From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Aug 1 05:05:46 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 06:05:46 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a continuation of the study on this subject. Use to the glory of God. BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS (2) One of the Friends moved westward to a little frontier settle- ment called Cincinnati. One time the rumor was spread that Indian bands were on the warpath. The settlers moved into the fort and armed themselves to fight the Indians. This particular Friend didn't go to the fort for he said he was a man of peace and wanted to follow after things which make for peace. He would simply trust in God and stay in his cabin with his wife, even though they had no gun with which to defend themselves. In those days the doors of log cabins were fastened on the in- side with a latch. A string was attached to the latch and was pushed through a little hole in the door. From that comes the ex- pression, "the latch-string is on the outside." One night the hus- band pulled the latch-string through the hole to the inside before retiring. He and his wife spent several sleepless hours and final- ly he said, "It just doesn't seem as if we are trusting God when we pull the latch-string in." So the man got up and pushed the latch-string through the hole again to the outside. Later in the night they heard the war whoops and savage crys of the Indians. Soon the Indians began to creep up to their cabin. One Indian tried the door and it came open. In his amazement he stopped and then withdrew and called all the other Indians to the edge of the woods for a conference. The man and his wife watched them from the window. The didn't know whether the Indians were deciding to take them as prisoners or to kill them. After a short time one of the Indians who appeared to be the chief arose and walked toward the cabin with a white feather in his hand. He fastened the feather to the door and the Indians left. The man and his wife allowed that feather to hang there for a number of years, and later a friendly Indian told them that the feather meant "This is the house of a man of peace, do not harm." He said the Indians knew that if a man would leave his door open to welcome the stranger in the night that he must be a man of peace and one who should not be harmed. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers." But we will never make peace with the artificial means of man. We may put war off a few years, and that seems to be the only hope many of our leaders have. Some of them are even expressing doubt as to whether it is best to try to put war off. The suggest it would be better to have it now while we are superior to our enemies. We must learn that only when we come to God and follow Him; and replace greed, distrust and hatred with love, mercy and kind- ness wil there be anything upon which to build peace. We can't expect nations to be at peace until we as individ- uals live at peace with each other. All of the attempts that are being made for peace on the national and international level; but if we are to have peace, we must start down on the level of the individual. Only when individuals begin following God will the nations, made up of these individuals, be able to get along. As long as people are selfish and greedy, and are lying and cheat- ing, and are jealous and contentious and feuding there will be no peace. Peace must start with us. And as long as we take un- fair advantage of others, and as long as families are fighting and neighbors are quarreling and the merchant on the corner is cheating his customers, and as long as some men will prey upon their fellow citizens by selling them alcoholic drinks, and as long as labor and management are fighting, yes, even as long as there are contentions in the church there will be no basis for peace. Since we want peace, let us think about the contribution we can make toward peace. What can we do that there might be peace in the world? Let me suggest three things: First of all: -- we should pray, for there is great power in pray- er. James tells us that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much. I hope every Christian will pray daily to God for peace, if it be in accordance with His Will. Second, as Paul tells us, we can "follow after things which make for peace"; we can do those things which make for peace at home, at work, in our community and in the church. Third, we can try to teach the people of the world with the message of the Prince of Peace. It may be that we could avoid war if we would send our enemies missionaries of peace and not threats of war. ------ Adapted from a sermon by Dorris B. Bill-ingsley published in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 6, April 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080801/74d6ed46/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Aug 1 05:05:35 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 06:05:35 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) INFLUENCE OF JESUS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: INFLUENCE OF JESUS It seems that no matter where Jesus went during His minist- ry, He caused a stir. More importantly, He led people to action. Those who observed His behavior and teaching were moved to do something. A great example of this is found in Mk. 1. Notice how the people responded: Jesus called to Peter and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men" (vs. 17). They immediately left their nets and followed Him. They obeyed the Lord. Jesus was teaching as one having authority (vs. 22) and there was a man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit. Jesus commanded the spirit to come out of the man. He did so and the people were amazed with Jesus (vs. 27). A leper approached Jesus imploring Him to cleanse him (vs. 40). Jesus was moved with compassion and did so. Jesus told him not to tell anyone what had happened but to show himself to the priest. Yet the former leper went out and "began to procla im it freely" (vs. 45). The matter spread so much that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city. Instead He taught in deserted places, allowing the people to come to Him. We have heard about Jesus so often that perhaps we fail to sense the excitement that the Galilean people had. They were genuinely touched by Jesus being with them. No matter where He went, there was a crowd. Jesus has done some remarkable things in the lives of Christians. He has transformed us from death to life. He gives us strength and comfort in our times of need. He has promised us an eternal home in heaven. We should take the example we find in Mk. 1 and respond accordingly. Obey Him, be amazed by Him and proclaim Him. Remember, there are still people who need to be impressed with Jesus! -------------- Shane Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 9, No. 2, June 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080801/511659b6/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Aug 1 09:04:04 2008 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 10:04:04 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN (A) for August 2008 Message-ID: On-Line Edition - HILLIARD BULLETIN Published 2 times each month by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ================================================================== Volume 10 Number 8 (A) August 2008 ================================================================== ?THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION? Number 2 - Editorial ? Read the last issue lead article (Hilliard Bulletin - Volume 10 ? July 2008); ?FINDING TRUE RELIGION? The plan from the Godhead from the beginning was to make it possible for man to thrive on the earth physically and for man to seek God and find him on his own initiative (i.e. freely choose to serve God). This was the very nature of the sermon by Paul to the Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers at Athens. Paul told them, cf. Acts 17:16-30, 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he beheld the city full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with Jews and the devout persons and in the marketplace every day with them that met him. 18 And certain also of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, What would this babbler say? others, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took hold of him, and brought him unto the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by thee? 20 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. 21(Now all the Athenians and the strangers sojourning there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.) 22 And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said, Ye men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that ye are very religious. 23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore ye worship in ignorance, this I set forth unto you. 24 The God that made the world and all things therein, he, being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 neither is he served by men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he himself giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 and he made of one every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined (their) appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 that they should seek God, if haply they might feel after him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us: 28 for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain even of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man. 30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent:? (ASV) GOD CHOSE TO SEND HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO BECOME A SACRIFICE FOR SIN; John 3:16, ?For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life.? (ASV) 2 Thess 2:13, ?13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:? Titus 2:11-14, ?11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; 13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.? (ASV) 1 Peter 1:9-12, ?9 receiving the end of your faith, (even) the salvation of (your) souls. 10 Concerning which salvation the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that (should come) unto you: 11 searching what (time) or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them. 12 To whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto you, did they minister these things, which now have been announced unto you through them that preached the gospel unto you by the Holy Spirit sent forth from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.? (ASV) As we can see from the previous references the plan of God was designed and carried out according to a long ranged plan after Adam and Eve sinned. Their sin brought about God?s pr-planned event that finally came to fruition in Jerusalem at approximately 33 BCE; at that time Jesus Christ was tried, falsely convicted, and crucified for the sins of mankind and to complete the plan arranged by the Godhead before the foundation of the universe was laid ? cf. John 17:24 ?Father, I desire that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.? (ASV) Eph 1:3-5, ?3 Blessed (be) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly (places) in Christ: 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love: 5 having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,? (ASV) 1 Peter 1:18-21, ?18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, (even the blood) of Christ: 20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was manifested at the end of times for your sake, 21 who through him are believers in God, that raised him from the dead, and gave him glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.? ALL MANKIND PRIOR TO JESUS DEATH AND RESURRECTION WERE LOST: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Solomon, and all the Gentile people were without salvation until Jesus shed his precious blood on the cross of Calvary for the sins of man from Adam to the sounding of the trumpet of God at the last day cf. - Romans 3:9-22, ?9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin ;10 as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one; 11 There is none that understandeth, There is none that seeketh after God; 12 They have all turned aside, they are together become unprofitable; There is none that doeth good, no, not, so much as one: 13 Their throat is an open sepulcher; With their tongues they have used deceit: The poison of asps is under their lips: 14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15 Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 Destruction and misery are in their ways; 17 And the way of peace have they not known: 18 There is no fear of God before their eyes. 19 Now we know that what things sever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God: 20 because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law (cometh) the knowledge of sin. 21 But now apart from the law a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction.? (ASV) THE FAITHFUL UNDER THE PATRIARCHAL DISPENSATION AND THE LAW OF MOSES DISPENSATION WERE SAVED FROM SIN BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST: Hebrews 9:8-29: ? 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvati When we seek God?s plan for man?s salvation from sin we find that the Bible reveals a clear chronological plan to bring about the opportunity for all mankind to be saved from sin ? thus being reunited with the Godhead from which the sins of Adam and Eve severed centuries ago. That plan is referred to by commentators, as God?s Plan of Salvation. The plan to which we refer is not man?s plan but is a plan revealed by God through the Written Word (i.e. the Bible) which cannot be wrong but is the only true way of breaking down the wall of sin between man and God. God?s plan of salvation for man under the current dispensation, (i.e. the Christian) which replaced the previous religious arrangements ordained of God and had its beginning at Acts 2:1-47; Study this passage well, for it tells of the establishment of the Lord?s Church. For the first time in history the gospel of Christ was preached; people were told what to do about their sins; 3,000 Jews were baptized becoming the first congregation of Christians located in Jerusalem about 33 CE. You will also notice if you read and study this 2nd Chapter of Acts at verse 47 the text says that Christ continues to add those being saved to that church. Indeed Christ is still adding the saved people to the church of Christ cf. Acts 2:47, ?praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.? (ASV) THAT PLAN OF SALVATION THAT BRINGS THE Salvation TO MAN TODAY INCLUDES FIVE ITEMS. PLEASE NOTICE THE PLAN OF GOD FOR MAN?S SALVATION REVEALED: Hearing the gospel: Romans 10:17, ?So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.? (ASV) Believing: Mark 16:15-16, ?15 and he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.? Repenting of sins: Luke 13:3, ?I tell you, nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all in like manner perish.? (ASV) Acts 2:38, ?38 And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ? (ASV) Confess Christ as God?s Son:Romans 10:9-10, ?9 because if thou shall confess with thy mouth Jesus (as) Lord, and shall believethy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved: 10 for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.? (ASV) Be Baptized: Acts 2:38, ?And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.? (ASV) Galatians 3:26-27, ?26 for ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.? (ASV) Baptism is ?for remission of sins? Baptism is a burial and a resurrection in water: (Scriptural Baptism is not sprinkling nor is it a pouring of water upon a person) TEMPORAL SALVATION: Salvation from sin in the present life is accomplished whenever one believes, repents, confesses Jesus Christ as God?s Son, and are baptized in water for the remission of sins. The process affords to a person God?s forgiveness of all sin to that point in time. After the Christian is converted; Jesus Christ adds them to the Body of Christ ? cf. Acts 2:47, ?Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.? (KJV) After a new born (i.e. reborn ? converted to Christ) Christian begins their life in service to God they are to continue to be faithful servants in the Lord?s Church. To be faithful the Christian must live according to the Lord?s directions for the remainder of their life in order to be acceptable in the judgment ? cf. Phil 2:10-15, ?10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;? (KJV) When the trumpet of God sounds and all that are in the graves hear his voice and come forth ? cf. 1 Thess 4:16, ?For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:? (KJV) Heb 10:30-31, 30 ?For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.? (KJV) 2 Tim 4:8, ?Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.? (KJV ) John 12:48, ?He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.? (KJV) 1 Cor 15:52, ?In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.? (KJV) THE FINAL REWARD: After a life of faithful service, the Christian will die, go to the grave, await the resurrection, be assigned to heaven and spend eternity in the presence of God and all the saved from all ages: from Adam to the entrance welcome by the Lord to Heaven ? cf. Matt 10:28, ?And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.? (KJV) Revelation 2:10, ?Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.? (KJV) Rev 22:12-14, ?12 and, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14 blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.? (KJV) ON-LINE EDITION Hilliard Bulletin ? (A) August 2008 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) Issue A for August, 2008 **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080801/3f56b87f/attachment-0001.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Fri Aug 1 14:24:26 2008 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Fri, 1 Aug 2008 14:24:26 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 15.8 (August) Available Message-ID: In our 15th year of publication (1994-2008) Expository Files - August 2008 **Our 177th 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. We have expository material from every book in the Bible, though there are still portions that are much more lightly covered than others. Thanks to our writers and our readers for making Expository Files such a success! ---------------------------------------------------------- Expository Files 15.8; August 2008 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: The Front Page The Pew Study - Religion in America By Jon W. Quinn Sharing the Gospel "Pay Close Attention To Yourself and to Your Teaching" 1 Timothy 4:12-16 By Jon W. Quinn Jesus, the Law, and the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 5:17-42, Matthew 19:3-12, Mark 7:14-23) By Ethan R. Longhenry Hope's Imperatives 1 Peter 1:13-21 By Warren E. Berkley Sweet Hour of Prayer Psalm 28 By Bubba Garner The Early Church and the Development of the New Testament By Jon W. Quinn Plan of Salvation The Final Page Bible Reading & Study, Like Traveling 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 From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Aug 2 03:03:52 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 04:03:52 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: GOD HAS SPOKEN "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is His reward" (Psa. 127:3). God placed children in the family with a father who is a man and a mother who is a wom- an. He gave parents the duty of oversight, bringing up their children in His nurture and admonition (Eph. 6:1-4). When they are taught the Holy Scriptures from early childhood, and are shown the paths of righteousness by the godly examples of both parents, children have a solid foundation for a truly successful life. Parents should exercise the prevailing influence upon their children, adn such an accomplishment requires much time, effort, planning, prayer, devotion, and sacrifice. Blessings are accompanied by responsibilities. The future of children rests heavily in the hands of their par- ents. It is much easier for children to be good because of their parents rather than in spite of their parents. The difficulty of the task of rearing children to be godly adults is greatly increased when one parent is uncooperative, indifferent, or hostile to God's truth. If one parent lives an ungodly life and sets an exam- ple of profanity and immorality, he or she heaps a heavy load upon the other parent! Take heed, you who are contemplating marriage and a family! Children have needs that must be supplied in a relatively short period of time. Instruction in righteousness tops the list. Discipline is an ever-present priority. Learning how to work is essential, along with perseverance. Social skills and proper be- havior toward all others are learned along with respect for the rights of others and respect for authority as fruits of discipline. If parents wish to rear children with the strength of Joseph, the devotion of Samuel, the faith and wisdom of Daniel, the depend- ability of Timothy and Titus, the diligence adn sacrifice of Epap- hroditus, they must be parents, not only in the fleshly relation- ship, but also in determined effort, leadership and dependence on the strength of the Lord, in Whose hands they have placed their lives and their hope. Blessed are children who have such parents! What a difference for good they can make by their lives of reverence and awe toward God! ----- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080802/6a9abdea/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Aug 2 03:04:05 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 04:04:05 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) ANANIAS AND ME Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my rec- ent files. Use to the glory of God. ANANIAS AND ME Often, when we read the Bible, we think of the people in God's Book as being special. Somehow, they were different than you or me. We think they must have had stronger faith, deeper convictions, better understanding than we do. The re- sult is that they come to look like spiritual superstars, not ordina- ry people. But, when we take a closer look at those people, we come to see tht they were like us in just about every way. One of those people was a man named Ananias. God wanted a special job done, and the Lord called on a man, just like me or you, to do that job. Saul of Tarsus has seen the risen Savior. The future apostle has been helped into Damascus. Now he is waiting for what God will do next. God sends Ananias. Take time just here to read (Acts 9:10-19). At first glance Ananias looks like another hero of faith. But, as we look more closely we will discover how much this man was just like me, or you. Ananias Was Willing: -- When God spoke to this man, his first response was, "Here I am." That is, I am ready and willing to do what You want. I believe the same is true of most people. Most people, even those without church affiliation or much spiritual background are still interested in a God they want to be real. Those of us with faith also want to know God and are, at most levels, interested in doing what God wants. As I interact with Christians, I see this all the time. Some want God's blessings, others want the Lord to be pleased with them. Most people, in most situations want to do the right thing. If you are reading this article, you are probably one of those people. You want the Lord to be happy with you, you want to do what the Lord asks of you. And, if the Lord gave you a task as He did Ananias, you, like most of us, would say , "Here I am." We are like Ananias, in that we want to do what God commands. I don't mean to sound like a polyanna when I say this. I think God sees the good in every person. Otherwise, why would He send His Son to die if people were a hopeless cause. God knows what good people can do, if they are simply challenged to do it. We need to be more like God in this regard. People want to hear from the Lord and they want to do what He asks. Many of them, though, like Ananias, are not so sure once the command is given. As we shall see, his willingness to obey was also tempered with some pride and some fear. Ananias Was Arguing With The Lord: -- I love Ananias' response to the Lord. Basically, he says "Lord you don't know Saul like I do! He came here to do harm and arrest people like me. Now you want me to walk into his place and offer myself up? You don't know what you are asking!" Amazing, that a man so will- ing to respond is also so hesitant to do what the Lord wants. Again, I see this in myself. I love the Lord and trust Him. But, then He allows me to experience some things I don't like, and just like Ananias, I begin to argue with Him. I try to tell God things He "doesn't know" about my life and why He should change things for me. I also see this when I read something in the Bible I never saw before. Now, I am telling God that He really doesn't mean what He wrote, it must mean something else. Some people do this with baptism. They want to be saved by a prayer of faith, then they rd that everyone in the New Testament was baptized when they believed. They read that baptism takes away sin (Acts 2:38 ; 22:16). But they will say "it really doesn't mean that." Like Ananias, they try to tell God what He really needs to know. This happens in many other ways as well. God tells me to love my neighbor, and I do, until my neighbor acts ugly toward me. Then God tells me to forgive those who sin against me, and I do, until the sin is really bad. On the list can go. With God's clear commands being met with reasons they cannot be obey- ed. Like Ananias, I sometimes tell God what He needs to know. Ananias Was Obedient: -- One of the great things in this story is God's reaction to Ananias' argument. The Lord just says, "Go!" and leaves it at that. God doesn't write Ananias off as a lost cause. He just puts His foot down and tells this willing man that he must also be an obedient man. This is an important point. Sometimes I meet people who think the mistakes they have made have ruined their chance to serve God. That isn't true. No matter how much or how long you have argued with the Lord, He still wants you to "go" and do what He asks. You can be just as good a servant as Ananias if you will believe in yourself as much as God does. The great part of this story is that Ananias, after the discuss- ion, finally went to Saul. Imagine what that was like. Knocking on the door of the man who has come so far to do damage to the church. Ananias knew, as a leader in the Christian commun- ity in Damascus, he was probably high on Saul's list of people to arrest. So, uncertain or maybe even afraid, Ananias knocked on the door. That took great courage and trust in the Lord. This is what happens when you stop arguing and start obey- ing. No one in your family may have ever been baptized for the remission of sins. It may take great courage to break with that tradition and do what the Lord commands. You may lose friends, or even family members will be angry. But, like Ananias, uncertain and afraid, you need to trust the Lord and do what He says. You may not have a neighbor who is easy to love. But, God still wants His children to stand out, not because they are always right, but because they always love. And, you may have a neighbor tht you need to forgive. Stop arguing and do the hard thing, the right thing and forgive that neighbor anyway. Ananias Was Achieving: -- I can only imagine the look on Anan- ias' face when Saul was baptized. The arch enemy of Christ. The man who had led the attack agains the church in Jerusalem. The man who had single-handedly chased most of the Christ- ians out of that city. Now, having come to Damascus to do more damage, he surrenders and is baptized. Ananias must have marveled, just as we would, that God could reach a man like that with His grace. Ananias must have realized that someone bigger than he had done all this. Although he had finally obeyed God and done what God wanted, he knew it wasn't him, it was the Lord and His awesome ability to save that brought Saul into the kingdom. He experienced success because he trusted God and obeyed. But he knew the success was from God. It is important to look at the process that brought this succ- ess. It starts with a willing man, someone who wants to know God and do what is right. It continues through the weak faith of one who argues with God, trying to teach the Lord what "He needs to know." It finds its success, though, when this person of faith, even weak faith, acts on his faith and obeys. Ananias probably didn't relish the idea of walking into Saul's place and trying to convert this enemy of Christ. But his obedience made all the difference in Saul's life, and in the lives of countless thous- ands and millions who have come to Christ because of the apostle's teaching. So: Trust The Lord: --Ananias was able to achieve so much be- cause he trusted in God, even as he went to Saul to baptize him. He could've dismissed this task as impossible, beyond his abili-ties, too risky and so on. But, he trusted the Lord and finally went and the history of the church was forever changed. We, too, need to trust the Lord, even when (maybe especially when) it doesn't make good sense to us. Just do what God asks and let Him create the results. So: Submit To The Lord: -- This is where the rubber meets the road. Ananias could have trusted God and then not gone to Saul. But, he went beyond listening to God, or even trusting Him. He trusted to the point of obedience. Yes, like us, he argu- ed with God, looking for an excuse to get him out of this job, but, ultimately he obeyed, and God did great things. So, stop argu- ing with God, and just do what He says. Trust in Him, be baptiz- ed into His Son, as Saul was, and watch the good that the Lord will do. --------- David Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 57, No. 29, July 18, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080802/19887d5a/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Aug 2 13:39:59 2008 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 13:39:59 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 027 Message-ID: <001501c8f4cf$2da2c9f0$6466a8c0@sean1a4c1f786> 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 027:: August 03, 2008 ARTICLE ONE: Why We Do What We Do #1 ARTICLE TWO: Why We Do What We Do #2 Article One: Why We Do What We Do #1 Introduction: In Matthew 21:23 the Chief Priests and the Elders confronted Jesus with a question. "By what authority are You doing these things?" That question was valid then and it stands valid today. By what authority do we do these things? By what authority do we sing? Pray? Partake of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine? By what authority do we meet together? Why not have: a gymnasium or a piano? Can you give a clear and concise answer to those questions? All of us need to know why we do the things we do. And we need to be ready to give a defense of them (1 Peter 3:15). God is the final and only authority. Certain practices have been established for us and we must do only as He has authorized (1 Peter 4:11 "oracles" = authoritative words). Where are the authoritative words of God? The word of God has been given-we know this delivered message as the Bible (Hebrews 1:1-2)? God the Father gave "all authority" to His Son Jesus Christ and it is the words of Jesus by which we are authorized (Matthew 28:18-20). All authority has been given to Jesus in Heaven and on earth. Therefore we have NO authority to change or add anything to that which He has established. The New Testament provides a fully functional pattern of worship and practice that has been set for us. Let's consider further, subject of scriptural authority. What Is Scriptural Authority? In reality, it is God's authorization for our practices as declared through the revealed scriptures. God has given us direction by the means of the written word (Hebrews 1:1-2). That word is a complete and all sufficient guide for all that we must do (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). It is God's word alone that leads us to righteousness, there are no other options or opportunities-nothing else will do (Galatians 1:6-8). Anything, other than, less than, or more than, the word of God, will lead us away from God. We need the scriptures to demonstrate God's authorization for what we do. We study the scriptures to learn and know what God expects so we might please God- being approved by Him (Ephesians 5:8-10; 2 Timothy 2:15). No man has the ability to authorize a practice separate from that which God authorizes. Today, "churches" have decided to do so many things with total disregard for what God wants. We cannot decide for ourselves how to please God. All that is known about our Creator is found in His word and His word alone tells us what is pleasing to Him. We Must Respect The Things That Are Said By God. God has said some things in the past: God spoke through the prophets to the children of Israel. God gave them commands and they were to follow those commands. We clearly see how serious God was about those commands when we consider: Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2) or Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:1-8). God has some new commands for today: The former things-the Old Testament-is done away (Matthew 17:1-8; Colossians 2:14). The Old Testament is no longer authoritative: We cannot please God by following or practicing the things under the old law (Romans 3:19-24). God has spoken to you and I for a reason and He has accomplished this one specific way-for the period of time known as "the last days" God has spoken through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2). Jesus has revealed the standard of judgment (John 12:48-50), Jesus has proclaimed the way to eternal life (John 6:67-68). Jesus revealed God's will for your life and mine (Matthew 7:21). His recorded word is our instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Without this revealed communication we could not know what is right-what is pleasing. God's rewards are for those who do His will (Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 10:35). Heaven-eternal life is only for those who DO God's will. Those who go beyond or break God's law will be cast out (Matthew 13:41-42 "Lawlessness"-doing without authority.) We must do what God has decided is pleasing (1 John 3:4). In 2 John 9 tells us that we must abide "In the doctrine" tells us two important things: There are limitations to His doctrine and to be outside those limitations is to be without. Authority is a MUST Remember the important question the Chief Priests and Elders asked? Matthew 21:23 "By what authority are You doing these things?" This is the question that we must ask of ourselves? By what authority we do: Baptize for the remission of sins? Partake of the Unleavened Bread and the Fruit of Vine? Gather on the First Day of the week? If there is no authority from God's word then we must quit the practice. The importance of Authority is clearly stated by Christ in the words of (Matthew 7:21-23). Not everyone who claims the Lord will be accepted. Not everyone who does religious works will be accepted. Not everyone who does things in the name of Jesus will be accepted. Not everyone will be welcomed into heaven only those who do the will of the Father in Heaven. We cannot determine our own pathway or our own "good works". God's will is His own, we do not invent it as we go along, nor to we sway it by our inventions. If you want to go to Heaven there is only one way-by doing the will of the Father. Conclusion: Scriptural Authority is absolute in importance. The Bible is our guide to pleasing God, but it must be followed correctly, or a Paul said, "rightly divided". We need to study the word of God so that we know what to do, how to do it and also so that we are enabled to tell others why we do what we do. The Bible is the only true guide we have; we need to use it properly and diligently find its rewards. ~tss Article Two: Why We Do What We Do #2 Introduction: God has told us what to do! People tend to forget that the Bible is very much written by our Almighty Creator. The Bible is not just some men's take on what we should do in religion (2 Peter 1:19-21). God's revealed pattern for our lives is set-the New Testament is our complete and fully functional pattern. We need no other source of information (1 Corinthians 4:6). However, not every example or every word of the New Testament is to be emulated or followed. There are examples that pertain to specific situation that we do not have today. Acts 2:45 the brethren who stayed in Jerusalem longer then they had planned were running out of supplies, so those who had goods shared with those who did not, by selling and dividing the proceeds. This does not authorize the necessity of financial equality. We know from other passages that we must meet our brethren needs (1 Timothy 1:17-19). This example from Acts 2 was specific to one situation and is not to be forced on every situation. There are words that we can't claim as authoritative today. Luke 5:4-6 after catching no fish all night Peter was told to go out into the deep to try again. These are not words of authority for us to do the same. This again, was specific to that one event. We have to read and rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)-we need to search the scriptures to know God's desires. Let's consider how to recognize scriptural authority in this lesson. The methods that we will use are not necessarily religious; in matters of interpreting any written words we search for and use these elements to understand what the words are teaching. Last week we look at Acts 15 where these three points of authority and the prohibition of silence were used. We are now going to examine these points in finer detail. Precept/Command: A direct statement or commandment is the most easily recognized part of scriptural authority; it is a command or directive issued from one having authority. Some examples are: Matthew 28:19 Jesus said "Go"; Acts 2:38 The apostle Peter said, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of your sins" by these examples we clearly see the voice of commands. Similarly Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:1 said, "As I have given command.so you must do also". We have direct statements or commands for the things that we do. Consider the acts of worship: meeting together (Hebrews 10:24-25), preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-5), prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), and the collection (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). We will consider, these things, more specifically in our next lesson. Approved Example: An approved example is an "authorized" practice of the church in the first century (recorded in the New Testament). The approval is found in the apostolic direction or recorded approval (whether in their presence or through epistles). The apostles being authorized by God would not endorse an unauthorized practice. Remember not all examples are binding; not all examples are authoritative. The authoritative examples are for all times and are not found in the examples of specific or special events. For example: one specific event is found among the brethren in Acts 2:44-46. The situation records them selling all to share with their fellow brethren in need. An example of a general situation that teaches what needs to be done everywhere is Acts 20:7 "The disciples came together on the first day of the week" -to worship that is an example for all times. We have no example of them meeting to worship on any other day. Approved Authoritative Examples are clearly approved by God and are not for a specific event but generally for all times. We can consider the example of meeting on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). The apostle Paul endorsed this practice by his presence. Also we can use Paul's example as authority for praying when times are good (Philippians 1:3) or when times are bad (Acts 16:25) and praying for one another (Philemon 1:4) and praying as a group (Acts 21:5). All these are approved examples for us to find authority in to do the same. Necessary Conclusion: Is that which, is neither expressly stated nor shown in example but must be clearly concluded as necessary. These conclusions must be based on the language and intention of the context. E.g. Acts 20:7"the disciples came together on the first day of the week". Since each week has a first day. We can safely conclude that we must gather to break bread every first day of the week. We must not force a conclusion. We must come to a conclusion that simply and sensibly fits. Another example may help clarify this. Jesus makes a statement in Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them." This is not a command to gather. This is not an example of gathering. It is a statement from which we can safely conclude that Christ authorizes gathering in His name. Silence: This is probably the hardest for most to come to grips with. We must have authority for all things. We cannot do anything that has not been authorized. If God is silent concerning one thing or another we must respect His silence. Some think, "As long as I am not told, 'Thou shall not'". I can do what I want. This is not way the scriptures were intended. Each of us here should understand the principle of silence from this classic example: Mom says, "Go buy a loaf of bread." Some scriptures that declare that silence is authoritatively prohibitive: Acts 15:24 ".we gave no such command"; Jeremiah 10:23 "It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps". We must seek God's direction (Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). If God hasn't told us what to do we are not capable of making up the directions ourselves. When we have no words of directive, example, or those that clearly lead to a conclusion, we have only silence and therefore no authority. Conclusion: To give a defense of our faith and our practices we must know by what authority we do what we do (1 Peter 3:15). We must study to show ourselves approved of God (2 Timothy 2:15). For a practice to be authorized only one of the above mentioned methods is required. For some practices we have all three, and others just one of the three. God has delivered His word so we might please Him by hearing and doing (James 1:17-22). We can please God today, by doing His will without guessing or doubting-we can do what He desires. Do you want to be pleasing to God? We are authorized to offer you this hope through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080802/420cd29f/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2886 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080802/420cd29f/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080802/420cd29f/attachment-0001.gif From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Aug 2 16:38:42 2008 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 2 Aug 2008 14:38:42 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Look For The Invisible Message-ID: <000001c8f4e8$239ef870$6adce950$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper August 3, 2008 Look For The Invisible Scientists recently reported that the Phoenix Mars Mission lander had tested soil samples that indicated water had once existed on the red planet. This, of course, is believed to be 'proof' that life may have existed there at one time - a theory that scientists have been trying to prove for many years. Some of these same scientists are seeking to 'prove' that life once existed on Mars so they can argue for the next jump in their theory - that life actually began somewhere besides earth and somehow migrated here on the backs of space crystals and evolved into the complex life forms we now know here on Earth. The irritating fact about this to those who know better is that they have spent billions of dollars in the search for the non-existent 'proof' that life originated elsewhere. They could save the U.S. taxpayers a lot of money and themselves some time if they would just pick up a Bible and read the very first verse: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). I doubt that is going to happen because so many of these 'scientists' are closed-minded to the idea that God created anything - much less that He even exists! This Mars mission is but an example of the futility of mankind's search for answers that are often within view or within grasp because what exists is simply not what they desire. These scientists want to believe that God did not create [and that He does not exist], so any evidence to that end is dismissed without fair consideration. No matter how many times someone may make the argument and try to get them to consider what God has revealed within the written word, they are simply unwilling to accept what is said because that would bring consequences they are unwilling to accept. More and more, 'scientists' ridicule any idea of God as Creator and mock and malign those who are willing to profess their belief. Their rejection of the clear evidence and their subsequent behavior, however, does not excuse them from the consequences of their unbelief (Rom. 1:20). A more familiar example to those who know God's word is that of the religious leaders of the first century who rejected Jesus because he was not the Christ they expected or wanted. All the proof that Jesus offered and all the testimony from God that was clearly seen would not convince them because that is not what they wanted to believe. That did not excuse them from having to answer for their rejection, however. Jesus plainly told them that His words would judge them in the last day (John 12:47, 48) and that they were without excuse (John 9:40, 41). We should pay close heed to the warnings about rejecting God's testimony! On another note, how many people are wandering around aimlessly in life, feeling lost and without answers to the problems of life, unaware of the answers that are within reach? Everyday people, too, are searching for answers that will not be found because they are simply asking the wrong question or looking in the wrong place. Maybe it is the young woman who once knew of God, but rejected Him and all she ever knew once she moved out, and began looking for that elusive 'happiness' in physical relationships, alcohol, drugs, or just the trappings of this materialistic society. Time and time again, she is discouraged and let down by her worldly friends who use her and abuse her, all the while telling her they are her 'friends' and that going back to what she once knew is 'backwards' and only one step above slavery. She doesn't see that she is, in fact, enslaved by the life she now lives. As soon as the effects of the drugs and the alcohol wear off, she is once again faced with the harsh reality in which she now lives and depression sets in once again. Many times, her own family tried to contact her and bring her back, but she always had an excuse as to why she could not come back. In reality, it was the fact she could not forgive herself and she was ashamed of all that she had done because she knew, deep down inside, it was sin. Whenever thoughts of getting out of that life comes to mind, she is convinced by others [or herself] that her family hates her and only lived to make her life miserable, so she keeps searching for happiness and meaning in places where it will not be found and continues her downward spiral until one day she ends her own life out of despair. Maybe it is the young man who once lived in a troubled home and is now on his own for the first time. Growing up with a father who beat him and cursed at him regularly and who was always willing to point out his faults and failures while his mother said nothing, he now hates his family and has become bitter and distrusting of anything having to do with faith or religion because his parents claimed to be Christians but never lived it at home. He immerses himself in music that fuels his anger and hatred of religion and society in general and it is not long before his associates have convinced him that the only way to survive is by brute force and the 'take-what-you-want' life. He joins an underground racist organization that, ironically, uses the Bible to justify their hatred of certain groups and the violence they use to get their way. Unfortunately, as a new member he is expected to prove his dedication to the group by committing crimes and he is caught breaking into a store one night and thrown into prison for a long time once it is found his crimes were related to his ties to the organization. Maybe some of these things describe you or someone you know and maybe they don't, but you might just have something in common with them and not realize it. Maybe you - like these two examples above - are looking for something, but you don't know what it is or where it is found. Maybe you are convinced that God is not the answer because of some very poor examples you have seen or known, but think only things or people or something you can see and touch and feel can make you happy. My plea is that you stop looking for happiness in the things you can see and start looking for the invisible. You see, many years ago, God told man that He would one day be found by a people who were not looking for Him even as He was rejected by people who knew Him better than anyone, but thought that they had no need of Him (Isa. 65:1-5). The people who told Him to go away were the ones who should have been seeking Him but they did not desire to find Him; the people who were not searching for God found Him because He was looking for them! God was waiting for the day when He would send His Son to die for the sins of all men (1st John 2:2) and those who were previously far from God and His enemies could now be adopted into His family. Though you may not be searching for God, He is searching for you. Though you may not think or know that you are spiritually lost, He knows - and He doesn't want you to stay that way (2nd Pet. 3:9). And those answers you are looking for? He has those, too. I know you are wondering how that could be since you don't even know the questions or what exactly you're looking for, but God knows and He wants to help you - if you would just listen to what He has to say. Admit that the material things of this life did not bring you happiness and your so-called friends have not made your life better at all. You don't necessarily have to go back to a bad situation, but admit where you are now is not what you need. Instead of looking for happiness in the visible, material things, or in earthly relationships, look for the invisible. Seek God and He will be found. He is the answer. If we can help you in that search, please let us know. We may not have the answers, but God's word does. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080802/7f3b3dee/attachment.html From richardthetford at msn.com Sun Aug 3 18:37:06 2008 From: richardthetford at msn.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 3 Aug 2008 17:37:06 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (8/3/08) Message-ID: Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) August 3, 2008 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com --- CONTENTS: "The Greatest Example of All" (Richard Thetford) "What Is Scriptural Baptism?" (Richard Thetford) "Is One Church As Good As Another?" (David M. Bonner) "A Christian" (Selected) SENTENCE SERMONS --- THE GREATEST EXAMPLE OF ALL Richard Thetford As a child growing up I recall my mother reminding me that I should be a "good example" because others are watching me and what I do may have a direct influence on their lives. As I look back, I remember looking to others as examples to follow, especially those in the church that were always consistent in their teaching, attendance, and love for the Lord. One never knows when someone else is watching us and in some respects patterning their lives after some of the things that we do. Therefore, we must strive to be the best example that we can possibly be. The Example of Jesus Christ The greatest example of all is Jesus Christ. We have been called to "follow in His steps" as stated in 1 Peter 2:21. If we truly want to pattern our lives after someone that was perfect, without any sin (1 Pet 2:22), then Jesus is the one that we need to have as our example. When things happen in our lives that upset us we may try to think of various ways to get back at those that caused us to be upset. Jesus is the one that we need to turn to when things are not going as we would like, because we can trust in Him and learn some good things from His example. Peter wrote: "and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed" (1 Pet 2:23-24). Yes, Jesus was and is the greatest example of all! --- WHAT IS SCRIPTURAL BAPTISM? Richard Thetford As I talk with people about baptism I can't believe all the different opinions that I've heard about what baptism requires, what precedes it, and why even be baptized. I underlined opinions because that is exactly what all this variance amounts to - somebody's opinion on the subject and in many cases they have never looked into the Bible to find out what GOD says about it. Scriptural baptism was administered by Christ, and therefore we must do what Christ has instructed us to do. He has all authority! "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:18-19). Baptism Requires Water Scriptural baptism requires WATER (Acts 10:47). Not just a little water but much water as it states in John 3:23 "...because there was much water there; and they were coming and were being baptized". In Acts 8:36 it says "...they came to some water..." and in Acts 8:38 it says "they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch; and he baptized him". Can this be anything but immersion? What about sprinkling - did they come to a pot filled with water and "Philip sprinkled him"? No. You see, scriptural baptism requires much water because baptism represents a burial as stated in Romans 6:4 "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life". Col 2:12 says "...buried with Him in baptism...". Obedience is to do the will of God, not the will of man. Action Before Baptism To be scripturally baptized one must first hear the word of God (Acts 18:8) and believe that God's word is true (Mark 16:16). This results in a change of heart (called repentance), which is to deny our worldly walk and to turn ourselves over to Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38). Then after confessing Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37-38), we are baptized INTO Christ (Gal 3:27) in order to have all of our sins washed away (Acts 22:16). Why Be Baptized? One might ask at this point "so why do I really need to be baptized?" I can think of several reasons why all of mankind needs to accept Jesus as their Lord and be baptized. Jesus is our great example and we should strive to please Him in all things. He said that if we love Him that we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). Jesus, being our example, was baptized (Matt 3:13-16) to show God His Father that even though He was without sin He was not above keeping all the commandments of His Father. As a result of His baptism, we read where God was pleased (Matt 3:17). Failure to be baptized is to reject God's counsel (Luke 7:30). Baptism is an act of obedience to God's word (Acts 10:33,48), and it washes our sins away (Acts 22:16). Without baptism we cannot be saved (Mark 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21). Therefore, we can learn from God's Holy Word that without scriptural baptism, WE CANNOT ENTER INTO HEAVEN. Jesus said in John 3:5 "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God". Have you been scripturally baptized? If not, why not? Do you try to justify and reason within yourself that baptism by immersion is not really necessary? If you are of the opinion that baptism is not necessary for salvation, where do you get your facts for such a conclusion? We need to ensure that ALL we do is in accordance with God's will and not our own (Acts 5:29). --- IS ONE CHURCH AS GOOD AS ANOTHER? David M. Bonner Many times today you hear people say, "One church is as good as another!" In saying this they show they are not really all that interested in any church. If a man thinks one political candidate is as good as another or if he thinks one ball team, school, town, or country is as good as another, he shows he does not have that much interest in any of them. Is there really any other way to interpret that statement? JESUS BUILT HIS CHURCH. In Matt.16:18 Jesus said, "I will build my church" Jesus said He would build His church and He did just that, Acts 2. Is it possible for a church originated by man and following the doctrines of man to be as good as the church Jesus built and bought with his blood, Acts 20:28? If a church can follow the doctrines of man and be as good as a church following the teachings of Christ, then man is as good as God. But who could believe it? WHICH CHURCH IS THE ONE JESUS BUILT? If you were to lose your car, you could give the police a complete description of that car and they could pick your car out from thousands of cars in this area. The same is true with the church. The Bible gives us a complete description of the essential characteristics of the church Jesus built. Every church in the world that meets the description given in the Bible IS the church you can read about in the Bible. If two churches differ, can both meet the description? Both may be wrong, but both cannot be right. Why not see if you can find the NAME, ORGANIZATION, WORSHIP, WORK, and TEACHING of the church you are in, in the Bible. If you cannot, you should investigate to see if there is a church anywhere that meets the Bible description for the church. We believe we meet the Bible's description of the church in every area. --- A CHRISTIAN Selected A little boy once asked his dad what a Christian was. The father replied that a Christian was a person who loved and obeyed God. He loved his friends and neighbors and expressed his appreciation for other Christians. He even loved his enemies and prayed for them that they might be blessed. He prayed often and blessed God's holy name in reverent worship. The father explained that a Christian is kind and considerate, gentle and courteous in his speech and in his selfless attitude. He lives a life that is pure and holy and is a Christian through and through. The little boy thought for a moment and then asked another question: "Daddy, have I ever seen one?" --- SENTENCE SERMONS He who is a Christian in little things is not little. It takes a lot of faith and courage to be true to truth! Face the sunlight and the shadows will fall behind you. It takes a lot of courage to say, "Get behind me Satan!" - and mean it! Dare to be different, if to be different means to be right! If we trim ourselves to suit everybody, we will soon whittle ourselves away. A man can make money, but money can never make a man. No one is ever too old to learn, but may keep putting it off. A lot of happiness is overlooked because it doesn't cost anything. --- SERMON The New Testament Church Had a Pattern (With PowerPoint Charts) www.thetfordcountry.com --- 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 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/Editor Richard Thetford Building: (970) 249-8116 Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080803/adf0555f/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 10320 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080803/adf0555f/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 4 04:25:15 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 05:25:15 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) CRUICIFIED WITH CHRIST Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an artic- le from my files: CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I life; yet not I but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and give Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20). This is a most interesting statement made by Paul. How is it that Paul could say that Christ now lives in him? It was because Paul had molded himself into the image of Christ. How did this happen? Paul began this process when he went into Damascus and was told by Ananias to "Arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16). Paul had lived in the flesh as a Jew and as a Jew could glory in who he was (Phil. 3:7-14). But at Paul's conversion, that changed. He no longer lived doing what he previously thought was right or what would give him a lofty repu- tation among the religious and political leaders. He crucifed self to live for Christ. Paul wrote to the Romans concerning the crucifying of the old man. "Know ye not, that so may of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we should walk in newness of life...Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Rom. 6:3,4,6). Notice Paul said he was buried and arose to walk in a new life. Why? Because the old man had been crucified; he had put to death the affections and lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:24). Our new life will be focused on the things above, and not on things on the earth. We will have our minds set on Christ for He is now our life (Col. 3:1-4). Yes, we continue to live in the flesh, but now that Christ is enthroned in our lives, our actions will be pleasing to Him. Our lives will be lives of faith. Trusting Him and looking to His Word to find the direction for our lives (Rom. 10:17; Prov. 3:5). What is the motive of the Christian's life? One motive may be heaven, the prepared home for the faithful, and that is a great motive. But another motive Paul mentions here is the sacrifice of Christ for us upon the cross, "He loved me and gave Himself for me." As we walk in life thinking of how much Christ valued us by giving His own life for us, we should be motivated to live to please Him and to do the work He has left for us to do. May God help us to be "crucified with Christ" and to mold our life into the image of His dear Son. May our hearts and minds say as the song says: "Mold me, make me, as you'd have me be, Take me, use me, that the lost may see, Guard me, guide me, through this pilgrim land, Make me as clay in the potter's hand. ----------------- David A. Cox in Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 26, June 29, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080804/87b0ed37/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 4 04:25:27 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 05:25:27 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) THREE THINGS TO KNOW Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. THREE THINGS TO KNOW It is important to know some things for certain. You should know your blood pressure numbers, it is a matter of life and of death. You should know your social security number, it is a mat- ter of retirement and legal status. And, it is a wise thing to know your wife's birthday and your wedding anniversary. That might save your life, too. When Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, he told them he was praying for them. He was praying that they, too, would come to certainty about some important things. He tells them (and us) three things we should know for sure: Take time just here to read (Eph. 1:15-23). Paul writes to a church surrounded by a superstitious cult- ure. In the first century the people of Asia Minor beleived in spirits, demons and beings who could effect their lives. These mysterious "creatures" were unpredictable and had to be appea- sed with worship, offerings or sacrifices. So, people would often do a quick oath when bad things happened. It was the commonly accepted thing. This was the society in which the church at Ephesus was established. So, Paul writes to this body so that they will be certain of some very important truths. The Hope Of God's Call: -- Paul prays that we will know the hope of His calling. The apostle doesn't want us to be afraid of forces in our society, whether they are based on superstitions or facts. We have a hope that cannot be shaken. When God calls us into fellowship with Him through His Son, we enter into a hope that sustains us through all troubles. There are some important issues to realize with our hope. First, our hope is not based on ourselves, but His calling. If we are honest about our lives, we know that we do not live up to all that God wants us to be. None of us lives sinlessly. If we look at ourselves, we have little hope, because we have not done well enough to deserve God's mercy. But, if the call originates with God, then we can have confid- ence because He makes salvation happen, not us. We have hope, not because we have done enought but because God has done enough to make our salvation possible. In our world we need this kind of hope. Gas prices are soar- ing. Elections that could change our society in fundamental ways are looming. We have forces all around us changing our way of living in subtle and not so subtle ways. Like the people of Ephesus, we can feel as if these events will overwhelm us. But God calls us into His Son, and in that relationship we have a sure hope. The Glory Of God's Inheritance: -- Secondly, Paul wants us to know the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints. He reminds us of the inheritance we enjoy as children of God. This is no small pittance. We are to experience the riches of His glory God has been generous to us in grace and mercy. We can live as if we have plenty of God's spiritual blessings. Too many of us walk around as if we were spiritual paupers. We consider ourselves to be weak, to be lacking, to fail too often But, again, God has not called us to a way of life that is spiritual- ly poor, but to an inheritance that will last through eternity. God has enough patience, grace, kindness to put up with any of us who have come to Him through Jesus, the Son. We must throw off the idea that we are scraping by as Christ- ians. God never promises us material wealth, but He does prom- ise that we will have all that we need in the spiritual realm. So, as many times as you need to turn to God for forgiveness, for- giveness will be given. As often as you need to repent of a sin and ask God to help you, He will help you as you face temptat- ion again and again. We have an inheritance that is beyond imagination. That is why Paul wants us to know what we have in Christ. The Greatness Of God's Power: -- Four times in verse 19 Paul uses a different Greek word for power. He describes God's working, His strength and His might. It is as if the apostle is wanting to overwhelm us with the knowledge of God's awesome ability. He describes this power in four ways. First, it was proven when He raised Jesus from the dead. At the cross, Satan thought he had beaten the Lord. He had used his evil methods quite successfully, using God's own people to kill God's only begotten Son. Then, God raised Jesus from the dead, proving that He has power over death, and that Satan would lose, no matter what. We can trust God's power for our lives because of the empty tomb of Jesus. Second, God's power was proven when He seated Jesus at His own right hand. Jesus has taken authority over all other forces in the world. This should give the Christian a great sense of contentment. No matter how high gas prices go, our Lord is Lord of all, even the oil companies. No matter what terrorists or foreign governments do, Jesus is in charge of even them. God's power is demonstrated in that Jesus has been given authority over evil. Third, God's power is seen in the Headship of Jesus. He is Head over all things (as we just saw), but specifically He is Head over His church. We should never worry about the future of the church, not as long as Jesus is its Head. He sits enthroned, rul- ing all of the creation, with a special attention to those He has saved. Finally, God's power is proven in the fulness of Jesus, who fills all in all. Jesus is the complete representation of the pres- ence of God Himself. The church, His body, reflects this presen- ce. The church is not just some mundane group meeting in a building. It is the glorious reflection of the presence of Jesus and God. This should help us rethink our attitude toward the body of Christ. We are the fulness of Him who fills all in all. The Chracteristics Of This Church: -- As Paul prays for our know- ledge of God's blessings, he reminds us that the church is a community of believers with several important qualities. First, the church is a praying community. Paul is praying for this group of people. If you read his other letters, the apostle mentions repeatedly that he was praying for the churches and the individuals in those churches. I don't know how much time Paul devoted to his daily prayers, but it must have been consid- erable. The church of Jesus Christ should be a praying community. In this text Paul's prayer is designed to enlighten them and build them up in faith. Prayer can do things that nothing else can do. In prayer, you may discover deeper meanings to God's Words. In prayer, you may find deepening faith that equips you to cope with the many challenges of our secular society. Second, the church is a loving community. Paul mentions their love for all the saints. Their love was not just local, it was for all who had given themselves to Jesus. And their love was not some hidden aspect of their church work. Paul had heard of their faith and their love. Too often we fail to recall the words of Jesus. "A new comm- andment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one anoth- er" (Jno. 13:34,35). The world should hear of our love for each other, not just the churches in other places. Love should be the standout quality that others find in the body of Christ. Third, Paul wants the church to be a thinking community. He prays that we will be enlightened and that we will come to know these three vital facts. God never intended His people to put away their reasoning. We can trust God's promises because we have considered them and thought about them. In our think- ing, we come to a deeper understanding of God and His Ways. Christians are sometimes criticized as unthinking, ignorant, superstitious people. But the fact is, God wants us to be serious about His Will. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of Truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). God wants us to know the word of truth accurately and handle it appropriately. We are to be a thinking people. Fourth, Paul wants us to be a confident community of faith. We should not be frightened or discouraged. Some churches adn individuals in them think they cannot do God's works. They are too small, or too insignificant, or too far off the beaten path. But God has blessed us, empowered us, and told us He would be with us. Jesus assures us, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:20). We can be confident, not be- cause of our size or abilities, but because God and His Son are with us. God's children should not live in fear. With Jesus as Head over all things, seated at God's right hand, there is nothing man can do to us that God cannot turn into victory. That is what He did at the cross, and He can do it in every body of believers. Lastly, Paul reminds us that we are a community of people with great power. God's power is aimed at and works through those who believe. We forget how powerful God is. If we prayed more, understood more clearly His blessings, we would call on Him to open more doors, defeat more enemies and lead His church in triumph. That is why Paul could say, "I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). The more we come to know the Lord who has called us, the more we will live powerful lives. God is not weak, and He doesn't want us living as if the only strength we have is our own human abilities. Christians need to know these great truths. But, if you are not a Christian, you need to see that all these blessings are found in Christ. You need to come to Christ and let Him forgive you by His grace. He died for you, and came back from the dead and rules eternally by God's side. In Him you have hope, in Him you have the riches of God's blessings, in Him you have power to face the uncertainties of life. How can you get into Christ? Listen to Paul one more time: "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Gal. 3:26,27). Experience the fullness of your salvation today! ----------------- David Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 57, No. 23, June 6, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080804/dc04d351/attachment-0001.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Mon Aug 4 11:09:59 2008 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 12:09:59 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S> To Live Is Christ Message-ID: Here's a lesson I hope you can use. Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com ****************************************************************************** * "To Live Is Christ" Phil. 1:21 (Phil. 1:12-26) Intro. The philosophy of the world is self centered. A. We live in an age where "I" am of greatest importance. 1) It's been said that the 70's was the "I'm OK, you're OK" decade & the 80's turned into the "ME" generation. 2) How many times do we hear, "What's in it for ME?" B. Many try to make themselves more than they are. 1) Worked with a guy who'd been everywhere, done everything, & knew everybody! He always tried to make himself more than he was, larger than life. 2) On the other hand, it's refreshing when someone who really is a big deal realizes the need for humility. During Ronald Reagan's administration he visited his ancestral hometown in Ireland: Ballyporeen. The name means "town of small potatoes." He remarked how humbling it was for the most powerful man in the world to realize he came form small potatoes! The truth is, all of us are from the"town of small potatoes".(1 Tim 6:7) C. In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul reminds us that there are greater purposes than ourselves for living and he sums it all up in the great hallmark statement of Christianity: Phil 1:21 1) What does it mean when you and I say "To live is Christ"? In the context, Paul tells us what it meant for him. 2) We will concentrate on three things from this passage. I. The furtherance of the gospel. Vss 12-14 A. Paul's crusade for Christ amid unfavorable circumstances. 1) His fervent desire for others apparently converted some of his own captors! a. Vs 13, 4:22 2) He was guarded by an elite company of Roman soldiers. a. Was thought that some even lived in the emperor's own palace. (Caesar's household) B. He knew the saving power of the gospel even for those who wanted him dead. 1) Rom 1:15-17 "Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." 2) That same power continues to work but it depends on you & me to spread it. 3) Sometimes we erect our own "prison walls" that keep us from spreading the gospel! C. Vs 14 - The result for others: "far more courage"! 1) Paul had previously encouraged the Philippian church in the same way. a. Acts 16:22-24 Paul & Silas beaten & thrown in jail b. Vs 40 They encouraged the brethren before they moved on. c. Encourage: "to give courage or confidence in words or teaching" 2) Paul & Silas were also encouraged a. 1 Thess. 2:1-6 b. Even with his apostolic authority Paul knew that the spread of the gospel was much more important than extolling himself. c. We must have the same attitude if we want to be Jesus' servants. II. Vss 19-23 "..to live is Christ.." A. In these vss, Paul makes clear who is #1 in his life. 1) Whether he lives or dies makes no difference as long as Jesus is exalted. B. Sometimes it's hard to take ourselves off our pedestal. 1) We are convinced that WE are always right! 2) The captain of a ship looked out one dark night & noticed lights in the distance. Immediately he instructed the following message be sent: "Alter your course 10 degrees south." The reply was: "Alter your course 10 deg north." The angry captain responded, Alter your course 10 deg south - I am a captain!" The reply: Alter your course - I am a seaman 3rd class." Now completely furious, the captain sent a third message: "Alter your course immediately - I am a battleship!" The reply came back, "Alter your course, I am a lighthouse." C. Paul knew what he was - a sinner who had rec'd grace. 1) 1 Tim. 1:15-16 a. He realized the source of mercy & marveled that it would be extended to him. 2) For this reason Jesus became the holy hub of Paul's life. a. Others make themselves the hub & Jesus a spoke. D. We must live our lives so that our own desires & wants are completely engulfed in the will of God. 1) Gal. 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ..." a. Fully realizing the cost to Jesus for our salvation should make us mirror his life more & more. 2) We learn that the more we put Him 1st, the more we put ourselves behind. a. "He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30 "The Christian life is the OUTliving of the INliving Christ" E. We can realize the love of God & let it carry us thru the adversities in this world! 1) Rom. 8:37-39 2) He has given us new life! Live to reflect your gratitude! II. Vss 24-26 While here, do all we can to encourage each other A. Paul was "between a rock & a hard place". 1) He wanted so much to "depart" to his reward a. Depart - to let loose as in a ship setting sail or the unyoking of animals (Vines) b. Paul was ready for some "loose living," free from the entanglements of this world. 2) Yet realized that staying would help these Christians grow B. We can help each other get thru the trials of this life - We're in this fight together! 1) Paul pleaded with them to help each other along a. Phil. 2:1-4 2) Remember when a bro or sis stumbles, it could be me! a. Gal. 5:25-6:2 b. The law of Christ is epitomized in love - John 13:35 3) If we love each other, we'll help each other grow. a. Eph 4:15 "..but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ.." C. Be an example to someone else 1) Remember the attitude Jesus had - Make it yours! Conc. Our lives are often measured by our goals & aims. A. To live for Christ is the highest aspiration one can have. 1) Have faith in Him Meditate on Him Hope in Him LIVE for Him! B. Begin by showing Him & others that you want to be obedient to Him. 1) John 15:13-14 "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do what I command you." 2) He's done His part, now do yours. INV -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080804/e21e9ba6/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Aug 4 21:10:47 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 22:10:47 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Handling Conflict Message-ID: http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html Handling Conflict I. Introduction A. As long as humans have interacted, there has been conflict 1. It does not matter the size of the group 2. A marriage, a family, an organization, a company, or even a government or a country! 3. Whenever you have more than one human being involved, you will have matters of disagreement B. Part of the human makeup 1. After all, God made us all to be different in many ways (Romans 12:3-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11) 2. Difference has its value: our differing strengths and weaknesses can complement one another! 3. But difference means that there will be differences of perspective and opinion on various matters C. The question is not if, but when! 1. We can seek to end every kind of conflict, but this is unlikely 2. We do better to consider how we should handle conflicts when they arise so that the end result will involve the encouragement of souls and the edification of the Kingdom! D. God recognizes that we will have conflict, and has provided means by which we can resolve them E. Let us consider from the Scriptures how to resolve conflict II. Conflict and the Scriptures A. What is conflict? 1. A striking or dashing against each other, as of two moving bodies in opposition; a fighting; combat; Contention; strife; contest; Struggling with difficulties; a striving to oppose, or overcome; A struggling of the mind; distress; anxiety; Opposing operations; countervailing action; collision; opposition (Webster's) 2. We recognize that when there is clear disagreement, and both parties contend with each other, conflict is present 3. Yet when there is a mental struggle with another (for whatever reason), even if the other person is not made aware of it, conflict is still really present! B. God has spoken many times regarding conflicts C. Matthew 5:23-24 1. Context: a man in the midst of conflict 2. Jesus tells him to first go reconcile to his brother, then make his offering D. Matthew 18:15-17 1. Context: a brother sinning 2. Such presents a conflict between their conduct and God's standard! 3. Resolution: go to that brother in private, appeal to him 4. If that fails, bring in witnesses; if that fails, take it to the church 5. If they will not heed the church, let him be as a Gentile or tax collector E. Acts 15 1. Doctrinal conflict: Gentiles and the Law of Moses 2. Considered by Apostles, elders in Jerusalem 3. Cases made on the basis of the Scriptures, the work of God among the Gentiles 4. Resolution determined by the Holy Spirit, Apostles, elders F. Romans 14 1. Conflict: whether to eat meats or not 2. Paul advises the brethren to work together, not to put a stumbling block in the ways of others 3. The "strong": give up your liberty willingly to not cause offense 4. The "weak": do not condemn the "strong" for their belief G. Galatians 2:11-14 1. Conduct conflict: Peter's hypocrisy 2. Paul stands and opposes him to his face, indicates his error H. We can recognize that we will have conflict, and we have guidance here about how to handle conflict I. What are we to do? III. Handling Conflict A. We must first recognize that the conflict must, indeed, be dealt with! 1. In all the examples we've considered, we have not seen a conflict that was left open and unresolved 2. There is even an expectation to resolve conflicts when they arise! 3. If something has been said or done that causes enough difficulty to cause anxiety, anger, strain, frustration, or the like, and a disagreement is present about something, it ought to be dealt with in some way! 4. Proverbs 12:25; 14:10; 15:13 B. We can also see that the conflict must be dealt with personally and with the person(s) involved! 1. In the examples we considered, we did not see anyone talking behind the backs of others-- we see that the people themselves spoke to the other party in the conflict 2. It was not left to simmer and boil over in another time of difficulty! 3. It was also not taken to a preacher or elder or someone else for them to deal with it! 4. If we have a cause of conflict with another, we must follow God's commands and examples and ourselves deal with them C. Yet how should we deal with these conflicts? D. Pray 1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 1:5-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7 2. God cares for us, desires us to cast our anxieties on Him, and desires us to seek after His wisdom! 3. If we can pray regarding the conflict unreservedly to God, it means that we either have a conflict that does need addressing or we've become quite hardened in heart! 4. We ought to ask God for wisdom in instruction about how to handle the conflict 5. We should pray for humility, gentleness, and respect, so that we may be able to win over our brother (cf. Colossians 4:6) E. Seek counsel 1. If you have questions about how to handle the conflict, or even if it is worth addressing with others, you can also seek counsel from brethren you trust and respect 2. The elders, the deacons, the evangelist, or another strong brother or sister 3. You can ask them what they think about the situation and what they think you should do 4. There is no need to bring up names at the beginning! F. Assess the Conflict 1. What is the nature of the conflict? 2. Is it a matter of Biblical significance, a matter of liberty, or a matter of personal preference (cf. Romans 14:17)? 3. Is the disagreement significant enough and bothersome enough to need addressing, or is it something that we must overcome personally? 4. If we pray about it and gain counsel about it, we can get other eyes to see the situation, and can better assess what to do next G. Consider Ourselves 1. Assuming the conflict is of significance, we should then consider ourselves 2. What are we trying to do in this conflict? Whose purposes are we serving? 3. Are we being humble servants of God who seek to encourage each other to work in God's Kingdom, or are we being judgmental hypocrites (Ephesians 4:11-16 versus Matthew 7:1-5)? H. Approaching the Conflict 1. We then must provide some forethought in how we will handle the conflict 2. No one likes being wrong, and no one likes being confronted with disagreements 3. We must take special care to conduct ourselves properly! 4. Psalm 4:4 / Proverbs 15:28: consider how we will speak 5. 1 Peter 3:16: we ought to speak with gentleness and respect 6. 1 Corinthians 13: our actions should be done out of love, and our words and actions ought to reflect the attributes of love 7. Romans 14:8-13: we must remember that we are approaching fellow children of God who have equal worth and dignity in the eyes of God, and we are no better or worse than they, and to treat them appropriately I. Speak with the Person(s) 1. Having done these things, we can speak with the person(s) involved with our concerns 2. If we win them over, well and good J. The Next Step (Matthew 18) 1. If the person(s) involved will not listen, then we must take it to witnesses 2. This may be when the elders get involved, if necessary 3. If they will still not hear, it may need to be taken to the whole church 4. If it is a matter of sin, then the person may need to be disassociated from 5. If it is not necessarily a matter of sin, you have at least done what you are required to do, and God will judge in the end (Romans 14:12) IV. Conclusion A. Conflicts are bound to come up whenever people are involved B. What are we going to do about them? C. Are we going to talk about it with everyone but the people involved, avoid confrontation, and let disagreements turn into strife, contention, and discord, which is sin (Galatians 5:19-21)? D. Or are we going to follow the commands and examples of the Bible and personally with love speak with the one with whom there is conflict so that resolution may be gained, and everyone can move on and get back to building up the Kingdom? E. The choice is ours! F. Let us strive to have the courage to follow God's will and handle conflicts when they arise! G. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Aug 4 21:11:45 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 22:11:45 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Covetousness Message-ID: http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html Covetousness I. Introduction A. An age-old difficulty B. A matter of desire, leading to all kinds of other sins and difficulties C. Covetousness! D. What is covetousness? E. What does God say about it? F. What's the problem with it? G. Let us consider the Scriptures II. Covetousness A. What is covetousness? 1. Strong or inordinate desire of obtaining and possessing some supposed good; Strong desire; eagerness (Webster's) 2. Greek pleonexia: greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice (Thayer's) B. Covetousness, then, a strong desire for obtaining things-- greed! 1. Covetousness can take many forms 2. Desire for more things-money, possessions 3. Desire for others-women, children, etc. 4. Desire for reputation, fame, etc. C. God has consistently condemned covetousness D. Condemned in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:16) E. Jesus condemns it (Mark 7:21-23, Luke 12:15) F. A sin of the Gentiles (Romans 1:29) G. Equated with idolatry (Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:5) H. An earthly impulse (Colossians 3:5) I. Everything points to its condemnation (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)! III. The Difficulty With Covetousness A. But what's really wrong with covetousness? B. It is the ultimate sinful desire 1. 1 John 2:15-17 2. Sin as desires of the eyes, flesh, pride of life 3. Covetousness represents this desire! C. James 1:14-16 1. Desire that leads to sin 2. While covetousness not the desire every time, it is the desire a lot of the time! D. Covetousness as idolatry 1. Paul equates covetousness with idolatry in Ephesians 5:5, Colossians 3:5 2. Idolatry condemned as a sin of the flesh in Galatians 5:21-23 3. How is this so? 4. Consider Matthew 6:24 5. Jesus indicates that one cannot serve both God and Mammon (money) 6. The covetous desire, when gone to seed, needs to be satisfied-- it becomes a master, not a servant, and thus is idolatry! E. Root of all kinds of evils 1. Covetousness can take many forms; one of the most popular involves money 2. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 3. The desire for money leads to all sorts of trouble and despair 4. Indeed, a root of all kinds of evils! F. Leads to other sins! 1. Jealousy and envy are born from a covetous desire, either for that which one has and desires to keep or for that which another has 2. James 4:2: fights and quarrels are the result of covetousness 3. Rivalries are often started for on account of covetous desires (cf. 3 John) 4. Contentions, strife, and other difficulties often arise on account of covetousness 5. Adultery results from a covetous desire for something people have no right to! 6. Gambling is dependent on people's covetousness, and thus sin 7. People will often find themselves in all kinds of sin because they are following after covetous desires! G. Covetousness, therefore, poses great problems-- it becomes an idol, takes over one's life, and leads to all kinds of sin IV. Conquering Covetousness A. Covetousness, as we have seen, is a desire born within the heart 1. It is an easy impulse to give into! 2. Every other pasture seems greener than ours! 3. If we could just have a little bit more, things would be better 4. I would rather be like so-and-so 5. This kind of dissatisfaction leads to covetousness in the heart! B. Covetousness is easy to fall into...how can it be conquered? C. Paul provides the key in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 1. Contentment! 2. cf. Philippians 4:11-13 3. If we are satisfied with our pasture, we don't need to want what is in everyone else's! 4. We can only conquer covetousness when we are satisfied with that which God has blessed us! D. Do we really think that we will be satisfied when we give in to covetousness? 1. Satisfaction is a learned art! 2. If you covet, and even get, you end up coveting for more 3. You learn quickly that the grass really wasn't greener to begin with! 4. You may yearn for the old patch of grass, or seek yet another one! 5. There will always be something more to covet...until you learn to be satisfied with what you have E. In the end, if we want a greener pasture, we are best off watering our own! V. Conclusion A. Covetousness is a deeply rooted and old sin B. We must not give into the desire to have what is not ours C. We must learn to be satisfied with our own blessings! D. Let us learn contentment and not give into covetousness! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 5 05:00:22 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 06:00:22 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) A CLEAR CALL TO REPENTANCE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: A CLEAR CALL TO REPENTANCE In the days of our Lord Jesus Christ, John, the baptizer, pre- pared the way for the Lord Jesus by "preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Lk. 3:3). John was also saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matt. 3: 2). Clearly a call to repentance was an important part of John's work to prepare the people for their Savior Jesus. The people of God, all of Israel, were in sin: from the poorest to the richest, from the shepherd to the king, and from the scribe to the priest! To be ready for the coming Messiah, they needed to repent of their sins. John called them to be baptized in water for the remission of sins and "therefore bear fruits worthy of re- pentance" (Lk. 3:9). Judgment had come upon the people of God. John warned, "And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Lk. 3:9). It is said of Christ, "His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His thresh-- ing floor, and gather the wheat into HIs barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire" (Lk. 3:17). We are similar to the people of Isreal. Obviously we all sin and fall short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23). Daily we need to see God's clear call to repentance for each of us. Changing our lives to do what is right in the sight of God is a constant duty of love. Paul depicted the Corinthian's repentance in this way, "For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly man- ner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of your- selves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter" (2 Cor. 7:11). It is extremely important that we evaluate our lives, and re- pent of those things that are sinful before our God and Savior. We have a clear call to repentance that we must heed. "Repent, therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19). -------------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080805/5e7b9224/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 5 05:00:32 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 06:00:32 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) POINT TO THE WORD Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. POINT TO THE WORD The world in which we live has become more and more relat- ivistic. For many, perhaps most, people, there are no absolutes. Morality shifts and people feel that the circumstances dictate what is good and what is not. As a result, much of our culture has moved away from Biblical values. Now it is acceptable to be- lieve whatever sounds good at the moment. When the apostle Paul was doing his mission work, he came upon a group of people who were hearing something brand new. Paul had been teaching in Thessalonica. The Jews there had stirred up trouble. But, this next group of people went to the Bible to decide how true this new teaching was. "And the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thess- alonica, for they received the Word with great eagerness, exami- ning the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of promin- ent Greek women and men" (Acts 17:10-12). These people of Berea were honest, open, receptive people. But when confront- ed with a startling new message, they turned to the one place they could trust. They opened their Bibles. From them we learn several important lessons. The Old Testament Matters: -- Sometimes I meet people who don't like the Old Testament. They tell me the gospel is in the New Testament and they don't want to look at the Old Testament After all, if we are going to teach people about Jesus, we need to study the New Testament. The problem with this is that Paul did not have a New Testa- ment. All he had were the 39 books of the Old Covenant. So, when the apostle went into a synagogue, the only tool he had to use was the Old Testament. He knew his Old Testament well enough to point people to Jesus from it (as Philip did in the con- version of the Ethiopian eunuch, Acts 8:29-35 JWS) Notice what he did in Thessalonica just before traveling to Berea. "And acco- rding to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ'" (Acts 17:2,3). Paul would open his Bible, without any New Testament books, and prove Who Jesus was simply by using the Word of God. This is vital for us to be able to do today. When we can go to passages like Gen. 3 and show that the Messiah would crush Satan (Gen. 3:15), we can demonstrate that Jesus was the suffer- ing servant of (Isa. 53), we can prove that centuries before the man Jesus lived, God had predicted what He would do and say. Paul used the Old Testament to teach about Jesus, and so should we. As Paul said, "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). Don't dismiss the message of the Old Testament. It was used to save people in the first century and can do so to- day as well. Eager To Know The Word: -- The people of Berea, Jews and Gentiles alike, were interested in what Paul was teaching. The good news of the gospel is often received with interest and appr- eciation. Who doesn't want to hear about grace and mercy? Who doesn't want to feel forgiven? Who doesn't want to believe that God loves him or her? But this new teaching was not accepted because it felt good. It was accepted because they were eager to study their Old Testament scriptures. And, they didn't just open their Bibles for a moment to check out Paul's teaching. They studied daily to see if Paul's message was genu- ine. In our modern world we can learn a great deal from these ancient believers. Too many of us, including Christians, love to hear new or startling messages. But, no matter how delightful they seem, they must be measured against the Word of God. Toward the end of his life, Paul would warn Timothy about this very thing. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accu- rately the Word of Truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will spread like gangrene" (2 Tim. 2:15-17a). Paul gives his young friend clear instructions. He is to do what the Bereans did. First, he is to handle the Word of Truth accurately. That is, he is to be honest and fair as he presents the Bible's message. All of us know that it is easy to twist someone's words to mean something that person never said. This is sad in politics or a marriage, but it is sinful and destructive when it comes to faith. We all need to study the Word openly and honestly, so that we get God's message in our hearts, not the words of someone who thinks he or she knows what God has said. Secondly, Paul warns Timothy about people who love to split hairs and make arguments that sound fine and high minded But, he calls it worldly and empty. Too often we argue over minutia that really doesn't matter while ignoring the greater messages of the Scriptures. The Bereans were eager to know the Word, so they daily went into the Bible to see if Paul's mess- age was valid. They didn't waste time arguing the details. Finally, Paul warns Timothy that spending time on empty chatter will lead to spiritual problems, like gangrene. It will grow in people's lives and becomes a dangerous threat to faith and service. I suppose most of us have heard of someone teaching some odd thing at a church and the next thing you know the church is fussing and spiritual death is creeping into it, like a gangrene. The only solution to this is for each of us to do what the Bereans did and to to our Bibles every day to learn and know the message of the Christ. It is okay to hear new and excit- ing messages from the Word. After all, that is what led the Berea- ns to Jesus. But, all messages, new and old, must be put to the test of the Scriptures. Point To The Word: -- This was Paul's ultimate goal. And, if we look carefully, we will see that this was the goal of all the New Testament teachers. They opened their Bibles (our Old Testa- ment) and pointed people to Jesus. (As we have already pointed out, Philip began in Isa. 53 and preached Jesus to the eunuch, JWS). You see, Jesus is the ultimate expression of God's Will. In Jesus was seen a perfect life, lived just as God wanted it lived. "And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we be- held His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth" (Jno. 1:14). When we look at Jesus, we are looking at God's final revelation to man. This revelation, althou- gh recorded on paper, was first lived in real life in real time among real people. That is where the Word found its fullest meaning, in the life and teaching of Jesus. When we point people to the Word, the live and teaching of Jesus, we allow them the chance to be saved. "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Thy Word is truth" (Jno. 17:16,17). Jesus reminds us that it is God's Word, as lived by Him, that sets us apart, that sanctifi- es us. This Word is God's Truth, proven by Jesus in His perfect obedience to God's Will. And, ultimately, it will be this Word, revealed in Jesus and liv- ed by Him, that will judge us in the last day. "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who will judge him at the last day" (Jno. 12:48). Jesus reminds us why it is so import- ant to go to the Word. It is the Word that will judge us. We will not be judged on our opinions, or the cleverness of our argu- ments. We will be judged by His Word. We will not be judged by the new or old teachings we hear or accept, we will be judged by the Word of God. Preach Jesus: -- So. like Paul and Philip, it is our task to point people to Jesus. Philip spent some time explaining the Old Test- ament prophecies about the Christ. As he taught the Ethiopian, an interesting thing happened. "And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, 'Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?'" (Acts 8:35,36). When Philip preached Jesus, he must have mentioned water and baptism. Baptism is in water, that was part of the teaching of Philip. Baptism is into Christ, that is the teaching of Philip. When the man from Ethiopia heard the story of Christ, he heard about baptism. And, when he heard about baptism, he wanted to be saved, by being immersed right then and there. "And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:38,39). You can go on your way rejoicing today. Search your Bible, Old and New Testaments. Come to Jesus, be baptized today. ------------- David Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 57, No. 27, July 4, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080805/fac5d441/attachment-0001.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Aug 5 22:01:40 2008 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 21:01:40 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Elder's children, plural, singular or either? Message-ID: <00bc01c8f770$c0320300$6401a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Hello Ruth, Thank you so much for your question and for making use of Bible Questions. Please do so again. http://www.biblequestions.org Also, 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 through the door. While on the Site Map Page, click on "Online Bible Study Course" in the directory. Click on http://www.bibletruths.net to go there. You asked: My question is this: Is this word really a Greek word? Can it be used both for single and plural? Everywhere else I looked in my Bible that said 'children' didn't use this word in the Greek. Reply: In the first place, the word used for children is tekna in I Timothy 3: 4 and Titus 1: 6. The grammatical information regarding tekna is nominative, accusative, or vocative plural (The Analytical Greek Lexicon, pg. 399, teknon is singular). One cause of confusion among those not conversant with the Greek grammar is when they use such works as Young's Analytical Concordance, they see teknon listed as the word in I Timothy 3: 4 and Titus 1: 6 (teknon is either nominative, accusative, or vocative singular or genitive or ablative plural, see the declension of omicron nouns using ergon in Beginner's Grammar of the Greek New Testament, 5th Edition, pg. 33, 34, by William Hersey Davis). Rather than providing grammatical detail, Young's concordance just presents the nominative singular form of our word. However, the actual word in I Timothy 3: 3 and Titus 1: 6 is tekna, plural in number. Plurals and singulars are not interchangeable. However, this is not to say that the plural does not include the singular. A determination of the singular application or inclusion when the plural is used is more a matter of interpretation. I recommend you read, "Elders, Their Work and Qualifications" in www.bibletruths.net (toward the end of the material). Also of interest is one of the polemic exchanges titled, "An Exchange Pertaining to Elder's Children." To read the article, enter through the door on the home page of Bible Truths and click on "Archives and Index" in the directory. When on the Archives page, click on the letter "E." To read the detailed exchange including the declension of the noun in question, click on "Polemic Exchanges" in the directory on the Site Map page. Thanks again for your good question and for your interest in spiritual matters. It is recommended that you print out this email for future reference (Web site 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 Aug 6 03:57:15 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2008 04:57:15 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) HOW DO YOU APPROACH THINGS? 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: HOW DO YOU APPROACH THINGS? Our attitude is the primary force that will determine whether we succeed or fail spiritually. How do you approach things? Do you often see difficulty in every opportunity, or do you see an opportunity in every difficulty? Our attitude determines the approach we take in leading our spirituality. Adopting a healthy attitude is essential for our spiritual lives! Paul is a great examp- le in thing when we consider how he overcame his past and ex- amine the optimistic view he held on his future. 1 Tim. 2:13-15 treats us to the grimy details of Paul's past. He was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Later he writes, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Paul had a terri- ble background to overcome. After his conversion, he possess- ed an extreme desire to know Jesus in a greater way. Forgetting his past, Paul turned his passion into laying hold on Jesus. See Phil. 3:8-13. His attitude was essential for his spiritual success! We are responsible for our view of life. Whatever a man sows, this he will also reap, Gal. 6:7. Think about it. Your spiritual life is filled with infinite potential! Don't hold it back by