From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Oct 1 04:38:02 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2007 05:38:02 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) IS SINCERITY ENOUGH? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my ancient files: IS SINCERITY ENOUGH? There can be little doubt that sincerity is essential to plea- sing God. Jesus reserved the most scathing rebukes of His earthly ministry for hypocrites (Matt. 23). He said the first and great commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matt. 22:27). Religious words and services that are not from the heart are useless (Matt. 15:8; 1 Cor. 13:1-3). A pure heart a good conscience, and a sincere faith are essential to pleas- ing God (1 Tim. 1:5). I am convinced that only conscientious, sincere and devout people will go to heaven. I don't believe there will be any hypocrites and pretenders there. But, is sincerity and de- votion enough to save one? Is it possible for two people to be equally sincere, devout and conscientious in their worship and service toward God and one be saved and the other lost? Does the fact that one is sincerely doing what he thinks is right toward God make him right? Is it not possible that one might be sincere and devout and, at the same time, be ignor- ant and/or deceived as to what God requires of one to be sav- ed? Once we see that one is sincere and devout in his religi- ous service, should we leave him undisturbed to do what he believes to be right? It is possible for one to even kill the Lord's servants think- ing he offers God service (Jno. 16:2). "Oh, but killing the Lord's servants could never be right," one may say. If sincer- ely thinking a thing is right before God makes it right for that person, then such killing would be right for such persons. Obviously, there must be some standard of judgment. The Word of God will judge us (Jno. 12:48). It must be preached (2 Tim. 4:2). It must be obeyed (1 Pet. 1:22). One is born again by it (1 Pet. 1:23). It lives and abides forever (1 Pet. 1: 23-25). Peter then shows that the Word of God is not some inner voice, but "the word which by the gospel was preached to you" (1 Pet. 25b). Regardless to how devout and sincere one is, he still must conform to the objective standard of the Word that the apostles preached -- the New Testament revel- ation. In Acts 2, Peter tells an audience of "devout men" (vs. 5) that they had crucified the Christ (vs. 36). They were told to "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized...for the remiss- ion of sins" (vs. 38). If being devout was enough, why must they repent? Why must they be baptized for the remission of sins? Evidently, being devout is not enough. In Acts 9, Saul of Tarsus was converted. What kind of per- son was Saul? "A wicked persecutor of Christians," you ans- wer. That's right, but that is not all. He was an honest, devot- ed, sincere, conscious clean, persecutor of Christians. He was doing what he conscientiously though to be right toward God. He later said, "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day" (Acts23:1) and "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them" (Acts 26:9,10). Paul always did what he thought was right and what he sincerely believed God wanted him to do. Evidently, such sincerity was not enough. He later said he was chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). In Acts 10, Cornelius was "a devout man and one who fear- ed God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always" (vs. 2). Yet, he need- ed (words by which {he} and all {his} household {would} be saved (Acts 11:14). If he was yet to be saved, then he was presently lost. Here is a devout, God-fearing, alms-giving and constantly praying man who was lost! He still had to hear the gospel, believe it and be baptized to be saved from his past sins (vv. 34-48). Again, God must require more of us than sincere, conscientious, heart felt devotion. It is possible for one to have a zeal for God and it not be according to knowledge (Rom. 10:1). One must devoutly, sincerely, and conscientiously learn, accept and obey the truth to be saved -- to become a Christ- ian (1 Pet. 1:22-25). As a Christian, one must devoutly, sincer- ely and conscientiously walk according to the truth of the Gospel (cf. Gal. 2:14ff; 5:7). All spiritual truth is found in the Word of the Gospel which the apostles preached (Jno. 16:13; Gal. 1:8-10). "Whosoever transgresses and does not abide in the doc- trine of Christ does not have God" (2 Jno. 9). It does not say "whoever (unless he is devout, sincere, and conscientious) transgresses..." but "whoever" -- sincere or not. ----- Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. in Gospel Guide, Vol. 28, No. 2, Feb. 1995. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/c79232dc/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Oct 1 04:38:14 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2007 05:38:14 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) SCRIPTURAL MARRIAGE, TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS AND CIVIL LAWS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first portion of a study from my files on this subject. Use to the glory of God. SCRIPTURAL MARRIAGE, TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS AND CIVIL LAWS (1) The subject of what constitutes Scriptural marriage has occasioned a lot of controversy among the children of God. The truth of God is being clouded by arguments based on traditional customs, personal preferences, emotions or feel- ings and civil laws. By Scriptural marriage, we are referring to marriage that is according to the Scriptures, the Word of God, particularly the New Testament Scriptures under which men (human beings in general) are living today (Jno. 12:4-50; 1:17; Heb. 1: 1,2; 7:11-14; 8:7-13; 10:9; Gal. 3:23-25). In other words, we are alluding to that union of a male and female that is accord- ing to the Will of God; a marriage that conforms to divine principles. By tradition, we mean "the handing down, transmission, giving over, conveyance of a story, beliefs, customs, laws, teachings, ordinances, instructions, doctrines, precepts, from one source to another, or from one generation to another by word of mouth, or written, and the receiving of that which is handed down orally or written" (Webster). The Scriptures speak of various kinds of traditions. God, in whose hand is our breath (Dan. 5:23), has His own teach- ings, ordinances, laws and instructions. These He handed down to us through His Son Jesus Christ, through the inspir- ed apostles and are now codified in the New Testament Script- ures (Jno. 17:8; 13:;20; 1 Cor. 11:1,23; 2 Thes. 2:15; Eph. 3: 1-5; 1 Cor. 14:37). These Scriptures are complete and final (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Jd. 3). On the other hand, man, "whose foundation is in the dust" (Job 4:19), has his own traditions, beliefs, customs which have been passed from one generation to another. Many times, these traditions of men run counter to those of God (Isa. 55:8,9). To the extent that these traditions, thoughts, and teachings of men contradict those of God, they become vain, null and void to those who have accepted the sovereign- ty and Lordship of Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:18,19; Col. 2:8; Matt. 15:7-9). Moreover, we should be clear in our minds that our person-al preferences, emotions or feelings are not necessarily co- terminus with the Will of God (Isa. 55:8,9). No matter how seemingly good or reasonable these are on any matter, they are subordinate to the Supreme Will of God in the New Testa- ment "Let God be true, but every man a liar" (Rom. 3:4). Civil authorities from one society to another have their re- quirements for recognition of marriages. But what these "higher powers" recognize as marriage is not what God recog- nizes as such. Civil laws in most lands, for instance, arrogate to themselves the power to dissolve marriages that have "broken down irretrievably." But God's Word on the other hand states, "...what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matt. 19:6). By stating this, we do not intend to minimize compliance with civil laws in marriage (and in other areas). The Scriptures say, "Let every soul be sub- ject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God" (Rom. 13:1). The only exception to this rule is when there is conflict with God's Law. In that case, we "must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). What we are asserting, however, is that a union of a man and a woman which the civil law recognizes as marriage may be nothing more than an adulterous relation- ship in the sight of God (cf. 1 Cor. 1:28). WHAT IS SCRIPTURAL MARRIAGE?:-- Generally, marriage is defined as the union of a male and female. (Of course, there are man with what the Bible describes as "Reprobate minds" (Rom. 1:28) -- who are now using "marriage" to describe "same-sex" relationships). Scriptural marriage, however, goes beyond this. It is the union of ONE MALE and ONE FE- MALE. A "one male and one female" relationship (Matt. 19:4). It is monogamous in nature and essentially heterosexual. God does not recognize polygamous and homosexual relation- ships as marriages. Some traditional institutions may recog- nize polygamy or polyandry as marriage, the Word of God recognizes it as adultery (Rom. 7:2,3). Civil Laws and church- es of men (as in the case of the Episcopal Church in the Unit- ed States, Anglican Communion here) may approve of homo- sexuality as an "alternative choice of marriage." But God says it is a "vile affection" and that its practitioners are "wort- hy of death" (Rom. 1:26-32). Besides, Scriptural marriage is the union of one male -- who has never been married, or whose wife has died, or who has put awayhis wife for fornication AND one female who also has never been married, or whose husband has died, or who has put away here husband for fornication (Matt. 5:32; 19:9; Rom. 7:2,3). In our male-chauvinistic culture (especially here in Nigeria) the idea is swiftly gaining ground that it is only the husband that may put away an adulterous woman, that the woman has not right to put away an adulterous man. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Our God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). As far as marriage and its rights are concerned, the right of the man is equally the right of the woman (1 Cor. 7:2-5). Both the husband and the wife are on equal footing here. Just as a man commits adultery when he divorces his wife and marries another woman, just so a wom- an commits adultery when she divorces her husband and marries another man (Mk. 10:11,12). What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander!!! What remains to be emphasized is that Scriptural marriage is a life-long relationship. "For the woman which hath an hus- band is bound by law to her husband so long as he liveth...So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man" (Rom. 7:2,3). "And unto the married I command...Let not the wife depart from her husband. But and if she depart, LET HER REMAIN, UNMARR- IED OR BE RECONCILED TO HER HUSBAND; and let not the husband put away his wife" (1 Cor. 7:10,11). The only except- ion that the Lord allows is fornication (Matt. 19:9). For any- body to put away his (her) spouse for any other cause than fornication is to cause her/him to commit adultery (Matt. 5:32) And to cause anybody to err is to sin against Christ (1 Cor. 8: 12); and this is very grievous in the sight of God (Matt. 18:6, 7). (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/3e8c43e9/attachment-0001.html From Philip.Douthitt at att.net Mon Oct 1 12:10:10 2007 From: Philip.Douthitt at att.net (Philip.Douthitt at att.net) Date: Mon, 01 Oct 2007 17:10:10 +0000 Subject: [Biblemat] Interesting thing happened to me today. Message-ID: <100120071710.22549.470129F1000E7E000000581521603763169B9B07089B9A01BBD29F07040708AF@att.net> This question was sent to me by one of our members. Has anybody else heard of this teaching? And or do you have any input regarding this doctrine? In Him, Phil Douthitt Eagle River, Alaska Tonight I was walking by the breakroom cafeteria and I came across a maintenance man setting there on his break reading his bible and I asked him what he was studying and he said the book of revelation.. anyways I tried to have an inteligent conversation with him regarding the bible and I was amazed at what he believes, The poor guy was obviously trying to study and learn the bible and I want to help him but i don't even know where to begin on this one.. He told me that his "pastor" was teaching on revelation and that he had been told that the mark of the beast was of all things "Sunday" I had never heard that one before. It gets worse than that he stated that all the people who receive the mark were the ones who "violate god's law" by worshiping on Sunday and not the Sabbath. He said that his "Pastor" told him that anybody who goes to church service on "Sunday" were the ones who recieved the mark of the beast and were going to hell. I showed him scripture after scriptur e abou t where christians were told to assemble on the first day of the week. He seemed like I almost reached him but at the last second he stated " My Pastor is way smarter than I am" so I know he is not wrong. He then accussed me of trying to seduce him into believing the doctrines of the devil. At this point I decided that I did not want to argue with the guy so I with drew from our discussion but I was wondering if you had any ideas to reach this guy if the subject ever comes up again... I think he goes to some kind of 7th day Adventist group or affiliation but I am not sure... While studying the book of revelation I have heard the mark of the beast called many things but "Sunday" that one was knew to me.. I hope all of you are doing well and may the lord bless you each through out the week James -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/c2dfb70a/attachment.html From kthomas at ntslink.net Mon Oct 1 14:59:24 2007 From: kthomas at ntslink.net (kenneth Thomas) Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2007 14:59:24 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Who Needs To Obey The Gospel? Message-ID: <4701519C.000006.03924@KENSCOMPUTER> Who Needs To Obey The Gospel? By Kenneth E. Thomas The "great" or "worldwide commission" as given by Jesus Christ Himself, assumes the fact that "every" (responsible) creature" is in need of Christ and the gospel which He gave its power by His life, death, resurrection and exaltation to the Father?s right hand where even now He rules as both Lord and Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 2:32-36; 17:30-31). Not fully realizing this causes some to make such statements as the following: "Balancing Out The Scales of Life" A good friend of mine made a statement to me recently which is the occasion behind this lesson. He said as best as I can recall "I think I?ll be alright with the Lord since the good that I?ve done probably outweighs the bad." While I will have to admit that my friend does indeed do a lot of good things for his fellow man, what he and others must come to accept is that the sins we have committed are not offset by the good that we may have done. Goodness nor good deeds will not erase the effects of even one sin, it takes the shed blood of Jesus Christ, "The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Also, one must learn how and when this precious blood is applied to one?s sin stained soul before that blood will cleanse. Every one who has reached the proper mental capability to make conscious choices, has sinned and is in need of "obeying the gospel" (Romans 3:10, 23; Ecclesiastes 7:20; James 1:13-15; 1John 3;4; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10). 1). Devout Jews needed the gospel (Acts 2:5); (Acts 2;22-38, 40-41,47) 2). A Queen?s treasurer who worshiped God, needed the gospel (Acts 8:26-39) 3). A devout God fearing Gentile who gave much alms to the people had to send for Peter who would tell him words whereby he and His house would be saved (Acts 10:1-4; Acts 11:14). 4). A devout Pharisee who tried to destroy the church of Christ needed the gospel (Acts 9:1-6; 22:16; Romans 6:3-6). 5). Some who were taught wrong and baptized with an outdated baptism need to be taught and baptized properly (Acts 19:1-7). 6). Idol worshipers although "very religious" had to learn of the one true God and His Son as well as the judgment to come, had to repent and believe the gospel of Christ (Acts 17:22-31). 7). If you haven't, YOU too need to hear, believe, repent, and confess faith in Jesus as the Son of God and be immersed into Christ to have your sins forgiven. NOW! (Titus 3:3-5) Kenneth E. Thomas Pekin church of Christ 1451 Valle Vista Blvd. Pekin, IL 61554 1 (309) 347-3582 - Office 1 (309) 347-5645 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/949ef63e/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 251 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/949ef63e/attachment-0003.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/949ef63e/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 33792 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/949ef63e/attachment-0005.gif From shewemail at earthlink.net Mon Oct 1 15:08:14 2007 From: shewemail at earthlink.net (shewemail at earthlink.net) Date: Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:08:14 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Interesting thing happened to me today. In-Reply-To: <100120071710.22549.470129F1000E7E000000581521603763169B9B07089B9A01BBD29F07040708AF@att.net> References: <100120071710.22549.470129F1000E7E000000581521603763169B9B07089B9A01BBD29F07040708AF@att.net> Message-ID: <470153AE.4030308@earthlink.net> Brother Philip, This is taught by the Seventh Day Adventists was taught by Herbert Armstrong and is probably taught by other Sabbatarians as well. Do a google search with the phrase "mark of the beast" in quotation marks and with the keyword "sunday" and you will find a number of websites where this is taught. James Shewmaker Philip.Douthitt at att.net wrote: > **** > * Bible Matters mailing list > * http://biblematters.net/mailman/listinfo/biblemat > * You are subscribed as: shewemail at earthlink.net > * Send postings to: biblemat at biblematters.net > * List owner: Mike Hughes (mike at mikealrhughes.com, http://www.mikealrhughes.com/), > Mickey Chandler (mickc at churches-of-christ.com, http://www.churches-of-christ.com/) > ***** > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > This question was sent to me by one of our members. Has anybody else > heard of this teaching? And or do you have any input regarding this > doctrine? > > > > In Him, > > Phil Douthitt > > Eagle River, Alaska > > > Tonight I was walking by the breakroom cafeteria and I came across > a maintenance man setting there on his break reading his bible and > I asked him what he was studying and he said the book of > revelation.. anyways I tried to have an inteligent conversation > with him regarding the bible and I was amazed at what he believes, > The poor guy was obviously trying to study and learn the bible and > I want to help him but i don't even know where to begin on this > one.. He told me that his "pastor" was teaching on revelation and > that he had been told that the mark of the beast was of all things > "Sunday" I had never heard that one before. It gets worse than > that he stated that all the people who receive the mark were the > ones who "violate god's law" by worshiping on Sunday and not the > Sabbath. He said that his "Pastor" told him that anybody who goes > to church service on "Sunday" were the ones who recieved the mark > of the beast and were going to hell. I showe d him scripture > after scripture about where christians were told to assemble on > the first day of the week. He seemed like I almost reached him > but at the last second he stated " My Pastor is way smarter than I > am" so I know he is not wrong. He then accussed me of trying to > seduce him into believing the doctrines of the devil. At this > point I decided that I did not want to argue with the guy so I > with drew from our discussion but I was wondering if you had any > ideas to reach this guy if the subject ever comes up again... I > think he goes to some kind of 7th day Adventist group or > affiliation but I am not sure... While studying the book of > revelation I have heard the mark of the beast called many things > but "Sunday" that one was knew to me.. > > I hope all of you are doing well and may the lord bless you each > through out the week > James > > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > _______________________________________________ > Biblemat mailing list > Biblemat at biblematters.net > http://www.biblematters.net/mailman/listinfo/biblemat > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071001/3d2fed67/attachment.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Oct 2 08:16:17 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 07:16:17 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Bible Truths and Bible Questions updates Message-ID: <001e01c804f6$6d8e3000$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Don Martin with the update notification: As always, I am pleased to inform you of new material to both Bible Truths and Bible Questions. The new Current Truth to www.bibletruths.net is, "I Timothy 5, Widows and Church Versus Individual Action." Here is an excerpt from the material (to read the material in full, enter through the door on the home page of Bible Truths and click on "Current Truth" in the directory): "...Residing in I Timothy 5 is some of the most extensive teaching on the subject of the treatment of widows. The church had anterior to this writing incurred the situation of needy widows (Acts 6: 1-7). While the text of Acts 6 generally mentions the matter of assisting widows, I Timothy 5 provides specific and detailed teaching. The text also clearly shows that there are restrictions placed on the church treasury and how it is to be used. The text of I Timothy 5 decisively establishes the need to, ".honor widows that are widows indeed" (vs. 3). That both "church" and "individual" action is addressed, respectively, cannot be denied (vs. 16). In one pondered case, certain individuals have primary responsibility and in the same considered case, the church is not to act (vs. 16). Hence, the belief that, "What the individual can do, the church can do and, conversely, what the church can do, the individual can do" is not necessarily true. We shall see in our study that the local church is presented as having structure, functionality, and demarcation. The text of I Timothy 5 also presents a gradation regarding benevolent responsibility concerning which many Americans have totally forgotten. This gradation is children and/or grandchildren are to first take care of their parents and/or grandparents and the local church is not to be charged (vs. 3, 16). "Let the government do it or the church take care of my parents," say many. Such a mentality while prevalent is anti-biblical....." There is new material in Bible Truths besides the new Current Truth. For instance, I have published many new PowerPoint sermons. Some titles are as follows: "Once Saved, Always Saved." "Church Growth." "God's Grace has Appeared." "The Future." "What Does Nature Teach?" "Bible Love, Not Namby-pamby Sentimentality." "Individuality." "Acts 20: 7, an Important Verse." "Public Teachers." These PowerPoint files are deliberately designed to allow you ease in downloading and effecting reasonable changes in format, etc. I also create these presentations in the least amount of file size with the user in mind. When on the home page of Bible Truths, enter through the door and click on, "PowerPoint Sermons" in the directory. Some even use these presentations to send to others as religious electronic tracks. I now have hundreds of these sermons in Bible Truths. We exhausted the storage space that our host for many years provided (outgrew it), and we have had to relocate both Bible Truths and Bible Questions to another, larger host. However, everything works the same, same URL, external links, etc. The new Featured Question for www.biblequestions.org is, "What does 'but I say unto you' mean?'" Question: What does "but I say unto you" mean? Answer: Our good question has reference to the famous expression spoken by Jesus, "but I say unto you," found in Matthew 5: 21-48. One explanation is that Jesus is challenging the actual teaching of the Law of Moses. It is obvious that Jesus is placing his teaching in contrast to some teaching. Verses 21, 22; 27,28; 31, 32; 38, 39; and 43, 44 contain the contrasts. Notice Jesus says, "ye have heard" and "it hath been said," not "it is written," as would have been the case regarding the Law of Moses (see Matt. 4: 4, 7, 10). The law never taught "Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy," one of the contrasts (vss. 43, 44). Moreover, Jesus has just explained that he did not come to "collide" with the law (vss. 17, 18). Jesus respected and kept the law, kept it sinlessly (Gal. 4: 4, Heb. 4: 15). Another explanation is Jesus is contrasting the perverted oral traditions of the Jews with the true moral pronouncements of the law. I suggest this explanation is correct. It is true that Jesus does present a more sublime and spiritual explanation and application of God's moral laws to the Jews than had been commonly experienced (see vss. 22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44 ff.). However, he is not in conflict with the law God gave to the Jewish Nation (Deut. 5: 1-3). Jesus had no tolerance for false doctrine and he sought to challenge it on every occasion (see Mk. 7). The Sermon on the Mount, in which our famous "but I say unto you" is found, is an expose of the doctrinal perversions of the Pharisees (5: 19 20). The Law of Moses, as a system, was "nailed to the cross" (Col. 2: 14, ff.). Jesus fulfilled the law (Matt. 5: 18, Rom. 10: 4). However, God's moral codes continue in Jesus' law on a much higher and consequential scale (Gal. 6: 2, Rom. 13, Jn. 15: 12, Heb. 10: 25 ff.). 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 disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue Oct 2 14:56:14 2007 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 15:56:14 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Jonah's Prejudice Message-ID: http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html Jonah's Prejudice I. Introduction A. The story of Jonah 1. A popular tale 2. Known to all kinds of people B. Jonah swallowed by the big fish (Jonah 1:17) 1. Easily recognizable story from the Bible 2. Image used by Jesus to describe His death and then resurrection (Matthew 12:40-41) C. While this is well and good, the book of Jonah itself reveals a much deeper story D. Let us consider the book and the main story it presents II. Jonah A. Jonah, son of Amittai, a prophet 1. Mentioned in 2 Kings 14:25 as prophesying that Jeroboam II would restore the borders of Israel 2. Most likely, then, that Jonah lives during time of Jeroboam II or immediately beforehand (late 9th century/early 8th century BCE) 3. Last moment of Israelite supremacy and prosperity before the end in 722 BCE B. Story of Jonah 1. Jonah 1:1-2: God calls Jonah to go and prophesy to Nineveh of Assyria regarding their wickedness 2. Jonah 1:3: For reasons explained later, Jonah gets on a boat to head to Tarshish (modern Spain-- Cadiz?), fleeing from God's presence 3. Jonah 1:4-16: Great storm on the sea, Jonah establishes it is from God, he is cast into the sea 4. Jonah 1:17-2:10: Jonah in the big fish, prays to God on account of his deliverance, vomited onto the land C. Jonah in Nineveh 1. Jonah 3:1-2: Jonah charged again to go to Nineveh, goes 2. Jonah 3:3-4: Nineveh a large city, Jonah calls out for them to repent 3. Jonah 3:5-9: Nineveh actually repents 4. Jonah 3:10: God relents of disaster toward Nineveh D. Jonah's Prejudice 1. How does Jonah react to the success of his proclamation? 2. He was exceedingly angry (Jonah 4:1) 3. He in fact prays to God that he may die (Jonah 4:3) 4. In fact, this is what "he said in his own country", before he fled to Tarshish, knowing how God is merciful and would show mercy to Nineveh (Jonah 4:2) E. What would cause Jonah to act and think this way? III. The Problem of Prejudice A. Jonah was not pleased at God's actions because Jonah strongly disliked Assyria 1. A good Israelite! 2. Assyria had harassed Israel many times before 3. Perhaps the end of Israel at Assyria's hands was revealed to Jonah 4. Regardless, they were pagan heathens full of idolatry, breathing threats against God's people! B. Jonah, therefore, not only wanted nothing to do with them, but would have loved to see their destruction at God's hand C. Prejudice is an unfortunate factor that dictates how many people act 1. Racial prejudice has represented a major difficulty for many societies 2. Just as pervasive is social or economic prejudice D. God's people also often suffer from prejudice 1. We see with Jonah a form of such prejudice in the old covenant 2. In the new covenant, however, many also can exhibit prejudice 3. "spiritual" vs. "unspiritual" persons 4. "strong" vs. "weak" brethren 5. "we who have the truth" vs. "those denominationalists/liberals" E. What should be done about such things? F. Let us return to Jonah IV. Jonah, God, and Assyria A. Jonah 4:4: "Do you do well to be angry?" B. The Plant 1. Jonah 4:5-8 2. Jonah watches to see what will happen with Nineveh 3. God provides a plant to keep Jonah cool 4. The next day, the plant is gone 5. Jonah asked that he might die C. The lesson of the plant 1. Jonah 4:9-11 2. God demonstrates Jonah's hypocrisy 3. Jonah cared for a temporary plant but not people! 4. Indication that God has every right to pity Nineveh and its people D. Even though there are many who do not know God, He still pities them and desires to have mercy upon them 1. Image in Jonah 4:11: people who do not know their right hand from left 2. Parallel to Romans 1:18-23 3. God does not dispute that they are idolaters, but since they did relent and repent, He does not desire their destruction! 4. Man's prejudice, then, does not stand before God V. The Kingdom Without Prejudice A. We recognize, of course, that Jonah was a prophet of Israel under a different covenant B. We are now under a new covenant with better promises-- a Kingdom without prejudice! 1. 1 Timothy 2:4: God desires that all men come to the knowledge of the truth 2. Ephesians 2:11-18: Law of Moses taken down, Jew and Gentile can both be part of the same Kingdom 3. Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11: unity in Christ, breaking down every social barrier C. This does not mean that somehow people change roles 1. Men and women still have their roles in the marriage relationship (Ephesians 5:23-33) 2. There are still going to be rich and poor people (James 1:9-10) 3. Slaves are not all of a sudden freed from being slaves (Ephesians 6:5-8) 4. Being a part of God's Kingdom does not automatically change one's state in life D. The Kingdom without prejudice is supposed to change the attitudes of the citizens of that Kingdom toward one another! 1. That is the essential meaning of Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11 2. While in the world one may be rich or poor, man or woman, higher class or lower class, in Christ, all are one 3. There is no room, then, for prejudice in the Kingdom! E. Prejudice condemned among saints 1. James 2:1-9 2. Practice of giving honor to rich persons, despising the weak 3. All things are to be done, however, without partiality 4. Romans 14:3-4 5. Condemning or despising "strong" or "weak" brethren 6. Romans 14:13-23: let us not put stumbling blocks in the way of each other F. Prejudice also not to be shown against outsiders 1. Let us not fall into Jonah's trap! 2. Luke 10:27-37: parable of Good Samaritan 3. We are to love all our neighbors, even if they are people of different racial, social, economic, religious groups 4. Are there some places where we would not go and promote the Gospel? 5. If a terrorist wanted to hear the truth, would you preach it to him? G. The follower of Jesus has no room to hinder anyone from receiving God's forgiveness (Luke 23:34)! VI. Conclusion A. We have seen the story of Jonah and his prejudice B. We have seen that there is no room for such prejudice in God's Kingdom C. Let us strive to love all men and promote God's truth! D. Songbook/invitation Ethan R. Longhenry/ disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio (http://www.norwalkchurch.org) Website: http://www.deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ#: 28317056 MSN Messenger ID: deusvitae at hotmail.com Yahoo! Messenger ID: discipuliiesus Subscribe to Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From blovelace at peoplepc.com Tue Oct 2 16:38:49 2007 From: blovelace at peoplepc.com (blovelace) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 17:38:49 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] Sharing Sorrow As Well As Joy (Bob W. Lovelace) Message-ID: <21522025.1191361130255.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> The Truth In Print Vol 13 Issue 9, October 2007 A Publication of the Valley church of Christ 2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-539-7089) Website Address ~ SHARING SORROW AS WELL AS JOY In our last issue of this publication we considered the characteristic of God as stated, ?And it shall come to pass, that as the Lord rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it? (De. 28:63). God delights over His people to do them good! Having done so we next considered this characteristic of the righteous, ?Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. [11] Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. [12] Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness? (Ps. 97:10-12). The point? Gladness is sown for the upright of heart! We are commanded to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep, being of the same mind one toward another (Rom. 12:15-16). This rejoicing is rejoicing with those who rejoice in righteousness, and the weeping with those who weep in righteousness. It is talking about the faithful. If one member rejoices all rejoice, and should one receive honor, justified praise or vindication, then all rejoice with them (I Cor. 12:26). One important consideration in that study was the understanding that there can be suffering, sorrow, and joy in combination and at the same times (cf. 2 Cor. 7:4; Phil. 2:17-18). This is because the mind is set on things above while realizing the brevity of life, and the goal of service and obedience is heaven (Col. 3:1-4; Ja. 1:2-11). What a list there is in 2 Cor. 6:3-10 that speaks of combinations of joy and sorrow! Paul says ?...sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.? Obvious the rejoicing can continue through times we help one another with sorrow. Without carnality and jealousy we delight when a faithful brother or sister prospers. To better understand this rejoicing there are several ?rejoice with? applications in this particular study which may be read at: . SHARING SORROW AND HELPING WHEN OUR BROTHER IS HURTING, As we think of rejoicing, and thus helping others, we understand the obligation of also sharing sorrow and helping when our brethren are hurting. At times one?s ?hurt? is because of adversity having come into their life, and not necessarily because of any sin on their part. On some occasions, though, a brother or sister is filled with anxiety because of some sin (s) committed. What should we do for such? IF THE HURT IS ADVERSITY, Consider Psalm 35:17-23 ?Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. [18] I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people. [19] Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause. [20] For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. [21] Yea, they opened their mouth wide against me, and said, Aha, aha, our eye hath seen it. [22] This thou hast seen, O Lord: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me. [23] Stir up thyself, and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord.? Look at verse 19 in this statement of humility and suffering, and understand that one?s enemies willingly add hurt and wrongfully rejoice in doing so! Considering his worthy motive ? he desired deliverance and would praise God in the great assembly ? is this not a time for concerned brothers and sisters to assist and ask God to help the suffering soul? This is a time for brethren in fellowship to ask what ?they? ask! And what do we know that the one suffering is asking for? Hear this, ?Judge me, O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness; and let them not rejoice over me. [25] Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up. [26] Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt: let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against me? (Ps. 35:24-26). Along with the above expressions he added his assurance that the faithful partook in his righteous cause: ?Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the Lord be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. [28] And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long? (Ps. 35:27-28). IF THE ANXIETY IS BECAUSE OF HAVING SINNED, There are times when a brother or sister have sinned, confessed and repented, and yet enemies are more than willing to take advantage of the time of humiliation and weakness. Consider these words: Psalm 38:13-22 ?But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. [14] Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. [15] For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. [16] For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. [17] For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. [18] For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. [19] But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. [20] They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. [21] Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. [22] Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.? The foot slips. Enemies magnify themselves and gain strength. He follows what is good ?now? having repented (vs. 20). His enemies return evil for his present good. He needs God?s help! He asks for help. What can we ask for? We can ask that our brother or sister might be separated from the wicked who would return evil for their present good. We can help them keep separate from such wicked. Or will we just set there idly and let them suffer! These are times for us to remember that in their humiliation they asked for help. We?ve all been there ourselves, haven?t we? Did you and I not say the same when there? Look at this! Though afflicted he was able to desire that all who seek God would rejoice and be glad in Him: Psalm 40:13-17 ?Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. [14] Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. [15] Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha. [16] Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. [17] But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.? ?Sharing? is asking God for help for them and then helping them. We ask for lying tongues to be stopped (Ps. 63:11). We ask for joy to come into their lives and help bring that joy (Ps. 86:4-5). We ask God to comfort them and help in doing so ourselves (Ps. 86:14-17; 2 Cor. 2:6-7). We ask God to let the wicked be disappointed for thinking they had overcome (Ps. 86:17). We ask for and then rejoice in their vindication when it comes (Ps. 35:27-28, 58:10-11). Do you? Do you ask for them what they ask? By Bob Lovelace ---------------------------------------------------------- To learn more call, visit or visit our website at: ________________________________________ PeoplePC Online A better way to Internet http://www.peoplepc.com From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Tue Oct 2 19:08:25 2007 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 19:08:25 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 14.10 (October) Available Message-ID: Our 14th year of publication (1994-2007) Expository Files - October 2007 **Our 166th monthly issue** Expository Files is a monthly electronic journal dedicated to Biblical studies. It is edited by Warren E Berkley and Jon W. Quinn. This effort began with the January, 1994 issue and continues to this day. In addition to the four or so expository articles by different writers in each issue, there are special topical studies. In addition, each issue begins and ends with editorials by the editors. Thanks to our writers and our readers for making Expository Files such a success! ---------------------------------------------------------- Expository Files 14.10; October 2007 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: Double-minded Front Page 14.10 By Jon W. Quinn Casting Out Fear by Love 1 John 4:8-21 By Jon W. Quinn The Work of Deity in Our Salvation 1 Peter 1:1-2 By Matthew Allen Preaching In Jeremiah 7 By Warren E. Berkley Complaining and Disputing Philippians 2:14-15 By Matthew King An Apostle Named John "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus" Topical Page By Jon W. Quinn Plan of Salvation By Jon W. Quinn The Final Page 14.10 What Are You Tired Of? By Warren E. Berkley ---------------------------------------------------------- EF can be found at the following places: http://www.bible.ca/ef/ Every issue - 1994 to present; every article; html; arranged by book; topic and/or issue; Search engine http://expositoryfiles.homestead.com/index.html 2004-2006 in html by issue; 1994-2003 in zipped self executable format for IBM http://www.geocities.com/w_berkley/ EF in PDF by issue; Sept 2003 to present ===== Jon W. Quinn jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Bradley Church of Christ Bradley, IL 60915 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071002/674a40c3/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Oct 2 21:06:55 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 22:06:55 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) CREEDS AND THE TRUTH Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my ancient files: CREEDS AND THE TRUTH A friend recently compared the creeds of the many denom- inations to tracts that members of the Lord's church have written. I thought my friend was just being facetious, but I found out he was truly serious. That got me to thinking about the differences between creeds and tracts that I, or others, have written. WHAT IS A TRACT?: -- I like to think of a tract I have written as a sermon where I have arranged material on a particular subject together in one place. I might string together some, or all, verses dealing with a subject and define words and maybe use some historical material of interest on that topic. A tract is not an official "church" document that all memb- ers must subscribe to and maintain ties with me. The local church does not have this type of structure. Nor is the church the formulator of doctrine. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). The church is people who follow the will of Christ. Furthermore, the members of the church here have no say so in the tracts I write--they are my own work as an individ- ual. They may disagree with me, and when they show me, from the Bible, that I have made an error, I will respect them and correct any true error. I want to teach only the Truth! WHAT IS A CREED?:-- On the other hand, a creed is an offic- ial document of a religious group in which all members must subscribe to to be a part of that group. If you disagree with the creed, you will probably not be welcomed in that group any longer. And it is no great concern if the creed teaches the opposite of what we read in the Bible. (As an example, the Bible teaches that baptism is a burial in water Rom. 6:4, Man-made creeds teach that baptism may be sprinkling, pour- ing, or immersion). William Barclay sought to justify creeds this way: "1. A creed is essential to define the faith. The Christian must be able to state what he believes... The Christian must be able to say: 'Here I stand'. 2. A creed is necessary to provide a norm, standard and touchstone... 3. A creed is necessary to provide the material of Christian teaching and preaching." (As quoted by Roland Worth, Jr. in Truth Magazine, Sept. 18, 1975, pg. 13). The New Testament does "define the faith" for Christians. We can say "Here we stand" on the teaching found in the New Testament. The Bible "provides the material" for our teaching and preaching. We must contend for "the faith once delivered unto the saints" (Jd. 3). Lisette Woodworth Reese wrote: "Creeds grow so thick along the way, Their boughs hide God." (As quoted in Famili- ar Quotations, by John Bartlett, pg. 719). A creed is an addition to God's Will. A tract is not, when the writer teaches only God's revealed Will. --- Michael L. Garrison in Gospel Guide, Vol. 27, No. 2, Feb. 1995. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071002/95b29055/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue Oct 2 19:53:08 2007 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 20:53:08 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Churches of the New Testament: Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira Message-ID: http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html Churches of the New Testament: Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira I. Introduction A. Revelation 1:10-11 B. Have previously examined majority of NT churches 1. Some others exist 2. Crete in Titus; Judea and Samaria in Acts 8; Cyprus, Acts 13, etc. 3. Not much revealed about these churches 4. Instruction given to Titus by Paul seen also elsewhere C. Left with six of the seven churches of Asia Minor 1. John, in Patmos, receives the Revelation 2. Most likely during latter days of Domitian (81-96 CE) 3. First part of Revelation represent letters to these churches D. Let us consider what Jesus says to Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira II. Geography and History A. Smyrna (modern Izmir), Pergamum (modern Bergama), and Thyatira (modern Akhisar) are all part of the ancient Roman province of Asia in modern day Turkey 1. "northern triangle" of churches in Asia Minor 2. Smyrna: 47 mi south of Pergamum, 47 mi southwest of Thyatira 3. Pergamum: 37 mi NW of Thyatira 4. Ephesus: 36 mi S of Smyrna, 81 mi S of Pergamum, 71 mi SW of Thyatira 5. All cities roughly 650-680 mi NW of Jerusalem B. Smyrna, like Ephesus, on Aegean coast 1. Gulf provided an excellent port 2. Major trading center 3. One could travel inland to Sardis, Philadelphia, and beyond on road along Hermus River valley C. Pergamum and Thyatira to the north along the Caicus River 1. Pergamum 15 miles inland, Thyatira even more so 2. Pergamum known for its library and as the first place parchment was used 3. Also known for its numerous pagan temples 4. Altar of Zeus in Temple of Zeus: Satan's throne? (Revelation 2:13) 5. Thyatira known for its trade guilds and dye manufacturing (cf. Acts 16:14) D. History 1. All three cities either Greek colonies or influenced by Greeks 2. Smyrna colonized by 1000 BCE 3. Lydia controlled area around seventh century BCE 4. Mostly controlled by Persia, ca. 530-332 BCE 5. 332 BCE: Alexander conquers area, later controlled by Lysimachus and the "Kingdom of Thrace" 6. When "Kingdom of Thrace" passed on, Attalid kings in Pergamum ruled over area 7. 238-133 BCE 8. Loyal to Rome, enemies of Macedonian Seleucids to south 9. At death of Attalus III in 133 BCE, kingdom bequeathed to Rome 10. Ruled by Rome throughout NT period as province of Asia III. The Founding of Churches in Asia A. No specific information in NT about founding of these specific churches 1. Some believe that Lydia returned to Thyatira, established church there (Acts 16:14, ca. 50-51 CE) 2. Possible, but no evidence for it 3. Only knowable information will come from the founding of the church in Asia B. Founding of Church in Asia 1. Acts 2:10: Jews of Asia in Jerusalem; some likely converted, but exactly where they are from and whatever Gospel promotion they did is unknown 2. Church in Asia really got going during Paul's stay in Ephesus, 55-57 (Acts 19:8-10) 3. Acts 19:10: "all Asia" heard word of the Lord 4. Likeliest scenario like in Colossae: native sons hear Gospel from Paul, believe it, convert, take Gospel back to their own cities C. Regardless, churches established by 90s CE IV. Smyrna: Poverty, Riches, and Tribulation A. All that is known of Smyrna from the NT found in Revelation 2:8-11 1. Church made up of physically poor but spiritually rich persons (Revelation 2:9; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:9) 2. Suffering persecution, especially from Jews (Revelation 2:9) B. Church spoken of in favorable terms 1. Jesus has nothing negative to say of it 2. Warns them about upcoming difficulties, even imprisonment for some (Revelation 2:10) 3. Eternal life is there, however, for those who endure (Revelation 2:10) C. Later evidence 1. Some information about later events 2. Polycarp, associate of John, teacher of Irenaeus, "bishop" of Smyrna 3. Whether considered himself sole or part of collective of elders not known 4. Ignatius wrote letter to church there ca. 115 5. Exhorts them to avoid Gnostic heresy heresies (Ignatius, Letter to the Smyrneans 4-5) 6. Commands them to obey bishop, bishop or delegate must administer Lord's Supper, bishop must be present for a baptism (ibid., 8) 7. Possible negative reaction to such, most likely agreement with it 8. Lamentable, then, that Smyrna goes along with everyone else in the "bishop over elders" error soon after Revelation D. Church in Smyrna, late 90s CE 1. Stable church 2. Jesus has only good things to say 3. Suffering persecution, will suffer persecution 4. Poor in this world, yet rich toward God 5. Later events lamentable 6. First century example, however, encouraging V. Pergamum: Following After Balaam A. Jesus then addresses Pergamum as the one having the "two-edged" sword (Revelation 2:12-17) B. Some positive things 1. Pergamum a difficult place, the "throne of Satan", likely the altar of the temple of Zeus (Revelation 2:13) 2. Brethren have suffered and continue to suffer persecution without denying the faith; Antipas even killed for the sake of Christ (Revelation 2:13) C. Difficult Situations Requiring Action 1. Revelation 2:14-15 2. Some holding "teaching of Balaam": those who advocate the Nicolatian doctrine 3. Balaam a. Numbers 22-24 b. Balak, king of Moab, summons Balaam to curse Israel c. Balaam blessed Israel, did not curse d. Did counsel Balak to induce Israel to sleep with Moabite women, worship Baal of Peor; successful (Numbers 25:1-3, 31:8-16) 4. As Balaam indirectly induced God's people to sin, so do the Nicolatians 5. Nicolatians: sleep with each other's wives per the "example" of Nicolaus 6. Possibility that Nicolatians induce Christians to worship other gods 7. More plausible that the teachings are parallel, not practice necessarily 8. Jesus not ambiguous about what should happen: repent! (Revelation 2:16) 9. Without repentance, Jesus will come and will make war with the sword of His mouth (Revelation 2:16) 10. Not a good situation! D. State of Pergamum, 90s CE 1. Church has many faithful people, holding to the name of Christ 2. Some adhere to Nicolatian view, threaten to leaven the lump (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 5:9) 3. We hope that they followed Jesus' exhortation and repented! VI. Thyatira: The Faithful and Jezebel A. Jesus then turns to the church in Thyatira, divided into two groups B. The Faithful 1. Revelation 2:19: faithful brethren commended for their conduct 2. Love, faith, ministry, patience 3. Opposite of Ephesus, having more works later than earlier (cf. Revelation 2:4-5) 4. Christians told to hold fast to what they have (Revelation 2:25) 5. Promise of Revelation 2:26-28 then given to them C. "Jezebel" and her followers 1. One thing He has against them: they tolerate/suffer "Jezebel" (Revelation 2:20) 2. Said to be a prophetess, inducing brethren to commit sexually deviant behavior and to eat meat sacrificed to idols" (Revelation 2:20) 3. "Known the deep things of Satan" (Revelation 2:24) 4. No connections revealed between her and Nicolatians, or the situation in Pergamum 5. "Jezebel" not likely real name, evoking wife of Ahab, daughter of Ethbaal king of Sidon, inducing all Israel to worship Baal (cf. 1 Kings 16:31) 6. Fate of "Jezebel" sealed: she will be cast on the bed of tribulation, for she refuses to repent (Revelation 2:21-22) 7. Those who follow her will suffer the same fate unless they repent (Revelation 2:22) 8. Otherwise, they will be killed, and Jesus will be magnified (Revelation 2:23) D. Church in Thyatira, 90s 1. Church in Thyatira, then, divided into two camps 2. The faithful brethren who need to keep doing as they have been doing and not tolerating Jezebel et al 3. Jezebel and her followers, who must repent or die 4. We hope that some at least repented! VII. Conclusion A. Three churches, three messages, yet consistent B. Smyrna and Pergamum face outside persecution C. Pergamum and Thyatira have iniquitous brethren within D. All are to remain faithful to God and the errant are to repent E. Churches throughout time have suffered similar difficulties F. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 29)! G. Songbook/invitation Ethan R. Longhenry/ disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio (http://www.norwalkchurch.org) Website: http://www.deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ#: 28317056 MSN Messenger ID: deusvitae at hotmail.com Yahoo! Messenger ID: discipuliiesus Subscribe to Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Oct 2 21:07:06 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 22:07:06 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) SCRIPTURAL MARRIAGE, TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS AND CIVIL LAWS (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second port- ion of this particular subject. Use to the glory of God. SCRIPTURAL MARRIAGE, TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS AND CIVIL LAWS (2) SCRIPTURAL MARRIAGE IS A COVENANT: -- According to Mal. 2:10-15, we learn that marriage is a covenant. Particular- ly in vs. 14, we read, "Yet ye say, wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy you- th...yet is she they companion, and the wife of thy covenant." The etymology of the word "covenant," according to Bible scholars, is somewhat unclear. However, there are very clear ideas about its meaning and this goes a long way in sharpen- ing our understanding of what marriage is according to the Will of God. A covenant rests on a tripod. These are: 1. Terms of agreement. 2. An oath or a promise. 3. A seal of ratification. Let us briefly examine these essential componen- ts of a covenant: Terms of Agreement: -- A covenant is basically an agree- ment between two or more parties. We cannot conceive the idea of a covenant without an agreement. The terms of agree- ment between two or more parties may be settled by negotiat- ion or by the impostition of the will of a stronger party upon the weaker party. A good illustration of the latter was the var- ious treaties signed between the British imperialists and the various Nigerian ethnic groups in the 1800's and the early 1900's. The Old Covenant, for example, was an agreement arranged by God to which the nation of Israel acquiesced (Exo. 19:1-8). In the making of a covenant, terms of agree- ment is rule number one. Oath or Vow or Promise: -- The second component of a covenant is an oath or a promise by the two parties to fulfill the terms of the contract. God promised the nation of Israel that "if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar (special) treasure unto Me above all people..." (Exo. 19:5). To this divine promise, the nation of Israel responded, "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do" (Exo. 19:8). This is an oath, vow or promise. God also swore to Abraham at another time to confirm His promise (Heb. 6:16- 18). So, a vow or promise is rule number two in the making of a covenant. Seal of Ratification: -- The third and final component of a covenant is a formal seal of ratification to authenticate it. The Old Testament was ratified by the sprinkling of the blood of sacrifices upon the people, the altar and the book of the law (Exo. 24:1-8). Today, covenants are ratified by signat- ures and, or , seal. A marriage covenant, like every other covenant, is also tri- podal in nature. It has its terms of agreement. It has its oath or vow and its seal of ratification. The terms of agreement of marriage are stated by God Himself Who designed it: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh" (Gen. 2:24). That it was God Who made this proclamation is evidenced by our Lord Jesus in Matt. 19:4,5. According to the Designer of marriage, the two parties involved are the man and his wife. Leave: -- The agreement between the two is: to leave fath- er and mother. L.A. Stauffer states this so beautifully: "Leav- ing one's original family is a decisive action...Jesus used an intensive form of the word "leave." the word (kataleipo) means "to forsake completely," or "to abandon." Abandon- ment of father and mother in no way annuls the responsibility to honor one's parents, but does underscore the need to re- nounce totally the rule and place of subjection once occupied in that family. A definite and final break is to be made between the new family of the two families from which the couple came. Fathers and mothers must not be permitted to interfere, regulate, dominate or control the marriages of their children." This is rule number one. Cleave: -- A male and female must cleave to one another. The idea here is "to glue or weld together" and this emphas- izes the marriage vow or promise. This implies acceptance of the oneness in marriage and a commitment to that union. This is rule number two in the marriage covenant. Unite In One Flesh: -- The final action of marriage, "they shall be one flesh." L.A.Stauffer notes: "the uniting of the two bodies as 'one flesh' is a fitting expression of the intimacy, boundless sharing, and total merging that marriage demands of a male and a female." This is the point where the marriage covenant is ratified. That is the seal of ratification. Another point that calls for emphasis here is the fact that it is God Himself, the Author of marriage, that does the join- ing of a male and a female together. When parents or the officers of a State, or preachers or Chairmen of marriage ceremonies (or marriage receptions) proclaim that newly wed- ded couples are joined together, it should be understood that that joining at that level is merely ceremonial. The true, real, and authentic joining togeter is done by God when all of the commitments of marriage are fulfilled. "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matt. 19:6). This is marriage according to the Will of God. Every tradit- ional custom of man or civil law is subordinate to this divine law. --------- Sunday Ayandare in Words of Life, Vol. 15, Nos. 2 and 3. April - Sept. 2007. (These postings have been adapt- ed, not including the many customs and traditions practiced by the Nigerian people, that Sunday had included in his writ- ings. JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071002/66dc2af9/attachment-0001.html From richardthetford at msn.com Tue Oct 2 21:19:33 2007 From: richardthetford at msn.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 20:19:33 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (9/30/07) 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) September 30, 2007 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: My WEB Site www.thetfordcountry.com has just been updated to include the articles and sermons listed below. All the sermons posted each week to my web site are in .pdf format. The PowerPoint charts are also included with ALL the sermons that are posted to the web site. To access the sermons page, visit the site and click on "Richard's Page" and then click on "sermons." Please visit the "Reference Works" links page for updated links to various Bible study resources. If you are a newcomer to the area or wanting information concerning the San Juan church of Christ here in Montrose, Colorado, then click on the San Juan church of Christ Web Site at www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org. Thank you for visiting my web site and as always, your comments are welcome. If you know of someone that would like to receive the "Walking in the Light" electronic bulletin each week, please send an e-mail message to Richard at Thetfordcountry.com with their name and e-mail address and I will add them to the list. --- CONTENTS: "A Lasting Influence" (Richard Thetford) "What Keeps You From Obeying the Truth?" (Richard Thetford) "Why Go To Worship?" (Selected) --- A LASTING INFLUENCE Richard Thetford Our influence is something we possess and others use. Do you know who is watching you? Do you know how big of an influence that you have on other people? No you don't. And because of that we must be very careful how we conduct ourselves every minute of every day because we don't know who is watching --- besides God. Our influence is represented in different ways. In the book of Matthew alone, Jesus points out three ways that indicate how strong our influence is. First of all our influence is represented by light. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt 5:14,16). This passage tells us that we will be seen no matter what. Therefore we must be the kind of influence or example that others will be able to see Jesus Christ in us. Our influence may only seem such a little thing to us but Jesus says "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three pecks of meal, until it was all leavened" (Matt 13:33). It doesn't take much influence to make a BIG impression on someone else who is watching you without you even knowing it. The third way that our influence is represented is stated again by Jesus in Matthew 5:13 when He says "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men". As we know from our experiences in tasting salt that it is only as good as it is salty. Once it has lost its saltiness, then it is good for nothing! We also know that just a little bit of salt will add spice to many different foods. Is our life characteristic of the light, leaven, and salt? We may not have all the knowledge, and wisdom that we would like to have but there are a lot of little things that we can do to set the RIGHT influence for others to follow. Because it is the little things that others see in us that may make the difference in their eternal salvation. The three different influences represented above could be good or bad. We know from reading 1 Cor 5:6-7 that we should not have a corrupting influence but rather one as Paul describes in Romans 14:21 when he says "It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles". To be able to truly do this as a Christian we must first have the attitude that we "DO CARE" about what kind of influence that others see in us and then to do all we can to keep our brothers and sisters from seeing something in us that would lead them to fall away from the truth. We have a responsibility to ensure that WE do EVERYTHING according to the will of God! We should never try to influence others by physical force (Philemon 14), or by bribery (Acts 8:20; 24:26). But rather by our words (Acts 11:14) and by the example that we lead (Tit 2:7-8; Rom 14:21). We can see from the scriptures that each individual Christian has the responsibility to have a good influence on others (Matt 5:13-16). Each Christian should want to influence others in a positive way ALL THE TIME. We need to influence the world (Matt 5:16), the other brethren (Rom 14:21; 1 Tim 4:12), our companions (1 Cor 7:16; 1 Pet 3:1) and of course our children. Our children see us every day and know what we are really like. If you want to know what your children think is the most important thing in your life just ask them - they'll tell you. But hang on, it may surprise you also. That's where your influence is showing, either in a good way or a bad way. And this is the type of influence that will be "A LASTING INFLUENCE". We all need to ensure that our influence is a godly influence. --- WHAT KEEPS YOU FROM OBEYING THE TRUTH? Richard Thetford There are thousands of individuals in this country that have not obeyed the truth of God's word. Why is it that so many do not want to give their life to God and serve Him? After all, He did create us and expects us to follow the teaching that His Son Jesus came to give us (Matt 28:18-20). If you are one of those thousands that have not yet obeyed God's truth, please take a moment and examine your heart and search your soul to see if you can determine why it is that you haven't. Could it be that you don't know the truth? Truth only comes through study (2 Tim 2:15), and it is only God's truth that will make you free (John 8:32). If you want help in knowing God's truth we'll be glad to come and study God's Word with you. Could it be that you don't believe the truth? If so, this is very serious because God says that the only way one can gain faith is by hearing His Word (Rom 10:17). But only you can make up your mind to believe or not believe. It is a matter of choice. But to go to heaven, you must believe! I encourage you to read God's Word and believe in His truth today. --- WHY GO TO WORSHIP? Selected A churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every week. "I've gone for 30 years now", he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So I think I'm wasting my time." This started a controversy in the "letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher: "I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I know this .. they all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" --- SERMON Matters of Opinion or Matters of Doctrine? (with PowerPoint Charts) Sermons can viewed at my web site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- Meets at: 2740 Commercial Way, Suite B Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-8116 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE SUNDAY Bible Study....................10:00 A.M. Worship.........................11:00 A.M. WEDNESDAY Bible Study......................6:30 P.M. Evangelist Richard Thetford (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: Richard at Thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- Richard Thetford E-Mail: Richard at Thetfordcountry.com 1491 Canyon Drive, Ridgway, CO 81432 Home: (970) 626-5558 Please visit my web site: www.thetfordcountry.com Evangelist, San Juan church of Christ www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071002/7c7bc1ce/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 70059 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071002/7c7bc1ce/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 5253 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071002/7c7bc1ce/attachment-0007.gif From GLClair at aol.com Tue Oct 2 21:23:08 2007 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 22:23:08 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Hilliard Bulletin for October 2007 Message-ID: HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road ? P.O. Box 96 ? Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 ELDERS: Owen Gary Brewer ? (614) 832-2569 John Buchanan ? (614) 893-3277 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 ========================================================================= Volume 9 Number 10 October 2007 ========================================================================= AS TIME PASSES [i.e. THE LATTER DAYS] TEXT: 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (ASV) ?1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;? ASV 1 Timothy 4:1-3 (ESV) 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, INTRODUCTION: The phrase ?In the last days? or in the latter days? and similar phrases in the New Testament may refer to several events or specific occurrences. The passage here in 1st Timothy surely refers to the last dispensation and events that will occur during that period of time. These last days in the text surely mean that period of time beginning with the establishment of the church or the destruction of Jerusalem. It is my opinion that this period covers the time from Pentecost of Acts 2 until the resurrection and judgment at the last Day. REFERENCE: I. IN THE LAST DAYS FROM Acts 2:17, ?And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams:? ASV NOTE: Surely this refers to the establishment of the church on Pentecost day {Acts 2:1-47}. SEVERAL EVENTS ARE TO OCCUR [i.e. possibly over and over with each generation]. THESE THINGS WILL HAPPEN ?? in later times? 1. Some [people] will fall away from the truth. This does not state that they will abandon religion or that they will never go to a religious service again, the passage says they will abandon the ?TRUTH?. THE CONSEQUENCE OF LEAVING THE TRUTH IS SERIOUS: A. Without truth on cannot be free from sin ? John 8:32, ?and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.? ASV B. Without truth we cannot know God ? 2 Tim 3:7, ?ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.? ASV 2. Some [people] will ?? give heed to seducing spirits? Many will be tricked by seducing philosophies originating in the mind of fallible [i.e. mortal] men. The Roman Pope ? Calls himself ?Holy Father? --- A title reserved for God ? cf. Matthew 23:9, ?And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.? KJV 3. Some will follow the ?? doctrines of demons,? ***** Some people will follow the devil?s advocates [i.e. Anton Lev ? church of satan], etc. 4. The promoters of false teaching or doctrines of demons will deceive many through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, II. IN THE LAST DAYS FROM 2 Timothy 3:1-7, ?1 But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.2 For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; 5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power therefore. From these also turn away. 6 For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, 7 ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.? ASV III. IN THE LAST DAYS FROM 2 Peter 3:3-4, ?3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers shall come with mockery, walking after their own lusts, 4 and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for, from the day that the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.? ASV CONCLUSION: These passages do not tell us about the timing of the judgment for no man knows when that will be. But these passages tell us about the continuing condition of people generation after generation. For in this last dispensation of time some will come to God on His terms and many will not. So, what should we do in view of these facts about time and people?s actions? Rom 5:1-3, ?1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; 2 through whom also we have had our access by faith into this grace wherein we stand; and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh steadfastness;? ASV _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) considermagazine.com ================================================================= Do not forget our GOSPEL MEETING taking place the first week of October [i.e. October 7 - 12, 2007]. There will be different speakers each night during the meeting, do plan to be with us each night. A meeting announcement is inserted in this bulletin for your information. ================================================================= Some help with personal work assignments - WHAT IS PERSONEL WORK? 1. It is discussing the truth with a friend or neighbors either at your home of their home. 2. It is giving someone you know a gospel tract. 3. It is telling your neighbor about the happiness you have found in Christ. 4. It is inviting the mailman, the plumber or someone else to attend services with you 5. It is picking up your phone to inquire about some member that has not been in services for awhile. 6. It is setting up a regular Bible study in your home. 7. It is going from house to house inviting everyone to worship. 8. It is diligence in inviting friends to Gospel Meetings, etc. 9. It is feeling the need to help the lost understand their need of Christ. 10. It is using your automobile to bring friends to services of the church. 11. It is consciously serving and glorifying God. WORK FOR THE NIGHT IS COMING WHEN MAN WORKS NO MORE! HOW IS UNITY POSSIBLE? - #3 As we finished lesson number 2 of this series it became evident that there is much more to the subject of unity than we had first thought. Unity is impossible unless religious minded people return to the attitude that prevailed according to Gen 11:1-6, ?1 And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar. And they dwelt there. 3 And they said one to another, Come, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. 4 And they said, Come, let us build us a city, and a tower, whose top (may reach) unto heaven, and let us make us a name. Lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 5 And Jehovah came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. 6 And Jehovah said, Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language. And this is what they begin to do. And now nothing will be withholden from them, which they purpose to do.? ASV CONSIDER THIS: As we can observe by reading the account of the construction of the tower of Babel, whenever mankind unites in such a way as to cause all of the people to have one mind and one desire [i.e. hope], great accomplishments will follow. Indeed, these people united to build a tower to heaven ? perhaps thinking that they could go to the place where God exist. Of course this was impossible but God saw a wicked streak in the people He had created. Apparently God understood that the kind of unity that these people possessed was contrary to HIS WILL; consequently he made a decision to stop this kind of unity ?-- unauthorized unity for an unauthorized project. >From these facts we may deduct that man cannot attain to unity of religion until a decision is reached by all to work toward unity with one heart. Whenever people unite they could perhaps attain to unity but the history of mankind since the tower of Babel indicates that they will not as a whole people appeal to GOD for instruction pertaining to God approved matters. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR 21st Century man to agree whole heartily on acceptance of the BIBLE [i.e. the Written Word of God], in all things religious with one accord. I do not know if this is possible! Man has proven himself in past history to be stubborn and hard-headed when dealing with God?s Word [i.e. instructions]. Since God does not speak from a smoking mountain and does not communicate directly with man [example, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, etc] but communicates with mankind today through His Written Word it require all men of all nations to accept this BOOK [i.e. the BIBLE] as a standard in all religious questions. Until all of those seeking religion?s unity come to the Bible as the only rule of faith and practice there can never be a return to the Tower of Babel type of unity [i.e. where the people are of one mind]. glclair at aol.com ?.. Hilliard Bulletin ? October 2007 ?.. ************************************** See what's new at http://www.aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071002/db006256/attachment-0001.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Oct 2 22:20:50 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Tue, 2 Oct 2007 21:20:50 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Adam and Eve's expulsion from the garden (question and answer) Message-ID: <008701c8056c$722e6870$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Don Martin sharing question and answer number 1, 080 since July 16: Hello Cindy, Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org Please check out Bible Truths http://www.bibletruths.net Go to the archives section of these sites for material and also go to the archives search page and type in any subject or word you wish to explore. New material is constantly being added to both sites. Any help you can give us in telling others of these sites will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible, there is an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the home page, scroll down and enter. While on the Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there. You asked: Why were Adam and Eve forced out of the Garden of Eden? Reply: The reason Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden that God had prepared for them was their disobedience. God in addition to providing them with work and responsibility, also provided them with law. A particular law was not to eat of the forbidden fruit (Gen. 2: 17). However, they both disobeyed God and partook of this fruit and as a consequence, they were driven from the garden and precluded re-entry (Gen. 3). God has always required obedience to his laws. Jesus asked, "...why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Luke 6: 46). There are many articles in www.bibletruths.net pertaining to the will of God. I shall insert a previously asked and answered question below from the archives of Bible Questions. Question: What truths are seen regarding Adam and Eve? Answer: As you Know, God created all things which are created (Gen. 1-2). God did not simply place certain laws in place and allow evolution to produce its effect (see Gen. 1: 1-31). In the case of Adam and Eve, they were instantaneously created full-grown beings (Gen. 1: 26-31, 2: 18-25). God's perfection and love is seen regarding Adam and Eve. God created man after his own image (Gen. 1: 26). Man enjoys a status over all lower creation (Gen. 2: 8). The garden was a paradise of beauty and unique spiritual opportunities (Gen. 2-3). God's love and perfection can be observed in his interest for the well-being of Adam's social needs (Gen. 2: 18 ff.). God did not create Adam and Eve as robots, but in addition to the tree of life there was the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2: 9, 17). God's strictness is seen regarding the first parents. Adam and Eve were not without restraint. God said, "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it..." (Gen. 2: 17). We continue to read, "for in the day that thou eatest thereof," God explained, "thou shalt surely die" (Gen. 2: 17). The command was such Adam and Eve could perform and the attached penalty was clearly stated. Adam and Eve, however, choose to violate God's command (sin is lawlessness, 1 Jn. 3: 4). God drove them from the garden and prevented them to return (Gen. 3). Beloved, the truths seen regarding Adam and Eve continue. God loves us and has abundantly provided for us (Jn. 10: 10). God also requires obedience today (Rom. 11: 22, Heb. 5: 8-9) and has given us laws and commandments which we can obey, if we love Him (1 Jn. 5: 3). Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see the copyright provision at the bottom of the home page in Bible Truths). Cordially, Don Martin From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Oct 3 11:10:52 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2007 12:10:52 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE BOOK OF MORMON CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: THE BOOK OF MORMON CONTRADICTS THE BIBLE The Book of Mormon contains numerous contradictions with the Bible. The following examples, which still appear in recent editions, are more than conspicuous. 1. The Bible says that Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). However, the Book of Mormon reads, "And behold, He shall be born of Mary at Jerusalem" (Alma 7:10). The writer of the Book of Mormon simply did not have his facts straight. The common Mormon explanation for this is that since Jerus- alem was so close to Bethlehem, it could be said He was born there. However, in the Bible, prophets of God did not make it a practice of just being close. God would not make such a mistake! 2. The Bible relates that at the crucifixion there were three hours of darkness (Lk. 23:44). However, the Book of Mormon states there was darkness "for the space of three days" (Hela-man 14:20,27). Which one is true? 3. The Book of Mormon relates that at the tower of Babel "the Jaradites had their separate language" (Ether 1:34,35). The Bible, however, plainly states "the whole earth was of one language" (Gen. 11:1). Apparently, the writer of the Book of Mormon mistakenly thought there were many different lan- guages and that God confounded them while sparing the lan- guage of the Jaradites. The fact is, there was only one lang- uage and God confounded the people by creating different languages! It is obvius that whoever wrote the Book of Mor- mon was lacking in Biblical understanding. 4. III Nephi 11:8-10 claims that after Jesus ascended to hea- ven He appeared in America to the Lamanites and Nephites in 34 A.D. However, this clearly contradicts the Bible. Of the ascension of Christ to heaven God said, "Sit Thou on My right hand until I make Thy foes Thy footstool" (Acts 2:34,35). How long was He to be in heaven at God's right hand? "For He must reign until He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (1 Cor. 15: 25,26). Furthermore, of the ascension the Bible teaches, "Whom the heavens must receive until the restitution of all things" (Acts 3:21). Christ did NOT come to America -- be- cause He has been in heaven from the time of His ascension. 5. In the Bible, the name "Jesus" was first announced by an angel to Mary (Lk. 1:31). This was in 5 B.C. However, Alma 19:29, dated in the Book of Mormon at 90 B.C., has a woman speaking to the Lord and calling him "Jesus." Now, which account is true? 6. The Bible teaches that the church was established on the Day of Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2). This was about 30 A.D. However, Mosiah 18:17, dated at 145 B.C., has the church ALREAD EXISTING. Quite a discrepancy, to say the least. Both cannot be correct. (Note: This same reference from Mosiah also mentions "bapt- ism as the means of being added to the church. However, according to the Bible the baptism taught by Christ did not begin until New Testament times (Matt. 28:19). 7. The Bible clearly reveals that the disciples of Christ "were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). This was about 40 A.D. However, Alma 46:13,15, dated at 73 B.C. has people wearing the name "Christian." This is over 100 years difference. Now, which account are people to believe? 8. The Book of Mormon teaches that "Melchizedek...did reign under his father" (Alma 13:18). Yet, the Bible reveals that Melchizedek was a priest under no one. His priesthood typified the priesthood of Christ and was, therefore, unique. In contrast to the Book of Mormon, the Bible states Melchize- dek was "without father, without mother, without descent" emphasizing that he did not inherit his priesthood (Heb. 7:3). The writer of the Book of Mormon did not know the Bible. 9. Mosiah 4:2,3 tells that the people had forgiveness of their sins by the "atoning blood of Christ." However, this was over 150 years before Christ died! The Bible plainly says that "without the shedding of blood is no remission" (Heb. 9:22). How could their sins have been forgiven before Christ's blood was even shed? 10. III Nephi 18:28,29 speaks of those who are "unworthy" to partake of the communion and that such people should be forbidden to partake. This is an obvious reference to Paul's discussion in 1 Cor. 11:27,29. (In fact the Book of Mormon has a footnote to that effect). The application made here shows that the writer of the Book of Mormon did not under- stand what Paul was saying and made a serious misinterpre- tation! Paul was not discussing man's personal worthiness or lack of it. Rather, he was discussing the manner in which the communion was being partaken. The context makes this clear. The word "unworthily" is an adverb of manner and points to the way and manner in which a thing is done. The church at Corinth was abusing the communion in the manner they were observing it. To show the correct idea the ASV uses the phrase "in an unworthy manner." By misinterpreting the word "unworthy" the composer unknowingly shows his work to be man-made. 11. In Ether 3:14 Jesus is reported as saying, "Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son." Such a state- ment is totally false. To have Jesus claiming to be the Father contradicts many plain Bible verses. Paul, for example, decla- red "the Head of Christ is God" (1 Cor. 11:3). Jesus Himself said, "my Father is greater than I" (Jno. 14:28). Jesus is not the Father and such a false statement is proof positive that the Book of Mormon is false. It stands to reason that if God guided the translation of the Book of Mormon, it would not contain such conspicuous contradictions with the Bible. Remember, Mormon leaders claimed that in translating, all mistakes were corrected as they were detected. This means that God failed to detect these mistakes! Who can believe such? --- Jon Gary Williams in Bulletin Briefs, Vol. 10, No. 9, Sept. 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071003/0fd1ed39/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Oct 3 11:11:06 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2007 12:11:06 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE "LOST" PARABLES (LUKE 15) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. THE "LOST" PARABLES (LUKE 15) One of the many objections publicly voiced by Jesus' ene- mies was related to His association with sinners. Of course, they had little to say regarding why Jesus was with them (Lk. 19:10). On one occasion, hearing the scribes and Pharisees murmuring about Jesus' company, He spoke three parables. 1. THE LOST SHEEP: -- Jesus tells the story of a shep- herd who realizes that one sheep is missing. Despite the ex- tra energy and time that it requires, he leaves the ninety-nine behind and goes in search for the one lost sheep. When he finds it, he is not angry and ready to butcher it. He "lays it on his shoulders," and brings it back to the fold, heralding it as an occasion for rejoicing. The hearts and faces of the scribes and Pharisees must have burned red-hot as Jesus concluded this parable by say- ing, "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heav- en over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance." No one there had any problem understanding the point of this parable. But, Jesus was not finished. 2. THE LOST COIN: -- Jesus continues, calling the audien- ce's attention to the fact that any woman who has ten drach- mas and loses one, will "turn the house upside down" in order to find it. David Padfield states "The coin in the parable was the Greek drachma which was nearly equal to the Roman denarius, worth about seventeen cents and equal to one day's wage. If the coin was part of the household treasury, its loss would be a large financial hardship. More likely, the coin was part of a necklace or headdress worn by a Jewish woman as part of her dowry. The item was the sign of a married woman and equivalent to our modern wedding ring. Losing one of the pieces of this ornament would, therefore, cause dismay and worry because the sentimental value would be as great as the monetary value". If that be the case, men, what would your wife do if the diamond was missing from her wedding ring? Just what this woman did, both searching everywhere to find it and calling all her friends when it was found. But, Jesus doesn't end the parable here. Again, He makes the application that His audience needed to hear: "Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (vs. 10). The scribes and Pharisees must have been quite "hot under the collar" to be rebuked in the presence of "sinners." But, Jesus was not finished. 3. THE LOST SON: -- Jesus teaches what is often called the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I believe that this parable is more aptly titled the Parable of the Lost Son (or Sons). A wealthy man's youngest son makes quite a crude reque- st -- to receive his inheritance before the death of his father. The father cannot force his son to follow the way of wisdom and so he divides the inheritance among his two sons. A few days later, the younger son goes into a far country ready to sow his wild oats. Maybe only a parent can truly sympathize with the father -- having a son away form home with lots of money and having no contact with him. What distress! As we look at the younger son, we wonder "What are you thinking?" The wealth that took his father years and years to build quickly dissipates in prodigal living. That money was not only the product of years of hard work, it also should have been a source of great happiness and security for years to come, but the younger son has thrown it all away for the passing pleasures of sin (Heb. 11:25). But, easy comes, easy go. The son is blind-sided by a famine that consumes the land. Then, things go from bad to worse. You can hear the collective groan from Jesus' audien- ce when they hear that he is feeding swine -- a job that no self-respecting Jew would ever consider doing. Now, where are the friends who must have showered the younger son with compliments and "sweet nothings" while they feasted together? Their "love" is shown to be nothing. The thrill is gone. At this point, either it does not occur to the son to return home or something is keeping him from it. Maybe pride pre- vents hs return -- after all, what son, having left home as he did, wants to go crawling back to Dad admitting failure? Maybe it was emparrassment and shame that he had fallen so far, so fast. Maybe he hoped that his luck would soon turn around and that he could again return to the party life. For a few days, something kept him there feeding swine. But neithr pride, shame, nor hope fill a belly, and his was soon empty, so finally "he came to himself" (vss. 17-19). Please notice that he didn't "come to himself" while surrounded by the friends and pleasures which he had sought. His conscie- nce did not overcome him during a wild party so that he was forced to stop the party, clear the room, take the remaining money, and return home. If a good, honest heart had convin- ced him to come to himself, we might easily respect his chan- ge of heart. But, it wasn't initially his conscience that brought him to himself -- circumstances did. He was going to starve to death! He had nothing and had no other choice. It was then, during those most desparate of circumstances, that "he came to himself." Being pricked in both his soul and stomach, he decides to return home, confess his sins against heaven and man, and work as a servant. Some, hearing his reasoning in vs. 17 ("How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger") might say, "Hmm -- the first thing out of his mouth is about food, not repentance ...I wonder why he's really returning home?! The words sound good but..." Others might say, "How dare he even ask to be allowed to return home. I'd never take him back into my house!" In vs. 20, the father sees his son "when he was still a great way off" and runs to him in compassion, likely not knowing anything about where his son has been, what he has been doing, or why he is here. (The son no doubt, showed the signs of wear and tare from his episode in the hog pen and not eating enough, JWS). The father is neither angry nor indi- fferent in his words or actions toward his prodigal son. In vss. 22-24, despite having heard only a few words of repent- ance, the father does not demand begging, groveling, or a great outward demonstration of sorrow from his son, but he quickly calls for all the symbols of home and family to be brought to him. His father receives him back, not as a serv- ant, but as the son whom he loved despite the younger son's betrayal. If the parable could end here, we might add "and they all lived happily ever after." But it doesn't end that way, for the scene now shifts to the older son. In vss. 25-28, the older son is where he has been all along-- working in the field. Hearing that his brother has returned and that there is a celebration, he is angry, has no desire to see his brother, and thus keeps his distance. Word comes to the father that now his older son is distancing himself from the family. The joy of the return of one son is now tempered by the other son's distance. Will the father now explode in anger? No, vs. 28 says that he comes to the older son "plead- ing" with him to come see his brother and engage in the cere- mony. The older son responds to his father's pleading by accus- ing his father of being unfair. "Why all the fuss over him who has devoured your livlihood with harlots?" (How did the older son know that for a fact? I doubt that he did). I find it ironic that the sin of the younger son was primarily against heaven and his father? Yet who is having trouble letting go of the past? The father reasons with his son, acknowledging his years of faithful service and reminding him that the family wealth all belongs to him now, but he affirms that it is right that they rejoice that the younger son is back. Thus, it is wrong if they do not rejoice and welcome him back! I realize that this is "just" a parable, but allow me to wond- er a little -- did the younger brother learn of this conversat- ion? I wonder if he felt the cold shoulder of his own brother. The younger son already had and continued to face the con- sequences resulting from his decision to leave home. He now has to work the rest of his life to provide for himself, having no inheritance upon which to rely. The prosperity of the fami- ly business itself would be a reminder to the younger son of what he had wasted. The way of this transgressor is hard without the older brother rubbing salt in this self-inflicted wound (Prov. 13:15). Yet, the irony is that as this parable ends--who is the lost son? The ears of the scribes and Pharisees are again burning. They get the point! Do we? Where am I among these para- bles? Am I by faith among the ninety-nine ? Am I the one? Am I one who has the duty of watching for others (Heb. 13:17; Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19,20)? Am I the younger son early in the parable, biding time until I can do things "my way"? Beware of the famine. Remember now your Creator (Eccl. 11:9-12:1). Am I the younger son, during the middle of the parable, having "come to myself" but not yet having faced my Father? Remember that He will for- give (1 Jno. 1:9; Acts 22:16)? Am I the younger son in the latter part of the parable? Having finally returned to the Fath- er, will I go back to His work like the Corinthians, who by dili- gence and zeal "proved themselves to be clear in this matter" (2 Cor. 7:9-11)? There is not time to waste. Our Father needs us back in the field where we should have been all along (Jno. 4:35). Am I the older son? Faithful in many things but lacking my Father's compassion? "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know your- selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you are disqualified" (2 Cor. 13:5). The Lamb of God was crucified so that there could be re- joicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. If there is joy in heaven among God's angels, then let we, who are a little lower that the angels, rejoice in the same. --- David Halbrook in Truth Magazine, Vol. 51, No. 7, July 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071003/1532086a/attachment-0001.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Wed Oct 3 14:24:58 2007 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2007 15:24:58 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S> Reaching The Lost Message-ID: Here's a lesson on personal evangelism I hope you can use. Though much is from myself, I also got information from several sources. Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com ************************************************************************** Reaching The Lost Rom 10:8-17 One Mercedes-Benz commercial shows their car colliding with a cement wall in a safety test. Someone asks the company why they don't enforce their patent on the M-B energy absorbing car body; a design copied by other car builders because of its success. The reply: "Some things in life are too important not to share." A. The church needs to be reminded of our mission. 1. We are the "pillar and support of the truth" 1 Tim 3:15 2. Jesus instructed His apostles: Matt 28:19-20 3. ... and us: 2 Tim 2:2 4. If people are to be saved, they must hear the truth! B. How then do we go about reaching the lost with truth? 1. There have been several good books written, sermons, preached, & methods developed but the basics remain simple. 2. Let's see how we can reach the lost. I. Locate The Lost A. Where are they? Who are they? Not hard to answer. 1. They are friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, casual acquaintances and those we don't know. B. Who are the best possible prospects? That can be answered by a recent poll by the "Institute For American Church Growth." The question asked was " What was responsible for your coming to Christ and this church?" 1. I attended a gospel meeting ? 0.5% 2. I visited before ? 1% 3. I had a special need ? 3% 4. I just walked in ? 3% 5. I liked the programs ? 3% 6. I liked the Bible Classes ? 5% 7. I liked the minister ? 6% 8. A friend or relative invited me ? 79% C. Make a list with 5-8 people you know. 1. Keep it where you see it daily so you'll be reminded to INVITE. II. Learn About The Lost A. Understanding where people are in life, how they got there, can help you form strategies to lead them to Christ. 1. "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." B. This worked for Paul 1. 1 Cor 9:19-23 2. Not that he lived as they did, but understood where they were coming from to make the gospel applicable to them. C. How can we do it? "Friendship Evangelism" 1. Begins with those in your list but don't be limited to it. Expand it to all people who have a chance to observe your lifestyle. a. This assumes you live a good life! 2. The principle is given in a. 1 Cor 10:32-33, Rom 15:1-2 D. "People won't care how much we know until they know how much we care!" 1. True to a big extent! III. Love The Lost A. First, realize that love is NOT some fuzzy affectionate feeling toward someone. 1. It is a commitment you make that whatever you do is always for their best benefit. a. Gal 6:10 2. Begin by meditating on God's love for you (1 John 4:19) and the love He has for all men (John 3:16). B. Develop a real concern for the lost like Jesus did. 1. Matt 9:35-38 2. Say "Here I am. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8) C. Realize you owe them something. 1. Rom 1:14-15 2. Why hoard what you have? If Jesus really means something to you, SHARE HIM! IV. Lift Up The Lost A. First, lift them up in prayer 1. Col 4:2-4, Eph 6:18-20 2. Pray for the lost everywhere, that they have the opportunity to respond to the gospel. Pray especially for the ones you know mentioning them by name to the Father. B. Lift them up by your example 1. Matt 5:16, 1 Pet 2:12 2. Don't make a spectacle of yourself. Just quietly confess by your actions that the gospel has had a real impact in your life. a. Offer thanks for your food. b. Read your Bible in public waiting rooms. c. In conversation, look for ways to identify yourself with Christ. Make mention of things that indicate your faith in God. (1) "I'll keep you in my prayers." (2) "Lord willing, I'll do such and such..." (3) "Thanks to God for my health..." C. Lift them up by offering them the gospel. 1. 1 Thess 1:6-8 2. Begin by "indirect" teaching. a. Take tracts, church business cards & leave them in public places. Restaurants, waiting rooms, sporting events, drop one in the envelope when paying a bill, etc b. Give them to people you know in letters or in person. Offer a tape of a sermon you think might apply to them. 3. Be more "direct." a. Invite them to services. b. Ask if they'd like to study the Bible. If you feel insecure, ask the preacher or some other member to help you. 4. Be creative! Think of ways that you can help further the spread of the message of Christ. Conc: In all this, recognize the providence of God is at work, A. "My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it." Isa 55:11 B. But YOU must have the motivation to speed the word along on its mission! 1. "Motivation is an inner drive, an idea captured in the imagination.Motivation can be harnessed to an intense drive toward a goal. Men and women who are motivated push themselves forward, plow through the inevitable setbacks, heading ever onward to their dreams. Motivation is essential to succeeding in any endeavor you try. (From "The Joy of Working" by Denis Waitley) C. With the right motivation and the right message, we can win souls for Christ! D. INV -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071003/c30c4d10/attachment.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Wed Oct 3 17:48:38 2007 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2007 16:48:38 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Silent prayer (question/answer) Message-ID: <004701c8060f$95903070$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Hello Louann, Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org Please check out Bible Truths http://www.bibletruths.net Go to the archives section of these sites for material and also go to the archives search page and type in any subject or word you wish to explore. New material is constantly being added to both sites. Any help you can give us in telling others of these sites will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested in really learning more about the Bible, there is an online Bible study course located in Bible Truths. While on the home page, scroll down and enter. While on the Map Site Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the table. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there. You asked: When we pray, does it matter if we pray silently or audibly? Does God hear both? Reply: First, as you have observed, God knows what we think - He can "read our minds". Consider Matt. 9:4; 12:25; 1 Cor. 3:20; Acts 8:22; 1 Cor. 13:11; and 2 Cor. 10:5. Not only does He hold us accountable for what we say and do, but also for what we think, even if we don't act on it (e.g., Matt. 5:28). On the other hand, the examples of prayer in the scriptures generally seem to be vocalized or expressed in some manner. An exception to this general rule is 1 Sam. 1:13 which records an example of an acceptable prayer in which the person's voice was not heard. Although even in this case, there still seemed to be at least some organization to her thoughts (not just random ideas). As one of our archived articles says in part: "Expressed prayer as opposed to unexpressed "thought" or "silent" prayer. The scriptures do not teach the popular practice of what some call "silent" prayer (Ps. 64: 1, 66: 19, 77: 1). The example of Hannah would come the closest to silent or thought prayer, but even "her lips moved, but her voice was not heard..." (I Sam. 1: 13). As I understand the scriptures, prayer is more than just an isolated, random thought. Prayer involves the organizing of our thoughts and an "expression" of the same." To read the material in full, simply go to http://www.biblequestions.org and click on the "Archives" button. Select the letter "P", scroll down to the topic of "Prayer", and click on the article entitled "What the Bible Teaches about Prayer (BT)". The articles marked with a "(BT)" can also be accessed from the Bible Truths website. You can get to them directly if you go to http://www.bibletruths.net and enter through the door at the bottom of the home page. While on the Site Map Page, click on "Archives and Index" in the table and then click on the desired topic in the subject/alphabetical index on the Archives page. Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual matters. I recommend that you print out this email for future reference (web addresses, etc.). You may print out any material you desire in both Bible Questions and Bible Truths (see the copyright provision at the bottom of the home page in Bible Truths). Cordially, Don Martin From cfleming at mikrotec.com Wed Oct 3 20:41:26 2007 From: cfleming at mikrotec.com (cfleming at mikrotec.com) Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2007 21:41:26 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Biblemat] H>Sermon on Luke 14:5 Message-ID: <5670.76.8.168.44.1191462086.squirrel@webmail.mis.net> Brethren: I'm developing a lesson on "Christians pushing the ox in the ditch." I need help, suggestions, outlines or anything to help me develop the text of Luke 14:1-6. I think I'll entitle the lesson, "My Ox Is Too Big". Some folks create situations and then feel the situation is too big to control and in the mean time forsake God and His Word with their excuses. Has anyone brought a lesson on this passage or have any study material on it? Please share if you can. chris fleming From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Oct 4 04:33:47 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2007 05:33:47 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOSPEL PREACHING 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: GOSPEL PREACHING The Bible has one theme: it runs like a golden thread from beginning to end, from paradise lost in Genesis to paradise regained in Revelation. That theme is redemption for lost mankind. For the perceptive reader, it radiates from every syllable of Scripture. God delivers this subject matter under three headings: 1. The Need Of Redemption. 2. The Means Of Redemption. 3. The Conduct Of The Redeemed. It logically follows that gospel preaching comprises these three broad categories of study. Any preaching that does not pursue these themes, either singly or in combinat- ion, cannot be called gospel preaching. The fist message of the good news is the bad news of man's need for salvation. In the first six chapter of Genesis, Moses describes the sin of Adam and Eve, Cain's murder of his brother Abel, and the pervasive wickedness of all human- kind. Jesus promised that the first work of the Holy Spirit would be to "convict the world of sin" (Jno. 16:8). In Acts 2, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, so convicted his hearers of sin that they were "cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37). Romans, Paul's magnificent treatise on salvation through the gospel, opens with a three chapter declaration of the sinfulness of the world. Clearly, gospel preaching convicts sinners of their sin. But the story doesn't end there. Preaching is also the proclamation of God's saving work through Jesus Christ. He is the means of salvation. That's what puts the good in gospel. True, we all sin, but "where sin increased, grace increased the more" (Rom. 5:20). Gospel preaching covers sin AND grace, damnation AND redemption. Jesus delivers us from the bondage and destruction of sin. Since the redeemed are raised to "walk in newness of life," gospel preaching must also address the character and con- duct of Christians. They may begin as "babes in Christ," but God expects them to mature in the faith. His means of accom- plishing this is through the teaching and preaching of His Word. Preaching that does not convict sinners or hold them to God's standard of righteousness may be popular and draw crowds, but it is not good news. It cannot save, because it is not gospel preaching. ----- The Lost River Bulletin, Vol. 57, No. 1, 09/07. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20071004/cbf4c08d/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Oct 4 04:33:57 2007 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2007 05:33:57 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) "WHERE THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK, WE SPEAK" (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my ancient files. Use to the glory of God. "WHERE THE SCRIPTURES SPEAK, WE SPEAK" (1) The famous words of Thomas Campbell, "Where the Scrip- tures speak, we speak; and where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent," are probably the most successful and widely quoted statement which has ever been made summarizing the fundamental aim of the restoration movement. ORIGIN OF THE STATEMENT: -- It may come as a surprise to some readers to learn that this famous slogan was coined by Thomas Campbell rather than by his famous son, Alexander Campbell and had already been expressed before Alexander's arrival in the United States from Scotland. Thomas Campbell had become a successful preacher in the Seceder Presbyter- ian Church in Ireland, but in 1807 he came to America. Within less than a year, however, he found himself charged by fellow Presbyterian preachers with denying their doctrine respecting the nature of faith, questioning the propriety of human con- fessions of faith as bonds of fellowship, and with violating other Presbyterian practices. These charges aroused such personal bitterness that he renounced the authority of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Campbell's withdrawal from the Presbyterian fold did not interrupt his ministerial work; for he continued to preach, particularly emphasizing th necessity of returning to the Bible. Campbell recognized the evils of religious division; and at a meeting, called to consider the course they were pursu- ing more carefully, he spoke at length on the evils arising from such divisions -- divisions both unnecessary and injur- ious since God has provided His Word as an all-sufficient and infallible Standard. After reviewing the ground they occupied, he stated that the fundamental rule upon which they would have to act was: "Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; and where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent." These events occurred early in 1809. Later that year the Declaration and Address was published, Alexander joined his father after having renounced the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, and the restoration movement was launched. THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE STATEMENT: -- The statement of this fundamental principle, "Where the Scriptures speak, we speak," presupposes certain essential facts which must be recognized for one to appreciate the principle fully. These implications are: 1. God Has Provided Man With An Intelligible Revelation: -- Man as a moral being, created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27), succumbed to temptation and involved himself in the penalty of physical death and separation from the presence of God. Man in such a fallen condition is utterly dependent upon God's grace to provide a means of redemption, but such a redemption must be made known to fallen humanity through a revelation. Hence, God has spoken! (Heb. 1:1-3). 2. This Revelation Of God Is Contained In The Scriptures: As Christ is the Seed through whom God is to bless the world so the New Testament is the climax of that revelation through which God makes known the terms of redemption. "The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (Jno. 1:17). If the writers of the Old Testament spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:21), and if the gospel of the New Testament was not after man, but came through revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:12), then it follows that the Bible is the completed revelation of God. 3. This Revelation Is All-Sufficient For All Ages: -- Other- wise Paul could not write: "Every Scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16,17). The Scripture, then, is complete; it is likewise lasting. John wrote that he saw an angel flying in the midst of heaven, having an ETERNAL GOSPEL to preach to them that dwell on the earth (Rev. 14:6). Though flowers may wither and their beauty fade, "the Word of the Lord abides forever. And this is the Word of good tidings which was preached unto you" (Jas. 1:25). It might be of interest to ob- serve here that as God has ordained the Bible as an all-suffic- ient revelation for all centuries, He has preserved it through- out the centuries uncorrupted adn trustworthy. People often inquire, "How may I trust the Bible? Can I be certain that the Bible I study is just like the apostles wrote it?" The answer is that Modern Textual Criticism Has Established The Accura- cy Of Our Text Without Question. 4. Human Authority Means Nothing In Religion: -- Since God has provided man with a trustworthy and complete revel- ation, it is nothing short of rebellion against Him to substitute any human practices for those ordained of God, nothing short of denying His Omnipotence to question in any way the authority of His revelation. It is this fact which underlies the Savior's warning, "But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men" (Matt. 15:9). Paul warned likewise, "If any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema" (Gal. 1:9). Men must respect the authority of Scripture; they must speak where the Bible speaks! 5. Silence Of The Scripture Must Be Respected: -- We have just observed that it is essential to respect the Bible's authority, but it is not sufficient to stop here. We must res- pect the silence of the Bible as sincerely as we honor its pre- cepts. Some attempt to reason that any practice which cannot be justified by (a) express command (b) apostolic ex- ample or (c) necessary inference, cannot have proceeded from God and therefore cannot be done by His authority. The Bible teaches that certain things are expedients -- yes -- but before a thing can be expedient, it must be lawful. There is one question, therefore, which one must determine before he can inquire whether a certain practice is expedient; the question is: "Does the Scripture authorize this practice?" SCRIPTURAL STATEMENTS: -- Though the statement "Where the Scriptures speak, we speak," is not quoted directly from the Bible, it is interesting to observe how closely both the idea and phraseology correspond with certain passages of Holy Writ. Paul reminded the Thessalonians, "For our exhort- ation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts" (1 Thes. 2:3,4). Note