From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Sep 1 02:33:01 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 03:33:01 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) PSALM 8 Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. PSALM 8 While guarding sheep in his youth, David must have looked to the stars and wondered at the majesty of their Maker. He must have walked with his family to the place of worship, sing- ing praises to God. Like David, many of us in our youth have glorified God sing- ing the grand verses penned by the poets. I am sometimes be- wildered how willingly we sing in great expressions of praise but seem to hesitate in our sermons to articulate majestic and magnificent admiration for God Almighty! David did not seem to be afflicted with that reluctance. I love old hymns, like this one: "Down at the cross where my Savior died, down where for cleansing from sin I cried, there to my heart was the blood applied: glory to His name!" (E.A. Hoff- man, 1878). And I love some of the new songs, like this one: "Father, we love You, we worship and adore You; glorify Your name in all the earth" (Donna Atkins, 1976). Or this one: "We will glorify the King of kings, we will glorify the Lamb; we will glorify the Lord of lords, who is the great I AM. Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty, we will bow before His throne; we will worship Him in righteous- ness, we will worship Him alone" (Twila Paris, 1982). But I have to say that I love the old Israelite Psalms the best because they come directly from the Holy Spirit: "O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth...When I consid- er Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mind- ful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" (Psa. 8). Psalm 8 is a beautiful hymn of praise that celebrates the char- acter of God through meditation upon the wonder and glory of the creation. The work of God's fingers includes the moon and the stars, themselves exemplary of the vast universe which He ordained. How glorious is our God! The text speaks of God's creation of mankind made lower than angels but crowned with glory and honor. But too often, we emphasize the exalted standing of man within the creation rather than to praise God who made him and give him his place above other creatures: "You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet" (Psa. 8:4-6). Do not miss David's point or misplace the emphasis. It is God who is to be glorified, no man. "To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Eph. 3:21). Psalm 8 is a seminal writing intended to excite further medita- tion upon the grand nature of its subject. It is cited at least four times in the New Testament, each time in praise and glory to God in and through the person of His Divine Son, Jesus Christ! In these passages, we find its ultimate fulfillment. He Is Our Creator: -- In Matt, 21L16, Jewish chief priests and scribes expressed resentment toward Jesus because the child- ren were praising HIm. Jesus reminded them of David's comm- ent that "out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise" (Psa. 8:2). Jesus was, of course, God the Son. He not only performed miracles on earth but through Him all things were created (Jno. 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). Even the young children praised His majesty. Never forget that when we praise the Christ, we praise God! He Is Our Savior: -- In Heb. 2:1-10 the Holy Spirit uses this great Psalm to bring us to "see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone." All things have been placed under the Christ, not under angels. This One "for whom are all things and by whom are all things" is superior to all others. We glorify Him because He has brought many others, even ourselves, to glory (vs. 10). He Is Our Ruler: -- To God alone belongs all original, innate auth- ority. Only God ultimately possesses the right to subordinate anything to anyone. He has given dominion over the material creation to man (Psa. 8:6). But an even greater fulfillment of this Scripture is found in the Gospel. In a special way, we are to glori- fy His name and the name of Christ because God has given to His Son superior authority over both the natural creation and the spiritual kingdom (Matt. 28:18). Paul said, "He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church" (Eph. 1:22). Paul also declared that His reign will contin- ue until all enemies including death are destroyed (1 Cor. 15:27). We glorify the Lord of lords who presides over the spiritual lives of all who submit to God's rule because He is our King! Psalm 8 begins and ends with this grand statement: O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth." Each day of our life should begin and end with that expression. Our wors- hip should begin and end with such expressions of praise. And...our very lives should begin and end in obedient complian- ce with His will -- understanding that more than the grandest words, our innermost spirit and our living actions glorify His name. -------------- Colly Caldwell in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 2, February, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080901/06e30e1a/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Sep 1 02:32:47 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 03:32:47 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) JEHOVAH-JIREH Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my ancient files: JEHOVAH - JIREH As the patriarch journied northward toward the land of Mori-ah, his heart must have been sorely burdened with anguish and grief, unexplained to his companions. Every paternal instinct re- belled at the approaching ordeal, for every hope had been centu- red in Isaac, the son of promise. However, with a resolute faith in God the elderly man stifled every natural impulse, call his dearest treasure and bound the son upon a newly built altar. The "father of the faithful" stood willing to obey; the knife was poised, but God intervened, say- ing, "Now I know that thou fearest God." A ram which had been caught in the nearby thicket was substituted, and in his thanks- giving Abraham called the name of the place "Jehovah - Jireh," which means "God will see or provide," and four centuries later it was still said, "In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided." God will provide! How comforting it is to know that an omni- potent God watches from a celestial throne, observes the needs of His children and graciously provided for their necessities! "In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided." According to tradition, the site of Abraham's test became the location of Solo- mon's temple and ultimately the Zion from whence went forth the new law. Since God's full revelation has now been made known, men are privileged to come to mount Zion, to drink of the living water, and to believe the Master's admonition: "Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? ... for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first His kingdom, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." God will provide! -------------- Bill Humble in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 8, June, 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080901/70c7ba01/attachment-0001.html From thomasc at msu.edu Mon Sep 1 08:05:25 2008 From: thomasc at msu.edu (Craig Thomas) Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:05:25 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S>God Is Not Message-ID: <20080901130526.6EC23BC17C@dumbledore.whizardries.com> God Is Not I. Introduction: 1. People have many different concepts of God, but God is not what many people think He is. 3. So, today, let?s consider some things ?God Is Not.? God is not II. Discussion: 1. A Respecter of Persons A. Whether they realize it or not, many indict God as arbitrary, capricious, despotic, tyrannical, and dictatorial. B. That?s exactly what Calvinism does when it teaches ?Unconditional Election.? C. Note one definition of ?Unconditional Election?: ?God?s choice of certain individuals unto salvation before the foundation of the world rested solely in His own sovereign will. His choice of particular sinners was not based on any foreseen response of obedience on their part, such as faith, repentance, etc. On the contrary, God gives faith and repentance to each individual whom He selected. These acts are the result, not the cause of God?s choice Those whom God sovereignly elected He brings through the power of the Spirit to a willing acceptance of Christ. Thus God?s choice of the sinner, not the sinner?s choice of Christ, is the ultimate cause of salvation.? (Bible Life Ministries; www.biblelife.org) D. There has never been a doctrine that is more false! (1) Such a doctrine would make God a respecter of persons which He is not! Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; Acts 10:34-35 (2) Such a doctrine is not the way the Bible says God calls men to salvation (2 Thes. 2:13-14; Rom. 10:17; Matt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 8:11-15; Jas. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:22-25). E. Make no mistake! God is not a respecter of persons; He requires the same of all men (Rom. 2:5-11). 2. Like A Man A. Many think God is like a man; e.g., the ?doting grandfather? view of God so prominent with many. (1) God is not human (Num. 23:19). (2) God is a spirit (Jn. 4:24; Lk. 24:39). B. Thus, we must not make the mistake of believing God thinks like a man (Isa. 55:8-9). 3. Mocked A. Mock means ?to attack or treat with ridicule, contempt, or derision to challenge, defy; to deceive, delude, or disappoint.? (Dictionary.com) B. Job asked a question we all need to seriously consider, Job 13:9. (1) The answer is a resounding ?NO!? Gal. 6:7 (2) God means what He says! Heb. 1:1-2; 2:1-4 (esp. vs. 3) 4. The Cause of Confusion A. None can deny that great confusion exists in today?s religious world. B. But, it?s not God?s fault (1 Cor. 14:33). C. When confusion and division exist man is always the cause! 2 Pet. 2:2 Confusion is the result of: (1) Envy and self-seeking (Jas. 3:13-17). (2) False teaching (Matt. 15:7-9, 14, 12-13). D. Following God?s plan eliminates confusion and establishes unity (Psa. 133:1; Jn. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; Gal. 5:20; Eph. 4:1-6). 5. Tempted By Evil A. Man is tempted by evil, but God is not! Jas. 1:12-15 B. Remember, God is not a man (Isa. 55:8-9), thus, temptation in no way affects Him. (1) Satan tried (Matt. 4:1-11). (2) Man tried (Matt. 21-22 the 5 ?testings? of Jesus). (3) Yet, no sin (Heb. 4:15-16). 6. The God of the Dead A. Jesus said so in Matt. 22:32 (read and discuss context of Matt. 22:23-32). B. This has at least two very critical ramifications: (1) God is not dead, but alive! Jer. 10:10 (2) Materialists are wrong about the destiny of man! (a) Man does have an eternal soul/spirit (Gen. 1:26; Jn. 4:24; Lk. 24:39). (b) Our eternal spirit will reside in heaven or hell (Jn. 5:28-29; Matt. 25:46). 7. One To Forget A. Some think as time passes God will forget their sin (2 Pet. 3:3-10); we?ve seen that?s not true (Gal. 6:7). B. But neither will God forget our labor and travail (Heb. 6:9-12; 1 Cor. 15:58). 8. Ashamed To Be Called Our God A. What a glorious thought! Heb. 11:16; Rom. 8:16-17 B. Yet, some seem ashamed to be His children (Jer. 13:11; Rev. 21:1-4; Heb. 10:25). 9. Impatient A. We should be so thankful that God is not impatient (2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4). B. But, God?s patience is not unlimited! Jer. 11:14; 2 Cor. 5:10 III. Conclusion: 1. I hope you are now aware of some things ?God Is Not.? 2. But, there is one final thing ?God Is Not.? 3. ?God Is Not? going to save you unless you ?obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ? and ?know? Him (2 Thess. 1:7-9; 1 Jn. 2:3-5). 4. Do you want to be saved or lost? Adapted from ?Some Things God Is Not,? in Gospel Meeting Sermons by Johnie Edwards, 1979, Faith and Facts, Indianapolis, IN "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58) ************************************************************************* M M III Craig V. Thomas M M M M I Just a Christian (Acts 11:26) M M M M I 350 Pineridge Lane M M M M I Sandusky, MI 48471 M M M III E-mail: thomasc at msu.edu Phone: 810-648-5009 (home) Phone: 810-404-3402 (cell) ************************************************************************* "Perseverance is that quality of character that sees a thing through in spite of adversities and even though results are not immediately visible." John Witt "The greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers of the soul." David O. McKay -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080901/ba596aa9/attachment-0001.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 1 12:43:25 2008 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 12:43:25 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files - September 2008 15.9 Now Available Message-ID: In our 15th year of publication (1994-2008) Expository Files - September 2008 **Our 178th 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 15.9; September 2008 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: The Front Page; September 2008 You Can Be Better By Warren E. Berkley A Certain Rich Man: What Was The Problem? Luke 12:16-21 By Warren E. Berkley The Greatest Mission John 12:44-50 By Brady Cook A Letter From Jesus ?...written not with ink...? 2 Corinthians 3:2-5 By Jon W. Quinn What God Wants Us to Do Deuteronomy 10.12-13) By Wayne S. Walker Topic Page: Conveying The Message By David Smitherman Plan of Salvation By Jon W. Quinn Focusing on Focus Expository Files 15.9; The Final Page By Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- 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 GLClair at aol.com Mon Sep 1 17:24:01 2008 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2008 18:24:01 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN (A) for September 2008 Message-ID: HILLIARD BULLETIN Published two times each month by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Rd ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, OH 43026 Phone: (614) 976-4089 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ==================================================================== Volume 10 Number 9 (A) September 2008 ==================================================================== THE TRUTH - Editorial John 8:32, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." COMMENT ON VERSE: This passage of Scripture as recorded by John stresses the importance that J esus Christ attaches to understanding the value of "truth." Jesus indicates that the "truth" will make man free. Jesus did not leave us in the dark about what he meant when He said "the truth shall make you free"; He clearly indicates in the context that freedom from sin is acquired through understanding and applying "truth." John 17:17, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." COMMENT: ON VERSE: In this verse Jesus teaches us that the "truth" He encourages mankind to live by is the Word of God. The Word of God either oral or written may be understood in the text as applicable. Yet, today we do not enjoy oral, or inspired knowledge received directly from God but we do have the "WRITTEN WORD OF GOD" that is just as much God's Word and as if it were spoken orally (i.e., such as Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Elijah, etc.). Or given to us directly by inspired men (i.e., such as Moses, Solomon, Matthew, Mark, John, Paul, etc.). John 12:47-50, "And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejected me, and receives not my words, hath one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak." (KJV) COMMENT ON VERSES: In these verses Jesus is teaching the eternal ramifications of man's failure to heed the teaching that comes from God. Jesus teaching in the 47th verse does not indicate that He will not be the Judge of all mankind in the last day but suggest that God's Word spoken, or written will be the standard of that judgment as the next verse suggest. In verse 48 Jesus tells mankind that the words that He speaks will be the standard of judgment in the last day. Then in verses 49, 50 He further establishes the source of His teaching and the validity of that source to present the absolute "truth." FURTHER COMMENT: There is nothing in this life of greater importance to mankind than a proper understanding of the nature of the Bible (i.e., the 66 Books of the Hebrew and Christian scriptures). Jesus Christ in the above context suggests to us that the Word of God (i.e. "the Bible") is the absolute TRUTH." We either accept that the Bible is truth or reject it. If we accept or reject the Bible as truth it will be reflected in the way we order our life, our lifestyle will tell everyone else around us whether we believe it or not. Our corner of the world will reflect our philosophy toward the validity of the Bible's message to us for either good or for evil, indeed; we will either be a Christian or a non-Christian. --- [Glc] January 2006 ? Revised IS THE PREACHER TOO OLD? By Garreth L. Clair Occasionally someone with a need to become important begins to spread a rumor that the preacher is too old to do his work and the congregation is suffering because of his age. This is just one of those tactics that the Devil uses to undermine the truth and the peace in a local congregation. Remember you will never see the Devil in person; the Devil appears in human form sometimes as a brother in Christ or even as an "angel of light" - cf. 2 Cor 11:14-15, "14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." There are no age limits for the ministers of the gospel; the New Testament and early traditions indicate that there were good men preaching the gospel into their very old age. We may also see in the Old Testament that most of the great heroes of the 11th chapter of the Book of Hebrews were old men who continued until they died. PLEASE LOOK AT THE WORK OF MOSES: Deut 34:1-8, 1 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan, 2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea, 3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar. 4 And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I swore unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shall not go over thither. 5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. 6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knows of his sepulchre unto this day. 7 And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.? PLEASE CONSIDER CALEB: Joshua 14:6-13, 6 Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadesh-barnea. 7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh-barnea to espy out the land; and I brought him word again as it was in mine heart. 8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God. 9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be thine inheritance, and thy children's for ever, because thou hast wholly followed the LORD my God. 10 And now, behold, the LORD hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the LORD spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in. 12 Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the LORD spake in that day; for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. 13 And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh Hebron for an inheritance." (KJV) Indeed, we would do well to set at the feet of the aged ministers to learn of the great experiences that the older men have had with regard to their work over long years of faithful service. Therefore if a man is faithful, mentally alert, and able to speak clearly --- why should he stop teaching and preaching the gospel message to the lost and dying in this world and also in the pews of many church- buildings throughout the land? I have known of preachers with one arm, in wheel chairs, in their 80s, grey headed, and sometimes bald headed who worked harder and longer each day than most Christians half their age. As long as they are mentally and spiritually capable to perform, encourage them to keep up the good work. MORE INSTRUCTION REGARDING OLDER CHRISTIANS: Lev. 19:32, Thou shall rise up before the hoary head , and honor the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. (KJV) Prov. 16:31, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." (KJV) Prov 20:29, The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head. Prov. 23:22, Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.? THE BEST WAY TO FORM REBELLION AMONG THE PEOPLE: (Seek the advise of the young - and - do not listen to the aged faithful) 1 Kings 12:6-19, 6 And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? 7 And they spoke unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. 8 But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: 9 And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? 10 And the young men that were grown up with him spoke unto him, saying, Thus shall thou speak unto this people that spoke unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shall thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father's loins. 11 And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. 13 And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; 14 And spoke to them after the counsel of the young men , saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 15 Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 16 So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. 17 But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 18 Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. (KJV) A RECENT LETTER FROM AN AGED PREACHER: I have Reached A Milestone Now What? Ill health has forced retirement and so now what shall my life be - Shall I whine and complain a lot since my voice is taken from me? For some fifty years He allowed me to proclaim the salvation "in Christ:" And so I thought that?s what I?d do for the remainder of my natural life! But I have other talents as well - abilities not requiring a voice I can still read and I can write - So writing is another good choice! "The pen is mightier than the sword" Someone wrote long ago it?s so true God committed His word to written form - So why can?t I do the same thing too? Paul wrote "when you read you may understand." Writing of the salvation of the Jew & Gentile too some say I have the ability to teach via poetry so then that?s at least something that I can still do. --- Ephesians 3:1-6, 1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV) --- By Kenneth E. Thomas ? 20 QUESTION: I have a question concerning Ecclesiastes 9:5. Does this verse teach that the person who passes has no more memory of the things on earth or what transpired in their life? Or does it teach we are soon forgotten after death? Thanks! Tom GENERAL CONTEXT: Eccl 9:5-6, ?5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.? ANSWER: It seems that Solomon is discussing those events that happen under the sun (i.e. occurrences that man experience while living on earth), prior to physical death (i.e. separation of the body from the spirit). Possibly, both statements in the question is what is meant by the way the 2 verses are presented in the K.J.V. --- _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) --- August 9, 2008 BUSINESS MEETING NOTES August 23, 2008 In a meeting of the men of the congregation five items were discussed and resolved; those items are listed herein: 1. It was suggested and agreed to send $1,000.00 to the storm victims in the Philippines. Brother Jerry Parks was consulted about the soundness of those requesting assistance and he returned a note to us affirming that they were good, sound, and needy. 2. It was suggested and agreed that those in the congregation might suggest sound preachers to come here to Hilliard and hold us a gospel meeting. Brother Clair will collect the suggestions and contact two of them each year for our future gospel meetings. 3. It was suggested and approved that when we have a short meeting ? the meeting will be conducted Sunday through Wednesday ? 4 days. 4. It was suggested and approved that Garreth Clair take notes and record the meetings for the record, for the membership, and for the authorities. 5. It was suggested and approved that we delete the fifth-Sunday program and return to our regular schedule of Sunday night service. ? _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ? August 2008 IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP NECESSARY Some people tell is that it is unnecessary to be a part of an organized congregation to worship God acceptably. Following are some of the reasons why this philosophy is untrue: 1. Jesus built the church, Matthew 16:18, 2. Jesus cleansed the church, Ephesians 5:26, ?That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,? (KJV) 3. Jesus purchased the church with His blood, Acts 20:28, ?Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.? 4. Jesus washed the church, Ephesians 5:26, ?That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,? (KJV) 5. Jesus loves the church, Ephesians 5:25, ?Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;? 7. Jesus sanctified the church, Ephesians 5:26, ?That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,? (KJV) 8. Jesus is the foundation of the church, Colossians 1:18, ?And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.? (KJV) 9. Jesus glorified the church, Ephesians 5:27, ?That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.? (KJV) 10. Jesus is head over all things to the church, Ephesians 1:22-23, ?22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.? 11. Jesus adds all the saved to the church, Acts 2:47 12. Jesus will save all that belong to the church, Eph. 5:23, _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) --- September (A), 2008 **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080901/921dea4f/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Sep 2 03:10:32 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:10:32 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE SABBATH DAY 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: THE SABBATH DAY Many people are confused today about what they should do in relation to the Sabbath. Some feel the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, is still the day of worship. Some believe it is to be observed but that it is now the first day of the week. Others acknowledge Sabbath keeping to have been abolished and that now, under the Gospel, the first day of the week has a significan- ce all its own and bears no relationship to the Sabbath. With people having such diverse views, it is easy to see why there is a great deal of confusion surrounding the Sabbath. The only way to clear that confusion is to go to the Bible and see what it says. The Sabbath Was For Israel Only: -- During the Exodus from Egypt, God instituted the Sabbath for the Israelites, His chosen people under the Old Law. It is first mentioned in Exo. 16:23. The command to keep the Sabbath was one of the Ten Comman- dments (Exo. 20:8). God did not, as some suppose, require its observance at the time of the creation of the world. God commanded Israel to observe the Sabbath so that they would remember that while in Egypt they had no rest but that He had delivered them from their bondage and given them a day of rest (Deut. 5:15). It was to be sign between them and God so that they would never forget that it was He who had delivered them and sanctified them as a people for His own possession (Exo. 31:13-17). In that was a sign between Israel and God, a memorial of an event peculiar to the Jewish nation and a part of the covenant between them and God, one must conclude that only they were to keep it. If Jew and Gentile alike were to observe it, it would have had no real significance to the Jews. It would have made no sense for the Gentiles to keep it be- cause it would have had no meaning to them. They were never delivered from Egyptian bondage. Thus, they were never comm- anded to keep it or any other command contained in the Law God gave to Israel through Moses. The Jews, on the other hand, were to strictly observe it. They were not to work on it (Exo. 31:13-17; 20:8-11; 23:9-12; 34:21). They were not to gather, bake or boil any food (Exo. 16: 23-26). No fire was to be kindled (Exo. 35:1-3) and no sticks cou- ld be gathered for a fire (Num. 16:32-35). They were not to buy nor sell (Neh. 13:15-21). They were to bear no burden (Jer. 17:21,22). They were to travel only a "Sabbath Day's journey" (Matt. 24:20). (about 2000 cubits or 1000 yards, JWS). There was to be a holy convocation (Lev. 23:3) and the priests were to sacrifice two lambs of the first year without spot and blemish and two-tenths of an ephah of flour mingled with oil (Num. 28:9, 10). No one who seeks to bind the observance of the Sabbath to- day desires to keep it in its entirety. To attempt to keep any portion of it today, though, would put one under obligation to keep not only all aspects of the Sabbath, including its prohibit- ions against work and travel and its sacrifices, but also all com- mands contained in the Old Law. To keep the Old Law in one point makes one responsible to keep all of it (Gal. 5:3). To try to be justified by the Old Law today causes one to fall from grace (Gal. 5:4). Sabbath Observance Ceased: -- God intended the observance of the Sabbath to cease. As Jesus fulfilled the Old Law (Matt. 5: 17), it was taken out of the way and nailed to the cross (Gal. 5:1-4; Col. 2:14). It was taken out of the way so that Jesus could es- tablish His new law, the "perfect law of liberty" (Jas. 1:25). Since Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18), everyone must obey His law. It does not include any command to keep the Sabbath. Therefore, to keep the Sabbath today is to act without divine authority. Ceremonial Law vs. Moral Law: -- Many who would bind the Sab- bath today say that only the "ceremonial law" or the "law of Moses" was fulfilled and abolished by Jesus. They contend the "moral law" or the "law of God," the Ten Commandments con- tinues to have authority. The Bible makes no distinction between the "law of Moses" and the "law of God" or between the "ceremonial law" and the "moral law" because no difference exists. For example, Ezra 7:6 says God had given "the law of Moses" while 2 Chron. 34:14 states that the "law of the Lord" was "given by Moses." The entire Old Law has been taken out of the way and is not to be kept today. No one is to be judged "in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths" for those things were but "a shadow of things to come" (Col. 2:16,17). When one seeks to bind the things of the Old Law today, he severs any relationship he might have with Christ and falls from grace (Gal. 5:4). The only "Sabbath Rest" remaining for the children of God is the one awaiting them in heaven (Heb. 4:9). It is a time when they may "rest from their labors" (Rev. 14:13). ---- Gene Taylor via. Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 34, Aug. 24, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080902/2f6e1b0a/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Sep 2 03:10:44 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 04:10:44 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) AN IMPASSE? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my ancient files. Use to the glory of God. AN EMPASSE? Nearly all leading Protestant journals are giving much attent- ion to an ecumenical movement in which differences dividing religious groups would be dissolved or discarded. The Federal Council of The Churches of Christ in America and similar move- ments are concrete efforts directed toward union. On the other hand the Catholic Church is urging that all religious people come into it that religious unity throughout the world may be attained. The present pope on several occasions has urged this. Many Catholic journals are urging it frequently. The Protestant Plea: -- Several leading Protestant clergymen such as Bishop Oxnam are endeavoring to lead the various den- ominations into some sort of union. In a recent issue of The Christian Century, Henry P. Van Dusen, a Presbyterian and Pres- ident of Union Theological Seminary, had an article entitled "The- ological Education for an Ecumincal Church". He defines the phrase "ecumenical Christianity" as follows: "The ecumenical movement is the total effort of Christians of varied traditions and loyalties to join forces, in order more adequately to discharge their total task and fulfill their total responsibility throughout the whole world. The bifocal character of the ecumenical movement is suggested in this inclusive definition. It unites the enterprise of Christian missions and the effort for Christian unity." (The Christian Century, April 30, 1952, p. 521). Dr. Van Dusen goes on to say that many look forward to the day "when Christians will acknowledge membership simply in 'the Church of Christ', and even to the earlier day when they will hold provisional and intermediate membership in 'the Church of Christ': Lutheran, the Church of Christ: Methodist, the Church of Christ: Presbyterian, and so on. In loyalty to that goal, and as a concrete means to- ward its fulfillment, should we not all now train men for the "mini- stry of the Church of Christ,' and for not other?" (Ibid). Dr. Van Dusen urges that seminars gear their programs to fit into this movement. He, of course, recognizes the differences in doctrines and practices among the different denominations and comments on these as follows: "Finally, let us approach the most delicate of all subjects of theological study, the citadel of particularism and prejudice -- systematic theology. Theology should present always the universal Christian faith, would con- sider most distinctive and most important, and searching for truths lying within essential Christian faith never the teaching of a particular communion. It should deliberately employ text- books written by the theologians of all of each principal tradition pointing to what they themselves, the major traditons, as variant expositions of a common theme. It should also acquaint studen- ts with the cherished convictions which others have neglected and they have reclaimed. Systematic theology should be taught not primarily in order to nourish ecumenical Christians for the next generation, but because that is the true logic of Christian belief. But such teaching would, as a by-product, train ministers for the one universal church of Christ" (ibid., p. 522). This is a representative statement of the present Protestant plea with reference to unity in the religious world, but it is wholly inadequate as it ignores the one most important element. "Varia- nt expositions of a common theme" but multiply religious con- fusion. The "one universal church of Christ" which Protestant leaders want to see can only be realized by a return to the "old paths" marked out in the New Testament. The idea of one church they claim to get from the New Testament for as Van Dusen states, "We employ the same historic trinitarian baptism- al formula, given to us all from the days when the church was one and was intended never to be otherwise" (ibid. p. 521). Since they get their idea from the New Testament, why not go to the same source for the doctrine and practice essential to the achievement of unity? The protestant plea is not comprehensib- le enough as it fails to strike at the tap root of religious division -- a failure to go back to the Bible and it alone. Catholics cannot accept such an approach and their opposition to it is stated in the Record of Louisville, Ky. of Jan. 5, 1952, in these words: "There can be no super-church. Although there is, theoretically, nothing to prevent the formation of world-government accord- ing to the democratic process, a world-church created by the consensus of the people is not even theoretically possible. Such a thing would never be acceptable to the Christians, who believe that Christ Himself is the creator and sole originator of the true religion. In the viewpoint of these people the world-chur- ch already exists and has existed since the crucifixion, and the Church which Christ founded was truly eschatological, destined to embrace not only all peoples but all times as well." This thesis is essentially correct but in reality the Catholic Church violates it. The Protestant doctrine of "faith only" nullifies so much of the New Testament doctrine with reference to works that it is untenable. Also the belief in "variant expostions of a common theme" denies the oneness of revelation and the "faith once for all delivered unto the saints." Protestantism thsu must and will fall in its efforts to unite the Christianity world with its vague and unrealistic approach to the real basis of unity -- New Testament doctrine and practice. The Catholic Plea: -- The Louisville Record article quoted above observed that Protestants generally do not believe their own church to be the exclusive one but the Catholic is "imbued with this consciousness that his Church is the true Church of Christ." The writer goes on to state: "If, therefore, there can be no super-church, and there is no consciousness on the part of any single Protestant sect of being the sole true religion, how can unity among Christians ever be effected except by a return of all Protestants to the Catholic fold? There is no other road to unity, no other answer." The Catholic plea is that all come into it for the purpose of realizing unity. This plea is just as futile as that of the Protestants as it too, ignores certain fundamentals which are within themselves absolutely essential. Catholic doctrine with reference to infallibility, supremacy of Peter, apostolic succession, mariology, the sacraments and many other subjects are at such variance with the New Testa- ment that devotion to the revelation given by the "apostles and prophets" by the Holy Spirit demands we renounce them. The stress Catholics put on meritorious works as is demonstrated concretely in their doctrine of indulgences can not be accepted in the light of New Testament teaching concerning faith and the works that accompany it. Protestants can not accept such a system of works, doctrines which are not sanctioned by the Bible. The extent of the apostacy of the Catholic Church which occasioned the Revolt is within itself or should be a valid proof that unity can not be achieved in an institution that teaches and practices so much so contrary to the spirit and law of Jesus. The Catholic plea does not give the answer! The Bible Plea: -- Does this then mean that the world has come to an impasse with reference to religious unity? Not by any means. Catholics can not uphold their peculiar tenets by an appeal to the Scriptures only but must seek justification for them in tradition, the writings of the Fathers, decrees of councils and popes. Protestants can not stand on their peculiar belief in diversity and variant expositions. Catholics an meet effectively Protestant scholars and get the better of them because they deny the very basis of true unity and stand convicted in many instances of the same errors they charge to the Catholics, such as unscriptural practices. The real answer to unity lies in neither of the above pleas but in the plea upon which churches of Christ the world over stand. The impasse is removed when men determine to loose themselves from the binding fetters of denominational and human doctrines found outside the New Testament revelation. May the day soon come when with the vigor our plea demands, we as one man press the issue with the sin of division and its proponents on a thousand hills! ------------ Clinton D. Hamilton in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 8, June 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080902/27c9bf97/attachment-0001.html From Mikejohnson104 at aol.com Tue Sep 2 17:06:04 2008 From: Mikejohnson104 at aol.com (Mikejohnson104 at aol.com) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2008 18:06:04 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] B> Elon Challenger V- 10 Message-ID: The Elon Challenger ELON CHURCH OF CHRIST New Hope, Alabama Seeking to challenge your interest in things spiritual & eternal (Eph. 6:10-18). Volume V Number 10 June , 2008 =================================================================== WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE? Mike Johnson Perhaps you are a member of the church of Christ, and you look at yourself as "mainstream" as it is sometimes worded. You know that there are also people meeting in town who are supposed to be members of the Lord's church, but you really don't know much about them. Perhaps you've asked an elder or one of your ministers about these people. They may have responded to your inquiry like this: "Oh, they're just a bunch of 'antis'; they are nothing but 'extremists.'" "Those people they are 'orphan haters.' They would let a poor little baby starve. We don't want to have anything to do with them." "Why, they don't 'believe in' having Bible classes, women teachers, and they are 'one cuppers.'" "They don't believe in Christians having fun." "They are a part of a movement which is dead. There are very few of them left." Many sound congregations are commonly dismissed by these misconceptions and distortions. A number of years have passed since the division of the 50s and 60s, and many have very little knowledge of the issues involved. Often, honest inquiries are simply dismissed by the easiest method a short, inaccurate, and prejudicial answer. Please consider these responses. Antis & Extremists Most all Christians are "antis" in some sense. Anti simply means "against," and most Christians I know, or know about, are at least "anti," that is "against," something. The term "anti," however, has commonly been used as a name of derision intended to incite prejudice, keeping people from fairly hearing issues which have caused disagreement. There was a division in the 1800s with those who eventually started the Christian Church. During this time, the term was employed by these brethren against those who stood for the truth on the issues of instrument in worship and the missionary society. The term was also commonly used during the 1950s and 1960s in connection with the orphan home controversy and is still employed by people today. Some today have heard this term but do not know exactly what an "anti" is. They just know that it is something bad. It is still easier for some to simply label people as "antis" rather than to answer objections being raised. Do we not have a responsibility to be anti false doctrine and sin? Consider some Biblical examples. On one occasion when Jesus was teaching in Galilee, He was confronted by some Pharisees and scribes who had come from Jerusalem (Mark 7). They criticized His disciples for eating with unwashed hands (a ceremonial cleansing with detailed procedures) which violated the "tradition of the elders." Jesus severely rebuked them calling them hypocrites, and He said their worship was vain, and they had laid aside God's commandments (6-9). Could the Pharisees have just dismissed Jesus by saying that he was "anti-traditions-of-the elders"? In I Timothy 1:3, Paul said that he left Timothy at Ephesus that he "mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine." When false doctrine came up at Ephesus, should Timothy have just kept quiet in his opposition lest he be called "anti"? Would it have been correct for the people to have dismissed his opposition by labeling him as an extremist? Paul opposed the false doctrine of Hymenaeus and Philetus who were teaching that the resurrection was already past (II Timothy 2:16-18). Did not Paul prove himself to be "anti" their new doctrine about the resurrection? Actually, all Christians must be anti false doctrine. We must stand against unscriptural innovations in the church. It is sad that some dismiss honest objections by brethren to various practices by simply applying prejudicial labels. Among those who have favored the church support of human institutions, and who have so freely used the label "anti" to describe others, many have gotten further and further away from the truth on many issues. Ironically, as some of these brethren stand in opposition to the latest innovations among them, their objections are being dismissed as they are now being labeled "the new antis." Orphan Haters A very significant issue in the division which occurred was the church support of human institutions such as orphan homes. Many were determined to bring orphan homes, operated by brethren, into the budget of the church. Many brethren could not conscientiously go along with the church making donations to human institutions. These brethren were usually forced to abandon the building where they had assembled for many years and had to start new congregations. This "method of benevolence," as it was called, was pushed to the point of division. Opposition to the church support of human institutions was on the basis of who is to do the work of the church (the church or a human organization) and on the basis of the scope of the benevolence of the church (limited or general). First, the church does have a responsibility in benevolence, but its responsibility is "limited." The early church helped "needy saints" (Acts 2:41-45, 4:32-37, 6:1-7, 11:27-30; Rom. 15:25-27; I Cor. 16:1; II Cor. 8:4, 9:1,12; I Tim. 5:16). The church was never intended to be a general welfare organization. Second, in the same way that the church is its own missionary society, the church is its own "benevolent society." The church, which may employ means and methods, is to oversee its own benevolent work. It cannot simply turn its money over to a human organization to carry out that which it is supposed to do itself. (See Acts 6:1-7 for an example of the church overseeing its own work in benevolence.) The church support of human institutions is not a question of HOW the church is to do its work but a question of WHO is to do the work. Sadly, rather than dealing with the issues, many resorted to emotional arguments. Frequently accusations were made that those who opposed the church support of human institutions would allow a little baby to starve before they would take one dime out of the church treasury to help it. It was said that these people hated little babies. I know of many who hold the position that I do (that churches can not support human institutions) who have adopted children. I know of no one who holds the same position that I do who would ever let a little baby starve if they were able to do anything to stop it. It was never a question of IF little children should be helped; the question was, and is, WHO should do the helping. Individual Christians have a responsibility to "do good" to all men (Gal. 6:10) and to "visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). Also, when the church engages in benevolence, within the realm that it is authorized, it is to oversee its own work; it is not supposed to turn that work over to some other organization. This would be wrong. Emotional arguments do not usually prove very much. These types of arguments are popular today in politics. Politically, conservatives are sometimes accused of wanting to starve little children, force old people to eat dog food, and force even deserving people off of welfare. This method of dealing with issues, religious or political, is certainly not new. Dave Miller, who believes that it is proper for the church to support human institutions, wrote a book called Piloting the Strait. In this book, he is decrying those who have left the truth on such issues as the role of women in the church, dedicating babies, the religious observance of Christmas, and fellowshipping denominations. Ironically, he says that those whom he opposes, those whom he calls religious liberals, call people in his "camp" "mean spirited," "legalistic," and "unloving." Many brethren are receiving the same kind of mistreatment that they dished out a number of years ago toward those who opposed church support of human institutions. This was not the proper way to deal with the objections of conscientious brethren in the 50s and 60s, and it is not the way to deal with them now. Bible Classes, Woman Teachers, & One Cuppers A favorite tactic is to try to group those who oppose the church support of human institutions and the social gospel with those who hold various unscriptural positions. People who believe that the church should not support human institutions and that the church should not be providing recreation are often grouped with those who think that Bible classes are unscriptural, feel that it is a sin for women to teach a class of children, and say that one container must be used in the Lord's Supper. Other fallacious positions are sometimes thrown into the mix. This is done to try and discredit them, to make them look like "fanatics" without actually dealing with any of the Biblical arguments. Many believe in such practices as the church support of human institutions and eating social meals in the church building, but stand in opposition to the recent trend for women having an expanded role in the church. Would these people like to be automatically grouped with those who are in error on this issue or on some of the other issues of today? We do ask for authority for all that is believed or practiced. Authority can come in the form of a direct statement or command, an approved example, or a necessary inference. We also believe in generic and specific authority, as well as aids in carrying out God's commands. Having Fun The statement that "these people" do not believe in having fun is said because of opposition to the church providing social meals and recreation. This does not mean that people having good, clean fun is opposed. Those called "antis" often get together socially, but do not believe that there is any authority for the church to provide fellowship halls (as they are called), family life centers, gyms, as well as vans and busses to transport people for recreation. The Bible teaches that the church has a threefold mission. It has the responsibility to teach the lost, as well as to teach its own members (I Tim. 3:15, Eph. 4:11-12, I Thess. 1:8-9). It also has a responsibility to help needy saints (Acts 11:27-30). Again, means and methods can be used to carry out these functions; facilities can be provided by the church to aid in performing these responsibilities. But, where is the authority for the church to provide facilities for recreation or for social meals? If a passage can be supplied showing that recreation and providing for social activities are the work of the church, then there would be authority for the church to provide facilities to carry out such work. The reason, for example, that there is authority for a church building is that the building is for the purpose of carrying out the work of the church. If a person can show that recreation is the work of the church, then there is generic authority for a fellowship hall. A few years ago a congregation hosted a concert featuring an Elvis impersonator. Many who defend the concept of a "fellowship hall" would be critical of this type of endeavor. On what basis are they criticized? The church which hosted the Elvis impersonator had the church providing a form of recreation. How is their form of providing recreation much different than many of the congregations who criticize them? Perhaps theirs is more blatant, but many congregations are doing basically the same thing as the churches they criticize when providing "church vans" for trips to Six Flags, gymnasiums, and by providing facilities for social meals. Yes, those who oppose the "social gospel" do believe in recreation but not as a work of the church. A Dead Movement A frequent response to questions about the "antis" is to say that they are a dead "movement"; or some have said that we are "drying up on the vine." A person, I suppose, is then to think, "Well, they can't be right if their movement is dead." What kind of logic is this? Popularity is certainly not the factor which makes a doctrine right or wrong. Truth is not dependant on the number of people who believe a particular doctrine (note John 6:35-66); truth is not determined by a "congregation count." It is determined by God's Word. A congregation who is practicing the truth is still right even if they are the only one in the world doing so. Although there are more congregations who believe in the church support of human institutions, practice the social gospel, and engage in various other such unscriptural practices than those who don't, those who oppose these practices are still doing quite well. For example, you might be surprised to know that there are over 2000 congregations in the United States listed in a recent directory of churches (published by the Guardian of Truth foundation) which stand opposed to "the church support of human institutions (orphan homes, hospitals, nursing homes, colleges, etc.), the sponsoring church arrangement, and church sponsored recreation." In some parts of the country, there are not as many congregations which have taken a stand for truth on these issue as in other parts, but the point is that those who oppose these things are far from "drying up on the vine" as it has been stated. The issue of how many congregations take a stand on one side or the other on these issues is really beside the point. As stated, the number of people/congregations or the numerical success or failure of congregations which believe a particular doctrine is not the factor to determine right and wrong. Truth is determined only by God's Word. Who Are These People? A few years ago, I received a call from a woman who had been receiving a publication from the congregation where I preach. This publication dealt with many of the issues in this pamphlet. She attended a congregation that she was at least somewhat dissatisfied with and one which, over the years, had gotten further and further away from the truth. After we had talked awhile on the phone, she drew the conclusion that the congregation where I preach is like the church used to be twenty or thirty years ago. I don't know everything that she meant by that statement, but I believe that I saw her point. A number of years ago, before the many innovations which are so prevalent came in, those congregations which called themselves churches of Christ, tried to follow the New Testament pattern. They were concerned about Bible authority for all that they believed and practiced, and if they could not "prove it by the Scriptures," they would not believe a doctrine or engage in a practice. Congregations were clearly distinguishable from the denominations. Sadly, many congregations have left the "old paths." We do not claim perfection, but we still demand Bible authority for all that we believe and practice. We still take very seriously the responsibility to pattern ourselves after the church of the New Testament. We urge all to do the same! __________ Trends . . . A recent survey of parents found that guaranteeing a good education for their children was the most important priority (39%). Second was helping their children to feel loved (24%). Trailing in third place was ? enabling them to have a meaningful relationship with Jesus? (22%). - via Barna Research Online from The Beacon Authority 6 AUTHORITY AND THE OLD TESTAMENT Mike Johnson One of the most vital questions involved in the study of Christianity is the question of supreme authority. During the life of Christ, this question was discussed as the chief priests and elders asked, "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?" (Mt. 21:23) Authority is certainly needed, and we must recognize the importance of the authority of God, Christ, the apostles, the Holy Spirit, and God's Word. There are a number of passages in the Old Testament which emphasize the need for adhering to God's Word. These passages make it clear that we are to obey the instructions of God and not deviate from them in any way. An example of this is found in Deuteronomy 4. Earlier Moses had addressed the people and had given a survey of the events which had occurred in their history showing what God had done for them. In this chapter, he admonishes Israel concerning what they should do as subjects of God. Verse 1 says, "Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you." It was not enough for them to "harken" to God's commandments; they also had to obey them. Many today are interested in religion, and might even enjoy a good sermon from time to time, but they have no desire to obey God. It is not enough just to listen to teaching from God's Word; we must also be willing to obey. Verse six points out that we must "keep" and "do" God's commandments. So, the law was not simply given "for their information" as they were expected to obey it. Verse two says, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." The NASB translates this "add to," nor "take away from." (Note Rev. 22:18-19.) An example is brought up in verse three where they had disobeyed the Lord and the result was that many were destroyed. Verse four says, "But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day." The Pulpit Commentary points out that the word used here "is expressive of the closest, most intimate attachment and communion" and that it is "frequently used of devotion to the service and worship of the true God." (p. 58) In Deuteronomy 5, Moses pointed out to the people the importance of strictly obeying God's commandments. It says, "Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. (v. 32-33)" God's Word is pictured as a highway from which a person is not allowed to deviate from in any direction. After Moses died, Joshua became the new leader of the people, and he also pointed out the importance of obeying God's Word. Israel was now on the verge of entering the land that God had promised them, and Joshua told them (Josh. 1:7), "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest." In Numbers 22, Israel was about to battle Moab. Israel had been very successful militarily, and Balak, the king of Moab, was afraid of Israel. As a result, he tried to get Balaam to prophecy against Israel. Balaam, a greedy person (Jude 11), wanted to prophecy against Israel for the rewards which were offered. Nevertheless, Balaam stated it correctly when he said to the servants of Balak, "If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more." (22:18) Later, he told Balak that he could not go "beyond the commandments of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the Lord saith, that will I speak" (24:13). We need to have the same attitude today that Balaam expressed toward the Word of God. Consider a few other passages which emphasize the need to adhere strictly to God's Word. Proverbs 4:26-27 says, "Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil." Proverbs 30:5-6 says, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." In Leviticus 18:4-5, God told Moses to tell the people, "Ye shall do my judgments, and keep mine ordinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. Ye shall therefore keep my statues, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the Lord." Today we are no longer under the Old Testament (Col. 2:14). The Old Testament, however, is for our learning today (Rom. 15:4, I Cor. 10:11). God's Word had to be respected under the old law, and various passages in the New Testament make it clear that it must be respected today. What is your attitude toward God's Word? __________ "NO ONE CAN SERVE TWO MASTERS!" Charles G. Maples, Sr. Jesus affirms, "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." There are two great rulers in the world; God and Satan. You are serving one or the other. WHICH? There are two great classes of people in the world; righteous and wicked. You belong to one of these classes. WHICH? There are two roads, leading to eternity; the narrow way and the broad way (Matthew 7:13-14). You are NOW on one of those roads. WHICH? There are two ways to meet death; some die "in the Lord" I Thess. 4:13ff), and others "die in their sins" (John 8:21). A wicked man once cried, "Let me die the death of the righteous..." (Num. 23:10). This was impossible! He was not LIVING A LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS! If he (or you/I) would die the death of the righteous, then he (you/I) must live in righteousness; and that by submitting his (your/my) life to the righteousness of God! (See Romans 6:16-18) To live the life of the wicked and disobedient leads one to die the death of the wicked! You WILL die one of these deaths. WHICH? There are two destinies awaiting all people when this life is over; HEAVEN or HELL. Hell is "...prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matthew 25:41), and Heaven is prepared by the Lord for ALL WHO WILL PREPARE FOR HIS RETURN! (John 14:1-3). You/I will be in one of these, and that for ETERNITY! WHICH? YOU/I DECIDE! ___________ Evangelist: Charles G. Maples Sr. Phone-256-530-0772 Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson Phone -256-776-2223 **************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel deal here. (http://information.travel.aol.com/deals?ncid=aoltrv00050000000047) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080902/d0bd2a5e/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Sep 3 04:59:34 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 05:59:34 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) QUESTION AND ANSWER Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is a question and answer from my files: QUESTION AND ANSWER QUESTION: -- Does God Guarantee Wealth? "I was watching TV and heard an evangelist tell everyone that God wants us all to be rich. If we will give, even when we don't have much, then God will bless us financially to the point of being wealthy. Is this right? ANSWER: -- There are several components to your question. By seeing how God created the world and prepar- ed it so people could live there, it seems to me that God does enjoy blessing His children. And, I don't think God created us in order to watch us be miserable. So, I think God does want to bless us in every way He can. And, God does want people to give money to His purposes. "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudging- ly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, 'He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, his righteousness abides forever'" (2 Cor. 9:6-9). Notice several points that Paul makes in these verses. First, selfishness will not be rewarded, while generosity will be rewarded. When we sow bountifully (or give generously as we say it) then God will amply reward us. However, Paul doesn't say we will be rewarded with money. The bounty we reap (or, as we would say it, the blessings we receive) may not be financial, but spiritual, or familial. By giving generously to God's work we may discover the bounty we receive is more conversions, or people helped with food. These are great blessings, but they do not benefit us financially. Second, God wants our giving to be voluntary. God loves a cheerful giver who enjoys sharing what God has given him. What your televangelist seemed to be saying is that giving is a way to invest so as to have more income. That makes giving non-voluntary, and instead reduces it to another selfish act we do in order to get more for ourselves in return. Real giving never expects a return in kind multiplied in amount. Third, God will bless us with all grace abundantly. That is, when we willingly share our material goods with others, God will see to it that we have the grace we need in return that we might continue to share with others. And, if you look carefully, what God promises is that we will have enough for every good deed. That is, when we give generously, we will be in a position to do good for others. In other words, God will help those who help others to continue to be able to help others. But, we are told that we are to labor with our hands in order to have sufficiency for ourselves and to help others (Eph. 4:28). Finally, God does scatter abroad and does help the poor. But, the way God does that usually involves His children unself- ishly sharing what they have. So, God tends to the needs of the poor through us. His body of believers share the resources that come to them with those in need. It seems to me that the big mistake in the message of the tele- vangelist is the idea that wealth is somehow the magic solution to all of life's problems. God warns that this is not necessarily so. Take time to read: (1 Tim. 6:6-10). Riches do not guarantee happiness. Neither do they mean that you are special in God's eyes. Money is a tool that God gives us to use for His purposes. That is true whether we have lots of money or very little. As I close this, recall one other passage Paul wrote. Read: (Phil. 4:11,12). Paul was a godly man. Yet, there were times in his life he did without material things. He had learned how to get along with abundance. and how to be happy even in poverty. Unless you want to contend that Paul was failing in his pray- er life or was not giving enough to the Lord's cause, then you have to admit that great servants of God do go through hard times financially. This is not a reflection on their spirituality or prayer life. In fact it is in this context that Paul makes one of the great statements we remember him for: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Paul says he can face good times when he has sufficient means upon which to live, and the hard times wherein he is in need. Whatever the circumstances he found himself in, what mattered most to Paul was his relationship with Christ Jesus. The money was not what mattered to him, but in requesting Christians to give as they had prospered was not in order for him to receive more money to add to his account, but that God would add such to their account. (It seems to me, from what is known about the well-known televangelists, that they are truly living in rich surroundings of their own while begging from their listening audience for more and more. But when they are telling you that God will make you rich if you will only send some money their way, can not be varified. There are examples of people with only a few of this world's goods and a meager income, sending a portion of their meager goods to the televangelist, but they con- tinue to be poor. But the televangelists that receive these meag- er offerings from thousands of listeners become rich them- selves. JWS). ----- David Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 57, No. 33, Aug. 15, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080903/e3e6718f/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Sep 3 04:59:45 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 05:59:45 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL Years after the establishment of the church in the city of Jeru- salem, it became necessary for the apostles and the elders to come together and deal with the matter of whether Gentile con- verts were required to keep the law of Moses in the matter of cir- cumcision in order to be saved (Acts 15). Seventeen years later the church was being troubled again by teachers who had turn- ed from the gospel and were making unlawful applications of the law of Moses. Paul said they did not know what they were saying (1 Tim. 1:7). Many of the false, but popular churches of our day have come into existence and remain popular through ignorance and misuse of the Old Testament. Some of the practices that relig- ious leaders appeal to in the Old Testament in order to establish "their authority" are: burning of incense, polygamy, abstaining from meats, an earthly priesthood, spiritualism, premillennialism, infant church membership, mechanical istruments of music in the worship, salvation without baptism, and sabbath keeping. We still need to stress "study" that men may know how to "right- ly divide the Word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). People do not know and understand the great difference between the "law and the gospel." The text under consideration will help answer four vital questions: What Does The Gospel Have To Say About The Law Of Moses? In other words, what does the New Testament say about the Old Testament? Paul said that his remarks about the law were "according" to the gospel which he had received by inspiration as a "trust" from God (1 Tim. 1:11, cf. Gal. 1:6-12). The New Test- ament answers the following questions regarding the two coven- ants. (1) What were the covenants called respectively? They were called "the law" (Jno. 1:17; Heb. 9:1) and "the gospel" (Mk. 16:15; 2 Cor. 3:6). (2) Through whom were the covenants given? They were given through Moses (Jno. 1:17; 7:29) and through Christ (Heb. 8:6; 12:24). (3) What became of the law? It was taken out of the way (Col. 2:14; Heb. 8:13; 10:9). (4) With whom was the first law made? It was made for and with the Jews (Heb. 8:9). (5) Why was a new covenant made? The first was faulty (Heb. 8:7,8), unprofitable (Heb. 7:18), weak and could not give life (Gal. 3:21). The second was promised (Heb. 8:8), has better promises (Heb. 8:6), and better in all respects (Heb. 7: 22). It is more glorious (2 Cor. 3:6-11) and is eternal (Heb. 13:20). (6) To whom was the second given? It was given to all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). For What Purpose Was The Law Given? -- There is a negative and a positive reason stated in the text: "The law is not made for a righteous man..." (1 Tim. 1:9). To say that a Christian, one justified by faith in the Lord Jesus, must keep the law in order to develop his spiritual life is an unlawful use of the law. It is a per- version of the nature and purpose of the law (yes, even the ten commandments). Today, no one is under the law of Moses (in- cluding the ten commandments); Jew nor Gentile; saved or un- saved! Paul then tells us for whom the law was made. 1 Tim. 1:9,10 follows the same type of order of the ten comm- andments (cf. Exo. 20:1-17). That law stood against all sinners who would array themselves against their fellow man (command- ments 5-10). Two observations need to be made: (1) The seventh comma-ndment "thou shalt not commit adultery," Paul saw standing against all forms of fornication and homosexuality (vs. 10). (2) The eighth commandment, "thou shalt not steal," Paul saw standing against slave dealers (vs. 10). If it is wrong to buy, steal, and deal in stolen property, how could it have ever been right to buy, steal, and deal in stolen persons? "Wherefore serveth the law? It was added because of trans- gression till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator" (Gal. 3:19). The law, including the ten commandments, was given by God to Israel as a means of opening their eyes to sin and its consequences till the Messiah should come as the grace and truth of God personified. The Messiah would come in fulfill- ment of the wonderful promise God made to father Abraham (cf. Rom. 7:4-25). Does The Gospel Contradict The Law Of Moses? -- The Seventh Day Adventists try to imply that since we teach we are no longer under the ten commandments that it is permissable to engage in immoral conduct. In this they are begging the question to cover up for their unlawful use of the law! The same God who gave the ten commandments (which constituted sound doctrine vs. 10) is the same God who gave the glorious gospel. Both stand against impiety and immorality. God did not condone im- piety and immorality before the law was given (see the cases of the flood and Sodom and Gomorrah), neither did He condone impiety and immorality of the Gentile nations during the Mosaic dispensation (see the cases of the Canaanites and Babylon). God does not condone impiety and immorality today! The Holy Spirit's work in this age is to "convict the world of sin, righteous- ness, and judgment" (Jno. 16:7-13) and whenever the sword of the Spirit is used, men are made to reason of "righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come" (Acts 24:25). "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness adn worldly lust, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world" (Titus 2:11,12). Both laws deal with the same principles of piety and morality; therefore, there is no contradiction. Who Is Amenable To God's Holy Principles? --A study of the characters under consideration in verse 9, reveals that God intended the law even for those who had no intention of obeying it. The fact that some would be scoffers, opposers, and unbound by any authority did not stop God from giving them a law. To have a "hypothetical heathen" somewhere in the world practicing impiety and immorality with immunity is absurd (Acts 17:30,31; 2 Thes. 1:7-9). ---------- M. W. Kiser, via, The Sower, Vol. 53, No. 5, Sept/Oct. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080903/3f4d41fd/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Sep 4 05:46:03 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 06:46:03 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) TO SUSTAIN THE DEAREST RELATIONSHIP Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: TO SUSTAIN THE DEAREST RELATIONSHIP We continue our series of articles on the question, "Why Be A Christian?" In previous articles we have pointed out that being a Christian requires dedication and commitment to God and His Will. Being a Christian requires sacrifice. Some people have concluded that being a Christian is not the easiest life one may live. And some may have wondered why anyone would want to be a Christian. To neutralize or do away with this false notion we have given two reasons already for being a Christian. The first one we gave was "To Wear The Grandest Name." The second one was, "To Meet The Greatest Challenge." In this article we shall give two more reasons. One should be a Christ- ian "To Sustain The Dearest Relationship." The greatest relationship that one can have is to be a child of God. The Bible teaches that if you are a Christian, you are a child of God. And may I say again, there is no relationship upon this earth greater than this. In Jno. 3:1, John wrote, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..." You see, the Bible teaches that the Lord is our Shepherd. In Psa. 23, we read, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restor- eth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shad- ow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall foll- ow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me..." Not only is the Lord our Shepherd, but the Bible teaches us that we are citizens of an everlasting, eternal Kingdom. "Where- fore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with rever- ence and godly fear." In history I have read of many kingdoms. Powerful kingdoms of which many things could be said, but one thing can be said of all of them, they came to an end. But not so of the kingdom of which every Christian is a citizen. One more thing I shall notice in these articles on Why Be A Christian: One Should Be A Christian Because Of What God Has Done For Us. God has done and is doing so much for us. Sit down sometime and make a list of things God has done for man- kind. The one I shall mention here is, He has made it possible for us to be saved and to live eternally with Him. So, one should be a Christian, a child of God, in order to be saved. This is the only way. It is with great joy we herald this message to you. You can be saved and be among the great multitude that will worship God around His throne in Heaven. We are at a loss for words to describe the love that God had for us to make this possible. The Bible says, "God so loved the world..." If you are not a Christian you need to be. God tells us how we may become a Christian in the Bible. We would urge you to read the Bible, study carefully the accounts of conversions in the Book of Acts and come to Jesus while you have the time and opportunity. If we can be of any assistance in any way to help you become a Christian please let us know. ------- Cecil F. Cox in Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 35, Aug. 31, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080904/8e104eba/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Sep 4 05:46:16 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 06:46:16 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) A PLEA FOR NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my rec- ent files. Use to the glory of God. A PLEA FOR NEW TESTAMENT CHRISTIANITY The Restoration Of The New Testament Church: -- Instead of re- forming existing churches, we would go back behind all denom- inations, sects, creeds, and councils, and would restore the Christianity of Christ and the Apostles. The ideal of the New Testament church, guided by inspired teachers, should be our pattern today. Depravity: -- In Adam, man became separated from God by sin, and he must therefore be reconciled and redeemed to be saved. However, we suffer today only the physical consequenc- es of Adam's sin, such as suffering and physical death; and we will each answer to God only for our own personal sins spiritual- ly. Children, then, who die before reaching the age of accountab- ility are safe, for "of such is the kingdom of heaven." Man is cap- able of responding to God's love by obeying the Gospel. The Division Of The Word: -- Many churches today make no distinction between the Old and New Testaments. We must right- ly divide the Word of God to understand it (2 Tim. 2;15). A "New" covenant implies tht the "Old" is not longer in effect. "He taketh away the first that He may establish the second" (Heb. 10:9). "He is also the Mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place been sought for a second" (Heb. 8:6ff). Most churches today recognize that they are no longer amenable to Moses' law, because they do not offer the animal sacrifices, nor practice the ancient Jewish ceremonies. But they overlook the fact that Christianity, through the fulfillment of the "Law of Moses", is actually a New and Separate Dispensation in which Christians are to be guided solely by the New Testament as their rule of faith and practice. The Old Testament is no longer valid and a source of guidance in Christianity. But a study of the Old Testament will show us how God dealt with peo- ple in the earlier dispensations: the Patriarchal and Mosaical. All are inspired of God, but the Hebrew writer tells us: "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, Whom He has appointed Heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds." (Heb. 1:1,2). The Manner Of Conversion: -- The Holy Spirit, One with the Father and the Son, is active in the conversion of sinners, but the instrument or agent that the Spirit uses to convict the world in respect of sin is the Word of God, the gospel message. (The gospel, the written Word in the New Testament, is the power of God unto salvation to the Jew and also the Greek or Gentile, (Rom. 1:16,17) JWS). The sinner or alien cannot be passive, but when he hears the Word of God preached, he must believe, repent and be baptized for the remission of his past sins, (Acts 2:38). This is the way he will be saved from his past sins and enter into the kingdom of God's dear Son. It is in Christ that we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. We are added to the church of Christ, the body of Christ, by the Lord Himself, (Acts 2:41,47). This is done without any miracul- ous, mysterious direct operation of the Holy Spirit, over and be- yond what is said and taught by the New Testament. The Spirit of God operates through the written Word of the New Testament When we obey the gospel as is found in the New Testament we are indeed born of the water and the Spirit. We become a new creature in Christ. The Church: -- The only institution built by Christ as set forth by the apostles on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ, under special guidance by the Holy Spirit, is established upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets --Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone -- is the church of Christ, made up of living stones, Christians, and is the only divine instit- ution wherein we must all be saved. Sects and so-called branch- es of the church are unscriptural and unapostolic and unaccept- able to God. To "denominate" and thereby "divide" the children of God is in opposition to the teaching of Christ in His prayer to the Father as is found in Jno. 17:20,21. It is also in opposition to what is taught by the inspired apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 1:10-13. We must strive to "Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Eph. 4:1-6. We are pleading for all believers to be Christians only, to work and worship as did the Christians of the first century as is exemplified in the New Testament times. The church of the New Testament consists of all those who have been baptized into Christ and thereby added to the church by the Lord Himself. Those who have obeyed the gospel of Christ, regardless of race, nationality, or language are members of the church of Christ as is found in the New Testament. The Lord's Supper: -- Following the establishment of the church in 33 A.D., we find that the disciples, Christians, continu- ed steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, fellowship and breaking of bread, Acts 2:47. The Lord's Supper as instituted by Christ Himself as is found in the 26th chapter of Matthew and the 22nd chapter of Luke, was for the purpose of remembering the death and suffering of the Lord Jesus Christ until He comes again. This supper was to be a part of the worship of the Lord every Lord's Day (Sunday) Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-30. The Lord's Day: -- This glorious day is not the Sabbath of the Old Testament, nor is it even the so-called "Christian Sabba- th", for there is no such thing known in the Bible. It purpose is different from the Old Testament Sabbath. It is a joyous day wherein we serve and worship the Lord in remembrance of His death and suffering on our behalf. It is our day of worship. The Worship: -- The essence of Christianity is the worship of the Lord as members of His church. It is a spiritual worship. The great emphasis given to religious pageantry, ritualism, and elaborate forms in many churches today cannot but detract and destroy the simplicity and purpose of the worship of God. The appeal in such is to the physical senses rather than the spiritual. So we do not use mechanical instruments of music in our wors- hip, which are not authorized in the New Testament. We are not trying to please ourselves but the Lord. Again, the New Testa- ent does not authorize, nor did the first church use the mechcal instruments of music in their worship. They sang, " psalms, hymns and spiritual songs..." (Col. 3:16). Let us stirve always to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent. May God help us to live up to this high ideal in spiritual worship and service to Almighty God. May He use us humbly to call all men, not to us, but to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that all may be one in Him. --------------- Adapted from an article by J.D. Thomas via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 35, Aug. 31, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080904/8c834978/attachment-0001.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Thu Sep 4 12:33:34 2008 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 12:33:34 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] trying to find aa booklet Message-ID: <002c01c90eb4$5c9d88e0$06fea8c0@your4dacd0ea75> Can anyone help me? I am trying to obtain (purchase) about 6 copies of Charles Goodall's booklet, "The Same Hour Of The Night." I understand it is out of print but thought maybe someone might know where I could find a few copies. If so contact me: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net or call me 662-568-2960, or cell - 662-419-5378 Thanks. brotherly, Tommy Thornhill -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080904/60ec7185/attachment-0001.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Thu Sep 4 21:43:09 2008 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 21:43:09 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S>From Where Did All the Different Churches Come? Message-ID: Two really important topics: 1) From Where Did All the Different Churches Come? - is an honest look at what happened to cause religious confusion and division, and what each individual can do to be a part of the remedy to the problem and not be a part of the problem. Can we understand the will of God like they understood it in the first century and follow the same pattern of sound words to be undenominational and truly Christ-centered and obedient? 2) Daniel: The Prophet in Babylon #2 - A young man cast into a different culture from what he had been trained in is now challenged as to the validity of his faith in the one true Creator - God. Is your faith worth standing for when few others believe what you believe? Like a young person entering secular college away from home, in an environment that is hostile to holiness and faith in God, Daniel is in such an environment, but knows Who he believes in and why. Is it time for the young person to cast away his faith and try to fit in? Or, is it time to make up your mind to affirm the validity of the faith in God? Obviously Daniel had some serious tests before this new culture in Babylon, as our young people have in secular institutions of higher learning. What do you believe? What will you stand for? These lessons are very important. Please share this site with someone you love so that they can think about these important lesson and perhaps save themselves from this perverse generation (Acts 2:40). Go here and download the lessons: http://www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com/?PageID=2201&IsNav=true Terry W. Benton Visit: www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com Dan Billingsly vs. Terry W. Benton Exchange on the Four Gospels at: http://www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com/SiteFiles/157/Benton%20Billingsly%20Debate.doc -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080904/0edf9bfd/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Sep 5 04:41:14 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 05:41:14 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) PSALM 127 Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. PSALM 127 The World's Most Important Career Is ... Motherhood! It can- not be compared with any other job. Non-stop without breaks or vacation days, it has no sick days or a "pay day." Yet it is the most important and rewarding job one can ever have. It's job description looks like this: teacher, cook, maid, social coordinat- or, chauffeur, dishwasher, coach, cheerleader, nurse, confidant, organizer, budget planner and juggler! I remember wondering if I would survive the chaos resulting from piles of laundry, a missing cat, a crying baby, another skin- ned knee, burnt toast, broken windows and an over-flowing toil- et when they all seemed to happen at once. with my Christian children now grown and married, I can say with conviction, "Yes, you not only can survive, but you can have joy and peace in knowing that you have raised your children in a God-centered home." Motherhood is a journey -- with joys, chaos, and excitement. There is nothing, however, more rewarding than to witness your child grow to age, confess Christ, mature as a Christian, and marry a Christian who will help him/her get to heaven. Worth it? Yes! Unless The Lord Builds The House: They Labor In Vain Who Build It: -- The Bible (especially Psalms and Proverbs) has much to say about parenting. Psalm 127 instructs us specifically on building a home and raising a godly family. The main idea of Solomon is that a godly home cannot occur apart from the Lord's blessing. Unless one's family is God-centered, your labor is in vain (Psa. 127:1). Today, most families are child-cente- red, as moms and dads rush from one activity or event to the next as parents try to squeeze one more thing into their already hectic schedules. The activity may be right in itself, but when many activities squeeze out time for spiritual training and for God, it becomes wrong. Balance And Boundaries: -- In (vs. 2) Solomon speaks of the im- portance of balance and boundaries. Without time for God, a parent's work is in vain. Working long hours without having time for training, teaching, praying and studying God's Word with the family will increase the chances that your children will be conformed to this world along with its consequences. I don't believe this verse de-emphasizes hard work but rather warns us of not prioritizing correctly. The mother/parent whose focus is on God, while working hard with set boundaries, can rest assur- ed God will take care of their family. I love vss. 3-5: "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord..." Our children are a gift on-loan for a small amount of time; therefore we need to make the most of every day in training them in the way they should go. Solomon tells us our children are like arrows in the hands of a warrior (vs. 4). Mothers -- we must study how to raise godly children in an ungodly world. Like the warrior, we must form, whittle, and shape the branch into an arrow. In other words, they must be trained at an early age to seek God, which involves daily instruction, moral correction, firm discipline and lots of love. The arrow must be carefully aimed at the target and then released. Timing is critical. Our children will only be successful if they are released at the proper time and in the right direction. And when we sent them forth into the world, we mothers must send them forth with a sense of their purpose, their mission, and using their God-given talents for the Lord's kingdom. Through the years I have struggled to keep the balance of mother-hood. I stayed on my knees praying for my children, for wisdom and discernment. I prayed for God to protect me from becoming a part of the "world's system" and losing my sense of mission. And I still pray. Daily. ------ Ann Hoke in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 2, Feb. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080905/f2787d4a/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Sep 5 04:41:06 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 05:41:06 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) I CONFESS! Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: I CONFESS! I confess I belong to that part of the United States' populat- ion identified as the "religious right" (expression to be said with a sneer or contempt in the voice). I am unabashedly religious, believing that one's life should be conducted with devotion to God and my moral and social values are decidedly conservative, i.e., to the "right." But it is becoming popular to characterize the "religious right" as a bunch of fanatical nutcases who are trying to put a stranglehold on social progress. We are supposedly responsible for whatever bad happens in this great nation of ours. Let me tell you about myself. I still think that it is wrong to lie and deceive, regardless of what power or position one may have in society (Eph. 4:25). I believe that it is wrong to cheat my fellowman in business (Eph. 4:28). I see very little difference be- tween the man who steals from me by means of dishonesty in a business transaction and the thug who holds me up at gunpoint The dishonest businessman merely hides behind the appearan- ce of respectability, but he is a thief just the same. I believe that character is crucial, both in public and private life. I believe that life is a gift from God (Psa. 127:3) and abortion is the taking of an innocent human life. Abortion displays selfish- ness and an astonishing lack of natural affection and is an abom- ination in the sight of our Creator (Prov. 6:17; Rom. 1:31). I be- lieve that God makes parents responsible for raising their child- ren -- not the government, schools, the church or Little League (Eph. 6:4). I believe in the appropriate discipline of children in the molding of character, including the spanking of a child who refuses to accept instruction or correction (Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15). I prefer to see the tears of a disciplined child than to have to read about how he shot his classmates at school. I des- pise the physical abuse of children. I believe that adultery and fornication ought to be cause for shame (Heb. 13:4) and not rewarded, financially or otherwise. Homosexuality is not simply an "alternate lifestyle," it is unnatur- al behavior and a sin (Rom. 1:26-28). I believe that the poor should be helped, but the lazy should go without (Eph. 4:28; 2 Thes. 3:10). I believe in personal accou- ntability, that each person should be held responsible for his/her actions, including those who commit their injustices against others in the name of religion. I believe that it is fitting that indiv- iduals are rewarded for hard work, but I don't believe that wealth gives anyone the right to break the laws of the government. I be- lieve that punishment under the law should reflect the serious- ness of the crime. I confess to holding all of these values, but I deny that such values will destroy this nation or impede the progress of society. In fact, if our country is to remain great and free, we must return to these values (Prov. 14:34). -------- Allen Dvorak via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 27, July 6, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080905/c5ea1e9d/attachment-0001.html From richardson9 at charter.net Fri Sep 5 08:09:08 2008 From: richardson9 at charter.net (richardson9 at charter.net) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 6:09:08 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Children's Bible songs Message-ID: <20080905090908.FI8U2.652831.root@mp16> Brethren, I'm looking for a booklet and/or recording of children's Bible songs which brother John Clark put together years ago. If anyone knows where I can get a copy of the booklet and the recording, I'd greatly appreciate the help. Thanks. brotherly, Dan Richardson From wswalker310 at juno.com Thu Sep 4 17:39:23 2008 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2008 17:39:23 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Just as I Am, Thine Own to Be" Message-ID: <20080905.094918.3576.0.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. "JUST AS I AM, THINE OWN TO BE" "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him" (Jas. 1.12) INTRO.: A hymn which offers several reasons why people, especially young ones, should give their lives to Jesus so that they can receive the crown of life is "Just As I Am, Thine Own to Be." The text was written by Marianne Hearn, who was born on Dec. 17, 1834, at Franingham in Kent, England. A member of the Baptist Church, she lived in Farningham, Northampton, and Gravesend. Her literary work was done chiefly in connection with a religious newspaper, the Christian World, whose staff she joined at its beginning. Her contributions to the Christian World were collected in several books, including Lays and Lyrics of the Blessed Life in 1861, Poems in 1865, Morning and Evening Hymns for the Week of 1870, and Songs of Sunshine in 1878. Also, she edited the Sunday School Times. "Just As I Am, Thine Own to Be," which was apparently a poem for young people in imitation of Charlotte Elliot's "Just As I Am, Without One Plea," first appeared in the 1887 book The Voice of Praise, published by the Sunday School Union of London, England. The tune (Dunstan) was composed for it by Joseph Barnby (1838-1896). Barnby is credited with several well-known tunes such as those for "Hail, Gladdening Light," "Now the Day Is Over," and "When Morning Gilds the Skies." The music was produced in 1892 and first published with the words in 1893. Some five or six other hymns by Hearne were once popular, but this is her only one to survive today in common usage. She died on Mar. 16, 1909, at Barmouth, Wales. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, "Just As I Am, Thine Own to Be" did not appear and is not found in any to my knowledge. However, it has been used in a large number of denominational hymnals in my collection, many of which have only the first four stanzas. The song explains why it is so important for a young person to come to Jesus. I. Stanza 1 tells us that Jesus is our Friend "Just as I am, Thine own to be, Friend of the young, who lovest me, To consecrate myself to Thee, O Jesus Christ, I come." A. Coming to Christ is an acknowledgement that we are bought with a price and, therefore, are not our own but belong to Him: 1 Cor. 6.20 B. It is a pleasure to belong to Christ because He is truly a Friend and showed His love by laying His life down for us: Jn. 15.13-15 C. Therefore, it should be our desire to consecrate ourselves to Him as living sacrifices: Rom. 12.1-2 II. Stanza 2 tells us that we have vows to pay to Jesus "In the glad morning of my day, My life to give, my vows to pay, With no reserve and no delay, With all my heart I come." A. The glad morning of one's day refers to remembering the Creator in the days of his youth: Eccl. 12.1 B. This giving of one's life to the Lord is represented as paying ones vows to Him: Eccl. 5.4 C. This should be done with no reserve and no delay but with one's entire heart, soul, mind, and strength: Mk. 12.30 III. Stanza 3 tells us that we should serve Jesus with all our might "I would live ever in the light, I would work ever for the right; I would serve Thee with all my might, Therefore, to Thee I come." A. Those who would belong to God must walk in the light: 1 Jn. 1.5-7 B. They must also work ever for the right by practicing righteousness: 1 Jn. 3.7 C. And they must serve God with all their might: Eccl. 9.10 IV. Stanza 4 tells us that we ought to be the best that we can be "Just as I am, young, strong, and free, To be the best that I can be For truth and righteousness and Thee, Lord of my life, I come." A. One reason that God wants young people to serve Him is because of their strength: Prov. 20.29 B. Therefore, He wants them to be the best that they can be by learning to bear the yoke of obedience in their youth: Lam. 3.27 C. Even young people should stand for truth and righteousness because only the truth can make anyone free: Jn. 8.32 V. Stanza 5 tells us that we must hold our faith dear "With many dreams of fame and gold, Success and joy to make me bold, But dearer still my faith to hold, For my whole life, I come." A. It is not necessarily wrong to have "dreams of fame and gold" because all need to earn a certain amount of this world's wealth to meet their needs and provide for their families: 2 Thess. 3.6, 1 Tim. 5.16 B. Nor is it necessarily wrong to have dreams of "success and joy" since even in the things of this life God wants His people to do well and enjoy themselves: Eccl. 11.9-10 C. However, a person's faith should be dearer than any of these things because it is by faith that we must walk to please God: 2 Cor. 5.7 VI. Stanza 6 tells us that Jesus offers a crown to the victor "And for Thy sake to win renown, And then to take the victor's crown, And at Thy feet to cast it down, O Master, Lord, I come." A. Whatever renown we might win must be for Christ's sake: 2 Cor. 4.5 B. If that is our aim, then we can hope to take the victor's crown: Rev. 2.10 C. Yet, even then, we shall acknowledge that we owe our victory to Jesus as symbolized by casting our crowns at HIs feet: Rev. 4.10 CONCL. In years gone by, most churches had "hymnals" for the adults in worship services and "Sunday School songbooks" for the children in their classes, and "never the twain did meet." However, over time, many of the "Sunday School songs" for young people found their way in to the "adult hymnals" (not always without protest). It is certainly good for young people to learn and sing the great hymns of the faith, and it is also good for adults to know and sing spiritual songs that will encourage the youth. Today, unfortunately, the songs which seem to appeal to youth so much are "praise choruses" that often repeat the same words several times to a catchy tune with new age harmonies. However, in the past, good, solid, substantive hymns were written with young people in mind, such as this one which exhorts a young person to come to Christ saying, "Just As I Am, Thine Own to Be." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 9024 Amona Dr. Affton, MO 63123 home phone: (314) 638-4710 e-mail: wswalker310 at juno.com website: www.defenderoftruth.com Notes: Other hymn studies are available at the Defender of Truth website. Also, some of my previous hymn studies are now included in book that I have written entitled Songs of Zion. It can be ordered from the publisher by calling 1-800-423-2484 or going to www.faith-facts.com. And if you would like to receive a similar daily hymn study by e-mail, you can join the Hymn of the Day list by sending a blank e-mail to hymnoftheday-subscribe at yahoogroups.com or subscribing from the Web at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hymnoftheday/ . In addition, I have a Hymn Studies blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hymnstudies/ . Also, since this has been called to my attention, I now feel it necessary to include this disclaimer with each message. As owner of this list, I have nothing to do with the ads and links that Yahoogroups sends out with the Hymn of the Day posts nor do I have any control over them. I do not necessarily approve of them and I do not always endorse those who have placed them with Yahoogroups. ____________________________________________________________ Click to make millions by owning your own franchise. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3m6iR0WU0atM8SAWViwGkrm9eWxpSG2h2KnOrpYbgnobQJkY/ From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Sep 5 09:56:59 2008 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 09:56:59 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 9-07-08 Message-ID: <000801c90f67$a6e47d10$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 September 7, 2008 No.8 Last Sunday I preached on "Mark, my son," 1.Pet.5:13, a lesson dealing with how John Mark redeemed himself after making mistakes. This week, in one of the periodicals I receive, I came across the following article on the same subject. It is worth reading, so here it is. It was written by David Holder and published in Focus Magazine. GETTING BACK ON TRACK Have you ever dropped the ball? I'm not talking about sports; I'm talking about life. Have you blown a chance to do something significant? Most of us understand failure. We've been there. And what we experience in life generally, we sometimes experience spiritually. Things are not always what they should be, or what we want them to be, between us and God. Can we shake bad habits, get out of the spiritual doldrums, or escape sin? Is there any help or hope available? Yes, there is. I can show you someone who fell hard and, in time, fully recovered. From his experience, we may learn how to get back on track. The scene is the Garden of Gethsemane. Soldiers came to arrest Jesus. One disciple lashes out with a sword. In a matter of minutes, His friends and followers flee into the night. "And a certain young man was following Him wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him. But he left the linen sheet behind, and escaped naked" (Mk.14:51-52). It has long been supposed that this "certain young man" was Mark, the writer of the Gospel bearing his name. This is a reasonable conclusion. Only the fleeing man would know the details and might write about the event in such an indirect way. When Jesus the Lord was unjustly arrested, Mark rather scandalously escaped into the night. This is not the last time Mark ran from responsibilities. If he was Jesus' fleeing follower, in time he made strides in the right direction. Several years later, Mark was helping the apostle Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel (Acts 12:25; 13:5). They preached in several cities on the island of Cyprus, but when Paul and Barnabas left to preach elsewhere, Mark returned home (Acts 13:13). When it came time to set out on a second preaching tour, Paul would not agree for Mark to go along because he had earlier turned back (Acts 15:36-40). Was Mark establishing a pattern of running from responsibilities? Do you identify with him in some way? For reasons that seem good at the moment, a husband or wife runs from responsibilities of marriage. A parent deserts his children. A church member decides he or she can't keep up with the demands of serving God. Life is not always easy and simple; we are not always capable of dealing with the conflicts and struggles we encounter. At times we want to run away. Mark felt this way at least twice. But you need to know that failure is not the end of Mark's story. Several years later, Paul, who earlier refused to take Mark on the second preaching trip, called Mark one of his fellow workers who was an encouragement to him (Col.4:10-11; Phile.24). Near the end of Paul's life, the apostle wrote affectionately of Mark to Timothy: "Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service" (2.Tim.4:11). Wait a minute! What do we have here, a man who recovered from two spiritual failures? Yes, we do. Mark became a useful, effective Christian, and a friend and brother to an apostle of Christ. Mark wrote an action-packed Gospel with special emphasis on Jesus' disciples. Mark's own life and work say "You can follow Jesus. And if you falter or fail, Jesus will patiently help you back on track if you want Him to, Spiritual recovery is possible. I know." Do you need to get back on track to follow Jesus again and more faithfully? You can. Ask Mark -.David Holder, Focus Magazine - Vol.6, No.6, March/April 2002. davhold at aol.com DOES GOD SEND PEOPLE TO HELL? While discussing the subject of "Hell" with a lady acquaintance one day, she said to me, "I just can not conceive of a merciful God sending one to Hell to suffer eternally." We readily agreed with her. God doesn't send people to Hell. He didn't prepare Hell for man, and man has no business going there. However, we reminded the lady acquaintance that this by no means dictates that a person won't go to Hell. People will go to torment of their own free will - God does not send them. The fact is, God has done all possible to keep people form going to Hell. He even gave His own Son to suffer in the flesh and die on a cross in an effort to keep people out of Hell. Through His Son, Jesus Christ, He prepared the way to Heaven, and now exhorts the sinner to turn from his evil way and walk in the light. Now, it is up to the sinner to avail himself of the means that God has given to escape the power of Satan and the confines of Hell. The next move is the sinner's and if he does not make that move he alone is to blame. The apostle Peter said, "God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2.Pet.3:9). In the first chapter of Acts we have a good example of a person destroying himself in spite of all anyone could do. Peter, I speaking of Judas, said: "Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." Notice, Peter said Judas "went to his own place." The place Judas went to was not God's place, for God had nothing to do with his going there. It was Judas' own place because Judas had prepared that place himself by his conduct in this life. God didn't send him, he went of his own free will. If a man is eventually lost he cannot accuse God, for God's will is, that he not go to torment. Man goes to Hell himself while all Heaven is pleading with him not to go. Yes, we choose our own destiny. God has placed before man two ways - one leads to Hell, the other to Heaven. We are left to make the choice ourselves. Jesse M Kelly - Preceptor, p.12 - Vol.57, No.6, June 2008. Sentence sermons: The fact that a person talks godly does not mean he walks godly. Following Jesus is not an escape from life - it is life. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080905/3b38ff7b/attachment-0001.html From texasjeffssmith at mac.com Fri Sep 5 11:55:54 2008 From: texasjeffssmith at mac.com (Jeff S. Smith) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:55:54 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Class>Peculiar People Message-ID: I have this morning completed and published a new class book to my website at www.ElectronicGospel.com . Peculiar People is a study of the many distinctive elements of churches of Christ and the people within them. There are 13 lessons in all. The first 12 lessons contain a page of textual instruction followed by a set of questions; lesson 13 is a review of the series. PECULIAR PEOPLE LESSONS 1. Introduction 2. The Real Jesus 3. Jesus Built His Church 4. Baptism for the Remission of Sins 5. A Rose By Any Other Name 6. As Often As You Observe the Lord?s Supper 7. Preachers, Pastors, Teachers and Popes 8. Melody in the Heart 9. Taking A Holiday 10 .The Church and the Kingdom 11. Social Gospel 12. No Creed But Christ 13. Review PECULIAR PEOPLE INFORMATION HTML Preview: http://tinyurl.com/54ta86 PDF Download: http://tinyurl.com/6x4677 Also, we have begun netcasting our worship services and Bible classes here at Woodmont. If you are unable to make it out for worship, but can get to a computer, you can watch us live at 9:30 and 5:00 on Sundays and at 7:30 on Wednesday evenings, Central Time. Woodmont Live: http://tinyurl.com/6zu7dk Jeff S. Smith Jeff Smith is the preacher for the Woodmont church of Christ and publisher of ElectronicGospel and its weekly podcast. Jeff is also the Program Director and Head Coach of Burleson Youth Association Buddy Ball. The contents of this email are personal and private. Please do not forward this communication, in whole or in part, to anyone without my express consent. Follow me on Twitter. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080905/185ecd42/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Sep 6 03:58:17 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 04:58:17 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: GOD HAS SPOKEN A dozen sirens wailing a warning of a coming tornado can- not save the lives of those who do not heed. Warning that a dam is beginning to break under the pressure of floodwaters cannot save a city of ten thousand living directly below the dam if they do not heed and seek higher ground. The blaring of the horns of a train bearing down on an intersection cannot save motorists who ignore it and are smashed by trying to cross the tracks. Is there no grace? Is there no mercy? Yes! The warn- ings are the form of deliverance from peril, but grace and mercy do not profit those who do not make use of them. God has spoken! He has offered good things and warned mankind of mortal peril. He has set in place a way of salvation from spiritual death and eternal punishment through His graci- ous gift through Jesus Christ. He has said that all who believe Him, heed His Word, and obey His Son's commandments will be delivered from certain death in sin and will be given eternal life (Heb. 5:8,9; Matt. 7:21-24; Mk. 16:15,16; Rom. 2:5-11). But God's warnings have not profited those who have not heeded His commands to stop, to flee from peril, to seek the safety in Christ. Many warners tell their hearers that belief alone will save them, that they are saved before they obey the warn- ings or even without obeying the warnings; therefore, the warn- ed ones feel safe though their destruction is imminent (1 Thes. 5:1-3). Many people isolate themselves from God's warnings by refusing to read His Holy Scriptures, by refusing to listen to the Truth presented by means of radio, by refusing repeated invitat- ions to attend the assemblies where the Truth is taught, and by refusing even to discuss the Scriptures with Christians who are seeking to help them. Neighbor, God's warning is ever-present. Are you reading it, listening to it, and obeying it unto salvation? The way that leads to life eternal must be taken and traveled (Matt. 7:13,14). ----------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20080906/c7d923b5/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Sep 6 03:58:26 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 04:58:26 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT BIBLE PASSAGE TEACHES MONOGAMY? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. WHAT BIBLE PASSAGE TEACHES MONOGAMY? Monogamy is the marital rule of having only one spouse. Polygamists say that a person can have more than one spouse at the time, such as Muslims practice. The teaching of the Bible on this subject will be considered in a moment, but first, let's look at the need for Bible teaching in this matter. In the late 1800's the territory of Utah petitioned Congress for statehood in the union, but were denied for over twenty years until Mormon leaders renounced the practice of polygamy. The recent events out in Texas involving a commune occupied by Reformed Mormons brought state officials in, not to "crack down" on polygamy, but simply for the welfare of the children. Today's governmental authorities seem to steer clear of any in- volvement in the marital lives of individuals. Their avoidance of marital issues may be because the task is just too big! So many couples are simply "living together," are divorced, or have children without being married. How can all these sinful relationships be corrected by the government? But here is the crux of the problem for our present study: if the government is "hands off" in marital matters, how long will it be before polygamy is recognized as legitimate? We already are faced with outrageous judges granting the right of marriage to homosexuals and lesbians. What will hold them back from granting plural marriages to Muslims and Mormons? Now, back to the Bible question -- what Bible passage teach- es monogamy?