From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Fri Feb  1 03:23:08 2008
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 04:23:08 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE RIGHT CHURCH
Message-ID: <ce9.2619d3e3.34d43efc@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Friday morn-
ing to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.  I had
the pleasure of meeting brother A.W. Dicus at Florida College 
many years ago.  He gave me an autographed copy of his comm-
entary on Romans and Hebrews.  He also gave me a book mark
with a poem "The Right Church" written on it.  He also autograph-
ed the bookmark.  Later, during the "hippy" days when some were
saying, "God Is Dead", brother Dicus wrote the song, "Our God He Is Alive." 
1966.  Then in 1970 when a lot of disbelief was being
indicated, brother Dicus wrote the song, "Lord I Believe."  So, I am
bringing you brother Dicus' poem here in this posting:

THE RIGHT CHURCH

At last I found the proper church
I've looked from night till morn
It was not listed with Denoms'
Nor classed with the reforms.

The church of Christ -- in letters plain
Was printed o'er the door
The Lord provided them the name
They needed nothing more.

The building was of simple style
I really felt at ease
To walk at will down either aisle
And sit where ere I pleased.

The preacher spoke, how God's own Son
In sorrow, pain and grief
Had prayer that we might all be ONE
In practice and belief.

That Christ must sit on David's throne
For this He lived and died
This was fulfilled on Pentecost
As had been prophesied.

The Jewish Law had been fulfilled
The Priesthood had been changed
The Law of Christ was now our creed
As God had prearranged.

The Church, the Kingdom of the Lord
The Body, House or Fold
Are ONE, the same.  All books record
By prophets young and old.

Christ did not borrow from the Jew
Nor copy Pagan Rome
He built the WAY to God anew
And Stamped it as His own.

He finished all within His day
Then rose in power and NAME
We dare not add nor take away
If we, with Him shall reign.

If we with Christ expect to dwell
In that  eternal home
We must forsake all human creeds
Believe, obey His own.

------------ W.A. Dicus   </HTML>
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Fri Feb  1 03:23:18 2008
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 04:23:18 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (3)
Message-ID: <c79.2789bb62.34d43f06@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is the third install-
ment of this series.  Use to the glory of God.

A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (3)

Romans 3:28, -- From this verse, we may draw hurtful conclu-
sions, if we do not keep in mind Paul's line or argument.  Paul
is not contrasting  faith and the obedience of faith, but he is
contrasting justification by works of law and justification by 
faith.  In Rom. 1:5, he speaks of "the obedience of faith" --
that is, obedience of which faith is the source or foundation --
an obedient faith.  Works of law is an entirely different thing
from obedience of faith.  When Paul talks about faith, he
means an obedient faith.  Many people stumble through the
Book of Romans without ever recognizing and realizing the 
fact that Paul makes that plain in the very beginning of the
Book.

     To make works of law refer to the obedience of faith is to
enshroud ourselves in a fog of confusion form which we will
not be able to emerge with any clear ideas of the gospel plan
of salvation.  To be justified by works of law requires that
works, as measured by law, be perfect.  A sinner can never
be justified by works of law, for no amount of works will chan-
ge the fact that he has sinned.  But the death of Christ upon
the cross made it possible for those who believe (engage in 
the obedience of faith) to be justified.  But just here, we need
to be careful that we do not accept a hurtful error, namely,
the limiting of faith to the mental acceptance of Christ as the
Sacrifice for our sins.  Because, saving faith, in the gospel
plan of salvation, is an obedient faith.  Not to the works of the
law, but to the works of grace supplied by God through Jesus
Christ and revealed in the New Testament.

Romans 3:29-31: -- Just because we accept the gospel plan
of salvation, that plan that has been furnished by the grace
of God, through Jesus Christ, as we read in the New Testa-
ment, does not mean that  the Law of Moses and the Law of
the Patriarchs of old had no rhyme nor reason.  Because, 
actually, the Law of Moses fulfilled its purpose in directing
the Jews toward and up to the coming of Christ (Gal. 3:23-25)
But, when it fulfilled its purpose it was superceded by that
which was by grace through Christ to all men (Titus 2:11,12).

     So, really the law of Christ, the plan of salvation revealed
in the gospel, established the end of the very purpose of the
Law of Moses.  But, the promise of salvation for all men, not
only the Jews, was promised to and through Abraham, separ-
ate and apart fromt he Law of Moses.  Actually, the Law of
Moses stands somewhat as a parenthetical expression sand-
wiched in between the promise given to Abraham and its ful-
fillment in Christ.  So, the gospel plan of salvation, that salva-
tion by grace through faith (Eph. 2:5-10), as revealed by the
Holy Spirit in the New Testament, that plan whereby we can
work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), that plan 
supplied by the wonderful mercy of God, through His Son Jesus Christ, is not 
dependent upon keeping
the Law of Moses as the Jews thought, especially the keeping
of the fleshly rite of circumcision.  This is the burden of Paul's writing to 
the Romans and he uses Abraham as an ex-
ample, as we will see in the fourth chapter, to prove that salv-
ation and justification is brought about by the obedience of
faith rather than the keeping of the Law of Moses.  (More will
be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS).   </HTML>
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From GLClair at aol.com  Fri Feb  1 09:16:54 2008
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 10:16:54 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for February 2008
Message-ID: <c18.2a3f1f13.34d491e6@aol.com>

 
 
 
HILLIARD  BULLETIN 
Published by the  church of  Christ 
4840 Cemetery  Road ? PO Box 96 ? Hilliard,  OH 43026 
Phone; {614}  876-4089 
Elders: 
Owen Gary Brewer ? {614}  832-2569 
John Buchanan ? {614}  893-3277 

Preacher and Editor:  Garreth L. Clair 
Phone: {614}  850-7252 
glclair at aol.com 

========================================== 
Volume 10    Number 2     February  2008 
========================================== 



WILL YOU CONSIDER GOD? 
Nothing could be more beneficial to you  as you live out your life here on 
the earth than to answer the question with, ?yes I will consider what the Bible  
teaches.? 
Because many people are  misinformed about the Bible and its contents many do 
not have any interest in  examining the Bible. I am convinced that if the 
great masses of humankind could  just get past their prejudiced opinion of the 
Bible and what it says that they  could find great value in God?s Written Word. 
The Bible says for itself  that it comes from  
GOD; Gal 6:6, ?6 Let him that is taught in the word  communicate unto him 
that teacheth in all good things.?  KJV 
Ephesians 6:17, ?17 And take the helmet of salvation, and  the sword of the 
Spirit, which is the word of God:?  KJV 
1 Thess 2:13, ?13 For this cause also thank we God without  ceasing, because, 
when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye  received it not as 
the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God,  which effectually 
worketh also in you that believe.?   
2 Tim 2:15, ?15 Study to show thyself approved unto God,  a workman that 
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.?  KJV 
2 Tim 4:2, ?2 Preach the word; be instant in season,  out of season; reprove, 
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.?  KJV 
James 1:21-25, ?21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and  superfluity of 
naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word , which  is able to 
save your souls. 22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers  only, deceiving 
your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word , and not  a doer, he 
is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he  beholdeth 
himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of  man he 
was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth  
therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall 
 be blessed in  
his deed.?  KJV 
CONSIDER THIS: These  verses tell us that the Written Word has come from God; 
since this is true we  may realize how important it is to us that we 
acknowledge this fact and pursue a  course of study and examination of the WORD [i.e. 
the Written Word --- the  Bible] that we can make correct choices about our 
life and  conduct. 
================================== 

Matthew  28:18-20 
Commentary 
TEXT: 
?18 And Jesus came to them  and spake unto them, saying, All authority hath 
been given unto me in heaven and  on earth. 
Exegesis: 
In the text we have a  statement from Jesus Christ that he had not uttered 
previously; ?All authority hath been given unto me in  heaven and in earth?.  
In the previous time spent  on this earth Jesus has not assumed any position 
or acknowledged publicly that  he possessed any authority except from the 
Father; cf. John 5:19-23, ?19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them,  Verily, 
verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he  seeth the 
Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son  
likewise. 
20 For the Father loveth  the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself 
doeth: and he will shew him  greater works than these, that ye may  marvel. 
21 For as the Father  raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the 
Son quickeneth whom he  will. 
22 For the Father judgeth  no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the  
Son: 
23 That all men should honour the Son,  even as they honour the Father. He 
that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the  Father which hath sent him.? KJV 
John 5:30, ?I can of mine own self do nothing: as I  hear, I judge: and my 
judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but  the will of the Father 
which hath sent me.?   
John 6:37, ?All that the Father giveth me shall come to  me; and him that 
cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.?  KJV 
John 6:44, ?No man can come to me, except the  Father which hath sent me draw 
him: and I will raise him up at the last day.?  KJV 
John 8:28-29, ?28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have  lifted up the Son 
of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing  of myself; but 
as my Father hath taught me, I speak these  things. 
29 And he that sent me is  with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I 
do always those things that  please him.? KJV 
John 10:18, ?No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down  of myself. I have 
power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This  commandment have 
I received of my Father.?  KJV 
John 12:49, ?For I have not spoken of myself; but the  Father which sent me, 
he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I  should speak.? KJV 

WHY JESUS IS GIVEN ALL AUTHORITY {i.e. power}: 
Jesus Christ received all  authority in heaven and on earth through 
performing perfectly as the Father had  directed him to do, we know this to be true 
from reading cf. John 17:4-6, ?4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I  have 
finished the work which thou gavest me to do.5 And now, O Father, glorify  thou me 
with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the  world 
was. 
6 I have manifested thy  name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the 
world : thine they were, and  thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.? 
 KJV 
Hebrews 5:8-9, ?8 though he was a Son, yet learned  obedience by the things 
which he suffered; 
9 and having been made  perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the 
author of eternal salvation;?  ASV 
CONCLUSION: 
Indeed, Jesus has all the  power and/or authority over all things, Jesus is 
all in all for humanity. Jesus  is man?s only hope of a happy here-after, a 
happy resurrection, ?someday.?  {1 Thess. 4:16-18}   ---_glclair at aol.com_ 
(mailto:glclair at aol.com)  
=================================== 
?MORE  TIME? - A NEW YEAR 
Every January 1 in our world we begin another calendar year. Each  calendar 
year is identified as 12 month, 365 days, and 52 weeks. Whenever we put  this 
all together we get one year but this is not all there is to identifying a  
year. There are also 9,360 hours in each year and 561,600 minutes in each year.  
Each year is a very remarkable and substantial amount of time to think and do  
almost anything that a person wants to do, BUT: 
Each individual on earth requires a man and a woman [i.e. male and female  
sperm] to become a person. Add to this that it takes approximately 9 months for  
a child to reach an age where they naturally are born or in the case of  
artificial generation a similar amount of time is  required. 
Indeed, after a child is born it requires about 9-12 years of living for  
them to become conscious of the events of life that occur and reach a mental  
capacity to choose between two concept, ideals, propositions, or choices. This  
is an important time for a person in their life development, The wise man,  
Solomon states it in the Bible; Ecclesiastes  12:1, ?Remember also thy Creator in 
the days of  thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, 
when thou shall  say, I have no pleasure in them;? ASV 
This time in the development of a responsible human, is the beginning of  
either wisdom or foolishness as the same writer discusses in some detail in;  
Ecclesiastes11:8-12:1, ?8 Yea, if a man live many years, let him  rejoice in them 
all; but let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall  be many. All 
that cometh is vanity. 9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and  let thy 
heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy  heart, and 
in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things  God 
will bring thee into judgment.10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and  put 
away evil from thy flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.?  --- 
Ecclesiastes 12:1, ?1 Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy  youth, 
before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shall say,  I have no 
pleasure in them;? ASV 
The great problem for mankind comes upon him after he has reached  
accountable age in the scheme of life. Man is responsible to God whenever he  reached an 
accountable age [i.e. probably 9-12 years of age] if by reason of  normalcy 
he/she is not deprived because of gene-defect or some other birth  happening]. 
The individual thus endowed with normal mental powers is responsible  to God 
for his actions [i.e. his/her obedience or rejection] of God?s  instructions 
[i.e. law ? Hebrews 5:8-9].  Please observe the following Bible references that 
verify these  facts; 
Romans  2:4-11, ?4 Or despisest thou the riches of his  goodness and 
forbearance and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God  leadeth thee to 
repentance? 
5 but after thy hardness  and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself 
wrath in the day of wrath and  revelation of the righteous judgment of  God; 
6 who will render to every  man according to his works: 
7 to them that by  patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and 
incorruption, eternal  life: 
8 but unto them that  are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey 
unrighteousness, (shall be) wrath  and indignation, 
9 tribulation and  anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the 
Jew first, and also of  the Greek; 
10 but glory and honor  and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew 
first, and also to the  Greek: 
11 for there is no  respect of persons with God.? ASV 
Romans  6:12-16, ?12 Let not sin therefore reign in your  mortal body, that 
ye should obey the lusts  thereof: 
13 neither present your  members unto sin (as) instruments of 
unrighteousness; but present yourselves  unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members 
(as) instruments of  righteousness unto God. 
14 For sin shall not have  dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but 
under  grace. 
15 What then? shall we  sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? 
God  forbid. 
16 Know ye not,  that to whom ye present yourselves (as) servants unto 
obedience, his servants ye  are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of 
obedience unto  righteousness??  
So; now at this point in life you can see that each year that a person  
neglects to come to God through Jesus Christ [i.e.  believe and obey HIS 
Instructions - Hebrews 5:8-9 -] that person is  wasting a whole lot of precious time 
that he/she may dedicate to serving  Almighty God. 

WHAT WILL YOU DO  
WITH ALL THAT TIME? 
Re-read the first two paragraphs in this short  dissertation! 
_glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com)  - _glclair at sbcglobal.net_ 
(mailto:glclair at sbcglobal.net)  

======================== 

GOSPEL MEETING 

March 23-28,  2008 

Preaching by Morris  Hafley 

SUNDAY  SCHEDULE 
9:30 ? 10:30 AM and  6:00 

================================ 

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE GOSPEL  MEETING 
    1.  Each person in the  congregation can determine to be here each 
service. 
    2.  Each person can call  someone that you know and invite them to attend 
the  meeting. 
    3.  Each person can pray  for the success of the meeting. 
    4.  Each person can  discuss the meeting at the breakfast, lunch, and 
dinner table; keep the family  interested!.
James 4:17, ?Therefore to him that knoweth to do good,  and doeth it not, to 
him it is sin.?  




**************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.     
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
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From rankinjmecoc at earthlink.net  Fri Feb  1 10:55:34 2008
From: rankinjmecoc at earthlink.net (joey rankin)
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 10:55:34 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Power Point Presentations
Message-ID: <000301c864f3$435343e0$2101a8c0@JoeyRankin>

Brethren - I am looking for some help in regard to finding some new slide
designs or templates for power point presentations for sermons. If you have
templates or designs you would be willing to share please send them to me
privately or direct me to sites where they can be found. Thanks, ahead of
time for your help in this matter

 

Your brother In Christ,

Joey Rankin

 

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From cfleming at mikrotec.com  Fri Feb  1 13:54:32 2008
From: cfleming at mikrotec.com (cfleming at mikrotec.com)
Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 14:54:32 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [Biblemat] H>Radio Scripts
Message-ID: <11611.76.8.168.44.1201895672.squirrel@webmail.mis.net>

Mornin' Brethren:

I have the opportunity to prepare some 30-60 second spots for our local
radio station. Do any of you have any ideas for these short (one minute or
less), yet to the point talks?

Any help appreciated.

chris fleming



From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Sat Feb  2 04:32:35 2008
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 05:32:35 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (4)
Message-ID: <cb1.23f93eee.34d5a0c3@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is the fourth install-
ment in this series.  Use to the glory of God.

A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (4)

Romans 4:1,2: -- To see clearly the meaning of an author, it
is necessary that we get his background, and be able to grasp the purpose of 
his writing.  Why did Paul labor so earn-estly to set forth the distinction 
between the law and the gos-
pel and to prove that men are justified by faith, and not by 
works of law?  In much of what he said in Romans, Galatians,
and Hebrews, he set forth plainly that the gospel was a thing
apart from the Law of Moses, that the Law ended at the cross
and that the gospel is God's perfected plan for man's redemp-
tion.  But what was back of all this effort?  What special need
was there for so much teaching along this line?  The reader
of these Books mentioned will also find some very pointed
teaching along the same line in 2 Cor.  Eph. and Col.  Why was it so 
necessary that all the churches be informed in these matters?

     Because, the first converts to Christianity were Jews.  They were so 
wedded to the Law of Moses that they broke
away from it very slowly.  At first, they even thought that the
gospel was for Jews only.  The conversion of Cornelius con-
vinced them that God had also granted to the Gentiles repent-
ance unto life (Acts 11:18).  But they still thought and contended that these 
Gentile converts to Christianity had to
keep the Law of Moses.  After the church was planted at Anti-
och, "certain men came down from Judea and taught the 
brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom
of Moses, ye cannot be saved" (Acts 15:1).  When appeal was
made to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, the Holy Spirit
through them decreed that the Gentiles should not be requir-
ed to keep the law.  But this decree did not stop the mouths
of some of the more extreme Judaizing Christians.  These
went about among the churches, making much trouble in the
churches where there were Gentile members.  They sought
to make the church of the Lord Jesus Christ a mere sect of
the Jews and the gospel of Christ a sort of adjunct to the Law
of Moses.  Judging from a human standpoint, they would have succeeded had it 
nto been for Paul.  Because he fought
them on every point of their contentions, they were his bitter
enemies.

     These Judaizers put a lot of stress on their fleshly relation
to Abraham and the fleshly rite of circumcision.  So, in effect,
Paul said to them: "You put so much stress on the flesh, now
tell us what Abraham obtained or accomplished according to
the flesh.  He came out of heathenism, and therefore had no
fleshly connections of when he could boast, and he was also
justified before he was circumcised.  He was not justified by
works of the flesh or law, and therefore he could not boast
towared God."  Then, Paul quotes Scripture to remind them
that Abraham was justified, before circumcision, by a plan
contrary to their Judaizing contentions.  (More will be posted
on this subject Monday, the Lord willing, JWS).   </HTML>
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From wrglom at netzero.net  Sat Feb  2 07:48:09 2008
From: wrglom at netzero.net (wrglom)
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 07:48:09 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Other Views Of The Veil
Message-ID: <029c01c865a2$45c49e80$3b269a04@yourrvlnhr6v8d>

I would like to see someone more skilled than I post a lesson opposing bro. 
Don Martin's [ no kin] lesson on [the veil] in I Cor 11-2-16.
That is a woman today must wear a veil!
No! I'm not asking for a debate!
Just both views posted.
Stay with the Bible, not secular history.
I believe she is commanded to wear one today.
All need the truth!

O'Neal Martin
wrglom at netzero.net
Norton AV Controlled 

O'Neal Martin
wrglom at netzero.net
Norton AV Controlled


From rankinjmecoc at earthlink.net  Sat Feb  2 09:51:46 2008
From: rankinjmecoc at earthlink.net (joey rankin)
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 09:51:46 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Textual Study of the Epistle of James
Message-ID: <000001c865b3$83edcbd0$2101a8c0@JoeyRankin>

  
The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:

JAMES

Brethren - A textual study of the epistle to James has just been uploaded to
our web site at www.mecoc.org on the Bible Studies page under the heading
Books of the Bible. We hope you enjoy the study.

In His Service,
Joey


Note: To protect against computer viruses, e-mail programs may prevent
sending or receiving certain types of file attachments.  Check your e-mail
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From frank.chumley at comcast.net  Sat Feb  2 10:32:45 2008
From: frank.chumley at comcast.net (Frank Chumley)
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 10:32:45 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Update on Frank Chumley
Message-ID: <007b01c865b9$3e238710$6501a8c0@toshibauser>

Update on Frank Chumley:

{{{This report was prepared by my Daughters: Dawn Czermak & Missi Dodge. F. C.}}}

January 30, 2008

Dr. Orlando Rodriquez, pulmonologist:

Test results - enlargement noted in lymph nodes in middle of chest, questionable areas on upper and lower lobe of right lung as well as on his adrenal glands. 

Prognosis - non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); type is squamous cell carcinoma which forms in the bronchial tubes and is the most common type of NSCLC. 

Breathing test showed mild obstruction although lung volume was normal.

January 31, 2008

Dr. Kirk Barnes, oncologist:

Test results - swollen lymph nodes approximately 2.4 mm (about 1"); right upper lobe has 2.4 mm mass that is "spiculated" or starfish shaped which is typical of cancer; right lower lobe mass has 2.8 mm mass that is suspicious; nodule on the adrenal gland (does not know if cancer is present here; test will determine.)

PET and CT scan scheduled for Thursday, February 7 at 3:30 p.m. Results will be discussed on Friday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. 

After reviewing results of PET and CT scan Dr. Barnes will determine the stage of cancer as well as give treatment recommendations.

He is weak from being on a clear liquid diet due to the original problem (which prompted visiting the doctor) - blood in his stool. He is scheduled for a colonoscopy on Monday, February 4.

Please continue to remember Pop in your prayers as well as the medical professionals who are participating in his care. Our prayers are that we will continue to glorify God knowing He is the Great Physician.








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From harperwest at yahoo.com  Sat Feb  2 17:43:31 2008
From: harperwest at yahoo.com (Steven C. Harper)
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 16:43:31 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] A> Prepared
Message-ID: <000601c865f5$6c861aa0$6401a8c0@Steven>

From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. 
Editor: Steven Harper 
February 3, 2008
Prepared

 

     All of us have, at some point, been caught unprepared. Most every student has, at some point, felt the fear of being unprepared for finals or 'pop' quizzes, but just because we get older doesn't mean such situations won't arise. Many adults, too, have faced various situations for which they were unprepared; maybe they were given a task and a deadline at work for which they were unprepared; maybe it was being put into a certain job position for which they were unprepared; maybe they have faced a 'surprise inspection' or just a managerial evaluation without prior notice; layoffs often come without prior notice and yet the bills keep coming; the house gets older and things start to break or fail - and they usually don't give us any warning. We may grow up and we may become more mature, but surprises never cease and the anxiety caused by unpreparedness does not change!

    A couple of weeks ago, my kids all went through another round of testing for their karate [tae kwon do] classes. My two older kids were told they might have an opportunity to test for a higher belt because they had missed previous testing, and that required they know all three parts of the current 'form' they had been learning. Because they had missed some previous instruction, they took the initiative to find out the web site for the video instruction online and then they watched it and learned what they needed to know. In the end, they did not get that opportunity, but they were prepared! I reminded them that, though they did not get the opportunity that day, it could come again and at least they would be prepared when the day did come.

    This little incident points to the real necessity of being prepared - especially in terms of spiritual matters. The Bible plainly tells us that we do not know the day of the Lord's return and, because of this, we should be alert and prepared. Paul reminded the Thessalonians that the Day "will come like a thief in the night" (1 Thess. 5:2) and that they should "keep awake and be sober" (v. 10). Peter echoed this warning and reminds us that on that Day, "the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed" (2 Pet. 3:10). When Christ comes, it will be too late to think about preparing; now is the time!

    And - like any other subject - there is 'preparation' and there is proper preparation. If my kids had practiced the wrong forms and parts, it would have done them little good had they had the opportunity to test. They may have perfected a different form, but it would not have mattered because it still would have been the wrong thing! They could have pleaded and pleaded, but it would have done no good. This, again, leads me to consider some important points about proper preparation in spiritual matters. Would you also consider these things?

    Proper Preparation Requires Knowledge and Understanding. It simply cannot be over-emphasized that all men need a thorough knowledge of God's word - especially when we seek to be properly prepared for Christ's return. We need to, first, know that Christ is coming again. [One who is ignorant of this fact will, of course, be unprepared.] The Scriptures teach us plainly that He is coming again (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Cor. 15:23-28), so we cannot say we are ignorant of this fact. But when is He coming? Some may mistakenly believe this is a bit of information we need to know to be properly prepared, but that is not true. As already stated, the Day of His coming will be like a thief in the night [He will not announce it], but this should not prevent our preparation. On the contrary, because we do not know the Day, we should be prepared every day!

    But we have to understand the subject, also. My high school basketball coach, Bobby Vint, told me something I have never forgotten: Practice doesn't make perfect; practice makes permanent. He was right! If I practiced my basketball shot incorrectly, it might have become almost second nature to me to do it that way, but it would still be incorrect! Incorrect understanding was what led some Thessalonians, who knew about Christ's coming, to believe - mistakenly - that if they died before Christ came, they would miss out on the resurrection (cf. 1 Thess. 4:13ff). Paul wrote to assure them that they would not and, with this correct information, they could now properly prepare for that Day. Since Paul told them plainly that the Day would come as a thief in the night, they could now know that their preparation would have to be an ongoing effort, too.

    Many today also mistakenly believe that they can serve God however they want or however their preacher or parents told them and that will be sufficient to please God. Not so! God tells us that whatever we do, in word or in deed, must be done by the authority of Jesus Christ (Col. 3:17), and Jesus Himself told us that He has all authority (Matt. 28:18); if we practice [i.e., serve and worship God] incorrectly [without His authority or in rebellion to His authority] we are never going to put the ball in the basket! We must serve and worship God as He determined and our preparation must be according to what He has revealed or we will be caught going to the basket without the ball.

    Proper Preparation Requires Constant Effort. When I played high school basketball, practice was an everyday thing. We didn't just show up on Tuesday and Friday evenings and pile out onto the court to play the opposing teams. If we had, we would have likely never won a game! Though we sometimes did not understand how, every part of our practice was something that covered an aspect of the game: Wind sprints, jumping rope, push-ups, free throw practice, and rebounding drills all were done to get us ready for the moment in the game when those skills would be needed. Coach pushed us to give our very best effort in everything, and if he even thought we were slacking, he would add some physically-challenging drill to remind us what he expected of us. It didn't take long to figure out that 100% was the least we could give in practice! Doing these things every day also taught us that these are skills that can be lost if not practiced constantly, and it helped us to win some games, too!

    Is this not also true of our life as disciples? Surely, we do not believe that we can do all our duties at a young age and then sit back and wait for Christ to come! Paul urged the Philippian brethren to join him as he pressed "on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phlp. 3:14). The writer of Hebrews reminded the Jewish Christians that they should "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (Heb. 10:23) and that they should "not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised" (vv. 35, 36). Faith was not something to be surrendered when times got tough - at least not if they expected a reward from God!

    So, are you prepared - properly prepared? Have you searched God's word to ensure that [1] you know what God expects of you and [2] what you are doing is in agreement with what God has commanded, and [3] are you constantly preparing by doing these things every day and putting God first? Yes, we must do all of these things as a team [the church], but when it comes time for the reward, it will be based on our individual effort (2 Cor. 5:10). Will you receive a reward?

     Do not wait until the Day of Judgment. Prepare yourself now. -- Steven Harper
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From tssullivan at charter.net  Sat Feb  2 22:22:14 2008
From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan)
Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2008 22:22:14 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol  003 Iss 005
Message-ID: <000b01c8661c$5d690420$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 005 :: February 03, 2008  

 

ARTICLE ONE: Christians Are People of Perennial-Achievement

ARTICLE TWO: Philippians: The Epistle of Joy #003

 

Article One: Christians Are People of Perennial-Achievement

 

Introduction:

The characteristic of focus this week is one that sets us apart. Christians are those who are perpetual, persistent, continuing, and constant in their achievements of growth: In a shorter description Christians are "Perennial- Achievers". 

Perennial is a fitting description since it is most often associated with plants and with that association we find a good analogy for our own growth. As Christians we are constantly encouraged and commanded to grow. Passages like John 15:1-8 and 2 Peter 3:18 for example. 

The constant ability to excel is something that a Christian should live in. Our understanding of "God's will" grows with each passing day. Our achievements of yesterday cannot out-do what we can do today. Our hope of Heaven grows stronger with each new day. 

We need to take on the determination of achievers. It is not what we have done; it is always what we will do. The desire for greater will: take you out of you comfort zone. It will push you. But it will also reward you. Let's open our Bible's and consider this characteristic of Perennial Achievement.                                                         

 

Achieve More And More Faith:

Faith is absolute foundation of our action and intention.  We cannot even begin to please our Creator without faith (Hebrews 11:6). We cannot conduct our lives, as we should, without faith (2 Peter 1:5-10). Faith is the first course; the foundation on which the remainder of our attributes must rest. Without faith we lack the virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love that keeps one bound to proper conduct and makes a person a true disciple of Christ. Without these we will not survive the difficult way, which leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). 

As Christians we desire greater faith: We must go to God given source (Romans 10:17) and actually apply the source to our life (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16). Faith is developed; it grows with increased knowledge of our Creator (Hebrews 11:6b): who He is (Genesis 1. 2; Psalm 19:1-11; Acts 17:24-27). What He has done for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8).           What He continues to do for us (Romans 1:16). What He expects from us (Matthew 7:21; James 1:17-22). Also increasing our faith is the knowledge of His rewards (Hebrews 11:7c): His daily help (Matthew 6:25-33; 1 Corinthians 10:13) and His constant care (1 Peter 5:7). Never forgetting the hope of everlasting life in His glory (John 14:1-6; Revelation 21:22-27). 

As we achieve greater faith we will: Study more (Acts 17:11). Attend services more (Hebrews 10:24-25). Be more willing to work (1 Corinthians 15:58).    

 

Achieve More And More Zeal:

Zeal is a flame that is easy to ignite but can be difficult to keep burning. We need to keep the flames of our zeal well fueled. Zeal is strong desire: People can achieve great things when they want to. A great example that I have heard of throughout my life is: A woman discovered her child trapped under a car that had slipped off of a jack; she was able to grab the bumper and lift the car off of her child to save them. Now this woman would never imagine lifting a car; we would never imagine that she was able, but when you add the right amount of desire to the equation she was able to lift the car. Jesus told us plainly that the way which leads to life is difficult we can, however, make it if we add the right amount of desire to the equation.

The Bible provides motivations to fuel our zeal: The clear descriptions of Hell (Matthew 25:30,41,46; Mark 9:44,46,48). The glories of Heaven (Matthew 25:21,23,34; Revelation 21:10-27).  Plus those things, which God provides, right here, right now His daily help (Matthew 6:25-33; 1 Corinthians 10:13) and His constant care (1 Peter 5:7)

We achieve greater zeal by being personally involved in this work: there is no more zealous a worker than one who knows that the work will never be the same without their help (Ephesians 4:16). Every member of this congregation should have this realization-   we are not the same without your work.

As we achieve greater zeal we will: Study more (Acts 17:11). Attend services more (Hebrews 10:24-25). Be more willing to work (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

Achieve More And More Willing to Share:

Reality says, there are people we know who are in jeopardy-those who need to be saved. Many times we look past the obvious. We do not have to take on the whole world in order to be a good worker and we do not have to go a long distance to find a soul that needs saving. 

We all have family who need Christ: Like Andrew did (John 1:35-39). Andrew found Christ-the Messiah and followed Him. He knew how important Christ was and he couldn't keep it to himself for long. John 1:40 Andrew went and told his brother Simon Peter. Andrew must have been excited about his new discovery. His attitude must have influenced Peter to go to Jesus. We need to maintain our excitement and use that zeal to influence others like Andrew. Think of how much good Andrew accomplished by not over looking his family.

      We have friends who need Christ: like Cornelius did (Acts 10:24). He knew that Peter was coming with the God's word of salvation. He was not satisfied to wait by himself; he gathered his relatives and his friends. Another one who helped a friend was Philip (John 1:43-51)-Philip found Christ and reacted much the same way as Andrew. He willingly and excitedly went out to share, not willing to keep it to himself. Philip went and told his friend Nathanael: Nathanael was at first doubtful (v.46a). Philip persisted by telling Nathanael to come and see (vs. 46b). We can do this today. Ask your family and friends to sit down with you; open your Bible and show them Jesus. If you are not comfortable in detailed study ask them to come here and see, invite them to services with you.

      There are also souls who walk by us every day. We need to share with them like the woman at the well of Sychar (John 4:25-28). She was also looking for the Messiah to come. 

      There are many, today, who are looking for Christ (Matthew 9:37-38). We need to show them the way (Mark 16:15-16). She heard, believed, and went to tell (John 4:29-30). She told anyone who would listen, anyone she could convince to go and see. Many came to Christ to hear and they believed (vs. 39). 

      As we achieve a greater willingness to share we will: Study more (Acts 17:11). Attend services more (Hebrews 10:24-25). Be more willing to work (1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

Conclusion:

The constant ability to excel is something that a Christian should live in. Our understanding of "God's will" grows with each passing day. We can constantly achieve greater faith.  Our achievements of yesterday cannot out-do what we can do today. We can constantly achieve greater zeal. Our hope of Heaven grows stronger with each new day. We can constantly achieve a greater willingness to share this hope. We need to take on the determination of achievers. It is not what we have done; it is always what we will do. The desire for greater will: Take you out of you comfort zone. It will push you. But it will also reward you! Today are you ready to take on more? ~tss      

 

Article Two:  Philippians: The Epistle of Joy #003

 

Our next stop in Paul's epistle to the Philippians is found in 1:25-30 and specifically in verse 27. Paul exhorts the brethren to "conduct themselves as to be worthy of the gospel". Paul focuses on their strength (they are a strong congregation). They had love; he encouraged more love (1:9). They had joy; he encouraged more joy (1:26). They were conducting themselves well, he encourage that conduct to be continuous (1:27).

We have been called by the same gospel as they were:  We, too, have the expectations and hope of that gospel (Romans 1:16). We, too, have the responsibility to conduct our lives in a manner worthy of that gospel. Our present question is, "What is conduct worthy of the gospel?

 

Worthy Conduct Is Godly Conduct.

Godliness is living with the proper respect for God and His word. Godliness is another way of describing righteousness or piety. Godliness described by Christ's example: The purest description of Godliness would be seen and heard in the life of Christ. It is one of His statements that He made just before going to the cross that really sums it all up-Matthew 26:39 "Not as I will, but as You will".  If you know that Jesus meant by those words then you know what Godliness means. 

Where Is Godliness From? -It must be learned. Respect for God's word is taught throughout the Scriptures. The fence posts Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18. Do not add to or take away from "My word."  

Godliness can be learned the hard way. God word is truth therefore right-always right! When we decide to chart our own course, leaving behind the wisdom of God we will fall: Consider Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12).  The prodigal son is a good example how we fail without God (Luke 15:11-32). 

Godliness can be learned the easier way. By simply accepting God on all points and seeing the benefits (Psalm 119:100-105). --Guarded feet, righteous ways, knowledge and wisdom.

 

Worthy Conduct Is Virtuous Conduct:

What is Virtue: Virtue is moral excellence. Virtue is something that God has always commended. Proverbs 31:10-29 virtuous wife described. Philippians 4:4-8 "Anything virtuous.mediate on it". Virtue is a state we enter through repentance! Virtue is something that we can lose and then find. Repentance is a change from the paths of sinning to the path of righteousness (Revelation 2:5 "Repent and do the first works"). When we repent we commit ourselves to doing God's will. --Conforming to His will. This is something that the Corinthians had to do in order to be in counted as Christians (1 Corinthians. 6:9-11). They had to establish again the virtue that they had shunned.

Virtue is not subjective (Virtue or Morality is a set standard)! Morality is from God; found through a study of His word. 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to show yourself approved." Hebrews 5:13-14 "By reason of use have their senses exercised." We must hear and also apply (James 1:22-25). 

 

Worthy Conduct Is Continual Conduct:

Paul words were, "Whether I am with you or am absent" (1:27). There is an expectation of continual effort in worthy conduct. When it comes to following the pathway of righteousness. Never worry about doing too much or going too far. We can never go too far but it is possible to not go far enough. Hebrews 10:38 "If anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him". 

We must never stop producing fruit (John 15:2). We are expected to go on toward continual growth one goal at a time. Not all of us will achieve the same goals but we must achieve that ones that are within our own reach (Matthew 13:8 Some 30, 60,100 all good ground). 

The worthy walk is one that continues through all the way (Revelation 2:10). There is no time for us to stop doing what we must do (Philippians 1:27-29). 

 

Conclusion:

Paul continues to encourage the brethren in Philippi. They loved, but he encouraged more love. They served, but he encouraged continual service. We must understand that we have a calling: Let's walk worthy of this calling. 

The world is watching; if you demonstrate an inability to walk right, what will ever convince them that they can? Walk worthy of the gospel. Are you? Have you even begun to? It is now officially time to start. ~tss

 

 

                                    



 

 

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

Sean

 

 
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From richardthetford at msn.com  Sun Feb  3 16:01:51 2008
From: richardthetford at msn.com (Richard Thetford)
Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 15:01:51 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (2/3/08)
Message-ID: <BAY122-DAV35D20F389C77D301C7236B0320@phx.gbl>

 



Walking in the Light

"For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light."
"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the
simple." 

"But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another...."
(Psalm 36:9; 119:130; 1 John 1:7a)

February 3, 2008

www.thetfordcountry.com <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/> 

 

---

 

INFORMATION: My WEB Site  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/>
www.thetfordcountry.com has just been updated to include the articles and
sermons listed below. All the sermons posted each week to my web site are in
.pdf format.  The PowerPoint charts are also included with ALL the sermons
that are posted to the web site. To access the sermons page, visit the site
and click on "Richard's Page" and then click on "sermons." Please visit the
"Reference Works" links page for updated links to various Bible study
resources. If you are a newcomer to the area or wanting information
concerning the San Juan church of Christ here in Montrose, Colorado, then
click on the San Juan church of Christ Web Site at
<http://www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org/> www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org. Thank
you for visiting my web site and as always, your comments are welcome. 

                                                  

If you know of someone that would like to receive the "Walking in the Light"
electronic bulletin each week, please send an e-mail message to
<mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com  with their
name and e-mail address and I will add them to the list.

 

---

 

CONTENTS:

"Our Duty to Ourselves" (Richard Thetford)

"Church Hypocrites" (Robert F. Turner)

"The Conversion of the Eunuch" (Richard Thetford)

"Food, Gimmicks and Recreation" (Jeff May)

SENTENCE SERMONS

 

---

OUR DUTY TO OURSELVES

Richard Thetford

 

In Galatians 6:4-5 the apostle Paul writes: "But let each one examine his
own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in
another. or each one shall bear his own load." The greatest thing we can do
for ourselves is to make sure that we are doing everything that we need to
do to be pleasing to God. In order to do that, we must examine our own work,
making sure that it is being done in accordance with God's directions.
Through the pages of the New Testament individuals are instructed on how to
live their lives according to righteousness. One thing that gets many people
in hot water is thinking "too highly of themselves". Yet in Romans 12:3 we
can read where it says: "For I say, through the grace given to me, to
everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought
to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of
faith." God's Word says it, now we have to listen and obey. That is our
Christian duty in this life. The Christian that reads the Bible and then
practices those things that are contained therein, will gain respect from
the brethren because they can see in that Christian that they are truly
living their life in accordance with the Bible. But isn't that every
Christian's responsibility? Sure it is. We are told in Jude 21 to keep
ourselves in "God's love", and to remain "unspotted" (Jam 1:27). In 1 John
5:18 we are told to "keep ourselves from the evil one". Other duties include
"denying ourselves" (Matt 16:24), "controlling ourselves" (2 Pet 1:6),
"humbling ourselves" (Matt 18:4; 23:12), and to "guard ourselves" (1 John
5:21). If we would read and understand what the Bible tells us to do in
Galatians 6:4-5 then we will be able to "glorify God". Are we doing our duty
for God?

 

---

CHURCH HYPOCRITES

Robert F. Turner

 

The church has hypocrites, and I will name them: Simon Peter, Joses, whom
the apostles surnamed Barnabas, and--maybe you can supply a few. We are told
about Peter, Barnabas, and "other Jews" in Galatians 2:11-13. Barnabas was
"carried away with their dissimulation" (hupokrisei, or hypocrisy). The same
word is used in Matthew 23:14f where Christ condemned the Pharisees.

 

Peter had preached, by inspiration, that "whosoever" shall call on the name
of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21,39). Then a special vision had been
given to convince him that "God is no respecter of persons" (10:10f,34); and
he had declared publicly that there was "no difference between us (Jews) and
them (Gentiles)" (15:9). In Antioch he had associated with Gentiles as
equals in Christ; but when some of his Jewish peers came down from Jerusalem
("from James"--influential men) he "separated himself, fearing them which
were of the circumcision" (Gal 2:12). He knew it one way, but deliberately
practiced it another. He "play-acted, wore a mask, pretended" to be one with
the Judaizing teachers, apparently for popularity or prestige--maybe to
avoid ridicule or criticism. I am reminded of a couple who left a church
whose practice and teaching they said they approved, to be with a more
popular and far more liberal church. When asked "Why?" the woman said,
"Brother Turner, they laughed at us."

 

Is it a "little matter?" Paul said, "When I saw that they walked not
uprightly according to the truth of the gospel..." Believing in the death,
burial and resurrection of Christ did not exhaust the meaning of "gospel."
It included the Lord's teaching of universality--was opposed to circumcision
or other forms of Judaizing. The error of Peter and others was far more than
a social faux pas.

 

The desire to put God first must be in the back of all obedience, or it is
an empty shell. (We must "deny self" to follow Christ, Matthew 16:24). Our
faith (subjective) and acts in matters of indifference are viewed on the
basis of conviction toward God (Rom 14:4-8) or conscientious determination
to do what we believe God wants us to do. To act otherwise, is sin (vs.
22-23). What Peter did was not a matter of indifference, but I am persuaded
he had the proper basic desire to serve God, and that consequently his
conscience bothered him. His later life shows he changed his practice to
conform to truth (See 1 Peter 1:1f). Had he not changed he could not have
been justified (Galatians 2:16-21). There is ample evidence that Barnabas
also changed.

 

The application to today should be clear. People who come to Christ can
still sin. An awareness of this possibility shold keep us humble, examining
ourselves, confessing and praying to God. Many become hypocrites by "going
along" with practices they know to be wrong -- and continue this way until
their conscience is seared and they feel no pain. Others act the hypocrite
with their "holier than you" attitude, knowing deep down it is not so. And
some are hypocrites by blaming hypocrites for their unfaithfulness. Christ,
not fallible church members, must be our standard; and we must "give
ourselves" to please Him.

 

---

THE CONVERSION OF THE EUNUCH

Richard Thetford

 

In Acts 8:26-40 we can read about the Eunuch that was saved through the
gospel of Jesus Christ. When Philip arrived at the chariot where the Eunuch
was, he found the Eunuch reading the scriptures (8:28). This Eunuch was a
man of great authority for he was the Queen's treasurer. He obviously was a
religious man, for he had been to Jerusalem to worship (8:27). As Philip
joins him at the chariot, he is reading from the prophet Isaiah, but he did
not understand it (8:31). Philip commenced at the same scripture and
preached Jesus unto him (8:35). Philip was able to show the Eunuch how
Christ had fulfilled the prophecy that Isaiah had described (8:32-35). Then
they came to some water between Jerusalem and Gaza. The Eunuch understood
from reading and studying with Philip that it was necessary to be baptized
to be saved. But Philip did not baptize him without faith (8:37). Philip
baptized the Eunuch for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and then he went
on his way rejoicing! Have you kept the law of God unto salvation as the
Eunuch did? Please join us at the San Juan church of Christ where God's plan
of salvation is preached.

 

---

FOOD, GIMMICKS AND RECREATION

Jeff May

 

Problems arise as we strive to serve God faithfully, but God has given us a
tree - the tree of Calvary, to be used in such situations, just as Moses
cast in the tree at Mariah to resolve the problem of the bad water (Ex 5),
and Elisha cast in the tree branch to resolve the problem of the lost ax
head (2 Kings 5). Cast in it, brethren! See the difference it makes. 

 

How ashamed we ought to be if we think people are drawn to Christ with food,
recreation and entertainment. There's enough power in the tree (of Calvary).
Jesus Himself said, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all
people to Myself" (Jn 12:32). The man who sees his problem will come to
Calvary's tree for his remedy. He needs nothing else. He desires only "Jesus
Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor 2:1-5).

 

The use of such gimmicks is a direct reflection of our lack of faith and
trust in the word of God (Rom 1:16). What is the difference in this and in
using creeds, robes, incense, instrumental music and other such gimmicks to
make the worship "entertaining"? Are we at worship to please ourselves or
God? 

 

---

SENTENCE SERMONS

 

"The most dangerous stumbling blocks are those under our hats."

"So you are just as good as half the folks in the church? Well, which half?"

"Courtesy is said to be contagious, and what we need is a good epidemic."

"Some folks aren't interested in anything unless it is none of their
business."

"If revenge is so sweet, why dos it leave such a bitter taste?"

"It is better to have a bad breath than a sour disposition."

"Some men who boast that they are self-made must look pitiful in God's
eyes."

"A modern bathing suit is the difference between not very much and nothing
at all."

"A lie may take care of the present, but it has no future."

"A lot of people waste too much sympathy on themselves."

 

 

---

SERMON

 

The Danger of Defeatism (with PowerPoint Charts)

 

Sermons can viewed at my web site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/>
www.thetfordcountry.com

 

---



Meets at:

1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C
Montrose, CO   81401
(970) 249-8116

 <http://www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org/> www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org

 

ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE

SUNDAY
Bible Study....................10:00 A.M.
Worship.........................11:00 A.M.
WEDNESDAY
Bible Study......................6:30 P.M.

 

Evangelist
Richard Thetford

(970) 626-5558

E-Mail:  <mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com

Web Site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com/> www.thetfordcountry.com

 

---

 

Richard Thetford

' align=baseline border=0> 

E-Mail:  <mailto:Richard at Thetfordcountry.com> Richard at Thetfordcountry.com

1491 Canyon Drive, Ridgway, CO  81432

Home: (970) 626-5558

Please visit my web site:  <http://www.thetfordcountry.com>
www.thetfordcountry.com

Evangelist, San Juan church of Christ

 <http://www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org> www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org

 

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From GLClair at aol.com  Mon Feb  4 07:55:12 2008
From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com)
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 08:55:12 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] (no subject)
Message-ID: <d06.260624a1.34d87340@aol.com>





**************Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music.     
(http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp003000000025
48)
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From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net  Mon Feb  4 11:42:06 2008
From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (terrybenton)
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 09:42:06 -0800
Subject: [Biblemat] S>The Powerful Case For Jesus The Messiah
Message-ID: <ABC7F78D833C41B69F7B4CD5B762A2F1@TerryPC>

Lessons for 2-3-08

AM:  The Prodigal Son Speaks -  What would the son who wasted so much in money, time, education, health, influence, and who had encouraged his peers to travel the road of godless self-indulgence with him, now say to young people now curiously looking down that road and wondering?  He would probably speak the things he heard his mother and father say through the years. He would probably say exactly what the the Book of Proverbs is trying to get across to the young man. Wisdom is the most valuable asset to acquire. In all your getting, be sure to get wisdom and understanding. It will save you a lot of heart-ache and will give you tools for making the best use of your time and potential. It will give you the best of this life and the enduring riches of the life to come.  Don't listen to the peers who have not learned wisdom and who will help to destroy you along with themselves. Why allow yourself to be influenced by fools? Listen to the many voices of wisdom. Seek for wisdom as a treasure. Learn early what is most important. The Prodigal Son would have done much differently, if he had used a little wisdom to discern what is usually down the road he chose to travel.  List the mistakes of other young people, and determine how you must avoid putting yourself in position to repeat those same mistakes.  Wisdom is the principal thing to get.  Joseph got it. Daniel got it. The three young men of Daniel 3 got it. Young Timothy got it.  You can get it too!

PM: The Powerful Case For Jesus The Messiah - Why should we believe Christianity over Judaism, Islam, or the Mormon religion?  Don't they all have the same kind of proofs for their religions? What makes the Bible unique?  The thing that makes the Bible unique is that the Jewish portion of the Bible (the Old Testament) described the Messiah hundreds of years in advance, and depicted the Jews as not believing the report though they supported the inspiration of their writings. The prophetic word (the Old Testament) is made more sure by the fulfillment in Jesus.  Amazing prophecies that could not have been written by human wisdom alone and WOULD NOT have been written by the Jews in this way, stand to verify the inspiration of the Bible and the divine messiahship of Jesus of Nazareth.  The Quran and the Book of Mormon do not possess this kind of display of divine wisdom. The case is stronger for the Bible and Jesus than for the other religions.

Hear these lessons and view the Powerpoints at:  www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com  To be posted at this site soon. Keep checking!

Please think of someone in your address book to forward this information to as well. You never know what good you may do toward saving a soul from spiritual and eternal death by taking one minute of your time to show them you love them by putting something good and eternally useful in their hands or in their email box.

Terry W. Benton
terrywbenton at bellsouth.net

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From tedwards at onemain.com  Mon Feb  4 10:52:55 2008
From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com)
Date: Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:52:55 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 2/3/08
Message-ID: <47A6EE87.15885.9C10AE@localhost>

____________________________________________________

                 THE GOSPEL OBSERVER
____________________________________________________

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching
them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you
always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20).
____________________________________________________

                   February 3, 2008
____________________________________________________


               His Eye Is On The Sparrow
                   by David Padfield

    In Matthew 10 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles and "gave them 
power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds 
of sickness and all kinds of disease" (Matt. 10:1). This commission 
was limited in that they were not allowed to "go into the way of 
the Gentiles" or "enter a city of the Samaritans" (Matt. 10:5). 
Instead, they were sent "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" 
(Matt. 10:6). Our Lord also warned them that persecution would 
accompany their preaching (Matt. 10:16-22). As an encouragement in 
the midst of this persecution, Jesus told the disciples of His 
Father's care: "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot 
kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul 
and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And 
not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. 
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear 
therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows" (Matt. 
10:27-31).

    "Sparrow" is the name given to several different species of 
birds in the Bible -- they ate grain and insects and gathered in 
noisy flocks. Sparrows would often build their untidy nests in the 
eaves of houses, but were not driven away when they built their 
nests in the Temple (Psa. 84:3). These insignificant little birds 
were such social creatures that a lone sparrow was the symbol of 
deep loneliness (Psa. 102:7).

    In the days of our Lord sparrows were sold for a very low price 
-- two of them for a copper coin (Matt. 10:29). A copper coin, an 
asarion, was a very small Roman coin, was worth about 1/16 of a 
silver denarius, and was therefore worth less than a quarter in 
U.S. currency today. Those who were poor and could not afford to 
sacrifice a sheep or a goat might bring a sparrow to the Temple 
(cf. Lev. 14:1-7).

    So insignificant were these little birds that if you bought 
four sparrows the seller would throw in one more for free (Luke 
12:4-7). It was this extra sparrow of which Jesus said, "and not 
one of them is forgotten before God." His care for His creation is 
so great that even this extra sparrow is noted and observed by God!

    The point our Lord was making is this: if God is concerned 
about the tiny sparrow and notes its fate, how much greater must 
His concern be for man, who is immeasurably greater in value than 
the sparrow!

         God's Eye Is On Things We Deem Insignificant

    Sometimes it seems that God is the only one who cares for 
sparrows. Cats and birds of prey like to hunt and eat them, and 
little boys have been known to torment them. Adults complain about 
how they multiply and consider them pests. Yet, Jesus said, "not 
one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" 
(Matt. 10:29). It is interesting that Jesus chose the most common 
of all birds to teach a profound truth: in God's eyes, no one is 
insignificant!

    God not only provides food for "the birds of the air," but He 
also "clothes the grass of the field" (Matt. 6:25-34). The "lilies 
of the field" were the scarlet poppies -- they bloomed for only one 
day on the hillsides of Israel, and yet in their brief life they 
were clothed with a beauty which surpassed "Solomon in all his 
glory," and when they died they were "thrown into the oven."

    In the days of our Lord ovens consisted of a clay box set on 
bricks over a fire. When it was desired to rapidly raise the 
temperature of it, some handfuls of dried grasses and wild flowers 
were thrown inside the oven and set alight. The flowers had but one 
day of life; and then they were set alight to help a woman to heat 
an oven when she was baking in a hurry; and yet God clothes them 
with a beauty which is beyond man's power to imitate. If God gives 
such beauty to a short-lived flower, how much more will he care for 
man?

    Surely, the generosity, which is lavished upon a flower for one 
day, will not be forgetful of man, the crown of His creation.

    David was impressed by God's care for us: "When I consider Your 
heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which 
You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the 
son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower 
than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You 
have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You 
have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen -- even the 
beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea 
that pass through the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how 
excellent is Your name in all the earth!" (Psa. 8:3-9).

               God Does Not Always Prevent Evil
                     From Happening To Us

    Though God does provide care for the sparrows, the fact that 
"not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will" 
(Matt. 10:29) means that sometimes bad things can happen. Although 
He watches over the sparrows, this does not prevent them being 
hunted by predators. Although He watches over every one of us, this 
does not mean that our lives will be free from care.

    God had placed a "hedge" around Job (Job 1:8-11), but allowed 
Satan to tempt Job (Job 1:12). In the midst of his trials he did 
not lose his trust in God (Job 1:21). In one of the most beautiful 
passages in the book of Job, we hear Job say of God, "Though He 
slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).

    We can be assured that with every temptation there will also be 
a way of escape. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is 
common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be 
tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also 
make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 
10:13). My brethren, there are no special cases! When you get to 
the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!

                God's Care Continues For Us

    We may not esteem the tiny sparrow, but Jesus used it to 
illustrate our heavenly Father's watchful care: "you are of more 
value than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:31). If God is concerned about 
the tiny sparrow, how much greater must His concern be for man, who 
is immeasurably greater in value than the sparrow!

    There is no place for worry in the life of a sparrow, and no 
attempt stockpile supplies for the future -- yet their lives go on. 
The point Jesus is making is not that the birds do not work; it has 
been said that no one works harder than a sparrow to make a living; 
the point He is making is that they do not worry. Sparrows do not 
strain to see into a future, which they cannot see, and do not seek 
to find security in the things they have accumulated for the 
future.

    Worry is needless, useless and even injurious (Matt. 6:25-32). 
Worry, which wears out the mind also, wears out the body. Worry 
affects our judgment, lessons our powers of decision, and renders 
us progressively incapable of dealing with life. Worry is a 
manifestation of our lack of faith in God (Matt. 6:30). We need to 
learn to be content (Phil. 4:4-13).

    In the midst of turbulent times Habakkuk said, "Though the fig 
tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor 
of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the 
flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls 
-- Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my 
salvation" (Hab. 3:17-18).

    God's continued care for us should bring contentment in our 
lives. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we 
brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry 
nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be 
content" (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

                         Conclusion

    In 1904, a songwriter, Mrs. Civilla Martin, went to visit a 
bedridden friend in Elmira, New York. Mrs. Martin asked the woman 
if she ever got discouraged because of her physical condition. Her 
friend quickly responded: "Mrs. Martin, how can I be discouraged 
when my heavenly Father watches over each little sparrow and I know 
He loves and cares for me?"

    On her journey back home, Mrs. Martin completed the writing of 
her new text, which has since been a source of much encouragement 
to many of God's people:

         Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows 
    come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heaven 
    and home, when Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is 
    He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

         "Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I 
    hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and 
    fears; though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may 
    see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches 
    me...

         Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when 
    song gives place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I 
    draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye 
    is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me...

    God's care for us is immeasurable -- He allowed His only 
begotten Son to die in our stead (John 3:16). When we consider the 
"riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering" this ought 
to soften our heart, "knowing that the goodness of God leads you to 
repentance" (Rom. 2:3-4).

    God's care for us will sustain us throughout life, for "we know 
that all things work together for good to those who love God, to 
those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).

    God's care for us extends beyond the grave and into that home 
of the soul, for those who "do His commandments" have the right to 
the tree of life, and "may enter in through the gates into the 
city" (Rev. 22:14).

            -- Via http://www.padfield.com/2001/sparrow.html
____________________________________________________

          MYRTLE STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST
                 1022 Myrtle Street
              Denham Springs, LA  70726
                   (225) 664-8208
         Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM
                 Wednesday: 7:00 PM
    evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520
            e-mail: tedwards at onemain.com      
    web site: http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go
____________________________________________________



From harperwest at yahoo.com  Mon Feb  4 14:23:56 2008
From: harperwest at yahoo.com (Steven C. Harper)
Date: Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:23:56 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] FW: REAL AMBER ALERT
In-Reply-To: <BAY142-W270794431CB57ADF78EC8793300@phx.gbl>
References: <275241.55220.qm@web82101.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
	<BAY142-W270794431CB57ADF78EC8793300@phx.gbl>
Message-ID: <47A7745B.7050100@yahoo.com>

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From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com  Mon Feb  4 17:52:29 2008
From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry)
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 18:52:29 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] S:> The Moment of Truth
Message-ID: <BAY132-DAV13D1241F4C5178A16C5859B2330@phx.gbl>

http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html

                        The Moment of Truth

I. Introduction
   A. Thanks to our nation's moral depravity and the writer's 
      strike, a new "game" show on television: "The Moment of 
      Truth"
   B. Show concept
      1. Contestants answer 100 questions while attached to a lie 
         detector
      2. They are later brought on the show, and are asked any of 
         the 100 questions
      3. If they answer truly, they continue on; if they answer 
         falsely, they lose
      4. Potential to win anything from $10,000 to $500,000, 
         depending on number of questions answered
      5. Family and friends are also brought on to watch the 
         proceedings
   C. What people will be willing to do for money!
   D. Nevertheless, the show and its concept can help us understand 
      much about humanity and God's wisdom in the Scriptures
   E. Let us consider this today

II. Devotion to Money
   A. The first thing the show illustrates is the blinding desire 
      for money
      1. Think of it-- answer 100 questions honestly, get a half a 
         million dollars!
      2. The rub, however, is within the questions!
   B. The questions are not easy-- they dig into the deepest 
      recesses of people and their histories
      1. Most of the contestants have not been fully truthful with 
         their friends, family members, and others
      2. Sometimes, no doubt, the contestants themselves don't want 
         to come to terms with the full truth!
   C. In the end, there will be great consequences for gaining the 
      money
      1. Sure, you might get rich...
      2. ...but in the process alienate your family and loved ones, 
         lose your job, or perhaps even face criminal proceedings!
   D. It just goes to show how devoted some people are to money-- 
      it does not matter what gets lost as long as money is 
      obtained!
      1. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 indeed!
      2. What good is the money if you have nothing left to show 
         for yourself?
      3. If your spouse leaves, your family is mad, your boss fires 
         you, and everyone in the world knows the inner recesses of 
         your being, you're going to need that money!
   E. Yet what people on this show do rather outwardly and 
      explicitly is being done by thousands more throughout the 
      world!
      1. Not everyone devoted to money goes on game shows!
      2. Many work and work, have no time for family or friends, 
         and ends up being a stranger to everyone
      3. Many are willing to engage in any practice, legal or 
         illegal, to gain more money
      4. Love of money is destroying households everywhere!
   F. Not limited to money
      1. It's not just money that has become an idol for people 
         (cf. Ephesians 5:3-5)
      2. Drugs, sex, fame-- there are people who are so focused 
         and devoted to these things that they end up losing
         everything else in their lives!
   G. There is only one thing worth devoting your life to obtaining
      1. Matthew 13:44-46
      2. Matthew 16:24-26
      3. The Kingdom of God is the only thing worth losing friends, 
         family, and everything else in life to obtain, for it is 
         the only thing that will truly endure (2 Peter 3:9-12)
   H. Why should you devote your life to things that will not last 
      and that cannot truly please?

III. The Moment of Truth
   A. Perhaps the greatest lesson we can gain comes from the show's 
      concept: the moment of truth
      1. This is the time when all the secrets in the inner recess 
         of the heart are exposed
      2. This is the moment when the person, and those who love 
         him or her, must be confronted with the ultimate reality
   B. You may never go on this television show, but you will have 
      your own moment of truth!
   C. The Scriptures teach regarding the upcoming Judgment Day!
      1. Matthew 12:35-36
      2. Matthew 25:31-46
      3. Acts 17:30-31
      4. Romans 2:5-10
      5. Revelation 20:11-15
   D. Yes, indeed, all people must look forward to the day when 
      they will be called into account for their words and deeds!
   E. What do you think about that day?
      1. What are the deepest, darkest secrets that you hold to 
         dearly?
      2. They very well might be exposed before all!
      3. Do not be deceived-- that day is coming, and we will all 
         have to render our accounts!

IV. Preparation for the Judgment Day
   A. Knowing, therefore, that a day of reckoning is coming, how 
      shall we prepare for it?
   B. For Christians, confession!
      1. 1 John 1:9
      2. Confession not a popular concept, since it requires 
         facing one's sins and difficulties head on
      3. What is not confessed now may be exposed later 
         (Ephesians 5:7-15)
      4. If we are willing to come face to face with our sins and 
         failings, we may avoid shame and embarrassment on the 
         Judgment day!
  C. For unbelievers, believing in the Gospel and obeying Jesus!
      1. Ephesians 5:5-6 is clear: punishment will come upon the 
         sons of disobedience!
      2. You can try to hide, deceive yourself, or look the other 
         way, but God's light will expose your darkness on that 
         day!
      3. The solution is quite simple: turn from disobedience 
         and become as an obedient son!
   D. The moment of truth may come upon you at any time-- make 
      your life right with God today!

Ethan R. Longhenry/ disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio
 (http://www.norwalkchurch.org)
Website: http://www.deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ#: 28317056
MSN Messenger ID: deusvitae at hotmail.com
Yahoo! Messenger ID: discipuliiesus

Subscribe to Good News for Norwalk!
goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org

From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Tue Feb  5 05:18:46 2008
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 06:18:46 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) HOW GREAT THOU ART!
Message-ID: <d5c.1b6d061c.34d9a016@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Tuesday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here is an article from my recent files:

HOW GREAT THOU ART!

     We use the word "great" almost as often as we do the word "love."  "That 
was a great game."  "Have a great day."
"What a great sermon."  Well, maybe not that last one.  But
we do use the word a lot.

     Yet no One is more worthy of such a description than our
Great God.  Just because we have diluted the term to cover
anything from all-time athletes to Frosted Flakes, that does
not change the magnitude of His might, the greatness of His
goodness.  The Psalmist surely thought He was  great:  "For
great is the Lord and greatly to be praised" (Psa. 96:4), and
"His greatness is unsearchable" (Psa. 145:3).  God is not only
great.  He is the greatest.

     I love to hear my children sing in the worship service.
Morgan is able to read now, so she can follow along with just
about any song.  But David is at the mercy of the song lead-
er; he can only sing the ones he's heard before.  So if it's
Hallelujah! Praise Jehovah! or I Know That My Redeemer
Lives, he seizes the opportunity and lets it all out.  Some-
times, I just stop and listen to these beautiful sounds coming
straight from their beautiful hearts.  It's great.

     Singing gives every child of the Father a voice, one He
delights in hearing.  It allows us to express our emotions, to
pour out our souls, to join the words of our mouths with the
melodies of our hearts.  It helps us learn new truths and better appreciate 
old ones.  It's something we can do anywhe-
re at any time.  Whether we're happy or sad, peaceful or anx-
ious, int the pew or in the car, one thing will never change.
"Then Sings My Soul, My Savior God To Thee, How Great
Thou Art, How Great Thou Art!"

     Just how great is God?  Let Psalm 19 speak for Him.

His Creation Announces Him: -- "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; 
and their expanse is declaring the work of
His hands" (Psa. 19:1).  A homebuilder may carve his name
in the brick or concrete.  A composer or film maker may be
known by some trademark.  But the Lord has left His finger-
prints on every page of creation, and His world clearly testi-
fies to the might and authority of their Maker.  Someone might wonder while 
looking at a sunset, "How can anyone see
that and not believe in God?"  That's what it was designed to
do.  While people in the world deny His existence, the world
itself will not let them.

     This is still our Father's world.  No matter how far men flee
from Him, He remains in control and over all.  He who "placed
a tent for the sun" orchestrates its rising from one end of the
heavens to the other (Psa. 19:4-6) is still concerned about
what's going on in my corner of the world.  Look around.  List-
en.  This part of the song doesn't require words.  That's how
great God is.

His Word Reveals Him: -- The Word of God is an expression
not only of His Will but of His character (Psa. 19:7-9).  It is
"perfect" because it comes from a blameless Lawgiver.  It is
"sure" because He who spoke it is unchangeable.  Its effect
is "rejoicing the heart" because of His desire for all men to
experience the joy of His salvation.  Its "commandment" is a
demonstration of His authority to rule and legislate.  It is "end-
uring forever," fixed and firm as His eternal throne.  Its "judg-
ments" are "true" and "righteous altogether" for they flow 
from His ancient and infinite wisdom.  The Lord wants us to
know the truth.  But he also wants us to know Him who stands behind it.

     A God who is clearly seen through the eyes of His world
is intimately identified in the pages of His Word.  He is not far
away; He is not difficult to find.  He has not left us to discover
hidden meanings or uncover secret clues.  He has expressed
His Will plainly so that His creation can have a relationship
with their Creator.  That ought to cause us to value His Word
"more desirable than gold" and sweeter than "the drippings
of the honeycomb" (Psa. 19:10).  It is the source of true treas-
ure and satisfaction.  What else could come from such a great God?

His People Are Perfected By Him: -- David, the sweet singer
of Israel, was not immune to sin.  He concluded his psalm with a prayer for 
deliverance from "hidden faults," "presump-
tuous sns," and "great transgression" (Psa. 19:11-14).  Even
the shepherd-king of Israel went astray.  But the world and
the Word were constant reminders of the glory of God and
the law of the Lord.  They pointed him back to his goal.

     The result of following the Lord's will is a transformation
into His image.  "Then I shall be blameless" (Psa. 19:13) is an
aim that we grow closer to achieving only as we grow closer
to God.  He has revealed Himself to man so that we can be-
come more like Him who created and redeemed us.  We are
to "be perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:
48).  It is just one more way for those in the world to see God.
They can know that He is alive in the lives of His people.  Our
goodness is a reflection of His greatness.

     Indeed, how great Thou art!  Let us sing and make melody
to Him with a grateful heart.  ------- Bubba Garner via Gospel
Power, Vol. 15, No. 4, Jan. 27, 2008.   </HTML>
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Tue Feb  5 05:18:56 2008
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 06:18:56 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (6)
Message-ID: <cf4.20836517.34d9a020@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is the sixth install-
ment in this series.  Use to the glory of God.

A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (6)

     Why have not all these things been taken into considerat-
ion by our super-exegetes and scholars?  It is certain there-
fore that the language of Gen. 15:6 and Rom. 4:3, does not
refer to the justification of an alien sinner, and they greatly
err who so apply it.  It is true that Paul was trying to convince
the Jews that this justification happened before the giving of
the law, but he was using this well known fact to offset their
claim that a person had to be circumcised after the manner of
Moses, or he could not be saved.  Their own father Abraham,
of whom they boasted, would be cut off by their arguments
for the law.

Romans 4:4 -- Paul is not condemning salvation by works in
this verse; he is merely stating a truth.  We can rest assured
that if we could so work as to bring God into our debt, to the
extent of our salvation, He woud pay that debt.  But for that
to be true, a person' work would have to be perfect -- he would have to so 
live as to never sin, never incur any guilt.
But if a man sins once, salvation can never come to him as a
matter of debt.  Such a man can never be justified by works
of law.  He needs forgiveness, and the law does not forgive; it
condemns.  No perfection of works will blot out, or forgive, a
sin already committed, nor make void the grace in the forgive-
ness of that sin.

     Much random talk has been uttered in respect to this Vs. 4
and much of it is very hurtful.  It has been made to do service
in an effort to prove that a sinner could do nothing in order to
be saved.  Paul had no such point in view.  If we keep in mind
his argument, all along the line in the context, we wil have no
trouble in seeing his point; but if we switch his language from
his line of argument and make his language refer to the con-
ditions on which pardon is offered to an alien sinner, we mis-
represent him and lose ourselves in the confusion of our own
notions.  

Romans 4:5 -- Note that Paul says nothing about "the one who depends on 
works," nor "the one who depends not on
works."  He speaks of the one who works and the one who
does not work.  Works, in both verses 4,5, must have the same significance, 
for Paul had not changed his subject.  Only perfect works, works without any 
guilt of sin, can bring
salvation as a debt.  The one "who worketh" is, therefore, the
one whose works are so perfect that he has no guilt of sin.
But no one has so lived.  Hence, to the one whose works is
not perfect, but who believes in Jesus Christ, God reckons,
or counts his faith in the direction of righteousness.  Certain-
ly, in no place or in any way, does Paul say that God makes
a person righteous that will not obey Him.  If so, he puts a
premium on the very thing from which the gospel is intended
to save, and contradicts other things, said by him.  (More will
be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS).   </HTML>
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From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net  Tue Feb  5 13:44:52 2008
From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn)
Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 13:44:52 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 15.2 Feb, 2008 Available
Message-ID: <ADEOIPIDBEJAHDNEBCJLGEPCCPAA.jwquinn@sbcglobal.net>

In our 15th year of publication (1994-2008)

Expository Files - February 2008

**Our 169th 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 15.2; February 2008
Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn

----------------------------------------------------------
This month's issue contains:

The Lord Is Patient
The Front Page
By Jon W. Quinn

In the Faith, Jesus In You
"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith..."
2 Corinthians 13:5
By Jon W. Quinn

Grace and Works, Knowledge and Salvation
2 Peter 1:1-11
By Ethan R. Longhenry

"Confidence In The Flesh"
Philippians 3:4
By Warren E. Berkley

Why The Gospel Is Important
Galatians 1
By Jay Taylor

The Final Seven Things
Topical Study
By Jon W. Quinn

Plan of Salvation

The Final Page 15.2
Come On Sisters, Get It Worked Out Quickly!
Philippians 4:2
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 carlopeterson at gmail.com  Tue Feb  5 17:40:34 2008
From: carlopeterson at gmail.com (Carl Peterson)
Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2008 18:40:34 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] R: Information on use of "Amen"
Message-ID: <389B3D53-1DE0-445A-8A8C-DF6612DACCCC@gmail.com>

All,

I'm preparing a sermon for a couple of weeks from now in which I make  
a point about the use of the word "Amen" at the end of a prayer. I'd  
appreciate any information on a person saying "Amen" to close their  
prayer -- what it meant/means, what it signifies, etc. Please send  
the info privately.

Thanks in advance,

Carl Peterson

From frank.chumley at comcast.net  Wed Feb  6 11:10:31 2008
From: frank.chumley at comcast.net (Frank Chumley)
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 11:10:31 -0600
Subject: [Biblemat] Frank Chumley Update
Message-ID: <002d01c868e3$2ef80450$6501a8c0@toshibauser>

On February 4, I had a colonoscopy.  The doctor removed a polyp which he feels is cancerous.  He sent it off for a biopsy and will report the findings to my primary care physician and my oncologist.

I go tomorrow for the CT Scans of my brain, chest, and abdomen and I will also have a PET scan.

I meet with the oncologist, Dr. Barnes, on Friday, February 15th to discuss the results from these tests and the recommended treatment.  

I am so thankful for all the support through phone calls, emails, cards, visits and prayers lifted on my behalf.  Please continue to remember me, my family, and the medical staff as we seek to address these issues.  

In Him,

Frank Chumley
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From lovelace.bob at gmail.com  Mon Feb  4 14:49:46 2008
From: lovelace.bob at gmail.com (Bob Lovelace)
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2008 13:49:46 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] I'm Mr. Positive! (Bob Lovelace)
Message-ID: <3f3d53410802041249r565a4659ge0f4e54c580c3db3@mail.gmail.com>

*The Truth In Print, Vol. 14 Issue 1, Feb. 2008*
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)
email: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

**



   *Selected Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church Of Christ***





   Dear reader the following bold headings are selected articles that
appeared in our local newspaper the Yuma Sun. The intent of these articles
is that each shows a love for and desire to present the Truth without
incorporating the emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies
today. The first of four articles titled "I'm Mr. Positive!" bespeaks of the
empty, vain, teaching and preaching done today by popular speakers who serve
themselves and not the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:17). Consider that the
last three articles aim at giving concerned people some idea of what Jesus
really did say. We encourage you to read each of scriptures referenced to
understand your own accountability (Jo. 12:48; Matt. 7:21-27).



*I'm Mr. Positive!  *



   Many are preaching in such a way that there is no scriptural definition
of who a Christian truly is.  Mr. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) can avoid
every probing question as to soundness in teaching and love for truth with,
"You've got to understand, I'm just being me in being totally positive in my
message." With that pleasing tone of voice and million dollar smile he adds,
"You see this is the real me, the way God made me." Whoever he might be he
can apply his answer to all questions that might be asked him:


1. Question: Why don't you use scripture in your lessons, after all this is
what is required of preachers and teachers (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-5)? A
corresponding to the above reply would go something like this: "You know
that's not in me. I mean, I just try to be positive and talk about things
people enjoy."

2. Questions: Why don't you rebuke sinful conduct? You don't teach the
necessity of repentance that must precede obedience as the apostles did, why
not? (cf. Lk. 13:3, Acts 2:37-38, Rev. 3:14-19)? A corresponding reply would
have similar meaning to: "You know I'm just me, Mr. PMA! That's not my
ministry and there are others who do a much better job with that kind of
thing I'm sure." What he's sure of is that he's not about to preach the
whole counsel of God and turn away contributors! (Read carefully I Th.
2:3-8, Acts 20:25-32). How cleaver the liars who hide true motives
concerning their love of riches, fame, and power behind "I'm Mr. PMA!" To
read an article on this sinful positive attitude philosophy go to ~

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/pma.html  .



*The Majority Know "Another" Jesus*



   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and
different gospel, Paul said (2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  To give you some idea of how
little people do know about Jesus and what He really said consider the below
applications from the gospel of John:

1. John 3:18-21. This follows John 3:16 which everyone can quote. The reason
for not accepting Christ's word is you love darkness rather than Light. The
motive for not coming is your fear that your evil deeds will be identified
for what they really are!

2. John 4:17-18. That someone who is just living with you is not your
husband and you are fornicators!

3. John 5:44. Your mutual backslappers club that loves the praise of man
more than God will never get honor from God!

4. John 8:31-32. Those who tell you that you cannot know the truth are the
liars!

5. John 6:26. You are coming for the food and your own selfish desires and
God knows it!

6. John 7:24. When will you quit judging by appearance, emotion and worldly
standards? When you ignore God's word, justice is never upheld, the wicked
surround the righteous and justice comes out perverted!

7. John 9:41. Quit saying that you understand God's word for you don't
accept it when you hear it!

8. John 14:24. Who in the world told you that the fact you don't keep My
words does not prove that you do not love Me? (cp. Jo. 14:15, I Jo. 2:3-5)

9. John 15:22. You have no pretense (excuse) for your sin because you have
heard My word!



*The Majority Know "Another" Jesus #2*



   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and
different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  It is possible for one
to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view
of Jesus. To know the real Jesus read carefully the Gospels for yourself.
Here's a start:

1. Luke 6:43-45. Bad conduct comes from an evil heart. Only flatterers and
those who stand to gain for themselves blame alcohol, drugs and "addictions"
for one's bad conduct (cp. Rom. 6:16).

2. Luke 6:46-49. You hypocrite! While praising Jesus as Lord you please
yourself and do not do what He says.

3. Luke 8:4-15. You chocked His Word! His word is not in your life and you
will be lost for putting the activities of life, your riches, and the
pleasures of the world first before Him.

4. Luke 13:1-5.* *Quit talking about those whom you think represent the ones
going to hell. Realize that you are going to hell if you don't study His
word, repent and obey!  (cf. Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-41; I Cor. 6:8-10; 2
Th. 1:7-10)

5. LK. 11:42-44. The human tradition you obey causes you to despise Christ's
justice, and the true love of God that rebukes and convicts the sinner! You
love the praise man gives more than you love God (cp. Jo. 12:43; Rev. 3:19).

6. Lk. 11:45-52. You say you are insulted. Here's more! You have locked the
door to salvation by your human tradition. You allow others the wickedness
you yourself partake of, and you work hard to keep others from truly
repenting and obeying the Gospel!



*The Majority Know "Another" Jesus #3*



   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and
different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  It is possible for one
to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view
of Jesus. Read the Gospels for yourself. Here's a start with applications
from Matthew:

1. Matt. 15:19. Homosexuality is sin.  Jesus' condemnation of "fornications"
includes illicit sexual intercourse such as adultery, fornication,
homosexuality, lesbianism, and intercourse with animals!

2. Matt. 19:3-9. You do not have a right before God to do as you like by
divorcing your mate for just any reason. To do so "except for fornication"
and marry another is to commit adultery, and whoever marries the one who is
put away commits adultery!

3. Matt. 28:18-20. Jesus has "all" authority. "All" means "all"! Being
"multi-faith" is not a possibility with Christ! Some tolerate fools who make
statements about "inter-faith" possibilities being exciting!

4. Matt. 28:18-20. If you have not been baptized into Christ for the
remission of your sins you are not yet saved! The point at which Christians
equally share in having forgiveness of sins and blessings "in Christ" is
their obedience in baptism as a result of their own faith in His word (cf.
Rom. 10:17; Gal. 3:26-27;I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38-42).

5. Matt. 22:21. The local church acting collectively has no business in
politics and the government has no business telling the church what to
believe and practice! The church is in the business of saving souls! (cf. 1
Tim. 3:15; I Cor. 14:26)



Note: You may also read the entire three "The Majority Know Another Jesus"
at ~

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/anotherjesus.htm  .







------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

email: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
-------------- next part --------------
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From lovelace.bob at gmail.com  Wed Feb  6 14:25:33 2008
From: lovelace.bob at gmail.com (Bob Lovelace)
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 13:25:33 -0700
Subject: [Biblemat] I'm Mr. Positive! (Bob W. Lovelace)
Message-ID: <3f3d53410802061225k62ac03deoe7770deaf12eb731@mail.gmail.com>

*The Truth In Print, Vol. 14 Issue 1, Feb. 2008*
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)
email: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

**



   *Selected Newspaper Articles From The Valley Church Of Christ***





   Dear reader the following bold headings are selected articles that
appeared in our local newspaper the Yuma Sun. The intent of these articles
is that each shows a love for and desire to present the Truth without
incorporating the emotional flavor so popular with other religious bodies
today. The first of four articles titled "I'm Mr. Positive!" bespeaks of the
empty, vain, teaching and preaching done today by popular speakers who serve
themselves and not the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 16:17). Consider that the
last three articles aim at giving concerned people some idea of what Jesus
really did say. We encourage you to read each of scriptures referenced to
understand your own accountability (Jo. 12:48; Matt. 7:21-27).



*I'm Mr. Positive!  *



   Many are preaching in such a way that there is no scriptural definition
of who a Christian truly is.  Mr. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) can avoid
every probing question as to soundness in teaching and love for truth with,
"You've got to understand, I'm just being me in being totally positive in my
message." With that pleasing tone of voice and million dollar smile he adds,
"You see this is the real me, the way God made me." Whoever he might be he
can apply his answer to all questions that might be asked him:


1. Question: Why don't you use scripture in your lessons, after all this is
what is required of preachers and teachers (cf. 2 Tim. 4:1-5)? A
corresponding to the above reply would go something like this: "You know
that's not in me. I mean, I just try to be positive and talk about things
people enjoy."

2. Questions: Why don't you rebuke sinful conduct? You don't teach the
necessity of repentance that must precede obedience as the apostles did, why
not? (cf. Lk. 13:3, Acts 2:37-38, Rev. 3:14-19)? A corresponding reply would
have similar meaning to: "You know I'm just me, Mr. PMA! That's not my
ministry and there are others who do a much better job with that kind of
thing I'm sure." What he's sure of is that he's not about to preach the
whole counsel of God and turn away contributors! (Read carefully I Th.
2:3-8, Acts 20:25-32). How cleaver the liars who hide true motives
concerning their love of riches, fame, and power behind "I'm Mr. PMA!" To
read an article on this sinful positive attitude philosophy go to ~

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/pma.html  .



*The Majority Know "Another" Jesus*



   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and
different gospel, Paul said (2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  To give you some idea of how
little people do know about Jesus and what He really said consider the below
applications from the gospel of John:

1. John 3:18-21. This follows John 3:16 which everyone can quote. The reason
for not accepting Christ's word is you love darkness rather than Light. The
motive for not coming is your fear that your evil deeds will be identified
for what they really are!

2. John 4:17-18. That someone who is just living with you is not your
husband and you are fornicators!

3. John 5:44. Your mutual backslappers club that loves the praise of man
more than God will never get honor from God!

4. John 8:31-32. Those who tell you that you cannot know the truth are the
liars!

5. John 6:26. You are coming for the food and your own selfish desires and
God knows it!

6. John 7:24. When will you quit judging by appearance, emotion and worldly
standards? When you ignore God's word, justice is never upheld, the wicked
surround the righteous and justice comes out perverted!

7. John 9:41. Quit saying that you understand God's word for you don't
accept it when you hear it!

8. John 14:24. Who in the world told you that the fact you don't keep My
words does not prove that you do not love Me? (cp. Jo. 14:15, I Jo. 2:3-5)

9. John 15:22. You have no pretense (excuse) for your sin because you have
heard My word!



*The Majority Know "Another" Jesus #2*



   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and
different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  It is possible for one
to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view
of Jesus. To know the real Jesus read carefully the Gospels for yourself.
Here's a start:

1. Luke 6:43-45. Bad conduct comes from an evil heart. Only flatterers and
those who stand to gain for themselves blame alcohol, drugs and "addictions"
for one's bad conduct (cp. Rom. 6:16).

2. Luke 6:46-49. You hypocrite! While praising Jesus as Lord you please
yourself and do not do what He says.

3. Luke 8:4-15. You chocked His Word! His word is not in your life and you
will be lost for putting the activities of life, your riches, and the
pleasures of the world first before Him.

4. Luke 13:1-5.* *Quit talking about those whom you think represent the ones
going to hell. Realize that you are going to hell if you don't study His
word, repent and obey!  (cf. Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-41; I Cor. 6:8-10; 2
Th. 1:7-10)

5. LK. 11:42-44. The human tradition you obey causes you to despise Christ's
justice, and the true love of God that rebukes and convicts the sinner! You
love the praise man gives more than you love God (cp. Jo. 12:43; Rev. 3:19).

6. Lk. 11:45-52. You say you are insulted. Here's more! You have locked the
door to salvation by your human tradition. You allow others the wickedness
you yourself partake of, and you work hard to keep others from truly
repenting and obeying the Gospel!



*The Majority Know "Another" Jesus #3*



   The church at Corinth gladly tolerated fools who taught another Jesus and
different gospel, Paul said (cf. 2 Cor. 11:4, 19).  It is possible for one
to read the trifling literature of fools and possess a completely false view
of Jesus. Read the Gospels for yourself. Here's a start with applications
from Matthew:

1. Matt. 15:19. Homosexuality is sin.  Jesus' condemnation of "fornications"
includes illicit sexual intercourse such as adultery, fornication,
homosexuality, lesbianism, and intercourse with animals!

2. Matt. 19:3-9. You do not have a right before God to do as you like by
divorcing your mate for just any reason. To do so "except for fornication"
and marry another is to commit adultery, and whoever marries the one who is
put away commits adultery!

3. Matt. 28:18-20. Jesus has "all" authority. "All" means "all"! Being
"multi-faith" is not a possibility with Christ! Some tolerate fools who make
statements about "inter-faith" possibilities being exciting!

4. Matt. 28:18-20. If you have not been baptized into Christ for the
remission of your sins you are not yet saved! The point at which Christians
equally share in having forgiveness of sins and blessings "in Christ" is
their obedience in baptism as a result of their own faith in His word (cf.
Rom. 10:17; Gal. 3:26-27;I Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38-42).

5. Matt. 22:21. The local church acting collectively has no business in
politics and the government has no business telling the church what to
believe and practice! The church is in the business of saving souls! (cf. 1
Tim. 3:15; I Cor. 14:26)



Note: You may also read the entire three "The Majority Know Another Jesus"
at ~

http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/anotherjesus.htm  .







------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To learn more call, visit or visit our website at:

email: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
-------------- next part --------------
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From kerux at bellsouth.net  Wed Feb  6 15:06:57 2008
From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton)
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 16:06:57 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] A>These Things Do (Kent Heaton)
Message-ID: <009501c86904$383a9c50$0101a8c0@D2381J91>

These Things Do

(Kent Heaton)

 

Our lives have a great impact on those we come in contact with. When our example is positive, good things are seen. If we falter in our steps, the impact is lasting. It is difficult to maintain a proper example at all times and when we know that people are watching us closely, it becomes even more treacherous. Not being filled with pride but confidence in the example he strove to place before men, Paul exhorted his brethren on numerous occasions to imitate him (1 Corinthians 4:6; 10:33; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9). He did not seek for men to see Paul but rather Christ living in Paul. "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).

 

Writing to the saints in Philippi, Paul laid out a four-point plan to follow his example. "The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:9). The example of Paul was not reserved but active. He had taught these brethren the good news of salvation (Acts 16) and wanted them to continue in the model he set before them as a teacher, apostle, guide and example. It was a bold charge but governed by the pattern of Jesus Christ.

 

As a teacher, he had instructed Lydia and her household on the banks of the river. A great conversion was found in the jailor of Philippi and his household. This teaching continued as Paul enjoyed the spiritual feast of new converts teaching them daily. His exhortation in the letter of Philippians was to continue to "grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). The continued efforts of teaching would help them to be "rooted and built up in [Christ] and established in the faith, as [they] had been taught" (Colossians 2:7). Continual learning is necessary for every Christian to seek. 

 

The things they had received were words of God. As an apostle, Paul brought the pure word of the gospel. He wanted the brethren to be like those at Thessalonica who received the word of God; "not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Their faith must rest upon the truths of God's divine will. They must accept the things received of Paul as the mind of God revealed to man. Establishing their faith on the teachings of God will bring them the peace of God.

 

Hearing is personal. Paul had given his heart and soul to teach the good news of salvation and he wanted their ears to still ring with the joy of salvation. "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). The apostle wanted them to do the things which they heard. James explains the need of hearing and doing in James 1:21,22. "Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers."

 

The final exhortation was the most difficult - practice the things they had seen in Paul. The apostle knew the challenge but felt confident in the exhortation. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). The challenge for us is to live in such a way that we can exhort others to practice what they see in our lives. Can they follow our teaching, example and faith as we have in Christ? 

 

 

Kent Heaton
207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida 32693
(H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793
(C) 352-283-3889
www.trentonchurchofchrist.com
www.northfloridabiblecamp.com
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From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com  Wed Feb  6 21:37:47 2008
From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry)
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 22:37:47 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Gentleness and Meekness
Message-ID: <BAY132-DAV741306C5C2A4012D0EF63B22E0@phx.gbl>

http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html

                   Gentleness and Meekness

I. Introduction
   A. Matthew 11:29
      1. Famous line of Jesus
      2. Indication of Him being "gentle", or "meek"
   B. Being gentle and meek commanded of us as Christians
      1. Galatians 5:23
      2. Colossians 3:12
      3. Ephesians 4:2
   C. Gentleness and meekness often misunderstood attributes
      1. Some negative connotations attached to them
      2. What do the Scriptures teach?

II. Myths About Gentleness and Meekness
   A. Society is responsible for producing many myths about 
      gentleness and meekness
      1. Understandable-- the world normally does not work this way!
      2. In society, the gentle and the meek get stomped on by the 
         violent and aggressive!
   B. Myth: Gentle people are that way because they are weak
      1. This idea comes from many of those who glory in displays of 
         physical strength
      2. It is reasoned, after all, that if they did have power, they 
         would not be gentle
      3. Yet Jesus of Nazareth commanded all power in the universe, 
         and was able to change the weather (Matthew 14:32-34), and 
         He was gentle as a Lamb (Matthew 11:29)
   C. Myth: Gentle men are wimps or sissies
      1. Something akin to above
      2. Gentleness seen as a "feminine" virtue
      3. If men are gentle, they are seen as sissies, effeminate, 
         or worse
      4. Again we appeal to Jesus-- no doubt a man, at opportunities 
         quite forceful (cf. John 2:15ff), yet was gentle and 
         compassionate to others (Matthew 11:29)
   D. Myth: Meekness means that you are a pushover
      1. This myth is based in the understanding of the term in 
         modern society
      2. In modern terms, "meek" is not very good indeed!
      3. The previous history of the word (along with the Greek 
         equivalent) denotes something quite different
      4. Mild of temper; soft; gentle; not easily provoked or 
         irritated; yielding; given to forbearance under injuries
         (Webster's)
      5. In short, "power under control"
      6. Such is why the meek will "inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5)!
      7. They win over not by force or pressure, but by humility and 
         ability to keep themselves under control even in difficult 
         circumstances!
   E. We can see, then, that the myths surrounding the concepts of 
      gentleness and meekness are off-base
      1. Nevertheless, many base their understandings on the myths
      2. Such is why gentleness and meekness are not often considered 
         necessary virtues to have
      3. Sure, people give lip service to gentleness and meekness..
      4. ...but the strong-willed, aggressive, combative people seem 
         to win out the day!

III. The Value of Gentleness and Meekness
   A. Since these virtues are so rarely truly respected, what is 
      their value?
   B. The Scriptures indicate that their value is great
   C. Value in working with others
      1. Gentleness and meekness allow us to work together properly
      2. Ephesians 4:1-2
      3. Paul's desired means: 1 Corinthians 4:21, 2 Corinthians 10:1
      4. We appreciate it more when others are gentle with us-- 
         Luke 6:31!
   D. Value in promoting God's truth
      1. Without it, we cannot properly represent God's truth to 
         mankind!
      2. 2 Timothy 2:24-26: to those contrary
      3. 1 Peter 3:15-16: in all defenses of truth
   E. Value in restoring brethren who have left the truth
      1. Galatians 6:1
      2. A spirit of gentleness will be more effective with the soft 
         heart than a rod of harshness!
   F. Value to the true servant of God
      1. The servant of God sees through the world's view of 
         gentleness and meekness and understands its great spiritual 
         power (James 1:21)
      2. James 3:13, 17
      3. Colossians 3:12, 1 Timothy 6:11, Titus 3:2
      4. Characteristic of elders: 1 Timothy 3:3
   G. The gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in God's sight 
      (1 Peter 3:4)!

IV. Being Gentle and Meek
   A. We can see, therefore, the truth and the value of gentleness 
      and meekness
   B. How are we to be meek and gentle?
   C. Containing anger (Titus 3:2)
      1. While we often vent anger, gentle and meek people will not 
         do so destructively
      2. They will reflect on their feelings and strive to resolve 
         differences more peaceably
   D. Speaking with others with encouragement (cf. Ephesians 4:29)
      1. Harshness rarely gets people very far!
      2. But speaking gently but firmly, indicating God's truths, 
         can be beneficial (1 Peter 3:15)
   E. Gentleness and meekness goes along with love, humility, 
      peace, and other characteristics
      1. If we truly love one another, we will be gentle with one 
         another
      2. If we are humble, it is easy to be meek
   F. We seem to understand what gentleness and meekness requires-- 
      it is a question of whether we are working on cultivating 
      these attributes, along with the others that work together 
      for God's good purposes (cf. Galatians 5:22-24)!

V. Conclusion
   A. We have investigated gentleness and meekness
   B. We have seen some of the myths associated with them
   C. We have seen that even if they are unpopular in the world, 
      they have great spiritual value!
   D. Gentleness and meekness go along with other attributes, and 
      work to show love, humility, and to bring peace and joy
   E. Let us be, as Jesus, meek and gentle!
   F. Invitation/songbook

Ethan R. Longhenry/ disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio
 (http://www.norwalkchurch.org)
Website: http://www.deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ#: 28317056
MSN Messenger ID: deusvitae at hotmail.com
Yahoo! Messenger ID: discipuliiesus

Subscribe to Good News for Norwalk!
goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org

From carlopeterson at gmail.com  Wed Feb  6 22:18:10 2008
From: carlopeterson at gmail.com (Carl Peterson)
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 23:18:10 -0500
Subject: [Biblemat] Clarification on "Amen" Request
Message-ID: <54FD8E72-3492-4A93-A76A-0D082D944F6C@gmail.com>

I appreciate all those who have responded to my initial request on  
the use of the word "Amen." However, from those requests, I realize I  
wasn't being clear enough on what I needed.

The sermon I'm working on is an analysis of the "Lord's Prayer," as  
found in Matt. 6. I'm characterizing each of the statements in this  
prayer as a type of prayer that we need to pray. For example, the  
statement "Give us this day our daily prayer" is a prayer of  
dependence, showing and recognizing that we are dependent on God for  
even the small things of life, and the statement "as we forgive our  
debtors" is a prayer for a proper attitude, as we often need God to  
help us have a spirit of forgiveness when we are wronged. I am trying  
to find a similar characterization for the "Amen" that appears at the  
end of the prayer.

Thanks all,

Carl Peterson

From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Thu Feb  7 02:39:44 2008
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 03:39:44 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] A) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Message-ID: <d64.1f4013d3.34dc1dd0@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  A very good Thursday
morning to each and everyone.  May God bless you and yours.
Here are a couple of questions and answers from my files:

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

QUESTION: -- God rested from His works on the seventh day
(Saturday), then gave that day as the Sabbath to His people,
the Jews.  Since He did this doesn't He want us to rest on that day and 
worship Him?

ANSWER: -- It is true that God rested from His creating work
on the seventh day (Saturday), as the Bible declares; "And the heavens and 
the earth were finished, and all the host of
them.  And on the seventh day God finished His work which 
He had made; and He rested on the seventh day from all His
work which He had made" (Gen. 2:1,2).  Again, "For in six 
days Jehovah made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that
in them is, and rested the seventh day" (Exo. 20:11).  Also, it
its stated in Heb. 4:4, "And God rested on the seventh day 
from all His works."  But, as we continue to read in Heb. 4, we
find:  There remaineth therefore a sabbath rest for the people
of God.  For he that is entered into his rest hath himself also
rested from his works, as God did from His.  Let us therefore
give diligence to enter into that rest."  The work from which
God rested was that described in Exo. 20:11 (above), the 
creation and forming of the earth to fit it as a home for man-
kind.

     Now to the question:  God did rest from His work, and His
rest continues -- as Heb. 4 shows.  We have not entered into
the "rest" described in Heb. 4, for that is heaven, itself.  Thus
that "rest" in Heb. 4 cannot refer to the seventh day of the
week, (Saturday), nor to any kind of earthly sabbath.  When
we enter the "rest" of Heb. 4, we will do no more work!  That 
is surely not this life, but in heaven with God.

     The Sabbath Day was given to Israel (and to Israel only), as a day of 
rest, and as a holy day, a memorial of their deliver-
ance from bondage in Egypt.  As God told them, "Jehovah our God made a 
covenant with us in Horeb.  Jehovah made 
not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who
are all of us here alive this day...And thou shalt remember that thou wast a 
servant in the land of Egypt, and Jehovah thy God brought thee out thence by a 
mighty hand and by an
outstretched arm: therefore Jehovah thy God commanded 
thee to keep the sabbath day" (Deut. 5:2,3,15).  Thus the 
Sabbath was not given to people before deliverance from Egypt, and it was 
never given to the Gentiles.  Only to the 
children of Israel.

QUESTION: -- Why have church on Sunday?

ANSWER: -- "The Lord says to do it."  The Lord arose on the
first day of the week (Sunday) Mk. 16:1-6.  The church began
on the first day of the week (Sunday) Lev. 23:15,16; Acts 2:1-
47.  The early Christians, guided by the inspired apostles, 
"Came together on the first day of the week (Sunday) to break bread" (Acts 
20:7).  And on the first day of the week,
they were commanded to give as God had prospered them (1
Cor. 16:1,2).  However, the Lord never told us, nor did any of
His inspired apostles, that the first day of the week was a 
sabbath of any kind!  It is not.  It was never called a "holy day".  
     
     For those who insist we should keep the Sabbath today, I
suggest some more study.  The law of the Sabbath, as given
to Israel, specified that no work was to be done.  But that is
not all.  There was to be no fire (Exo. 35:3) and no travel, more than 
three-fourths of a mile was to be done (Exo. 35:2,3; Acts 1:12).  And those who 
violated the law of the 
Sabbath were to be put to death (Exo. 35:2; Num. 15:32-36).
You will not find any such law given to Gentiles, and no such
law in the New Testament of Jesus Christ.  The Sabbath of
Christians is not a day of the week, but, as Heb. 4 shows, an
eternity in heaven with God.   ------ Clem Thurman in Gospel
Minutes, Vol. 57, No. 3, Jan. 18, 2008.   </HTML>
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From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com  Thu Feb  7 02:39:30 2008
From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com)
Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2008 03:39:30 EST
Subject: [Biblemat] S) A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (7)
Message-ID: <bf8.22e0cabf.34dc1dc2@wmconnect.com>

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is the sixth install-
ment of this particular series.  Use to the glory of God.

A COMPARISON OF ROMANS 4 AND JAMES 2:14-26  (7)

     In Rom. 4: 4,5, that we have been studying, Paul did not have
special reference to the salvation of alien sinners, as will be seen
by observing his quotation from David.  The connection in Psa. 32,
from which Paul quotes, shows that David had special reference
to his own forgiveness.  He did not have in mind the forgive-
ness of alien sinners, but the forgiveness of a servant of God.  God counts 
the man righteous, whose sins are forgiven
To such a man the Lord does not reckon sin, because his sins have been 
forgiven, and he is no longer guilty.  Such a
one is righteous.

     PAUL and JAMES:  Now, let us take a look at some state-
ments of both Paul and James.  Paul says, "But to him that
worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly,
his faith is reckoned for righteousness"  Rom. 4:5.  James
says, "Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only
by faith" Jas. 2:24.  Paul says, "For if Abraham was justified
by works, he hath whereof to glory" Rom. 4:2.  James says,
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he
offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?" Jas. 2:21.  Some
have thought that there is a conflict between Paul and James,
but rightly considered there is not even a seeming discrepan-
cy between them.  However, James does flatly contradict the
explanation that is sometimes given to Paul's language here.
But the trouble comes from misunderstanding Paul or misap-plying James, or 
maybe both.

     Paul was talking about works of law; James was talking
about works of faith.  Paul was showing the Judaizing Christ-
ians that no one could be righteous, or justified, by works of
law, for not one kept the law perfectly, and that