From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Mar 1 05:38:27 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 06:38:27 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE LAST CHAPTER Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: THE LAST CHAPTER We would be really let down if we read a novel all the way to the end, and the last chapter was missing! Most events in history have an ending written for our learning. We know how things ended because we are living today. There is going to be a last chapter for all of mankind but it won't be written down by some historian, there will be no one on earth to read that final ending! Interestingly, God has already written the last chapter of mankind, and He has left it up to each human being to deter- mine his/her part in the end of all endings. The final chapter has two endings: the New Heavens and New Earth or the lake of fire and brimstone (i.e. heaven or hell). The Lord Jesus Christ said, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth -- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the res- urrection of condemnation" (Jno. 5:28,29). The apostle Paul describes the final chapter for the Christian: "Behold, I tell you a hidden truth: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed -- in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be rais- ed incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Cor. 15:51,52). Contrastingly, Paul depicts the final moment for the unbe- liever: "When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gos- pel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thes. 1:7b, 8). Which ending would you enjoy? Not a hard question to answer! Yet, most of us choose to be a part of the sad final chapter of mankind. God wants all of us to come to repent- ance and to be saved. The Father sent His Son to save the lost of this world (Jno. 3:16). Longsuffering is the word used to describe what is keeping God from sending His Son back to the earth so that the last chapter might be written (2 Pet. 3: 9-15). Today, you can secure a good ending by believing in the Lord Jesus, repenting of your sins, confessing Jesus as Lord and being baptized into Him. Also, after becoming a Christian you can live a faithful life. Start writing... --- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070301/5dbba88b/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Mar 1 05:38:35 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 06:38:35 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) A GODLY VIEW OF SIN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study that rec- ently came my way. Use to the glory of God. A GODLY VIEW OF SIN "What happened to sin?" This question, occasionally ask- ed these days, can be answered with another question: "Whatever happened to God?" When people lose sight of God, sin cannot be far behind. The World's View Of Sin: -- Worldly people usually have in mind some vague definition of sin. In their view murder is sin because it hurts other people. If you asked the average person to name a sinner, he might well name Saddam Hussein; look how many people he has hurt! On the other hjadn, a psychology professor I knew insisted that sexual relations between two unmarried consenting adults is no more than a handshake if no one gets hurt. Some take another step to call things sin if they hurt the one who does them. These days some people think of smok- ing as sinful because it harms the body. At the same time, drunkenness is winked at as long as one does not harm him- self or drive under the influence. Things may be thought sinful once they become socially unacceptable; speaking against homosexuality is just about the most heinous sin some people can imagine. Illegal things are considered sinful if one is caught and, if not, they become clever. And, of course, anything that makes you feel bad about yourself is probably a sin for you. Notice that all of these involve horizontal relationships. Sin is defined in purely human terms. The only authority acknowledged is human authority. The guilt or innocence of any action is judged by its visible and foreseeable effect on people here and now. God is not in the picture. The Godly View: -- As godliness is defined, however, every- thing is judged in reference to God. The word sin, as used in the Bible, is "missing the mark." Crime is missing the mark set by men: sin is missing the mark set by God (1 Jno. 3:4). Murder is sin, not because it is illegal or because it hurts someone but because God has forbidden it. The mark God has set may be missed by going beyond it (1 Jno. 5:17; 2 Jno. 9) of by coming short of it (Jas. 4:17; Rom. 3:23). The act by which "sin entered into the world" (Rom. 5:12) was an act that few people in our godless age would call sin. In fact, I am asked sometimes, "What do you think that Adam and Eve really did?" Well, what they really did was eat a piece of fruit (Gen. 3:6), and it was sin because God had for- bidden it. Whether men see anything wrong in their action is beside the point. When god told Abraham to offer his son on an altar (Gen. 22:2), he would have sinned if he had failed to obey. His faith was demonstrated in his willingness to do what God said, re- gardless of his own human sense of right and wrong. Fornication, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, covetous- ness, drunkenness, and extortion were socially acceptable in Corinth, but the Holy Spirit through Paul insisted that those practicing such things would not "inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9,10). "Let no one deceive yu with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 5:6). Even worship can be sin if it is not what God desires (Matt. 7:21-23), and a failure to worship is also sin (Jas. 4:17). God And Sin: -- Once God is brought into the picture it be- comes clear that sin is man's greatest problem. "For the wrath of God is revealed form heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men..." (Rom. 1:18). What man on his own can escape the wrath of God? Since sin is an offen- se against God, only God can forgive it. And forgiving sin is not easy even for God. It cost Him the life of His Son. The just penalty attached to sin by a just God is death; consequently, justice demands that the penalty be paid if sins are to be forgiven. If the sinner paid it he would be forever separated from God. But "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, tht whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (Jno. 3:16). He allowed His Son ot be "cut off out of the land of the living for the transgression of My people, to whom the stroke was due" (Isa. 53:8). Whenever we are tempted to sin, even in ways that the world considers innocent, we should ask with Joseph, "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?" (Gen. 39:9). And when even the world pronounces us guilty, we still must confess to God along with David, "Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight..." (Psa. 51:4). ------ Sewell Hall in The Elgin Hills Examiner, Vol. 2, No. 2, Feb. 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070301/d1af458a/attachment-0001.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Thu Mar 1 07:04:06 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 06:04:06 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Bible Truths and Bible Questions update notices Message-ID: <002d01c75c02$1b4364c0$6401a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> *************************** Don Martin with the update notices: *************************** Once again, it is my pleasure to inform you of new material being published to www.bibletruths.net Two new articles are online for your reading. One is, "Let's All Agree To Disagree." This material addresses the plea of the Ecumenical Movement as well as many within churches of Christ. To read it, 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 "A." Another article is found in the Current Truth (see excerpt below). It is titled, "Have You Not Read The Scripture?" This material pertains to the proper interpretive method. Here is an excerpt: "...The scriptures comprise God's means of communicating to man in this final dispensation (cp. Heb. 1: 1, 2, 2 John 9-11, John 12: 48). It is possible for man to err regarding his understanding of the scriptures (Mark 12: 24). To err has serious, attendant consequences that can involve one not having salvation (Jas. 5: 19, 20). While there are a number of ways in which man can err from the scriptures, one common way is for man to fail to take all that the scriptures say regarding a given subject. Man may know some relevant scriptures to a given subject, but fail to be conversant with other germane scriptures that impart important information. Many of the Jews contemporary with Jesus missed out on his Messiahship and his offered salvation because they failed to understand his mission and kingdom. While they were familiar with some scriptures pertaining to his coming, they were ignorant of others. In was in such a setting that Jesus asked the following question, the question that introduces and establishes the concept of and for our study....." The new Featured Question for www.biblequestions.org is, "What is true happiness?" (Below.) We are now experiencing multipled millions making use of our sites each year (according to Mile High Online tracking software). We are very humbled to have this honor in spreading the word of God and dealing with issues among brethren. Why not participate in our efforts by telling others of our sites and by making your own email list and sending out this update notice? Question: What is true happiness? Answer: The average person probably thinks of happiness as pleasure and cheerfulness (common definition). Happiness, according to the Bible, is much more substantial and, therefore, lacking the whimsical nature so often associated with shallow happiness. The Christian can even be happy while suffering and being reproached (I Pet. 3: 14, 4: 14). There are five Hebrew and two Greek words translated happy. They essentially mean to be at rest and safe. One translation reads, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (KJV, Jn. 13: 17). Another reads, ".blessed are ye if ye do them" (ASV). Happiness, then, is blessedness, blessedness predicated on obedience to God's commandments. The Bible pronounces certain ones as happy. Those who have mercy on the poor are happy, according to Solomon (Prov. 14: 21). Those who acquire wisdom, trust in the Lord, and keep God's law are said to be happy (Prov. 3: 13-18, 16: 20, 29: 18). Those who do not fall away, but endure are happy (Jas. 5: 11). Kind reader, you have probably already noticed that external conditions do not determine happiness. Hence, Paul could be content (happy) while in prison for Christ (Phili. 4: 11-13, 1: 7). Doing God's will produces an atmosphere which is conducive to true happiness. Children are taught to obey their parents in the Lord (Eph. 6: 1). Two reasons are supplied: "For this is right" and "that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Eph. 6: 1-3). Not loving life, guilty conscience, and nothing to look forward to all result from not being in covenant relationship with God (I Pet. 3: 10-12, Eph. 4: 4, see Prov. 13: 15). God wants to bless us (make us happy), but we must submit to Jesus' Lordship and do what God tells us in his word (Lk. 6: 46, Jas. 1: 12). Such is true happiness. Cordially, Don Martin dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Check out our Web sites: http://www.bibletruths.net Ask and receive a Bible answer http://www.biblequestions.org Simply click on the URL to visit these sites. You may print out the material for teaching purposes, see the copyright provision on the home page of Bible Truths. From GLClair at aol.com Thu Mar 1 08:13:09 2007 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 09:13:09 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Hilliard Blletin - March 2007 Message-ID: THOUGHTS ON THE HOLY SPIRIT EDITORIAL: Garreth L. Clair I know of no subject that is so misunderstood by so many people in the religious world today than the HOLY SPIRIT. There are so many differing concepts held by religious people that it is almost impossible to get them to agree on the subject, the HOLY SPIRIT or any specifics that relate to it. Because of this wide spread misunderstanding of the subject, those of us that seek to find some solution to the problem have great difficulty. The root of the great disparity between pure Biblical content and emotionalism has been created by such men as Oral Roberts and his family, Benny Hinn, The Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship, and others that have spread the misinformation about the Holy Spirit, His work, The teaching about Him in the Bible, and other areas. In the study that we are preparing here, we want to tear down the current false views and doctrinal concepts of Pentecostal, tongue speaking, miracle working, and healing philosophies that is currently being espoused by many misguided religious teachers today. While we agree that the Holy Spirit is indeed a member of the Godhead, (i.e., the Trinity) ... Defitition "Trinity" ... A word not found in Scripture, but used to express the doctrine of the unity of God as subsisting in three distinct Persons. This word is derived from the Gr. trias, first used by Theophilus (A.D. 168-183), or from the Lat. trinitas, first used by Tertullian (A.D. 220), to express this doctrine. The propositions involved in the doctrine are these: (1.) That God is one, and that there is but one God (Deut. 6:4; 1 Kings 8:60; Isa. 44:6; Mark 12:29, 32; John 10:30). (2.) That the Father is a distinct divine Person (hypostasis, subsistentia, persona, suppositum intellectuale), distinct from the Son and the Holy Spirit. (3.) That Jesus Christ was truly God, and yet was a Person distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit. (4.) That the Holy Spirit is also a distinct divine Person. - Easton's Dictionary ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------------- We cannot agree that the Holy Spirit is working today through people just as he worked through human agency many time in the Old Testament and in the early years of the New Testament era. The concept that the Holy Spirit is actively leading, healing, giving miraculous spiritual gifts to men and women today, and revealing inspiration to some people is false teaching. In the first place, the promises of the baptismal endowment of the Holy Spirit was limited to a few people of the early church era. In the second place, the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were given to individuals of the first century church through a method that limited the duration of the gift - laying on of an apostle's hands. In the third place, the gift of the Holy Spirit promised to those that believe the gospel and are baptized for the remission of sins was not the baptism of the Holy Spirit nor was it the miraculous gifts of the first century either. POINT ONE: The promise by Christ to his apostles found in the following verses were made specifically to the apostles he had chosen, not others. The promises of the baptism to the apostles of Christ were exclusive. Luke 24:46-49, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high, (KJV). Acts 1:4-5, 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence, (KJV). CONSIDER THIS: Jesus is telling the apostles that He had chosen, that they were to go to Jerusalem and await the coming of the Holy Spirit -- i.e., the Comforter -- cf., John 14:16-17, > And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; > Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you, The coming of the Comforter to the apostles would equip them for the work of establishing the church and complete the work that Christ had assigned; later Christ said this very thing to them in John 16:12-15, 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. On the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1), the 11 apostles of Christ were assembled while they waited for the fulfillment of the above promise from Christ. It is also interesting to note that while they were waiting for the promise to be fulfilled a new apostle was selected by the Lord by the name of Matthias, the selection of Matthias by the Lord made the company of the apostles of Christ, twelve again. Acts 1:23-26, 23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles, (KJV). The promise to the apostles made by Christ earlier was fulfilled in Acts 2:1-14, 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, what meanest this? 13 Others mocking said, these men are full of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: KJV CONSIDER THIS: We know that the Holy Spirit immersed the 12 apostles because the text says that it did. Please note the contents of verse 14 "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them" -- the 12 Apostles of Christ were the ones that received this immersion, not the general audience. Look also at verses 3 and 4, which further indicate that the Apostles of Christ were baptized of the Holy Spirit; becoming recipients of the powers that Jesus told them He would send the Holy Spirit (i.e., comforter) to give to them after He returned to the Father. Later Saul of Tarsus would also receive these special powers when he became an Apostle of Christ (i.e., "? as one born out of due time") -- 1 Cor 15:6-10, > After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. > After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. > And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. > For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. > But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me, (KJV). NOTE: There is no evidence in this text or in any of the verses that relate to this event that would indicate men and women other than the Apostles of Christ were ever baptized of the Holy Ghost (i.e., the Holy Spirit). This is a very important point to accept as one seeks a Scriptural view of the Holy Spirit and His work. Indeed, the Lord promise the apostles that He would baptize them in the Holy Spirit, this is a promise to the apostles, this promise was never made to anyone else. The promise included the ability of the apostles to finish the work of Christ and establish the truth of it by miraculous activity. POINT TWO: The miraculous spiritual gifts discussed in 1 Corinthians 12-14 are not referring to the baptism of the Holy Spirit that the Apostles of Christ received. The Spiritual Gifts mentioned by Paul in the Book of 1st Corinthians has reference to miraculous gifts that men received from God through the laying on of the hands of one of the 12 Apostles of Christ, or of those endowed with that power by an Apostle of Christ -- Examples - Acts 5:12, 12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. KJV Acts 6:5-6, - 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. KJV Acts 8:14-17, - 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. KJV Acts 14:3, - 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. KJV Acts 19:11-12, - 11 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. KJV 1 Tim 4:14, - 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 2 Tim 1:6, - 6 wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. POINT THREE: The gift of the Holy Spirit promised to those that obey the gospel -- Acts 5:32, - 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 2:38, - 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. KJV CONSIDER THIS: The gift mentioned here refers to something from the Holy Spirit that all who have faith in Christ and obey the gospel will receive. There have been several different views about the gift discussed in these two passages. We must always be aware of the fact that we cannot make an application of this gift that does damage to the context of other passages elsewhere, there are three different endowments discussed in this article - "BAPTISM" - "MIRACULOUS GIFTS" - "THE GIFT of Acts 2:38: 5:32" ? Is the gift mentioned here "Salvation from sin"? Many people take the position that it is. The position is not unscriptural. Yet there are other possibilities that we must also explore. ? Is the gift "the completed Written Word of God (i.e., the Bible)"? Many people also take this position. Indeed it is true that the inspiration of the Bible has been accomplished via the work of the Holy Spirit, it is also the work of the other members of the Godhead. ? Is the gift one of the following: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit or the Miraculous Spiritual Gifts? I am convinced that this cannot be the gift mentioned here in Acts 2 and Acts 5. ? We are told via the Scriptures that Christ Dwells in us - {2 Cor 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? KJV}, that God dwells in us - {1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. KJV}, and we are told in these two passages in Acts that the Holy Spirit dwells in us too - Acts 2:38: 5:32). NOTE: It seems to me that since all members of the Godhead dwell in the child of God (i.e., those that have obeyed the gospel and are walking in the light), it is reasonable to suggest that they dwell in us to whatever degree we are faithfully maturing in the faith day by day. All Christians will receive this gift whenever conversion takes place and they consistently grow toward the Divine Pattern - 2 Peter 3:18 Eph 4:15, But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: -- it will become more and more obvious that the Godhead dwells in them by their goodly life, morals, and ethics that are obvious to others as they interact together, cf. "... salt and light of the world..." Submitted to Biblemat March 1, 2007 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070301/69733c64/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Thu Mar 1 09:28:42 2007 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Thu, 01 Mar 2007 09:28:42 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Oops! (for meeting announcement) Message-ID: <45E69CCA.4245.55C9DA@localhost> Hello Listers, In this week's "News & Notes" of The Gospel Observer, I forgot to erase a gospel meeting announcement before sending the bulletin to the list. I apologize for that. -- Tom -- Tom Edwards 29603 W. Karen St. Denham Springs, LA 70726 (225) 667-4520 tedwards at onemain.com http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Thu Mar 1 10:57:47 2007 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thornhill1) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 10:57:47 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 3/4/07 Message-ID: <004001c75c22$bddc8de0$04fea8c0@TOMMY> This is the issue for 3/4/07. Some of you are receiving "The Buckhorn Teacher" by email for the first time. Some of you I have known for a number of years. I received a list of names from a friend of mine. Hope you enjoy the words. brotherly, Tommy Thornhill 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.5 March 4, 2007 No.21 HOW TO MAKE LIFE WORK FOR YOU Life at times can be so frustrating. At times it can be downright disappointing when things in life just don't work out as planned. Under such circumstances some feel that life is just passing them by. They are heard to say, "Nothing ever seems to go right for me." "Nothing ever works out for me." "I just can't win for losing." And, with that attitude life doesn't work for them. Let me illustrate what such an attitude can do. It is an article written by Neal Pollard, entitled "It Didn't Go Like He Planned." I don't have the source from which it was copied. "G Gordon Liddy recently related a bizarre story. A man, jilted by his girlfriend, apparently tried to commit suicide in front of his rival (the girl's new boyfriend). He pointed the pistol at his chin, pulled the trigger, and fully intended to die. However, the bullet somehow ricocheted off his teeth and fatally struck the other fellow. Thus intending to "end it all," the young man will now spend several years in prison for manslaughter, third-degree murder, kidnapping, and assault. This was not in his script. He had not planned to go like that. He was going to show his counterpart, his girlfriend, and the world that his emotional wounds were so great that he was going to terminally wound his body. How remarkably foolish. " (end of quote). I guess you can say that life didn't work out as he planned. Life surely didn't work for him. But, life doesn't have to be that way. Even though it may seem that life is frustrating at times and for the moment things seem to go wrong, with the proper outlook, life will still work for you. This is seen in another story that I read. It comes from "The Mannington Messenger," and is entitled "My Lucky Day." The author is not given. "Garland Chapman, principal of Robert E Lee High School in Midland, TX, relates an experience during his days as a grade school principal." "A little second grade boy started out in the morning by falling from the bus and hitting his head on the concrete. That required 3 stitches to close the gash. Recess proved a little unfortunate as he and another boy ran together. The result, two of the boy's teeth were loosened, and a lip was bruised. During the afternoon he fell and broke his arm. Mr. Chapman decided to get the boy home before anything else could happen. They were riding toward the boy's home when the principal noticed the little guy clutching something in his hand. "What do you have?" Mr. Chapman asked. "I found a quarter. I found it on the playground today," exclaimed the little fellow. He smiled and with an excited voice exclaimed, "You know, Mr. Chapman, I never found a quarter before. This is my lucky day." So much is dependent, not on how the day looks to us, but how we look at the day. Some people miss seeing the roses behind a broken fence. Every day has its problems, but faith can turn them into blessings. It all depends on how you look at it." (end of quote). So how can we make life work for us? First of all, let God direct our lives. Man does not have the ability or the right to control his own life. "O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps." Jer.10:23. God has that prerogative. He not only has the power to control what happens in life, He has the right to do so. When we realize we are not the ones to control what happens in life it will work for us. Let God control what happens, and He will help us to control how we handle what happens. To make life work for us we need to understand that everything that happens in life will not be exactly as we planned. There are some things that happen that we can do nothing about. But that doesn't have to be the end of the world. Such is life. It is challenging. It is not always pleasant or easy. It is not always sunshine and roses. God hasn't promised us a life full of mountaintop experiences. Sometimes we will have come down and live in the valleys of life. Dark valleys, disorienting valleys, the valleys of depression and despair. God hasn't given us a map to detour around these valleys. But He has promised to be with us as we travel them. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself as said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you' So we may boldly say: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?' " Heb.13:5-6. It is when we go down into such valleys that we really learn how to trust God and make life work for us. That is when our faith is tested to see if it is genuine or counterfeit. "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Jas.1:2-5. It is only when we endure the darkest night that we come to appreciate the light. To say the least, life is certainly challenging, but it will work for our good when we let God help us. In writing this Rom.8:28 comes to mind, "And we know all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." This is much more than a proof text to give the Christian encouragement in times of trial and trouble. It is a key to making life work for us. Life works for us only when we learn to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil.4:6-7. The bad doesn't automatically go away when one becomes a Christian, but it gives one a peace of mind that cannot be found in the world, an ability to face life with a proper attitude in spite of the problems that come our way. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples. ".I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." Jn.10:10b. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070301/7c3f2617/attachment.html From mail at mikealrhughes.com Thu Mar 1 13:05:02 2007 From: mail at mikealrhughes.com (Mike Hughes) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 13:05:02 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Amazed Message-ID: <7EF3D332-E854-4B1C-9568-1899589F1F41@mikealrhughes.com> All the years I have been moderating Bible Matters I have had many get upset with me because I will not allow protracted discussion on the list. Now that I have set up a Message Board (Forum) for those discussion there is no discussion going on. Since we have moved to the new site there are two messages total posted there. Bible Matters Forum is not the same as Bible Matters list. The Forum is for discussion you can ask questions post comments and get discussion. So use it if you like. Currently there are 40 subscribers. I want to figure out a way to get everyone over to the message board as well so when something prompts a discussion we can send it over to the Forum and not clog everyone's inbox up that don't care about a particular discussion. If you have any ideas on how I might enhance the use of the Forum let me know. Here is the address for the Forum. http:// biblematters.net/forums Mike Hughes Minister, Wilmington church of Christ Wilmingon, Illinois eMail:mail at mikealrhughes.com Home Page: http://www.mikealrhughes.com Church WebPage: http:www.wilmingtoncoc.com Podcast: http://web.mac.com/macmikeal/iWeb/Bible%20Says/The%20Bible% 20Says%20Podcast/The%20Bible%20Says%20Podcast.html Bible Matters: http://biblematters.net/mailman/listinfo/biblemat Bible Matters Forum: http://biblematters.net/forums From jssmith at electronicgospel.com Thu Mar 1 15:38:35 2007 From: jssmith at electronicgospel.com (Jeff S. Smith) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 15:38:35 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] S>Series on the Psalms #134 Message-ID: <9F750C8E-6C09-4A3D-84BE-2049A6F03469@electronicgospel.com> Psalm 134: Behold, Bless the Lord a gospel sermon by J.S. Smith Introduction i. Psalm 134 is the benedictory conclusion to the long series of psalms that have been called songs of ascents (120-134). They were evidently psalms sung by pilgrims as they traveled up to Jerusalem to worship. ii. [Read Psalm 134:1-3.] iii. In just three short verses, the unknown but inspired writer captures the significance of the moment when priests are summoned to address their praise to the God of heaven and earth. Our hope is that we might also learn to bless the Lord as his servants. Discussion I. The Text A. All Who Serve By Night (1) 1. this final song of ascents is a fitting conclusion to the series as it accompanies the worshiping pilgrims on their arrival at the house of the Lord 2. this is the time of the evening sacrifice and the priests are summoned to attend to the evening service (see Psalm 141:2) B. Lift Up Your Hands (2) 1. only the ordained priests could pronounce the Mosaic blessing, so their participation in the joy of pilgrimage and worship was essential 2. their uplifted hands in the sanctuary signified this blessing (Numbers 6:22-27) C. May The Lord Bless You (3) 1. the short song closes with the promise that those who bless the Lord with their worship and discipleship will likewise be blessed in return by the creator 2. there was a very simple blessing in just going to the Jerusalem temple for worship and this parting speech should have inspired the worshipers to remember that although they were now returning home, they need not leave their God behind II. Some Applications A. Servants of the Lord 1. much of this psalm centers on the work of the Old Testament priests, a small subset of the nation of Israel ordained to the worship business and supported by the other tribes 2. the Aaronic priesthood was the clergy of its day, but the New Testament did not perpetuate or replicate this priesthood, instead placing responsibility for such matters into the hearts and hands of each believer (1 Peter 2:9-11) a. like the people who first sang the words of Psalm 134, Christians today are pilgrims and priests b. the inspired apostle Paul informed the Corinthian church that they were the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelt in them (see 1 Cor. 3:16); ?therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God?s? (1 Cor. 6:19) c. in fact, we are to ?present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service? (Rom. 12:1) 3. we are not only the pilgrims coming to Zion, but the priests awaiting them, and that makes us servants with just as much obligation to prove faithful and diligent (John 12:23-26) 4. moreover, servants of the Lord are servants of his people as well (1 Cor. 9:19-23) 5. the last thing a servant has to remember is that no matter how esteemed his service becomes, he always remains just that ? a servant (Luke 17:6-10) B. Uplifted Hands 1. uplifted hands are associated with prayer and holiness throughout the Bible, but especially in the Old Testament: ?Hear the voice of my supplications When I cry to You, When I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary? (Psalm 28:2). a. Psalm 63:4 reads, ?Thus I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name.? b. the writer of Lamentations very emotionally stretches out his hands to the Lord (Lam. 2:19, 3:40-42) 2. it was Moses, however, who advanced the act of stretching out one?s hands more than any other perhaps, using that motion of supplication to effect changes in the heavens (see Exodus 9:29-33) and to prevail in battle (Exod. 17:8-13) 3. there is not as much emphasis on outstretched hands in the New Testament, but one passage does leap to mind (1 Timothy 2:8) a. it would seem that perhaps ?The early Christians turned up their palms towards heaven, as those craving help do.? b. the Jews even washed their hands prior to prayer (see Psalm 26:6), but the emphasis here is not on the literal cleanliness or placement of the hands during prayer, but the holiness of the heart in figurative terms c. ?Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully? (Psalm 24:3-4). d. whether one prays in private, as a leader of others or by following along in the assembly, the holiness of hands will affect the effectiveness, if not the fervor, of his supplications e. holiness includes avoiding wrath and doubting, for such attitudes and deeds undermine the sincerity and purity so essential to gaining an audience from the Almighty (see Isaiah 59:1-3 ) C. May the Lord Bless You 1. in the world today, the imposition of blessing is probably heard more than it was even in ancient Israel, but with far less meaning a. unfortunately, God?s blessing is most often wished only when someone has the misfortune to sneeze; otherwise, it is mostly confined to the interior of religious facilities b. this is evidence of the success of the secular humanist movement, working through scientists, governments, the courts and in our schools 2. in Psalm 134, God?s blessing is rooted in man?s devotion to serving him, and the same should hold true among us today, regardless of its popularity in the world around us (Heb. 6:9-20a) a. Peter told the Jews, ?To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities? (Acts 3:26) b. if your sins are forgiven you, you are blessed beyond what most people will ever imagine or experience, even if you?re living paycheck-to-paycheck otherwise c. ?The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? (1 Cor. 10:16)? 3. so blessed are we that we can actually afford to bless those people around us who would be our enemies, ?For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield? (Psalm 5:2) a. ?Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse? (Rom. 12:14). b. but our blessing must be more than just words (James 3:5-10) Conclusion Psalm 134 brings to an end the songs of ascents with a parting message of blessing and service. JEFF S. SMITH Evangelist, Woodmont church of Christ Fort Worth, Texas http://www.electronicgospel.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070301/2166860d/attachment-0001.html From irishfanatheart at bellsouth.net Thu Mar 1 16:18:54 2007 From: irishfanatheart at bellsouth.net (Daniel McMahan) Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 17:18:54 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Articles on the Family Message-ID: <00bd01c75c4f$990e4710$0101a8c0@Dan> I was wondering if anyone had some good articles on the family that I could post on our church website. Thanks Dan McMahan -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070301/47e89d1c/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Mar 2 03:33:04 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 04:33:04 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) LEGALISM: THE UN-SIN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study that rec- ently came my way. Use to the glory of God. LEGALISM: THE UN-SIN Since the church began, the devil has concocted any num- ber of diabolical schemes to ensnare God's people. One of his most successful gambits has been the invention of the pseudo-sin commonly called legalism. More people consider legalism to be a sin than consider 7-UP to be a cola, but they are all mistaken. Legalism is the UN-SIN. Legalism is defined as "strict, literal or excessive conform- ity to the law or to a religious or moral code" (Webster's Dict- ionary). Simply put, a legalist follows the rules. I was not there when the devil and his angels dreamed up this strategy for getting Christians to commit more sin by con- vincing them that legalism is a sin. But I must say that it was a stroke of genius. Just think of it -- being able to actually convince people that not committing sin is a sin! Satan must have noticed that early disciples "continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine" (Acts 2:42), and that they were expected to be "obedient in all things" (2 Cor. 2:9). At some point however, Satan also became aware that the apostles and prophets of Christ were teaching Jewish Christ- ians that they could not rely on their obedience to the Law of Moses for their salvation; it would do them no good to strict- ly follow the Law of Moses. And that's when Satan hatched his scheme. He knew that if he could convince Christians that the apostolic warnings against becoming "entangled again with a yoke of bondage" (Gal. 5:1) were talking about strictly keeping the commands of Jesus, then he could get them to stop being concerned with commandment keeping. This is what has happened. Millions of people today who call themselves Christians believe that strict obedience to God is a sin called legalism. They believe that to be a faithful Christian one must not be too concerned with actually doing exactly what Jesus said to do. Their leaders write things like the following: "Stringently striving to obey Christian rules and regulatio- ns doesn't enable the Spirit-filled walk; it often kills it" (2 Cor. 3:6). (Neil Anderson, Freed From Legalism). Please note that in the verse cited by this anti-legalist, the apostle Paul states that God "made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." What is "the letter" in this passage? Is it "Christian rules and regulations" as Mr. Anderson states? We don't have to guess, for Paul tells us in the next verse. The letter that kills is called "the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones" (2 Cor. 2:7). "The letter" is plainly the Law of Moses! It was written on tablets of stone. Over and over again the apostles of Christ warn that striv- ing to strictly follow the Law of Moses will lead to death, not life! But NOWHERE do they state that strictly following the commands of Christ will do the same. The New Testament never condemns the strict keeping of the commandments of God. It always commands it. Even the hair-splitting, herb- tithing, commandment-keeping Pharisees were not condemn- ed for keeping God's commandments too well. They were condemned for keeping the small requirements while leaving off the big ones. Jesus told them that they should have kept BOTH! "These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone" (Matt. 23:23). My friends, those who love God will keep His command- ments. "For thsi is the love of God, that we keep His comman- dments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 Jno. 5:3). Those who don't keep God's commandments, don't really know Him. "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 Jno. 2:3,4). ----- Steve Klein in The Elgin Hills Examiner, Vol. 2, No. 2, Feb. 2007. PHARISEES AND RELIGIOUS DIVISION TODAY The Pharisees of Jesus' day were religiously right about some things but wrong about others. Their "Bible" was the Old Testament plus traditions they believed had been orally handed down by Moses and the prophets, and it was over these traditions that Jesus and the Pharisees often crossed swords. Pharisees put traditions on a par with the Scriptures and Jesus accused them of making void the word of God by them (Mk. 7:8-13). There is really no difference in principle between Jewish denominations of the first century holding partly to the Old Law plus their traditions, and denominations today holding partly to the Bible plus their disciplines. Unless everyone accepts the authority of Jesus Christ and His apost- les in the New Testament and it alone, people can be religious, but religiously divided and wrong. Only when we respect the authority of Christ can there be unity. ---- Phillip Owens in The Elgin Hills Examiner, Vol. 2, No. 2, Feb. 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/2d0def2f/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Mar 2 03:32:56 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 04:32:56 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) WHOSE FAULT IS IT? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: WHOSE FAULT IS IT? A popular concept today is the idea that individuals can't be blamed for what they do or fail to do. We put blame in all sorts of places: heredity, environment, parents, teachers or the government. The individual being at fault, however, is completely out of the question. God's Word is not shaped by public opinion. It gives the lie to this kind of finger pointing and stresses the responsibil- ity of each person upon himself. The Israelites had a popular proverb that stated, "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezk. 18:2). The idea is, we are punished for the sins of our ancestors but we haven't done anything! They intended this as a reflection upon God's justice. Yet, they seemed to forget that they were eating the same sour grapes their fathers had eaten. Therefore, their "set on edge" teeth were their own fault! Instead of condemning themselves and justifying God, they condemned Him and justified themselves. The Lord told Ezekiel they were not to use this proverb anymore (18:3). Instead, He said that everyone was account- able for his own sin and responsible to turn from it. "The person who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor shall the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if the wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed and observes all My statutes and practices justice and righteousness, he shall surely live; he shall not die. All his transgressions which he has committed shall not be remembered against him; because of his righteousness which he has practiced, he shall live" (Ezk. 18:20-22). Scripture teaches that we are not helpless victims of cir- cumstances. We will answer to the all-knowing Judge for any behavior that violates His Holy Law (Heb. 4:13). Our only hope is to realize that we deserve God's eternal condemnat- ion and to put our faith in Jesus Christ. Then we can be assu- red in Paul's words: "There is therefore now no condemnat- ion to those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1). ---- Shane Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 7, No. 9, Jan. 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/e89f0ab5/attachment.html From drs4285 at bellsouth.net Fri Mar 2 07:59:27 2007 From: drs4285 at bellsouth.net (Dudley Ross Spears) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 08:59:27 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Lost in Divorce References: <00bd01c75c4f$990e4710$0101a8c0@Dan> Message-ID: <001901c75cd3$0549b580$6401a8c0@CPQ68892262299> What is Lost in Divorce Divorce is an extremely indecent thief. It does far more domestic damage than a burglar who breaks into a house to steal your material possessions. Finding your home has been burglarized produces great despondency, especially when the things stolen are very rare and precious. What divorce robs the home of is the rarest and most precious possession of all. (Read Psalm 127:3-5). Divorce steals things that rarely can ever be recovered. The most valuable thing lost in a divorce has a devastating effect on sons and daughters in the home. The permanent removal of one parent from the home, or from the child's life altogether is an unrecoverable to children. A brother or sister must go to live with the other parent in cases of split custody. The comfortable environment of the family home, which usually is sold, is taken from the children. Usually there is a reduced income, which means fewer clothes, toys, family outings, etc. Moving away from familiar surroundings -- school, church, neighborhood, friends, after-school activities, etc. is more traumatic than parents realize. Also aunts, uncles, cousins, or grandparents from the other side of the family, may never be seen again. Gone also are the evening companionship and supervision of mother and father, who usually must go to work to supplement family income. In addition to all this, consider the intangible losses to the children. Psychologists and family counselors find the following loses to children of a divorce. They are: 1. Security. 2. Self-esteem. 3. A stable home environment. 4. Respect and status in the eyes of others. 5. Happiness and a sense of well-being. 6. Trust in adults. 7. Faith in God. (The most frequent question asked, "Why did God let this happen" plagues children who are too young to understand.) 8. The ability to concentrate in school. (Any teacher of elementary age children will testify how many problems are generated in the life of a small child, the victim of a divorce.) 9. A sense of being able to control one's own life. 10. The identity that comes from seeing oneself as a part of a normal family. 11. Hopes and dreams of family times to come. Author Debbie Barr wrote, "Beyond these things, a child may feel embarrassed about the divorce, rejected by the parents who left, lonely, guilty, fearful, and confused--all at once." (Caught in the Crossfire, Zondervan Press, 1986, pages 28-29). Jesus taught us to count the cost before we act (Luke 14:28). The cost involved in a divorce is far too high. Stop, think, pray, get solid counseling before letting the fallout of a divorce rob you and your family of the happiness and security of a good home. - DRS Dudley Ross Spears, drs4285 at bellsouth.net Visit the Valley Station church of Christ at www.vscoc.org. Looking for a bulletin article? Check out Bulletin Fodder on our web site. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/231da630/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 11639 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/231da630/attachment-0001.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 3114 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/231da630/attachment-0002.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 4389 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/231da630/attachment-0003.jpe From seansullivan at charter.net Fri Mar 2 08:39:23 2007 From: seansullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 08:39:23 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Article: Can a Christian Be Lost?/ New wesbite for Main Street Church of Christ in Newvbern, TN Message-ID: <000601c75cd8$92233260$6466a8c0@sean1a4c1f786> Brethren, Here is new the URL: www.mainstreetcofc.com Please take the time to go over and look at the site. Here is the article: Can A Christian Be Lost? By: T. Sean Sullivan Can a Christian be lost? Can a Christian do anything in this life for which they will face condemnation in Hell for all eternity? The answer to that question will vary dramatically depending on whom you might ask. You may hear "Yes"; you may hear "No"; you may hear anything in between. This is one of those questions that is far too important to be left unanswered. It is also far too important to be left to guessing or "I think so." reasoning. Let's consider the evidence that Paul shared in answer to this same question. Paul introduces the fact that disqualification is possible in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Then continuing from those thoughts he builds his case by using the example of the Israelites and the Promise Land (1 Corinthians 10:1-12) The Israelites Were Accepted (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) We need to know that Israel was acceptable to God. They were in a relationship designed by God for them. He was their God; they were His people-when He sent Moses to free them (Exodus 3:7); when He sent plagues on Egypt (Exodus 10:3); When they came out of Egypt (Exodus 20:1-2) the Israelites were in a relationship of promise and reward. The Israelites had a relationship that could bring them great things if they simply committed to God who gave it. God brought them into this relationship through Moses. As they passed through the sea with water on both sides and the cloud over them Paul says that they were baptized into Moses-they were put into a relationship with God through Moses. In this relationship they had an identity (The People of God Exodus 6:7), a law (Exodus 20:1-17), and great promises (Exodus 3:8). Each of the Israelites was provided with equal opportunity to faithfully serve God. God had a common care for all of them: They ate the same spiritual food-manna (Exodus 16). They drank the same spiritual drink-water supplied by God in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7). God made no distinction between the faithful and the unfaithful as they wandered. Many, However, Did Not Enter the Promise Land (1 Corinthians 10:5-10) The Promise Land was theirs to have, if they would do God's will (Deuteronomy 6:1-3). God would be "their God" and they would be acceptable to Him as long as they continued in faithful service (Psalm 95:1-7) but they did not continue as they should (Psalm 95: 8-11). The people turned their hearts aside to desire evil; they broke God's commands: They went after idols; they committed sexual immorality; they murmured and complained. Because of their actions, many were not allowed to enter the land. Ones from among those who were acceptable to God became disqualified. They were in God's favor and became lost. They were acceptable and became unacceptable to God, because of their turning away from God's will to follow after something else. These Are To Be Lessons For Us Today (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11-12) Did you notice some similarities we have with the Israelites and why they are an appropriate example for us to learn from? They were brought out of the bondage of Egypt-we have been brought out of the world and the bondage of sin (Romans 6:16-18). They were baptized into a relationship with God through Moses-we were baptized into a relationship with God through Christ (Romans 6:3-4). They were given God's will to follow-we are also given His will for our lives (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:3). They were wandering, waiting for the time when they would enter the land of promise-we are also waiting for a time when we will enter or promised place (John 14:1-6). They were expected to continue doing God's will in order to enter; so are we (Luke 9:62; Revelation 2:10). Many of the Israelites did not enter into the Promise Land; that could happen to you and me when it comes to our home in Heaven. We must maintain our faithful service always or we will not enter our promised home of Heaven (Hebrews 10:35-39; 1 Peter 1:6-9). Conclusion: If you are a Christian today, you have entered a relationship that can lead you to eternal salvation-everlasting life in the glories of Heaven (Matthew 25:34). Your responsibility in the matter is clear-you are expected to serve faithfully all the days of your life (Revelation 2:10). You can, however, be lost if you turn back to sin (Hebrews 10:38). God has promised and provided, we need to pursue. We need individual effort-and collective help-to reach our goal. I will help you and you will help me. Together we can bolster each other's faith and find our entrance to Heaven. Today, if you are not a Christian, you need to be. Yes, it is true that some who become Christians will not stay faithful and will not make it to Heaven. However, only those who do become Christians will have an opportunity to be accepted (Matthew 7:21). Will you join us? Will begin your journey toward Heaven today? ~tss -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/28ccf3ed/attachment.html From list_mail at mhallen.com Fri Mar 2 10:16:17 2007 From: list_mail at mhallen.com (Matthew Allen) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 11:16:17 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A> A Successful Meeting Message-ID: <005301c75ce6$1c6ae730$5540b590$@com> What makes for a successful gospel meeting? A generation ago, some congregations could expect to see several baptisms and restorations during a special week(s) of preaching. The church building would overflow with a huge crowd of brethren and persons from the community. All over the country, it now seems that such is no longer the "norm". Since the crowds and responses to the invitation have diminished, should gospel meetings be relegated to the past? In some corners of our fellowship we hear talk that says gospel meetings are nothing more than "tradition" within churches of Christ and that their effectiveness may have peaked years ago. Thus, they conclude, time, effort, and money should be spent on more effective programs. The reasons for the decline of the gospel meeting is due to both internal and external factors. External factors include societal changes in America over the last five or six decades. As American culture has moved from being predominately rural to more urban and suburban, Americans have become more and more skeptical of religion. We live in a culture that has an insatiable appetite for entertainment. And, adding in increased demands of work, sports, hobbies, etc., most people have a hard time seeing the importance of going to church during the week. Internal factors have also hampered gospel meeting efforts. For example, many brethren possess a mentality that when a gospel meeting is advertised in the newspaper or on the sign in front of the building, that people will just show up, walk through the door, and respond to the gospel call. Those days are long gone. Much effort has to be expended to invite friends and neighbors. Multiple invitations have to be made, and then those we invite may not show up. We also see decreased commitment by members of the congregation to support the meeting by their attendance. Our culture has impacted brethren greatly. Many local churches now consider it a success when the number of persons at a given night of the gospel meeting matches their Sunday evening or even their Wednesday bible class attendance figures. Sadly, it seems that more and more brethren treat gospel meeting attendance as "optional" at best. So, we ask again, what makes for a successful gospel meeting? The effectiveness of a gospel meeting will be determined by the efforts and attitude of the Christians within each local congregation. A successful meeting is one in which God is pleased. Let us use our upcoming gospel meeting as an opportunity to stimulate our brethren to love and good works, Hebrews 10:22-25. Your presence, singing, prayer, and study will be an encouragement to those around you. Your speaker will come well prepared and present lessons that will challenge our spiritual heart. This gospel meeting will be a great opportunity for a spiritual awakening. View the meeting as a chance to reinforce yourself for the spiritual battles that you face in your life. Paul wrote, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, Ephesians 6:10-11. Finally, we can use the gospel meeting as an opportunity to let those outside of Christ hear the gospel message. Only the gospel can save man from sin. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, Romans 1:16. While we should invite our friends, relatives, and neighbors to services on a regular basis, our gospel meeting is a great opportunity to invite our friends out to hear the gospel preached. Some of our religious friends are usually "in church" on Sunday. This is a great chance for them to come hear the gospel at a more convenient time. What makes for a successful meeting? Gospel preaching, and a good attitude by brethren who seize the special week of preaching as an opportunity for spiritual growth and getting the gospel message out to the lost. While the crowds may have diminished from what they were from decades of the past, there is still much good that can come from a gospel meeting. It's all how you look at it! Matthew Allen mhallen at brownsburgchurch.info signature 1 Matthew Allen Minister, Brownsburg Church of Christ 2100 S. Hornaday Rd., Brownsburg, IN 46112 (317) 852-4645 (office); (317) 852-6182 (fax) (317) 797-5324 (cell/home); (605) 786-4199 (cell) mhallen at gmail.com list_mail at mhallen.com www.brownsburgchurch.info www.mhallen.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/67c1692e/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2024 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/67c1692e/attachment.jpe From danny1969 at comcast.net Fri Mar 2 13:09:57 2007 From: danny1969 at comcast.net (Danny Gardner) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 13:09:57 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Fw: MUST READ, church of Christ Message-ID: <45E87685.000001.05128@D4X3LQ71> Has anyone seen this site and responded? If you have, please forward lesson to me. -------Original Message------- From: OldCovenant.com Date: 3/1/2007 10:29:09 PM To: dbrady1295 at aol.com Subject: MUST READ, church of Christ www.TheBiggestBibleMistakeEver.com Thanks! Danny Gardner Meridian, MS -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/4a12b028/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 18861 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/4a12b028/attachment-0001.gif From bwg72a at yahoo.com Fri Mar 2 15:55:43 2007 From: bwg72a at yahoo.com (Bill Green) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 13:55:43 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Biblemat] Need help with bible class material Message-ID: <734636.2270.qm@web38414.mail.mud.yahoo.com> I teach an adult bible class. We are looking for a workbook or maybe bible study material that someone has done for a class they teach, that has good thought questions in it. It seems that most of the workbooks have easy questions where you can just start at the beginning of the chapter and find the answers easily. My class actually wants to find some material with hard questions that they can do at home, that requires some study. Since they really want to study and learn, I want to find something that will challenge them. They want to be challenged... A few of the topics that came up were material on the book of Ephesians , Christian Living, or The Home. Although it does not have to cover these subjects, any good sound material will be appreciated. Thank you in advance. You can email me at vgreen at frontiernet.net Thanks again. Brotherly, Bill Green --------------------------------- No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with Yahoo! Mail for Mobile. Get started. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/cf1f57a2/attachment.html From preacherref01 at verizon.net Fri Mar 2 17:13:01 2007 From: preacherref01 at verizon.net (Thomas Thornhill) Date: Fri, 02 Mar 2007 15:13:01 -0800 Subject: [Biblemat] Time change reminder Message-ID: <003101c75d20$53780660$0302a8c0@Toms> Greetings brethren, This message is for all you bulletin writers (and other interested parties). NEXT SUNDAY, March 11 we begin Daylight Savings Time. That means we "spring forward" next Sunday. We revert back, the first Sunday in November. Just a friendly reminder so that you can inform the brethren where you attend. Take care, In Him Tom Thornhill Jr. Bellflower, CA www.roseavenue.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/e82c5397/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Mar 2 17:35:05 2007 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 18:35:05 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Article -What is best for Man? Message-ID: WHAT IS BEST FOR MAN? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, 13 (This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. ASV "What is that good which the sons of men should do? {Ecc. 2:3}. What is the true path to personal happiness and to having a contented, family relationship? What is the sure way to attain our personal hopes and desires and those good things for our spouse and children? The answer in clearly understood by Job of ancient times, thus he declares, "And unto man he said, behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." {Job 28:28} "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter" {KJV} I. THE SUMMARY OF RELIGION: Setting aside all matters of doubt, to be religiously correct is "To fear God and keep His commandments" {Ecc 12:13 -- KJV} A. The root of religion is the fear of God reigning in the heart, a reverence of His majesty, a submission to His authority, and a dread of His wrath. B. The pattern of true religion is God's law revealed through the Holy Scriptures. Our fear toward God must be taught by His commandments -- cf., Isaiah 29:13, and those we must keep and observe continually. II. THE IMPORTANCE OF IT: "This is the whole duty of man." III. A POWERFUL INCENTIVE TO DO THIS {Verse 14}: "God shall bring every work into judgment" We may see the great consequence to us that we are religiously correct in our personal life as well as our family life if we consider that someday we will give an account of ourselves to the righteous judge -- cf., John 12:48, ?He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.? ASV Garreth L. Clair _glclair at ao;.com_ (mailto:glclair at ao;.com) March 2, 2007


**************************************
AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/e13b104f/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Mar 2 20:03:30 2007 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 21:03:30 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Article - IS IT WISE? Message-ID: IS IT A WISE? By Garreth L. Clair Many people today are living their lives a certain way because they have decided that is the way they want to live. Everyone lives a certain way today because they have made the choice to live that way. Environmental conditioning has played a part in the lifestyle of each of us even though we have truly used our ability to make the choice. For instance, if we have been exposed to conditions of poverty this has caused us to think a certain way about our life and has contributed to the choices we made in life in most cases. The only way one will ever overcome these adverse conditioning circumstance is by sheer will. Every person has the innate ability to be whatever they choose to be, this is especially true in the U.S.A. If one has a strong enough desire to succeed in a given area of endeavor, that person will find a way to excel in the world in spite of a lack of opportunities and social advantages that have been available to others. The human spirit will extend itself toward an achieve goal with a bit of encouragement. This is often been proven in many cases where a little encouragement has been offered to men and women who have been subjected to poverty and deprivation. One can see many examples of this with immigrants that have migrated to the U.S.A. in the past 100 years. The same kind of problem is seen in the spiritual [i.e. the religious endeavourers] relationships that many people have due to a lack of opportunities and personal drive. God has revealed Himself to the whole of mankind so that everyone may benefit from His ?Amazing Grace?, yet many people do not benefit because of environmental and economic situations. There are many people today who think that they are too poor or to deprived of the ability to understand true religion that they do not even attempt to be religious. There are also many people with no understanding of the nature of true religion [i.e. Jesus Christ and His Church]. Those that are feeling that they are too wicked or have done too much evil in their lives are mistaken and need to lay aside such reasoning because Christ died for the ungodly, cf. 1 Tim 1:8-15, ?8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully, 9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for abusers of themselves with men, for men stealers, for liars, for false swearers, and if there be any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; 11 according to the gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 I thank him that enabled me, (even) Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to (his) service; 13 though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief:? ASV There is never a reason for people to make a choice that leaves God, the Bible, and true religion [i.e. the religion of Jesus Christ] out of their life. The ancient Prophet, Jeremiah said; ?O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. {Jeremiah 10:23}.? Indeed, many people who have turned away from true religion ought to rethink their life options, there is an open door for every person who has a desire to become a Christian and live their life for God, cf. Matt 11:28-30, ?28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.? ASV Please, for your life in the future and throughout eternity consider seriously the religion of Jesus Christ. You are welcome by faithful Christians throughout the world to come and serve God with them. Will you consider investigating the church of Christ in your community? You will be welcomed! ? glc Friday, March 02, 2007 glclair at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070302/be363cea/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Mar 3 04:06:30 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2007 05:06:30 EST 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. Here is an article that recently came my way: GOD HAS SPOKEN Some people are indentified in the Scriptures as wanting to disbelieve the truth, as having pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thes. 2:11,12). God has said that those people hate light and love darkness (Jno. 3:19-21). When we read and hear those who call evil good and good evil, who defend baseness such as homosexuality and other immoral conduct, who make claims that they have evidence discrediting the Christ so as to implant the seeds of disbelief in the hearts of the naive, we should be deeply troubled but not surprised; for God has told us that wicked people will grow worse and worse (2 Tim. 3: 13), and that tehy do wickedness and approve of others who practice those same things (Rom. 1:32). If one doubts these truths, let him read Rom. 1:18-32. Self-deception is one avenue of willing disbelief. "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, accord- ing to the fruit of his doings" (Jer. 17:9,10). The person who does not want to believe what God has said can be blinded to simple truth by his own prejudices. He can convince him- self of anything he wishes, regardless of how absurd it may be. God will accommodate such people by sending them strong delusions, as Paul said. The person who willingly dis- believes puts himslf in a most perilous state, because he does not value truth. He thus has no moral, religious, or ethi- cal compass except his own desires. Our surest defense against such influences is a strong faith, a fervent love of the truth, and an unwavering reverence for Almighty God. Regardless of the world's contradictions of God's truth, solid faith in God is never out of fashion or outdated. "Heav- en and earth will pass away, but My words will be no means pass away" (Lk. 21:33). No "scientific" claims, no historical claims, and no religious claims can destroy or set aside God's truth. Without fear or doubt, we can stand on this truth and arm ourselves with the wisdom from above (Jas. 3: 17; 1 Pet. 4:1,2). We will not be put to shame (Psa. 119:46; Rom. 9:33). -------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070303/49f0af7a/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Mar 3 04:06:38 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2007 05:06:38 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) ESTHER Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. ESTHER An unknown young woman, because of her beauty and grace, becomes queen of a great nation and risks her life to thwart the plans of an evil man and save her people. It sounds like a fairy tale, but it is the true story of Esther. God is nowhere mentioned in this book, but His presence is every- where in it. Esther is a story of faith, courage, and steadfast- ness. In it, we can see the dangers of pride as we consider Haman, and the blessedness of humility through Mordecai's example. Perhaps the most memorable facet of Esther's story is the demonstration of God's providence. By God's will, a faithful Jewish girl was in the position to save His peo- ple at the right time. Webster defines providence as "divine guidance or care," or "God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding hum- an destiny." God has always been active in the affairs of men. the Old Testament account reveals God's handling of nations and individuals to accomplish His purposes. Israel's history and the preaching of the prophets are replete with examples of such intervention. In the New Testament, provid- ence is evident, but more by implication. Jesus was sent to earth "when the fulness of time had come" (Gal. 4:4). Consid- er the conversion accounts in Acts, when people were in just the right place to come in contact with the Word. Paul allud- ed to providence in Phil. 1:12, "But I want you to know, breth- ren, that the things which happened to me have actually turn- ed out for the furtherance of the gospel." Providence is God's business. We do know that God is working in our times. How or exactly when God is working with us individually is unclear. Even Mordecai said, "Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Est. 4:14). The bottom line is that we will never fully understand how providence works on this side of eternity. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:9). So what does that mean for you and me? After all, Esther was a queen and had the opportunity to perform a grand and courageous act for the Lord. True, but Esther wasn't born a queen. She was a parentless Jewish girl in a foreign land. Her cousin Mordecai, whose own story is a study in provid- ence as well, raise Esther. He raised her to be respectful and faithful, and she became a girl who "obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her" (3:15). Mordecai had been born in a land that was not his own, yet he was faithful to his foreign ruler. he even revealed a wicked plot to take the king's life, and he showed his great faith by refusing to bow down to the evil Haman. His actions were as much a part of God's deliver- ance of the Jews as were Esther's. What would have happen- ed had Mordecai not raised Esther to be God-fearing, or had he decided not to get involved when he overheard the plot to murder the king? The story would have ended quite different- ly. Through His wisdom and working, God brought this ordin- ary man and his young cousin into the position to deliver His people. God has always recognized and used simple people for His work, and He has never demanded notoriety or fanfare in order to be pleasing to Him. In Matt. 25, Jesus separated the sheep and the goats by simple criteria. Those who had shown compassion and served others in the smallest of ways, such as feeding the hungry and visiting the sick, receiv- ed His inheritance. When Mary anointed Jesus' head with oil to the dismay of the disciples, Jesus commended her saying, "She has done what she could" (Mk. 14:8). Isn't that what Esther did? She did what she could where God had placed her. Each of us must do the same in our little corner of the world. Few will ever have Esther's role of going before a king at the risk of their very life to save a nation (and aren't we thank- ful?), but all of us have talents and opportunities to serve in simple ways that will bring God glory and further His kingdom Make no mistake -- we have a choice in the matter. We are not forced to comply with God's will. His plans will be accom- plished with or without us. Note what Mordecai told Esther: "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and de- liverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish" (4:14). We believe firmly in providence, but that should never be an excuse to com- plain or to do nothing. Providence should motivate us to serve more. After all, who knows whether we have been brought here "For such a time as this?" ---- Denise Bowman in Biblical Insights, Vol. 6, No. 10, Oct. 2006. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070303/dc25fc8e/attachment-0001.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Sat Mar 3 12:52:54 2007 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2007 12:52:54 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] A>The Roman Catholics, 1486 AD, and the "Title Page" Argument Message-ID: <20070303185300.VWUK1538.ibm66aec.bellsouth.net@gatewayjyyuf0p> The Roman Catholics, 1486 AD, and the "Title Page" Argument The Argument: "..the Roman Catholic church in 1486 AD arbitrarily placed the four books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John --before the cross -- (MMLJBC)in the New rather Old Testament by placing an erroneous New Testament "title page" between the books of Malachi and Matthew. Answer: 1. Everyone already knew that MMLJ were written by "ministers of the new covenant" in the new covenant age and long after the Old Testament had been complete and nailed to the cross. 2. Therefore, the "title page" NEVER messed anyone up or confused any one. 3. No one (except Mr. Billingsly, and anyone who agrees with him today), has ever been confused by the "title page". It is exactly where it should be, if we were going to distinguish the scriptures of the Old Testament from the scriptures written by ministers of the new covenant. 4. No one EVER thought, until Mr. Billingsly, that new testament ministers took it in hand to write additional attachments to the old covenant and have their new writings post-nailed again to the cross. 5. The "title page" of 1486 is still MUCH OLDER than Mr. Billingsly's testament of Acts 2 through Rev.22. Billingsly says that he would place the "title page" between Acts 1 and Acts 2. That would mean that history would look back to 1995 or so(over 500 years later than even the "1486" placement of a "title page") to find when a title page was first placed between two CHAPTERS of the SAME BOOK. Who can give that any credibility? 6. Evidence clearly shows that MMLJ were long considered as New Testament books, long before 1486, and LONG BEFORE the Roman Catholic Church. Thus, if we show that early writers before 250 AD (which is long before the Roman Catholic Church) believed that the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were NEW Testament books, then we will have further proven the above argument and its author to be wrong again, and making a false claim that he will need to repent of, and an argument he will need to CEASE making. Irenaeus (120-202AD). a. For all the apostles taught that there were indeed two testaments among the two peoples; but that it was one and the same God who appointed both for the advantage of those men (for whose sakes the testaments were given) who were to believe in God,...(Irenaeus Against Heresies, Book IV, 32:2). Here Irenaeus recognized two testaments, and that these testaments were carried by two people (i.e., the Jews and the Christians). I'll bet that you can guess that the Jews did not carry PART of the testament of Christians. The Jews carried one testament (Gen.-Malachi) and the Christians carried the other testament (Matthew-Revelation). b. Now I have shown a short time ago that the church is the seed of Abraham; and for this reason, that we may know that He who in the New Testament "raises up from the stones children unto Abraham," is He who will gather, according to the Old Testament, those that shall be saved from all the nations, Jeremiah says: "Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, who led the children of Israel from the north, and from every region whither they had been driven; He will restore them to their own land which He gave to their fathers." (Irenaeus Against Heresies, Book IV, Ch.34:1). We observe now that Irenaeus recognized that it was the NEW Testament that talks about God Who "raises up from stones children unto Abraham". This is a reference to what the NEW Testament says in Matthew 3. Thus, as early as Irenaeus, it was already an accepted FACT that Matthew was in the New Testament. Tertullian (145-220AD): a. Persons are still living who remember them, - their own actual disciples and successors, - who cannot therefore deny the lateness of their date. But, in fact, by their own works they are convicted, even as the Lord said. For since Marcion separated the New Testament from the Old, he is (necessarily) subsequent to that which he separated, inasmuch as it was only in his power to separate what was (previously) united. Having then been united previous to its separation, the fact of its subsequent separation proves the subsequence also of the man who effected the separation. (Second Part ,On Prescription Against Heretics, Ch.30). Note: Tertullian is addressing a heresy of Marcion tampering with TWO testaments, when Christians had long kept the two testaments together. We observe that there were TWO testaments, and they were early recognized as two important kinds of witnesses that Christians held together as a marvelous unit. b. This may be understood to be the Divine Word, who is doubly edged with the two testaments of the law and the gospel - sharpened with wisdom, hostile to the devil, arming us against the spiritual enemies of all wickedness and concupiscence, and cutting us off from the dearest objects for the sake of God's holy name.(book3,14,teretullian against marcion) c. We lay it down as our first position, that the evangelical Testament has apostles for its authors, to whom was assigned by the Lord Himself this office of publishing the gospel. Since, however, there are apostolic men also, they are yet not alone, but appear with apostles and after apostles; because the preaching of disciples might be open to the suspicion of an affectation of glory, if there did not accompany it the authority of the masters, which means that of Christ, for it was that which made the apostles their masters. Of the apostles, therefore, John and Matthew first instill faith into us; whilst of apostolic men, Luke and Mark renew it afterwards. These all start with the same principles of the faith, so far as relates to the one only God the Creator and His Christ, how that He was born of the Virgin, and came to fulfill the law and the prophets. Never mind if there does occur some variation in the order of their narratives, provided that there be agreement in the essential matter of the faith, in which there is disagreement with Marcion. (Book 4:2). Note: We observe that the "evangelical Testament", which is not the Old but the NEW Testament, has the four gospels of MMLJ at the start of the collection even as early as the days of Tertullian. d. The same authority of the apostolic churches will afford evidence to the other Gospels also, which we possess equally through their means, and according to their usage - I mean the Gospels of John and Matthew - whilst that which Mark published may be affirmed to be Peter's whose interpreter Mark was. For even Luke's form of the Gospel men usually ascribe to Paul. And it may well seem that the works which disciples publish belong to their masters. Well, then, Marcion ought to be called to a strict account concerning these (other Gospels) also, for having omitted them, and insisted in preference on Luke; as if they, too, had not had free course in the churches, as well as Luke's Gospel, from the beginning. Nay, it is even more credible that they existed from the very beginning; for, being the work of apostles, they were prior, and coeval in origin with the churches themselves. (Book 4:5). Note: The apostolic churches recognized these four gospels early on "from the very beginning". These four Gospels were NOT carried by the Jews in the Canon of Old Testament books. But, these four gospel accounts were connected with the kingdom, the church of Christ. Origen (185-254) a. And in the New Testament we have abundant testimonies, as when the Holy Spirit is described as having descended upon Christ, and when the Lord breathed upon His apostles after His resurrection, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit;" and the saying of the angel to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon thee;" the declaration by Paul, that no one can call Jesus Lord, save by the Holy Spirit. (Book I, 3). Note: As early as Origen, long before the Roman Catholic Church, and long before Billingsly's "1486", the New Testament included the story of the Spirit coming down upon Jesus (before the cross) and what Jesus said after His resurrection. Origen CLEARLY recognized the four gospels to be IN THE NEW Testament. b. And from the New Testament also they quote the saying of the Savior, in which He makes a promise to His disciples concerning the joy of wine, saying, "Henceforth I shall not drink of this cup, until I drink it with you new in My Father's kingdom." (Book II, XI,2). Note: The quote from the NEW Testament comes from Matt.26:26f in the record before the cross. The book of Matthew was early recognized as in the NEW Testament. c. Let us now look also to the New Testament, where Satan approaches the Savior, and tempts Him: wherein also it is stated that evil spirits and unclean demons, which had taken possession of very many, were expelled by the Savior from the bodies of the sufferers, who are said also to be made free by Him. Even Judas, too, when the devil had already put it in his heart to betray Christ, afterwards received Satan wholly into him; for it is written, that after the sop "Satan entered into him."(Book 3, 2:1b). Note: Look how many things are described as being IN the NEW Testament. These things are described in the four gospels and NOT in Acts 2 through Rev.22. Therefore, it is the case that all early Christians recognized MMLJ as part of the New Testament. In NO history before 1486 or before DAN BILLINGSLY has ANY Christian ever recognized a New Testament that contained only Acts 2 through Revelation 22. While Billingsly wants to make much out of the issue of the "title page" of 1486, there is simply no substance to the argument. Even IF the Bibles did not have such a title page, it does not prove that it was placed in the wrong place, and it does not mean that Roman Catholics deceived anyone by so placing the page. Thus, we must conclude that the title page is exactly where it should be because all Christians have always recognized that the four gospels, written by four New Testament Christians, had to be a part of the New Testament, even if it did describe events that included Jesus' life under the law, his miracles, death, burial, and resurrection. The argument is wholly fabricated to deceive, and it will not stand the test of facts and scrutiny. Terry W. Benton Terry W. Benton terrywbenton at bellsouth.net www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/understandingMMLJCorrectly/ This site analyses all of Mr. Billiingsly and Mr. Mullens' material arguments and immaterial ones as well -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070303/1f948b18/attachment-0001.html From harperwest at yahoo.com Sat Mar 3 18:52:22 2007 From: harperwest at yahoo.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2007 17:52:22 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Miscellaneous Ramblings Message-ID: <000601c75df7$611bb6e0$0b8af004@Steven> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper March 4, 2007 Miscellaneous Ramblings Usually, when I sit down to write these weekly bulletin articles, I have one thought in mind and that is what I write about, but the past few weeks have been unusually full of noteworthy news items and today's article will deal with a few of those items. I pray that these thoughts will be as beneficial, if not more so, than past articles. Anna Nicole Smith If you have had the television or radio on at all in the last few weeks, you have heard of Anna Nicole Smith. Whether you knew anything of her before or not, you probably are on overload by now, and just because her body has finally been buried does not mean the media frenzy is over! But why such a hubbub over this woman? Was her life and death so noteworthy that it merited so much attention? The short answer is "No," but I believe we can still learn some lessons from the life and death of this woman. First, we should learn that fame cannot buy eternal life. Anna Nicole Smith rose from obscurity through the selling of her body in various states of undress, and it doubtless obtained her the fame she sought. As we have seen in the last few weeks, she was apparently more famous than even what we realized. [Doesn't that sound incongruous?] But as 'famous' as she may have been, it did not prevent her death. The truth stated by the writer of Hebrews still rings true - even for the most famous men and women of modern society: "it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Heb. 9:27). Second, we should learn that riches do not buy eternal life, either. A good portion of Anna Nicole Smith's fame was due to the fact she married a man about 60 years her senior. The age difference was not so much the item of note, though; it was the fact that he was a multimillionaire who was much older than she. From the beginning of the marriage, relatives [i.e., potential heirs and heiresses] complained that Smith was nothing but a 'gold digger' who had married this man merely for his money [Surely not!] and they fought to keep her out of his will - to no avail. After his death, Smith was found to be the sole beneficiary according to an existing will, but the relatives fought it in court and won and injunction against Smith, who took it all the way to the Supreme Court. She won a decision that gave her over $400 million, but that was still in dispute all the way up to her death. I don't imagine it's going away anytime soon, either. If you're wondering why so many men are claiming to be the father of her recently-born son, just keep the number 400,000,000 in mind - as in 400,000,000 dollars. But that money did not prevent Anna Nicole Smith from death. Again, the words of Scripture pointed to this truth many years ago. The psalmist said, "Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life, for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice, that he should live on forever and never see the pit. For he sees that even the wise die; the fool and the stupid alike must perish and leave their wealth to others" (Psa. 49:7-10). Smith could have offered every penny of that fortune, and it would not have changed the fact that all men die - regardless of material wealth. It is foolishness to think that material wealth will change this fact. Finally, we should note the misplaced interest of the world in the life and death of this woman, particularly in this country. Where else in the world can you be famous for being famous? What exactly did Anna Nicole Smith do? For that matter, what has Paris Hilton done? [I could go on!] What a mixed up world we live in that one can be famous for being famous, not having done or said anything worthwhile. Meanwhile, Bibles sit on bookshelves across this country unopened, unread, and certainly not applied. The most important Man who ever walked the face of this earth is unknown to the majority of our country, and there will be consequences one day (2 Thess. 1:8). Daniel Radcliffe [aka 'Harry Potter'] Within the last couple of weeks, it was announced and then fulfilled that the star of the "Harry Potter" series of movies, Daniel Radcliffe, would be starring in a London performance of the play Equus. I do not pretend to know the full story of Equus, but I do know the play is noted for its nudity and dark theme. According to reports, Radcliffe, as one of the lead roles, would strip down completely in one highly-charged scene where he blinds some horses with a metal spike. Almost as a side note, it was also noted that the role required him to smoke a cigarette. Can you guess which of those two items got people most upset? Is it just me, or is total public nudity by a 17-year-old boy who is a role model for thousands of teens a little more bothersome than smoking a cigarette? Smoking is indeed a poor example, but what about total nudity? ["Go take all your clothes off, Johnny, but don't you DARE smoke that cigarette!"] Have we become so accustomed to the various states of undress in this world that now total nudity doesn't even register as something worthy of note? Adam and Eve, when they had eaten of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, saw that they were naked and they at least tried to cover it up (Gen. 3:7); no one had to tell them that nakedness was a shame! Nowadays, even supposed disciples of Jesus Christ make excuses for their near-nakedness and the world thinks nothing at all of total nakedness, made even more apparent by this recent incident. I know I sound like a old fogy when I say this, but so be it; God's Word does not change, and we should not let the declining morality of our society dictate how low we will go in our own morality. College Students Narcissistic? A recent poll showed college-age students are apparently more self-loving than any other previous generation. The poll, which rates a Narcissistic Personality Index [NPI] of the respondents, found that now over two-thirds of those polled showed such personalities. In 1982, only about 30% showed such personalities. The pollsters included such statements as 'I think I am a special person' and 'I can live my life any way I want to.' [The self-centered ones will answer positively to those statements.] Do you see a rising problem and a troubled future, spiritually-speaking, based on this poll's results? If two-thirds of our college-age population now see themselves as 'special' and believe they can live their lives any way they want to, how much more difficult is it going to be to convince them they are sinners (Rom. 3:23) and the point of life is not living it as we want, but to fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13)? And how are we going to convince them of these truths unless we are living as we should, as those who claim to be His disciples? On the positive side, at least the poll's researchers concluded, 'Permissiveness seems to be a component,.A potential antidote would be more authoritative parenting. Less indulgence might be called for.' Where have I heard that before? Could it be that a wise man said this many years ago? (See Prov. 29:15; 22:6, 15.) It is truly sad to see our society crumbling before our eyes, but we can and must do our parts as Christians who are also parents. We cannot blame 'Someone Else' if our own children begin walking in the way of the world after we have shown them by our own example that materialism is a greater priority in our own lives than God Himself. If we want our children to have a proper spiritual perspective of life and eternity, then we must show it in our own lives. The professors who conducted this study at least understand that parents can go a long way in influencing the attitudes of their children; I wish that many more parents understood this! Friends and brethren, if we are trying to teach our children they need Jesus, then we better be showing them we need Jesus! Think on these things this week as you go out into the world, and let's examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5). -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070303/5059bc5a/attachment-0001.html From seansullivan at charter.net Sat Mar 3 21:29:41 2007 From: seansullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2007 21:29:41 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 002 Iss 009 Message-ID: <00b001c75e0d$5b478cb0$6466a8c0@sean1a4c1f786> The Messenger Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 731-627-3514 bibleanswers at charter.net NEW URL!!!! www.mainstreetcofc.com NEW URL!!! Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 002::ISSUE 009::March 04, 2007 ARTICLE ONE: Looking At the Bible Lesson 001 ARTICLE TWO: Looking At the Bible Lesson 002 Looking At The Bible Lesson 001 How should we look at the Bible? This is a question that many may think is very subjective. In other words, the Bible is different for one situation and different again for another. This is certainly not at what God reveals to us. Here are some famous thoughts about the Bible. (Our 7th President) Andrew Jackson "That Book is the rock on which this republic stands" (Our 3rd President) Thomas Jefferson "I have always said, and will always say, that the studious perusal of the sacred volume will make better homes, better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands" Some others have not been so friendly toward the Bible. Diocletian Roman Emperor in 303 A.D. issued and edict to destroy Christians and the Bible. He built a monument over a burnt Bible on which the inscription read, "Extincto nomene Christianorum" (the name Christian is extinguished). 25 years later Constantine commissioned 50 copies of the Bible be made at the government's expense. Voltaire in 1776 pronounced, "One hundred years from my day, there will not be a Bible on earth except on that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity-seeker". After his death the same presses he purchased to publish his own books were used to print Bibles and Voltaire's house was used by the Geneva Bible Society to print and distribute Bibles. It is the perspective by which one looks at the Bible that is the root cause of many of the problems and all of the errors that are currently practiced today. Only by getting to the root cause we can help solve the problem. In order to get the right perspective there is no great counselor than the Author-God Himself needs to be asked, "How should I see the bible?" God Tells Us To See This Book As. God tells us to see this book as His word. From the earliest records of Moses being told to write down certain things in "the book" (Exodus 17:14); through to the last in the final revelation when John was told to write in a book, what he sees and send it to the churches (Revelation 1:11). This is the recording of "God's word"-His instruction for mankind. The Hebrew writer plainly declares, "God has spoken" (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Bible is God's word for man. More specifically the Bible is God's word for your life. 1 Corinthians 2: 9-13 ".God has revealed.the things which He has prepared to for those who love Him.to us". Ephesians 3:1-7 "Mystery of Christ.has now been revealed." This revelation of information is key to our success in this life. The Bible, God's word, is our instruction and guide toward true completion, even as Paul states in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ".that the man of God may be complete." This being said we are to see the Bible as God's will revealed to mankind for our betterment. God tells us to see this book as complete. Jude 3 tells us, "The faith once delivered for all". This term "all" includes all times, all people, and all places. God's word is a complete, fully sufficient, functional guide that will instructs us in what we should be and how to be what is needed. God tells us to see this book as sealed. The warnings of the scriptures are clear. The context of the Bible holds three explicit warnings to not take away from nor add to that which has been revealed. Those warnings appear in Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18. Chronologically (in the course time) these warnings appear at the beginning, middle and end of God's revelation. It is not our role to add out own ideas or to eliminate any of God's ideas. We must see the Bible as a complete, finished, sealed work that simply requires hearers willing to submit. God Want Us To Know That The Bible Is. God want us to know that the Bible is relevant to our life. The Bible message is for all people everywhere (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). You will find in its pages applicable directions for every part of your life. The Bible can direct you from youth to death (Ecclesiastes 12). God want us to know that the Bible is able to instruct in the way of salvation. The keynote of the entire Bible, all sixty-six books, is the salvation of mankind from their own sins. Sin is our human dilemma, not just sin but the fact that all of us sin. Romans 3:23 says, "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Later, that same book holds these words that should stir up great concern in an honest heart: "The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23)." However, that concern and fear, when used as motivation to seek God, will discover our hope. Mark 16:16 tells us, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved." The hope of salvation from sins is found though the knowing and doing of God's revealed will. God want us to know that the Bible is able to guide you down the pathway of life. We are not only shown the way but we are given the encouragement to stay on the proper path. The Bible is full of great exhortations like those found in Hebrews 10:35-39 and 1 Peter 1:6-9. In keeping God's word we will succeed in doing what is right and we will succeed in finding our home in Heaven (Psalm 119:101-105 "I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I my keep Your word"). God Wants Us To Know That The Bible Will Be. God wants us to know that the Bible will be he standard of judgment for all souls. Jesus said, in John 12:48, "the word which I have spoken will judge him in the last day." Paul declares the standard of Judgment in his admonition to the Athenians in Acts 17:30-31. God will judge the world in righteousness and this, of course, leads us back to the instruction of His word-the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Do you want to know what you will be asked on the Day of Judgment? Read the word of God. God has revealed His will to mankind so that we do not have to guess; we can know. Conclusion: Too many people are trying to play games with God. They are twisting His word to fit their own wants and they are failing to see it for what it really is. God wants you to succeed. 2 Peter 3:9 tells you and I that God is "not willing that any should perish." It is His desire is that all will come to the salvation that He freely offers. But God has appointed a day in which He will judge and sentence those who have not obeyed (Acts 17:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). What do you think of the Bible? God is waiting for your answer today. Will you hear it, believe it and obey it? ~tss Looking At the Bible Lesson 002 There have been a lot of questions raised concerning the Bible. Some ask with honesty, searching for the truth. Others ask with false intentions trying to prove it wrong. Often, when one attempts to destroy your faith, they will start with the Bible. They will make claims that the Bible is full of errors. They will claim that it is entirely too old to mean anything today. They will not rest until they see it defeated. It is because of both of these reactions that we need to know about the Bible. We need knowledge to share our hope with the honest. We also need knowledge to stand strong in defense of our faith against the skeptics, doubters, and outright enemies of the Bible. Let's ask, "What about the Bible?" Is The Bible Truth? The Bible itself claims truth. The transmission of God's word is from Father to Son to the Holy Spirit to the writers. Whatever is declared as God's word is truth (John 17:17). This means according to the way that the Bible was delivered that the entire Bible is truth. Jesus said His words are truth (John 8:31-32). This means according to the way that the Bible was delivered that the entire Bible is truth. The Holy Spirit is described as the "Spirit of truth" specifically relating to His deliverance of the word to the writers (John 16:13-15). This means according to the way that the Bible was delivered that the entire Bible is truth. Since the Father, through the Son, through the Holy Spirit, delivered all scripture, all scripture is equally truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Also external evidences continue to build. The Bible continues to be proven as true. Our ability to research our past and our present has led us toward discovering that every point of the Bible is truth. Although the Bible does not claim nor is it intended to be a book of history it is historically accurate. It is not a geography book but it is geographically accurate. Nor is it a science book but it is scientifically accurate. The more men learn about themselves the more the Bible is revealed as truth. Is The Bible Current? The Bible text has been completed for almost two thousand years. The first writings of Moses are considered to begin between 1450 BC and 1250 BC. This of course means that there are words in the Bible that were delivered more than three thousand years ago. The claim that some make against the Bible is that the Bible is not applicable today. That such an old book cannot relate to our modern world. Solomon through inspiration said, "There is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes. 1:9). Man has not changed. We still struggle for the same things (food, shelter, health). Honest people still exist and there are also the self-seeking. Sin has not changed. From the first temptation (Genesis 3) temptation to sin has been one of three categories. According to 1 John 2:15-17, temptations are divided into three categories: "The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life." Man's need for direction has not changed. We still do not have the ability to direct our own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). We need to be shown the way. (John 14:6). We still choose sin and become enslaved by it (Romans 3:23; 6:16). We need freedom that we ourselves cannot afford (Romans 6:17-18). Through the delivered word of God we learn what we must do to be made free from sin. We learn what to do in order to please our Creator-God. The Bible is constant and will suit mankind as long this world continues whether 10 days or 10,000,000, years. What Can The Bible Do For Me? Nothing: If you don't read it and apply it. There are no miraculous gifts of understanding today (1 Corinthians 13:8). Neither does the Bible work through osmosis. You can't just carry it around under your arm and expect it to soak it to your heart. On the hand the Bible can do everything for you if you will read it and apply it to your life. As the apostle Paul instructed Timothy we need to read and give ourselves entirely to the word to see the results it offers (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16). It offers completion (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We gain knowledge in areas of doctrine, reproof and correction also instruction in righteousness. It offers the best quality of life here through honesty and integrity. It also offers the best of Heaven in the life after. Jesus said, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed" (John 8:31). Through the study and application of the word we can be true and acceptable followers of Christ. Conclusion: The Bible is God's will for man revealed. Man in the first century and man in the twenty-first century. It is always pertinent and will continue to be as long as time continues. The Bible is truth. The Bible is our instruction to attain righteousness. Through the study and application of the word we can be "right in God's sight." We can be prepared for judgment and eternal life. The opportunity to obey the instructions of the Bible is yours today. ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070303/bb9e7cd4/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 3247 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070303/bb9e7cd4/attachment-0001.jpe From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Sat Mar 3 23:27:24 2007 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2007 23:27:24 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Ministers of The New Testament Message-ID: <20070304052732.YHGC1536.ibm59aec.bellsouth.net@gatewayjyyuf0p> Ministers of The New Testament Consider the following. Then answer the questions. 2 Cor 3:5-8 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Questions: 1. Were the apostles ministers of the old covenant or the new covenant? 2. Was Matthew (an apostle) a minister of the OLD covenant when he (by the Spirit) wrote his book years after the cross? 3. Was John (an apostle) a minister of the OLD covenant when he (by The Spirit) wrote his books years after the cross? 4. Was Paul a minister of the OLD covenant when he spoke of Jesus' life under the law of Moses in Acts 13, Gal.4:4, etc.? 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?(NKJ) Questions: 1. Was the book of Matthew a part of the law of Moses that was passing away, or was it a part of the glorious ministry of the Spirit? 2. Did Luke write one book that was passing away to Theophilus, and was his first book a "ministry of death" to Theophilus? 3. Was Luke's second book (Acts) "the ministry of the Spirit" to Theophilus? If so, why was one book a part of the ministry of death and the other of the Spirit when both were given by the Spirit long after the OT was nailed to the cross? 4. Is John's gospel a "ministry of death"? Or is it the "ministry of the Spirit" that gives life? 2 Cor 3:14-16 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (NKJ) Questions: 1. When Paul wrote this (A.D.57?), were the Jews reading MML&J as part of the Old Testament? And were these books part of what kept them from turning to the Lord? 2. Does Matthew's gospel try to lift the veil on Jewish hearts and get them to turn to the Lord, or is it too part of the Old Testament that the Jews wanted to cling to? 3. By describing some OT history in Acts 13, does Paul's gospel try to lift the veil on their hearts, or does he use that history to turn them to the Lord? Can anyone seriously believe that MML&J are part of the ministry of death? Aren't these books CLEARLY part of the ministry of the Spirit of life? Terry W. Benton terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Pine Lane Church of Christ http://www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com/ 3955 Pine Lane Bessemer, AL. 35022 425-2352 Located North side of exit #6 at I-459 Benton-Billingsly Debate on the Gospels http://religiousdebates.com/mmljframe.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070303/5ba42935/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sun Mar 4 14:16:23 2007 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2007 15:16:23 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume II, Number 9: March 4, 2007 Message-ID: Good News for Norwalk For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Volume II, Number 9: March 4, 2007 The Nature of the Church: The Church as Ekklesia "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). By this statement Jesus establishes the term most commonly used to describe the group of people who follow Jesus: "the church". We today may not think much of it, but it is interesting to note that Jesus chose a particular term in the midst of so many to refer to this group. In Greek, the term is ekklesia; why does Jesus use this particular word? What do we know about it? Very often, ekklesia is defined by its origin: ek, meaning "from," and kaleo, meaning "to call", and therefore we see "the called out". While the word derives in this way, such is not its meaning. By the time of the New Testament, the word had a long history, and there is no dispute that the word was understood to mean "assembly". Why, then, does Jesus describe the group of His followers as "the assembly"? Jesus often uses the Septuagint, or the Greek translation of the Old Testament, in His preaching in the Gospels; we find the word ekklesia used to translate Hebrew qahal, "assembly, congregation," over 60 times. The Greek word for "synagogue" is also used to translate that Hebrew word over 30 times. Jesus is most certainly using the word ekklesia to refer to the congregation of His people in much the same way as it was used to speak of the assembly of Israel. Nevertheless, Jesus is using a term to describe a congregation of a physical nation to describe a congregation of a spiritual nation-- a true shift in meaning! In the Greco-Roman world of the New Testament, however, ekklesia would have been commonly understood as possibly referring to a disorganized crowd (cf. Acts 19:32, 40), but most likely to a political legislative body, somewhat akin to our current Congress (cf. Acts 19:39). The term was rarely, if ever, used to describe a religious body in the pagan world. Nevertheless, we can discover some interesting parallels between the ancient legislative bodies and the nature of the church established by Christ. Granted, we cannot extend these too far, since the bodies have different purposes, but they perhaps might shed some light on why the term ekklesia was used to describe the church. The ancient ekklesiai consisted of "equal" persons. The ancient Athenian assembly consisted of all freeborn native men, and each had an equal opportunity to speak and to vote. Granted, this is not full equality, since there is no mention of women or non-natives, but for the ancient world this was a huge step toward equality. In the assembly of Christ, every soul is equal before God (Galatians 3:28), an equally revolutionary concept. We recognize that the Scriptures define different roles for different people (cf. Ephesians 5:22-6:9), but the inherent equality of each person before God is assured. The ancient ekklesiai involved participation by everyone. In ancient Athens, all men who were able to comprise the assembly realized that they should attend and help make the important decisions. In fact, those who did not perform their civic duty were considered worthless. Likewise, in the assembly of Christ, all saints should realize the need to assemble with one another (cf. Hebrews 10:25), and while God has again established different roles for different people within the assembly (cf. 1 Timothy 2:11-15, 1 Corinthians 14:34-35), everyone can participate in the prayer, singing, Lord's Supper, and other such acts. The ancient ekklesiai continued for generation after generation, with the younger learning from the older and in turn teaching the next generation. The assembly of Athens was the main legislative body for over 150 years and lasted for many more; it continued because each generation, in turn, involved the younger generation, instilled in them the need to continue the assembly, and showed them how to participate. The assembly of Christ has functioned in much the same way: Christ has always remained the Head (Ephesians 5:23), but it is incumbent upon each generation to instill in the younger generations the need to assemble with the saints and to fight the good fight of faith (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18), to instruct them in the discipline and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), and to provide them an example to follow. These are a few of many possible parallels that can be drawn between the ancient political assemblies of the Greeks and the religious assembly established by Christ. Let us continue to build up the assembly of Christ, helping to show His light and the light of HIs Gospel throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20)! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies! Our location: 386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits) Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Our assemblies: Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm Our Bible studies: Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm For More Information If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist at norwalkchurch.org. Good News for Norwalk is a publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio, for the promotion of God's truth in our world. For more information about the church of Christ in Norwalk, please visit our website at norwalkchurch.org. If you have any questions about your subscription, or desire to cancel your subscription, please e-mail gnfn at norwalkchurch.org. Thank you for your interest, and have a nice day! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20070304/e4708d46/attachment-0001.html From richardthetford at bresnan.net Sun Mar 4 17:01:49 2007 From: richardthetford at bresnan.net (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 4 Mar 2007 16:01:49 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the light (3/4/07) 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) March 4, 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 ar