[Biblemat] Biblemat Digest, Vol 18, Issue 217

Sun Apr 6 18:56:56 CDT 2008

Real good material Shaurn,
keep up the good work.  

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Today's Topics:

  1. The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 014 (T. Sean Sullivan)

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Message: 1
Date: Sat, 5 Apr 2008 22:38:35 -0500
From: "T. Sean Sullivan" <tssullivan at charter.net>
Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 014
To: <"Undisclosed-Recipient:;"@dumbledore.whizardries.com>
Cc: Bible Matters Mailing List <biblemat at biblematters.net>
Message-ID: <002c01c89797$b4174960$6466a8c0 at sean1a4c1f786>
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      T

he Messenger 2008

Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ

306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059  731-627-3514

Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan

VOLUME 003::ISSUE 014 :: April 06, 2008  

ARTICLE ONE:    It's Not Easy

ARTICLE TWO: The Bitter Fruit of Folly

Article One: It's Not Easy

Introduction:

The longer we live the better our memories become. We tend to magnify everything that we have accomplished or endured. As Christians we can sometimes over simplify the transition from sin to salvation when we think that everyone should simply throw of the shackles of their past just as we did and do what is right-right now. The truth be known; this transition is not easy. There are many factors that provoke resistance against conformity to truth and conversion. Things that are hard to understand unless you are experiencing Sthem. Things, however, that can be overcome. 

It Is Not Easy to Deny the World

The world, as an influence, is strong. The reason for this is simple-"human pleasure" is the center of its trap. All human passions if uncontrolled can become addictions-we can become mentally and physically bound to those hungers. Some people are swallowed up and destroyed in their addictions. 

>From the time of the "Garden" Satan has used the motivation of "nobody can tell you what to do; just do what you want" (Genesis 3:1-5).            When this desire for "freedom from God" is fed with worldliness it is often hard to tame. Sadly, even more so for those who have tasted the truth and then stray to the world (Hebrews 6:4-6). 

It is not easy to deny the world but we are instructed by God to do it. Ephesians 1:17-32 teaches us to not live like the rest of the world (vs. 17-19) because Christ's way is different-and better (vs. 20-21). We are to put off the old patterns, the sins of our past (v. 22). By changing our mind we change our actions (v. 23) to the better actions of "true righteousness and holiness" (v. 24). Our life must not contain lying-rather speaking only truth (v. 25)-or unresolved anger (v. 26). We must guard ourselves from temptations in (v. 27). No more stealing. No more vain words. With all these proper changes we seek to not jeopardize our salvation (v. 30). Our conduct is to be cleansed (vs. 31-32). 

Are the "rules" of God's will a burden? They are not designed to be (James 1:25 "perfect law of liberty"). They are what is best for you: A better life here and now (Galatians 5:22-23); a better way (John 14:6); a better future (Revelation 21:20-27).

It Is Not Easy To Walk Away From Past Belief

If we have been raised to believe "two plus two" equals "four" we are certainly going to be very hesitant to believe any other end result of that equation. Why won't we change what we believe on this matter? We test the equation and the answer "two" is correct in every way-it passes all the tests therefore we will not accept any other answer.

Let's change the scenario to this: You were raised to believe that becoming a Christian is accomplished by simply "acknowledging Jesus as your personal Savior".  Someone then teaches you that belief in Jesus must also be met with repentance and baptism in water for the remission of sins. It is not easy to accept and conform to this new knowledge. What we must do is put it to the test: The Bible is the only source of information concerning salvation. We must go to the Bible and test the equation. We must see which concept passes all the tests. First century conversion examples are an appropriate test. Acts 2:22-42-these people were not Christians-they were Jewish. They encountered the gospel of Jesus Christ as Peter preached (vs.22-36). Upon hearing the gospel they believed the message (v. 37). The message of the gospel contained instructions to "repent" and "be baptized for the remission of their sins" (v. 38). They followed those instructions and became
 Christians (v. 41). T
hey also continued in the practice of truth (v. 42). Knowing this we can see that there is more than belief and "acknowledging Jesus" to be saved.

Two more examples to test by: Acts 8:12 these people were not Christians they were Samaritans. They encountered the gospel as Phillip preached. They believed the gospel (v. 12) and to act on their belief they were baptized (v. 12). Now consider Acts 8:34-39 the Ethiopian Eunuch only knew the practice of the Old Law. He was searching the scriptures (vs. 30-34). He was taught the gospel of Jesus Christ (v. 35). He desired salvation and was instructed in the way of salvation by Phillip (vs.36-37). He obeyed-upon the confession of his belief in Jesus as the Son of God, he was baptized (vs.37-38). 

Not one of these examples showed the concept of simply accepting Jesus as one's personal Savior. The test proves the need for belief, repentance, and baptism. Even though the idea of "more involved in salvation" may be new to you, it does pass the test and should be accepted.

It is not easy to leave behind things that we have always believed. However we are instructed to, "to test all things; hold fast what is good"-do what is right (1 Thessalonians 5:21).      We must evaluate every teaching; testing it as to its "goodness" and its accordance to God's will. 

It Is Not Easy To Admit The Need For Salvation:

There are a lot of different factors that can play a role in this situation. Some are embarrassed that others will know that they have sinned. This can be embarrassing but reality is we already know since Romans 3:23 states that we all have sinned. 

Some may think: "I have waited too long", "I should have obeyed earlier in life, now it is embarrassing to admit the need". It is never too late until you are dead (Hebrews 9:27). Swallow you pride and do what you know you should.

If I am baptized I will lose my family. Many will suffer this way; Jesus was aware that this would happen to some (Matthew 10:36-39; Mark 10:28-30). 

The reality is that obedience to the gospel is necessary. Matthew 7:21-23 declares that only those who do God's will, will enter Heaven. God is able to save you-His power to save is the Gospel (Romans 1:16). God has spoken so that we might listen and do (James 1:17-25). 

Conclusion:

We need to: deny the world and live for God. We need to deny false beliefs and seek God's will in all things. We need to stop stalling and admit our need for salvation. The problem is that not one of these things is easy. 

This one fact must be considered: What will cost me more: staying the same or obeying God today? God has prepared a reward beyond measure for those who do His will (Hebrews 11:6). God has also prepared a punishment beyond measure for those who refuse Him (Matthew 25:30). Are you willing to do something that is difficult but incredibly rewarding? The gospel plan of salvation is yours to do right now. Will you? ~tss

Article Two:  Bitter Fruit of Folly

On April 16, 2007 a young man began a shooting rampage in a dormitory and then an education building on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. During this tragic event 32 innocent lives were taken; then the gunmen took his own life.

Just eight short years ago on April 20,1999 two young men entered their own high school in Littleton, Colorado and began what was then the deadliest killing spree among young people-when 15 people were killed and 24 were injured.

Between these two occurrences: Nine more similar incidents were written in the pages of history in California, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia, Wisconsin, Washington State and even Tennessee. These tragedies were all carried out by young students. Are these just random events or are these events the fruits of modern influence? Perhaps if we can see some underlying circumstances we might be able to make some corrections for our own families and those around us.

Looking For a Point of Blame 

There are those who want to simply resign this to an "irrational act"; one that cannot be rationally understood. In these horrible situations one cannot help but ask this simple question, "Why?" To what or whom does the blame for these events belong? Certainly the bulk of the guilt of these horrifying crimes belongs to the perpetrators. But is there a root cause behind these and other echoing tragedies? Is it guns, parents, the school system, the internet, the media, the lack of security in our schools? 

With some liberty to further observe our modern world there may be a better understanding of these events. There is a growing lack of respect for God in our country-a common lack of respect for God's word from the Government down to the general public. Society seems to be determined on tearing down any reminders of God and promoting laws that would perpetuate His ban. 

What has brought society in general so far away from God? Many things may be pointed out but let me suggest that our points in this lesson are prime culprits in what we are tasting today-the bitter fruits of folly.

Some blame God for problems-take the time to consider these facts: God provides righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and is about peace (Philippians 4:9) and strongly desires for all souls to be saved (Matthew 28:18-20). God provides truth (John 17:17). Knowing these facts we also know that God is not to blame for these, or any, tragedies. God does not promote carnality (2 Corinthians 10:1-6; Ephesians 6:10-12). The removal of God: removes righteousness (Romans 3:10-12) and truth (Romans 2:5-10). Removing God leaves us with no standard of right or declaration of wrong. Without God there is no ultimate answering for our decisions (2 Corinthians 5:10). This is the necessary conclusion of all teachings of men that are void of God.

Humanism Is a Point of Blame

Humanism is the elevation of man to the ultimate being in this universe; it is the total refusal of God as the Creator or the Divine Loving Provider that His is. Humanist ideas are not new (Romans 1:20-25). This very popular idea leads all of its adherents to the necessary conclusion that humans are not answerable to anyone.

What can we do? We must now, and always, realize the facts of Psalm 100:3 "Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture."  Cherish the Bible-God's communication with us (Hebrews 1:1-2; 3 Timothy 3:16-17). The Humanist Manifesto can be quoted saying, "It is time that we put away the restraints of the past quaint idea that there is a God". They would teach that it is foolish to believe in a Higher Being. They say it is unreasonable and unintelligent. The truth is."The fool says in his heart there is no God" (Psalm 14:1). The word of God is perfect (Psalm 19:6-11), everlasting (Matthew 24:35), the guide for every soul, and the standard of each one's judgment (John 12:48). 

Evolution Is a Point of Blame

The removal of God is of course joined with a discarding of His book-the Bible. Without God's answers we are left with man's guesses. The promotion of evolution is a root behind many modern problems. If evolution is true and we are here by chance and circumstance only: then we ultimately answer to no one but our self. The ideals of right and wrong are completely subjective and dependent upon one's own view. All these points being considered, the only realistic conclusion is that human life without much value. In fact, one might sum life up as being only as valuable as the primordial ooze from which we first began to evolve. 

The truth is evolution is at best a guess, an assumption, and a hypothesis. It cannot be proven. Evolution has never once been reproduced in a lab and therefore does not have a scientific right to be validated as a theory-let alone the "fact" that so many claim. At no time has man ever found solid evidence to support the wild guess of evolution.

What can we do? We must teach that God created us (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-3) with purpose. We are hear to rule the earth (Genesis 1:26); to seek our Creator (Acts 17:27) and to worship Him (John 4:23-24). We are here to find God and do His will by our own free choice. In the fulfillment of these points of purpose we also find God's rewards (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 11:6). We must consistently teach that God places a high value on human life. He always has (Genesis 9:6 Take a life; your life should be taken). We must teach that God places a high value on the human soul. God gave His Son for our souls (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8). 

Conclusion: Humanism is not new; we read about Humanists in Romans 1:20-25. The root of the "problems" that we now seeing is one thing: Godlessness. This is the problem that rises up in a society that thinks too highly of its own intelligence. It is ironic because through the pursuit of higher thinking most rest on foolish conclusions. 

We must teach both the young and the older that God is. God is our Creator.  God will judge. By promoting the truth about God we may be able to build again that which has been destroyed by the teachings of Godlessness. We also must continue to teach that God's way will end problems and human conflicts. God loves His creation and has given His only Son for them. That brings us to the ultimate message that we must share with you today. Turn to the back of this bulletin and read God's plan of salvation. Consider the progression of points and the scriptures that support each need. Then please obey God today. ~tss

If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list.  

Sean

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