the salvation of
God and embraced them, though they died, not having receiv-
ed the promises (Heb. 11:13).  As they did, so we can see the
promises of God whether it is many years or few before we
actually receive them.  We hope for what we do not see, and 
we thus eagerly wait for it with perseverence (Rom. 8:25).  
That is the nature of our hope.

     Faith is the conviction, by evidence, of things not seen
(Heb. 11:1).  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word 
of God, so that the things which are seen
were not made of things which are visible (Heb. 11:3).  Our
sins were washed away in baptism through the blood of Christ.  We did not see 
them go away, but we embraced the
promise of God (Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16).  Jesus said to Thom-
as, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believ-
ed" (Jno. 20:29).  We who have not literally seen the Christ
can see Him with the eyes of faith as He lived and died upon
the cross.  Every time we eat the Lord's Supper, we are to
discern the Lord's body and blood (1 Cor. 11:26-29).  God has
given us word pictures of heaven and the glory of God so 
that we can see with the mind's eye the riches of His inherit-
ance.  Though we cannot see love, we can see love through
its fruits, especially in the gifts of God that bless us every
day.  Blind indeed is one who will not see the goodness of
God (Matt. 13:15; 23:16-25).  Do we see by faith or only with
the fleshly eyes?   -------- Gilbert Alexander.   </HTML>
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Wed Aug  1 03:26:41 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 04:26:41 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHEN AN ALTAR IS HARD TO BUILD
Message-ID: <cbf.10c4dd0b.33e19dc1@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

WHEN AN ALTAR IS HARD TO BUILD

     THE NEWS HIT ME HARD.  IN FACT, I WASN'T THE SAME
FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS: -- A wonderful Christian cou-
ple had lost their beautiful little girl.  She was doing great one
week but then tragically a few days later she died.  How do
you deal with that?  Even though I wasn't the one with the
immediate loss, my mind didn't want to process an answer.

     I went to the visitation and was so touched.  A collage of 
pictures of thsi little one was placed in the foyer.  One frame
said, "Suffer the little children to come unto Me for of such is
the kingdom of heaven."  The other said, "Jesus loves the
little children."  It was comforting to see such innocence be-
fore me and know that Jesus' words were true.

     My greatest joy came when I was finally within sight of the
mom and dad.  There they were with smiling faces and tear
moistened eyes.  It reminded me of how Stephen's persecut-
ors saw his face as the face of an angel (Acts 6:15).  It was 
faith on display.  I told them what it did for me to see them
smiling from a distance.  The mother said, "Good.  We want
people to see what we hae in us so that maybe they will desire to have what 
we have."  The father said, "I told my wife
before we came that we had to buckle down today.  We are
Christians."  I marveled at their devotion.

     I thought of other men and women of faith who built altars
when it was hard; who worshipped when they hurt.  Abraham'
s life was characterized by altars and tents (Gen. 12:6-8; 13:3,4,18).  His 
tent demonstrated that he knew he was just
passing through this world.  His altar demonstrated his loyal-
ty and devotion to his Father in heaven.  But the day came
when he had to build the hardest altar ever.  It was the one
on which God asked him to offer his son.  My heart is ripped
out when I hear Isaac say, "My father!  Look, the fire and the
wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"  Oh, how
that had to hurt.  The text continues, "And Abraham built an
altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac
his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood."  Those had
to be the heaviest stones he had ever picked up and put into
place.  Abraham stayed devoted to God when he didn't know
when (the promises would be fulfilled), where (God was lead-
ing him), how (Sarai could have a child at such an old age) and why (God 
would ask him to offer his son).  I am sure my
friends had questions -- why their daughter left them so early
in life yet they kept walking in the steps of Abraham's faith
(Rom. 4:12).

     I remember King David as he faced the inevitable death of
his newborn son.  David pleaded with the Lord, fasted and lay
all night on the ground.  The seventh day came and David
heard whispering.  He knew what it meant.  He said to his ser-
vants, "Is the child dead?"  And they said, "He is dead" (2 Sam. 12:19).  
What will David do?  What would you do?  How
do you deal with that?  "So David arose from the ground, 
washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes and he went into the 
house of the Lord and worshipped" (2 Sam.
12:20).  It was the response of a man devoted to God and
what comfort it must have given him!

     We will never have a greater opportunity to win others to
the Lord when we are hurting.  When we continue worshipp-
ing God in such moments, people notice.  It may be the very
thing that gets them to thinking deeply about their own souls.
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were surely hurting after they had
been beaten and put in prison.  They could have moaned,
groaned and complained.  "But at midnight Paul and Silas
were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners
were listening to them" (Acts 16:25).  That kind of devotion
moved God to bring an earthquake and moved the jailer to
ask, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:30).

     We sometimes think that the great examples of faith are 
found only in the Bible.  But today, I'll add the names of two
more modern day saints known by God to my list.  May God
bless them for erecting their altars (worshipping) even in
their hurt.  And my we have the faith to do the same.  --------
Jeff May in Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 3, March 2007.   </HTML>
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From GLClair at aol.com  Wed Aug  1 07:43:05 2007
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 08:43:05 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] Daily Bible
Message-ID: <d4d.a47bb88.33e1d9d9@aol.com>

 
DAILY Bible  Study 


 

? August 1, 2007 ? 

1 Timothy 4:1-2  (ASV) 
?1 But the Spirit  saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall  away 
from the faith, giving heed to  seducing spirits and doctrines of  demons, 
2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies,  branded in their own 
conscience as with a hot iron;? ASV     
1 Timothy 4:1-3  (ESV) 
1 Now the Spirit  expressly says that in later times some will depart from 
the faith by devoting  themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 
2 through the  insincerity of liars whose consciences are  seared, 
INTRODUCTION: 
The phrase ?In the last days? or in the latter days? and similar  phrases in 
the New Testament may refer to several events or specific  occurrences. The 
passage here in 1st Timothy surely refers to the  last dispensation and events 
that will occur during that period of time. These  last days in the text 
surely mean that period of time beginning with the  establishment of the church or 
the destruction of Jerusalem. It is my opinion that this period  covers the 
time from Pentecost of Acts 2 until the resurrection and judgment at  the last 
Day.                                                        REFERENCE: 
I.          IN THE LAST DAYS FROM Acts 2:17, ?And it shall be in the last  
days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons  
and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And  
your old men shall dream dreams:? ASV 
NOTE: Surely this  refers to the establishment of the church on Pentecost day 
 {Acts  2:1-47}. 
SEVERAL EVENTS ARE TO  OCCUR [i.e. possibly over and over with each  
generation]. 
THESE THINGS WILL  HAPPEN ?? in later  times? 
1.         Some [people] will fall away from the  truth.  This does not state 
that they will  abandon religion or that they will never go to a religious 
service again, the  passage says they will abandon the ?TRUTH?. 
THE CONSEQUENCE OF  LEAVING THE TRUTH IS SERIOUS:                             
       A.   Without truth on  cannot be free from sin ? John 8:32, ?and ye 
shall know the truth, and the  truth shall make you free.? ASV                  
                                                    
B.         Without truth we cannot know God ? 2 Tim 3:7, ?ever learning, and 
 never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.?  ASV 
2.         Some [people] will ?? give heed to seducing  spirits? 
Many will be tricked  by seducing philosophies originating in the mind of 
fallible [i.e. mortal]  men.   
The Roman Pope ? Calls  himself ?Holy Father? --- A title reserved for God ?
 cf. Matthew 23:9, ?And  call no man your father upon the earth: for one is 
your Father, which is in  heaven.? KJV 
3.         Some will follow  the ?? doctrines of demons,? 
***** See article about the  church of  Satan 
4.         The promoters of false teaching or doctrines of demons will 
deceive many  through the insincerity of liars whose  consciences are seared, 

_Glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:Glclair at aol.com)  




************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
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From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net  Wed Aug  1 09:45:36 2007
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 08:45:36 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Bible Truths and Bible Questions updates
Message-ID: <003a01c7d44a$a565d050$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>

Don Martin bringing you our newest update information:

I have published several articles to www.bibletruths.net   The new
Current Truth is, "Acts 20: 7, an Important Verse" (see excerpt below).
This material presents a complete exposition of Acts 20: 7 and also touches
on the so called "second serving issue" now troubling churches of Christ.
To read the Current Truth, when on the home page, enter through the door
and click on "Current Truth" in the directory.  Here is an excerpt:

     "...Let me commence by saying that all verses in God's word are
important, seeing that they are the product of God (2 Pet. 1: 19-21, I Cor.
2: 13, 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). However, some verses are of greater consequence
as they directly set forth teaching as to how to be saved, how to live as a
Christian, and the work and nature of the church. The historian provides us
with some valuable information and insight into the practice of the early
church in Acts 20: 7. The verse reads thus:

     "7: And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came
together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the
morrow; and continued his speech until midnight."

     We know of the instituting of the Lord's Supper, how to partake, and
where to partake from various verses, however, Acts 20: 7 provides us
with when to partake....."

The new Featured Question for www.biblequestions.org is, "Can you explain
I Peter 3: 10?" (Below.)  Our sites are now being used by about one half
million people each month and we thank you for any role you have played in
telling others about our sites.  Bible Questions is designed to reach people
and provide a service by taking questions from around the world and
providing a Bible answer.  Our men (eleven in number) work hard to
continue this service and we process, answer, and do any needed follow up
work on about 5, 000 questions each year.  Bible Truths continues to be
dedicated to presenting the truth on all subjects and issues with a decree
of totality and honesty that is becoming more sparse.

     "Question: Can you explain I Peter 3: 10?

     Answer: I Peter 3: 10 is an excellent study as evidenced by the past
questions regarding the verse. The verse reads: "For he that will love life,
and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that
they speak no guile." The verse is essentially a quotation of Psalms 34:
12-16.

    Loving life and seeing good days is possible. God wants to bless man
whom he created. Paul wrote thus of God: "Who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2: 4). God has
loved man so much that He gave His Son and provided us with his Book
(the Bible) to guide us (Jn. 3: 16, 2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). The way of sin
is hard (Prov.13: 15).

    Loving life and seeing good days is conditional. I Peter 3: 10 clearly
illustrates the conditionality of seeing good days. Peter said, "for he that
will love life.let him.." A number of specifics to loving life and seeing
good days are supplied, "refrain tongue from evil.." Man must actively
"seek peace, and ensue it."

    Concerned reader, it is obvious many are not loving life and seeing good
days. Many are confused and disillusioned. Not a few are chasing after the
glitter of sin, not realizing the pleasure of sin is only momentary (Heb.
11: 25). Organized religion has its own creeds, functions, and goals, not
those belonging to God. Hence, "in vain do they worship me, teaching for
doctrines the commandments of men" (Mk. 7: &). Families and America in
general seem to be falling apart - they have rejected God! There is so
much needless unhappiness, despair and frustration. Man without God is
incomplete. We need God to tell us how to be saved and how to live (Acts
16: 30 ff, Tit. 2: 11-14). It is only by allowing God to control us that we
really learn how to love life and see good days. Are you seeking a better
life, a life that pleases God and is truly satisfying?"

Thank you again for your interest in the truth.

Cordially,
Don Martin  dmartinbtbq at comcast.net

Check out our Web sites:  http://www.bibletruths.net
Ask and receive a Bible answer  http://www.biblequestions.org
Simply click on the URL to visit these sites.  You may print out the
material for teaching purposes, see the copyright provision on the home
page of Bible Truths.




From GLClair at aol.com  Wed Aug  1 11:39:29 2007
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 12:39:29 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for August 2007
Message-ID: <cea.15d2d420.33e21141@aol.com>

 
HILLIARD  BULLETIN 
Published by the church of Christ 
4840 Cemetery  Road ? P.O. Box 96 ? Hilliard,  OH 43026 
Phone: (614) 876-4089 
ELDERS: 
Owen  Gary Brewer - [614] 832-2569 
John  Buchanan ? [614] 893-3277 

Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair 
(614) 850-7252 
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com)  
========================================================================= 
Volume 9                                         Number 8                     
                    August 2007 
========================================================================= 

DISPUTES 
The normal interaction of humans will invariably include disputes  between 
them over many and sundry points or items that are common to all.  Perhaps we 
may better point this out by showing that this has always been true  of man from 
the beginning of God?s creation.  From a personal point of concern, I have  
continued to pursue God?s way in spite of opposition several times in my life 
as  a preacher [i.e. teacher] of God?s Word. There have been many times as I 
have  presented God?s Written Word to an audience, that after the study I have 
been  ask to clarify [i.e. or defend] my teaching on a certain point, this is a 
normal  interaction with an audience under normal circumstance. In my early 
years as a  teacher of God?s Written Word I was impatient with those who would 
question what  I had taught. This impatience often led me to improperly impugn 
the motives of  everyone who questioned those things that I was teaching.   
There are many instances  where examples of disputes are revealed in the Holy 
Scriptures sometimes the  disputants were honest and sometimes one [i.e. or 
more than one] of them was  dishonest, please note the following example: 
Eve and the  Devil [i.e. the  Devil disputed with Eve about God?s 
instruction] ---                2  Cor 11:2-3, ?2 For I am jealous over you with a godly 
jealousy: for I  espoused you to one husband, that I might present you (as) a 
pure virgin to  Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent 
beguiled Eve in his  craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity 
and the purity  that is toward Christ.? ASV 
1 Tim 2:13-14, ?13 For  Adam was first formed, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not 
beguiled, but the woman  being beguiled hath fallen into transgression:?  ASV 
EVE LOST HER WAY BECAUSE  SHE DID NOT STAND FIRM WITH THE TRUTH THAT SHE HAD 
RECEIVED FROM GOD - Gen 2:16-17, ?16 And Jehovah God commanded the man, 
saying, Of every tree  of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 but of the tree of 
the knowledge of  good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that 
thou eatest thereof  thou shall surely die.? ASV   ? Garreth L. Clair 

THE GREATEST  WORK 
There is no greater work  that we could undertake than that of being a 
faithful Christian. There are many  people today who profess to be Christians who 
are really so only by name, being  a Christian is a full time profession. The 
true and faithful Christian is that  person who lives their life as a Christian 
every day [i.e. 24/7], without  regret. There are many passages of Holy 
Scripture that tell us faithfulness to  God is a good work, a work worthy of each 
person. Please notice the following  truth about being faithful as a servant of 
Jesus  Christ: 
Matthew 25:14-28, ?14  For (it is) as (when) a man, going into another 
country, called his own  servants, and delivered unto them his  goods. 
15 And unto one he gave  five talents, to another two, to another one; to 
each according to his several  ability; and he went on his journey. 
16 Straightway he that  received the five talents went and traded with them, 
and made other five  talents. 
17 In like manner he also  that (received) the two gained other two. 
18 But he that received  the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid 
his lord's  money. 
19 Now after a long time  the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a 
reckoning with  them. 
20 And he that received  the five talents came and brought other five 
talents, saying, Lord, thou  deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained 
other five  talents. 
21 His lord said unto him,  Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast 
been faithful over a few things,  I will set thee over many things; enter thou 
into the joy of thy  lord. 
22 And he also that  (received) the two talents came and said, Lord, thou 
deliveredst unto me two  talents: lo, I have gained other two  talents. 
23 His lord said unto him,  Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast 
been faithful over a few things,  I will set thee over many things; enter thou 
into the joy of thy  lord. 
24 And he also that had  received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew 
thee that thou art a hard  man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and 
gathering where thou didst not  scatter; 25 and I was afraid, and went away and hid 
thy talent in the earth: lo,  thou hast thine own. 26 But his lord answered and 
said unto him, Thou wicked and  slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap 
where I sowed not, and gather where I  did not scatter; 
27 thou oughtest therefore  to have put my money to the bankers, and at my 
coming I should have received  back mine own with interest. 
28 Take ye away therefore  the talent from him, and give it unto him that 
hath the ten talents.? ASV  ...  Garreth L.  Clair 

THE SLOUGHTFUL  CHRISTIAN 
NOTE: 
Surely we can see the  wisdom in warning and even nagging those in the church 
who are not keeping up  with the services on a regular basis.  The problem of 
being late for Gospel Meetings, Bible classes, and worship  are generally a 
problem for those with misplaced priorities. The following  drawing was taken 
from the pages of the bulletin for the church where Norman  Fultz preaches in 
Kansas  City. 
Jude  20-25, 
?20 But ye, beloved,  building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying 
in the Holy  Spirit, 
21 keep yourselves in  the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord 
Jesus Christ unto eternal  life. 
22 And on some have  mercy, who are in doubt; 
23 and some save,  snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy 
with fear; hating even  the garment spotted by the flesh. 
24 Now unto him that  is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you 
before the presence of his  glory without blemish in exceeding joy, 
25 to the only God our  Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, (be) glory, 
majesty, dominion and power,  before all time, and now, and for evermore. Amen.? 
 ASV 
Indeed, we need to switch  cars [i.e. change our course] when we have 
priorities  wrong. 
 
glclair at aol.com 
THE FOLLOWING POINT  FROM JOHN 21 GIVES US AN IDEA OF HOW MUCH WE OUGHT TO 
LOVE THE LORD --- John  21:15-17, 
?15 So when they had  broken their fast, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, 
(son) of John, lovest thou  me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; 
thou knowest that I love thee.  He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 
?16 He saith to him  again a second time, Simon, (son) of John, lovest thou 
me? He saith unto him,  Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto 
him, Tend my  sheep. 
17 He saith unto him  the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, 
Lord, thou knowest all  things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto 
him, Feed my   
sheep.?  ASV 
CONSIDER THIS:                                                
(From Vine's Expository  Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright ? 1985, 
Thomas Nelson  Publishers 
LOVE  (Agape),   2 Peter  1:7, ?and in (your) godliness brotherly kindness; 
and in (your) brotherly  kindness love.? ASV - DEFINITION {i.e. Greek Lexicon}, 
LOVE (NOUN AND  VERB): 2. phileo NT: 5368 is to be distinguished from agapao 
in this, that  phileo more nearly represents "tender affection." The two words 
are used  for the "love" of the Father for the Son, John 3:35 (No. 1), and 
5:20 (No. 2);  for the believer, 14:21 (No. 1) and 16:27 (No. 2); both, of 
Christ's "love" for  a certain disciple, 13:23 (No. 1), and 20:2 (No. 2). Yet the 
distinction between  the two verbs remains, and they are never used 
indiscriminately in the same  passage; if each is used with reference to the same 
objects, as just mentioned,  each word retains its distinctive and essential  
character. 
Phileo is never used  in a command to men to "love" God; it is, however, used 
as a warning in 1 Cor  16:22; agapao is used instead, e. g., Matt 22:37; Luke 
10:27; Rom 8:28; 1 Cor  8:3; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 John 4:21. The distinction 
between the two verbs finds a  conspicuous instance in the narrative of John 
21:15-17. The context itself  indicates that agapao in the first two questions 
suggests the "love" that values  and esteems (cf. Rev 12:11). It is an unselfish 
"love," ready to serve. The  use of phileo in Peter's answers and the Lord's 
third question, conveys the  thought of cherishing the Object [i.e. the Lord] 
above all else, of manifesting  an affection characterized by constancy, from the 
motive of the highest  veneration. See also Trench, Syn., and Sec. Xii. Again, 
to "love" (phileo)  life, from an undue desire to preserve it, forgetful of 
the real object of  living, meets with the Lord's reproof, John 12:25. On the 
contrary, to "love"  life (agapao) as used in 1 Peter 3:10, is to consult the 
true interests of  living. Here the word phileo would be quite inappropriate.   
DO WE [i.e.  Christians] really love the Lord  whenever we without guilt miss 
the appointed assemblies, consistently come to  meetings late, and generally 
show by our actions [i.e. conversation ? manner of  life] that we put the Lord 
our God and His works second or third or even further  down the list of our 
priorities? Please note the following verses of Scripture  about priorities:  
Matthew  6:32-34, 
32 For after all these  things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father 
knoweth that ye have need  of all these things.33 But seek ye first his 
kingdom, and his righteousness;  and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 
Be not therefore anxious  for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for 
itself. Sufficient unto the  day is the evil thereof.? ASV 
HILLIARD BULLETIN for August  2007



************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
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From donskeels at sbcglobal.net  Wed Aug  1 13:12:47 2007
From: donskeels at sbcglobal.net (Don Skeels)
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 11:12:47 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [Biblemat] Free Quick Verse
Message-ID: <938955.66629.qm@web82013.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

I have a store bought copy of QuickVerse Version 6 that I don't need or want. I would be happy to mail it to the first person who wants it. I will even pay for the postage. I just want to see this go to someone who can use it.
   
  It includes:
   
  11 Bibles
  54 Reference Titles
  Classics of the Faith
  Online Library
   
  System Requirements are listed as:
   
  Pentium processor or better
  Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0 or later
  16 MD RAM minimum
  45 MB hard disk space minimum
  2X CD-ROM drive or faster
  640 X 480 display, 256 colors minimum
  Priter support
  System Configuration: May require minor adjustments to the configuration of your operatiing system and/or updates to the hardware component drives.
   
  I have everything this program offers, plus much more, in the other Bible programs I already own.
   
  Please email me privately with your address if interested.
   
  Don Skeels
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Thu Aug  2 04:16:06 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2007 05:16:06 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE WORLD IN WHICH CHRISTIANS LIVE TODAY
Message-ID: <bf4.d564c27.33e2fad6@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Thursday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is an article from my files:

THE WORLD IN WHICH CHRISTIANS LIVE TODAY

     The immediate world of Christians in various communities
is as varied as those communities are.  Christians in different
nations live under varying and sometimes extremely different
circumstances -- some very favorable and some very unfavor-
able.  We can ascertain the lot of Christians everywhere only
by personal reports from travelers, news media reports, and
rarely by our own travels and experiences.  We must not make the mistake of 
supposing that all Christians live in an
environment similar to our own.  However, we should also
understand that the fundamental nature of the struggle of 
Christians to maintain faith and godly standards of behavior
is basically the same throughout the world.  It is this struggle
and relationship to the world that I wish to address in this
piece of writing.

     The world in which we live is largely under the sway of the
adversary, Satan.  All of the nations are ruled by people who 
are not Christians.  A few of the leaders of nations profess a
loose form of belief in God.  Fewer believe in Jesus as the
Christ in any degree.  None of whom we are aware practice
real New Testament Christianity.  Thus, Christians in all nat-
ions bear the same fundamental relationship to civil authorit-
ies, as such is taught in Rom. 13 and in 1 Pet. 2:9-17.

     Christians everywhere have to resist the desire for confor-
mity to those around them (Rom. 12:1,2).  Materialism is  pre-
valent in much of the modern world as it was in apostolic
times.  Love of self, leading to selfishness, self-centered be-
havior, and self-exaltation, is a universal danger that can be
overcome only by complete, humble submission to the rule
of Jesus Christ (Matt. 16:24-27).  The inclination to comprom-
ise principles of faith in order to avoid persecution, isolation,
or ridicule must be faced everywhere.  Threats to financial
ruin are real and imminent for Christians in certain communit-
ies around the world.  Even the benefits of citizenship are re-
duced for Christians under Muslim governments.  We have
much in common with apostolic era Christians in these things. 

     Ours is a wicked world.  This we must recognize (1 Jno. 5:
19).  Absence of faith in God leads to licentiousness, immoral-
ity, corruption of marriage, dishonesty, devaluing of human
life, and rejection of all standards of ethics and right behavior
as taught by God.  Europe gives the United States a graphic
picture of where we will be in a few short years and where
large metropolitan areas already are with regard to lawless-
ess.  As our nation adopts multiculturalism in all of its aspects, we will 
see a continual decline in the quality of soc-
iety and a loss of religious liberty -- a situation that will chall-
enge the faith of the hardiest of the saints.

     The picture is gloomy, I know, but we still are not like anci-
ent Corinth, Rome, Herculaneum and Pompeii.  Christians are
still the salt of the earth, setting forth the hope of the world.
This is our lot and our mission in the wicked world of our time.  "Let us not 
grow weary in well-doing, for in due season
we shall reap if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9).  Herein are wisdom,
consolation, assurance, and strength for endurance ----------
Gilbert Alexander.   </HTML>
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Thu Aug  2 04:16:15 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2007 05:16:15 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE MESSAGE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Message-ID: <bfb.1cad79da.33e2fadf@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

THE MESSAGE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

     In the text of Matt. 3:1-12, the key word is "cometh."  "In
those days cometh John the Baptist."  John preached --

A COMING KINGDOM: -- "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand." (vs. 2).

     In scope this kingdom would be most unusual.  Daniel pro-
phesied that it would be as a stone cut out without hands that
would become a great mountain and would fill the whole earth
(Dan. 2:34,35).  When Jesus gave His commission to His dis-
ciples, He told them to "Go therefore and make disciples of
all the nations..." (Matt. 28:19).  "Go into all the world and 
preach the gospel to every creature" (Mk. 16:15).  As early as
perhaps A.D. 62 Paul wrote that the gospel had been preach-
ed in every nation under heaven (Col. 1:23).  Before being be-
headed in Rome A.D. 165, because  of his defense of Christ-
ianity, Justin Martyr wrote, "There is not a nation either of
Greek or barbarian, or any other name, even of those who 
wander in tribes, and live in tents, amongst whom prayers
and thanksgivings are not offered to the Father and Creator 
of the universe, in the name of the crucified Jesus."

     In its nature this would be a most unusual kingdom.  It
would be a kingdom on earth, andyet it would not be of this
world.  Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world: if My
kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight,
that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My king-
dom is not from hence" (Jno. 18:36).  His disciples though in
the world would not live as those of the world.  "Come out 
from among them and be separate, says the Lord..." (2 Cor.
6:17).

     In duration it would be most unusual in that it would contin-
ue forever.  "For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the
glory forever..." (Matt. 6:13).  When all other governments
cease to exist, including our nation, the kingdom of Christ,
being delivered up to God the Father, (1 Cor. 15:24) will con-
tinue forever.

     In it law this kingdom would be as no other kingdom in that it would be 
governed by a law so perfect amendment or
alteration would be prohibited (Jas. 1:25; Rev. 22:18,19).  The
founding fathers of our country knew that the Constitution,
though written with profound wisdom, was not perfect.  They
made provision for this great document to be amended as 
need might require.  Because the finite minds of the gifted
writers could not write a perfect document, it has now been
amended 27 times.

     This kingdom, future to the time of John, has now come.
John said that it was "at hand" (vs. 2).  Jesus said that it
would come with power during the lifetime of some who were
then hearing Him preach (Mk. 9:1).  This power came on the
day of Pentecost following the death and resurrection of 
Christ, and allowed the apostles to do mighty works in pro-
claiming the gospel of Christ (Acts 1:8; 2:1-47).  New Testa-
ment Scripture identifies this kingdom as the church (Matt. 
16:18,19).  This being so, we have the privilege of being citiz-
ens in it (Jno. 3:5).  Even the least in the kingdom is greater
than John (Matt. 11:11).

A COMING KING: -- John, as the voice of one crying in the
wilderness, came to prepare the way for the Lord, the coming
King (vs. 3).  In His life He would be a most unusual King.  He
would be different from all other kings in that He would be 
without sin -- "in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 
4:15).  In His power He would be unlike other kings.
He would have all authority not only on earth but also in heav-
en (Matt. 28:18).  He also would be different from other kings
in the love that He has for His subjects.  He would give His
life for all (Heb. 2:9).

THE COMING WRATH: -- John warned of the wrath to come.
"But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Saducees com-
ing to his baptism, he said to them, 'Brood of vipers!  Who
warned you to flee from the wrath to come?'" (vs. 7).  We are
now living in a period of grace, wherein the Lord is offering us a way of 
escape from sin and its dreadful consequences
through Christ and His atonement made in our behalf.  The
time approaches when the grace must give way to justice.
Warning of that time Jesus said, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My 
words, has one which judges him -- the
Word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day" (Jno.
12:48).  In that day, as the Judge of all mankind, He will say
to the greater number, "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the
everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 
25:41).

THE COMING INGATHERING: -- John further said to the people, "His winnowing 
fan is in His hand, and He will thorou-
gly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into
the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable
fire" (vs. 12).  Here John represents the good and the bad by
"His wheat" and "the chaff."  In one of His parables Jesus re-
ferred to the righteous as "wheat" and to the evil as "tares."
(Matt. 13:24-30).

     In the end when the ingathering comes those who fail to
do God's Will will be identified as "goats"  and the obedient
as "sheep."  In every day life we would not appreciate being
referred to as goats.  Here it might amount to only a slur, but
in that last day it will amount to the difference between a life
of suffering eternally separated from God and that of eternal
blessing in the glorious heavenly home.  "And these will go 
away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eter-
nal life" (matt. 25:46).

     "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy
angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory.
All nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate
them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from
the goats.  And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but
the goats on the left.  Then the King will say to those on His
right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit he king-
dom prepared for you from the foundation of the world'"
(Matt. 25:31-34).

     Our aim is that when that last day comes we may be identi-
fied with the "sheep."     ------ Billy Norris in Gospel Guide, 
Vol. 27.  July, 1995.   </HTML>
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From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net  Thu Aug  2 09:42:32 2007
From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin)
Date: Thu, 2 Aug 2007 08:42:32 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Forgiveness of others (question/answer)
Message-ID: <010a01c7d513$62153380$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9>

Hello Brenda,

Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible
Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org  Please
check out Bible Truths http://www.bibletruths.net  Go to the archives
section of these sites for material and also go to the archives search page
and type in any subject or word you wish to explore. New material is
constantly being added to both sites. Any help you can give us in telling
others of these sites will be greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible, there is an
online Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the home page,
scroll down and enter.  While on the Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible
Study Course" in the table.  Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go
there.

You asked:

Does God ask us to forgive people that do not ask for our forgiveness?

Reply:

It might come as a surprise to some, but the scriptures are very explicit
when it comes to forgiveness and all the related particulars.  Such is
expressive of the fact that God has spoken on this subject and man is to
process and apply this teaching and information.  In terms of one verse,
both the forgiveness of man's sins by God and man's forgiveness of the sins
of man are tantamount in nature (Eph. 4: 32).  When we consider the
overall teaching of the scriptures pertaining to forgiveness, we find that
God's forgiveness of man's sins is conditional (cp. Acts 2: 38).  We also
see that man's forgiveness of sins committed against him is also
conditional (cp. Luke 17: 3, 4).  This is not to say, though, that in the
absence of these conditions being met justifies hate or vengeance.  There
must be at all times a "forgiving spirit" (cp. Luke 23: 34).  For more
detail, I suggest you read, "Forgiveness" found in www.bibletruths.net
When on the home page, click on the "Great Truths" button and scroll
down to the topic and click on the "click here."  Here is an excerpt:

     "...Forgiveness of sin is truly a great Bible truth. Forgiveness is
great because of the enormity of sin (that which is forgiven), the one
who forgives (in the case of God), the cost of forgiveness, and the
unworthiness of the one forgiven. There are three areas involving
forgiveness: God's forgiveness of man's sins, man's forgiveness of
man's sins in general, and the one sinned against forgiving the
offender....."

Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual
matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference
(web addresses, etc.). You may print out any material you desire in
both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see the copyright provision at
the bottom of the home page in Bible Truths).

Cordially,
Don Martin






From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Fri Aug  3 03:19:06 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 04:19:06 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] A) QUESTION AND ANSWER
Message-ID: <bc3.143d9d9f.33e43efa@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Friday morn-
ing to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.  Here
is a question and answer from my ancient files:

QUESTION AND ANSWER

QUESTION: -- I have been a member of the church of Christ
                       for many years now, and am wondering more
                       more why the church does not use instrument-
                       al music in the worship services?  They are 
                        found in Psalm 150 you know.

ANSWER: -- The beginning of this question is a sad comment-
                     ary on the church today.  First, that one would 
be in the church for years and not hear teaching from God's
Word on this subject.  Second, that one would wonder about
this for years and not be able to find someone who could 
Scripturally answer question.  Third, it is sad that one would
be in the church for many years and not learn the difference
between the Old Testament Law and the New Testament Law.

     The simplest explanation as to why instruments of music
are not used in the worship of the church is this: "They are
not authorized in New Testament worship."  You see, the
question is this:  "Does God want what He has authorized in
worship, or is man free to invent unto himself the elements
he will use in his worship?"  There can be no doubt that God
has always accepted only what He Himself has authorized in
the worship offered to Him.  Nadab and Abihu offered "Strange fire before the 
Lord, which He commanded them not" (Lev. 10:1), and God destroyed them then 
and there on
the spot for it.  God would not allow them to offer what THEY
wanted; He required what HE commanded.  Has that principle
changed?  When God commanded Noah to build an ark of
gopherwood, would Noah have pleased God by mixing in some pine or oak or 
cypress?  Would God accept our worship in the Lord's Supper if we added hamburger 
and Coke?

     Speaking of Psalm 150, it does speak of mechanical instru-
ments in the worship: "Praise Him with sound of trumpet; 
praise Him with psaltery and harp.  Praise Him with timbrel
and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs.
Praise Him upon the loud cymbals" (vss. 3-5).  But may I
remind you that this is in the Old Testament laws that govern-
ed the Jews only and governed their lives until the Christ should come.  What 
was written in the Old Testament, con-
cerning the worship of the Jews, was written for our learning
and example of God's dealing with his chosen people, the 
Jews, to guide them until Christ should come and fulfill the
need for such laws.  Remember, that Christ said He did not
come to destroy the Law of Moses, given to guide the Jews
until the Seed should come, but that He came to fulfill it.  To
fill the purpose of it in the first place.  We are told that it was
given to the Jews, and to them only, because of transgress-
ion UNTIL the Seed, Christ, should come.  (note: (1 Cor. 10:11
Rom. 15:4,etc.).  These Old Testament Laws of Worship do
not govern our lives that live under the New Testament Laws
of Worship.  For instance, they were commanded to offer up
meat and grain offerings on a regular basis in their worship.
Our governing laws are found in the New Testament, not in
the Old:  "For this cause He is the Mediator of the New Testa-
ment...For a testament is of force after men are dead" (Heb.
9:15-17).  Christ removed the Old Testament, "nailing it to His
cross" (Col. 2:14).  As is explained in Heb. 7:12; 10:9, "The
priesthood being changed, there was made of necessity a
change also of the law...He taketh away the first, that He may
establish the second."  We today, live under the second not
the first.  The New Testament, not the Old.  So, to authorize
mechanical instruments from the Old Law would also author-
ize and require all the other elements of worship required by
the Old Law, such as, animal sacrifices, incense burning, sabbath keeping, 
tithing, etc.  We live, and worship accord-
ing to the teaching found in the New Testament not the Old.

     There is no authority from the New Testament to use mechanical 
instruments of music in the worship of God today, any more than there is to offer 
animal sacrifices.  If
one item of the Old Law is held on to, all must be held on to
as well.  One cannot pick and choose what he desires to use
from the Old Testament in the worship, any more than he can
pick and choose what is required in the New Testament in
carrying out the worship of God.  He must accept and pract-
ice every element required or he doesn't accept any of it.

     The New Testament requires singing on the Christian's 
part, every Christian, not just an appointed few, in their wor-
ship to God.  Note: Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 and several other 
passages that authorize "singing and making melody with
the HEART."  But no passage authorizes using mechanical
instruments of music in the worship of God today.  It seems
that this ought to settle this question.  But many are not sat-
isfied with that and they say: "Well, it doesn't say NOT TO
use mechanical instruments of music in so many words."
But, we refer you back to the second paragraph to show you
that God only accepts what He Himself has authorized in His
word.  He does not have to say: "Thou Shalt Not" in so many
words, all He has to do is tell us "What To Do" and that should eleminate all 
other items in worship.  He told Noah to
build the ark out of gopherwood, He did not have to say "thou
shalt not use pine, oak or cypress."  God has not authorized
Christians to worship Him with the use of mechanical instru-
ments of music.  He has only authorized singing without the 
accompaning mechanical instrument.  ----- An adaptation of
an article by Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 30, No. 
32, August 7, 1981.   </HTML>
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From blovelace at peoplepc.com  Fri Aug  3 12:31:31 2007
From: blovelace at peoplepc.com (blovelace)
Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 13:31:31 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Biblemat] A: The List That Justifies The Ungodly (Bob W. Lovelace)
Message-ID: <2486995.1186162291800.JavaMail.root@mswamui-bichon.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

The Truth In Print, June 2007 Vol. 13 Issue 5
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street,
Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-539-7089) 
Website address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/


?The List? That Justifies The Ungodly

     The following text are key verses often used in any thorough study on giving instruction and reproofs. Read them and notice that verse eight actually tells us not to reprove a scorner! 
     
     Proverbs 9:7-9 
     "He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. [8] Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. [9] Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." 

     The word ?reprove? in verse eight means to be right or correct. The rebuke if accepted and considered properly would actually help, for rebukes are designed to save us from what deceivers allow that bring God?s wrath (cf. Titus 1:9-14; Pr. 28:23, 27:5-6, Ps. 141:5). But in the case of the haughty scorner we are warned not to, because the purpose of convicting such a person of their sinful conduct doesn?t have a chance. The ?do not reprove? (Pr. 9:8) in context stands in relation to the point in verse 7. And verse 7 speaks of the mistreatment one will get should they do so. Compare what the Lord commanded: ?Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you? (Matt. 7:6). This instruction is there because it is the right thing to do (cp. Ps. 119:128). 
     We are to understand that the ?dogs? and ?swine? have no regard or use for instruction from God?s word, which is ?holy.? Moreover, their mistreatment of the one who gives instruction from God?s word is severe! David?s words apply, ?Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred (Ps. 25:19). 
     Matthew 7 presents certain things that are closely said that may be tied together to correctly understand the wicked and their ways. In the context the wicked are hypocrites who ?look at? the speck because it belongs to another?s eye, but refuse to see the ?log? that is in their own. They will say to another, ?Let me take the speck out of your eye? without having the wisdom to do that and do it correctly. The mind described here justifies its own wicked self.  They have great concern for ?specks? but have failed to cleanse themselves of from ?all filthiness? of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Cor. 7:1). 
     The warning concerning ?ravenous wolves? states the facts plainly ? the wicked will justify themselves while seeking to destroy the just (Matt. 7:15). You can know the dogs and swine by their attitudes and behavior that are the works of the flesh (cf. Matt. 7:20; Gal. 5:19-21). The world knows them by their lack of ?light? as they walk in darkness though professing to be a Christian (cp. John 8:12; Phil. 2:15; I Jo. 1:6). The mind that justifies its own wicked self while sinfully mistreating and condemning the just is an abomination to God (Pr. 17:15). 
     Having no real concern for the whole of God?s commandments and doing all He requires (cf. Ps. 119:160), the wicked will often ?keep records? of the specks ? be they specks or logs. They are known for their carnal ?record keeping? (cp. I Cor. 13:5, ?take into account?). And ?the list? always, so far as they are concerned, nullifies their present sin and justifies their not receiving a rebuke for it! Dogs and swine are known for carnal ?record keeping? that seeks to condemn the righteous who have repented, and to justify the ungodly who continue to mistreat them while ignoring their own sins (cf. De. 25:1). 
     Illustrating our own desire that God does not keep record of sins repented of, David said, ?Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord? (Psalm 25:7). Again in Psalms 130 we read,  ?Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. [2] Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. [3] If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? [4] But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared? (Ps. 130:1-4). God does not hold a grudge over our sins repented of, but rather forgives us that we might fear Him. God will do the same for the sinful record keeper if he will repent and turn to Him for guidance (cf. Ja. 4:6-10). 
     The wicked ?mark? our sins in order to use them against us in an unrighteous way. Using the wisdom that is not from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and from the devil, their outbursts of anger are full of  ?the list? (cf. Ja. 3:14-16; Gal. 5:19-21). When finished with their rage, at least for the moment, they will snicker and say, ?You know I just have to get that off my chest from time to time.? With this kind of intimidation they expect you to not call it what it is. By their own words they show that they have stored up anger and bitterness in their heart! More correctly the ?chest? is the heart and the wickedness just proceeded from the heart (cf. Mk. 7:21-23). Take heed lest after their rage you justify them in their ungodliness by saying, ?That?s ok, you didn?t do anything wrong.? 
     Such intimidation by use of ?the list? is just another way of taking the present righteousness of the righteous away from them! (cf. Isa. 5:23). When it comes to this then ?do not reprove a scorner, give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine.? The time for giving meaningful instruction has ceased. You can mark and avoid such (Rom. 16:17). Why? Because they cannot speak the truth with you and you with them, and judge with truth and righteousness (cf. Zech. 8:16). They think their carnal tactic is according to justice! They say, ?My righteousness is more than God?s!? If they don?t walk in ?all? God?s ways they don?t love Him and serve Him with all their heart, and they will not judge and be judged by all He says! (cf. De. 10:12-13). Hear David,  ?Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? [2] Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth? (Psalm 58:1-2).  In their heart they work wickedness and that is why they don?t speak righteousness! 
     Obviously, if he hates you then you haven?t convicted him of anything (Prov. 9:7). Wicked Ahab in 2 Chron. 18 is an example of hating the one who rebukes you. When Micaiah spoke of his death, Ahab?s hatred and pride blinded his eyes to what was really going to happen to him. His anger recorded there is a sign of hatred. Ahab dealt in proud wrath (cf. Pr. 21:24). He was arrogant and careless with God?s anger. And so was Jehoshaphat! (cf. 2 Ch. 19:2). Read about Ahab and understand that rebukes are designed to save us from God?s wrath. Moreover, know that ?You? are not the real problem for it is the truth that says their deeds are evil that is ?their? real problem. Like Ahab (I K. 21:20-29) they themselves are the problem! Read in John 7 where the Jews had no problem with Jesus? brothers because they were not speaking out against them as He was. Jesus said, ?The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil? (Jo. 7:7). Speaking to the wicked He condemned their judging as not being righteous (Jo. 7:24).  And that is exactly what is wrong with ?the list.? 
   Solomon tells us that the wicked do not love the one who reproves them, and they do not go to the wise for counsel (Prov. 15:12). This is certainly not the attitude of the faithful. The faithful will go to the wise, accept reproof as being love when they deserve it, and then continue to love the one who gives it. And upon receiving it they assure all that they can yet speak against the wicked and their wicked deeds! (cf. Ps. 141:5-6).  The just man doesn?t use the carnal tool known as ?the list.? 
   What characteristics do members possess when they do not go to the wise? They seek the solace of friends who are best friends yet not Christians ?  knowing in advance that God?s word will not be correctly applied to their situation. How convenient! Having been rebuked they often will hate the teacher or preacher, and intentionally miss class, and the assembly, and then lie when asked why. Too often they know that ignorant family members who are partial towards them, even when they are rebellious, will accept their lie or look the other way. Or, their anger will show up during the few times they do come because the truth continues to disturb their sinful pride. Above all, like Ahab they are arrogant and careless with God?s wrath. They?ll go ahead and keep doing the very thing God?s word tells them not to do. Solomon said,  ?A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident? (Pr. 14:16). When they are disturbed by seeing the penalties for sin falling upon others around them who reap what they sowed in this life ? they can?t turn to God?s word for relief for it condemns them and shames them (cf. Ps. 119:5-6). Of course, they turn to the world?s methods that justify them in their ungodliness (psychology). 
   The anger of the wicked often extends beyond the particular one who offended them and they take revenge out on others. This is what Asa did when his pride would not let him accept a rebuke (cf. 2 Ch. 16:9-10). They will gratify their love of strife by taking their anger out on another family member of the one who offended them (cf. Pr. 17:19). Without conviction of sin their acts of revenge can go on for years and even up until they die! Again, wasn?t it Asa who remained angry because of his pride even when he had a severe disease? 2 Chron. 16:12 says, ?...yet in his disease he sought not to the Lord?? Even in  sickness he was the ?fool who rages, and is confident.? He foolishly continued to not seek God?s solutions! 

By Bob Lovelace

------------------------------------------------------------------------
To learn more call, visit or visit our website at: 
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/

________________________________________
PeoplePC Online
A better way to Internet
http://www.peoplepc.com

From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Sat Aug  4 02:41:02 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2007 03:41:02 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
Message-ID: <cc9.16a043ed.33e5878e@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
ancient files.  Use to the glory of God.

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?  Acts 11"26' 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16

A CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO IS: --

Careful -- Jer. 10:23; Prov. 16:25; Psa. 1:1-3; Jas. 1:26,27.

Honest -- 2 Cor. 8:21; Phil. 4:8; 1 Pet. 2;12; Rom. 12:17.

Righteous -- Matt. 5:6; Acts 10:34,35; Psa. 119:172; 1 Jno. 3:7
                     1 Cor. 15:34.

Innocent -- Matt. 5:11; Jas. 1:12; 2 Tim. 2:12; 1 Pet. 4:15,16; 
                  3:15.

Studious -- 2 Tim. 2:15; Matt. 22:29; 1 Tim. 4:16; Prov. 3:3.

Truthful -- Col. 3:9; Eph. 4:25; Prov. 19:22,9; 6:16-19; Rev. 21:
                  8.

Industrious -- Eph. 4:28; Rom. 12:11; Phil. 2:12; 2 Thes. 3:10;
                       1 Cor. 15:58.

Always Obedient -- Matt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46; Acts 5;29; 3:23; Rev.
                               22:14.

New -- 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:3,4; Col. 1:13,14; Isa. 62:2; Acts 
            11:26.

CONCLUSION: -- One cannot be a Christian without being in
                            Christ (Gal. 3:26,27).  Are you a Christian?   </HTML>
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From kthomas at ntslink.net  Sat Aug  4 10:34:03 2007
From: kthomas at ntslink.net (kenneth Thomas)
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2007 10:34:03 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] Poem, A Beautiful Morning!
Message-ID: <46B49C6B.000003.03644@KENSCOMPUTER>

A Beautiful Morning!
By Kenneth E. Thomas
It?s a beautiful morning on God?s footstool, earth
Evidence that He exists can be seen all around
When one looks at His wonderful creation a while
The hand of God can easily there be found!
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork"
"The fool has said in his heart there is no God"
To deny His existence one must be berserk!
The material creation, the work of His hands
Leaves man without excuse for his unbelief
For something to be, something always was
In the beginning God, so don?t you grieve!
The beauty and the order of the universe
Shows wonderful design on every hand
And where you find design existing
There is a designer who made the plan!
(Genesis 1:1; Psalm 19:1-3; Psalm 14:1; Acts 17:22-31;
Romans 1:18-21; Hebrews 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17)
 
 
 
Kenneth E. Thomas
Pekin church of Christ
1451 Valle Vista Blvd.
Pekin, IL 61554
1 (309) 347-3582 - Office
1 (309) 347-5645 - Home
 
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From kthomas at ntslink.net  Sat Aug  4 14:07:09 2007
From: kthomas at ntslink.net (kenneth Thomas)
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2007 14:07:09 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] Poem, Writing About The Lord
Message-ID: <46B4CE5D.000008.03476@KENSCOMPUTER>

Writing About The Lord
By Kenneth E. Thomas
I love to write about my Lord and His word
Doing such thrills both my heart and soul!
Telling others about my Lord Jesus Christ
Is a wonderful story that cannot be over told!
How God the Father sent God the Son to earth
In keeping with His own ordained gospel plan
To rescue sinful creatures found on every hand
If only we believe and obey He?ll save sinful man!
"Obey the gospel" are strange words to many
Who claim to accept God?s only begotten Son
The many who claim salvation "by faith alone"
Who His divine will have yet left undone!
"He who believes and is baptized shall be saved"
Are the words in Christ?s great commission given
All those who claim salvation by "faith alone"
I?m sorry to tell you will miss out on heaven!
"Not every one who says, ?Lord, Lord,? 
Will enter the church" Christ has stated
It is only those who "do My Father?s will"
Who on the great judgment day will be elated!
(1 Pet. 1:18-20; Rom. 1:16-17; Rom. 5:6-9; Rom.10:8-17;
1 Cor. 15:1-4; Mk. 16:15-16; Matt. 7:13-28; 2 Thess. 1:6-9;
Jas.1:21-25; 2;14-26; Heb. 5:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:22-25).
 
 
Kenneth E. Thomas
Pekin church of Christ
1451 Valle Vista Blvd.
Pekin, IL 61554
1 (309) 347-3582 - Office
1 (309) 347-5645 - Home
 
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From harperwest at yahoo.com  Sat Aug  4 15:25:41 2007
From: harperwest at yahoo.com (Steven C. Harper)
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2007 13:25:41 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] A> The Wages of Unrighteousness
Message-ID: <000601c7d6d5$a1acc120$6401a8c0@Steven>

From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. 
Editor: Steven Harper 
August 11, 2007
The Wages Of Unrighteousness

     As the Israelites moved nearer to the Promised Land, they camped in Moab, across the Jordan from Jericho (Num. 22:1). Balak, the king of Moab, feared for himself and his people because the Israelites were numerous (vv. 2-4). In his efforts to spare himself and his people, Balak sent messengers to Balaam with the request that he curse the Israelites in such a way as Balak might be able to defeat them (vv. 5, 6). The messengers [the elders of Moab and Midian, v. 7] also carried with them what is called "the diviner's fee" in order to persuade Balaam to do this for them.

     When Balaam heard their request, he told them, "Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me" (v. 8). God asked Balaam about the men and why they were there, and then told Balaam, "You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed" (vv. 9-12). Balaam relayed this message to the princes of Balak and they left, but when they reported Balaam's refusal to fulfill their request, Balak then sent princes who were "more in number and more honorable" (vv. 14-17) in hopes they could persuade him to change his mind. Right along with these "more important" princes, Balak instructed them to tell Balaam that he would be "honored greatly" [more $$$$] if he would do this.

     At first, Balaam gave a good response in saying, "Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the command of the Lord my God to do less or more" (v. 18). But, apparently, Balaam was not fully convinced God meant what He had said earlier when He told Balaam to not curse the Israelites, because he told them to again stay the night so he would know what the Lord would say (v. 19). If Balaam had only held firm to what he first said, this story might have a happy ending, but such was not the case.

     God did tell him to go with them this time - if they came to call him - but also added, "but only do what I tell you" (v. 20). God said this as a test of Balaam, because He had already given an answer; God was not going to change His mind on this matter, for this was His people they sought to be cursed! But Balaam did not wait for the men to come call him; he got up in the morning and went with the princes of Balak. Because of this, God sent an angel to stand in the way and demonstrated His great displeasure with Balaam (vv. 22-33). It seems it was only then that Balaam understood God was not happy with his actions and he vowed to do whatever the Lord would have him do, and upon meeting Balak, said plainly, "The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak" (v. 38).

     If we read on, we find that Balaam did indeed speak only what the Lord caused him to say, blessing Israel three times in three different places (chapters 23-24). Needless to say, Balak was not happy, but Balaam reminded him, "Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, 'If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own will. What the Lord speaks, that will I speak'" (24:12). Balaam spoke the will of God, and for that we should be happy, but let us not forget that some of Balaam's actions were not pleasing to God. Later, Peter would write of false teachers among the faithful who had "forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness" (2 Pet. 2:15).

     Sadly, we are witnessing a few men within the Lord's church today who are following the way of Balaam and who love the "wages of unrighteousness." Let us consider how this is being done that we do not become partakers in their evil deeds and that we do not become the princes of Balak who bring them those wages of unrighteousness to get them to do our bidding.

     [1] They Voice Convictions That Are Denied By Their Actions. Balaam said the right thing (22:13), but when they pressed him later, he seemed to forget what God had already said! It's as if Balaam wasn't really convinced that God meant what He said!

     Unfortunately, there is a rising number of preachers within the Lord's church who preach and act this way, preaching God's word in one place, but backing off of their seemingly-strong conviction when pressed by those who seek God's will to be changed for their own benefit. I cannot tell you the number of instances just within the last five years where brethren [who had boldly preached God's will on marriage, divorce, and remarriage in times past], when pressed by close friends or family situations, all of a sudden seem to be not so convicted as they once were. It's as if all they ever preached before - sometimes for decades - is now in question and they don't really believe God would be so "rigid" on the matter!

     Let us not forget God's answer: "God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change his mind. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?" (Num. 23:19). God did not change His mind regarding the Israelites, and He has not changed His mind on what He expects of man regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage - or any other issue! To think that God would change His mind just so we could personally benefit is utterly ridiculous and expresses a twisted and misinformed view about who God is! Let's learn to accept God's will and let us so live that it is evident we are truly convicted that it is so!

     [2] They Seek Honor From Men And Not From God. Balak was convinced he could honor Balaam more than God could honor him (22:37; 24:11), and I am afraid many preachers think this same way today!

     Far too often, I have seen preachers withhold portions of God's word which they deem "too controversial" or "too offensive" for the mere possibility [or reality] that they will lose financial support and future gospel meeting invitations. We rightly shake our heads at the foolishness of the religious rulers of the first century who would not confess Jesus because they sought the praise of men over the praise of God (John 12:42, 43), but are preachers today any better when they refuse to preach "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27) for fear of what men might think or do?

     [3] They Stubbornly Refuse To Be Turned Back. With some of the brethren who have now gone off into gross error, it would not be so sad if they were only willing to listen to rebuke and correction, but many are like Balaam in that they cannot see the Lord standing in the way and refuse to hear their own brethren who are warning them to turn back to the path of righteousness. It seems all they can see is the possibility of honor from men and the wages of unrighteousness [financial support from those who want their ears scratched, 2 Tim. 4:3, 4] and nothing is going to stand in their way! They will malign, slander, falsely accuse, insult, and outright lie about their own brethren who are simply trying to turn them back to the right way, and feel no compunction about doing so. I fear that only an angel of the Lord such as Balaam eventually saw (Num. 22:31) would convince them to turn back, but I am afraid when that happens, it will be too late!

            Friends and brethren, let us not become the princes of Balak by willingly supporting those who seek to do harm to God's people! Let us diligently search the Scriptures to know what is right and true and let us be bold enough to stand firmly with has been revealed, never doubting. We need more preachers of righteousness and no more of those who are willing to compromise the truth for the wages of unrighteousness. We need more brethren who are willing to say, "What the Lord speaks, that will I speak" and mean it.     -- Steven Harper
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From kthomas at ntslink.net  Sun Aug  5 13:03:14 2007
From: kthomas at ntslink.net (kenneth Thomas)
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 13:03:14 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] Looking for a conservative congregation
Message-ID: <46B610E2.00000F.03736@KENSCOMPUTER>

Dear list members,
 
Kenneth E. Thomas looking for a "sound" congregation as close to
Jacksonville, Illinois as possible. We have a young lady who will be going
to college near there. Any help will be appreciated!
 
Ken
  
 
Kenneth E. Thomas
Pekin church of Christ
1451 Valle Vista Blvd.
Pekin, IL 61554
1 (309) 347-3582 - Office
1 (309) 347-5645 - Home
 
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From listbox at claytons.net  Sat Aug  4 22:23:41 2007
From: listbox at claytons.net (Terry Clayton)
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2007 20:23:41 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] H: Sermons on Nadab & Abihu as well as Uzzah and the cart
Message-ID: <6710B23A-24DB-4429-B520-29CD448FC670@claytons.net>

I have just obtained the website nadabandabihu.info (it is so new it  
isn't operational just yet. Hopefully by Monday.

I would like to link from it to any and all sermons, powerpoint  
presentations or audio files you might have on the subject. If you  
would like email them to me, send me a link, etc and I can download  
them onto my website so there will be no bandwidth issues linking to  
your site. If you prefer me to link just say so and send a valid link  
via email and I'll do it that way.

I will let all know when it is ready to reveal.

Thanks,




Terry Clayton
listbox at claytons.net
Member Loma Rica church of Christ
Loma Rica, CA

-Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not  
understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.
   - Mark Twain


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From Pappy01 at suddenlink.net  Sun Aug  5 13:17:25 2007
From: Pappy01 at suddenlink.net (Terry Sanders)
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 13:17:25 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] need email addresses
Message-ID: <000901c7d78c$e058ae90$8d64c24a@mccru59fc7f4na>

I am in need of a couple of email addresses.

Dan King who preaches in Tennessee, maybe Nashville area.

Heath Rogers, who preaches in Edna, Texas

Thanks




Terry Sanders
108 Dandridge St.
Tuckerman, AR  72473

Home page:   http://duezzy2.brinkster.net/home.html
Church page: http://tuckermancofc.com
Blog:        http://thecondorsnest.blogspot.com
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From donskeels at sbcglobal.net  Sun Aug  5 16:56:02 2007
From: donskeels at sbcglobal.net (Don Skeels)
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 14:56:02 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [Biblemat] Quick Verse
Message-ID: <561669.49523.qm@web82002.mail.mud.yahoo.com>

And the winner is...............Ray Meaux! <g>
   
  Yes, Ray was the very first one to respond to the Quick Verse offer. I was very surprised by the number who desired the program. It's an older version and I'm not even sure it works with XP or the new Vista. I really wasn't sure that anyone would want it.
   
  But it made me feel sad because I truly wish I had enough copies to send to every person who responded.
   
  For those who are interested, you can get a ton of Bible programs from the e-Sword site. They have Bible's and commentaries and Greek/Hebrew works, etc., and it is all FREE! You can download as much as you want and they are working on updates everday, so check back often.
   
  You can download Bible material from e-Sword at:
   
  www.e-sword.net
   
  Thanks to everyone who responded!
   
  brotherly,
   
  Don Skeels
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From richardthetford at msn.com  Sun Aug  5 16:42:57 2007
From: richardthetford at msn.com (Richard Thetford)
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 15:42:57 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (8/5/07)
Message-ID: <BAY122-DAV6C1C7B57E86E82D2DE6FCB0E40@phx.gbl>



Walking in the Light

"For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light."
"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the
simple." 

"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another...."
(Psalm 36:9; 119:130; 1 John 1:7a)

August 5, 2007

www.thetfordcountry.com <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/> 

 

---

 

INFORMATION: My WEB Site  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/>
www.thetfordcountry.com has just been updated to include the articles and
sermons listed below. All the sermons posted each week to my web site are in
.pdf format.  The PowerPoint charts are also included with ALL the sermons
that are posted to the web site. To access the sermons page, visit the site
and click on "Richard's Page" and then click on "sermons." Please visit the
"Reference Works" links page for updated links to various Bible study
resources. If you are a newcomer to the area or wanting information
concerning the San Juan church of Christ here in Montrose, Colorado, then
click on the San Juan church of Christ Web Site at
<http://www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org/> www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org. Thank
you for visiting my web site and as always, your comments are welcome. 

                                                  

If you know of someone that would like to receive the "Walking in the Light"
electronic bulletin each week, please send an e-mail message to
<mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com  with their
name and e-mail address and I will add them to the list.

 

---

 

CONTENTS:

"Miracles and Their Purposes" (Richard Thetford)

"Are You Prepared" (Richard Thetford)

"Stand, See, Ask" (W. C. Hinton)

 

---

MIRACLES AND THEIR PURPOSES

Richard Thetford

 

There are some today who claim that miracles are still accomplished. But one
who studies and understands the scriptures knows that the miracles that
existed during the early days of Christianity would not always exist and
they would be done away with. Paul says "Love never fails; but if there are
gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will
cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away" (1 Cor 13:8). He further
states that when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away" (1 Cor
13:9). Miracles do not exist today. We can see from the scriptures that
miracles were worked at one time by Jesus (John 2:11; 6:14), the apostles
(Acts 4:13,16; 5:12, and the early Christians (Acts 7:8; 8:6). We can read
that John the Baptist did not perform miracles because his mission was
simply to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. "...While John performed no
sign, yet everything John said about this man was true" (John 10:41).

 

So what was the purpose of the miracles performed by Jesus? First of all He
performed signs to prove that he was approved of God "this man came to Him
by night, and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a
teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him"
(John 3:2). Also see Acts 2:22; 9:33. He also performed these miracles to
prove that He was the Son of God. "Many other signs therefore Jesus also
performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this
book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the
Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name"
(John 20:30-31).

 

The Gospel of John was written by John so that "all might believe in Jesus".
Jesus performed miracles and wondrous signs so that others would believe
that He truly was the Son of God. He also performed these miracles to
produce faith (John 2:23; 11:47-48). We can see why Jesus worked the
miracles that He did, but why did the apostles work miracles?

 

The apostles performed miracles only to confirm the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ. "And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked
with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed" (Luke 16:20).
We see in Acts 14:3 where the apostles were speaking boldly with reliance
upon the Lord "who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting
that signs and wonders be done by their hands". Again, the apostles were
using the signs as a means of teaching others about Jesus, to help show
others the wonderfulness of the gospel. They did not work miracles to
benefit themselves in any way. Paul said "So then tongues are for a sign,
not to those who believe, but to unbelievers; but prophecy is for a sign,
not to unbelievers, but to those who believe". (1 Cor 14:22). Peter also
confirms this when he says "for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human
will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Pet 1:21). If the
apostles could use miracles to benefit themselves, surely the apostle Paul
would have used one to remove the thorn that was in his flesh as we read
about in 2 Cor 12:7-10. He did not because he realized that the power he
possessed was only meant to confirm the gospel of Jesus. How did they and
the early Christians receive the power to work miracles? Christ had it from
the beginning, the apostles received it in accordance with Acts 2:1-4, and
the others received it only by the direct laying on of hands by the apostles
themselves. "Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were
receiving the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed
through the laying on of the apostles' hands, ..." (Acts 8:17-18). 

 

We can see that the miracles were given to the apostles directly by the Holy
Spirit (Acts 2) and they and they alone could pass this gift on to others by
laying their hands on someone. Others that received this gift could not pass
it on because they were not empowered to do so. Once the apostles and the
ones whom they passed on their gift to passed away, miracles ceased. They
were used only to confirm the gospel in early New Testament times.

 

---

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Richard Thetford

 

Salvation has been prepared for us by God Himself. Zacharias prophesied long
ago that Christ would come to prepare a way so that we may have eternal
salvation (Luke 1:76). Jesus prepared His kingdom for us (Matt 25:34)
because it is God's desire that all of us will live our lives here on earth
in such a way that when we die we will be with Him eternally. But are we
prepared RIGHT NOW to be with Christ eternally when our day of death comes?
One may say "just give me time". Well, God is giving us time and we don't
know when that time will stop for us, therefore we MUST be prepared now (2
Cor 6:2). We prepare for heaven by reading the gospel and obeying the truths
contained therein. "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be
a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and
prepared unto every good work" (2 Tim 2:21). One must purge himself of
worldliness and obey God's Word or there will be no hope of eternal life
with Jesus! We must be watching (Matt 25:1-11) because we do not know when
he will return (Matt 24:44). Are you prepared to meet God? Prepare now
before it is everlastingly too late.

 

---

STAND, SEE, ASK

W. C. Hinton

 

"Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good
way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." (Jer 6:16)
What is the cause of division in the religious world? Is it God's Word? The
statement is made by many, "We can't all see the Bible alike." James says
the law is perfect. Paul tells us that the Word is sufficient for all that
man does in religion (2 Tim 3:16-17). The reason for religious division is
man who is willing to accept about anything in religion except Bible
teaching. As a result, he has written a creed stating his belief and
practice. The creeds of man need to be discarded and all return to the Word
of God, where there is safety. Consider Jeremiah's much needed plea today,
We need to stop, face the facts, investigate, consider our actions. Too many
times one is guilty of assuming that what he does in religion is pleasing to
God. This is the mistake made by Nadab, Abihu, Saul, Uzzah - they were all
punished. We need to seek the ancient order of things; God's truths are
timeless. We should not allow modernism to persuade us that modern man needs
a modern religion. Sin is still the spiritual disease; the Gospel still the
means of forgiveness. The "old path" is the "good way" that leads to eternal
life (John 14:6). Will you not consider God's message as found in the New
Testament, and obey it? The destiny of your soul is at stake.

 

---

SERMON

 

The Conversion of the Ethiopian (with PowerPoint Charts)

 

Sermons can viewed at my web site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/>
www.thetfordcountry.com

 

---



Meets at:

2740 Commercial Way, Suite B
Montrose, CO   81401
(970) 249-8116

 <http://www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org/> www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org

 

ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY
Bible Study....................10:00 A.M.
Worship.........................11:00 A.M.
WEDNESDAY
Bible Study......................6:30 P.M.

 

Evangelist
Richard Thetford

(970) 626-5558

E-Mail:  <mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com

Web Site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/> www.thetfordcountry.com

 

---

 

Richard Thetford



 

E-Mail:  <mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com

1491 Canyon Drive, Ridgway, CO  81432

Home: (970) 626-5558

Please visit my web site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com>
www.thetfordcountry.com

Evangelist, San Juan church of Christ

 <http://www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org> www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org

 

 

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From carlopeterson at gmail.com  Sun Aug  5 21:02:58 2007
From: carlopeterson at gmail.com (Carl Peterson)
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 22:02:58 -0400
Subject: [Biblemat] New(ish) personal website
Message-ID: <25883247-17BE-4F55-8732-5E49A4B0AADF@gmail.com>

All,

As some of you have been aware, for the last year or so, I owned a  
blog called "What Readest Thou." I let the domain for that site  
expire, choosing to consolidate my web footprint to a different  
website, http://www.carlopeterson.com. The site has been operational  
in its present form for a couple of months now. I'm using it to post  
articles, sermon audio, etc. I've only started writing articles for  
it in the last couple of days, but I hope to include more in the future.

Carl Peterson
http://www.carlopeterson.com

From GLClair at aol.com  Sun Aug  5 22:02:10 2007
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2007 23:02:10 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR MAN?
Message-ID: <be1.19fa82c0.33e7e932@aol.com>

 
WHY IS IT  SO HARD FOR MAN? 
[Man  Can Know the Truth if He Will] 
The religious world today  is filled with so much misinformation that finding 
the real truth on any  religious subject is difficult. The reason for the 
difficulty in arriving at the  truth about so many religious questions may be 
found in the dishonesty of many  religious leaders, religious leaders who know 
what the truth is but for  personnel reasons do not reveal it to others. 
The only reliable source  of absolute religious truth is the Bible. Yet, too 
many people are unwilling to  accept the Bible as a source of absolute truth 
because of personnel prejudices.  There are so many people today who will avoid 
acceptance of Biblical truth  regarding baptism because their relatives 
reject the Biblical benefits of it  [i.e. ?for the remission of sins?], saying 
that Acts 2:38 does not mean  what it says. This attitude is present even though 
the verse is absolutely clear  if one could cast aside personal bias and 
accept the truth revealed. The same is  true with many Biblical truths such as; 
truth about instrumental music --- most  religious people reject the plain Bible 
truth about music in worship because  they like to hear instrumental music 
even though they know it is not authorized.  The Bible truth suggests clearly 
that vocal music is the only acceptable form of  music with God ? cf. Rom 15:9, ?
and that the Gentiles might glorify  God for his mercy; as it is written, 
Therefore will I give praise unto thee  among the Gentiles, And sing unto thy 
name.? ASV --- 1 Cor 14:15, ?What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I 
will pray with the  understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I 
will sing with the  understanding also.? ASV --- Heb 2:12, ?saying, I will 
declare thy  name unto my brethren, In the midst of the congregation will I sing 
thy praise.?  ASV --- James 5:13, ?Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. 
Is  any cheerful? Let him sing praise.? ASV 
The same attitude toward truth is pursued over many religious questions  
simply because people are uncomfortable about accepting anything that forces  them 
to make changes regarding actions or mental alterations. Yet, God says that  
everyone must ?mortify [i.e. beat back, crucify]? their own desires and  
affections that conflict with His instruction cf. Rom 8:12-14, ?12 Therefore,  
brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 13 For if  
ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do  mortify 
the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 14 For as many as are led  by the 
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.?  KJV 
Finally, man may know the truth and accept the fact that the truth can  make 
a person ?free from sin? if they really want it, cf. John 8:32. The  truth is 
God?s words [i.e. God?s Written Word ? BIBLE] today, John 17:17 says so  ? ?
Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is  truth.? 
Give up  your hardness toward the truth, turn away from prejudice and 
unreasonable  attitudes and accept God?s Written Word. Jeremiah the ancient prophet 
says of  God that HE CAN LEAD US CORRECTLY but we cannot lead ourselves 
correctly without  God?s help, cf. Jeremiah 10:23, ?O Jehovah, I know that the way 
of man is not  in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.?  
ASV 

_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com)  
considermagazine.com



************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at 
http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Mon Aug  6 04:25:56 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 05:25:56 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] A) OUR NEED OF REVERENCE
Message-ID: <c55.1bbfa995.33e84324@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Monday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is an article from my files:

OUR NEED OF REVERENCE

     Reverence toward God is the only proper way for us to draw near to Him.  
"Therefore, since we are receiving a king-
dom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we
may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear"
(Heb. 12:28).  "Holy and reverend (awesome -- NKJV) is His
name" (Psa. 111:9).  It it because of reverence for God that
we can love Him and walk humbly with Him (Mic. 6:8).  Rever-
ence also helps us to worship in spirit and in truth (Jno. 4:24)
"God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in 
reverence by all those who are around Him"
(Psa. 89:7).

     "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is
man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You
visit him?" (Psa. 8:3,4).  "By the Word of the Lord the heav-
ens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His
mouth" (Psa. 33:6).  "It is He Who has made us, and not we
ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture"
(Psa. 100:3).  "The earth is the Lord's, and all its fulness, the
world and those who dwell therein" (Psa. 24:1).  "All things 
are of God" (2 Cor. 5:18).  "In Him we live and move and have
our being...We are the offspring of God" (Acts 17:28,29).  "And do not fear 
those who kill the body but cannot kill the
soul.  But rather fear Him Who is able to destroy both soul
and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28).

     We show reverence for God when we use His name only
with the greatest respect.  "Hollowed be Your name" (Matt. 6:
9).  It is irreverence to use His name as a by-word or in any
other empty fashion.  We also show reverence when we res-
pect the authority of God and of His Son.  We show respect
for His authority when we study diligently to learn what He
wants us to do, and when we then obey His instrustions with-
out murmuring or disputing with His Law (Phil. 2:14).  Humili-
ty demands that we "consent to wholesome words, even the
words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is
according to godliness" (1 Tim. 6:3-5).

     All of us should be able to see that reverence is a learned
dispostion of mind and behavior.  Children must be taught
continually in order that they learn to show reverence to God
in a PROPER way.  Cain's, Nadab's, and Abihu's offerings were not displays of 
true reverence, regardless of how "rever-
ently" they offered them.  We as adults must also be remind-
ed of these lessons.  We should prepare our minds as the
time draws near to offer praise and worship in the assembly
of the saints.  We can (but should not) set a wrong example
for children by acting indifferently and frivously as worship
is offered to God.  Our quietness and reverence and our hearty singing of 
praise to God, plus our teaching our child-
ren to participate and our restraint upon them in requiring
respectful behavior, will show them the way until they are
able to understand why we are behaving this way.  No person
of understanding expects little children to understand the
depth of meaning in songs, in prayers, and in the Lord's Sup-
per; but we have every reason to expect proper discipline to
be exercised in order to train children in the ways of righteou-
sness.  All of us msut learn the greatness of God and our
complete dependence upon Him so that we may live in awe
of His power, in respect of His holiness, and in love for His
love and mercy offered to all who will obey Him (Heb. 5:9).
                                       ----------- Gilbert Alexander.   </HTML>
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Mon Aug  6 04:26:04 2007
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 05:26:04 EDT
Subject: [Biblemat] S) TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
Message-ID: <cad.16f3f637.33e8432c@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study from my
files.  Use to the glory of God.

TERMS OF ENDEARMENT

     In a period of time when morals are sagging, Satan provid-
es many rationalizations for improper behavior.  His "terms of
endearment" make him very popular and well liked.  People
develop an intimate relationship with him because of his ex-
pressions of affection and generosity.  On the other hand, 
those who would live faithful as Christins must not be "ignor-
ant of his devices" (2 Cor. 2:11).  Disciples of the Lord must 
be spiritually awake to see the deceiving ways in which Satan
would draw us away from God (Heb. 3:12,13).

     Notice how the devil draws people to him through express-
ions of affection:

"EVERYBODY DOES IT!"  "The more the merrier," "Every-
body's going to be there," or "Everybody's done it once."
These are just a few of the statements people make to let you
know that if everyone things, does, or says it, it must be right.  But just 
who is everybody?  In the mind of most people
"everybody" usually means the majority.  The numbers are
against you if you are in the minority.  But just because the
numbers show more people do a certain thing does not prove
it is right before God.  If the majority of the country voted to
legalize the practice of prostitution, gambling, pornography,
or homosexuality, is it then made legal in the eyes of God?
No matter how many acts of ungodliness are legalized, it does not mean God 
approves of such (Prov. 14;12; Jer. 10:
23).  If God's Word describes your conduct as sin, it is still
considered sin no matter how many or how few participate.
Are you more interested in what the world expects of you or
what God expects of you?

"I'M NOT AS BAD AS..."  If Satan can get you to compare your
actions with others, he has succeeded in helping rid you of
accountability.  Assessing the character faults of others is
one of the greatest hindrances to being honest about our own sin.  People 
like the devil more when they can sweep
their own 'trash' under the rug while at the same time con-
demn in others what they allow in their own life.  Paul rebuk-
ed those in Rome for minimizing their own sin while in the
process of exposing the sins of others.  "For in that which
you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge
practice the same things" (Rom. 2:1).  "You, therefore, who 
teach another, do you not teach yourself?" (Rom. 2:21).  Paul
even said he would not submit to judging ourselves or com-
paring ourselves with certain of them that commend them-
selves (2 Cor. 10:12).  Is it a fair and honest assessment to
compare self with how bad or how good you perceive another
to be?  For example:  Is the sin of adultery worse than lying?
Is being immodest better than cursing or swearing?  Is failure
to become a Christian better than not assembling to worship
God?

     According to Rom. 14:12 and Jas. 1:14,15, each is account-
able for his own sin and life.

"THE CHURH MUST KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES!"  This useful
tool of Satan promotes a "spirituality" that de-emphasizes
sin, guilt, and hell and sympathizes with -- instead of -- corr-
ecting those who are engaged in any act of immorality.  For
the chruch to keep up with the current trend of culture, it 
must entertain its people with "upbeat music," "life-related
drama skits," and singing groups (i.e. duets or choirs).  Acc-
ording to some, a church should incorporate more testimon-
ials from both men and women and hear speakers who are
better at humor and storytelling.  Scores of people are turn-
ing to "mega" or "community" churches because of a one-
size-fits-all mentality.  They seek a church that has every-
thing from baby-sitting services to aerobic classes to addict-
ion counseling to ball teams.  Who would not want a "one-stop-shopping" 
church like that?

     The only thing that has changed about the times is man,
not God (Matt. 16:18; 24:35; 2 Tim. 3:16,17).  People have
chosen not to "endure the sound doctrine, but...will heap to
themselves teachers after their own lusts" (2 Tim. 4;3).  We should hold dear 
to the truth of God's Word and be the church for which Jesus died.  We need 
to keep up with Script-
ure and not worry about keeping up with the changes in cul-
ture.

     Be alert to the "terms of endearment" offered by the devil
(1 Thes. 5:21,22).  Be drawn, instead, to God's "terms of end-
earment" that are manifested in Jesus (Jno. 3;16).   ------------
Shawn Bain in Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 3, March 2007.   </HTML>
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From kthomas at ntslink.net  Mon Aug  6 08:47:18 2007
From: kthomas at ntslink.net (kenneth Thomas)
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 08:47:18 -0500 (Central Daylight Time)
Subject: [Biblemat] Poem, Conversing  About My Lord
Message-ID: <46B72666.000003.03128@KENSCOMPUTER>

Conversing About My Lord
By Kenneth E. Thomas
I love to talk about my Lord and His word
Doing such thrills both my heart and soul!
Telling others about my Lord Jesus Christ
Is a wonderful story that cannot be over told!
How God the Father sent God the Son to earth
In keeping with His own ordained gospel plan
To rescue sinful creatures found on every hand
If only we believe and obey He?ll save sinful man!
"Obey the gospel" are strange words to many
Who claim to accept God?s only begotten Son
The many who claim salvation "by faith alone"
Who His divine will have yet left undone!
"He who believes and is baptized shall be saved"
Are the words in Christ?s great commission given
All those who claim salvation by "faith alone"
I?m sorry to tell you will miss out on heaven!
"Not every one who says, ?Lord, Lord,? 
Will enter the church" Christ has stated
It is only those who "do My Father?s will"
Who on the great judgment day will be elated!
(1 Pet. 1:18-20; Rom. 1:16-17; Rom. 5:6-9; Rom.10:8-17;
1 Cor. 15:1-4; Mk. 16:15-16; Matt. 7:13-28; 2 Thess. 1:6-9;
Jas.1:21-25; 2;14-26; Heb. 5:8-9; 1 Pet. 1:22-25).
 
 
Kenneth E. Thomas
Pekin church of Christ
1451 Valle Vista Blvd.
Pekin, IL 61554
1 (309) 347-3582 - Office
1 (309) 347-5645 - Home
 
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From blovelace at peoplepc.com  Mon Aug  6 13:18:24 2007
From: blovelace at peoplepc.com (blovelace)
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 14:18:24 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: [Biblemat] A: The Pattern Of Lies Producing And Sustaining
 Apostasies (Bob Lovelace)
Message-ID: <13387717.1186424305722.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net>

The Truth In Print, August 2007 Vol. 13 Issue 7
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street,
Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-539-7089) 
Website address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/

THE PATTERN OF LIES PRODUCING AND SUSTAINING APOSTASIES

   This month?s study concerns the pattern of lies producing and sustaining apostasies. You don?t see much on this particular ?part? of apostasy in spite of the fact that those involved in apostasy are frequently said to have misrepresented other?s statements,  twist what others say in confronting them, and that they just flat make false arguments! 

JEROBOAM'S APOSTASY WAS FOUNDED UPON LIES

  Concerned reader, as you consider this apostasy notice how God?s order and arrangement for worship in Jerusalem is slighted. From I Kings 11-13 we learn that the kingdom of Israel was divided just as God had foretold Jeroboam by the prophet Ahijah. The kingdom was divided as God had foretold but God intended that His ?order? and arrangement for worship continue in Jerusalem for all of the Israelites! (cf. I Kings 11)
   
WHAT DID JEROBOAM DO WRONG?  

He Said In His Heart That God?s Order Would Not Work,

   He ?said in his heart? that God?s order would not work! (cf. I Kings 12:26-27) In doing so he ignored and did not trust in what the Lord had said, for God intended that David?s family would  have one tribe and that worship would continue for all according to God?s order in Jerusalem! (cf. I kings 11:31-36). Moreover, Jeroboam could have done this right and would have been blessed, but he didn?t! (I Kings 11:38). 

He Conspired With Others In A Lie,

   His statement wins the Blue Ribbon for lies producing apostasy! ?It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem?,? he said (I Kings 12:28). This was apostasy founded upon a lie and mistrust in what God said! He conspired with others and took counsel from others in this lie! Lies oil the machinery of apostasies and always have. All the males were accustomed to going to Jerusalem to maintain ?God?s order? for worship! (cf. Ex. 23:14-17, De. 16:16). The people are responsible for accepting an obvious lie. They let Jeroboam talk them out of doing what God specified! Your time, money, energy and all sacrifices necessary are worth doing what God specifies! 

Two Golden Calves Were Part Of The Wicked Counsel, 

   He made two gold calves and said ?behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt? (I Kings 12:28-29). Sounds just like Ex. 32:4, 8 doesn?t it? Compare Lev. 23:43 where the stated purpose in the Feast of Booths was a reminder that it was God who brought them out  ? ?when I brought you out,? it says. 
   This thing became a sin to all who participated in it (I Kings 12:30). It was man?s (Jeroboam?s and others?) arrangement that was being glorified and not the Lord?s arrangement for worship in Jerusalem! Evil forces were at work that could not be stopped. He made his own priests and put houses on the idolatrous high places to provide well for them! (I Kings 12:31). Money wasn?t taken from the Temple treasury in Jerusalem. Their apostasy missed the point that God assigned specific work to the Temple! Men build human organizations today for worship and evangelism and then say the money for our work isn?t taken from the local churches? treasuries. Their apostasy misses the point that God assigned specific work to the local church and not to other organizations! 

He Came Up With His Own ?Feast? Like The One In Judah, 

   He came up with his own feast of Booths ?like? the one in Judah. (I Kings 12:32). My, how clever men can be who work together to promote doctrinal error! The Feast of Booths was in the 7th Month, on the 15th day for seven days (Lev. 23:34). His feast was the 8th Month, 15th day! This was clever for he chose a time of rejoicing (Lev. 23:40).  And what of the others mentioned in the seventh month? He skipped the Feast of Trumpets as well as the Day of Atonement ? a time of humbling oneself! (Lev. 23:23-25; Lev. 23:26-32). Moreover if anyone did not humble himself on the Day of Atonement he would be cut off from God, but Jeroboam has already cut them off from God! 

He Offered Upon The Altar In Bethel,

   How impressive and credentialed it must have been to have the King offering upon the altar (I Kings 12:32-33). His intent is to completely replace the order God gave at Jerusalem for all of Israel. 
   For how many years have brethren been attending and supporting individually college lectureships men devised in their own hearts? And for as long some have sounded the warning that the only organization God authorized for evangelism is the local church. Well, now we are hearing that evil forces were not halted and now things are getting worse. Some cry out, ?Something is happening that is worse than we ever imagined!? Why would anyone be surprised? After all the talk, talk, talk, and just talk did anyone really expect anything better to happen? Now, today, as some men speak of the ?danger? involved in what Florida College and now the Guardian of Truth Foundation (Truth Magazine Lectureship) are doing they say it competes with the Local Church God ordained, and has the potential to ?replace? the local church in this country. Hmm ? really!   

He Was Furious When Another Spoke Out Against His Altar, 

   When the man of God came and cried out against his altar he was furious (I Kings 13: 4). Brethren today get mad when told that the human organization usurps the function of the church. That it robs God of the glory due to Him through His organization, the local church (cf. Eph. 4:10-16; I Tim. 3:15; and Acts 13:1 where teachers were in the local church not in the Antioch Christian College!) 
   This apostasy persisted in spite of dividing the people from God?s arrangement and order, and after God had spoken against it (I Kings 13:33-34. By the way, Jeroboam?s fear upon being chastised and seeing God?s sign is the kind of naked fear that is without the support of confession and repentance we often see in the scriptures (I Kings 13:6). This apostasy can be dated at 931 B.C. and it will be some 209 years until the Assyrian Captivity. Are you beginning to understand now what the GOT Foundation is really doing in adding to the Florida College apostasy?  And now things are worse!  

THE PATTERN OF LIES PRODUCING APOSTASIES (JEREMIAH), 

   Jeremiah made a statement that says lies prevailed and not truth (read Jer. 9:3). When apostasies go on and continue lies prevail and not the truth!  Where did lies prevail? With the ?majority? for the majority are corrupt, he says (Jer. 9:4-5). 

Some Important Questions Are: Why Do Lies Prevail? How Has The Truth Been Affected? What Lies? What Will God Do In The End?

   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Because God?s people are taught to lie (Jer. 9:5). And the teaching counseled rebellion against what God did say! (Jer. 28:16). 
   What happened to the Truth? Through deceit they refused to know God! (Jer. 9:6). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that through deceit God?s people refuse to know Him! The truth perished. Hear Jeremiah, ?But thou shalt say unto them, This is a nation that obeyeth not the voice of the Lord their God, nor receiveth correction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth? (Jer. 7:28). They were as dumb as their ?idol? they trusted in! (Jer. 10:14). 
   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? These lies prevail because they refused correction (Jer. 5:3). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that brethren are taught to lie and refuse correction! 
   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? These lies prevail because they refused to repent (Jer. 5:3). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that when lies are taught brethren are taught to lie and become stubborn and refuse to repent! Somebody says, ?That?s not fair! You can?t talk  like that!? Have you never read I Cor. 10:11-12! 
   What Will God Do? Read Jer. 13:20-26 and see. This is what God will do because they refuse to know Him and trusted in lies! 
   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Refusing to return they turned away in continual apostasy (Jer. 8:5, 9:6). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that God?s people choose to dwell in the midst of deceit and refuse to return to the New Testament pattern! 
   What lies? The lies they inherited from their fathers who refused to hear God?s word! (Jer. 11:9-10, 4 ? this covenant). The New Covenant has been here for 2000 years! How many times have we been told that in 1955 The Gospel Press was an evangelistic society to be solely supported by individual contributions? 
   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Because they are greedy for gain or recognition or power (Jer. 6:13; 5:27). These include those who appear to be ?at ease? and increase in wealth. You ought have heard older preachers tell about the 1940s-50s and how well preachers did who lined up with human organizations. 
   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Because people love the flattery of liars and trust in their reckless boasting! (Jer. 23:32). This comes from their ?own hearts? (23:26); from their own imagination (23:16). Moreover they have influence with those who despise God (23:17). This is where Human Tradition is born and comes from and how it continues! (Jer. 14:14). Lying pens are nothing new, Jer. 8:8. When you read their justifications you see their own authority speaking so they can rule by their own authority (Jer. 5:30-31). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that they have caused people to trust in their reckless boasting! It is human tradition born and continued by their own authority! It has an ?end? ? Matt. 15:13; Ezk. 7 ?An end!?
   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Because they are shrewd to do evil (Jer. 4:22). This includes strengthening the hands of evil doers so none will turn back (Jer. 23:14). When apostasies go on and continue it is proof that they are shrewd to do evil!  Just like Jeroboam above. 
   Why do lies sustaining apostasies prevail? Because their children will inherit their lies! (Jer. 7:18, 2:30) And they will love them IF they do not study the Word! And the biggest lie of all is we are just doing it as individuals when it is in fact an organization doing it! 

Conclusion: What will God do?  God will avenge this for good reason (Jer. 9:9). They are not ashamed of their false way (Jer. 6:15, 16).  God?s old paths were a reproach to them  (Jer. 6:10. They refuse to be ashamed (Jer. 3:3). Apostasies go on and continue when they are ashamed of God?s ways and the local church is just not enough! When God?s people are ashamed of His ways, then God will be ashamed of them! (cf. Mk. 8:38; Zech. 11:8). 

By Bob Lovelace

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http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/




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From robertwater at gmail.com  Mon Aug  6 19:00:45 2007
From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters)
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2007 17:00:45 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] <S> Silence of the Scriptures
Message-ID: <f35990860708061700m66a12f06u2ea5caeac60d94d9@mail.gmail.com>

*Robert Waters to all,*
*This sermon was developed from sermons by **Kyle Pope and Dee Bowman.  If
you would like to have an attachment of the enhanced file and/or the
accompanying Power Point file then write me privately or check my web site
over the next few days.*
*Robert*
*www.TotalHealth.bz <http://www.totalhealth.bz/>*

*                                                 The Silence Of The
Scriptures *

INTRODUCTION:

(Psalms 1)

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate
day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,
that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither;
and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so: but are
like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  5 Therefore the ungodly shall
not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly
shall perish.

 I.      The Bible Anticipates All Spiritual Needs.

A.      It is a Divine Book and a Sufficient Book:

II Tim. 3:14-17 - But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned
and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  15 And
that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  17
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.


B. Contains a "Pure" and flawless law:

Prov 30:5,6 - Every word of God {is} pure: he {is} a shield unto them that
put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee,
and thou be found a liar.

 Psa. 19:7 - The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the
testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

C..     It is the perfect law of liberty -  James 1:25 But whoso looketh
into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a
forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his
deed.


II.      What should our attitude be concerning the things the Scriptures
are silent about?

A.      Do they give us liberty to engage in anything?

B.      What should we do regarding those things in which the Lord says
nothing about?

C.      Want to consider what our Attitude should be concerning The Silence
of The Scripture.

Body
I.       TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES.

A.      Statement of these attitudes:

1.       Where the Bible is silent, where God has not spoken we are at
liberty to  act as we think best. Thus, silence gives freedom to act.

2.       Where the Bible is silent we must be silent. We can do only those
things which the Lord authorized.

B.      These attitudes were prevalent during the Reformation movement.

1.       MARTIN LUTHER, the great German reformer, felt that the church is
at liberty to do anything not epressly forbidden.
a.   Luther would remove from church services only what the Bible condemned.


2.       HULDREICH  ZWINGLI, the great Swiss reformer, felt that only that
which is expressly authorized should be taught or practiced.
a.  In 1520 he broke with the Catholic Church.
b.   1523 he held a series of debates.
c.   Set forth idea of Justification by Faith.
d.   The Lord's Supper became a memorial. Doctrine of transubstantiation was
completely repudiated.
e.    His view of the Scripture would allow in church services only what the
Bible approved.
f.   Set forth his views in 1525 in a treatise entitled ``A Commentary on
the True and False Religions.''

3.       Luther and Zwingli debated the Lord's Supper at Marburg in 1529

a.       Luther insisted that the actual body and blood of Christ was
present in the elements.

b.       Zwingli contended that the bread and the wine were
``representative'' of the body and blood but that they were not actually
present.

C.      These attitudes were present during the Restoration Movement of the
19th Century.

1.       Walter Scott - *"We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent
where the Bible is silent."*
a.       (Compare to 1 Peter 4:11)
b.       Those who held for this claim felt that the church could do only
that which God authorized.
c.       Later some misinterpreted this expression and began to teach,
``Where the Bible is silent we have liberty, freedom to act.''

2.       Walter Scott - came up with the five steps to Salvation by studying
the Conversions in the Book of Acts.
a.       1827 persuaded by Campbell to attend the annual meeting of the
Mahoning Baptist Association in New Lisbon, Ohio.
b.       Chosen to be a traveling Evangelist for the Western Reserve of
Ohio.
c.   Saw couldn't imitate the procedure of denominational evangelists.
1)      Mourners bench common use, Calvinism had produced a feeling of
Helplessness.
2)      A sinner was told he had to plead with God in Prayer to save him.
3)      Knew was not enough.
4)      Turned to book of Acts and studied the teachings and activity of
first century preachers.
5)      Made careful analysis of each case of conversion.
6)      For the first time saw clearly that there were logical ``steps''
involved in each sinner's conversion.
a)       Faith, repentance, confession and baptism were necessary to
receiving remission of sins.  This he called ``The Gospel Restored''
b)      Tremendous responses were gained, he baptized a thousand people in
the first year.

D.      These attitudes were involved in the division of the
19th Century.

1.       Those who adopted the view "Where the Bible is silent we have
liberty thus freedom to act as we think best became known as (The Christian
Church or Disciples of Christ)"

a.       They accepted Missionary Society, Instruments of Music, even though
neither is authorized in the New Testament.
1)      Later they added State-wide organizations, Choirs, and Women
Preachers on the grounds that the Bible doesn't say not to.

2.       Churches of Christ continued to believe *``Where the Bible is
silent we are silent.'' *
a.       They rejected both the societies and I. M. on the grounds that they
were not Authorized in the Word of God.

E.      In this generation these attitudes are prevalent again.

1.       Many members of the churches of Christ are now accepting the view
of the Christian Church of years past concerning the silence of the
Scriptures.
a.       The cry has gone forth, *``We do many things for which we have no
authority.'' *
1)      They feel the silence of the Scripture permits their doing things
not expressly forbidden.

2.       Still others continue to teach and believe ``Where the Bible is
silent we are to be silent.''
a.       Believing that there must be authority from God before we can teach
or practice a thing.

II.      DOES THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURE AUTHORIZE ANYTHING?

A.      God has revealed himself to man.

1.       All that we know about the will of God is that which He reveals.

1 Cor. 2:9-13 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath
prepared for them that love him.  10 But God hath revealed them unto us by
his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of
God.  11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man
which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of
God.  10 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the
spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given
to us of God.  13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's
wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual
things with spiritual.

a.       We cannot know the mind of God by his silence, thus silence does
not authorize anything. b. We cannot know whether God will be pleased with
anything we do unless he has revealed his will on that thing.

Examples:
1)      We know God is pleased when we worship Him in Spirit and in Truth
for he has revealed this to us:

John 4:23,24 - But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers
shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such
to worship him.  24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship
him in spirit and in truth.

2)      We know what God wants the church to do: Preach the word, edify the
Saints and that her needy be cared for. This has been revealed to us Eph.
4:8-12
3)      We do not know if God is pleased when the Church engages in
practices not authorized in the Bible.

2.       And it is presumptuous to conclude that God is pleased with
anything we might propose to do if there is no revelation from Him that
would       indicate it to be true. a.  What men things and wants is not
necessarily what God thinks and wants. b. If we want to receive blessings
from God we are going to have to do things HIS way, rather than what pleases
us.

3.       Scriptures:
Deut. 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall
ye diminish {ought} from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord
your God which I command you.

Deut. 12:32 What thing soever I command you, bserve to do it: thou shalt not
add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Mt. 15:8-9 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth
me with {their} lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do
worship me, teaching {for} doctrines the commandments of men.

Col. 2:22-23 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments
and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will
worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the
satisfying of the flesh.

I Pet. 4:11 If any man speak, {let him speak} as the oracles of God; if any
man minister, {let him do it} as of the ability which God giveth: that God
in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and
dominion for ever and ever.

*Barnes:* As the oracles of God speak; to wit, in accordance with the truth
which God has revealed, and with an impressive sense of the responsibility
of delivering a message from him. The word rendered "oracles" (logia) means,
properly, something "spoken" or "uttered"; then anything uttered by God - a
divine communication - a revelation.

B.      Example of the Silence of the Scripture.

1.       Moses spoke nothing concerning priest coming from the tribe of
Judah.

 Hebrews 7:14 - For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which
tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.

a.       Should we conclude that since God was silent about this that
priests from the tribe of Judah would have been acceptable?
1)      If so, (if silence authorizes) Jesus could been a priest on earth,
for he was of that tribe.  BUT?.

Hebrews 8:3,4 - Now every high priest is given authority to take to God the
things which are given and to make offerings; so that it is necessary for
this man, like them, to have something for an offering.  If he had been on
earth he would not have been a priest at all, because there are other
priests who make the offerings ordered by the law;
2)      Therefore when God mentioned Levi and not the others they were
prohibited from being priests.

2.       Silence does not give consent! Silence prohibits!
a.        Men often want to do things THEIR way, but?

1)   1 Cor. 4:6 -  We are not to think of men above that which is written.
2)     Why would one think we need to do something that God has not
authorized?

2 Pet. 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things
that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath
called us to glory and virtue:

b.    We must act with Authority from Christ doing all in his name.

Col. 3:17 - And whatsoever y