From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Fri Jun 1 07:13:33 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 06:13:33 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Why was Jesus baptized? (question/answer) Message-ID: <004201c7a446$525b0030$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Hello Laura, 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: Was Jesus baptized? If so then why? Reply: Jesus was baptized at the commencement of his ministry; hence, Jesus would have been about thirty years of age. The baptism of John, the baptism administered to Jesus, was for the remission of sins and was unto repentance (Mark 1: 4). In this respect, John's baptism was a type of the baptism to follow, the baptism of the Great Commission (Mark 16: 16). Since Jesus did not have sin, he was baptized "to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3: 15f., baptism was and is a commandment; thus, necessary to righteousness). You are encouraged to read, "Baptism, How, Who, Why, and When" found in our reference site, www.bibletruths.net Just enter through the door on the home page, and click on the "Archives and Index" in the table on the Site Map page, then click on the letter "B" on the Archives page. Here is an excerpt from the article: "...There are a number of baptisms mentioned in the New Testament. There is the baptism (immersion) of the Holy Spirit, fire, of suffering, the baptism of John, and water baptism (Acts 1: 5, Matt. 3: 11, 20: 22, 21: 25, Acts 10: 47, 48). However, by the year AD 62 there was only one baptism (Eph. 4: 5). Subsequent to Paul's inspired statement regarding "one baptism," the apostle Peter wrote, "And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you." (I Pet. 3: 21, NASV). The baptism to which Peter alludes is clearly water baptism (vs. 20). It is evident from the Great Commission that water baptism was to be an indispensable part of the preaching of the saving gospel (Matt. 28: 18, 19, Mk. 16: 15, 16). The Book of Acts, the record of the fulfillment of the Great Commission, contains the consistent examples of people being baptized in water as part of their coming to God (Acts 2: 38, 41, 8: 12,13, 36-40, 9: 18, 16: 33, 18: 8, etc.). It is also apparent that the baptism of the Great Commission (applicable to all men) was water baptism (Acts 8: 38, 10: 47). In spite of the simple presentation of water baptism found in the scriptures, there remains much confusion about baptism. We shall attempt to remove this confusion by approaching baptism from the standpoint of how, who, why, and when should a person be baptized....." 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 dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Fri Jun 1 07:15:08 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 06:15:08 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] What are the seven deadly sins? (question/answer) Message-ID: <005101c7a446$8aae8e70$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Hello Randy, 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: What are the seven deadly sins? Reply: It is believed that by Charles Panati, Greek monastic theologian Evagrius of Pontus first drew up a list of eight offenses and wicked human passions:. They were, in order of increasing seriousness: gluttony, lust, avarice, sadness, anger, acedia, vainglory, and pride. Evagrius saw the escalating severity as representing increasing fixation with the self, with pride as the most egregious of the sins. Acedia (from the Greek "akedia," or "not to care") denoted "spiritual sloth." In the late 6th century, Pope Gregory the Great reduced the list to seven items, folding vainglory into pride, acedia into sadness, and adding envy. His ranking of the Sins' seriousness was based on the degree from which they offended against love. It was, from most serious to least: pride, envy, anger, sadness, avarice, gluttony, and lust. Later theologians, including St. Thomas Aquinas, would contradict the notion that the seriousness of the sins could be ranked in this way. The term "covetousness" has historically been used interchangeably with "avarice" in accounts of the Deadly Sins. In the seventeenth century, the Catholic Church replaced the vague sin of "sadness" with sloth. Such classification can be dangerous and is at best arbitrary, as the scriptures do not thus present sin. For more biblical information regarding sin, I suggest you read, "Sin" located in www.bibletruths.net When on the home page, enter through the door and click on "Archives and Index" in the directory. When on the Archives page, click on the letter "S." Here is an excerpt from the article: "...Sin is a matter that pertains to every responsible individual because "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3: 23). There are many different views of sin. Some think they have no sin, the more sin, the more grace enjoyed, and they believe they can cover sin (I Jn. 1: 8-10; Rom. 6: 1, 15; Prov. 28: 13). What exactly is sin? One noun translated sin is hamartia. Hamartia is simply defined as, "a failing to hit the mark" (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon, pg. 30). The scriptures teach thus regarding sin: "Every one that doeth sin doeth also lawlessness: and sin is lawlessness" (I Jn. 3: 4, ASV)....." 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 cbraxton at dtccom.net Fri Jun 1 10:36:22 2007 From: cbraxton at dtccom.net (Mance J. Davis Jr.) Date: Fri, 01 Jun 2007 10:36:22 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A) The Truth About Jesus Message-ID: <46603CF6.20304@dtccom.net> Brethren, My recent post , "The Truth About Jesus", made reference to Matthew 17:21. That should read Matthew 7:21. If anyone chooses to use the article, please make the correction. I am Yours for Christ, Mance From jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Fri Jun 1 15:24:52 2007 From: jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry Blount) Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 14:24:52 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Muhammad speaks on Terror Message-ID: <03d001c7a48a$e93623b0$1c02a8c0@dadsdell> Jerry Blount to the list . . . You can determine the "Real Islam" for yourself! " The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "Lying is wrong, except in three things: the lie of a man to his wife to make her content with him; a lie in war, for war is deception; or a lie to settle trouble between people"" (Ahmad, 6.459. H)." Hi I have completed another study on Islam which I will share with this mailing. It is like another page off the evening news. Note that this is not a blind forward I have prepared this information myself. As we have noted in previous emails there has been an ongoing argument in the press about whether the "real Islam" is peaceful. Or whether the "real Islam" is the terrorizing and murdering Islam of Al-Qaeda or Hezbollah . (The links take you to Wikipedia articles on each organization) My recommendation is to go back to the Islamic texts and run a word search . Then we can see for ourselves what the koran, or the hadith teaches. Today's research is on "Terror." I will have very little to add. Below is every instance of the word "terror" in the Koran. I have included a link (if your filters don't screen them out) so you can go back directly to the Koran and read the background. if you wish. This approach does not limit us to what the local news may want us to know. It is neither Republican or Democrat, nor is it a Christian trying to criticize Islam. What we get to witness, is Muhammad speaking for himself on Terror within Islam. We cannot go back to the 6th century, but we can read his words from the 6th century. Please watch this Fox news video and see if what you see, matches up with the text you read below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgd3yWAz82g Here is a muslim explaining why "terror" is legitimite to further Islam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maHSOB2RFm4 You can compare what he says, to what the text below requires of Muslims. i.e. What Muhammad himself required of Muslims. The Koran records Muhammad's statements on the use of Terror. The Family of Imran [3.149] O you who believe! if you obey those who disbelieve they will turn you back upon your heels, so you will turn back losers. [3.150] Nay! Allah is your Patron and He is the best of the helpers. [3.151] We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they set up with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and their abode is the fire, and evil is the abode of the unjust. [3.152] And certainly Allah made good to you His promise when you slew them by His permission, until when you became weak-hearted and disputed about the affair and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you loved; of you were some who desired this world and of you were some who desired the hereafter; then He turned you away from them that He might try you; and He has certainly pardoned you, and Allah is Gracious to the believers. (Please Note: when some of them didn't want to kill. they were weak-hearted and did not desire heaven, i.e. "the hereafter." JB) Notice that the next quote is where the terrorists get the practice of torturing and chopping off the heads of the terrorized! The Accessions Graphic terrorists beheading innocent victims8.11] When He caused calm to fall on you as a security from Him and sent down upon you water from the cloud that He might thereby purify you, and take away from you the uncleanness of the Shaitan, and that He might fortify your hearts and steady (your) footsteps thereby. [8.12] When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them. [8.13] This is because they acted adversely to Allah and His Apostle; and whoever acts adversely to Allah and His Apostle-- then surely Allah is severe in requiting (evil). Note: While researching for this mailing.. I made the mistake of clicking on this picture on the internet. It turned out to be a video of them beheading this man. (Nick Berg) Then they paraded all around holding up his head chanting "God is great" in Arabic. I removed the link from the photo. For obvious reasons I am not forwarding the video. This serves as a reality check. These people really believe (and follow) the passages you are reading. There are numerous videos being posted all over of these people doing exactly as Muhammad instructed in the passage above. Here is a link to a MSNBC article describing the beheading of a Japanese diplomat. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6373920/ The Ant [27.89] Whoever brings good, he shall have better than it; and they shall be secure from terror on the day. This one applies to the end of time. not the practice of terror. The Mountain [52.45] Leave them then till they meet that day of theirs wherein they shall be made to swoon (with terror): This one also applies to the end of time. not the practice of terror. The Banishment In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful. [59.1] Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth declares the glory of Allah, and He is the Mighty, the Wise. [59.2] He it is Who caused those who disbelieved of the followers of the Book to go forth from their homes at the first banishment you did not think that they would go forth, while they were certain that their fortresses would defend them against Allah; but Allah came to them whence they did not expect, and cast terror into their hearts; they demolished their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers; therefore take a lesson, O you who have eyes! [59.3] And had it not been that Allah had decreed for them the exile, He would certainly have punished them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have chastisement of the fire. [59.4] That is because they acted in opposition to Allah and His Apostle, and whoever acts in opposition to Allah, then surely Allah is severe in retributing (evil). An explanation for terrorizing Christians and Jews. (Followers of the Book) It also seeks to justify the resultant upheaval that this causes. The Hadith also records Muhammad's statements on Terror (Here are a few examples) Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 52 Volume 4, Book 52, Number 220: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "I have been sent with the shortest expressions bearing the widest meanings, and I have been made victorious with terror (cast in the hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping, the keys of the treasures of the world were brought to me and put in my hand." Abu Huraira added: Allah's Apostle has left the world and now you, people, are bringing out those treasures (i.e. the Prophet did not benefit by them). Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/052.sbt.html#0 04.052.220 Did you notice that Muhammad attributed his original victory to the use of terror? Is it a surprise that they still use terror together with his methods of torture and beheading? Read on . . . Multiple Islamic records of reporting this assessment by Muhammad. (The Hadith consists of different guys reporting the words and actions of Muhammad. That is why what follows is so repetitive. Note that there is total agreement.) Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 4: The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat) Book 004, Number 1062: Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been given superiority over the other prophets in six respects: I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies): spoils have been made lawful to me: the earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship; I have been sent to all mankind and the line of prophets is closed with me. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1062 Book 004, Number 1063: Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been commissioned with words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies): and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand. And Abfi Huraira added: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) has left (for his heavenly home) and you are now busy in getting them. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1063 Book 004, Number 1066: Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been helped by terror (in the heart of the enemy) ; I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1066 Book 004, Number 1067: Hammam b. Munabbih reported: That is what Abu Huraira reported to us from the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he narrated (some) ahadith one of which is that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies) and I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1067 Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 7: Volume 1, Book 7, Number 331: Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me. 1. Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. 2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due. 3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me. 4. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). 5. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/007.sbt.html#0 01.007.331 The motivation to terrorize? Booty! And entire section of the Hadith is devoted to how they divide the booty generated from killing us! Volume 4, Book 53, Number 370: Narrated Abu Qatada: We set out in the company of Allah's Apostle on the day (of the battle) of Hunain. When we faced the enemy, the Muslims retreated and I saw a pagan throwing himself over a Muslim. I turned around and came upon him from behind and hit him on the shoulder with the sword He (i.e. the pagan) came towards me and seized me so violently that I felt as if it were death itself, but death overtook him and he released me. I followed 'Umar bin Al Khattab and asked (him), "What is wrong with the people (fleeing)?" He replied, "This is the Will of Allah," After the people returned, the Prophet sat and said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has a proof of that, will posses his spoils." I got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and then sat down. The Prophet again said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has proof of that, will possess his spoils." I (again) got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and sat down. Then the Prophet said the same for the third time. I again got up, and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Qatada! What is your story?" Then I narrated the whole story to him. A man (got up and) said, "O Allah's Apostle! He is speaking the truth, and the spoils of the killed man are with me. So please compensate him on my behalf." On that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said, "No, by Allah, he (i.e. Allah's Apostle ) will not agree to give you the spoils gained by one of Allah's Lions who fights on the behalf of Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet said, "Abu Bakr has spoken the truth." So, Allah's Apostle gave the spoils to me. I sold that armor (i.e. the spoils) and with its price I bought a garden at Bani Salima, and this was my first property which I gained after my conversion to Islam. Link to the web http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/053.sbt.html#0 04.053.370 Note: if you go to this section of the Hadith and read both above and below it and you will be appalled. Have you been able to determine the "Real Islam" for yourself? It is not rocket science. it only takes "real" information. Yours in Christ Jerry Blount Minister for Pleasant Valley church of Christ 3317 Amidon rd. Wichita Kansas, 67204 3163204321 WWW.letJesusleadus.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070601/b619a579/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 7055 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070601/b619a579/attachment-0003.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 9985 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070601/b619a579/attachment-0004.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 18551 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070601/b619a579/attachment-0005.jpe From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Fri Jun 1 16:29:36 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 15:29:36 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] What is wrong with boy/girl living together? (question/answer) Message-ID: <024201c7a493$fa4608b0$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Hello Betty, 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: I am a single female I am looking for a place to live and based on location and financial reasons, I am thinking about moving in with one of my best guy friends. We are not dating or involved in any way other than friends, and I wondered if there was anything wrong biblically with moving in with him. Reply: First, thank you for wanting to know what is right in the matter regarding which you inquire. I would dissuade you from moving into such a circumstance for two basic reasons: 1). Even though you and perhaps he do not now view sexual temptation as present, it certainly could become a reality over time in such close physical proximity. "Flee fornication," is the teaching of the scriptures (I Cor. 6: 18). 2). We are to try our best to provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom. 12: 17). A single man and woman living in the same house together and alone would not be complying with Romans 12: 17, I do not believe. Again, you are to be commendable for considering the matter before doing it. Be sure to check out www.bibletruths.net 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 GLClair at aol.com Fri Jun 1 18:02:14 2007 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 19:02:14 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for June 2007 Message-ID: HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43027 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher and editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone; (614) 850-7252 Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) WED MAGAZINE: considermagazine.com =========================================================================== Volume 9 Number 6 June 2007 =========================================================================== WHY MANY TAKE THAT POSITION [Forced to Decide by Circumstances] Many people I have known over the years have made decisions about Biblical concepts such as baptism, fellowship. Faith only, marriage, divorce, adultery, elder?s qualifications, mechanical music, institutional practices, Herald of Truth operations, and etc. I have seen some good brethren and sisters publicly sweat as they listened to Biblical teaching on some concepts that they were considering. Indeed, the ability to make choices that we possess is often a great burden, most of the time we make the right decisions but those rare times when outside and close ties are at stake [i.e. family, money, fame, position, etc.] we may stumble while making the choice between truth and error. This thought I have presented is absolutely true, many good men and women that I have known have given up the sound position [i.e. the truth] for error because of extenuating circumstance or family ties or some other pressure that was just too great. The Bible is full of examples that show God?s people have made wrong choices many times in past history also. Actually our first parents [i.e. Adam and Eve], had to make a choice between following God?s instructions or not. They choose to reject God?s instruction for selfish reasons. Eve wanted to know, wanted to be pleased, apparently longed for more than ?PARADISE? --- I have often wondered where the phrase, ? Paradise Lost? came from, I think I know after considering Eve?s fall from good relationship with God and leading her husband into sin too. Then there is Aaron, who while Moses was upon Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments he fashioned a golden calf for the Israelites to worship instead of Jehovah. Now Aaron had a choice but the people pressured him and he gave in to the pressure. How sad is this person who turns from the truth to a false way especially later when he/she comes to their senses and weeps bitterly over their failure. The human ties that we possess may undo a lifetime of faithful service to God because it is just too devastating. Man is often influenced too greatly by friends, loved ones, or desires to hold on, he gives in to sin and then seeks to justify his sin through human reason. We must be faithful even when it is inconvenient, even when our family objects, even when we know that it will sever relationships that we have with other people; yes we must hold on to the truth --- 1 Cor 10:13, ?There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.? ASV May 11, 2007 glclair at aol.com ============================================================== ?But God Is Faithful? By Garreth Clair 1 Corinthians 10:13; 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) What a happy and consoling thought, "but God is faithful" This statement tells us that God is faithful to keep man from having to give in to Satan's temptations. Even when man reaches a point that seems to be his limit of endurance God will provide a means of escape. What a wonderful guarantee to the true Christian in all of his battles with the flesh, he can survive. The test tells us that we can survive all of Satan's temptations if we will to do so. But, sometimes even though we know this truth we do yield to temptation and fall from grace (i.e., backslide). Even when we have fallen God has made arrangements for us to be restored to faithful service, Notice the following Biblical illustration: Acts 8:13-24, 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. (KJV) Simon became a Christian but after this he sinned (i.e., backslide), he was told what to do to be restored anew. Any Christian who backslides can be restored today the same way - study the passage well! May 9, 2007 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) considermagazine.com ======================================================= AND TIME GOES ON! By Garreth L. Clair Each day that we live here in the world we are continually exposed to all that goes on in our world. The good, the bad, the disgusting, etc. are all show to us via the electronic media. Nothing happens in our world that we do not know about almost immediately. For some strange reason the electronic media and the printed media show mostly the awful, evil, side of events that occur. Perhaps these media moguls are convinced that sensationalism is the way to build ratings for their shows, apparently they believe horror, mayhem, sex, and violence sells anything. As we consider these things let us always be aware of the potential danger that exposure to this type of media exposure may bring us. It is not too great an exaggeration to suggest that whatever we allow ourselves to imbibe within our mind will eventually influence our character. Read Matthew 15:17-20, 17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defiles not a man. We are all products of whatever we allow to enter our heart (i.e., seat of intellect) through our eyes and through our hearing. Because our character is established by whatever we see and hear, we must be very careful of those things that we hear and see. Each day that we live we will occupy our time doing something. We would be ill advised to spend too much time observing media programming that is designed for our viewing, it will surely have an effect upon our character eventually. There may be some programs that will not adversely affect our character but at this particular point in time I know of no such program. Time goes on! That is a fact for all of us to deal with day after day. Dealing with spare time may become a problem for those who have an abundance of it. Remember this: nothing is valuable if it is does not increase our faith in God, Christ, and spiritual things in general; Ecclesiastes 10:18, ?By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. (KJV) --- 1 Timothy 4:13, "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." =============================================================== Number 2 - RESISTING GOD Do you think it is impossible to resist God? Since God created the universe, it would seem that the question is foolish yet the Bible teaches that man has resisted God's goodness toward him from the very beginning. Please notice the following verses of Scripture about man's capacity to resist God: Acts 7:51 51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 2 Timothy 3:8 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 2 Chronicles 30:8 8 Now be ye not stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. (KJV) Acts 7:51 51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you. (KJV) Jeremiah 8:5-6 5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. 6 I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, what have I done? Every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. (K Hosea 11:7 7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most high, none at all would exalt him. HILLIARD BULLETIN for June 2007-05-20 - _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070601/88247133/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Jun 2 05:19:22 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2007 06:19:22 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. It is good to be back with you after being gone to our family reun- ion for a few days. We had a lovely time. Here is an article from my recent files: GOD HAS SPOKEN Evaluating a local congregation and its effectiveness in a community is not a simple task. Population shifts affect the number of members in a local church. Such shifts may be caused by economic changes, persecution, or the relocation of people who have an interest in spiritual things. If some or our modern evaluators had visited Jerusalem in the time stat- ed in Acts 8:1-4, they might have concluded that the work there was falling apart and that anyone supporting preachers there would be putting their money into a dry hole. Numbers were surely decreasing as people were scattered by persecut- ion. Little hope for a change for the better could be seen in the immediate future; and with the Lord's prophecy of the des- truction of the city looming ever nearer, some people perhaps would have favored closing the doors of the kingdom there and moving to more fertile fields. The scattering of the saints at Jerusalem to many other places did not destroy the influence of the church there. It rather worked to the spread of the gospel in many other plac- es as those who were scattered by persecution went every- where preaching the Word Acts 8:4. If the ones scattered had been discouraged and had not dared to speak out for the truth lest they be persecuted still more, then the church at Jerusalem would have been well on the road to oblivion. The fate of the church at Thessalonica would have been similarly distressing, for they suffered affliction from the early days of the church there (Acts 17:1,2; 1 Thes. 1:6). Yet from them the Word of the Lord sounded forth in Macedonia and Achaia and elsewhere, so that their faith became an influence for good wherever people heard about it (1 Thes. 1:8). Even so, little churches today can be great influences for good in the Gospel, even in other nations. Many little churches have had and are having fellowship in preaching the gospel in Australia The Philippines, Africa, Asia, Europe, and South and Central America. Those who are quick to judge the effectiveness or lack thereof of little churches would do well to exercise dis- cretion and caution, remembering that they may lack vital in formation concerning the work and influence of those little groups of saints. ---------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070602/613de1df/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Jun 2 05:19:31 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2007 06:19:31 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) "LOVE NOT THE WORLD" Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. "LOVE NOT THE WORLD" "I'd like to stay here longer than man's allotted days, and watch the fleeting changes of life's uneven ways; but if my Savior calls me to that sweet home on high, I'll live with Him forever in glory by and by." Everyone Identifies With The Sentiment. -- We desire the final portraits of Joseph and Job to be not unlike our own, "And Joseph saw the third generation of Ephraim's sons; also the sons of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Jose- ph's knees" (Gen. 50:23). "And after Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his grandsons, four generations" (Job 42: 16). Perhaps glory will be an even more appreciated prize to those who have lived so long on the earth. But while I might like to see my children marry, have children and experience being a grandfather, I do not believe one should long for this above heavenly glory. Paul's desire "to remain on in the flesh" was more about what he could do for others instead of any personal desires. He describes his state in Phil. 1:21-24 as hard-pressed from both directions. Continuing in the flesh would allow fruitful labor as Paul could assist those in Philippi and others also. The competing desires so perplexed him that he says, "and I do not know which to choose." But do not miss the point: glory is better and death is gain. Paul did not have parental responsibilities, extensive family ties or the potential to be a grandparent some day, but the truth of his words remains unchanged. To be with Christ is very much better. Convinced? Our prayers for ill believers do not always reflect this. Are the return of one's "most want- ed health" and the resumption of "the normal walks of this life" necessarily the preferable thing? Concern # 1. Are You Too Attached And Satisfied Here? -- Do you regard yourself as an "alien" or "stranger" here? This sharp awareness of one's sojourner status is a great key to successfully abstaining from fleshly lusts (1 Pet. 2:11). Even if we do not fling ourselves into the direction of immoral lusts, what about the temptation to focus an inordinate amou- nt of time, attention and affection toward our temporal goods? Our stuff will distract us from more important matters if we are not careful. the post-exilic Jews, though their material wherewithal came nowhere close to ours, found contentment in "paneled houses" while God's house, the temple, lay desolate (Hag. 1:2-5). By neglecting to rebuild the temple, they actually were cheating themselves both spiritual- ly and materially (1:6-11). My family is presently nearing the end of a house-constru- ction process. Our short-term, tiny duplex seems to be shrin- king in size by the hour. The excitement over our new dwell- ing grows by the day as completion approaches. But I have to keep reminding myself that the new home will be tempor- ary too. It will merely be a blessing to be used wisely, for others and the promotion of the Lord's cause. Hospitality will be a must. Serving the college students here in Auburn will be a priority too. "And I say to you, make friends for yoursel- ves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that when it fails, they may receive you into eternal dwellings" (Lk. 16:9) Concern # 2. Is Your Longing For Glory Sufficient? -- Do you understand the excelling nature of eternity with God and the joyful pleasure of being in His presence? Too satisfied and too comfortable here could likely be a reflection that one does not understand what awaits the beleiver. As much as I enjoy many of the earthly ties and relation- ships that make life rich and meaningful, the thrill of heaven will exceed the joys of this life. I would even further venture the extent to which it will exceed them is far beyond our abili- ty to fathom completley. Just like "to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge" (Eph. 3:19) and to experience "the peace of God whic surpasses all comprehension" (Phil. 4:7), glory will be infinitely more fulfilling and joyful than any- thing we have expreienced here. Admittedly, I live a very cushy life and have done so for my entire forty plus years. Very foreign to my own personal experience, Paul experienced suffering and great difficulty that he amazingly labels "light affliction." He knew its tempor- ary or momentary nature. He found comfort in what those troubles yielded, "...producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison" (2 Cor. 4:17). If you measured "home with the Lord" in a pair of scales, nothing else would measure up. No equivalent exists for "the eternal weight of glory." Whenever the time comes for a right- eous soul to exit this life, glory is always preferable to staying here. -------- Tony Mauck in Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 2, Feb. 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070602/f39d0910/attachment-0001.html From jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Sat Jun 2 09:37:50 2007 From: jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry Blount) Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2007 08:37:50 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Muhammad speaks on Terror repaired post Message-ID: <04a401c7a523$98bed4b0$1c02a8c0@dadsdell> Jerry Blount to the list . . . When I was looking over this post I realized that the posting mechanism had taken the graphics and turned them into garble. I would like a private response from each in the group so I know if it is doing this for everyone, or just to those set on "digest." This post was really hard to read so . . . I have deleted the graphics in this post so you can read it comfortably. I am sorry if this leads to unnecessary duplication. Jerry You can determine the "Real Islam" for yourself! " The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "Lying is wrong, except in three things: the lie of a man to his wife to make her content with him; a lie in war, for war is deception; or a lie to settle trouble between people"" (Ahmad, 6.459. H)." Hi I have completed another study on Islam which I will share with this mailing. It is like another page off the evening news. Note that this is not a blind forward I have prepared this information myself. As we have noted in previous emails there has been an ongoing argument in the press about whether the "real Islam" is peaceful. Or whether the "real Islam" is the terrorizing and murdering Islam of Al-Qaeda or Hezbollah . (The links take you to Wikipedia articles on each organization) My recommendation is to go back to the Islamic texts and run a word search . Then we can see for ourselves what the koran, or the hadith teaches. Today's research is on "Terror." I will have very little to add. Below is every instance of the word "terror" in the Koran. I have included a link (if your filters don't screen them out) so you can go back directly to the Koran and read the background. if you wish. This approach does not limit us to what the local news may want us to know. It is neither Republican or Democrat, nor is it a Christian trying to criticize Islam. What we get to witness, is Muhammad speaking for himself on Terror within Islam. We cannot go back to the 6th century, but we can read his words from the 6th century. Please watch this Fox news video and see if what you see, matches up with the text you read below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgd3yWAz82g Here is a muslim explaining why "terror" is legitimite to further Islam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maHSOB2RFm4 You can compare what he says, to what the text below requires of Muslims. i.e. What Muhammad himself required of Muslims. The Koran records Muhammad's statements on the use of Terror. The Family of Imran [3.149] O you who believe! if you obey those who disbelieve they will turn you back upon your heels, so you will turn back losers. [3.150] Nay! Allah is your Patron and He is the best of the helpers. [3.151] We will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve, because they set up with Allah that for which He has sent down no authority, and their abode is the fire, and evil is the abode of the unjust. [3.152] And certainly Allah made good to you His promise when you slew them by His permission, until when you became weak-hearted and disputed about the affair and disobeyed after He had shown you that which you loved; of you were some who desired this world and of you were some who desired the hereafter; then He turned you away from them that He might try you; and He has certainly pardoned you, and Allah is Gracious to the believers. (Please Note: when some of them didn't want to kill. they were weak-hearted and did not desire heaven, i.e. "the hereafter." JB) Notice that the next quote is where the terrorists get the practice of torturing and chopping off the heads of the terrorized! The Accessions 8.11] When He caused calm to fall on you as a security from Him and sent down upon you water from the cloud that He might thereby purify you, and take away from you the uncleanness of the Shaitan, and that He might fortify your hearts and steady (your) footsteps thereby. [8.12] When your Lord revealed to the angels: I am with you, therefore make firm those who believe. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve. Therefore strike off their heads and strike off every fingertip of them. [8.13] This is because they acted adversely to Allah and His Apostle; and whoever acts adversely to Allah and His Apostle-- then surely Allah is severe in requiting (evil). Note: While researching for this mailing.. I made the mistake of clicking on this picture on the internet. It turned out to be a video of them beheading this man. (Nick Berg) Then they paraded all around holding up his head chanting "God is great" in Arabic. I removed the link from the photo. For obvious reasons I am not forwarding the video. This serves as a reality check. These people really believe (and follow) the passages you are reading. There are numerous videos being posted all over of these people doing exactly as Muhammad instructed in the passage above. Here is a link to a MSNBC article describing the beheading of a Japanese diplomat. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6373920/ The Ant [27.89] Whoever brings good, he shall have better than it; and they shall be secure from terror on the day. This one applies to the end of time. not the practice of terror. The Mountain [52.45] Leave them then till they meet that day of theirs wherein they shall be made to swoon (with terror): This one also applies to the end of time. not the practice of terror. The Banishment In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful. [59.1] Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth declares the glory of Allah, and He is the Mighty, the Wise. [59.2] He it is Who caused those who disbelieved of the followers of the Book to go forth from their homes at the first banishment you did not think that they would go forth, while they were certain that their fortresses would defend them against Allah; but Allah came to them whence they did not expect, and cast terror into their hearts; they demolished their houses with their own hands and the hands of the believers; therefore take a lesson, O you who have eyes! [59.3] And had it not been that Allah had decreed for them the exile, He would certainly have punished them in this world, and in the hereafter they shall have chastisement of the fire. [59.4] That is because they acted in opposition to Allah and His Apostle, and whoever acts in opposition to Allah, then surely Allah is severe in retributing (evil). An explanation for terrorizing Christians and Jews. (Followers of the Book) It also seeks to justify the resultant upheaval that this causes. The Hadith also records Muhammad's statements on Terror (Here are a few examples) Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 52 Volume 4, Book 52, Number 220: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said, "I have been sent with the shortest expressions bearing the widest meanings, and I have been made victorious with terror (cast in the hearts of the enemy), and while I was sleeping, the keys of the treasures of the world were brought to me and put in my hand." Abu Huraira added: Allah's Apostle has left the world and now you, people, are bringing out those treasures (i.e. the Prophet did not benefit by them). Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/052.sbt.html#0 04.052.220 Did you notice that Muhammad attributed his original victory to the use of terror? Is it a surprise that they still use terror together with his methods of torture and beheading? Read on . . . Multiple Islamic records of reporting this assessment by Muhammad. (The Hadith consists of different guys reporting the words and actions of Muhammad. That is why what follows is so repetitive. Note that there is total agreement.) Translation of Sahih Muslim, Book 4: The Book of Prayers (Kitab Al-Salat) Book 004, Number 1062: Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been given superiority over the other prophets in six respects: I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies): spoils have been made lawful to me: the earth has been made for me clean and a place of worship; I have been sent to all mankind and the line of prophets is closed with me. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1062 Book 004, Number 1063: Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been commissioned with words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies): and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand. And Abfi Huraira added: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) has left (for his heavenly home) and you are now busy in getting them. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1063 Book 004, Number 1066: Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been helped by terror (in the heart of the enemy) ; I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1066 Book 004, Number 1067: Hammam b. Munabbih reported: That is what Abu Huraira reported to us from the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) and he narrated (some) ahadith one of which is that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: I have been helped by terror (in the hearts of enemies) and I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/muslim/004.smt.html#00 4.1067 Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 7: Volume 1, Book 7, Number 331: Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: The Prophet said, "I have been given five things which were not given to any one else before me. 1. Allah made me victorious by awe, (by His frightening my enemies) for a distance of one month's journey. 2. The earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a thing to perform Tayammum, therefore anyone of my followers can pray wherever the time of a prayer is due. 3. The booty has been made Halal (lawful) for me yet it was not lawful for anyone else before me. 4. I have been given the right of intercession (on the Day of Resurrection). 5. Every Prophet used to be sent to his nation only but I have been sent to all mankind. Link to the web.. http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/007.sbt.html#0 01.007.331 The motivation to terrorize? Booty! And entire section of the Hadith is devoted to how they divide the booty generated from killing us! Volume 4, Book 53, Number 370: Narrated Abu Qatada: We set out in the company of Allah's Apostle on the day (of the battle) of Hunain. When we faced the enemy, the Muslims retreated and I saw a pagan throwing himself over a Muslim. I turned around and came upon him from behind and hit him on the shoulder with the sword He (i.e. the pagan) came towards me and seized me so violently that I felt as if it were death itself, but death overtook him and he released me. I followed 'Umar bin Al Khattab and asked (him), "What is wrong with the people (fleeing)?" He replied, "This is the Will of Allah," After the people returned, the Prophet sat and said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has a proof of that, will posses his spoils." I got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and then sat down. The Prophet again said, "Anyone who has killed an enemy and has proof of that, will possess his spoils." I (again) got up and said, "Who will be a witness for me?" and sat down. Then the Prophet said the same for the third time. I again got up, and Allah's Apostle said, "O Abu Qatada! What is your story?" Then I narrated the whole story to him. A man (got up and) said, "O Allah's Apostle! He is speaking the truth, and the spoils of the killed man are with me. So please compensate him on my behalf." On that Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said, "No, by Allah, he (i.e. Allah's Apostle ) will not agree to give you the spoils gained by one of Allah's Lions who fights on the behalf of Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet said, "Abu Bakr has spoken the truth." So, Allah's Apostle gave the spoils to me. I sold that armor (i.e. the spoils) and with its price I bought a garden at Bani Salima, and this was my first property which I gained after my conversion to Islam. Link to the web http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/fundamentals/hadithsunnah/bukhari/053.sbt.html#0 04.053.370 Note: if you go to this section of the Hadith and read both above and below it and you will be appalled. Have you been able to determine the "Real Islam" for yourself? It is not rocket science. it only takes "real" information. Yours in Christ Jerry Blount Minister for Pleasant Valley church of Christ 3317 Amidon rd. Wichita Kansas, 67204 3163204321 WWW.letJesusleadus.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070602/9d2f7bb2/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Jun 1 16:48:24 2007 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 16:48:24 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Sweeter As the Years Go By" Message-ID: <20070602.132757.2152.2.wswalker310@juno.com> "SWEETER AS THE YEARS GO BY" "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins...be glory and dominion forever and ever" (Rev. 1.5) INTRO.: A song which encourages us to give glory and dominion to the Lord for what has done for us because He loved us is "Sweeter As The Years Go By" (#558 in Hymns for Worship Revised, and #476 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written and the tune was composed both by Lelia Naylor (Mrs. Charles H.) Morris (1862-1929). Mrs. Morris, a member of the Methodist Church, was a prolific author of over 1,000 gospel songs, perhaps the best known of which is "Nearer, Still Nearer." Though she became blind in her early fifties, during the last fifteen years of her life she continued to produce hymns using a 28-foot long blackboard with music lines on it. "Sweeter As The Years Go By" dates from the early years of her blindness. It was copyrighted in 1912 by Charles H. Gabriel and owned by Homer Rodeheaver. The copyright was renewed in 1940 by F. M. Lunk and assigned to the Nazarene Publishing House. The stanzas were originally for soprano and alto duet, but arrangements for full four part harmony have been made by the Lillenas Publishing Company, which is associated with the Nazarene Publishing House. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, the song appeared in the 1948 Christian Hymns No. 2 and the 1966 Christian Hymns No. 3 both edited by L. O. Sanderson; the 1959 Majestic Hymnal No. 2 and the 1978 Hymns of Praise both edited by Reuel Lemmons; and the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J. Nelson Slater. Today, it may be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church, the 1990 Songs of the Church 21st C. Ed., and the 1994 Songs of Faith and Praise all edited by Alton H. Howard; the 1978/1983 Church Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by V. E. Howard; and the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand; in addition to Hymns for Worship and Sacred Selections. The song reminds us of what Jesus Christ has done for us because He loved us. I. According to stanza 1, He came to this earth in love "Of Jesus' love that sought me When I was lost in sin; Of wondrous love that brought me Back to the fold again; Of heights and depths of mercy, Far deeper than the sea, And higher than the heavens My theme shall ever be." A. Jesus came to this earth in order to seek and save those who are lost in sin: Lk. 19.10 B. His coming was like a shepherd who goes to find the lost sheep that he might bring it back to the fold: Matt. 18.10-14 C. The motivating factor in all this was that we might know the height and depth of His mercy and love: Eph. 3.18-19 II. According to stanza 2, He lived a life of goodness "He trod in old Judea Life's pathway long ago; The people thronged about Him, His saving grace to know; He healed the broken-hearted, And caused the blind to see; And still His great heart yearneth In love for even me." A. When Jesus trod in old Judea, the people thronged about Him because He taught them as one having authority: Matt. 7.28-29 B. In addition, He healed the sick and made the blind to see as evidence of who He was: Matt. 11.1-5 C. Yet, these miraculous events also demonstrated the great compassion by which His great heart yearns for the salvation of all mankind: Matt. 9.35-38 III. According to stanza 3, He died upon the cross "'Twas wondrous love which led Him For us to suffer loss, To bear without a murmur The anguish of the cross; With saints redeemed in glory Let us our voices raise, Till heaven and earth re-echo With our Redeemer's praise." A. It was wondrous love that led Jesus to be willing to accomplish God's plan for our redemption: Jn. 3.16 B. Therefore, He was willing to bear without a murmur the anguish of the cross because that is what it took to provide salvation from sin for mankind: Heb. 11.2 C. As those who have been washed in His blood, our voices should be raised with the saints redeemed in glory to echo their praise for the Lamb that was slain: Rev. 5.11-14 CONCL.: The chorus reminds us of how much sweeter the love of Jesus is as the years go by. "Sweeter as the years go by, Sweeter as the years go by; Richer, fuller, deeper, Jesus' love is sweeter, Sweeter as the years go by." For those who truly believe, growing older must not become a time of complaining and self-centeredness but should mean having a greater awareness of God's love and His promises to us, knowing that our relationship with Him can be "Sweeter As The Years Go By." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 9024 Amona Dr. Affton, MO 63123 home phone: (314) 638-4710 office phone: (314) 544-1612 e-mail: wswalker310 at juno.com website: www.defenderoftruth.com Notes: Other hymn studies are available at the Defender of Truth website. Also, some of my previous hymn studies are now included in book that I have written entitled Songs of Zion. It can be ordered from the publisher by calling 1-800-423-2484 or going to www.faith-facts.com. And if you would like to receive a similar daily hymn study by e-mail, you can join the Hymn of the Day list by sending a blank e-mail to hymnoftheday-subscribe at yahoogroups.com or subscribing from the Web at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hymnoftheday/ . Also, since this has been called to my attention, I now feel it necessary to include this disclaimer with each message. As owner of this list, I have nothing to do with the ads and links that Yahoogroups sends out with the Hymn of the Day posts nor do I have any control over them. I do not necessarily approve of them and I do not always endorse those who have placed them with Yahoogroups. From GLClair at aol.com Sat Jun 2 15:37:14 2007 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2007 16:37:14 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLRYIN for June 2007 Message-ID: HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Road ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43027 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher and editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone; (614) 850-7252 Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) WED MAGAZINE: considermagazine.com =========================================================================== Volume 9 Number 6 June 2007 =========================================================================== WHY MANY TAKE THAT POSITION [Forced to Decide by Circumstances] Many people I have known over the years have made decisions about Biblical concepts such as baptism, fellowship. Faith only, marriage, divorce, adultery, elder?s qualifications, mechanical music, institutional practices, Herald of Truth operations, and etc. I have seen some good brethren and sisters publicly sweat as they listened to Biblical teaching on some concepts that they were considering. Indeed, the ability to make choices that we possess is often a great burden, most of the time we make the right decisions but those rare times when outside and close ties are at stake [i.e. family, money, fame, position, etc.] we may stumble while making the choice between truth and error. This thought I have presented is absolutely true, many good men and women that I have known have given up the sound position [i.e. the truth] for error because of extenuating circumstance or family ties or some other pressure that was just too great. The Bible is full of examples that show God?s people have made wrong choices many times in past history also. Actually our first parents [i.e. Adam and Eve], had to make a choice between following God?s instructions or not. They choose to reject God?s instruction for selfish reasons. Eve wanted to know, wanted to be pleased, apparently longed for more than ?PARADISE? --- I have often wondered where the phrase, ? Paradise Lost? came from, I think I know after considering Eve?s fall from good relationship with God and leading her husband into sin too. Then there is Aaron, who while Moses was upon Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments he fashioned a golden calf for the Israelites to worship instead of Jehovah. Now Aaron had a choice but the people pressured him and he gave in to the pressure. How sad is this person who turns from the truth to a false way especially later when he/she comes to their senses and weeps bitterly over their failure. The human ties that we possess may undo a lifetime of faithful service to God because it is just too devastating. Man is often influenced too greatly by friends, loved ones, or desires to hold on, he gives in to sin and then seeks to justify his sin through human reason. We must be faithful even when it is inconvenient, even when our family objects, even when we know that it will sever relationships that we have with other people; yes we must hold on to the truth --- 1 Cor 10:13, ?There hath no temptation taken you but such as man can bear: but God is faithful , who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that ye may be able to endure it.? ASV May 11, 2007 glclair at aol.com ============================================================== ?But God Is Faithful? By Garreth Clair 1 Corinthians 10:13; 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) What a happy and consoling thought, "but God is faithful" This statement tells us that God is faithful to keep man from having to give in to Satan's temptations. Even when man reaches a point that seems to be his limit of endurance God will provide a means of escape. What a wonderful guarantee to the true Christian in all of his battles with the flesh, he can survive. The test tells us that we can survive all of Satan's temptations if we will to do so. But, sometimes even though we know this truth we do yield to temptation and fall from grace (i.e., backslide). Even when we have fallen God has made arrangements for us to be restored to faithful service, Notice the following Biblical illustration: Acts 8:13-24, 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. (KJV) Simon became a Christian but after this he sinned (i.e., backslide), he was told what to do to be restored anew. Any Christian who backslides can be restored today the same way - study the passage well! May 9, 2007 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) considermagazine.com ======================================================= AND TIME GOES ON! By Garreth L. Clair Each day that we live here in the world we are continually exposed to all that goes on in our world. The good, the bad, the disgusting, etc. are all show to us via the electronic media. Nothing happens in our world that we do not know about almost immediately. For some strange reason the electronic media and the printed media show mostly the awful, evil, side of events that occur. Perhaps these media moguls are convinced that sensationalism is the way to build ratings for their shows, apparently they believe horror, mayhem, sex, and violence sells anything. As we consider these things let us always be aware of the potential danger that exposure to this type of media exposure may bring us. It is not too great an exaggeration to suggest that whatever we allow ourselves to imbibe within our mind will eventually influence our character. Read Matthew 15:17-20, 17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defiles not a man. We are all products of whatever we allow to enter our heart (i.e., seat of intellect) through our eyes and through our hearing. Because our character is established by whatever we see and hear, we must be very careful of those things that we hear and see. Each day that we live we will occupy our time doing something. We would be ill advised to spend too much time observing media programming that is designed for our viewing, it will surely have an effect upon our character eventually. There may be some programs that will not adversely affect our character but at this particular point in time I know of no such program. Time goes on! That is a fact for all of us to deal with day after day. Dealing with spare time may become a problem for those who have an abundance of it. Remember this: nothing is valuable if it is does not increase our faith in God, Christ, and spiritual things in general; Ecclesiastes 10:18, ?By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. (KJV) --- 1 Timothy 4:13, "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." =============================================================== Number 2 - RESISTING GOD Do you think it is impossible to resist God? Since God created the universe, it would seem that the question is foolish yet the Bible teaches that man has resisted God's goodness toward him from the very beginning. Please notice the following verses of Scripture about man's capacity to resist God: Acts 7:51 51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 2 Timothy 3:8 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 2 Chronicles 30:8 8 Now be ye not stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you. (KJV) Acts 7:51 51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you. (KJV) Jeremiah 8:5-6 5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return. 6 I hearkened and heard, but they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, what have I done? Every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. (K Hosea 11:7 7 And my people are bent to backsliding from me: though they called them to the most high, none at all would exalt him. HILLIARD BULLETIN for June 2007-05-20 - _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070602/278b59ae/attachment-0001.html From harperwest at yahoo.com Sat Jun 2 17:39:17 2007 From: harperwest at yahoo.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 2 Jun 2007 15:39:17 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> On The Range Message-ID: <000601c7a566$dca86860$be81f004@Steven> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper June 3, 2007 On The Range If you have ever had occasion to go to a gun range, you know it is not a place for any lighthearted carelessness. The range's director or supervisor [the range master] will likely go over the rules of the range and will sometimes give all participants a short but serious talk about the rules of behavior while you are on the range. Whether you are there just watching or if you are there to practice, extreme caution is to be taken and at no time should this caution be diminished. [Those who are not using the range should be just as cautious as those who are.] Occasionally, though, someone gets too comfortable with the range and their own abilities and knowledge and then forgets the rules. Familiarity sometimes brings inattention and inattention is something that is dangerous on the range. If you know anything about gun ranges and gun safety, you know how foolish it would be to actually walk out on the range while others are firing. "Dangerous" does not even begin to describe it! In effect, you are asking for trouble and setting yourself up to be killed or seriously wounded. Only if the participants were paying close attention would a serious incident be avoided, and then they would wonder what you were thinking to go out and put yourself into such a situation. In the worst case scenario, you would be killed and the ones who were actively participating would be left to wonder why someone would do something so foolish. Those who go to gun ranges do so because they want to go to practice in a safe environment - safe for themselves and safe for others; that is why there are all the rules and the strict enforcement of those rules. Well-run gun ranges will evict anyone they see is not following the safety guidelines, and with good reason. If you ever ran out onto the range while it was open, it is likely they would call the police to come take you away, and then ban you from ever coming back. Other ranges would likely not want to have you on their property, either! But are we any less foolish when, spiritually-speaking, we put ourselves in the middle of the firing range? The disciple of Jesus Christ should know that our enemy has his sights set on us, and that we are in constant spiritual danger; we are the target. The enemy of God is our enemy, and our enemy has many friends and helpers. He has many workers who transform themselves and appear as workers for good (2 Cor. 11:15), so the danger is even greater because we can be deceived if we are not careful. Though disciples know this danger is present, they sometimes admit the danger and step right into the line of fire anyway. Some will foolishly say to others [even as they seem to be trying to convince themselves that it is true], "Oh, that doesn't bother me," when they place themselves in the realm of temptation. How wise is that? Would you walk out in front of the shooters at the firing range? Of course not. But is it any less dangerous when you willingly and purposefully put yourself in situations where you will be tempted? Remember that every temptation - if not halted - inevitably leads to sin, and sin to spiritual death (Jas. 1:14, 15). You may think you are "bulletproof" just because you are a Christian, but every good law enforcement officer would tell you that just because you wear the vest doesn't mean you want to purposefully jump out in front of a bullet. Common sense should tell us that just because we have been saved from past sins and have the promise of forgiveness as a child of God doesn't mean we jump into the line of fire and put our souls in danger on purpose. If anything, we should avoid every place where we might face temptation, if at all possible. I fully understand that there will be occasions where temptations are forced upon us [indecent dress in public places sometimes cannot be avoided], but even in those cases, we avoid leading ourselves into further spiritual danger. Our enemy is also described by the inspired apostle Peter as one who "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8), so how foolish would it be for us to walk out onto the open range when he is hungry? Common sense would tell you to either avoid his prowl or to at least stay in the truck; the wisest choice would be to never go to where he is known to be. But when we are in his territory and when we move about on his terms, it is he who has the advantage. But why would we want to put ourselves in spiritual danger when God has provided us a place of safety? Why get out of the truck if we truly seek a safe place? Our God has promised us, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13). If we should happen to be out on the firing range or if we should happen to be out on the open range, God will provide a way out. It may be a bunker at the firing range or a tree out on the open range, but there will be a way out - even when we have foolishly placed ourselves in such situations. Even when we have acted foolishly, God will not abandon us to our own foolishness, but seeks our spiritual safety even then. The firing range has rules that, if followed, will prevent injuries or death. Any range master will tell you it is when the rules are ignored, forgotten, and violated that injuries happen. Those rules are in place for the safety of all who may be there, and the range master has the right to evict those who are unwilling to abide by the rules. Have we considered that God's Word has a similar purpose? The things God has revealed to us in the written Word are for our spiritual safety [as we talked about in last week's article] and it is when those guidelines are ignored, forgotten, and violated that we place ourselves in spiritual danger. Dare I say that He, too, has the right to evict those who are unwilling to abide by the rules? As much as some would like to believe they are exempt from keeping some of the rules, such is simply not true. And what if we are out on the spiritual open range, where the lion is prowling about? What will keep us safe there? Unfortunately, there will be little to protect us when we put ourselves in spiritual danger by going to where our enemy walks. The psalmist realized the wisdom of staying away from spiritual danger when he wrote about the righteous man who "walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers" (Psa. 1:1). He avoids such places because he knows it will endanger his soul! The wise writer adds this warning: "Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on" (Prov. 4:14, 15). The wisest choice is always the choice that leads us away from temptation and sin, and which leads to good and righteousness. What do we do, though, if we have been foolish enough to walk amidst the realm of our enemy and we find ourselves staring in the face of this roaring lion? [Remember, God has promised a way of escape for every temptation.] The answer is simple: RUN! As strange as it may seem, some disciples believe the "safest" thing is to blend in and appear like one of the creatures who prowl the open range. They add to their foolishness by thinking they best protect themselves by becoming spiritually numb to the sins that surrounds them and making themselves more like the lion than the prey. Let me say it as plainly as I can: The lion isn't fooled. The best solution is to put distance between you and the lion, and if you don't believe you can outrun the lion, remind yourself that it is your spiritual life that is at stake. You'd be surprised how fast and how far you can run away from your enemy when you must! Brethren, let us be aware of the spiritual dangers around us, and let us not be so foolish as to purposefully place ourselves in spiritual danger. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070602/02082bd2/attachment-0001.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Sun Jun 3 17:48:24 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 16:48:24 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Casting lots (question/answer) Message-ID: <00cb01c7a631$5151c470$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Hello Janice, 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: Several times in the Bible it talks about casting lots. For instance the guards cast lots for Jesus's robe and also in Acts 1:26 - To find the one that would replace Judas. I would be very appreciative for a answer. Reply: The two main incidents of casting or drawing lots are found in Matthew 27: 35 and Acts 1: 24-27. I shall insert the following comments from Smith's Bible Dictionary: "As to the mode of casting lots, we have no certain information. Probably several modes were practiced." "Very commonly among the Latins little counters of wood were put into a jar with so narrow a neck that only one could come out at a time. After the jar had been filled with water and the contents shaken, the lots were determined by the order in which the bits of wood, representing the several parties, came out with the water. in other cases they were put into a wide open jar, and the counters were drawn out by the hand. Sometimes again they were cast in the manner of dice. The soldiers who cast lots for Christ's garments undoubtedly used these dice." --Lyman Abbott. The case of Matthew 27: 35 was manifest gambling. It could be compared to the modern tossing of the dice. In the case of Acts 1, the matter obviously was not gambling (left to chance) but was a way for God to chose the apostle to replace Judas. Be sure to read the article on gambling in Bible Truths. Enter through the door, click on "Archives and Index," and then click on the letter "G" on the archives page. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there. 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 dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Sun Jun 3 17:50:40 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 16:50:40 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Where there women deacons in the Bible? (question/answer) Message-ID: <010201c7a631$a20e4140$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Hello Marie, 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: Were there women Deacons in the Blble? Reply: Phebe was said to have been a "servant of the church...." (Rom. 16: 1). The Greek word servant in Romans 16: 1 is diakonon, accusative case. As you can see, "deacon" is applied to Phebe. Some scholars believe the qualifications of I Timothy 3: 11 (the Greek is literally, "the women") are alluding to female deacons (see also I Timothy 5: 9 ff.). There is no doubt that Phebe was a female deacon of the church. However, what meaning do we assign to this fact? Was Phebe simply a female servant (meaning of diakonon), without any intended thought of being appointed by the local church to serve after the same manner as the male servants or deacons in I Timothy 3? It does appear especially in view of the strict distinctions between men and women in the First Century that women of spiritual caliber where needed to minister to needy women. If Phebe were a deacon (in exactly the same official sense as the men who met the qualifications of I Timothy 3: 8-13), it must still be remembered that even deacons (males) have no delegated authority such as the elders have (I Tim. 3: 1-7; Tit. 1: 5 ff.). Also, restrictions imposed by the scriptures would still apply to such female servants. Perhaps the reason more is not said in the scriptures regarding "deaconesses" is because it was a needed function especially in the culture of the First Century and was not necessarily meant to be present in order for the local church to be fully organized (see Phili. 1: 1). God has exceptionally used women in the past. Deborah is a case in point (Judges 4). Deborah was not only a Judge over Israel but she was a "prophetess" (Judges 4: 4). We also read of prophetesses in the church at Corinth (I Cor. 11: 3-16). However, even in these exceptional cases, these prophetesses were under strict regulation regarding headship, particularly as it applied to them in position to their male counter-parts, the prophets (I Cor. 11: 3, 4, ff..). I point out and stress these matters because some are using the case of Phebe, Deborah, and the prophetesses to argue for female leadership in local churches. Concluding from these unusual examples that women may lead (in the pulpit, serving as elders, etc.) local churches today is to violate such plain and universal teaching as that found in I Timothy 2: 8-15. In conclusion, it is certain that the early church had deaconesses (Rom. 16: 1). It is also certain that there was a special class of women possessing the qualifications who were "enrolled" (I Tim. 5: 9, it appears these women were to be used in some capacity, notwithstanding the benevolent nature of the circumstance, see total context of I Timothy 5). What is not so certain is the presence and extent of officiality in this function. As seen, it is also certain that even assuming full officiality (compared to the male servants meeting the qualifications, the deacons), these deaconesses were not leaders in the local churches. 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 richardthetford at msn.com Sun Jun 3 19:36:56 2007 From: richardthetford at msn.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 18:36:56 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (6/3/07) Message-ID: 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) June 3, 2007 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: My WEB Site 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 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 Richard at Thetfordcountry.com with their name and e-mail address and I will add them to the list. --- CONTENTS: "The ONE Church" (Richard Thetford) "What Kind of Church Was It?" (Selected) "Too Busy to Study Your Bible? (The 23rd Channel)" (Selected) --- THE ONE CHURCH Richard Thetford We only have to open the telephone directory and look at all the different churches that are listed to wonder "what church is the right church?" There are books that are written about various churches, most claiming to be spiritually and doctrinally correct. We can read where all kinds of things are taught such as praying to Mary, baptizing babies, some priests can marry, others can't, the social work of the church, no life after death or there is life after death! How can we know which church is the church that Jesus built? I Will Build MY Church Jesus said: "...I will build my church..." (Matt 16:18). Jesus said this way back in 30 A.D. Therefore, the church that Christ built was built long ago. Every denomination that is in existence today was built long after Jesus said "I will build my church". Most are proud to tell you the exact date that their church was established and the creed in which it was established on. Since Jesus said "I will build my church", that must mean that the church in which Jesus built belongs to Him. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:22-23: "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." Here we can clearly see that HIS BODY = HIS CHURCH. In Colossians 1:18 it is pointed out that Christ is "the head of the body, the church". Since Christ is the head, He decides, controls, and guides His church. There Is ONE The word ONE is mentioned several times in the New Testament. Let's look at a few references to this. In Ephesians 4:4-6 we can read where "there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Here we can plainly read where there is just ONE of each. Yet while most will acknowledge there is ONE God, they recognize several churches! Paul said that we should be unified (1 Cor 1:10). Only when we're doing all things exactly as God has stipulated can we truly be ONE, which is to be unified. Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" (John 10:27). In John 10:16 we can read where there is ONE fold and ONE shepherd. Therefore, in the New Testament (the testament we are under today), we see that there was only ONE CHURCH! Doctrines Of Men The Bible is very plain on Christ's teaching about His church. Yet many still want to preach and teach more than ONE church and various other ways of doing things that are in direct violation of God's teaching in His Word! Jesus condemned man for teaching his own ideas and doctrines (Mark 7:7-9). Because man did change the teachings of Jesus, we now have denominations. Some denominationalists teach that denominations are simply branches of Jesus' church. This cannot be so, for in the Bible we read "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:5-6). Disciples are the branches, not churches! In Mark 16:16, Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Some say "He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved." Who shall we believe, Jesus, or doctrines of men? We cannot pollute the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11). When Christ's doctrine is polluted with the doctrine of men, it makes man's worship of God empty of any value, it is vain! Are you simply following the traditions and doctrines of men or are you striving to abide in the doctrine of Jesus Christ? --- WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WAS IT? Selected A lady approached a business man and asked for a donation on a church building. "Yes, I will give $100," replied the man, "if you will erect a sign saying, This is a church of Christ." "Oh, no! We couldn't do that because it is not a church of Christ," answered the woman. "Very well," replied the man, "I will still give you $100 if you will put up a sign saying, "This is not a church of Christ." "Oh, no, sir. You know we could not do that because it is a church of Christ." Wonder what kind of church it was!? This illustrates the confusion that exists when people think in denominational terms. People reject the Lord's name for men's and then still claim to be His. "church of Christ" is not a denominational title, but a description of Christ. Incidentally, see what some churches who call themselves "of Christ" are practicing and teaching and we are still led to wonder: what kind of church is it? THINK. --- TOO BUSY TO STUDY YOUR BIBLE? The 23rd Channel Selected The TV is my Shepherd. My spiritual growth shall want. It maketh me to sit down and do nothing for his name's sake because it requires all my spare time. It keepeth me from doing my duty as a Christian because it presenteth so many good shows that I must see. It restoreth my knowledge of the things of the world, and keepeth me from the study of God's word. It leadeth me in the paths of apathy and doing nothing in the Kingdom of God. Yea, though I live to be a hundred, I shall keep on viewing my TV as long as it will work, for it is my closest companion. Its sound and its picture, they comfort me. It presenteth entertainment before me, and keepeth me from doing important things with my family. It filleth my head with ideas which differ from those set forth in the word of God. Surely no good thing will come to my life, because my TV leaveth me so little time to do the will of God. Thus, I will dwell in the house of idleness and sloth forever --- SERMON INTRODUCTION TO THE BIBLE (with PowerPoint Charts) (will be posted next week) Sermons can viewed at my web site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- Meets at: 2740 Commercial Way Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-8116 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: Richard at Thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- Richard Thetford E-Mail: Richard at Thetfordcountry.com 1491 Canyon Drive, Ridgway, CO 81432 Home: (970) 626-5558 Please visit my web site: www.thetfordcountry.com Evangelist, San Juan church of Christ www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070603/e3e3b9f0/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 14927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070603/e3e3b9f0/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 5253 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070603/e3e3b9f0/attachment-0007.gif From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Sun Jun 3 20:09:09 2007 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 20:09:09 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Fw: testing Message-ID: <001c01c7a644$f613fb00$01fea8c0@your4dacd0ea75> test 2 ----- Original Message ----- From: thomas thornhill To: mars-list ; bible matters ; biblelist ; focus on truth Sent: Saturday, June 02, 2007 9:57 PM Subject: testing I have been having trouble sending e-mails to various lists. I hope I have it fixed. That is why I am sending this e-mail, to see if it goes through. Thanks for the patience. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070603/8cb5b1fb/attachment.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Sun Jun 3 23:03:46 2007 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Sun, 3 Jun 2007 23:03:46 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 5-27-07 Message-ID: <007e01c7a65d$5acf68a0$01fea8c0@your4dacd0ea75> THE BUCKHORN TEACHER "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2.Tim.4:2 Buckhorn church of Christ - Thomas Thornhill - editor. 13675 Hwy 341, Randolph MS 38864-9117. Tel. 662-568-2960. Cell 662-419-5378. E-mail thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Vol.6 May 27, 2007 No.1 CHURCH DISCIPLINE No.5 Check the previous articles for continuity. In church discipline, sometimes instructive and corrective discipline fails. The impenitent, erring, member ignores all instruction and admonitions and refuses to bring his life and/or doctrine into harmony with the rules and order prescribed by the Lord. When it is ascertained the person is guilty of walking in an "unruly" or "disorderly" fashion, and demonstrates impenitence, then the church has the unpleasant, but necessary, task of exercising public "withdrawal of fellowship" from this person. This action is clearly taught in such passages as, 2.Thes.3:16, "But we command you, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly, and not according to the tradition which he received from us;" Rom.16:17, "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause division and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them;" 2.Thes.3:14, "note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed;" Tit.3:10-11, "Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing such a person is warped and sinning, being self condemned." Many are reluctant to follow the scriptures in this matter because they feel it is too harsh, or they misunderstand the nature of the thing being done. The purpose of such punitive discipline is not to destroy the sinner by driving him away because he is still a brother, albeit, an erring one. Withdrawal of fellowship is to impress on him his awful condition before God, and to save his soul by making him ashamed of his action. Note 2.Thes.3:14 above, ".that he may be ashamed," bringing him to repentance ".that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" 1.Cor.5:5. It is hoped that such action will bring him to true repentance and the joy that comes with restoration as it did in the case of the man with his father's wife in 1.Cor.5. Read of the restoration in 2.Cor.2:1-10. Even if withdrawal of fellowship from the unruly and disorderly does not bring the one disciplined to repentance it will serve to maintain the authority and honor of Christ. If we claim to follow Him, then we must make Him our Lord and do as He instructs Lk.6:46. Furthermore it will help to save the church by keeping it pure. Jesus cleansed and purified the church, His body, when He established it and He wants us to keep it that way. Sometimes a body has a diseased member, so the body has to be mutilated by removing the diseased limb to save the rest of the body. So it is with the church. Sometimes a diseased member (impenitent sinner) has to be removed to save the rest of the body, the church. In 1.Cor.5:6 Paul likened sin to leaven, and taught that if it was not removed, it would eventually corrupt the whole body. So discipline helps save the church, first by removing that which will corrupt it, and also by causing others in the church to fear. Note what happened in Acts 5 when Ananias and Sapphira were disciplined by God. "So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things" Acts 5:11. In addition, when church discipline (the withdrawal of fellowship) is practiced properly the church will gain the respect of the world. Oh, they may ridicule and criticize the church for doing what the Lord requires, but at the same time they will respect the church for following the word of God in the matter. Note again Acts 5:11. Great fear came not only upon the church but also ".upon all who heard these things." The church is to be "blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life." Phil.2:15-16. If the church is "His (God's) own special people" Tit.2:14; 1.Pet.2:9, in the world, they need to look like it, so the world will take notice. How is the church to act toward one that has been "marked," "noted," or "withdrawn from?" Let the words of inspiration speak. ".Note that person and do not keep company with him." 2.Thes.3:14. "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner - not even to eat with such a person.therefore put away from yourselves the evil person" 1.Cor.5:11.13. What does "not to keep company" or "not even to eat with such a person" mean? Publicly it means that the action taken should be publicized (announced - noted or marked) so that the whole church is aware of what has been done. Then such a one is not to be used in the public services. Otherwise the action would be a sham. The church is not to act in such a way as to imply recognition or endorsement of the marked (withdrawn from) one as a faithful child of God. He is to be treated "like a heathen or a publican" Matt.18:17. Privately social engagements and activities are restricted. "Not to keep company with" or "not to eat with" means that the members are not to act as if the church has taken no action at all. Socially, the other members are to avoid any unnecessary contact with the member who has been disciplined. The disciplined member needs to feel the loss of association, interaction, and intimacy with the members of the church. This restriction is designed to make the person feel ashamed and sorrowful for his past actions thereby producing repentance. "Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted of." 2.Cor.7:9-10. It is sad but true, Sometimes members do not agree with the action taken by the church, so they treat the person that has been withdrawn from just as he was treated before the action was taken. This will make the withdrawal of fellowship meaningless. If the disciplined member is treated the same as before the withdrawing of fellowship occurred, then how will he be made to feel ashamed of his action? Why should he, since nothing has changed? He feels as if he has lost nothing. NOTE: There is one more article planned on this subject. The coming article will be mostly dealing with questions that have come up as a result of these articles -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070603/1b837fbf/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Jun 4 05:03:01 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2007 06:03:01 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) HOLDING FAST THE HEAD -- JESUS CHRIST Message-ID: 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: HOLDING FAST TO THE HEAD -- JESUS CHRIST Most of us know what it means to hold fast to something. If you have ever been on an amusement ride that is moving really fast, you hold on for fear of being thrown from the ride. The apostle Paul writes to the Christians in Colossae admon- ishing them about "holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments grows with the increase that is from God" (Col. 2:19). Christians are warned at least five times in Colossians cha- pter two (vss. 4,8,16,18,20-22), that they may not be deceived cheated, or judged concerning their reward. The way we can keep from being moved away from our stand in Christ is to hold fast to Him, "that we should no longer be children, toss- ed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting" (Eph. 4:14). Let's consider some fo the ways we can be deceived as listed in Colossians chapter two: philosophy and empty dece- it, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world (vss. 8,20-22); in food or drink, or re- garding a festival, or a new moon, or Sabbaths, regulations like do not touch, do not taste, or do not handle (vss. 16,21); and taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, in- truding into those things which are not seen, vainly puffed up by a fleshly mind (vs. 18). So, anything that mankind can invent in their teaching and practice whether in the Name of Christ or not in the Name of Christ can deceive children of God and cheat them of their reward. A lot of what Paul warns against involves the teaching and traditions developed by the Jews concerning the Law of Mos- es and their religious activities. Jesus warned the Jews about doing this during His ministry (Matt. 15:1-9; Mk. 7:1-13) Some other false teachings arose after the Law was removed (Col. 2:14; Eph. 2;15), and the Jewish Christians began teach- ing that the Gentile Christians needed to keep the Law of Mos- es to be saved (Acts 15:5; Gal. 5:1-6). Also, some of the teachings of the Greeks like Gnosticism was mingled with God's Word to develop religious philosoph- ies that many Christians were beginning to accept (2 Tim. 3:5 Ti. 1:16; 1 Jno. 4:1-3). Paul's correction of these false teachings pointed out that things of the Law of Moses were but a shadow of the real sub- stance -- Jesus Christ. He told them that they were not hold- ing to the Head -- Jesus Christ when they followed these teachings of error. Paul wrote, "These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indul- gence of the flesh" (Col. 2:23). If we hold to the Head -- Jesus Christ -- nothing can move us away from the truth and the body or church of Christ. Know Jesus and His Word, walk with Him, and you will be holding fast to the Head! ----- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070604/d10c4c10/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Jun 4 05:03:09 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2007 06:03:09 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) FIGHTING AGAINST GOD Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. FIGHTING AGAINST GOD The noted Jewish teacher, Gamaliel, warned the San Hed- rin council to be careful concerning their treatment of the apostles of the Lord, "Lest haply ye be found even to fight against God" (Acts 5:39). In the Old Testament we read the same idea, "Fight ye not against the Lord God of your fathers for ye shall not prosper" (2 Chron. 13:12). Truly, there is no power but of God (Rom. 13:1), and "He ruleth by His power forever" (Psa. 66:7). Why then would anyone be so foolish as to oppose the Creator of us all? As Paul so aptly asks, "Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?" (Rom. 9: 20). Is it not tragically true, however, that Rom. 3:18 is indicative of too many folk in our own generation? "There is no fear of God before their eyes." In spite of the infinite love and awesome power of God, there are millions today who will not seek the counsel of heav- en and the constant guidance or perfect peace our gracious God has promised (Isa. 58:11; 26:3). As the apostle Paul wrote, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness" (Rom. 1:18). When we "do not retain God in our knowledge" (Rom. 1:28), only chaos and ruin can result. Regardless of our action or attitude, how- ever, God has not abdicated nor has He been overthrown. In view of the fact that we shall stand before the Lord in judgment, as "each one shall give account of himself unto God" (Rom. 14:12), it would be wise to be sure we have obey- ed Him! The worth of a soul (Mk. 8:36,37) and the justice of God demand that we be prepared to be judged "According to the deeds done in the body" (2 Cor. 5:10). We will be judged by His Word (Jno. 12:48). We must freely admit that proper fear is a legitimate motivation in life. I am fearful of jumping off a high building or standing on a railroad track with a train bearing down on me. What's more, I am glad I have sense enough to fear these things. We ought also to stand in awe of a God who can speak the world into existence (Psa. 33:9), and Who has promised to judge us! "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God...Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men" (Heb. 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:11). The psalms have beautifully expressed the omnipotence of God in three powerful verses: "The Lord reigneth; He is clothed with majesty...God is our refuge and strength...Our help is in the Name of the Lord who made heaven and earth" (Psa. 93:1; 46:1; 124:8). Verily, "From everlasting to everlast- ing, Thou art God" (Psa. 90:1,2). As the popular song stated a few years ago, "The whole world is in His hands!" No won- der, then, that Paul wrote, "Let God be found true, but every man a liar" (Rom. 3:4). The Word of God is powerful and piercing "Heb,. 4:12). "For our God is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:29). We absolute- ly waste our lives upon earth if we spend them in rebellion and ingratitude. Could more appropriate words, on this theme, ever surpass the message of the psalmist? "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about Him" (Psa. 89:7). ------ Johnny Ramsey in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 56, No. 21, May 25, 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070604/f1db963e/attachment-0001.html From jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Mon Jun 4 12:01:36 2007 From: jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry Blount) Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2007 11:01:36 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Casting lots (question/answer) In-Reply-To: <00cb01c7a631$5151c470$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Message-ID: <06a101c7a6ca$0332e460$1c02a8c0@dadsdell> Don and the list. Our local museum has a superb display on the crucifixion and several contemporary artifacts. I don't know if it will go through but here is a picture of what the actual dice from NT times looked like. If your local museum doesn't have the same kind of display I will forward some of our pics. They have the nails etc. Jerry Blount Pleasant Valley church of Christ 3317 Amidon rd. Wichita Kansas, 67204 3163204321 WWW.letJesusleadus.org -----Original Message----- From: biblemat-bounces at biblematters.net [mailto:biblemat-bounces at biblematters.net] On Behalf Of Don Martin Sent: Sunday, June 03, 2007 4:48 PM To: Jerry Blount Cc: Bible Matters Mailing List Subject: [Biblemat] Casting lots (question/answer) **** * Bible Matters mailing list * http://biblematters.net/mailman/listinfo/biblemat * You are subscribed as: Jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com * Send postings to: biblemat at biblematters.net * List owner: Mike Hughes (mike at mikealrhughes.com, http://www.mikealrhughes.com/), Mickey Chandler (mickc at churches-of-christ.com, http://www.churches-of-christ.com/) ***** Hello Janice, 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: Several times in the Bible it talks about casting lots. For instance the guards cast lots for Jesus's robe and also in Acts 1:26 - To find the one that would replace Judas. I would be very appreciative for a answer. Reply: The two main incidents of casting or drawing lots are found in Matthew 27: 35 and Acts 1: 24-27. I shall insert the following comments from Smith's Bible Dictionary: "As to the mode of casting lots, we have no certain information. Probably several modes were practiced." "Very commonly among the Latins little counters of wood were put into a jar with so narrow a neck that only one could come out at a time. After the jar had been filled with water and the contents shaken, the lots were determined by the order in which the bits of wood, representing the several parties, came out with the water. in other cases they were put into a wide open jar, and the counters were drawn out by the hand. Sometimes again they were cast in the manner of dice. The soldiers who cast lots for Christ's garments undoubtedly used these dice." --Lyman Abbott. The case of Matthew 27: 35 was manifest gambling. It could be compared to the modern tossing of the dice. In the case of Acts 1, the matter obviously was not gambling (left to chance) but was a way for God to chose the apostle to replace Judas. Be sure to read the article on gambling in Bible Truths. Enter through the door, click on "Archives and Index," and then click on the letter "G" on the archives page. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there. 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 _______________________________________________ Biblemat mailing list Biblemat at biblematters.net http://www.biblematters.net/mailman/listinfo/biblemat -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Crucifiction dice.JPG Type: image/jpeg Size: 163084 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070604/9d642efd/attachment-0001.jpe From kthomas at ntslink.net Mon Jun 4 14:36:55 2007 From: kthomas at ntslink.net (kenneth Thomas) Date: Mon, 4 Jun 2007 14:36:55 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Primitive Christians Message-ID: <466469D7.000003.02524@KENSCOMPUTER> The following is lifted from Don Martain's web page with permission to use already given. I added a line in the form of a question at the end. Kenneth E. Thomas Primitive Christians "No trait of the primitive Christians was more remarkable than their profound reverence for the Scriptures and their diligent study of them. The word of God, dwelling in them richly and abounding, was their meditation all the day long. Those who could read never went abroad without taking some part of the Bible with them. The women, in their household labors, wore some portion of the sacred roll hanging about their necks; and the men made it the companion of their toil in the field and the workshop. Morning, noon and night they read it at their meals. By the recitals of the narratives of sacred history, by constant reading, by paraphrase, by commentary, and by sacred song, they taught the Scriptures diligently unto their children; talked of these heavenly themes when they sat in their house, when they walked by the way, when they laid themselves down, and when they rose up. One relates with great delight that he never sat at meal with Origen, A.D. 225, but one of the company read to the other. They never retired to rest without first reading the Bible. So diligent were they in this divine employ