From GLClair at aol.com Sun Jun 1 06:53:14 2008 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 07:53:14 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for June 2008 Message-ID: HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ P.O. Box 96 ? 4840 Cemetery Road Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher and Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: 850-7252 Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ==================================================================== Volume 10 Number 6 June 2008 ==================================================================== SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS Sunday: Bible study 9:30 10:30 AM & 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 PM CONTACTS: Building: (614) 876-4089 Preacher: (614) 850-7252 ----------------------------------- HOME BIBLE STUDIES: Anytime, you may call any of the phone numbers listed to set up a home Bible study time. ---------------------------------- CASETTE TAPES The tapes of each sermon presented from The pulpit here is available to anyone in the USA. Requests should be made at the building or by US Mail. ------------------------------------ OUR SHUT-IN Those of our number who are not regular in attendance due to health, age or both: Audrey Binegar; (614) 777-8877 Margie Boysel; (614) 529-8644 Virginia Jordan; (614) 734-1856 Kathryn Kerr; (937) 642-9947 Geraldine Showalter; (614) 868-1333 ----------------------------------- SERVING GOD THROUGH MATURE ACTIONS Indeed, the exercise of brotherly love is always an urgent activity for the true Christian. Too often we neglect to exercise our mental faculties that aid us in spiritual growth in forgiveness, patience, kindness, and love toward all. This problem may be the cause of much misunderstanding and schism among God?s people. The greatest degree of brotherly love is possessed by those of maturity [i.e. Christians who have exercised their senses to include patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love toward all]. The individuals that are constantly pursuing gossip and such things cannot grow spiritually as they ought. For the individual to mature correctly they must possess certain innate qualities and develop them over a period of time. The beginning of this development begins when the person becomes a Christian through faith and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ --- Romans 6:1-5, 1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein? 3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with (him) in the likeness of his death, we shall be also (in the likeness) of his resurrection; ASV Secondly, the newly converted Christian must develop love for God for brethren, and for his/her fellow man --- Mark 12:30-33, 30 and thou salt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with thy entire mind, and with all thy strength. 31 The second is this, Thou salt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, of a truth, Teacher, thou hast well said that he is one; and there is none other but him: 33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is much more than all whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices. 1 John 3:11-18, 11 for this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another: 12 not as Cain were of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous. 13 Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? 18(My) Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth. The good qualities that are discussed in our study today are all available to the Christian but the Christian must seek to excel in these good qualities. The Christian that develops these good qualities and continues in them toward maturity are the strength and backbone of each congregation in our vast brotherhood. There can be no development of these qualities if one harbors evil thoughts, desires, or intentions toward anyone [i.e. those in the church or those in the world]. The successful acquisition of these good qualities are required of Christians as stated by Peter in 2 Peter 1:1-11, 1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and (the) Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in (your) virtue knowledge; 6 and in (your) knowledge self-control; and in (your) self-control patience; and in (your) patience godliness; 7 and in (your) godliness brotherly kindness; and in (your) brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. 10 Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: 11 for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. ASV ---glc WHO SHOULD TEACH THE BIBLE? It is an acceptable concept that preachers and special educated people should teach the Bible in our world today. If a person desires to teach the Bible he will first consider going to a school that grants Biblical degrees or he will seek an online theological school that offers degrees in Bible so that he will be accepted as a credited and qualified teacher, preacher, theologian. Now, I do not reject the concept of advanced education in any of the previously mentioned type of advanced schools; my problem is that I do not find anywhere in the Bible that God established an ecclesiastical standard for teachers of the Bible. That there are no such standards is exemplified by the fact that throughout the whole of the 66 Books of the Bible {i.e. Genesis to Revelation} God?s teachers, prophets, and chosen leaders were of all types of people from all walks of life; they were farmers, herdsmen, kings, fishermen, tax collectors, and educated persons [i.e. Saul ? Paul]. There is no indication that God requires that teachers of the Bible have some advanced, accredited degree from a theological school or a graduate study in Bible. So far as is known the writers of the New Testament were fisherman, physicians, a tax collector, and Paul a converted Pharisee; God did not select leaders based on their educational qualifications. Let me say here; there is no reason to qualify or disqualify a teacher predicated upon the amount of or lack of advanced biblical degrees from an institute of higher learning. Whether a brother in Christ possesses an advanced degree in Bible or not is not the important consideration for the Bible teacher. The very first quality that a Bible teacher should possess is; that he/she is a Christian. Other important considerations for a Bible teacher is, does he know the Bible, is he familiar with the concept of interpretation, and the nature and extent of revelation from God? These and similar qualities are the qualities that enable a person to teach the Bible. Also along this line of reason we must recognize that the teacher ought to know their place in the scheme of God?s plans. The teacher is not necessarily a boss {i.e. the Pope, the Pastor, or His Most Excellent Father, His most worshipful Master, etc.} but he is simply a teacher of the Bible with a task greater than any other and more beneficial to mankind than any occupation he/she may undertake (2 Timothy 4:1-5). It is noteworthy to observe the qualifications of an elder in the church of Christ; he is to be able to teach in such a manner that he can convince the person who is difficult of understanding (Titus 1:9). Indeed, a good Bible teacher must plan, study, and pray about their work of teaching the Bible. Paul the apostle encourages all to be consistent in teaching; ?For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church. {ASV} (1 Corinthians 4:17). The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy in the two letters he wrote to him about how to excel as a Bible teacher. Please observe some of the instruction that Paul gave to Timothy: * 1 Tim 1:3, ?As I exhorted thee to tarry at Ephesus, when I was going into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge certain men not to teach a different doctrine,? ASV * 1 Tim 2:12, ?But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness.? ASV * 1 Tim 4:11-16, ?11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all. 16 Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shall save both thyself and them that hear thee.? ASV * 1 Tim 6:1-2, ?1 Let as many as are servants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but let them serve them the rather, because they that partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. These things teach and exhort.? ASV * 2 Tim 2:2-4, ?2 and the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardships with (me), as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on service entangles himself in the affairs of (this) life; that he may please him who enrolled him as soldier.? ASV * 2 Tim 2:24-26, ?24 And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, 25 in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance * unto the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will.? ASV * Also, to the Hebrew Christians Paul wrote concerning the need for teachers to mature and not to become unfruitful (i.e. See also 2 Peter 3:18). Hebrews 5:12-6:1, ?12 For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. 13 For every one that partakes of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. 14 but solid food is for full-grown men, (even) those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Hebrews 6, ?1 wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,? ASV CONCLUSION: Therefore, let us proceed to always speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where it is silent. Let us also seek purity of mind and doctrine as we undertake to teach the Bible to others wherever we may be privileged to do so. We must take care to present not only sound teaching but present ourselves as pure, humble, and dedicated servants of the Most High God (i.e. ?The One True God.?) --- _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) GODLINESS with CONTENTMENT 1 Timothy 6:6, ?But godliness with contentment is great gain:? ASV As we examine the Scripture reference here; let us consider the first state {i.e. GODLINESS} as a starting point in our study and proceed to the second state (i.e. CONTENTMENT). As we consider these two conditions which translates into ?great gain? we are surely to consider great gain as living a happy life that is acceptable to our Father in heaven. 1. 1 Timothy 6:6, [But godliness] Piety; religion. The meaning is, that real religion should be regarded as the greatest and most valuable acquisition. "With contentment." This word, as now used, refers to a state of mind; a calm and satisfied feeling; a freedom from murmuring and complaining. The idea is, that "piety, connected with a contented mind-or a mind acquiescing in the allotments of life-is to be regarded as the real gain." Tyndale gives substantially the same interpretation: "Godliness is great riches, if a man be content with that he hath" Coverdale: "Howbeit, it is of great advantage, who is so godly, and holdeth him content with that he hath." The word which is used here - autarkeia - means, properly, "self-sufficency," and is used here, in a good sense, to denote a mind satisfied with its lot. If there be true religion, united with its proper accompaniment, peace of mind, it is to be regarded as the true riches. The object of the apostle seems to be, to rebuke those who supposed that property constituted everything that was worth living for. He tells them, therefore, that the true gain, the real riches which we ought to seek, is religion, with a contented mind. This does more to promote happiness than wealth can ever do, and this is what should be regarded as the great object of life. (From Barnes' Notes) 2. 1 Timothy 6:6; [But godliness with contentment is great gain.] The wordgodliness , eusebeia, here, and in several other places of this letter, signifies the true religion, Christianity; and the word contentment, autarkeia, signifies a competency, a sufficiency; that measure or portion of secular things which is necessary for the support of life, while the great work of regeneration is carrying on in the soul. Not what this or the other person may deem a competency, but what is necessary for the mere purposes of life in reference to another world; food, raiment, and lodging. See 1 Tim 6:7. So, if a man have the life of God in his soul, and just a sufficiency of food and raiment to preserve and not burden life, he has what God calls great gain, an abundant portion. It requires but little of this world's goods to satisfy a man who feels himself to be a citizen of another country, and knows that this is not his rest. --- (From Adam Clarke's Commentary) Christians will always seek to be godly and contented as they wait for the coming of the Lord. Christians know heaven is prepared for them. --- glc **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080601/2a206f63/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sun Jun 1 16:33:19 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 17:33:19 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Renewed in Spirit / New Material Available! Message-ID: Greetings, everyone! We hope that your spring is progressing well. We are pleased to announce that new material is available at Renewed in Spirit. Please visit the website, register or login, and join the discussion! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial The Imperative of Spiritual Maturation Ethan R. Longhenry For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil (Hebrews 5:12-14). The New Testament speaks many times about the need for Christians to grow and mature in the faith. We Christians are aware of them, and most recognize the need for spiritual growth. Yet do we truly understand the imperative of spiritual growth and maturation? Do we, consciously or unconsciously, delay or hinder our own spiritual growth or the growth of others? Please click here to read more and discuss! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Editorial Son of Man and Sons of God Brent Moody Jesus is referred to by various titles throughout the Bible. He is called the "Christ" or the "Messiah." Both of these names speak of Him as the anointed one. He is the deliverer or savior of God's people. His reign was one identified by the presence of justice, righteousness, and peace (Isaiah 32:1, Jeremiah 23:5). His identity as the Savior lead Isaiah to say of Him, "and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). From this also comes Jesus as the "King of Kings," and "Lord of Lords." Please click here to read more and discuss! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- God Loves Cheerful Servants Edwin Crozier Barney is a teenager. On the outside his family looks great. All the kids are obedient. They dress well. They speak politely. They come home on time. They make good grades. They all go to the local church of Christ. Underneath the surface, however, Barney is miserable. He follows the rules to avoid punishment. He "goes to church" because his parents make him. He gives the right answers because he does not want to be singled out. He cannot wait until he graduates and is free. Please click here to read more and discuss! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uncleanness (Part 1) Jeffrey Hamilton Students of the Bible are frequently confused by the Old Testament laws regulating uncleanness. Many do not understand the purpose of the laws and often wonder if they impact the Christian in some way or not. The concept of unclean is certainly an old one. It predates Moses, being first mentioned in the days of Noah when he carried onto the ark both clean and unclean animals (Genesis 7:2). So just what makes some animals clean and others not clean? Please click here to read more and discuss! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Guest Article Is it Necessary to Be a Member of the Church to Go to Heaven? Darrel Berry In order to answer this question, I think an understanding of how the Bible defines the word "church" is necessary. When we say, "I'm going to church," or, "what church do you belong to?", it brings to mind the building where the church meets. In order for us to be warm in the winter and be comfortable in the summer, we meet in buildings we call the "church" but in essence the church is not the building but the people that meet in the building. Please click here to read more and discuss! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the ladies... Proverbs 31: An Analysis of the Virtuous Wife, Part 18 Brooke Williams She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness (Proverbs 31:27). The proverbial wife focuses on her own home and hearth. Her family and their concerns have a permanent place at the top of her to do list. This is no less important when the children have grown and flown than when they are constantly underfoot. As she nears the end of her life, she sets her house in order, so that her passing will not bring a burden of unfinished business to those she loves. Even in her "twilight years" she is busy, though not a busybody. She is active, she is someone younger women naturally admire rather than pity. This suits her-- she would not want anyone to feel sorry for her. Because of this attitude, she guards her mouth-- she teaches wisdom, and kindness, rather than complaining about the inescapable difficulties of old age. In short, she is thinking of others, and perhaps of how close heaven must be. She pays little mind to her maladies. Please click here to read more and discuss! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We apologize for the interruption in material for May, but hope you find the material for June encouraging. We again thank you for your interest and participation, and we hope to continue to strengthen you in your walk with God. Thanks! ELDV Ethan R. Longhenry / editor at renewedinspirit.org Editor, Renewed in Spirit an interactive online spiritual publication -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080601/5e69d703/attachment.html From richardthetford at msn.com Sun Jun 1 23:28:59 2008 From: richardthetford at msn.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 1 Jun 2008 22:28:59 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (6/1/08) Message-ID: Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) June 1, 2008 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to Richard at Thetfordcountry.com --- CONTENTS: "To Live Is Christ" (Richard Thetford) "Salvation Is Unlimited ... But Conditional" (Earl Robertson) "The Best Life to Live" (Richard Thetford) "Where Is Your Faith?" (J. F. Dancer) SENTENCE SERMONS --- TO LIVE IS CHRIST Richard Thetford Paul wrote in the Philippian letter: "For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:19-21). This beloved apostle taught us what living unto Christ is really all about. He is not ashamed but rather eager to tell and show these brethren that Christ was being "magnified" in his body. He was living a life for Christ, knowing that when he died that he would spend an eternity with Him. Can it be said of each one of us "to live is Christ?" This is not a statement that just any Christian can make. Only those that are truly living their life for Christ can make such a statement. Can others see in each of us Christ being magnified as we walk our daily walk in this world? Can it be seen by others that we are not ashamed of Jesus and that our longing for the great expectation and hope is evident by the way that we live? Paul writes to Titus saying: "teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ," (Titus 2:12-13). When we are determined to serve Jesus in our life then it will show to others. We won't have to tell others that we are a Christian, because they will KNOW it by the example of our life. Considering this, can it be said of us that "to live is Christ?" --- SALVATION IS UNLIMITED..BUT CONDITIONAL Earl Robertson John wrote "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev 22:17). Many of the creeds of men limit, in scope, the salvation from sin which Christ offers through the gospel. This erroneous position is assumed because of a misunderstanding of the nature of man and the nature of God's dealings with man. In spite of what the creeds say, however, the Lord makes the same offer to all without any respect of persons. God's love for man manifested at Calvary included the whole world - "he tasted death for every man" (Heb 2:9). His death was not only for the people who live under the New Testament, but it was "for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament" (Heb 9:15). This is why John could write "whosoever" in our text. Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). All were in sin, but all by the Lord are invited to come to Him. Anyone who wants to be saved can be. The Lord is not in the business of saving some while refusing to save others the same way. As surely as salvation is offered to all in the great commission, (Mark 16; Matt 28), it is offered conditionally. As John wrote the will of Christ in Revelation 22, he included, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" (Rev 22:14). The blessed city of God is entered when the gospel of Jesus Christ is obeyed. The "doing" of His commandments to enter the city makes the entering conditional! Men constantly tell us there is not anything we can do "to take the water of life", but the Lord says there is something that must be done, Men tell us it was the Lord's doing and dying that saves us from sin, that there is not anything we can do. His death, His blood, makes possible our salvation, but its benefits are not received and enjoyed by man until man appropriates the benefits of Jesus' death in gospel obedience. Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matt 7:21). "He that doeth" is conditional! Taken from "The Instructor", October 1982, Volume 19, Number 10 --- THE BEST LIFE TO LIVE Richard Thetford Peter writes in 1 Pet 4:2 "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.". Christians know that the best life to live is for the Lord and it must not be lived in error as pointed out in 2 Pet 2:18. There are many evils in the world around us and it is sometimes difficult to live our lives in a way that the Lord would be pleased with. But we must live a life that is not after the flesh (Rom 8:12,13), and not unto ourselves. The apostle Paul writes "And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again." (2 Cor 5:15). We have a responsibility to live our lives for Jesus. Therefore our life must be a life of righteousness (Titus 2:12; 1 Pet 2:24), to be lived holy (2 Pet 3:11), Godly (2 Tim 3:12), peaceably (Rom 12:18; 2 Cor 13:11), soberly (Titus 2:12), and honorably (Heb 13:18). One can prepare to live the best life by self-denial. When we get to the point that we can put Jesus ahead of all our own desires and wants then we are on the way to learning what true Christianity is all about. One needs to accept Christ (John 6:57-58), get rid of sin (Rom 8:13; 1 Pet 2:24), obey Jesus (Heb 12:9), and have a loving attitude (Luk 10:27-28). One must strive to live the best life possible while on this earth (Titus 2:12-13) because it is profitable. By living a life of Godliness here in this world we can have hope (Titus 2:12-13), and the knowledge that we will live forever (John 6:58); 1 Tim 4:8) with God eternally when our life here comes to an end. Truly, the best life to live is a life pleasing to God our Father! --- WHERE IS YOUR FAITH? J. F. Dancer Have you ever asked yourself this question? We all assume that our faith is in God, but it may not be so! Paul said that when he came to Corinth he was careful to preach God's word in a plain and simple manner so the faith of the Corinthians would stand in God (1 Cor 2:1-5) and in His power rather than in man. Faith in God comes from hearing what God has said (Rom 10:17). If you cannot find what you believe in the New Testament then it is not of God! It is in whoever it was that taught you those things you believe. Such faith is of no eternal benefit. It is important for us to study God's word carefully and regularly so we can be fully assured that our faith IS in God and His power rather than in man and his wisdom. Only God can save. Let us trust Him. --- SENTENCE SERMONS "There is nothing so kingly as kindness, and nothing so royal as truth!" "It is important that we think kindly as well as clearly and righteously." "You may betray Christ by your speech - or by your silence!" "One measure of a man's strength of character is what he does under pressure." "Choice, not chance determines man's destiny." "We should be channels of blessings, not mere reservoirs!" "A half-hearted follower of Christ can never render whole-hearted service." "Your reputation is valuable, but your character should be priceless." "Satan doesn't care how we worship so long as we do not worship as God says." --- SERMON Let's Name This Church (with PowerPoint charts) www.thetfordcountry.com --- 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE Sunday Bible Study..........10:00 A.M. Worship......11:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study......6:30 P.M. Evangelist/Editor Richard Thetford Building: (970) 249-8116 Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: Richard at Thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080601/95972964/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 178 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080601/95972964/attachment-0006.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7785 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080601/95972964/attachment-0007.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Jun 2 04:49:45 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 05:49:45 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE PREACHER AND HIS AUDIENCE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my recent files. Use to the glory of God. THE PREACHER AND HIS AUDIENCE One of the easiest things to do these days is to find a preacher you like. You may find him in a local church you attend. Or, like thousands of others, you may find him on TV or radio. With the advent of the internet and streaming digital video, you can sit at your own computer and listen to a preacher you really like. But, each of us must be careful in searching for a preach- er we like. It is not what we like, but what that preacher teach- es that matters. Choosing a preacher should be based on what God likes. Paul was nearing the end of his life. He wrote to his young friend Timothy about the work of the preacher. The apostle also spoke of the preacher and his audience. "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evang- elist, fulfill your ministry" (2 Tim. 4:1-5). Paul has much to say to Timothy about his work. He also wants to warn him, and us, about audiences. People Want Approval: -- Paul tells us that some people will not want to hear what God says, they will want to have their "ears tickled". These will be people who want to hear only safe lessons, not lessons that challenge them. They will want to be told that the choices they have made are all right. That is, there will always be people, even among believers, who will only want to be told they are doing things well. They seek the preacher's (and by extension, God's) approval. When I was younger, the civil rights movement gained great momentum. There were many godly, church going, ser- ious Bible believers who did not want to hear that segregation was wrong. They liked their values and the old ways they were used to. Thank God there were preachers who didn't settle for ear tickling but tackled that tough issue. Each of us must be careful to let God's Word work on us. We cannot afford to avoid passages we don't like or that are hard to understand. We must listen to the whole word, not just to the parts that apply to our neighbors. So, although we need to keep reminding people that baptism is essential to salvation, we must also remind people that forgiveness is vital as well. While we stand for accapella music in our wor- ship, we must also remember that Jesus said it would be our love for each other that proved we were His disciples (Jno. 13:34,35). Even those of us trying to be New Testament Christians must be careful that we don't seek out only those preachers who stamp us with approval. We must listen to the whole counsel of God, even when it challenges us to grow and be different. People Want To Hear What They Want: -- As some seek approval for their lives, others just seek entertainment or plea- sure. So, some preachers simply resort to clever words and humourous stories and call it a sermon. As Paul says, myths can be a lot more fun than hard truth. Too many people, even among believers are looking for an entertaining preach- er instead of Biblical one. That is why Paul tells Timothy to "preach the Word." The good news is uplifting. It does move people to turn from sin and return to God. But, sometimes the good news begins with the harsh realities of life. Some people need to give up some values and turn to God. For some this might be sexual behaviors, for others doctrinal issues. Sadly, people want to hear what they want to hear. The man of God must tell them what God says. This can be a serious challenge in today's world. Political correctness seems to invade every aspect of life. In an effort to avoid offense, some preachers take the easier route of only saying things they know everyone already agrees with. That is why we must look to the whole of God's Word and be shaped by all of it. We must not settle on just our favorite verses, but msut let the entire Word work on us. Audiences will settle for the easy route. Preachers must take God's route. Preachers: Remember Your Audience: -- It is interesting that Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word "in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead." Paul is reminding Timothy and every other preacher that the ony audience that matters is God. When I preach, there is only One listener who really matters. Oh, I like com- pliments like any one else. I like to be told that my sermons have helped someone, challenged someone, or changed someone's life. But, in spite of whatever kind remarks I hear, there is only One who will judge me. This is the bottom line for preachers (and audiences too). God is the judge. Jesus will judge the living and the dead. No on is going to escape the Lord's scrutiny. So, although a sermon may be fun for me, the presentation engaging and informative, the only thing that counts is God's opinion. While I might like to impress people, I really want to impress God. Preachers: Use Careful Instruction: -- Paul tells Timothy that he is to do several things as a teacher. He is to reprove. This means he is to prove over and over again the truths about God. He to rebuke. That simply means he is to let peo- ple know when their behaviors are out of step with God's Will. He is to exhort. This means he is to be a cheerleader of sorts encouraging people to do better, to live right, and to believe they can actually do what God wants. He is to have great patience. A preacher must now that no one will grow up all at once. Some will develop in their faith more quickly. Some will grow in one area and remain sadly immature in another. So, a preacher must have a long-suffering attitude in his teaching And, he is to be careful in his instruction. I can't tell you how many sermons I preached as a young man that had some truths, but were not done carefully. Those lessons didn't take into account all of God's message. Too often, they were more about my opinions and conclusions than about God's Word. Preachers cannot afford to be careless in their preach- ing. They must use careful instruction. Preachers: Discharge All Your Duties: -- Obviously, being careful in my instruction means that much of my time will have to be spent in study and prayer, trying to discern the Will of God. Notice, though, that Paul tells Timothy several things about his ministry. First, he was to be sober in all things. This doesn't have anything to do with alcohol. It means, he is to be serious about his work. And, even though Paul and Timothy probab- ly shared many laughs and light hearted moments, they each took Spiritual ministry very seriously. Sober applied to his teaching, and to his interpersonal actions. When Timothy would encounter a difficult situation involving a Christian, he had to be mature and level headed as he dealt with that per- son and that situation. Second, Timothy was to be willing to endure hardship. In our culture, with ministry more of a profession than a passion some of us preachers are used to the good life. Comfortable offices, good working hours, repect by the church and the community as a man of God. But the fact is, a good preacher one who strives only to please God, will always encounter hardship. Critics will attack him. Friends will let him down. People he has counted on will all of a sudden not be there. These things happen in the world and they happen in the church. A preacher must face the fact he will have to endure hardship. Thirdly, Timothy was to do the work of an evangelist. An evangelist is one who "shares good news". An evangelist is a man who goes around telling people the joyous news of the gift of Jesus, of salvation and eternal life. Some preachers have gotten into the habit of being "bad news sharers". Paul encouraged Timothy to preacher the Word, by sharing the good news. Finally, this young preacher was to fulfill his ministry. Whatever his work called on him to do, Timothy was to do it. For some men in preaching positions, that means hospital visits, or visits to shut-ins. It may include teaching other groups, such as women or teens. It may mean an active, org- anized effort at bringing in new members. Whatever the chur- ch's needs and calls on from the preacher, that man is to ful- fill his ministry. So: Listen To The Word: -- If you are in an audience, learn to measure the message by the Word, not by any other stand- ard. Forget what you have always heard or thought. Don't ask your preacher to "tickle your ears." Ask him to preach the Word, even if it means you have to rethink what you alwa- ys thought. Many people think they have been baptized as infants, but they need to look again at the word. If we are going to ask them to look harder into the Word, so must we be willing. So, when your preacher preaches, the only stand- ard you need to use is the Bible. So: Preach The Word: -- If you are a preacher, you have only one great task. You must preach God's Word. No matter how much you have studied public speaking or how many degrees you have, your job is to fulfill your ministry, by preaching the Word of the Living God! ---- David Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 57, No. 21, May 23, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/8e254527/attachment-0001.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Mon Jun 2 07:46:48 2008 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 07:46:48 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S>Are You a Christian? Message-ID: <030E8347B4044F318A7CA50C94BDDDE2@TerryPC> Are You a Christian? We looked at two powerful words:1)Disciple, and 2) Christian. What the Bible says about the meaning of these words makes us think about whether we are playing disciple and Christian, or whether these words describe us individually or not. Sometimes we take for granted that we are Christians and live our lives on the basis of a false assumption. Is there something about being a disciple and Christians that I need to re-examine to understand where I stand with God? Have I settled on something less than a disciple and less than a Christian? If I do not wake up and "examine myself whether I be "in the faith", what will happen to me? Can one truly be a disciple of Jesus and remain in a denomination? When we yoke to Christ and learn from Him, will we gladly do anything it takes to be found in Him, crucified with Him, baptized into Him, working for Him, so that we can truly be "of Him" and not "of the world"? Hear this and other lessons and view powerpoints at: www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com Also, last evenings' sermon centered in vital lessons we learn from Jeremiah 34-36 during the Final Siege of Jerusalem in the Babylonian invasion. Terry W. Benton Visit: www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com Jesus was perfect but He was hated anyway; We are not perfect, and that is why we Love Him! "You will have a Limited Fellowship, Or, You will have a Limited Message" Terry W. Benton Visit: www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com Jesus was perfect but He was hated anyway; We are not perfect, and that is why we Love Him! "You will have a Limited Fellowship, Or, You will have a Limited Message" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/a0bf92c3/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Jun 2 08:02:53 2008 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 09:02:53 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>The Works Of The Flesh: Drunkenness (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <002f01c8c4b0$f9603860$0101a8c0@D2381J91> The Works Of The Flesh: Drunkenness (Kent Heaton) "The blacksmith did ignorantly conduct this burglar into his family's heart. It was the bottle conjuror. Upon the opening of that fatal cork, forth flew the fiend, and shriveled up his home" (Herman Melville, 'Moby Dick,' 1851). The depravity of drunkenness has scourged the earth since the beginning of time. As early as Noah, this beast of intemperance has plagued the souls of men. Genesis 6:8,9 says that "Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord . was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God." The burglar of Herman Melville's tale came in deception after the flood when Noah planted a vineyard and "he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent" (Genesis 9:21). His son Ham saw him and made light of his condition which brought the curse upon Canaan (Genesis 9:22-25). Following the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the nephew of Abraham fled to the mountains with his two daughters. The daughters conspired to make their father drunk and then conceived children by him (Genesis 19:30-38). The seed of drunkenness flourished throughout the history of man. David conspired against a righteous man by getting him drunk and hoping he would go home to his wife, Bathsheba (1 Samuel 11). Months earlier, David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and she was now with child. Uriah, even in a state of drunkenness, refused to enter his house. David had Uriah murdered in battle. Ahasuerus was drunk when he demanded Queen Vashti to "display her beauty to the people and the princes" of which she refused (Esther 1). It was during a drunken feast with the vessels taken from the Temple that Belshazzar saw the hand writing on the wall (Daniel 5). Warnings against drunkenness are as plentiful as the examples. Rebellious children who were drunkards were put to death under the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 21:20,21). "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1). The consequences of drunkenness is poverty of health, wealth and salvation (Proverbs 21:17; 23:20,21; 29-35; 31:4-7). The prophet Isaiah wrote, "Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink, who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them! Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; but they do not pay attention to the deeds of the LORD, Nor do they consider the work of His hands. Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge" (Isaiah 5:11-13). The child of God is to be pure in their conduct and alcohol defiles that purity. Paul exhorted the Christians, "Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness . put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts" (Romans 13:13-14). Those who delve into the vat of drunkenness will not see eternal salvation (1 Corinthians 6:9,10) but wallow in the dark mire of an eternal flame - and there will be no refreshment to cool the tongue (Luke 16:24,25). The Lord's exhortation is to "not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18). Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com NEWLY UPDATED: TRENTON BULLETIN www.northfloridabiblecamp.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/f4038901/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Mon Jun 2 10:09:24 2008 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 08:09:24 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Adobe Abode Message-ID: <000a01c8c4c2$a5e3d310$0401a8c0@Steven> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper June 1, 2008 Adobe Abode Out here in the Great Southwest, we are well familiar with the adobe structures that remain from centuries past, reminding us of the time when the native civilizations lived in those simple structures. In southwestern Colorado, one of the largest concentrations of this type of house has survived and is preserved in the Mesa Verde National Park. Closer to home, we have several examples of the adobe houses [usually cliff dwellings] scattered throughout the state, with notable examples being the incorrectly-named 'Montezuma Castle', some in Tonto National Monument, and the Homolavi Ruins State Park. For those of you who are unfamiliar with adobe, it is basically the clay that is found in the soil surrounding these structures and is used to build the houses in which these civilizations lived. [Sometimes it was combined with straw for more strength.] The clay was formed into bricks and baked just enough to harden it, and was used extensively throughout the Southwest for house-building, where the clay is abundant and rain is scarce. Some were quite simple, while others were elaborate, apartment-like structures that housed several families. The structures that still exist are usually sheltered from the elements somewhat and this sheltered location has contributed to the structures' longevity. I have visited the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings in Colorado and I can tell you it is amazing these simple structures have lasted for so long. Those structures have been dated to about A.D. 600-1300, so some may have stood for 1400 years! [We who live in this 'technologically-advanced' civilization tend to tear down and rebuild anything that is over 100 years old because it is either falling apart or simply undesirable!] I have noticed, though, that those structures who are most protected from the elements are the ones that have survived best, with less disintegration or decay. Those structures built out in the open have been reduced to mostly rubble and dust. I cannot help but think of some Bible passages when I consider these simple structures, and some important lessons we should learn about this clay structure in which we live - while we are young. We Are Created of the Dust of the Earth. I am reminded, first, of the Genesis account of our creation, where we are told, "the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature" (Gen. 2:7). When Elihu took his turn to speak before Job, he humbly admitted, "Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay" (Job 33:6). Men have long recognized that we are made of dust, and some have pointed to this fact as a reference to our general weakness and need for God's mercy (Psa. 103:13-16); some recognized God as not only the one who has formed us out of clay, but also as the one who can do with us as He wishes - as a potter with the clay (Isa. 45:9; Jer. 18:4-8). We should heed the words of the wise writer, who wrote, "Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them'" (Eccl. 12:1). Know this when you are young and when you get old, you will remember that you are about to meet the One who created you! This House is Wearing Down. When I look at some of these surviving adobe structures, it is truly amazing they have survived so long, but I also see the very obvious signs of severe erosion and decay brought about by the elements and other forces. Some adobe structures were torn down by invading forces, but some have simply fallen apart over time because of wind, rain, and earth tremors. Not one of these structures looks the same as it did when first constructed. I probably do not have to tell you the same is true of our own clay house - the physical body. I know I sure cannot physically do the things I did when I was 25, and it seems some of those mental tasks are getting harder, too! This old body is wearing down, and even the best physical exercise regimen will not overcome this fact; it may delay it, but it will not eliminate the end. Paul reminds us, "bodily training is of some value" (1st Tim. 4:8), but urges us to instead "train yourself for godliness; for.godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come" (vv. 7, 8). The wise writer paints a painful picture of the reality of bodily decline and decay immediately following his plea to remember God while you are young (Eccl. 12:2-6). This House Is Temporary. Although many of these adobe structures have survived centuries, all of them are disintegrating and many have already disappeared altogether. Beyond the durability of the structures, though, the absence of residents in these dwellings points to the reality that they were but temporary. Those who once lived in these structures, and were protected by them, have abandoned them for other places. And as for their durability, even the best-built structures will not stand forever, for the elements and various forces and creatures contribute to its eventual downfall - not unlike our physical bodies. Peter pointed to the temporary nature of this body, calling it a "tent" (2nd Pet. 1:13, 14, NKJV). It is sad to see men spend so much time on the care and strengthening of the physical body in the hopes of an extended life on earth; it is just as sad when they turn to 'scientific knowledge' in the hopes of obtaining eternal life, putting their hopes on possible future discoveries to eliminate disease and death and paying someone thousands of dollars to cryogenically freeze their bodies so they can be brought back to life later when man has conquered death by science. It won't happen. Beyond the certainty of failure, though, we should see that God intended something better for us and that we should be striving for the dwelling place God has prepared for us! Paul reminds us, "If the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2nd Cor. 5:1). Knowing this, why should we worry so much about this temporary structure? This House Will Return to Dust One Day. If you have ever walked among these adobe ruins, you might not have noticed you trod on the remains of some structures that no longer stand. You probably didn't notice because those clay structures had already returned to their original state: dust! This, too, points to a reality of the physical body. Elihu recognized the futility of human existence when he pointed to the fact that if God took away our breath, "all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust" (Job 34:14, 15). The wise writer's conclusion of the bodily decay was that "the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it" (Eccl. 12:7). Earlier, he had concluded, "All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return" (3:20). But though we return to dust, we will not remain in the dust! God has promised that when Christ comes again, those "in Christ shall all be made alive" (1st Cor. 15:22), "the dead in Christ will rise" (1st Thess. 4:16), and "the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed" (1st Cor. 15:52). Through Christ death has been conquered - not by cryogenics. One day, this clay house will be changed into the eternal dwelling place of the spirit - something incorruptible and imperishable. Sadly, some will face only eternal destruction! Now is the time to get your house in order; prepare not for a long physical life, but for eternity. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/b3af2432/attachment-0001.html From kthomas at ntslink.net Mon Jun 2 10:41:12 2008 From: kthomas at ntslink.net (kenneth Thomas) Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 10:41:12 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Offline after tomorrow 6/3/08 Message-ID: <48441498.000003.02568@KENSCOMPUTER> The Thomases will be leaving for Franklin, NC the 16th of this month the Lord willing. My Internet hookup is paid only until the 3rd of June and I will not be back online for some time. I will contact all on my email list when we are back on line. I have received my last support check as an evangelist as of this month. Love to each of you and God bless. Sincerely, Kenneth E. Thomas Kenneth E. Thomas Pekin church of Christ 1451 Valle Vista Blvd. Pekin, IL 61554 http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/7017/pekin_ch.html 1 (309) 347-3582 - Office 1 (309) 347-5645 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/5c17cfe2/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 33585 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/5c17cfe2/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 151 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/5c17cfe2/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 251 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/5c17cfe2/attachment-0005.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/5c17cfe2/attachment-0006.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 36179 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/5c17cfe2/attachment-0007.gif From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Mon Jun 2 15:26:43 2008 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Mon, 2 Jun 2008 15:26:43 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 6-01-08 Message-ID: <000801c8c4ee$f9e823e0$06fea8c0@your4dacd0ea75> THE BUCKHORN TEACHER "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2.Tim.4:2 Buckhorn church of Christ - Thomas Thornhill - editor. 13675 Hwy 341, Randolph MS 38864-9117. Tel. 662-568-2960. Cell 662-419-5378. E-mail thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Vol.7 June 1, 2008 No.1 The following articles were received via the internet from Dale Frech I commend both articles. Read them carefully and contemplate the thoughts made. - t.t. OUR YEAR OF POLITICAL TURMOIL Kent Heaton - Trenton FL The political year of 2008 will be engraved upon the pages of history as a most unusual time. Some describe the year as one of political turmoil. There is so much unsettling with the state of the Union, the affairs of State, the disturbing news of war that continues and moral values that seem to have lost any backbone at all. Everyone has an opinion about the Presidential race. In not too many months a new President will be selected. How will the country fare? The fisherman apostle Peter was a tempestuous character filled with vim and vigor. He is renown for his impetuous spirit that caused the Lord concern at times and yet found a source of strength for the Savior. Simon had many challenges to overcome from the reading of the gospels and the Acts. One cannot help but be moved by the change that takes place in the reading of Peter's epistles. He is a different man there. Found within the words of Peter's epistles, Peter proclaims, "Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king" (1.Pet.2:17). A simple four-point lesson of being at peace with all men (Heb.12:14) shows the relationship with humanity, the body of Christ, the Godhead and the government. The remarkable admonition of this verse is the consideration of giving honor to the king. While the date of 1.Peter is not determined with a complete authority, "numerous incidental and inferential references in the book fix the date within reasonably well defined limits. We may therefore, with reasonable probability, fix the date of the epistle on the eve of the Neronian persecution." (Woods, Guy N., A Commentary of the Epistles of Peter, pp16,17). Nero's rule is often associated with tyranny and extravagance. Space does not permit a discourse on the immoral, depraved, turbulent, corrupt and political atmosphere of Peter's day. Just one name will sum it up: Nero. The early Christians lived in this type of world. When reading the epistle from the apostle of Christ, their hearts must have ached at the knowledge that honor was to be given to such a man as Nero. Adam Clarke said of this passage, "Pay that respect to the emperor which his high authority requires, knowing that civil power is of God, that the authority with which he, in the course of his providence, has invested him, must be respected in order to its being obeyed; and that if the man be even bad, and as a man be worthy of no reverence, yet he should be respected on account of his office." The apostle Paul wrote, "I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and for all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity" (1.Tim.2:1-2). This is not a year of political turmoil; this is a year of devoted prayer for those who will be in authority so that the gospel will continue to have free course. Next year when a new President enters the Oval Office, those same prayers must be offered in respect and honor - no matter our political slant or view. Christians are in the world but not of the world. We are to stand above the rabble of dissent that disrespects those in authority (Rom.13:1-7). Just think, we could be living in the time of Nero . and then what? EBENEZER - Gary Henry Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far the Lord has helped us" (1.Sam.7:12). Whatever hardships we may yet have to face, the help of God that has brought us this far is no small thing to be thankful for. Bogged down as we often are in the painful particulars of daily living, our perspective may be so confined that we suppose the bad outweighs the good. Like Job we may foolishly wish we had never been born (Job.3:1-26). We may question whether there is any use of trying to go forward, or whether, if we do try to go forward, there is any possibility that we will find the help we need. But consider this: the person who is alive to ponder such questions is always a person on whom God has not given up. Without his constant grace, we'd not have made it this far. The Scriptures teach that God is not only the Creator; He is the Sustainer of life. The Hebrew writer says that God "upholds all things by His power" (Heb.1:3). And Paul reminded the Athenians that it is in Him that we "live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). If God ever withdrew Himself from us completely, we would in that instant cease to enjoy anything that deserves to be called "life." And, very likely, in that instant we'd also be stricken with the consciousness of the good we had taken for granted, including the gift of all the time we used up questioning whether God had been good to us. It is, after all, only by God's grace that we have the opportunity to doubt Him. Do we despise the grace that has upheld us? Though we have more than mere survival to be thankful for, can we not see even in this survival evidence that God is willing to help us? He has not only proven His power; He has proven His patience with us! A failure of gratitude is one of life's more serious failures, and one that is fraught with danger. Without God's providence we would have been vanquished long ago. If we don't acknowledge that He has graciously watched over us in the past, we may have to learn the hard way what the diminishing of His grace means in the future (Isa.5:1-7). But if we look backward with the eyes of gratitude, we can look forward with the eyes of faith. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080602/58162eaf/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Jun 3 02:49:02 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 03:49:02 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) BENDING THE RULES Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files: Use to the glory of God. BENDING THE RULES A gentleman once asked me on a radio program, "Can't you bend the rules a little bit?" My initial reaction to his question was surprise. In the context of a discussion about the need to abide within the truth of our Lord, how could someone ask if it was possible to bend the rules? But upon further reflection, it has become easy to see what would cause him to ask such a question. "Bending the rules" has become a way of life with most people in this day and time. They claim that there are no absolutes. Is it even necessary to mention how people bend the rules when it comes to obeying the laws of our land? If the speed limit is 55, most interpret that to mean 60. A few weeks ago I heard a highway patrolman say that the average speed on I-75 between Cincinnati and Dayton is 80 mph. Have you ever noticed how, in many instances, a yellow light no longer means slow down and prepare to stop -- but rather, speed up so you can make it through? I have known people who prefer to be paid in cash in order to avoid any record of income so they can "bend the rules a little bit" when it comes tax time. In sports, coaches and players regularly push the rules to the limit, even "bending them a little bit" if it means they might gain an advantage. In schools with dress codes, students make a habit of seeing just how far they can "bend he rules" and get away with it. "Bending the rules" is common place and people do it daily. But how does God feel about bending His rules? In Rom. 15:4 Paul wrote, "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." Recognizing the value of "whatever was written in ear- lier times," perhaps we can find some indication of how God feels about those who "bend His rules" in the Old Testament. Cain was evidently a "rule bender." He offered a sacrifice that was not according to God's instructions. I am sure that he felt satisfied in "bending the rules" to suit himself, but was God pleased? Gen. 4:5-7 gives the answer: "But for Cain and his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very ang- ry and his countenance fell. Then the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your contenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." How about Nadab and Abihu? God told the people from where fire was to come for the burning of incense. Nadab and Abihu decided to "bend the rules a little bit" and get the fire from a place other than the one God had designated. The incense was still going to burn, and would smell the same. So what was the big deal? "And fire came out from the pres- ence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord" (Lev. 10:2). The "big deal" was that God had given the rules and these two men "bent" them. In the New Testament we are told not to go beyond that which is written. "Now these things, brethren, I have figurati- vly applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written, in order that no one of you might become arrogant in behalf of one against the other" (1 Cor. 4:6). "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son" (2 Jno. 9). At no time is permission ever given to "bend" the rules of God -- not even a "little bit." A person might be a "bender of rules" all the days of his life and consistently get away with it. But when life is over, so too is the getting away with it. We can't bend God's rules, even a little bit. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). -------- Greg Litmer in Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 12, December 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080603/fb256965/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Jun 3 02:48:53 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 03:48:53 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD A presidential candidate told a crowd at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, last week that he believes the Sermon on the Mount justifies his support for legal recognition of same- sex unions. He also told the crowd that his postion in favor of legalized abortion does not make him "less Christian." "I don't think it (a same-sex union) should be called marria- ge, but I think it is a legal right that they should have that is recognized by the state," he said. "If people find that contro- versial then I would just refer to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans." The book of Romans condem- ns homosexual acts as unnatural and sinful. The Sermon on the Mount does not specifically mention same-sex marriages. So maybe the candidate was referring to some of the popular non-offensive slogans in the text: "Do to others what you would have them do to you", "Do not jud- ge, lest you be judged", and "Love your enemies" (Matt. 7:12; 7:1; 5:44). While the sermon does not specifically mention homosex- ual relationships, Jesus certainly addressed sexual sins. He said, "Whosoever looks upon a woman and lusts after her commits adultery in his heart" (Matt. 5:28). He also said, who- ever marries a woman who was unlawfully divorced commits adultery (Matt. 5:32). Obviously Jesus is warning us about illicit relationships. But just bacause He did not specifically mention same sex unions, does this justify these untraditional relationships to- day? Please consider the following: 1) Jesus Gave Authority To His Apostles: -- He promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be sent to them and guide them in all truth (Jno. 16:12-15) and in Acts 2 that is exactly what happened. He also com- manded them to teach people to "observe all the things that He Himself had commanded" (Matt. 28:18-20). 2) The Apostles' Words Are Equal To The Lord's Comman- ds: -- In 1 Cor. 14:37, Paul said, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let hm acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." Notice the emphasis the Holy Spirit placed upon Paul's writin- gs. His commandments are the "commandments of the Lord." 3) None Of God's Word Is Obscure: -- "All Scripture is giv- en by inspiration of God" (2 Tim. 3:16,17). Therefore all of it is relevant and worthy of consideration. Jesus said anyone who adds or takes away from His Word will be accursed (Rev. 22:18,19). By the way Romans is not the only book that ment- ions these unlawful unions. "Do you not know that the unrigh teous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceiv- ed. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, or drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the king- dom of God" (1 Cor. 6:9,10). It is truly sad when people try to justify themselves with only a small portion of God's Word. What is even more depre- ssing is when people believe the opinions of others without examining the Scriptures for themselves. May we be like the Bereans and search all of God's Word to find out if the things that are being taught are so (Acts 17:11). "Be diligent to pre- sent yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Tim. 2: 15). (There is no Scripture found anywhere in the Bible that even hints toward any type of fornication and sexual perver- sion being acceptable to God. On the contrary, every type of sexual perversion, be it fornication, which within itself covers every type and form of sexual perversion, homosexuality, les- bianism, sodomy, bestiality, oral sex, is condemned and act- ually carried the penalty of death in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, especially in the first chapter of Romans, all such activity will prevent any person being able to enter heav- en after this life is over. We find that such perversions of sex found in the Bible brought about the destruction of cities and even tribes and nations. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah. And if such continues to be practiced in this nation, it will ulti- mately be destroyed. Such was one of the causes of the fall of the Roman Empire. People that engage in such activities have forgotten God. We are warned that all nations that for- get God will be destroyed. Perverted sexual activity is one of the most grievous sins that confront our nation today. JWS) ---------- Phil Robertson, via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 21, May 25, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080603/90106f13/attachment-0001.html From Pappy01 at suddenlink.net Tue Jun 3 14:51:03 2008 From: Pappy01 at suddenlink.net (Terry Sanders) Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 14:51:03 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S>Apollos & web site update Message-ID: <000901c8c5b3$2820df80$4064c24a@mccru59fc7f4na> Terry Sanders here.... I have just uploaded and updated my sermon page. URL is in address below. You go through my home page. Pasted in below is one of the sermons in outline form. ====================================== Apollos Acts 18:24-28 Introduction: Apollos is a very unique character in the New Testament. He is interesting in his introduction and continues to be so in what little we know about him. There are many lessons about Apollos that are worth our consideration. I. Information About Apollos. A. Background. 1. A Jew. 2. Apparently a disciple of John the Baptist. 3. Born at Alexandria (Egypt). a. A chief seat of Hebrew learning. b. Had a library of 7M volumes. c. Had a school that rivaled Gamaliel's (Acts 5:34; 22:3). d. Septuagint written there in mid 3rd century B. C. B. Description. 1. Eloquent (v. 24). a. Either a man skilled in the use of words or skilled in ideas and thinking (RWP). 1) Some depreciate higher education. 2) Others hold education up too high. b. A secular education is a means to an end-it is not essential to being of service in the kingdom (Acts 4:13). c. It is ironic that we have no record of anything ever spoken by this eloquent man. 2. Mighty in the Scriptures (v. 24). a. This would have been the Old Testament. b. His instruction would have been about the Messiah to come. 3. Fervent in spirit (v. 25). a. "Burning zeal" (TCNT). b. Not merely "going through the motions." 4. Spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord (v. 25). a. He was careful in what he did. b. His knowledge was correct as far as it went, but it was incomplete. c. He knew only the baptism of John (v. 25). 1) John's baptism was preparatory (Matt. 11:10; cf. Mal. 3:1). 2) John's baptism was commanded by God (Lk. 7:29-20). 3) Those who obey Christ in baptism confess Christ (Acts 8:37); not so with John's. 4) John's baptism in the name of the Father, son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19); John's was not. d. Was Apollos re-baptized? 1) A question for the ages. 2) Perhaps; likely (cf. Acts 19:1-7). C. He spoke boldly, yet inaccurately. 1. Aquila and Priscilla ("they") taught him more accurately. 2. Their actions shed light on 1 Cor. 14:34 and 1 Tim. 2:12. II. The Good Character Of Apollos. A. Apollos was highly respected and regarded (v. 27). 1. Brethren often have ludicrous expectations of preachers. 2. A look at Apollos reveals what matters. B. He was willing to listen. 1. He was highly educated. 2. Yet he listened to a couple of tentmakers. C. Once he was corrected, he accepted the truth. 1. He was as vigorous as ever with the truth (v. 28). 2. However, now he preached Christ. III. Some Things About His Work. A. He went to Corinth (Acts 19:1). B. Apparently successful (1 Cor. 3:4-8). 1. Unfortunately, factions arose (1 Cor. 1:10-16). 2. Not his fault. 3. Ought not to be (1 Cor. 4:6). C. A desire for him to return (1 Cor. 16:12). 1. Some preachers are not welcome to return. 2. Apollos may have been too busy to return at this time. Conclusion: Apollos is one of many unsung heroes of the Bible. We certainly need more like him. Willing to be taught and willing to teach others. When confronted with the truth, accepted it and obeyed it. What a good testimony. Terry Sanders 108 Dandridge St. Tuckerman, AR 72473 Home page: http://duezzy2.brinkster.net/home.html Church page: http://tuckermancofc.com Blog: http://thecondorsnest.blogspot.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080603/b2845e1e/attachment-0001.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Wed Jun 4 12:13:03 2008 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 12:13:03 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 15.6 June Issue Available Message-ID: In our 15th year of publication (1994-2008) Expository Files - June 2008 **Our 175th 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 15.6; June 2008 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: The Front Page 15.6 Foundation: Rock or Sand? Matthew 7:24-29 By Jon W. Quinn "Yes, I Know; Be Still" 2 Kings 2-9 By Jon W. Quinn God's Grace Offers Salvation to Everyone Titus 2.11 By Wayne S. Walker Paul's Urgent Concern For Colossae: Three Specific Defenses Col. 2:1-4 By Warren E. Berkley A Valuable Woman Proverbs 31:10 By Jacob Hudgins Baptism or Prayer: Which Work Leads to Salvation? Topical Study By Jonathan Perz Plan of Salvation The Final Page 15.6 Appropriate Dress: Hmmm 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 tedwards at onemain.com Tue Jun 3 15:08:58 2008 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:08:58 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 5/25/08 Message-ID: <48455E8A.6448.15F185F@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). ____________________________________________________ May 25, 2008 ____________________________________________________ Ten Things Every Child Should Know by Wilson Adams It has never been tougher in our country's history to raise a family than it is today. Whereas the biggest worry facing Ward and June Cleaver was the influence and pranks of Eddie Haskell, today's parents have much more to be concerned about. The world around us has become a moral minefield, a battleground over values. When condoms are distributed in high school clinics, popular songs celebrate the killing of policemen and 270,000 guns go to school every day, it's obvious that someone's values are prevailing. If you are a parent in the 90's you are in for the fight of your life! Our children have become the biggest market (and target!) in the world. Everyone from MTV to corporate giants seek to sell our kids their products, and in the process they sell something else: their values. Those values are often at conflict with what they learn at home. The first and most important teachers a child will ever have are his parents. The Bible declares plainly: Education begins at home! (Deut. 6; Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4) The home is the classroom where our children must learn the central truths which will carry them through life. Parents cannot delegate that responsibility to anyone else. Giving Gifts to Our Children In Matthew 7:11 Jesus speaks of parents who give gifts to their children. And we do. After a week-long trip this Dad can barely get his suitcase in the door before little hands (and even teenage hands!) want to examine the contents of his luggage. (They're certainly not looking for dirty socks!) What about the gifts we give... Will they last? Will they be remembered? Our youngsters need more than toys and trains, baseball gloves and baby dolls. These have their place but they are not the best gifts. The best gifts can't be bought at TOYS 'R US or placed in a box and wrapped with a bow. However, they are the gifts that will outlast all others. In fact, they are the best gifts of all. Here then is my list of ten gifts I want to leave with my children. Ten things I want them to know... 1. They are a special creation of God. Everything I hope to teach as a parent rests upon this basic truth: God is! God created the world! And God loves them! Our children need to know that everything God created (including them!) is special (Psa. 139:14). Undoubtedly they will suffer through defeats and disappointments. They will encounter others who will doubt them as well as experience self-doubt. However, the one thing that will get them through everything is a knowledge that God loves them. It is a fundamental truth I must communicate. 2. Important things can't be bought. Materialism and commercialism are everywhere and kids are easily influenced (parents, too!). Where are we in our world when kids kill kids for a pair of Reeboks or parents substitute cash and cars for the time and love their children need? It's all so wrong. Every time I see the bumper sticker that proclaims "He Who Dies With the Most Toys Wins!" I want to yell: "Win what? What do you win?" Job 1:21 is the answer to such incredible stupidity. Our inner cities bear living testimony that many children are desperately poor. However, just as desperate are the children who end up poor because they have been taught that money is the key to happiness. It isn't. I want to leave my children the gift of generosity and the joy of sharing. This past holiday season we adopted a needy family in the city of Baltimore. We all went through our things and selected items to give. It was one of the highlights of our year. Jesus said, "It's more blessed to give than to receive." I want my children to learn that firsthand. 3. They are loved unconditionally. The great tragedy of our day is that so many children feel (and are!) unloved. Every morning another headline tells the sad story of abused, abandoned and neglected kids. It's a tragedy if one child doesn't have someone to make them feel valuable. Today there are thousands. We show our children we love them in many ways but the simplest way is to tell them. And they need to hear it again and again. They need to know they are loved if they come home with A's or D's, if they hit a home run to win the game or strike out to lose it. Children thrive on simple expressions of love. It's a gift they will always cherish and never forget. 4. Choices have consequences. Young people hear a lot about choices but seldom about consequences. Modern education has gone to great lengths to help them think about choices rather than helping them make the right ones! Thus, it is imperative that I do my job as a parent and teach them the truth: Choices do have consequences. 5. There is right and wrong. Society's moral relativism states: "Do whatever you want, whenever you want and don't condemn anyone else for doing the same." (And we wonder why our country is full of crime and corruption -- ?) There are absolute rights and wrongs. Our kids may not hear it in the classroom but they must hear it at home. As parents we have the responsibility of guiding them through the maze of society with the clear rules of living found in the Word of God. Thomas Jefferson once advised his nephew, "Never suppose that in any situation that it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing, however slightly so it may appear to you." That's the kind of advice that our kids need to hear early and often. 6. Courage is a must. Peer pressure is an awesome force. Our kids get countless messages telling them what to wear, what to listen to and where to go. Some are innocent. Some are deadly. Our children must be taught courage to stand apart from the crowd. "But everybody's doing it . . ." must be met with "We are not everybody's parents, we are yours. And you are not everybody's child -- you are ours." We must communicate the need for them to stand tall and firm and, yes, sometimes alone. (A word to the weary: pick your battles! A wise parent will discern the difference between what is right and wrong and what is a matter of taste and opinion. Not everything is worth fighting over). 7. Human life is sacred. Judy Squier was born without any legs. However, working longer and harder than "normal" people she has succeeded in life. Recently she stood before members of the U.S. Senate and shocked the "pro-choice" senators when she told them that if they had their way she and other "deformed" children would have never been born. Judy Squier may not have any legs but she makes up for it in heart, soul and spunk. My children need to know about the Judy Squiers in this world. They need to know that the measure of a man or woman is not found in the shape and form of their body but in their mind and soul. They need to know that every person is special in the eyes of God. (Isn't that what Jesus tried to tell us when he touched the leper, showed mercy to the adulterous woman, went home with Zaccheus, and promised paradise to the crook on the cross? I believe so.) 8. Hard work has value. "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat." Our country was founded on the principle that anyone can go as far as his dreams and hard work will take him. I still believe that. Sadly, our children often receive a different message from lazy adults. The value of hard work, diligent effort, excellence and responsibility are principles that find their basis in Scripture. God honors hard working people. It's a truth that must be passed along. 9. Prejudice is wrong. When the Los Angeles riots occurred in the spring of '92, one of the brightest candles of courage shown in the example of a black man named Gregory Williams who rushed to the aid of white trucker Reginald Denny. When asked why he would risk his own life, he replied, "If I don't help this man, when and if the mob comes for me, there'll be nobody to help me." When our children see headlines of death and destruction, it's important that they also hear stories like these. They need to know that there are a lot of Gregory Williamses. They need to know that it's not color but character that counts. They need to know that God hates prejudice. (By-the-way, when was the last time you heard a sermon on the sin of racial prejudice?) 10. God comes first. "The conclusion when all has been heard is: fear God and keep his commandments." That is rock solid advice that can never be improved upon. Being a parent is the toughest assignment there is. It takes wisdom, courage, faith, determination, a sense of humor, and every ounce of energy you have (and then some!). But it's worth it. God grant unto every tired parent reading these words an extra measure of wisdom as we seek to give the gifts that will last a lifetime. -- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 10, p. 12-13, May 19, 1994 ____________________________________________________ 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 disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue Jun 3 22:36:00 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 23:36:00 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Message-ID: http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Base Text: Luke 10:25-37 I. Introduction A. A very famous and popular story B. Even if details unknown, people know who a "good Samaritan" is C. But what is the story about? What can we gain from it? D. Let us consider the Scriptures II. The Story: Luke 10:25-37 A. The Situation 1. Jesus approached by a lawyer, testing Him (v. 25) 2. Jesus asks him his own question (vv. 26-27) 3. Lawyer responds by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18 B. OT Considerations 1. What is established in these passages? 2. Deuteronomy 6:5 part of the "Shema" (Deuteronomy 6:4-6), recited to this day constantly by Jews 3. Indication of complete surrender to God 4. Leviticus 19:18, in context, statement regarding not taking vengeance 5. The idea is that one does to one's neighbor as one would want done for himself, a variant on the "Golden Rule" 6. Consider Matthew 5:34-38, Romans 12:19-21 7. Matthew 22:35-40: whole Law dependent on these C. Evasion 1. Luke 10:28: Jesus indicates that such is what the lawyer should do 2. Yet the lawyer wants to justify his conduct 3. Indication that he really does not consider all men his "neighbor" 4. Probably believes something akin to Matthew 5:43! 5. Therefore, he wants to see just how great and righteous he is by his question 6. A good warning for us-let us listen to God's commands and not try to find ways to justify ourselves! D. The Story 1. Man takes a well-known road down from Jerusalem (in the hill country) to Jericho (near the Jordan; Luke 10:30) 2. Robbers fall upon him, took all that was his, and beat him (v. 30) 3. A priest and a Levite go by, see him, keep going (vv. 31-32) 4. A Samaritan passes by, feels compassion, gets care for the man at his own expense (vv. 33-35) E. The Conclusion 1. Jesus then turns to the lawyer and asks who fulfilled the role of neighbor (v. 36) 2. The lawyer could not deny the answer, but cannot bring himself to say "the Samaritan," but says, "the one who showed him mercy" (v. 37) 3. He is told to go and do likewise (v. 37) F. What can we gain from this story? III. Applying the Story A. The Priest and the Levite 1. This story presents these two figures in quite a bad light 2. What is their issue? 3. Probably concerned about purity regulations-- they do not want to be impure! 4. Lest we forget, however, these are the "holy" people in society 5. They were the ones ministering to God in the Temple! They had the best access! 6. Perhaps a bit of the Pharisaical attitude in Luke 18:10-14? 7. We would consider them "good, moral people" 8. They would have been horrified at the crime perpetrated against the man 9. Yet they do nothing! 10. Goes to show that morality is not just avoiding sin-- it requires us to do what is right (James 4:17)! B. Why a Samaritan? 1. The Jews did not particularly care for Samaritans 2. John 4:9 is an understatement! 3. 2 Kings 17: Samaritans are the imports to Israel after the Assyrian deportation 4. Not actual Jews, but ended up observing Israelite religion 5. As indicated in John 4, worship at Mount Gerizim, believe that they are really YHWH's chosen people 6. Therefore, for a nasty Samaritan to be helping a Jew in need, when the holy priest and Levite walk by, makes for the most exaggerated story! 7. We can only imagine what the lawyer thought of the narrative! C. The Samaritan shows compassion 1. He is truly living the command to love one's neighbor as oneself! 2. If you were the one beaten on the side of the road, what would you want someone to do for you? 3. Thus the Samaritan did to him 4. This is the concept undergirding Luke 6:27-36! D. The Samaritan was inconvenienced 1. Should we imagine that the Samaritan was expecting to see the man as he walked on? 2. He was probably like the rest of us: he had a destination to get to, and he wanted to get there as soon as he could 3. Yet he found this man here, and despite his schedule and intentions, still helped out! 4. The difficulties of others may not come at times convenient for us, yet what are we charged to do (Luke 10:37, James 4:17)? E. The Samaritan sacrificed 1. Beyond the inconvenience, the assistance of the man required time and money 2. Yet he freely gave it to help this one in time of need 3. Loving one's neighbor as yourself will cost you something! 4. Yet again, what are we charged to do? IV. Conclusion: Go, and Do Likewise A. As Jesus concludes the story with the lawyer, He charges him to "go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37) B. Therefore, we love our neighbor as ourselves when we fulfill the role of neighbor for them! C. We cannot go on with our lives and think that we are only responsible for ourselves, or that being moral means that we just avoid sin D. We must remember this story of the good Samaritan-- to love our neighbor may mean that we must be there for him in his time of need, no matter how much it may inconvenience or cost us E. Let us remember this charge (cf. James 4:17, Galatians 6:1-2)! F. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Jun 4 12:43:15 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 13:43:15 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) MAINTAINING OUR SPIRITUAL APPETITE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and every one. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: MAINTAINING OUR SPIRITUAL APPETITE The Christian's life is to be a life that is one of growth and development. Peter writes to Christians and exhorts them to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 3:18). However, this is far too often not the case among Christians. After obeying the gospel they lose their fervor, zeal and thirst for spiritual things and they are replaced with lives that are so busy and filled with many pressing physical concerns. This is a serious problem. How can Christians guard against being overcome witht he physi- cal and have an insatiable appetite for spiritual things? Have An Understanding Of The Physical And Spiritual: -- The problem of not having a good and proper understanding of the physical and spiritual things is detrimental to a Christian's growth. Many see life in the realm of the physical. But physi- cal things are here for our proper use and enjoyment. They are not to be the end of all things in this life. John warns Christians not to love this world. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the Will of God abideth forever" (1 Jno. 2:15-17). The world is pass- ing away and the things of this physical life will one day be all gone, but the spiritual things which are seen by faith are the tings that will endure (2 Cor. 4:16-5:2). So let us under- stand the necessity of feeding upon the spiritual things. The Necessity Of Minding Spiritual Things: -- In Rom. 8:5 Paul writes, "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the spirit the things of the spirit." Paul is making it clear that our devotion to the physi- cal, fleshly enticements will end in death. We must give our devotion to the things of the spirit and live a life focused on God and obeying Him. What can we do to maintain our spirit- ual appetite? -- 1. Read the Bible: -- This does not mean just reading to cover the book. Rather, it is reading in such a way to under- stand the context and the meaning of what we are reading (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11). This involves consistent study and will take some effort. 2. Pray: -- Ask God for wisdom in applying the knowledge you have gleaned from His Word. As for courage to stand for what is right, in whatever opposition yu might face. Talk with the Lord in prayer daily and cast your cares upon Him. To be spirituallly minded we must talk to the Lord daily in prayer. James says, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jas. 5:16). One thing that is accomplished through prayer is recognition of God, who He is, and who we are. 3. Sing: -- The lifting of one's voice to praise and exalt the name of God helps to bring one closer to God. James says, "Is any merry let him sing" (Jas. 5:16). The thoughts of the song and the truths that are taught therein help our minds to be focused on the things that are above and keeps our spirit- ual appetite keen. 4. Spend Time With Other Christians: -- Heb. 10:25 teach- es that Christians should not forsake the assembling together as the church, but the Hebrew writer also stresses the value spiritually the assemblies have in our being together. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith...let us consider one anot- her to provoke unto love and to good works...exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approach- ing" (Heb. 10:23-25). Assembling with other Christians at every opportunity builds us up spiritually and increases our spiritual appetite. Yes, spending time together, whether in or out of the regular assemblies, is important. Much is said in the Scriptures about hospitality. Why? Because of its value to us spiritually. Let us never think lightly of times for us to gather together as just something to take or leave. Let us see in these opportunities the opportunity for growth and spiritual strengthening of ourselves and others. Let us use these times to encourage ourselves and others to greater spiritual work. 5. Work To Serve Others: -- We must always remember the work of service. Jesus came to serve, not to be served (Matt. 20:28). Let us remember that in order to grow spiritually and to become more Christ like, we will be servants. As Peter des- cribed Jesus to those gathered at the house of Cornelius, he said, "He went about doing good" (Acts 10:38). Dorcas was a faithful Christian who died and was remembered for the good deeds (works of service) she did while she lived (Acts 9:36, 39). Many others in the New Testament could be cited for the serving they did to others. This follows the example of Christ The Hebrew writer reminds us to run the race of life "looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2). When we look to Jesus we see His service to others, His com- passion for others and His love for others. This will help us to be more like Christ and will help keep our spiritual appetite strong. Peter reminds the Christians he writes to to lay aside evil and ungodly practices and then says, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye my grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2). May we work with all diligence to grow and desire the influence of God's Word in our lives. Let us do the things that will draw us closer to God and closer to heaven. --------- David A. Cox in Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 21, May 25, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080604/9091caa9/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Wed Jun 4 21:19:38 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 22:19:38 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Anger/Wrath Message-ID: http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html Anger/Wrath I. Introduction A. What is probably one of the most destructive feeling that comes upon man? B. Most would agree that anger would fit the bill! C. How much suffering and difficulty would end if people could control anger? D. What is the nature of anger or wrath? What does God have to say about it? E. Let us consider the Scriptures II. Anger and Wrath A. We recognize what anger is 1. "A violent passion of the mind excited by a real or supposed injury" (Webster's) 2. It involves that feeling we get when we feel hurt, slighted, abused, rejected, and the like 3. The automatic impulse involves getting back or getting even B. Wrath a term not used as much 1. "Violent anger; vehement exasperation; indignation" (Webster's) 2. Probably the best translation of the Greek thumos, "passion, angry, heat" (Thayer's) 3. Wrath tends to involve a greater level of anger, or anger of long duration 4. Condemned in Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 4:31, and Colossians 3:8 C. But is not anger just a natural reaction to events? D. Let us dig deeper into the Scriptures III. Anger in Scripture A. There are many instances in Scripture when people are angry 1. Genesis 27: Esau at Jacob 2. Genesis 39: Potiphar at Joseph 3. Exodus 32:19: Moses at Israel 4. Numbers 22:27: Balaam at his donkey 5. And these are just a few of many instances! B. The LORD also is often angry with His people! 1. Numbers 11:1 2. Joshua 7:1 3. Judges 10:7 4. 2 Samuel 6:7 5. 2 Kings 17:11 6. The LORD's anger led to destruction and death of many! C. So if God can even be angry, does that mean that we can be angry? D. Important concept: Ephesians 4:26 1. "Be angry, and do not sin" 2. The statement indicates that it is possible to be angry without sinning! E. Paul here reference to an Old Testament idea 1. Psalm 4:4 2. There the Psalmist says to be angry, and sin not, but to think about it on one's bed 3. Contrast-- do not let it even get to the point of being angry at night, according to Paul? 4. Perhaps a complement-- consider what one will say and do before acting in anger? 5. Both? F. How is it that we can be angry and yet not sin? IV. Handling Anger A. God understands that we will get angry at times 1. God has His moments of anger 2. Jesus Himself was angry at times (Mark 3:5) B. The issue, then, is not whether we will get angry-- the issue involves what we are going to do about it C. Anger and Control 1. Are we going to control our anger, or will our anger control us? 2. How many people have allowed their lives to be consumed by their anger toward others? 3. We must strive to control our anger, as with all things (1 Peter 4:7) D. Anger and Retribution 1. One of the major impulses that one feels when angry is the need to take vengeance or to gain retribution for the wrong suffered 2. Yet God constantly exhorts us to do no such thing! 3. Matthew 5:21-23; 38-48, Luke 6:27-36, Romans 12:16-21 4. Whatever retribution is necessary should be left to God who judges more righteously than man! E. Controlling Anger 1. How do we control anger? 2. We must learn to be slow to anger, as God is slow to anger (cf. Exodus 34:6, James 1:19-20) 3. When angry, we must consider the wisdom of Solomon 4. Use soft, not harsh, words (Proverbs 15:1) 5. Quieting contention (Proverbs 15:18) 6. Being kind and providing gifts (Proverbs 21:14) 7. Avoid hot-tempered people prone to anger (Proverbs 22:24) 8. The need to stop, deliberate, and consider the other side is quite important! 9. How many times have we been angry for no good reason? 10. How many times would it have been wiser to wait and deliberate, and speak later? F. We can see, then, that while we can be angry, we must not let it turn to wrath, let it control us, or lead us to speak rashly! G. There is great wisdom in Psalm 4:4 / Ephesians 4:26! V. A Word About "Righteous Indignation" A. But what about "righteous indignation"? B. Sometimes people justify anger under that idea 1. People will often get angry at sin 2. There is good reason for this-- sin is the source of all kinds of difficulty and suffering! C. Should we let loose with righteous indignation? D. Consider the wisdom in James 1:19-20 1. The anger of man is unable to accomplish God's righteousness 2. This is the difficulty with "righteous indignation"-- it too often turns to unrighteousness! 3. It does no one any good to sin because of one's anger toward sin! VI. Conclusion A. We have considered the nature of anger and wrath 1. While anger might be a natural reaction, it must be kept under control 2. We cannot allow ourselves to be continually angry 3. If it turns to wrath, or takes control of us, or leads us to speak foolishly, we have sinned! B. Ephesians 4:26 and James 1:20 are good verses to live by! 1. Be angry, do not sin, and do not let the sun go down on your anger 2. Remember that the anger of man cannot produce the righteousness of God C. Let us be self-controlled and gentle people, and turn away wrath! D. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jun 5 03:19:10 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 04:19:10 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my ancient files: ORDINARY PEOPLE DOING EXTRAORDINARY THINGS God's people have always been called upon to take action. As Joshua made his farewell speech he exhorted Israel, "Cho- ose you this day whom ye will serve" (Jos. 24;15). Haggai ex- horted Israel, "Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house" (Hag. 1:8). Jesus, our ultimate example of a servant, says, "My meat is to do the Will of Him Who sent Me" (Jno. 4:34). Many times we are hesitant to accept diffic- ult challenges, consequently, opportunities to render great service to God are lost. God has not always looked to great people to serve in great ways. Be encouraged to accept great challenges as we notice how God has used ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Mases was asked by God to appear before Pharaoh and demand that he let the people of God leave Egypt. As Moses contemplated this extraordinary challenge he demonstrated his ordinary character as he made the following excuses: "Who am I that I should go unto Pharaoh? What shall I say unto them? But, behold, they will not believe me, nor heark- en unto my voice. I am not eloquent." (Exo. 3,4). Moses was able to rise above some ordinary traits and successfully meet the extraordinary challengs of confronting Pharaoh, leading Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness for forty years. God spoke to Joshua and said, "Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, untot he land which I do give to them" (Jos. 1:2). After wanderingwith the murmuring nation of Israel for forty years, Joshua is give the extraordinary challenge of leading Israel into the Jordan and accross into Canaan, following Israel's defeat at Ai, Joshua demonstrated an ordinary lack of trust as he stated, "O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us?" (Jos. 7:7). God calms the ordinary fear of Joshua as He says, "Fear not, neither be thou dismayed; take all the people of war with thee, and arise and go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai" (Jos. 8:1). David demonstrated an extraordinary faith as he went out to the battlefield and defeated the giant Goliath with a sling and some small stones. See 1 Sam. 17:17-51. He is paid the extraordinary compliment in Acts 13:22 where God says of David, "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart." Yet, what painfully ordinary traits were ex- hibited as he committed adultery with Bathsheba and had her husband killed in the heat of battle. Please see 2 Sam. 11:1- 17." We could write further of 1) Esther, though afraid of death, appeared before the king to ask that Israel be spared (Esther 4:16). 2) Abraham, who left his homeland and later raised the knife to offer his son upon the altar, yet later lies about Sarah as he feared for his life (Heb. 11:8, 17-19; Gen. 20:9-13). Or 3) Peter, who walked on water and was with the Lord at Gethsemane, ye later cursed and denied Christ (Matt. 14:27-31; 26:69-75). May we be encouraged to accept great challenges as ordinary people striving to do extraordinary things. --------- Jerry D. Curry, via, The Sunny Hill Bulletin, Vol. 5, No. 8, April 15, 2001. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080605/6dd56c54/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jun 5 03:19:19 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 04:19:19 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) MAKING GODLY DECISIONS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. MAKING GODLY DECISIONS "What Does God Want Me To Do?": -- This question will domi- nate every decision by a truly godly person. The apostle Paul wrote, "We make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him" (2 Cor. 5:9). Again, "Be diligent to pre- sent yourself approved to God" (2 Tim. 2:15). It seems especially urgent that gospel preachers, who ask and receive support from a church, ask where God would have them work. This is not always easy to determine. If a man's goal is to preach for money, he can easily compare the financial package offered by various churches. If his desire is a big church, counting the names in church directories is all that is necessary. If he is looking to be as close as possib- le to family, a road atlas can settle that for him. But if he is seeking to do God's Will, that is harder to decide. Determining what God would have us do is an awesome task. My friend, "When you have weighed all the options, giv- ing priority to what God would approve, you are not likely to make a mistake whatever you choose to do." I have found that a useful thought many times. When God Says, "No": -- Sometime after a struggle to know God's Will, it rather suddenly seems to be clear. We dismiss all other options, begin to make whatever sacrifices might be required and start preparing to do what we are confident God would have us do. There is a sense of relief that the decision is made and we plunge into our new purpose with the zeal that naturally comes from a clear conscience. Then after con- siderable investment fo time and energy, when we are on the verge of "doing God's Will", suddenly the door closes. It can be a shattering experience. The Joe Works family recently experienced this after nearly a year of deciding and preparing in the past. Brazil denied them the expected visa. Of course, the Works are nto the only ones who have known such disappointment. Most of us have had such an experience -- maybe several of them. Some Bible characters were disappointed in their efforts to please God. Sometime God has someone else to do the job. David was certain that it was right for him to build a temple for God (2 Sam. 7). The prophet Nathan even agreed with him. But God said, "No". David was disappointed, but went ahead and made plans and preparations that were helpful to Solomon whom God did desire to build the temple. It may be that the time is just not right and God sees some- thing else more urgent. It is said of Paul, Silas and Timothy: "Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them" (Acts 16:6,7). The result was that Luke joined them, the gospel was preach- ed in Macedonia and Achaia, and later Paul preached three years in Asia. Sometimes it is not God's Will that we do what we prefer. Even our Lord prayed three times, "O My Father, if it is possi- ble, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matt. 26:39). It did not pass; it was not God's Will that it pass. A closing door may be God's answer: it is just not His Will. "Have Thine Own Way, Lord": -- On his Internet hymn annot- ation, Wayne Walker recently related the background of the familiar hymn, Have Thine Own Way, Lord. He says: The text was written by Adelaide Addison Pollard, who was born November 27, 1862. In 1902, at the age of forty and still single she made plans to go to Africa as a missionary teacher under the leadership of a man named Sanford. When she was on the verge of preparing to sail, at the last minute her funding failed and she was forced to cancel her trip. The dis- couraged woman attended a prayer meeting and, while sitting quietly, heard someone make the following statement: "It's all right Lord! It doesn't matter what You bring into our lives. Just have your own way with us." Thinking about these words on her way home, she put the hymn on paper before retiring that night. Doubtless this hymn has accomplished more for the glory of God than her mission to Africa would have accomplished. May God give us the grace to accept His "No" as these words suggest: Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Thou are the potter, I am the clay. Mold me and mke me After Thy will, While I am waiting, Yielded and still. --------- Sewell Hall in Biblical Insights, Vol. 7, No. 12, Dec. 2007. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080605/cb58519f/attachment-0001.html From Pappy01 at suddenlink.net Thu Jun 5 08:40:13 2008 From: Pappy01 at suddenlink.net (Terry Sanders) Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 08:40:13 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S>Apollos & website update (2nd try) Message-ID: <000f01c8c711$ae76eca0$4064c24a@mccru59fc7f4na> Terry Sanders here.... I have just uploaded and updated my sermon page. URL is in address below. You go through my home page. Pasted in below is one of the sermons in outline form. ====================================== Apollos Acts 18:24-28 Introduction: Apollos is a very unique character in the New Testament. He is interesting in his introduction and continues to be so in what little we know about him. There are many lessons about Apollos that are worth our consideration. I. Information About Apollos. A. Background. 1. A Jew. 2. Apparently a disciple of John the Baptist. 3. Born at Alexandria (Egypt). a. A chief seat of Hebrew learning. b. Had a library of 7M volumes. c. Had a school that rivaled Gamaliel's (Acts 5:34; 22:3). d. Septuagint written there in mid 3rd century B. C. B. Description. 1. Eloquent (v. 24). a. Either a man skilled in the use of words or skilled in ideas and thinking (RWP). 1) Some depreciate higher education. 2) Others hold education up too high. b. A secular education is a means to an end-it is not essential to being of service in the kingdom (Acts 4:13). c. It is ironic that we have no record of anything ever spoken by this eloquent man. 2. Mighty in the Scriptures (v. 24). a. This would have been the Old Testament. b. His instruction would have been about the Messiah to come. 3. Fervent in spirit (v. 25). a. "Burning zeal" (TCNT). b. Not merely "going through the motions." 4. Spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord (v. 25). a. He was careful in what he did. b. His knowledge was correct as far as it went, but it was incomplete. c. He knew only the baptism of John (v. 25). 1) John's baptism was preparatory (Matt. 11:10; cf. Mal. 3:1). 2) John's baptism was commanded by God (Lk. 7:29-20). 3) Those who obey Christ in baptism confess Christ (Acts 8:37); not so with John's. 4) John's baptism in the name of the Father, son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19); John's was not. d. Was Apollos re-baptized? 1) A question for the ages. 2) Perhaps; likely (cf. Acts 19:1-7). C. He spoke boldly, yet inaccurately. 1. Aquila and Priscilla ("they") taught him more accurately. 2. Their actions shed light on 1 Cor. 14:34 and 1 Tim. 2:12. II. The Good Character Of Apollos. A. Apollos was highly respected and regarded (v. 27). 1. Brethren often have ludicrous expectations of preachers. 2. A look at Apollos reveals what matters. B. He was willing to listen. 1. He was highly educated. 2. Yet he listened to a couple of tentmakers. C. Once he was corrected, he accepted the truth. 1. He was as vigorous as ever with the truth (v. 28). 2. However, now he preached Christ. III. Some Things About His Work. A. He went to Corinth (Acts 19:1). B. Apparently successful (1 Cor. 3:4-8). 1. Unfortunately, factions arose (1 Cor. 1:10-16). 2. Not his fault. 3. Ought not to be (1 Cor. 4:6). C. A desire for him to return (1 Cor. 16:12). 1. Some preachers are not welcome to return. 2. Apollos may have been too busy to return at this time. Conclusion: Apollos is one of many unsung heroes of the Bible. We certainly need more like him. Willing to be taught and willing to teach others. When confronted with the truth, accepted it and obeyed it. What a good testimony. Terry Sanders 108 Dandridge St. Tuckerman, AR 72473 Home page: http://duezzy2.brinkster.net/home.html Church page: http://tuckermancofc.com Blog: http://thecondorsnest.blogspot.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080605/e0088a7c/attachment-0001.html From wsasser at tds.net Thu Jun 5 11:33:58 2008 From: wsasser at tds.net (Whit Sasser) Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 11:33:58 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Courage Message-ID: <597D4F23-664C-40C8-A229-49E1D7E03080@tds.net> Hello list, I am searching for notes on the subject of courage. Any helpers? Thanks. Whit Whit Sasser 3601 E. Newberry St. Appleton, WI 54915 920.733.5009 wsasser at tds.net www.appletonchurchofchrist.org "Go Mac & Go Pack" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080605/4297daca/attachment.html From 8jne1958 at sbcglobal.net Thu Jun 5 15:15:36 2008 From: 8jne1958 at sbcglobal.net (John Evans) Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 13:15:36 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Biblemat] How to Study the Bible Message-ID: <682044.5421.qm@web83603.mail.sp1.yahoo.com> Dear brethren, John Evans here. I hoped you might enjoy lesson #1 from my booklet entitled How to Study the Bible. We've been fortunate at Woodlawn Hills to have a number of new converts--some who are young, others who are young in the faith, and still others who are coming out of denominationalism. This workbook was written to help them. Here's a link if you would like to check out the booklet in more detail: Link Here's lesson one, with the accompanying questions: Lesson One Examine the Evidence Greetings, and welcome to How to Study the Bible. First, I want to thank you for reading this book, but I especially want to commend your desire to learn more about God?s word. There can be no higher goal than obeying Jehovah, and that starts by learning of His will for man. You?ve made the right choice! I am convinced beyond the faintest doubt that the Bible is exactly what it claims to be?the inspired word of God. In fact, I don?t believe an honest-hearted individual can examine all of the evidence and arrive at any other conclusion. The Bible provides timeless answers to life?s most important questions. It gives perfect principles on how we should order our lives. Its teachings concerning the family are unparalleled. Its commandments about the Christian?s relationship to business, society, and government are matchless. Want to know how to be a valuable employee? Scripture points the way. Is your desire to be the right kind of boss? The Bible will help you there as well. Do you want to be a good wife or a loving father? God?s word tells you what you need to know. But, beyond all of these, the Bible reveals God?s plan of salvation. We are told in verses such as 2 Timothy 1:8-10 and Ephesians 3:8-12 that God, in His mercy and grace, had in mind a plan from the very beginning whereby man could be saved. Scripture tells us about that plan, how it was accomplished by the sacrifice of Jesus and made freely available through obedient faith. God intended that plan for the common person?you and me!?because He ?desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth? (I Timothy 2:3-4). If you accept these remarks, then you will also agree that there can be no higher endeavor than the proper study and application of God?s word. If Scripture is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, if following the Bible will keep us from stumbling and provide us with an eternal inheritance, then surely we must apply all diligence in learning it (Psalm 119:11, 105, 111). While this book is not written to prove the inspiration of Scripture, I would invite you to examine the evidence. There are many excellent guides to help in that study, such as Josh McDo