From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Aug 1 01:50:31 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2009 02:50:31 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 files: GOD HAS SPOKEN "Imagine No Religion" was the message of a billboard on an interstate highway. Imagine a group of people campaigning for freedom FROM religion! In reality, we don't have to imagine eith- er of these, because they are both in evidence in our world today. False religion, like all false ideas, is a threat to the well- being of people everywhere, but TRUE religion is essential to life that is filled with hope, purpose, goodness, and harmless- ness (Gal. 5:22,23). Those who wish to be free from religion should ask them- selves how they can live without laws against theft, murder, ex- tortion, rape, robbery, licentiousness, deceitful business deal- ings, and such like? People commit such wrongs in practicing freedom from TRUE religion (Gal. 5:19-23). Corruption and de- ceit in our government are exercise in freedom from TRUE relig- ion. Violence and wrongdoing in the name of religion are exer- cises in freedom from TRUE religion. TRUE RELIGION is exhibited in one's reverent submission to God in worship and in godly living (Heb. 12:28,29; 13:1-6; Jas. 1: 27; 1 Pet. 1:13-24 and chapters 2-5). Without the divine authority of God, there is no restraining power with which to counteract and redirect the wrong and harmful impulses of mankind. If "free thought" yields itself to the debasing imagination of which humans are capable, it becomes the champion of degradation and self-destruction of humanity subject to the wrath of the true and living God (Rom. 1:18-32), thus promoting the basest form of slavery (2 Pet. 2:4-22). Let us think pure thoughts and practice noble things (Phil. 4: 8; Titus 2:11-14). ---------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090801/3602dd10/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Aug 1 01:50:41 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2009 02:50:41 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) TO RECEIVE GOD'S BLESSINGS (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. TO RECEIVE GOD'S BLESSINGS (1) God makes many promises to us in His Holy Scriptures. Nearly all of these promises are conditional -- that is, they require som action from us to receive the blessing. Many supp- ose that when God made a promise of a blessing, man would then receive tht blessing, no matter what he did. But such people have not carefully read the Bible. Unless we meet God's conditions, we cannot receive His promised blessings. That has always been true. We must go to "the law and the testimony," and rely on what God has said, not what we wish He had said. Human theories and philosophies cannot save, no matter how much we might want them to. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is revealed a right- eousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:16,17). As the apostle Pet- er wrote, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one anoth- er from the heart fervently; having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the Word of God, which liveth and abideth. For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth: But the Word of the Lord abideth for ever. And this is the Word of the Gospel which was preached unto you" (1 Pet. 1:22-25). We must be guided by the God-given authority of the Scriptures. Let us look at some examples to illustrate the above truths. Healing From The Brazen Serpent: -- The Israelites had been dis- obedient, griping and rebelling against God and His chosen lead- er, Moses (Num. 21:4-9). As punishment, God sent fiery serpents among the people, and may of them died. The people then came to Moses, confessing their sin and asking him to pray to God for them that He might take away the serpents. So, when did they receive the blessing? 1. God's Blessing Offered: -- "And Jehovah said unto Moses Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a standard: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he seeth it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it upon the standard: and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he looked unto the serpent of brass, he lived" (Num. 21:8,9). God offered them the healing of their serpent's bite, but there were conditions. 2. They Had To DO Something To Receive The Blessing Which Was Offered: -- Note that God commanded Moses (as leader of Israel) to make a serpent, to set it on a standard, and that those who were bitten should look upon it in order to be healed. But they did nto receive the blessing of God's healing immediately when the instructions were given. 3.They Had To Believe: -- The Bible says clearly, "And with- out faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek after Him" (Heb. 11:6). In order to receive the blessing of healing, the people had to believe. No one has ever received a promised blessing upon the basis of a dead faith. But any faith which has nto led to obedience is yet a dead faith (Jas. 2:24-26). 4. They Had To Obey God: -- Moses obeyed God, making the brazen serpent and placing it upon the standard. But the Israel- ites, when bitten, then had to "look upon the brazen serpent" (Num. 21:8,9) in order to receive the blessing of healing: "If a ser- pent had bitten any man, when he looked unto the serpent of brass, he lived." No one ever fails to receive God's promised blessing when he faithfully obeys God's commands with regard to that blessing. This example in Num. 21 is typical of every example of God's promised blessings. Here, then is the plain order: 1) God's blessing is offered to man. 2) God's Word is given. 3) Man believes God. 4) Man does what God tells him. 5) Man receives the promised blessing. (More will be posted on this subject Monday, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090801/73994432/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Sat Aug 1 15:48:23 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Sat, 01 Aug 2009 15:48:23 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 7/26/09 Message-ID: <4A7463C7.1586.1C85663@localhost> ____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER ____________________________________________________ "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ July 26, 2009 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) The Mystery of Godliness (Michael Garrison) 2) Walking in Christ (Johnie Edwards) ____________________________________________________ -1- The Mystery of Godliness by Michael Garrison "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Tim. 3:16). The phrase "without controversy" means there is and can be no doubt. No one should have any doubt about Jesus Christ being the Christ. He fulfilled all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled" (Matt. 5:17-18). But, did he really fulfill all the Law? In Luke 24:44-48 we have the answer: "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Joseph P. Free reports, "There are three hundred and thirty-two distinct prophesies in the Old Testament which have been fulfilled in Christ." He said, "The chances of all of these prophecies being fulfilled in one man are so overwhelmingly remote that it is strikingly demonstrated that they could in no wise be the shrewd guesses of mere men, but were given by God to holy men who 'spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit' (2 Pet. 1:21)" (Archaeology and Bible History, 284). The title of this article is "The Mystery of Godliness." The word "mystery" means "that which, being outside the range of unassisted natural apprehension, can be made known only by Divine revelation, and is made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God, and to those who are illumined by His Spirit" (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). So, the prophets and apostles revealed that which was once a mystery. The mystery is that God was "manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. " Let us examine each part of the "mystery of godliness" which is so important. God This means deity. The subject of this verse is Jesus Christ. He is God! John wrote, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (Jn. 1:1, 14). The apostle Paul informs us that though Jesus was "in the form of God, (He) thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:6-8). In Hebrews 1:8, God the Father calls his Son, God! And in Acts 20:28, we learn about "the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood," which is a clear reference to Jesus the Christ. Yes, Jesus is God -- He is not the Father, but God the Son. "God Was Manifest In The Flesh" Jesus was manifested -- or made known -- in the flesh. God the Son took upon him human flesh. See Philippians 2:6-8 again. In human flesh, Jesus understood what it is like to be human. We are told in Hebrews 4:15 that "we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." So, Jesus knows what it is to suffer in the flesh, because he humbled himself unto God the Father and came to earth in fleshly form. "God Was Justified In The Spirit" "To justify one means to declare and prove him to be what he claims to be, and to disprove all false accusations that may be made against him" (E.M. Zerr Commentary). Jesus was once and for all time "declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead" (Rom. 1:4). Also, read Acts 13:26-39. "God Was Seen Of Angels" Angels have always had an interest in things pertaining to man's salvation. Peter wrote, "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow, unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven: which things the angels desire to look into" (1 Pet. 1:10-12). Angels were present at various times while Christ was on the earth. In Matthew 4:11, after Jesus was tempted by the Devil, "angels came and ministered unto him." In Luke 22:38-43, as a result of his prayer to the Father before his betrayal, false accusations, crucifixion, and death, "there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. " On the day of His resurrection, "the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it" (Matt. 28:2). So, Jesus was indeed "seen of angels!" "God Was Preached Unto The Gentiles" Jesus is the Savior of all who will obey his gospel. Jesus instructed his apostles, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations" (Matt. 28:19). By the time Paul wrote to the saints in Colosse, he could tell them that the gospel "was preached to every creature which is under heaven" (Col. 1:23). So, the Jews and Gentiles had an opportunity to learn what to do to escape ungodliness and worldly lust. "God Was Believed On In The World" As the apostles went everywhere preaching the gospel, many believed and obeyed the gospel. In Thessalonica, when the gospel was preached, "some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few" (Acts 17:4). When the unbelieving Jews realized what was happening, they went to the rulers of the city and said, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also" (Acts 17:6). So, many people were believing the saving gospel and Jesus was being believed on in the world. "God Was Received Up Into Glory" After Jesus had made it possible for sinful humans to escape ungodliness and have sins washed away in his blood (Rev. 1:5), he returned unto His Father in heaven. In Acts 1:9, the apostles saw Jesus "taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." This fulfilled Daniel 7:13-14: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him, and there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." So, He went back to glory (Jn. 17:4-5). In light of the six items above, no one has any excuse for not believing and obeying Jesus Christ. Do you believe? Have you obeyed? If not, why not do so as soon as possible? If you have fallen away from God, why not return to Him in humble obedience? He wants to save you and everyone else. -- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 8, pp. 244-245, April 16, 1992 ____________________________________________________ -2- Walking in Christ by Johnie Edwards The apostle told the Colossians, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him" (Col. 2:6). After we obey the Lord in primary obedience, it is essential that we continue to walk in Him in order to inherit eternal life. Let's take a look at some reasons why we should walk in Jesus Christ: 1. Salvation is in Christ. "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory" (2 Tim. 2:10). If we expect to find salvation we must walk in Christ, for that's where it is! 2. All spiritual blessings are in Christ. Paul said, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). The person who does not walk in the Lord does not have the right to a single spiritual blessing. 3. All of God's promises are in Christ. Paul told the Corinthians, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" (2 Cor. 1:20). Do you want God's promises? Then, you must walk in Christ. 4. Christ is man's only hope. "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). Just as Paul assured Timothy that Jesus "is our hope" (I Tim. 1:1), we must walk in him to realize this hope. 5. We can be complete in Christ. "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Col. 2:10). Since we can be complete in Christ, we only need to walk in him. 6. There is no other way. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (Jn. 14:6). If you miss this way, you just miss out! Jesus is the door by which we enter in. "I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved... Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber" (Jn. 10:9, 1). When some of the disciples walked no more with Jesus "Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" (Jn. 6:68). -- Via Ellettsville church bulletin, Vol. 5, No. 24, December 22, 1988, Ellettsville, IN ____________________________________________________ CHURCH OF CHRIST 201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn) Denham Springs, LA 70726 Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 tedwards at onemain.com http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go DIRECTIONS: Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road, and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to the reception counter. ____________________________________________________ From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Aug 1 18:49:55 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2009 16:49:55 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Incentives Message-ID: <000001ca1302$c7c21c50$574654f0$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper August 2, 2009 Incentives Near the end of last week, a national automobile dealers' organization warned that the new CARS program [known as the "Cash for Clunkers"] might run out of money before the weekend and that any potential deals might be unfulfilled and/or without reimbursement and warned dealers they might want to hold off processing deals through the program or they would get stuck with the difference - up to $4500 per transaction - if the program had indeed run through all the money. The problem, it seems, is that the incentive program was too good. Amazingly, about $1 billion was not enough money because far more people took advantage of the incentives in such a short time than what was anticipated. That would mean more than 250,000 people were motivated to buy cars due to the government-funded incentive program in one month. [The website states it was anticipated to run through November 1, "or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first."] Incentives, it seems, have become the norm in the automotive business. Most, if not all, of the American automobile manufacturers have been offering their own incentives for almost 30 years with only temporary breaks from time to time, with ever-increasing amounts, and are now seen as almost a necessity to get people in the showroom - often with more incentives thrown in to get them to actually make a purchase. In recent years, even many of the foreign car manufacturers have joined in the incentive programs, though not as heartily, and now we have the government program. Incentives, it seems, are now just part of the process. In spiritual matters, I am afraid some churches are taking lessons from the automotive industry and are offering "incentives" of their own to get people in the door. Almost weekly, I get fliers in the mail advertising some church's special programs directed at kids, teens, singles, those who are divorced, seniors, the unemployed, and a dozen other classes. The ads emphasize the programs and how they offer something especially for the targeted group and their needs, and include an inevitable incentive to get them to come visit - anything from coffee and donuts to entertaining music to jump pits for the toddlers to skate parks for the teens to blatantly materialistic offerings such as giveaways of iPods, spa treatments, gift certificates to local retail stores, and - not surprisingly - cold, hard cash. It saddens me to see these "incentive programs" offered by these religious establishments, if only for what it says about their view of the spiritual side of life: What God offers is not enough! While they may deny that is their view, what else could one conclude? God said it is the gospel of Jesus Christ that is "the power of God for salvation" (Rom. 1:16); if some believe they must offer material incentives to get people in the door, they must obviously think that what God offers is not enough and something more must be offered to get people to just "take a look" or they wouldn't be doing it. And, like the automotive business, the "incentives" are only going to get more popular, those who are drawn by them will only demand more and more and, like the automotive business, people are going to come to expect them. The reality is that when the incentives dry up, so will the crowds. They don't come for the spiritual offerings, and often because little or nothing is offered along the lines of spiritual matters. Thankfully, you won't find such incentives here; we offer you something so much better! We offer only what God has offered. And what is that? Let's take a minute to see just what God and His Son, Jesus Christ, have offered. Their Love. It was the love of God, Paul said, that moved Him to send His Son to die for our us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8), and it was Christ's love for us that moved Him to die not for His friends, but for us His enemies (vv. 6, 10). We were certainly undeserving of the love of God shown toward us, but, as Jesus said, He "so loved the world, that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). The apostle John says it in a way that sums it up well: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are" (1st John 3:1). What kind of love is that? It is a love that will never let us down, never leave us without comfort, and a love that does the best for us and tells us what we need to hear, even when we do not necessarily think so. God's love is such that we do not have to worry about it ending because the eternal God is love (1st John 4:8). That being true, there is nothing that "will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:39). Nothing! Now, if you know about this love and you truly understand its greatness, that should be incentive enough to get you to respond in obedience and enough to convince you that He is worthy of giving yourself entirely to Him. We offer this to you because there is simply no material thing we could offer you that would surpass its greatness. Their Plan for Your Salvation. If you investigate the numerous churches in the area, you will likely be confused by what you hear regarding salvation from sins and from eternal punishment; in fact, it is likely nowadays that you may not even hear anything about sin and salvation! But there are so many variations out there, I could not list them all in this short space; be careful to test those words against what you will find within the Bible and understand that just because someone says they are speaking from God does not mean it is true. Many things do not agree with what God said through the inspired writers and they will not help you find salvation. The answer is to look into God's word yourself and see what God really says. I would urge you to read through the book of Acts, when the gospel first began to be preached, and see what was demanded of people then - and do what they did. Don't let men convince you that it cannot be understood; I've met enough people who have studied themselves out of error and discovered the truth to know better. We offer you that plan because we believe there is no material thing we could offer you that would save you, but firmly believe that it is through Christ you can be saved. Their Promises. The same God and the same Savior who love you as they do also have given us promises - promises worthy of hearing and pursuing. God has promised the obedient "eternal life" (1st John 2:25) and that is certainly worth noting, but also note that God has promised to you, if you are one of His children, He "will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5), and that "He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1st Cor. 10:13). We offer these same promises to you because you need to know what can be achieved, not false and empty promises that do you no good. But if you don't know God, you might think that these are like the many promises of men and cannot be believed. It is for that reason they have one more thing to offer: Their Word. One of the most comforting attributes of God besides His love is the assurance that all He has said can be trusted because He "never lies" (Titus 1:2) - in fact, "it is impossible for God to lie" (Heb. 6:18)! Try finding that kind of assurance in the offerings made by men in churches across this country! What we offer to you is simply what God has given to us and has offered to all men. Anything less would be not enough, and anything more is too much. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090801/7bee4b01/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Aug 1 20:07:33 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2009 21:07:33 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for August 2009 Message-ID: Hilliard Bulletin Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ================================================ Volume 11 Number 8 August 2009 ================================================ CAUSE FOR ALARM The current trends among this new generation (ages 10-35) are rejection of all authority from any source. Indeed, there are a few exceptions to this trend but the vast majority of this age group accepts no restraints from any source including parents, school and government authorities, and friends that cross them. This situation has been brought about in America by very poor parenting and liberal activists that have screamed children?s rights Hollywood has taught children the lifestyle they accept today, and various positions of authority at school, and in elected and appointed officials in government. WHAT IS THE ANSWER? That is a good question but a question our society must answer. Unless a solution is found our way of life on this plant since the great flood may soon be over --- NOTE FOLLOWING ? (Genesis 6:17-7:1 - 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. 18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shall come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shall thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. 20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. 21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shall gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. 22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. --- Genesis 7 - 7:1 And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation. (KJV) TIME for man to change is passing (I.e. the way of life approved and revealed by Almighty God via. the Bible) _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) THE WONDER OF IT ALL Often in our daily lives we encounter persons or events that cause us to wonder about the results, the motivation of those involved, or the cause/causes of the event. While we do not understanding all that happens in the world and why these things happen we do know that there is knowledge about it all by the Creator of the universe --- 1 John 3:19-20 - 19 We shall know by this that we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before Him, 20 in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.(NASB) There are many puzzling events that we all experience in life; some more than others because of the nature of their involvement in the world and the things of the world. Even though this is so; we understand that God has the answer to our problems and stunning events of life --- Jeremiah 10:23 - 23 O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Indeed, God knows all things about every person and every event --- Mark 10:27 - 27 Looking at them, Jesus said, "With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God." Acts 17:24-26 - 24 " The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, (NASU) Heb. 4:13 - And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Since this is sol we ought to place our lives and our confidence in God who makes all things and understands all things about us, our lives, our friends, our weaknesses and our strengths, who will save us from our sins and from all unrighteousness if we will come to Him on his terms --- Matt. 11:25-30 25 Come to me at that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. 26 "Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in your sight. 27 " All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 "For My yoke is easy and my burden is light." (NASU) Do you need understanding, forgiveness for sins, and desire to have a better life with better and more association with Christian people. Then you need to become a Christian and become part of a sound church of Christ. There are many congregations of God?s people meeting everywhere ? if you need an address of a sound church send us a note we will be happy to provide you with information about the church in your area. --- _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ============================================ REMEMBER THE SHUT-IN IN YOUR VISITS, CALLS, & CARDS ============================================ EXAMINING THE WORD JESTING (Found in the KJV and ASV) TEXT: Eph. 5:4 - Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which is not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (KJV) Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. [Neither filthiness] Aischrotees. Anything base or vile in words or acts. [Foolish talking] Moorologia. Scurrility, buffoonery, ridicule, or what tends to expose another to contempt. [Nor jesting] Eutrapelia. Artfully turned discourses or words, from eu, well or easily, and tropee, I turn; words that can be easily turned to other meanings; double entendres; chaste words which, from their connection, and the manner in which they are used, convey an obscene or offensive meaning. It also means jests, puns, witty sayings, and mountebank repartees of all kinds. [Which are not convenient] Ouk aneeken. They do not come up to the proper standard; they are utterly improper in themselves, and highly unbecoming in those who profess Christianity. [But rather giving of thanks.] Eucharistia. Decent and edifying discourse or thanksgiving to God. Prayer or praise is the most suitable language for man; and he who is of a trifling, light disposition, and is ill fitted for either. How can a man, who has been talking foolishly or jestingly in compa ny, go in private to magnify God for the use of his tongue which he has abused, or his rational faculties which he has degraded? (From Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright ? 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.) Eph. 5:4 - [Nor jesting] eutrapelia. This word occurs also nowhere else in the New Testament. It properly means, that which is "well-turned" eu - well, and prepoo - to turn); and then that which is sportive, refined, courteous; and then "urbanity, humor, wit; and then jesting, levity" - which is evidently the meaning here. The apostle would not forbid courteousness, or refinement of manners (compare 1 Peter 3:8), and the reference, therefore, must be to that which is light and trifling in conversation; to that which is known among us as jesting. It may be observed: (1) That "courteousness" is not forbidden in the Scriptures, but is positively required; 1 Peter 3:8. (2) "Cheerfulness" is not forbidden-for if anything can make cheerful, it is the hope of heaven. (3) "Pleasantry" cannot be forbidden. I mean that quiet and gentle humor that arises from good-nature, and that makes one good-natured in spite of himself. Such are many of the poems of Cowper, and many of the essays of Addison in the "Spectator" - a benevolent humor which disposes us to smile, but not to be malignant; to be good-natured, but not to inspire levity. But levity and jesting, though often manifested by ministers and other Christians, are as inconsistent with true dignity as with the gospel. Where were they seen in the conversation of the Redeemer? Where in the writings of Paul? (From Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright ? 1997, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.) Eph. 5:3-20 The apostle not only cautions against the gross acts of sin, but against what some may be apt to make light of, and think to be excusable. Neither filthiness (v. 4), by which may be understood all wanton and unseemly gestures and behavior; nor foolish talking, obscene and lewd discourse, or, more generally, such vain discourse as betrays much folly and indiscretion, and is far from edifying the hearers; nor jesting. The Greek word eutrapelia is the same which Aristotle, in his Ethics, makes a virtue: pleasantness of conversation. And there is no doubt an innocent and inoffensive jesting, which we cannot suppose the apostle here forbids. Some understand him of such scurrilous and abusive reflections as tend to expose others and to make them appear ridiculous. This is bad enough: but the context seems to restrain it to such pleasantry of discourse as is filthy and obscene, which he may also design by that corrupt, or putrid and rotten, communication that he speaks of, Eph 4:29. (From Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition, Electronic Database. Copyright ? 1991 by Hendrickson Publishers, Inc.) NOTE BY Garreth L. Clair: The notes listed above give one a good understanding of the word jesting. The word coarse is found in the NKJV; an addition ? This addition adds nothing to the concept of jesting as described in the context of verses 3-5 of this text. The three above references give one a good idea why the framers of the NKJV inserted the word ?coarse? ? course being rough or abrasive in basic meaning. Inflected Form(s): coars?er; coars?est Etymology: Middle English cors, perhaps from course, noun 1 : of ordinary or inferior quality or value : _COMMON_ (http://cougar.eb.com/dictionary/common) 2 a (1) : composed of relatively large parts or particles (2) : loose or rough in texture b : adjusted or designed for heavy, fast, or less delicate work c : not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination 3 : crude or unrefined in taste, manners, or language 4 : harsh, raucous, or rough in tone 5 chiefly British : of or relating to coarse fish Mail to: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ===================================================== WORSHIP PRIVILEGES: Sunday ? 9;30 - 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM Midweek ? Wednesday night: 7:30 PM EVERYONE IS WELCOME First Saturday in August at 6:00 P.M. our study of ?EFFECTIVELY TEACHING ADULT BIBLE CLASS? will continue. Everyone is invited to attend and study with us as we prepare ourselves to be a good teacher or a better teacher. ===================================================== FUTURE GOSPEL MEETINGS FALL September 20-23, 2009 ? Billy Ray Ford (Marion, AR) - confirmed SPRING April 22-25, 2010 ? Arthur Adams (Plymouth, IN) - confirmed FALL September 19-24, 2010 - Aaron Veyon (Fredericktown OH) - confirmed SPRING 2011 - April 17-22 - Trevor Brailey (Utica, OH) - confirmed FALL 2011? Sept. 18-23 - Todd Rogers (Columbus, OH) Confirmed Sunday, July 19, 2009 INFORMATION: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) or (614)-850-7252 For further information =========== Hilliard Bulletin for August 2009 ============ **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222846709x1201493018/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&bcd =JulystepsfooterNO115) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090801/7a54157b/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Aug 1 20:41:10 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 1 Aug 2009 20:41:10 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 030 Message-ID: <0220BCBE0E1B40B59EAF3D0C779CEF31@sean2e3f41f1ba> The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 030: August 2, 2009 This Week's Article: Paul on: The Purpose of Life Introduction: Paul's teachings are rich with practicality. Paul, as we see him in the scriptures, lived a purpose-filled-life. He was formerly a diligent Jew and then as we focus our attention on him as a zealous servant of Jesus Christ. The hope of his writing is characterized by the words Paul used in Philippians 1:3-12. His point was to encourage and lift up the brethren in their righteous pursuits. Part of Paul's inspired writing was his personal life experience. Paul told us several times to look at him and do what he does in order to be what we need to be for Christ (e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17). In the Philippians letter, 1:19-25, we hear Paul explaining the purpose of life. Through a study of Paul's words we will learn to see life as: the time to develop faith, to be purposeful and focused on Christ, and to be used to prepare for death Life is the Time to Develop Faith To Paul, faith was the rule of life. Every part of his life was directed by His faith. He faithfully trusted in God to: save the souls of the obedient (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:21-26) and to reward him in the end (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul's faith helped him through all the trials of his life. No matter what he suffered he did not waiver from God (Acts 16:25). If we open our eyes to see the reality of Paul's faith we will learn: That God can help us through all situations (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) and that confidence has great reward (Titus 1:7). Paul's perspective on our need for faith is seen in what he proclaims about faith: Faith abolishes fear (2 Timothy1:7 "not a spirit of fear."). Faith is essential to pleasing God (Romans 5:1-2). Faith leads to life eternal (1 Timothy 6:12-16) Life is to be Purposed and Focused on Christ It takes a sense of maturity to know that life is about more than self. Paul's statement demonstrates this in Philippians 1:21, where he says, "To live is Christ". To Paul, every day was another opportunity to serve God to his fullest. We spoke of Paul's dedication to his religious pursuits. Formerly Paul's devotion was to a different religion-Judaism (Acts 8:1-3). Paul was a dedicated servant and even pursued the destruction of the Lord's church. His extreme devotion was shown when he was unsatisfied with driving the Christians out of Jerusalem; he continued the destructive pursuit to Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). Paul's dedicated service continued after he became a Christian-his tireless work among the brethren (Philippians 1:22, 24-26). He willingly traveled over three thousand miles to establish and encourage the Lord's church (Acts 13:2-5; Acts 15:40-41). He was more concerned for the brethren than himself (2 Corinthians 11:28). His dedication to the Lord continued all the days of his life (Galatians 2:20; 2 Timothy 4:6-8). To Paul, life was a time for serving God. Have you been living with this attitude and effort? We must understand that this life is temporary (James 4:14). We have to prove ourselves as faithful in this life: to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and to be prepared for judgment to come (Hebrews 9:27). Life is opportunity; death is the end of opportunity. We have the opportunity to serve God; make our life right with Him and prepare to meet Him in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). Life is the time to prepare for our Departure Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21 continues to say, "To die is gain". How can someone come to such an understanding? Paul knew that there was something beyond this life (Ephesians 1:3). Paul knew that there was great reward in death. Jesus reveals our reward in John 14:1-6. The Hebrew writer speaks of our reward as great (Hebrew 10:35-39). A variety of words describe our goal: Treasures (Matthew 6:19-21); Mansion (John 14:1-6); Prize (Philippians 3:13); Reward (Matthew 5:12); Paul pressed toward the goal himself (Philippians 3:13-14). The faithful of God should see death merely the entrance to eternal life. We, like Paul, must look ahead to the goal. We need to long for the promised rest (Revelation 14:12-13) in our place prepared (John 14:1-6). Looking ahead to our dwelling in the place in which the glory of God is the light or a never-ending day (Revelation 21:22-27). Conclusion: Life is the time we have to: Engage faith, live for Christ, and prepare for our reward. As Paul says, "To live is Christ, to die is gain". This was Paul's perspective, is it yours? We have the same knowledge that Paul had (The word of God Romans 10:17). The knowledge from the word of God provides is with: An understanding of what faith is: essential to all that we do and all we will ever have (Hebrews 11:6). An understanding of what life is: a time of preparation (Hebrew 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10). An understanding of what death is: our entrance into our reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul show us that life is not be taken for granted. Rather we are to use our time to fulfill our purpose. The opportunity to seek God through His Son is yours right now. ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward this copy to them and send their email address and I will add them to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090801/d5592f33/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090801/d5592f33/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7776 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090801/d5592f33/attachment-0003.gif From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Aug 2 19:31:10 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 2 Aug 2009 18:31:10 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (8/2/09) Message-ID: <001a01ca13d2$140544f0$3c0fced0$@dot5hosting.com> "Churches looking for Preachers" and "Preachers looking for churches" are now included on the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com San Juan Logo PNG.png Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) August 2, 2009 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com. In addition, if you want to advertise for "churches looking for preachers" and "preachers looking for churches," go to www.thetfordcountry.com and click on the appropriate link. Fill out the easy form and your listing will be uploaded to the web site within 48 hours (usually the same day). --- CONTENTS: "Consider Your Ways" (Richard Thetford) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- CONSIDER YOUR WAYS Richard Thetford God's children, who had been in Babylonian captivity, have returned to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel with the purpose of rebuilding the city and the temple that had been destroyed. They started to build the temple but then the temple work was stopped. In fact 16 years had passed since a remnant of God's children returned to Jerusalem, and still the temple had not been completed. The people's personal affairs begin to interfere with God's business. As a result we find Haggai preaching to them, hoping to stir them up to want to finish building the temple. He calls for all the builders to have a renewed courage in their Lord, a renewed holiness, and a renewed faith in God. In Haggai 1:4-5, we find the word of the Lord coming to Haggai and saying: "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple to lie in ruins? Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways!" What happened to these Jews who had returned to their homeland? Why have they not yet finished the temple to God? It seems that they got caught up in their own ways and forgot about the Lord. We can read in Haggai 1:6 where even though they are planting their crops, making clothes, and earning wages, it is as if they are not benefiting from these things. Why do you suppose that is? It is because they were caught up in doing for themselves and not considering the Lord. Haggai preached to them to give first priority to the Lord and then they will be able to enjoy the blessings from God. They listened to Haggai and turned their efforts to serving God. They finished the temple 20 years after they began to build it, but remember 16 of those years they did not work on it. It was only after they began to put God first, that they started to reap His blessings. Learning From Haggai As I study the Old Testament, I understand more and more what the apostle Paul meant when he wrote: "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). As we read these stories of old, we see that there is an application in them for our lives today. Haggai encouraged God's people to "consider your ways!" We also should consider our ways in everything that we do to make sure that we are living our life in accordance with what God would approve of. We can work, work, work, but if we are doing it only for ourselves and not for the Lord, then it will not be of any benefit to us. Once the people began to listen to Haggai teaching them that they must first do God's will, then things started working out for them. We need to understand the words of Jesus as He said: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:33-34). When we seek God's kingdom and His righteousness FIRST, then we can rest assured that everything else that we NEED will be provided for us. When we do this, then we will not have any need to worry because we have put our life in God's hands, knowing that He will provide for us if we are faithful to Him! Consider God's Way We should ensure that we are considering God's way in all that we do. Paul wrote in Romans 11:22: "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off." We certainly can learn from reading the pages of the Old Testament how God dealt with His children then. Knowing this, then we should understand how He will deal with His children of today. God is good and God is severe. As Paul put it, as long as we continue in righteousness toward God then we can expect nothing less than His goodness, which includes all the spiritual blessings that are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). But if we choose to be disobedient then we can also expect to be "cut off" from being with God in heaven. I don't know what it is that motivates you to follow directions, but as for me, KNOWING that if I do not do God's will that I will spend an eternity in hell, I am moved to want to please my God! I want to go to heaven don't you? If you sincerely do, then you WILL honestly strive to obey all of God's commandments so you can have that eternal rest with Him! Remember, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21). I encourage you to "consider your ways" as Haggai encouraged the people of God to do long ago. If you are living righteously before God, then keep it up (Revelation 2:10). If you are not living righteously, you need to repent (Acts 8:22; 17:30), and be determined to live righteously before God forever more! Won't you "consider your ways" today? --- SENTENCE SERMONS A lie has a forked tongue like a snake, but, unlike a reptile, it has legs. There is nothing truly great in man but character. Those who "stretch" the truth find that it often "snaps back" and hits them. The smallest good deed is better than the greatest good intention. Lying covers a multitude of sins - but only temporarily. It is possible for a man to live straight in a crooked generation. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. Much may be known of a man's character by what excites his laughter. --- SERMON THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE RELIGION (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) www.thetfordcountry.com --- cid:image003.gif at 01C9DCB3.EEF5E980 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study..........10:00 A.M. Worship.........11:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study........6:30 P.M. Evangelist/Editor Richard Thetford Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090802/2e56ec0e/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9271 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090802/2e56ec0e/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 3 02:18:08 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 03:18:08 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) TO RECEIVE GOD'S BLESSINGS (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. TO RECEIVE GOD'S BLESSINGS (2) Israel And The City Of Jericho: -- In Jos. 6, is given the account of Israel taking the city of Jericho. Notice the order in which Israel received the promised blessing: "Now Jericho was strait- ly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none come in. And Jehovah said unto Joshua, See, I have given into they hand Jericho, and the king thereof, and the mighty men of valor. And ye shall compass the city, all the men of war, going about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And it shall be, that, when they make a long blast with the rams' horn, and when ye hear the sound of the trumpets, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up every man straight before him" (Jos. 6:1-5). 1) God's Blessing Offered: -- God offered the city of Jericho to Israel (vs. 2). But did they immediately receive the blessing? No. 2) God Gave His Instructions: -- He told them to have all the men of war to march around the city once a day for six days, seven priests were to bear seven trumpets before the ark. On the seventh day, they were to compass the city seven times, the priests were then to blow the trumpets and all the people were to shout. But Israel did not receive the promised blessing until the final instruction had been obeyed. 3) Israel's Faith: -- We read in Heb. 11:30, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had compassed about the seven days." Some teach that God grants a promised blessing the moment one believes. But search the Bible through -- God has never done that. When Israel believed God, every stone of Jeri- cho was still in place. Not until their faith "worked" in obeying God did the walls come down. 4) Man Must Obey God's Word: -- God had commanded Israel that they should do no less than fifteen acts of obedience: march around Jericho thirteen times, blow the trumpets, shout. The walls didn't come down when they marched around one time, or even thirteen times -- they still had to blow the trumpets and shout. Then God gave them the city. Did their obedience nullify faith? No! It was still a gift from God (Jos. 6:2). A gift sometimes has conditions, but it is still a gift. Naaman Cleansed From Leprosy: -- The story is told in 2 Kgs. 5: 1-14. Naaman had leprosy, and his wife's maid -- an Israelite -- told of a prophet in Israel who could cure him. But when Naam- an heard the terms, he became indignant and started back home. But his servant persuaded him to do what God (through the prophet Elisha) told him to do. It was simple: "And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, God and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean" (2 Kgs. 5:10). 1) God's Blessing Offered: "And thou shalt be clean." Here was the grace of God. Naaman did nto earn this blessing, but when he did what God told him, he was cured of his leprosy. By faith, he did what God said, and God healed him. 2) God's Word Given: The instructions were given: go, wash in the Jordan seven times. But this made Naaman angry, and he at first refused. 3) Naaman's Faith: Naaman left in a rage, but his servant convinced him to go back and do what God said. But he still, at this point, had not received the promised blessing. 4) Naaman's Obedience: "Dip seven times in the Jordan River." Was he healed after the first dip, or the second, or even the sixth? You know the answer. Not until he had fully obeyed God was Naaman given the promised blessing. The Gospel Plan Of Salvation: -- The same pattern is found in the gospel of Christ as in these examples we've studied. When people recognized they were sinners, and asked what to do, the Lord Jesus Christ answer clearly: 1) God's blessing is offered. 2) God's instructions are given. 3) Man is convinced to believe. 4) Man's faith leads him to obey. 5) Man then receives the blessing. In trhe Great Commission, given to the apostles just before He returned to heaven, Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be con- demned" (Mk. 16:15,16). Notice: 1) God's blessing is offered. 2) God's instructions are given. 3) Man is led to believe. 4) Man's faith leads him to obey. 5) The promised blessing is given. On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), preaching of the gospel pricked the hearts of sinners and led them to ask: "What shall we do?" God's reply was: "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins...They then that received his word were baptized" (Acts 2:38,41). Note that pattern very carefully: how many were baptized? "They that received the word." Many people object to baptism as being necessary to salvation. They are like Naaman, in that they really cannot see the connection. But, friend, God is the connection. When He makes it a condition, those who listen to Him are baptized. "They that received the word were baptized." That hasn't changed. When people hear the gospel today, and believe Jesus to be the Christ, they are baptized. Why? Because God says to do it. It was that simple for Naaman, and it is that simple for all today. ---- Adapted from and article by Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 29, July 17, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090803/7371ae31/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 3 02:17:53 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 03:17:53 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) COMMUNION OF THE BLOOD AND BODY OF CHRIST Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: COMMUNION OF THE BLOOD AND BODY OF CHRIST How devoted are you? The Christian's life of service and worship is centered upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Dedication to God through Jesus Christ is expressed in the word communion which means "to partake of or participate or share in" (Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). The apostle Paul asked the following questions: "The cup of blessing, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (1 Cor. 10:16). We are encouraged to see the importance of our participation with the Deity of heaven when we partake of the Lord's Supper together. Paul explains: "For we, though many, are one bread and one body, for we all partake of that one bread" (vs. 17). Consider the Israelites of the Old Testament as to their holin- ess and communion with God which was realized in the way their priests ate of the sacrifices that were offered to Jehovah. Paul noted: "Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?" (vs. 18; Lev. 2:3; 6: 18,29). Communion involves not only partaking but being holy for God's service. Christians are called upon to walk worthy of their calling in Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:1-7; Col. 1:9-14). Knowing the im- portance of holy communion with God one can see why Paul wrote about personal holiness when partaking of the Lord's Sup- per: "Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord" (1 Cor. 1:27). Christians are warned to be careful concerning their activit- ies with everything that is in the world. The sin of idolatry per- meated the Old and New Testament times. The Jews time after time gave themselves to the gods of the other nations but had in many ways moved away from idolatry by the time Jesus walk- ed the earth. The Gentiles were thoroughly involved with idolat- ry because their belief in many gods (Acts 17:16-32). Many peop- le today still bow down to idols made by human hands. The wealthy material world has become a god to many. Paul warns that "covetousness is idolatry" (Col. 3:5). Having our lives fully devoted to God, His Son and the church will prevent us from participating with evil. Paul admon- ishes us: "You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?" (1 Cor. 10:22). God wants our full devotion as we commune in the blood and body of His Son (1 Cor. 11:28, 29; Jas. 4:4,5). Truly be devoted to God in all holiness in everything you do especially when communing at the Lord's Table! -- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090803/a7e183e5/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sun Aug 2 14:54:04 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sun, 2 Aug 2009 15:54:04 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 31: August 02, 2009 Message-ID: Good News for Norwalk For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Volume IV, Number 31: August 02, 2009 --------------------------------------------------- 1 John 3:9-13: Love vs. Hate Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. For this is the message which ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another: not as Cain was of the evil one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his works were evil, and his brother's righteous. Marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you (1 John 3:9-13). As John has progressed through his letter, he has been demonstrating the differences between true believers and false teachers: true believers walk in the light, do Jesus' commandments, walk in His ways, and do not sin, while false teachers have departed from the faith and have done and justified wickedness (1 John 1-2). In 1 John 3:3-8, John continued this contrast: believers in God are pure and do righteousness, while those who sin are of the devil. This contrast continues in 1 John 3:9-10. Believers are marked by their righteous conduct, and how they eschew sin (cf. Romans 12:9). The distinction is manifest: those who do not practice righteousness are not of God, while, by necessity, those who do righteousness are of God. We must take care not to distort John's message in verse 9. John's statement should not be read as a declaration that Christians never sin: Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8 work against such a view. The English Standard Version's translation is preferable: No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God. Christians, being fallible, will stumble-- but when they stumble, they will get up, repent, and strive again, and not make sin a habit (cf. Hebrews 10:26-31). True Christians will recognize the distinction between right and wrong and turn toward the light (Hebrews 5:14). John begins a transition in 1 John 3:10 to his next subject: how Christians are to treat one another. John notes that it is not just those who do not practice righteousness that are not of God, but also those who do not love their brothers. John indicates that this is the case in verse 11 because they have heard the message "from the beginning," that they should love one another. This confirms that John speaks regarding love in 1 John 2:7-8 when he speaks there regarding the "'new' old commandment." God has desired for human beings to love one another from the beginning of time, but it is within Jesus Christ that we see the ultimate demonstration of love, as John will continue to make clear in 1 John 3-4. If Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of love, it stands to reason that only those who love can be in God, and those who do not love have no share in God! John then appeals to the example of Cain in Genesis 4:1-8 in verse 12. Cain and Abel both offer sacrifices; Abel's is accepted, Cain's is rejected, and the text never tells us why. John intimates that Cain's deeds, which likely includes his sacrifice, were evil, and that was the reason that he was rejected. This is consistent with the text in Genesis, considering that Cain's reaction to his rejection is not to repent and do what is right but instead to kill his brother and add sin upon sin. Because of this, Cain is said to be of the evil one, and we ought not be like him! John demonstrates powerfully that we should love one another: those who do not love their brethren are not of God, and such ones are akin to Cain, of Satan, committing evil deeds. And then John turns, in verse 13, and says that Christians should not be surprised when the world hates them. The connection should be evident. Jesus Himself warned His disciples, John included, that the world would hate them (Matthew 10:21-26). This is because people are under the spell of the Devil and do his work, for their deeds are evil (John 8:34-47). Those who do what is right and follow after God represent a threat and convict their consciences. John demonstrates to us that we are all part of the conflict of love versus hate, and we must decide who we shall follow: God and love or Satan and hate. Let us work on the side of love and follow God today! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org --------------------------------------------------- The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies! Our location: 386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits) Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Our assemblies: Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm Our Bible studies: Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm --------------------------------------------------- For More Information If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist at norwalkchurch.org. Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Aug 3 19:28:22 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 20:28:22 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Obadiah Message-ID: Obadiah I. Introduction A. Obadiah B. A servant of God 1. His name translated 2. Short book, condemnation of Edom C. Let us consider the book II. Obadiah: The Details A. Authorship 1. The book the "vision of Obadiah" (Obadiah 1:1) 2. A decently common name; no necessary reason to connect the author of this book with the Obadiah of 1 Kings 18 B. Dating 1. Disputed 2. Could be from ca. 850 BCE to 530 BCE 3. Based on statements in verses 11, 19-21, likely ca. 560-530 C. Audience 1. Edom, Judah 2. We can gain some things from it D. Purpose 1. To condemn Edom for their sins against Judah and Israel 2. To warn regarding the upcoming day of the LORD 3. To proclaim the LORD's Kingdom III. Obadiah: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-14) 2. The day of the LORD (Obadiah 1:15-21) B. Against Edom (Obadiah 1:1-14) 1. Report sent from God, messenger to nations: fight against Edom; Edom to be made small, despised; greatly proud; LORD will humble Edom (Obadiah 1:1-4) 2. If thieves, grape gatherers came, would only take enough for themselves; Edom pillaged by nations around about; wisdom of Edom to be destroyed that day; mighty men to be dismayed (Obadiah 1:5-9) 3. Destruction because of violence done to Jacob; Edom did nothing when foreigners came against him; do not rejoice over their destruction, attempt to take over Judah; leave Judah alone (Obadiah 1:10-14) C. The Day of the LORD (Obadiah 1:15-21) 1. Day of LORD near for all nations; recompense for deeds; drunk on holy mountain, nations will drink continually; in Zion will be those who escape; Jacob and Joseph will consume Edom; no survivor for Esau (Obadiah 1:15-18) 2. Those of the Negev will possess Esau, those of the Shephelah the land of Philistia, Ephraim, Samaria; Benjamin to take Gilead; (returned) exiles of Israel will possess all the land; saviors will go to Jerusalem, rule Esau; kingdom will be the LORD's (Obadiah 1:19-21) IV. Obadiah: Conclusion A. A short book 1. Nation judgments 2. Expectation of future restoration, kingdom of LORD B. Let us be part of the LORD's kingdom and be saved! C. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 4 01:50:12 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 02:50:12 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) "WHAT IS TRUTH?" (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. "WHAT IS TRUTH?" (1) Through the conniving of Judas, Jesus had been arrested and brought before the Jewish council. After they had determin- ed to sentence Him to death, they went Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor for crucifiction. Jesus had told Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world" (Jno. 18:36). "Pilate therefore said unto Him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. For this end have I been born, and to this end am I come into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice. Pilate saith unto Him, What is truth?" (Jno. 18:37,38). This question was not mant to evoke an answer, but was (in effect) saying, "Don't tell us that you know the truth. There is no such thing." Today this same cynical attitude is found in the public schools, in universities and even in many churches. For decades, children in public school have been told, "You must not be judgmental, what is wron for you may be right for some- one else. After all, truth is relative." The Importance Of The Truth: -- Why should anyone be shocked to hear that such teaching as that above has produced folk with no moral foundation, no ethical standards and no consicience? We hear people whine, "Why are children so involved in drugs? Why are they killing each other? Why is there so much teen-age pregnancy? Where did we go wrong?" Where were these "bleeding hearts" when the truth -- the very foundation of our culture -- has been under attack in education, in the arts and even in religion? With the loss of truth, and its absolutes, our nation has lost its ideology. The mainframe on which our society is structured has been removed from all the institutions of eommunication: the schools, the media, the arts, the family and the government. People are now saying, "What difference does it make if the pre- sident lies or cheats on his wife, so long as the economy is good?" Which says to us, "As long as we can prosper, and be entertained, forget about truth." The Church Must Stand For Truth: -- The religious world is not far behind in this kind of thinking. It says, "Don't give us a real preacher of the gospel. Give us a smiling face, someone who will make us feel good and love everybody. Don't bother us with truth." There was a time, not long ago, when the denominations lambasted and debated each other over their differences. But the cult of tolerance dominates the religious scene today, and truth is ignored. Examples abound. Billy Graham has said, "I respect other paths to God." But Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by Me" (Jno. 14:6). Another well-known religious leader, Leighton Ford, has said, "Preach the gospel, but don't be so negative as to refuse to en- dorse or work with those who belong to a different group that preaches a different gospel." But the apostle Paul wrote, "Thou- gh we , or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:8). If Christ is not the ONLY path to God, and if there is another gospel than His, then (like Pilate) we ask, "What is Truth?" Other examples of tolerance which denies the truth of God's Word are: Jerry Falwell's commendation of Sun Myung Moon, many evangelists joining Charles Colson, Roman Catholic Card- inal Cassidy and other leaders in signing documents which pro- mote a false gospel in the name of religious unity. There are many other well-known leaders who are among those givng cre- dence to doctrines which flagrantly oppose Bible truth. The dogma of tolerance springs from the wrong concept of love, the idea that if we love enough, nothing else matters. But love, to be from God and real, must be grounded in His truth. But remember, truth is so vital that Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh to the Father but by Me" (Jno. 14:6). It is the love of God that matters most, and that love is based on truth. Where love is not united with truth, it sim- ply becomes lust or a sentimental emotion. Truth Refeals God And His Will: -- It is the truth that enables us to think God's thoughts after Him. The truth which He has revealed is to be embraced by our minds, enthroned in our hearts and carried out in our actions. This requires real concen- tration and devotion to the truth. Such concentration is too often discouraged in our society today. In our schools, we may find posters and pictures plastering the walls, and a variety of ideas portrayed in symbols on the blackboard. But the thought process is then interrupted every few minutes by a different exer- cise or activity, so that the child has no chance to really concen- trate on any complex thought, and my grow up with little regard fro objective truth, because he has been trained to allow images to convey ideas without ever having to think through the logic of truth. In prayer to the Father in heaven, Jesus said of the apostles, "Sanctify them with the truth, Thy Word is truth" (Jno. 17:17). Noting else can ever accomplish tht. The psalmist said, "For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes; And I have walked in Thy truth" (Psa. 26:3). And Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jno. 8:32). Nothing else will make you free! We need the truth of God in our lives, in our pul- pits and in our public officials. (More will be posted on this sub- ject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090804/88d1f826/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 4 01:50:02 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 02:50:02 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) THOUGHTS ON PARENTING 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 files: THOUGHTS ON PARENTING Parenting has never been easy. But ask yourself this quest- ion. Do you really think your parents had as tought a time rear- ing you as you have with your own children? Maybe my parents were like ducks -- gliding along on the sur- face so serenely, but underneath the water paddling like mad. Or may they and their parents and their grandparents before them just found it easier to rear kids. Most of them reared larger numbers of children, with few resources and less formal educat- ion, so we can't claim their circumstances were superior. Yet, their children came out alright. Okay, most of them. To- day I encounter more young parents than ever who feel inade- quate for the task of rearing children. Why is that? It may be that we have too mush input to make choices. I know that sounds odd, but you can have so many ways to pro- ceed that the only course of action you can bring yourself to is no choice at all. A fork in the road means I have a 50-50 chance of taking the right path. But put me in a roundabout, with multi- ple road options and my chance of choosing right is greatly dim- inished. The section on parenting in the bookstores is huge. And that's not even the religious bookstores. We have internectuals online gurus who dispense worldly wisdom. Peers tell us what we should and shouldn't do with our children. The education system creates fear that what we do wrong may warp them for life. TV experts tell us what to do and not to do to rear product- ive, happy children. In our parenting class, we're going to operate on the premise that Father knows best. And I don't man me. I mean Our Father in heaven. He created us. He knows what makes us tick. All other advice, counsel, example has to take a back seat to the Good Book. If you're a parent of children who still are trainable, join us for a study of the subject of parenting. There is a RIGHT way to rear children and a WRONG way. We need to know the differen- ce in these two ways and choose the right one. May God bless all those who are rearing their children in the world we live in at this technological age. The age of computers, cell phones, ipods, etc. --------- Adapted from a study by Ralph Walker in The Exhorter, Bulletin for the Henderson Blvd. church of Christ in Tampa, FL June 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090804/58b79d65/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Tue Aug 4 08:30:54 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 09:30:54 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>After Twenty-Two Years (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <0E7A33B951514447AFD1823E7C7CF14F@D2381J91> After Twenty Two Years (Kent Heaton) The story of Joseph is remarkable for many reasons. His visions set him at odds with his brothers who would eventually sell him to a passing band of Midianites (without Reuben's knowledge). He would be sold on the slavery block to the captain of Pharaoh's guard where he served honorably until unjustly imprisoned by the vengeful wife of Potiphar. Languishing in the king's prison Joseph would be forgotten until the providence of God became full in Joseph's rise to power as second only to the Pharaoh's throne. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). The faith of Joseph is noteworthy because of the hardships he endured as a young man. His trust in God is a worthy example of one of the greatest measures of hope given in scripture. He walked with God each step of his journey from the security of home to the humiliation of slavery and finally to the exaltation of honor in the court of Pharaoh. It would be twenty-two years from the time of his brothers cruel act until they day they stood before a ruler in Egypt begging for food. How do we measure faith? With what rule do we look at Joseph's life and understand the day to day hardship of loneliness, grief, hunger, sorrow and despair on the road to Egypt? "He sent a man before them- Joseph-who was sold as a slave. They hurt his feet with fetters, he was laid in irons. Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him. The king sent and released him, the ruler of the people let him go free. He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his possessions" (Psalm 105:17-21). The story of Joseph must be viewed in the context of two decades of struggle before he could see his family again and finally proclaim through the eye of faith to those who sold him to slavery, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive" (Genesis 50:20). Faith can be viewed as something to have for the short time but how do you maintain your faith after twenty years? How do you keep your faith after the first five years and then ten and then fifteen and finally after twenty-two? Joseph understood something about faith that we all should take stock in. He did not understand why his brothers sold him. How hard that must have been as he walked along in shackles to Egypt but he walked with God and he trusted in God. The slave block was a most humiliating and fearful thing but as he stood there sold as so much meat before slave buyers Joseph knew God had not abandoned him. Blessed with opportunity in Potiphar's house he was cruelly punished for doing the right thing (Genesis 39). Seeing a ray of hope in the telling of the dreams of the butler and baker he was forgotten for two more years (Genesis 40; 41:1) but he knew that God had not forgotten him. Our measure of faith is not marked by time but the hope we have in our Lord. Joseph sought a homeland (Hebrews 11:13-16) that helped him keep his eye of faith on those things beyond the physical suffering. The twenty-two years separated from his family would not compare to the joy of an eternal abode with the God he loved, the God he served and the God he trusted with all his faith. "God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20) is the banner of faith we must carry when faced with hardship. Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com July 26 - August 1, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090804/6ac06cb8/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Tue Aug 4 14:26:11 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 15:26:11 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Article - Brethren be strong - Resist the Devil Message-ID: Brethren; resist the Devil Maintain Holiness In the day to day journey of the faithful Christian there are many stumbling blocks that are encountered. The Christian in the world today is faced with great temptations, arguments, and circumstance beyond their control that are used by the Devil to hinder them on the Narrow Way ? cf. Matt. 7:13-14 - 13 Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way , that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby.14 For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way , that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it. (ASV) The modern world with all of its glitter, glamour, and subtle offerings to man reveals to the Christian that the Devil is still active and is busy in the tempting business as he has been since the Garden of Eden ? cf. 2 Cor 11:3 - But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. (ASV) Indeed, the Devil is not asleep as can be seen in the electronic and printed media presentations to designed to subtly influence the innocent to deny God and destroy their minds and bodies through abusive of alcohol, illegal drugs, fornication and adultery as well as instigating one group of people against another with the design to destroy both and gain their soul for eternal damnation. Indeed, the Devil is still ?walking about like a roaring lion seeking those who he may devour? (i.e. take down and destroy their mind and body causing them to become dull of hearing, blind to sin and degradation as well as others sins. The Devil is still using his old tricks and various methods to destroy, disrupt peace, inflict horror and terror upon mankind from all directions ? cf. 1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion , walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (KJV) THE CHRISTIAN?S ESCAPE PROCESS: The Christian man, woman; parent, child, even the strongest Christian must put forth great effort to avoid placing themselves in compromising circumstances in life where they will be tempted. Yet, we must realizing that God will not allow temptations to overtake us against our will ? cf. 1 Cor 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV) Whenever temptations beset the Christian they must keep in mind that Jesus Christ our Savior and mediator suffered temptations just like we do and as a result. He became the author of eternal salvation to all those that obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9) ? cf. Heb. 2:18 - For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted. (KJV) Heb. 4:15-16 - 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV) We must never forget that all temptation comes from the Devil and from those (i.e. people) that the Devil uses ? cf. James 1:13-16 - 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. (KJV) BE STRONG BRETHREN ? RESIST THE DEVIL: James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (KJV) 1 Peter 5:7-9 - 7 casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (KJV) _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) Monday, August 03, 2009 **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222846709x1201493018/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&bcd =JulystepsfooterNO115) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090804/ee9ea956/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue Aug 4 15:31:57 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 16:31:57 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Prophecies of the Christ Message-ID: Prophecies of the Christ I. Introduction A. Ephesians 3:11 1. God has an eternal purpose in Jesus Christ 2. Redemption and reconciliation! B. From the beginning to end, all of man's spiritual history hinges on the Christ 1. Promises were made regarding Him that many wished to see (Matthew 13:17, Hebrews 11:13) 2. We now look back to what He has done, look forward to what He has promised (John 20:30-31, 1 Peter 1:3-9) C. Let us consider the prophecies of the Christ 1. In days of old, God made promises to Israel regarding their coming Messiah 2. A source of great hope and expectation 3. God would fulfill those promises, but not exactly as people expected! II. Preparing for the Christ A. Establishing the Time 1. Daniel 2:36-44: the unshaken Kingdom would be established in the time of the kings of the fourth empire: Babylon was first, Medo-Persia the second, Greece the third, Rome the fourth 2. Daniel 7: in the days of the fourth beast, a son of man would receive an everlasting dominion and Kingdom from the Ancient of Days 3. Daniel 9:25-26: the Christ is "cut off" after the sixty-ninth "week" B. Birth of the Christ 1. Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14: the Christ would be the Son of God 2. Psalm 97:7: Christ child to be worshiped by angels 3. Isaiah 7:14: He would be born of a virgin, the Immanuel child (God with us) 4. Isaiah 9:1, 6-7: The Christ child would be a descendant of David, would be given the name of Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace; would provide light to the areas of Galilee-- Zebulun and Naphthali 5. Jeremiah 31:15: distress would come upon mothers because of the Christ child 6. Hosea 11:1: The Christ child would come out of Egypt 7. Micah 5:2: He would be born in Bethlehem, the city of David C. Preparation for the Christ 1. Isaiah 40:3-5: One would come in the wilderness and prepare the way of the Lord 2. Malachi 4:5-6: "Elijah" would return before the day of the LORD, to turn fathers and children back to each other III. The Ministry of the Christ A. His teaching 1. Deuteronomy 18:15-22: He would be a prophet like Moses, people should listen to Him 2. Psalm 78:2: He would teach hidden truths in parables 3. Isaiah 54:13, Jeremiah 31:34: He would teach all about God 4. Isaiah 61:1: He would preach good news to the poor, proclaim liberty B. His work 1. Isaiah 42:1-4: He would not seek honor by His practices and would not provoke His enemies 2. Isaiah 53:4: He would take away illness 3. Isaiah 61:1-4: blind would recover sight C. Other Prophecies 1. Psalm 8:2: praise would come from small children 2. Psalm 35:19: the Christ would be hated without cause 2. Psalm 40:6-8: Christ would come to do will of God 3. Psalm 69:9: Zeal for the Father's house would consume Him 4. Zechariah 9:9: He would enter Jerusalem on a colt IV. The Death and Resurrection of the Christ A. Jesus' Death 1. Genesis 3:15: Seed of woman to be bitten, crush the serpent's head 2. Exodus 12:46: none of His bones would be broken 3. Psalm 22: the Christ would cry out to God; lots cast for His clothes 4. Psalm 41:9: Treachery by one who ate with Him 5. Psalm 118:22-23: Christ would be rejected, would become chief cornerstone 6. Isaiah 53: Christ would die not for His own sin, sin of others; had no sin Himself; numbered with transgressors; to be buried with the rich 7. Zechariah 11:12-13: the Christ to be valued at 30 pieces of silver, money to be used to for potter 8. Zechariah 12:10: Those who pierced the Christ would look upon Him 9. Zechariah 13:7: Christ to be struck down, disciples scattered B. Dead three days 1. Hosea 6:2 2. Jonah 1:17: as Jonah in big fish 3 days, Christ in earth 3 days C. Raised on the third day 1. Psalm 16:10: Holy One would not see corruption 2. Hosea 6:2: to be revived on third day V. The Kingdom of the Christ A. Granted Authority 1. Psalm 110:1: Christ at right hand of God until enemies at His feet 2. Psalm 110:4: the Christ as appointed High Priest in order of Melchizedek 3. Daniel 7:13-14, 26-27: Son of man obtains dominion from Ancient of Days B. Kingdom Established 1. Daniel 2:44: everlasting Kingdom, above all nations 2. Isaiah 9:1-7, 11:1-16, 55:3, 65:17-25: descriptions of Christ's Kingdom, power 3. Jeremiah 31:31-33: new covenant 4. Joel 2:28-32: Spirit poured out, all calling on name of Lord will be saved 5. Habakkuk 1:5: Christ's message would not be believed by many C. Message to All Nations 1. Genesis 22:18: in Abraham's seed all nations of the earth blessed 2. Isaiah 2:1-4, Micah 4:1-5: nations to Zion, learn of God, no more war 3. Amos 9:11-12: Gentiles gathered into fold VI. Conclusion A. Thus we have seen from the pages of the Old Testament many of the prophecies of the Christ and His Kingdom 1. We have learned clearly about His timing and birth 2. We see what He would say and do 3. We recognize that He would die and rise again 4. We understand that He would receive power and a kingdom B. Who fulfilled these prophecies? Jesus of Nazareth! 1. Luke 24:25-27, 44-46, Acts 9:22, 18:28 2. This would be the demonstration that the early Christians would use to show from the Scriptures that Jesus is indeed the Christ! C. It is extraordinary that we can tell the story of Jesus using books written 400-1450 years before He was born! 1. Who else but God could establish such things? 2. Demonstrates that God indeed has an eternal plan (Ephesians 3:11)! D. Let us believe that Jesus is the Christ! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From GLClair at aol.com Wed Aug 5 09:21:59 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 10:21:59 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] ARTICLE - Insuring Success in Life Message-ID: INSURING SUCCESS IN LIFE One of the longings of a person early in life; is a longing to succeed in life. This suggests that man knows early that there is a possible failure and a possible successful way of life. The person soon realizes that there are many possibilities in life (i.e. many directions to travel). A person may conclude that they would like to finish high school, college, and get a good job in a career that they have trained for. These are normal and expected thoughts and hopes for any person in life. Yet, there is an area of thought in the mind of many people today that lies dormant far too long as they seek success in education, marriage, career, and other areas to the total neglect of their spiritual life. Indeed, every person wants to succeed in life and fulfill their secular goals and hopes. This is not evil or somehow foolish but possibly the dreams of almost everyone. The person that pursues their hopes in life without a consideration of spiritual things are short changing themselves and depriving themselves of a dimension of life that outlasts and is more fulfilling than acquiring all other goals. There is a Bible reference of a man that acquired great wealth in secular pursuits (i.e. farming), yet neglected his most precious possession (i.e. his eternal soul); please note the Biblical reference following --- Luke 12:15-20 - 15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns , and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (KJV) Friends and brethren; my we choose well our pursuits in life and make sure that we do not neglect or forget that God is watching us - 1 Peter 3:10-15 - 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. 13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (KJV) _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) --- 8-5-09 **************A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222846709x1201493018/aol?redir=http://www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=115&bcd =JulystepsfooterNO115) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090805/56d0b212/attachment.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Wed Aug 5 11:30:07 2009 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 11:30:07 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 16.8 - August 2009 now available Message-ID: Our 16th year of publication (1994-2009) Expository Files - August 2009 **Our 188th 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 16.8; August 2009 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: The Front Page It Makes a Difference By Jon W. Quinn Can God Trust You With His Gospel? "...approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel ." 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 By Jon W. Quinn Advice Proverbs 12:15 By Karl Hennecke Rust As A Witness Jas. 5:1-6 By Warren E. Berkley "Do Not Give the Devil a Foothold" Ephesians 4:26-27 By Jacob Hudgins "Let Freedom Ring"! Topical Article By Jon W. Quinn Plan of Salvation By Jon W. Quinn The Final Page Thoughts About Dealing With Our Diversity By Warren E. Berkley ---------------------------------------------------------- EF can now, or soon will, 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 From tedwards at onemain.com Wed Aug 5 17:45:20 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:45:20 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 8/2/09 Message-ID: <4A79C530.3730.F9EE5C@localhost> ____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER ____________________________________________________ "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ August 2, 2009 ____________________________________________________ "Give Me Thine Heart" by James E. Cooper The words of Proverbs 23:26 may be properly interpreted as those of a concerned father to his son, but there is a real sense in which God speaks to every person in every age and says, "My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways." We are all His offspring (cf. Acts 17:28-29), and He desires and calls for the hearts of each and everyone of us. Satan also appeals to every person saying, "Give me thine heart." He doesn't come up in a red suit, with horns on his head and a pitchfork in his hand, and announce, "I am Satan, and I want to subvert your soul. If you will give me your heart, we will both spend eternity in Hell." He really appears as an "angel of light" (2 Cor. 11:14), and tells us that we can live as we please and still be acceptable in the sight of God. The Devil doesn't mind if you take time to spend an hour or two in the assembly of the saints each week, if he can actually win your heart. We must determine which of these two masters will have our hearts. We cannot divide our loyalties; we cannot serve two masters (Matt. 6:24). There are too many who want to "honor God with their lips" while their "hearts are far from him" (Matt. 15:8). But, God will have all of us, or nothing at all. Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matt. 22:37). He does not want part of your heart; He asks for all of your heart. What Is The Heart? When God says, "Give me thine heart," He is not asking for the physical heart, that lobe within our breast which pumps blood to the various parts of our bodies. It is a vital organ for physical life, but has no real relationship to the spiritual, or inner man. The heart for which God asks is composed of one's intellect, will, emotions and conscience. We deduce this from statements in the Scriptures in which the word "heart" appears. 1. The Intellect. With the heart we reason. On one occasion a man who was sick of the palsy was brought to Jesus and, because of a throng about the door, the four men carrying him broke open the roof of the house and let him down through the roof. Jesus, seeing their faith, told the palsied man, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee." Certain scribes were sitting and "reasoning in their hearts" that Jesus had blasphemed; "Who can forgive sins but God only?" In His spirit Jesus perceived their thoughts and asked, "Why reason ye these things in your hearts?" (Mark 2:1-8). The scribes' reasoning was faulty, and Jesus exposed it as such by healing the palsied man. If He had the power to heal, He had the power to forgive sin (Mark 2:9-12). With the heart we understand. Isaiah (6:9-10) and Jesus (Matt. 13:15) spoke of those with hearts "waxed gross," lest they should "understand with their hearts." Only those with "honest and good hearts" understand the word, hold it fast and produce fruit (cf. Lk. 8:15; Matt. 13:23). Some do not understand the word and "the evil one comes and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart" (Matt. 13:19). With the heart we believe. Paul said, ". . . with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. . ." (Rom. 10:9-10). One may believe "in his heart" something that is utterly false (cf. 2 Thess. 2:11-12), but that will not save him. In order for the believing heart to be acceptable with God, it must believe the truth (John 8:32). Both God and Satan desire your intellect. God in His word has presented evidence to be reasoned upon, understood and believed (cf. John 20:30-31). Satan would corrupt your thinking and cause you to disbelieve and reject the truth. Before the Great Flood, he had been so successful that "the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Gen. 6:5). 2. The Will. Our intentions are exercises of the will, and the word of God is able to "discern the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). God is able to distinguish between a passing idea, a fleeting temptation, and the settled intention of the heart. David Lipscomb once illustrated the difference like this: "One cannot keep a bird from landing on his head, but he can prevent him from building a nest in his hair." We may not always prevent an unwholesome thought from entering our minds, but we can exercise our wills to keep it from taking up a permanent abode in our hearts. We purpose in our hearts. After news came to Jerusalem about the conversion of the Gentiles in Antioch, Barnabas was sent forth, "and when he was come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad; and he exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Lord" (Acts 11:23). In teaching us to give, Paul said, "Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart. . ." (2 Cor. 9:7). Again, Paul said the man who had "determined in his heart" to keep his own virgin daughter unmarried under the temporary circumstances at Corinth "shall do well" (1 Cor. 7:37). We exercise our wills when we "become obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered" (Rom. 6:17). Obedience is an exercise of the will. When we obey the commands of the gospel "from the heart," we are made free from sin and become the servants of righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18). Both God and Satan desire your will. God wants you to purpose to obey him sincerely from the heart. Satan wants to undermine that purpose and secure your will for his own devilish ends. He doesn't even mind if one "goes through the motions" of obeying God, just so it is not done "from the heart." 3. The Emotions. We desire in our hearts. Paul said, "My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is. . ." (Rom. 10:1). We despise in our hearts. When Michal, Saul's daughter and David's wife, saw David leaping and dancing before the Lord while they brought the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, "she despised him in her heart" (2 Sam. 6:16). We trust in our hearts. Solomon said, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding" (Prov. 3:5). We love with our hearts. Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. . ." (Matt. 22:37). Peter said, "Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently" (1 Pet. 1:22). Both God and Satan want your emotions. Satan wants you to love the world (cf. 1 Jn. 2:15-17), to desire the pleasures of sin (cf. Heb. 11:23-26), to trust in your feelings (cf. Prov. 14:25; Jer. 10:23), and in effect, to despise God. But God wants your heart's emotions. He wants you to love Him and trust Him with all your heart. 4. The Conscience. John speaks of it like this: "And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then we have confidence toward God" (1 John 3:19-21). That which approves us when we do right and condemns us when we do wrong is the conscience. What the conscience approves or condemns depends on what one has been taught. A properly functioning conscience is one that has learned the word of God and approves and disapproves in harmony with its teachings. In the above context, the heart approves us when we do what we understand God wants of us. If we feel guilty because we don't serve Him perfectly, "God is greater than our hearts, and knoweth all things." Among the things God knows is whether or not we have really tried to serve Him aright. God knows whether we are "putting our hearts into it," or whether we are "double-minded and unstable in all our ways" (cf. Jas. 1:8). Christ tells sinners how to obtain a good (or approving) conscience. There are three passages in the book of Hebrews that should be considered here. In Hebrews 9:9, we learn that the gifts and sacrifices made under the first covenant "cannot, as touching the conscience, make the worshiper perfect." The reason is very simple: "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins" (Heb. 10:4). But animal sacrifices did suffice to "sanctify unto the cleanness of the flesh" (Heb. 9:13). The second passage we wish to emphasize says, "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb. 9:14). How is that accomplished? How is the conscience cleansed from dead works? It is cleansed from guilt when one realizes that, having met the terms of pardon announced by Jesus (cf. Mk. 16:15-16) from the heart (Rom. 6:17-18), he has received the remission of his sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). God has forgiven him, and will never remember those sins against him again (cf. Heb. 8:12; 10:18). Realizing that God has forgiven him, the now forgiven sinner realizes he doesn't need to feel guilty about his sins any longer. He has been "made free from sin" and has become a servant of righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18). Hebrews 10:22-23 exhorts Christians: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering." Our hearts are sprinkled (an allusion to the sprinkling of the blood of the sacrifice) and our bodies are washed (the allusion to baptism is "unquestionable," B.F. Westcott, Hebrews, pg. 323). When one is baptized in water, "obeying from the heart," the blood of Christ is applied to remove the guilt of sin from the heart. In this way one is baptized as "an appeal to God for a good conscience" (1 Pet. 3:21, NASV). Who Has Your Heart? The children of the devil and the children of God are distinguished by their deeds. The children of the devil act like the devil (cf. John 8:44), while the children of God "doeth righteousness" (1 John 3:29). The character of one's heart is manifested by his conduct. Jesus said, "The tree is known by its fruit" (Matt. 12:33). "The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and, the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things" (Matt. 12:35). Further, the character of one's heart is manifested by his speech: ". . . for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Matt. 12:34; Lk. 6:45). When the disciples of Jesus were criticized for eating with unwashed hands, Jesus taught it was not that which entered the mouth that defiled a man, but that which came from within. "For from within, out of the heart of men, evil thoughts proceed, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, covetings, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, railing, pride, foolishness: all these evil things proceed from within and defile a man" (Mark 7:21-22; cf. Matt. 15:19). The Heart Is Changed At Conversion In remorse over his sin with Bathsheba, David prayed, ". . . Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psa. 51:10). God commanded sinful Israel to "cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel" (Ezek. 18:31). The "new heart" for which David prayed came as a result of his "turning" from sin unto the Lord. Through Ezekiel, God said, "For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye" (Ezek. 18:32). The gospel, "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16), is the power of God to change every part of the heart. The intellect is changed from unbelief by testimony, or evidence (cf. John 20:30-31; Acts 15:7-9). The emotions are changed in response to the motivations of the gospel. God first loved us, and gave His only begotten Son; we love Him in return (cf. John 3:16; 1 John 4:19; 2 Cor. 5:14). By learning and appreciating the commandments of God, we hate every false way (cf. Psa. 119:1-4, 128). The will is changed by a proper appreciation of the holy attributes of God. "Godly fear leads to repentance" (2 Cor. 7:10), and repentance leads to a change of conduct (cf. Matt. 3:8; Matt. 21:28-30). The conscience is changed from an "evil" conscience to a "good" conscience when one realizes he has met God's conditions of pardon, and the saving blood of Christ has cleansed him of every sin. God has forgiven him. Therefore he doesn't need to feel guilty about the sins he has committed in the past. Conversion involves the heart all the way. It involves understanding with the heart (cf. Acts 16:14; Matt. 13:19), believing with all the heart (cf. Acts 8:37), and obeying from the heart (cf. Rom. 6:17-18). Before a person is baptized, he is "out of Christ," but at baptism his relationship is changed. He becomes a "child of God by faith" when he is "baptized into Christ" (cf. Gal. 3:26-27). In Christ, he is a "new creature" (2 Cor. 5:17). As a Christian he loves God "with all his heart" (Matt. 22:37), and "loves the brethren from the heart fervently" (1 Pet. 1:21). Conclusion Both God and Satan are standing before you right now. Both have outstretched arms. Both are saying "Give me your heart." You must decide right now to whom you will give your heart. Any hesitation in giving your heart to God means you have yielded to Satan. All Satan has to do is to persuade you not to give your heart to God "just now." But "today is the day of salvation" (2 Cor. 6:2); you may never have another opportunity. Procrastination is the thief of souls. Don't take a chance with your soul. Even if you obey the gospel today, you must "keep your heart with all diligence" (Prov. 23:7). Satan won't give up easily. But an "honest and good heart" will resist the devil and cause him to flee (cf. Jas. 4:7). Give God your heart -- immediately, completely and eternally. -- Via Guardian of Truth XXVII: 5, 129, 150-151 March 3, 1983 ____________________________________________________ CHURCH OF CHRIST 201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn) Denham Springs, LA 70726 Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 tedwards at onemain.com http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go DIRECTIONS: Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road, and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to the reception counter. ____________________________________________________ From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Aug 6 03:13:35 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 04:13:35 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING 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 files: KEEPING THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING It is so easy to get distracted from the teaching of God's Word. There are many wonderful things we can be doing that are good and right. Yes, sometimes the evil activities of this world can sway us away from our spiritual goals. But, most of the time it is the day to day dealings we have with our friends and loved ones, or the interactions we have with work, sports, community, school, etc. that seem to get in the way of our Christ- ian growth and development. God wants us to put Him, His Son and the revelation of His Holy Spirit first in all that we do. He desires for us to grow spirit- ually and become a mature Christian. His Word teaches us to put first things first. To accomplish God's Will in this matter we must be people of moderation and temperance. We must keep our eyes on Jesus Christ and we must control our personal act- ions in everything. The apostle Paul clearly a man dedicated to the Lord Jesus described his effort to keep the main thing the main thing. He wrote, "Therefore I run thus; not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:26,27). On another occas- ion he penned, "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected, but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me...I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3: 12,14). Living a temperate life requires not allowing ourselves to be- come dedicated to one aspect of life. We are to put God first and in doing so keep all other activities in which we are involved in proper perspective. It has often correctly been said, "God first, church second, family third, career fourth, and all things in balan- ce." Controlling our fleshly desires, personal needs and thinking is the battle ground of Satan. He knows what will cause our down fall. We should never underestimate how powerful these temptations are (1 Jno. 2:15-17). We keep our eyes on Jesus for He is our goal and because we want to be with Him in glory. He has promised us that can by with Him in heaven (Jno. 14:1-6). He has told us how we can arrive at that goal in His gospel (Jno. 3:16; Acts 2:38). The apost- le Paul wants us to have full assurance of faith and the hope that is only in Jesus the Savior of the world. Yet, knows we can be disqualified if we do not keep first thngs first. May God bless us to be people wh put God first! -- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090806/47e29233/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Aug 6 03:13:45 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 04:13:45 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) PROFANING THE LORD'S SUPPER (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. PROFANING THE LORD'S SUPPER (1) When does the holy become profane and the clean become unclean? When does the Memorial Supper degenerate into just a common ordinary meal? Why did God take no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices and what did He do to replace them? One of the surest indications of degeneracy among God's people is their failure to distinguish between the clean and the unclean and between the holy and profane. A thing is holy or sacred because it comes from God; a thing is profane if it origin- ates from some common, ordinary, or human source. Ezekiel vividly describes this condition of God's people when he wrote, "Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them" (Ezk. 22:26). It was toward the end of the captivity before the people finally got it right again (Ezk. 44:23). The word "profane" means: "To treat holy things with con- tempt or disregard for God or Holy things." The Greek word is bebelos. Vine states: "Accordingly, bebelos is tht which lacks all relationship or affinity to God...primarily, to cross the thres- hold" (pg. 490). A Radical Restoration (?) -- One of the more recent examples of failing to make a distinction between the holy and profane is the attempt by our brother, LaGard Smith, to portray the Lord's Sup- per as a robust family type meal (including children), eaten with the bread of a common meal, while alleging that any evidence for using unleavened bread is "wafer thin" (Radical Restoration, pps. 279-282). Smith also uses such speculative phrases as: "It is possible...my have...it may well be...apparently...you can almost see," etc. He further states: "The clincher, really, is the fact that the Sanhedrin would never have met during the Pass- over night to put Jesus on trial." Yet, the evidence shows that the Sanhedrin did convene in the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, on the first day of Unleavened Bread, on the eve of the Passover (Matt. 26:3,57,59). This same tendency is also found in some of the recent house groups where both men and women have turned the Lord's Supper into a time when they give their personal testimo- nies about how they feel. Is this not disruptive for those who are trying to observe the Supper in a worthy manner so as not to be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord? Some also give their small children a piece of the bread and tell them to think about God. Children cannot even share in the body and blood of Christ since they have not been baptized into Him (1 Cor. 10: 16). Is this not a profaning of the Lord's Supper? The Passover And The Lord's Supper: -- What then is the relationship between the ancient Passover feast and the Lord's Supper? There is a beautiful type and anti-type correlation be- tween the Passover feast and the Supper, but there are also vast differences. God Himself instituted the Passover feast the night He passed over Egypt and destroyed the firstborn in every house that did not have the blood fo the Passover lamb sprink- led on the lintels and door posts (Exo 12:21-28). The blood of the Passover lamb became a commemorative symbol of deliver- ance from Egyptian bondage about which parents were encour- aged to teach their children (Exo. 12:26,27). Yet, God could see the end of the Passover feast in His great scheme of things. God Prepared A Body: -- God not longer could take pleasure in the Passover feast after the fullness of time had come. Since judicial wrath demanded that the punishment must be equal to the crime; and since no earthly sacrifice could atone for a sin against heaven: God prepared a heavenly body to answer these demands (Heb. 10:4-6; Psa. 40:6-8). But, make no mistake, dear reader, this was not jsut a fleshly body. The angel made it clear to Joseph when he said, "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 1:20). Also, Christ did not give up the form of God when He came to earth (as some affirm), but with the form of God He took on the form of a bond-servant, and was made in the likeness of men (Phil. 2:6,7; Jno. 1:14). The body God made was both God and man. Christ was God incarnate! (More will be posted on this subject, tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS), -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090806/ddb0f426/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Aug 7 05:03:00 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 06:03:00 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) LET'S CONSIDER TOGETHER 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 art- icle from my files: LET'S CONSIDER TOGETHER God has gone to great lengths in His Word to assure the pro- per rearing of children. The first thing to be noted is that God views children as a great blessing to their parents. In Psa. 127:3- 5, we read, "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are the children of his youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." The second thing to mention is that children are to be loved. In Paul's letter to Titus, we find that the older women were to teach the young women "to be sober, to love their husbands to love their children" (Titus 2:4). Children are to be provided for. 1 Tim. 5:8 informs us, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially fro those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Children are to corrected when necessary. Solomon wrote in Prov. 22:15, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rid of correction shall drive it far from him." Prov. 13:24 tells us, "He that spareth the rod hateth his son: but he that lov- eth him chasteneth him betimes." In each step of their development, children are to be instruct- ed in the ways of the Lord. Deut. 11:18-20 says, "Therefore shall ye layup these words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets be- tween your eyes. And teach them to your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates." In the New Testament the apostle Paul made the very same point when he instructed the Ephesians, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). Instructing our children in the ways of the Lord involves many things. They must be taught about God, prayerfully broug- ht to believe in Him. They must be taught of the wonderful things of His creation and the way that He blesses us every day of our lives. Children must be taught to worship God and live the moral life that He has decreed to be right and proper. Child- ren must be taught to be good citizens and to be in subjection to the government under which they live, and they must be taught to work. -------- Greg Litmer in That Ye May Grow Thereby -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090807/5972682e/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Aug 7 05:03:10 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 06:03:10 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) PROFANING THE LORD'S SUPPER (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. PROFANING THE LORD'S SUPPER (2) God Established Three Commemorative Memorials: -- So that man would not forget the body He had prepared, God establish- ed three memorials to commemorate the death, burial, and resu- rrection of that body. First, God changed the day of worship from the Sabbath day to the First day of the week. Hence, every first day of the week now is a memorial day when Christians uni- versally celebrate the victory of that body over death after God raised Christ from the dead. Secondly, God established baptism as a memorial form we msut obey in order to enter into the death of that body where we contact the precious blood of Christ (Rom. 6:3,4, 17,18). Thirdly, God established the Memorial Supper by which we show forth the Lord's death unto He comes again. Jesus said, "This do in remembrance of Me." The Passover Pointed To Christ: -- The Passover itself, which re- called to the Jewish mind their national deliverance from Egypt- ian bondage, point forward to the greater deliverance of man from the spiritual bondage of sin, which deliverance was effect- ed by the death of Christ. Now, the Lord's Supper points back- ward to the great redemption Christ achieved by His atoning death on the cross as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. This was the way John the Baptist first introduced Christ to the world (Jno. 1:29). The Lord's Supper also points to the future, to the fuller redemption which Christ will accomplish at His second coming. This is why Christians show forth the death of Christ while eating the Memorial Supper and will contin- ue tht remembrance until He comes again (1 Cor. 11:26). Unleavened Bread: -- One of the characteristics of the Passover feast was the removal of all leaven from the house (Exo. 12:14-21). Hence, that would be part of the preparation when Jesus sent Peter and John ahead to prepare the Passover so He could eat it together with His disciples (Lk. 22:8). Leaven, in the New Testament, (except in the parable of Jesus) takes on the mean- ing of evil influences. It is in the context of 1 Cor. 5:6-8 that Christ is called our Passover. Here Paul uses the term, "old leav- en," to indicate the removal of the man from among them who was living with his father's wife. The arrogant boasting of the Corinthians was not good and thus it became necessary to re- move from among them that they might become a new lump. Another example is in the upper room, where Jesus, before He instituted the Memorial Supper, removed the evil influence of betrayal from the room when He invited Judas to leave. After giving Judas the morsel, Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly" (Jno. 13:26,17). John indicates that Judas was dismiss- ed from the gathering when they had finished eating the Pass- over meal (13:30). NOTE: -- This is a good lesson for us all. While undergoing self-examination to discern properly the Lord's body, we must clear out all the old leaven and every possible evil influence from our hearts so we may indeed worship God in spirit and truth as a new lump that we may be pleasing to Him. Paul said: "But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat the bread and drink of the cup" (1 Cor. 11:28). It Was After Supper: -- There should be no argument tht the last meal Jesus ate with the disciples before His crucifixion was the Passover Feast. But, it was after they had finished the Passover meal that Jesus instituted the Memorial Feast which is called the Lord's Supper in (1 Cor. 11:20). Jesus made not connection between the Passover meal and the institution of the Memorial Supper. Both Luke and Paul confirm this "after they had eaten" (Lk. 22:20) and "after supper" (1 Cor. 11:25). Profaning the Memorial Supper is a "radical" action for sure, but in the wrong direction! It is not a "radical restoration" in the direction of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but a radical movement toward the social gospel. Let us remember the words of Paul when he wrote to Timothy: "O Timothy, keep that which is com- mitted to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings" (1 Tim. 6:20,21). Brethren, to eat the Lord's Supper in any way as a common meal is to cross the threshold -- it is to transgress the doctrine of Christ. The next stop is eternity and then it will be too late if we persist in profaning the Memorial Supper and God's holy things. Let's get back to the Scriptures and to a "Thus saith the Lord!" Let us exalt the only true and living God and quit profan- ing Him in the presence of His own people. ---- Ron Mosby in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 7, July, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090807/1a7de1c9/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Aug 7 15:11:21 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 16:11:21 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] ARTICLE - Answers to a question Message-ID: Question answered: The material to follow is compiled by glclair to answer a question received from a reader of two of my articles appearing in Bible Matters. Apparently there are some people who do not consider some of these activities as sinful; I have made every effort to show a brief (i.e. yet accurate) present day meaning to these {works of the flesh} that appear in Gal. 5:19-21. WORKS OF THE FLESH Galatians 5:19-21 - 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Defining the works of the flesh: 1. Adultery, Sexual impurity -- disregarding the marriage vow. 2. Fornication, General sexual impurities including adultery, beastly, and homosexuality. 3. Uncleanness, Greek -- "akatharsia", moral uncleanness (Vine's Expository Dictionary). 4. Lewdness, Absence of restraint, indecency. 5. Idolatry, Worship of idols. 6. Sorcery, Practice of magic through diabolical means. 7. Hatred, Enmities -- the opposite of "agape" -- love. 8. Contentions, To cut apart, divide in two -- strife. 9. Jealousies, Greek -- "zelos", envyings. 10. Outbursts of wrath, Hot anger, passion. 11. Selfish ambitions, Contention -- the expression of enmity. 12. Dissension, A standing apart, Greek -- "dicha" -- asunder, "stasis" -- a standing. 13. Heresies, "hairesis", denotes (a) "a choosing, choice" (from haireomai, "to choose"); then, "that which is chosen," and hence, "an opinion," especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects, (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words -- Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) 14. Envy, A. Noun. -- phthonos, "envy," is the feeling of displeasure produced by witnessing or hearing of the advantage or prosperity of others; this evil sense always attaches to this word, ; so in , where the question is rhetorical and strongly remonstrative, signifying that the Spirit (or spirit) which God made to dwell in us was certainly not so bestowed that we should be guilty of "envy." (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words -- Copyright (C) 1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) 15. Murders, In the plural, 16. Revelries, Involvement in drinking parties, rioting, under the influence. 17. And the like, Anything that is similar to the above. FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:22-23 - 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. CHRISTIANS WILL EXHIBIT THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT Galatians 5:24-25 - 24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (NKJ) Compiled by glclair at aol.com Credits: NKJV, Vine?s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090807/35bed466/attachment.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Aug 7 10:57:03 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 10:57:03 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Take Up Thy Cross" Message-ID: <20090807.155217.2264.3.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study (which I am sending a little early because we are leaving Saturday morning for a family reunion). "TAKE UP THY CROSS" "If any man will come after Me, let him...take up his cross, and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24) INTRO.: A hymn which encourages us to take up the cross and follow Christ is "Take Up Thy Cross" (#523 in Hymns for Worship Revised). The text was written by Charles William Everest, who was born at East Windsor, CT, on May 27, 1814. Intending to become an editor, he was educated at Trinity College, Hartford, CN. While in school, at the age of nineteen, he published a book, Visions of Death and Other Poems in 1833, from which this song is taken. Another of his hymns, "Oh, Why Should the Spirit of Mortal Be Proud?" has sometimes been found in hymnbooks. After his graduation, which occurred in 1838, he decided to become a minister in the Episcopal Church. Beginning in 1842, Everest served at Hampden, near New New Haven, CN, for 31 years until his retirement in 1873, during thirty of which he also maintained a school there which was both important and very successful. In addition, he was an officer in the Society for the Increase of the Ministry. This hymn did not appear in many American songbooks until more recently. However, it was included, with alterations, in the 1857 Salisbury Hymn Book, an English collection. By whom the alterations were made is unknown. In 1861, it passed into Hymns Ancient and Modern, and from there into other English hymnbooks. Everest died at Waterbury, CN, on Jan. 11, 1877. Most modern books have a tune (Quebec, Hesperus, or Venn) that was composed in 1854 or 1859 by Henry Baker (1835-1910). In 1861 it was submitted to the London Penny Post which was searching for a new tune for "Sun of My Soul" by John Keble. With Keble's text it was first published in John Grey's 1866 Hymnal for Use in the English Church. Today, it is most often associated with the hymn "Father and Friend, Thy Light," written in 1824 by John Bowring. One source suggests a tune (Germany) taken from the 1815 Sacred Melodies by William Gardiner and used in our books with Frank Mason North's "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life." Some older books have a tune (Eucharist) that was composed by Isaac Baker Woodbury (1819-1854). Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, "Take Up Thy Cross" is found in the 1986 Great Songs Revised edited by Forrest M. McCann, which uses the Gardiner melody; as well as in Hymns for Worship, where arlier editions had the words only with a note to use a tune (Maryton) by Henry P. Smith which is most often associated today with Washington Gladden's "O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee." The Revised edition sets it to the Baker tune, and also uses that same tune with Edward J. Cooper's "Father of Heaven, Whose Love Profound." The Woodbury tune appeared in the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J. Nelson Slater with the hymn "At Even, When the Sun Was Set" by Henry Twells, which others of our books have set to another tune (Eden) by Timothy Mason. The hymn helps us understand what taking up the cross involves. I. Stanza 1 teaches us that taking up the cross means following the Savior "'Take up thy cross!' the Savior said, 'If thou wouldst my disciple be. Take up thy cross with willing heart, And humbly follow after Me.'" A. Jesus wants us to be His disciples: Matt. 28:19 B. However, being a disciple of Christ requires a willing heart or mind: 2 Cor. 9:12 C. One purpose for Jesus's coming was to leave an example for us to follow Him: 1 Pet. 2:21-22 II. Stanza 2 teaches us that taking up the cross means accepting the weight '"Take up thy cross! Let not its weight Fill thy weak spirit with alarm; My strength shall bear thy spirit up, And brace thy heart and nerve thy arm.'" A. We should not be alarmed at the cross, because Jesus said that His burden is light: Matt. 11:28-30 (updated versions read ""Fill your weak soul with vain alarm") B. He has promised that His strength will be sufficient for us if we trust Him: 2 Cor. 12:9 C. Therefore, with His help we can brace our hearts, nerve our arms, an dstrengthen the hands which hang down: Heb. 12:12 III. Stanza 3 teaches us that taking up the cross means not heeding its shame "Take up thy cross! nor heed the shame, And let thy foolish pride be still; Thy Lord did not refuse to die Upon the cross on Calvary's hill." A. We should never be ashamed of anything relating to the Lord: 2 Tim. 1:8 B. Rather, we should eliminate all pride, remembering that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble: 1 Pet. 5:5-6 C. Christ Himself did not heed the shame of the cross, and neither should we: Heb. 12:1-2 IV. Stanza 4 teaches us that taking up the cross means looking to Christ for strength "Take up thy cross, then, in His strength, And calmly sin's wild deluge brave; 'Twill guide thee to a better home. It points to bliss beyond the grave." A. The only way that we can truly bear the cross is to stand in His strength alone: Eph. 6:10 B. In this way, we can be guided to that better home for which the patriarchs looked: Heb. 11:13-16 C. Thus, we can have hope of bliss beyond the grave when the Lord returns: 1 Cor. 15:51-54 (the newer versions read, "And lead to victory o'er the grave") V. Stanza 5 teaches us that taking up the cross means carrying it until death "'Take up thy cross, and follow Me, Nor think till death to lay it down; For only he who bears the cross May hope to wear the glorious crown.'" A. We should not think of laying our cross down until we meet the appointment of death: Heb. 9:27 B. Bearing the cross, of course, simply means bearing our own load of responsibility in life: Gal. 6:5 C. Only those who do this faithfully until death will receive the crown of life in heaven: Rev. 2:10 CONCL.: Many modern books attempt to "update" the language by eliminating the Elizabethan pronouns, even in the title making it "Take Up Your Cross." Whether this is advisable, or even necessary, or not each one will have to decide for himself. The "updating" also makes stanzas 2 and 5 simply exhortations rather than representing them as statements from Christ, as "His strength shall bear your spirit up" and "Take up your cross, and follow Christ." Jesus was willing to bear the cross to Calvary and die on it for us. He asks us then to bear our cross, symbolizing whatever responsibilities and burdens that following Him places upon us, for Him. Therefore, everyone who wishes to please God and receive a home in heaven should respond with joy when Jesus says, "Take Up Thy Cross." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 office phone: (618) 548-1774 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 I have a Hymn Studies blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hymnstudies/ . In addition, 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. ____________________________________________________________ Everything looks better on a beautiful new projector screen! Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTJHlm4pBSIehzc1myaM6yrqOJyiXNUWqWiagjb5OOehj2pme6JwPG/ From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Aug 7 19:26:30 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 19:26:30 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 8-9-09 Message-ID: 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.8 August 9, 2009 No.6 "Has God indeed said 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" Even though I am aware that much of the material in this article will be familiar with the brethren at Buckhorn, I am printing it here for distribution since "The Buckhorn Teacher" is also sent out to over 300 addresses in other places and they might profit from it. As God finished His work of creation we are told "the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden and there He put the man whom He had formed.Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it" Gen.2:8, 15. He then created Eve as Adam's helpmeet so they could enjoy the beautiful paradise together. But the tranquility doesn't last. After an unstated period of time, Satan, who will be man's greatest and most dangerous adversary destroys the peace and fellowship existing between God and man by entering into the Garden of Eden in the form of a serpent Gen.3:1. He comes pretending to be a sympathetic, religious advisor, only interested in the welfare of Adam and Eve. In reality he is seeking to discredit God and His word 3:2-5 as can be seen in the question he poses. "Has God indeed said 'You shall not eat of every tree of the garden'?" Until recently, because of a casual reading of the text, I missed much of the impact of the question and did not fully comprehend the devious subtlety of its wording. We know from experience that the way one words a question will oftimes produce the questioner's desired effect on the part of the one who receives it. So it is with Gen.3:1. The devil's subtlety can be seen in his casual approach. He doesn't tell Eve directly to disobey God, but opens the door for it by creating a need for them to violate God's command by suggesting that God not only lied to them but He also was withholding from them that which was good for them. His method is often used by false teachers of every generation since. False teachers never seem to lead. They seem to just follow the lead of the persons being deceived acting as if they only have the other person's welfare in mind. Just like Satan with Eve they don't suggest directly that God will punish them for disobedience, they just open the door for rebellion by creating a need for them to violate God's command suggesting that God not only lied to them but He also was withholding from them that which was good for them. Note how the question is worded. "Has God indeed said." Satan does not make a frontal attack on God and call Him a liar. Rather, by implication he deviously creates doubt in Eve's mind about the integrity, inspiration and authority of God and His word. Today, Satan's angels (2.Cor.11:13-15) who ".serve their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple" Rom.16:18 follow suit. With honey dripping from their lips they approach a believer and say, "How do we know the Bible is true?" "How can we be sure we have the same word today they had in the 1st century?" Such questions are not designed to save a soul, but to cast doubt on the word of God. The false teacher knows if doubt is created in the mind it will be easier for them to lead people away from God. Peter warned "many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber" 2.Pet.2:2-3. "Has God indeed said, you shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" After using the casual approach, using obscure and ambiguous language to create confusion and doubt, Satan proceeds to demote God's position before Eve, seeking to alienate them from God. He dares to reflect on God's integrity and goodness calling in question His character. Note the phrase "the Lord God" in the first part of v.1. This phrase appears several hundred times in the Bible. But, when the devil asks his question he omits the word "Lord." This word is the Hebrew word translated "Jehovah" (used 6,823 times in the Bible. Jehovah denotes the nature of God as personal, self-identifying, self-existent, creating, changeless and eternal. I believe it is highly significant that the devil chooses to omit (I believe deliberately) the word Lord in his question. From Gen.2:4-3:24 the inspired writer, Moses, repeats the phrase "Lord God" over and over, with the exception of 3:1b-5. By ignoring the word "Lord" (Jehovah) the devil is demoting God's position in the eyes of Eve. He uses only the word "Elohim" in his questions. "Elohim" is the name chosen by God to reveal Himself in the days of creation, It is used 35 times from Gen.1:1-2:4, and appears 2257 times in the Bible. This word "Elohim" denotes only one aspect of Jehovah's nature, His creative and governing power, omnipotence, sovereignty, the covenant making God of creation. The entire creation was not only the work of the "Elohim" but also the object of a covenant within the Elohim for its perpetuation and redemption. So, by ignoring the "Lord" designation Satan positions man as only one of God's created objects obscuring the much closer relationship of one made in the image of God. How important is this? Note Ex.3:13-15. "Moses said to God, 'Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?" And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' 'Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, "I AM has sent me to you.'" Moreover God said to Moses, 'Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: 'The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Issac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever (emphasis mine, t.t.), and this is My memorial to all generations.'" This passage is not just a description, but a declaration of who He is, the self-existent, changeless one. In 34:5-7 He not only proclaims His name "The Lord (Jehovah) He expands on this declaration, listing various facets of His Holy Character. (We will expand on this in the next issue). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090807/de786f05/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Fri Aug 7 22:22:17 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 22:22:17 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 031 Message-ID: The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 031: August 9, 2009 This Week's Article: Understanding the Joy of Life Introduction: Is there a secret to finding joy? A scheme, or a plan, that will result in joy? It is easy to see that "joy" is good and positive. The energy invested in such a pursuit is returned tenfold in quality of life. So is there a way in which we can gather joy to our life? Jesus spoke of joy and the fullness of joy in John 15 where He related it directly to the keeping of God's commandments (John 15:7-11). This is often a rejected notion seeing how our culture has tried to find joy not through the obedience of rules but rather the removal of rules. Those that are most greatly influenced by the world are the young and the spiritually immature-that is not necessarily the same category. What can we do to encourage the young and the spiritual immature to take a hold on what God has provided? Do the same thing that Jesus did express the joy that is found in this effort. So what do we know about joy that we can explain? We should know that joy is not found away from God. We should know that joy is found in full commitment. We should know that joy is ever-increasing. With these thoughts the point should be made. We should know that Joy is not found away from God. It is an idea of a young mind that one rebels against their parents and authority in general. A mind with the ability to think and know but mistakenly thinks that they know better. This same mindset can come into our relationship with God. Jesus spoke about this rebellion in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24). In the eagerness of youth this young man went looking for happiness. His mindset was perhaps: My parents are just trying to keep me away from the true fun of life--far away from all that he ever knew, had to be better. What was not understood was the efforts made by his family were the foundation of his life and without them there just wasn't any substance. He finally came to himself and returned-why should we waste our time by repeating this same experiment? Joy is with God. Solomon tested all that the world offers: all the vain pleasures of life (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). In search of true joy and fulfillment in this life-Solomon searched the world. In the gathering of strength, power, riches, or fame, he found no true satisfaction. In the end of his search he concludes all that he tested, this way, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all [purpose]" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Again, there is no wisdom in repeating this experiment; save yourself the frustration, find God and stay with God (Acts 17:27) We should know that joy is found in full commitment Your commitment to Christ will affect every part of your life-certainly your level of joy. True happiness and contentment is not found in a partial commitment. Unless we are fully committed, we are missing out on the benefits. The benefits are clear: Direction, which you need (Jeremiah 10:23; John 14:6). 2 Peter 1:3 direction in all things that pertain to life and godliness. Those in Christ know where they came from and know where they are going. We also have the support of our God who cares (1 Peter 5:7). God takes care of those who love Him (Proverbs 18:10; Romans 8:31-39). We gain the support of our brethren who care and who need your care too (Romans 12:1-15). What type of commitment does God require? Complete commitment: Paul is a good example when he depicts his commitment this way, "No longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). We must choose who we will serve; we cannot serve God and the world. Either God or the world we cannot have both Matthew 6:24. We will never know the true joy of serving God if we do not find this level of commitment. We must put Him first (Matthew 6:33). We must do His will (Matthew 7:21-23). We must remain faithfully committed to Him all the way (Hebrews 10:35-39). We should know that joy is ever-increasing Many things diminish over time-our joy in the Lord will not be one of those things. Spiritual maturing is a life-long endeavor; we should always increase in the things that cause joy: The study of God's word (John 15:10-11; 1 John 1:4), our prayers (Philippians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18), our relationship with our brethren (Philippians 4:1), and our eager expectation--anticipation (1Timothy 4:8). As we grow in joy, we become more of what we should be to our: God (Hebrews 11:6-our faith pleases Him). Brethren (Romans 12:9-15; Hebrews 10:24-25-our care causes them to flourish). Our fellow man (Mark 16:15-16-we will offer them hope with greater confidence). Conclusion: The world may not understand why we seek the Lord in hope that we might find Him. But then they also fail to understand the joy that we have in this pursuit. Your joy is important to God and God desires to have rejoicing in His presence. Luke 15:10 declares that there is rejoicing in Heaven over the repentance of sinners. When those who are separated from God determine to return to Him the Heavenly host rejoices. Today we want to rejoice with them. Haven't you waited long enough? There is no true joy apart from God. Come to God today, through His Son, Jesus Christ. Find joy today. ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward this copy to them and send their email address and I will add them to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090807/e771ca04/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090807/e771ca04/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7776 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090807/e771ca04/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Aug 8 03:10:18 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 04:10:18 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT HUNGER HELPS US TO SEE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. WHAT HUNGER HELPS US TO SEE "So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord." (Deut. 8:3). At The Present Point In History, Independence And Self-Sufficie- ncy Have Become The Virtues Of Prime Importance: -- We can hardly conceive of a worse problem than being dependent on outside help. In our system of values, "needy" is never good. The truth, of course, is that none of us is ever really indep- endent. We require the help of others -- especially that of God -- in all kinds of ways. But material prosperity tends to MASK our neediness, and financial affluence fosters the ILLUSION that we' re able to take care of ourselves. Many of us nowadays go for long stretches of time without having our independence bubble popped. But it is to our advantage to have that bubble popped now and again. Apart from the question of whether we need other people, we certainly need God. Indeed, the word "need" hardly does justice to the utter dependency of our position in the pre- sence of God, to whom we owe our very existence. And if that's the truth of the matter, then whatever it takes to remind us of it is good. When we're counting our blessings we need to count those times when we're FORCED TO FACE OUR NEED FOR GOD. Any episode of "hunger" that disrupts our sense of self-sufficie- ncy and jerks us back to reality is to be appreciated. Paul, for example, would not have chosen to have his "thorn in the flesh," but it served as an attitude adjuster, and so he could say, "I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in perse- cutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10). Jesus taught that the fortunate folks are not the self-sufficie- nt but the "poor in spirit" (Matt. 5:3). If that sounds absurd to our ears, we need to hear it all the more. None of us needs God any more than any other, but those who're painfully AWARE of their need are farther down the road toward God than those who aren't. "The Greek picture of a great man is the picture of a man who is conscious of nothing so much as of his own superiority, a man to whom a confession of need would be a confession of failure. The blessings of the Christian view are for the man cons- cious of his own poverty, the man sad for his own sins, the man hungry for a goodness which he is sadly conscious that he does not possess" (William Barclay). -- Gary Henry in Reaching Forward, May, 29, 2009. Taken from the Internet. Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090808/646afbf9/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Aug 8 03:10:09 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 04:10:09 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 files: GOD HAS SPOKEN "Draw near to God and He will drow near to you" (Jas. 4:8). How can one get closer to God, to have a more intimate relation- ship with Him? To Israel, the prophet said, "He has shown you, O man, what is good..." (Mic. 6:6-8). Another prophet said, "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths where is the good way, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'we will not walk in it'" (Jer. 6:16). Through His prophet the Lord said, "Also I set watchmen over you, say- ing, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet' But they said, 'We will not listen.'" Dissatisfaction with God's plan was a major prob- lem for Israel. Today, brethren are trying to reach a higher level of itimacy with God by discovering new ways to worship Him and to have a real knowledge of God. But we cannot truthfully say, "And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known." Hear what Jesus said to those who desire to draw near to God. "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the pro- phets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and has learned from the Father comes to Me" (Jno. 6:44,45). How can one today draw near to God? By rever- ently hearing and obeying His word to us today! Jesus said, "No one comes to the Father except through Me" (Jno. 14:6). He is the only door to the sheepfold (Jno. 10:7-9). His people have been cleansed through His word by their obedience (Jno. 15:3; 1 Pet. 1:22). They have drawn near to God, not merely "mainly" by the word, but altogether by the word as the means God has chosen to reveal Himself top save mankind from their sins (Heb. 1:1-4). He offers the water of life to the thirsty, the bread of life to the hungry, comfort and assurance of hope to the despairing, and HIs fellowship and Fatherly love to those who "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Rom. 10:17, having our hearts sprinkled from and evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (Heb. 10;22). What more can we ask? ----------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090808/ba2764dd/attachment.html From Mikejohnson104 at aol.com Sat Aug 8 12:01:36 2009 From: Mikejohnson104 at aol.com (Mikejohnson104 at aol.com) Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 13:01:36 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] B> The Elon Challenger Vol. 6 Number 2 (Oct 08) 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 VI Number 2 October, 2008 =================================================================== WHAT DOES THE PURE GOSPEL PRODUCE? Phillip Owens In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains that "the seed is the word of God" (Lk. 8:11). Different soils on which the seed fell represent different reactions to the gospel. When the apostles preached the pure gospel (the word or "seed") as recorded in the book of Acts, "honest and good" hearted people (Lk. 8:15) who responded by believing, repenting and being baptized (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:36-38) became Christians (Acts 11:26). Groups of these Christians working and worshiping together in various places were known as local churches of Christ (see Romans 16:16; Acts 18:8; I Cor. 1:2). Therefore, the pure gospel produces genuine Christians and local churches. Just as practically everything genuine has its counterfeit, the same is true with the gospel. Counterfeits confuse people. Paul warned even during the first century of counterfeit gospels (Gal. 1:1-9). Genuine Christians do not blow up abortion clinics, lead military "crusades" against "heretics," live immoral lives or continue in drunkenness (Rom. 12:17-21; Jno. 18:36; Gal. 5:19-21). People may call themselves Christians and do the above, but the true gospel does not produce such. Genuine Christians understand they are not perfect (I Jno. 1:8-9), but they strive for the ideal and noble life the pure gospel sets as the standard, respecting the authority of the Scripture in all matters of faith and practice. We strive to do this, and our hope and prayer is that you will strive for the same. __________ Bible Authority 10 DIRECT COMMAND Mike Johnson How is Bible authority established? It seems clear from the Scriptures that God intends for us to derive our authority for our actions and beliefs in four ways. These are direct command, direct statement, approved apostolic example, and necessary inference. (Sometimes direct command and direct statement are combined.) The forms of authority can be further classified more broadly in two ways: direct (the command or statement) and indirect (approved apostolic example and necessary inference). We will now consider the form of authority known as direct command. The basic definition of the word command means "to give directions in an authoritative manner, to give orders." A command can be either positive or negative. It may be "Do this," or it may be "Don't do that." The Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20 illustrate this principle. Of the ten commandments, eight are negative (Thou shalt not . . . ) and two are positive (Thou shalt . . . ). It should also be understood that all commandments found in the Scriptures are not intended to be applicable today. Consider a few Old Testament examples which are not intended for us today. Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:16-17) were prohibited from eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This command was intended only for them, was given specifically to them; it was not given to anyone else. While there are lessons to be learned from this commandment, it is not applicable to us in its details. Another example involves God commanding Noah to build an ark out of gopher wood (Gen. 6:14). Again, it is clear that this instruction was given only to Noah and his family. There are also principles for us to learn from this such as each person being under an obligation to obey God. However, the specific details of this command do not apply to us today. A person who goes out and builds an ark out of gopher wood would not be performing an act of obedience before God today. In Genesis 22:1-2, Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice. This commandment was given only to Abraham. There is no indication that this commandment was even given to any other person who lived in the same dispensation as Abraham did. It certainly would not apply to us today. There are also direct commands in the New Testament which would not apply to us today. In I Corinthians 14:1, we are told, "Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophecy" (NASB). In general, the early Christians were to desire spiritual gifts, but more specifically, they were to desire to be able to prophesy. Later, Paul wrote in I Corinthians 14:39, "Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues" (NASB). Are Christians to desire the spiritual gift of "prophecy" today? Is this a commandment for us today? Clearly not, as spiritual gifts were intended for a limited time when there was not a complete revelation, and they were to confirm God's Word. (Heb. 2:1-4, I Cor. 13, Acts 8:1 25, Jas. 1:25). Today, we have the complete revelation and God's Word has already been confirmed. When we are trying to determine whether a command or specific statement applies to us today, we must consider three areas. First, we look at the immediate context (the material immediately before and after the specific statement or command). Then we look at the remote context (all that is relevant to the specific statement or command that is found in the rest of the Bible, other than the specific statement and the immediate context). Finally, taking the total context (the specific statement itself, the immediate context, and the remote context), we can determine the proper application of a specific statement or command. Consider now some examples of commandments which are applicable for us today. In Mark 16:15, Jesus said to the apostles, ". . .Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." Someone might say that this is stated to the apostles and is not for us. We know, however, from the remote context (Mt. 28:18-20) that the commandment to "go and teach" is a part of what the apostles had been taught, and they were told to teach "all things" that they had been commanded. The command to "go and teach" is certainly for people today, as well. Acts 2:38 contains another direct command. This verse gives two commands (repentance and baptism) as necessary for the "remission of sins." Further, wives are commanded to submit to their own husbands "as unto the Lord" (Eph. 5:23), and husbands are commanded to love their wives (Eph. 5: 25). We are also commanded to "lie not" to one another (Col. 3:9), to not steal (Eph. 4: 28), to pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5: 17), to give as we have been prospered on the first day of the week (I Cor. 16: 1-2), to repent (Acts 17: 30), to partake of the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11: 23-24), and to assemble with the saints (Heb. 10: 25). There are many other examples of commands found in God's Word. It is clear that these commandments pertain to the dispensation that we live under today; they are a part of the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25), the law of Christ, which is for us. The direct command should be the easiest of the forms of authority to understand. Yet, some will teach the opposite of what the direct command states (note Acts 2: 38). Many years ago, Satan sought to "get around" God's commandment to Adam and Eve about not eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil by telling them they would not die if they violated God's command (as God said they would). Many today insult God by doing the opposite of what He commands, and by encouraging others to do the same. We need to adhere to the commands of God's Word. __________ ?BE CAREFUL...GOD?S HOLY THINGS? Charles G. Maples, Sr. (continued) Again, as in previous issues, I call your attention to Deut. 5:1, where God admonished Israel to ?Be Careful? concerning His Statutes, and to Ezek. 22:26, in which Inspiration speaks of God?s ?Holy Things.? We have considered the application of this theme to God?s ?Holy Scriptures,? and His instructions concerning HIS PLAN FOR THE SOULS OF MEN - THE QUESTION, ?What Must I Do To Be Saved?? In this issue, let us consider the ?CAREFULNESS? required of us with regard to the very LIVES THAT WE LIVE. Since it is Jehovah God who ?Gives to all life and breath and all things? (Acts 17:25), we must conclude that these principles (?Holy...Careful?) are applicable to the way we use our lives. Consider some reasons why you should consider your life to be among GOD? S ?HOLY THINGS:? 1 - Life is given ONLY by Jehovah God! (Genesis 2:7) 2 - Your eternal spirit (You) is ?In The Image of God? (Gen. 1:27) 3 - God has declared His PURPOSE for our life, ?...fear God and keep His commandments, which is the whole duty of man.? (Ecc.12:13) 4 - God expects your life to be ?partak(ing) of Divine nature.? (2 Pet.1:4) Consider that the apostle Paul tells us that one who is ?Joined to the Lord is ONE SPIRIT WITH HIM.? (I Corinthians 6:17) The apostle, in that same setting instructs us as to the ?manner of persons? (2 Peter 3:11) we are expected to be. He had stated that the Christian?s ?body (is) a member of Christ!? (v.15), and then goes on to urge, ?.. do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own!? (v.19) We are reminded that Christ ?gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed, and purify TO HIMSELF HIS OWN PECULIAR PEOPLE, zealous of good works.? (Titus 2:14) This says that we (our very lives) are among His ?Holy Things.? When the apostle Peter, inspired of God, asked, rhetorically, ?...what manner of persons ought (we) to be, in HOLY conduct and godliness?? (2 Peter 3:11) he was surely reminding us that our ?manner of life? must be carefully used, to the glory of God. In regard to this, Thessalonian Christians were admonished to ?test all things, and (?carefully? - cgm) hold fast to that which is good.? (I Thessalonians 5:21) Since our lives come from God, and for our conduct of the same we must ? give account of (ourselves) unto God? (Romans 14:12) for our conduct of the same, then we should live daily with reverence for Him, and in recognition that it is, to Him, among His ?Holy Things!? (next,?The Body of Christ?) __________ BE WILLING TO CHANGE Paul Southern "God grant that I may always be right," said a Scottish theologian, "For I never change." One of his Calvinistic brethren declared, "I am always open for conviction, but I'd like to see the color of a man's eyes who could convict me." Each used different words, but both came out at the same destination. Neither one entertained the idea of change. Both were stubborn, prejudiced, self-satisfied. They had closed their eyes, ears, and heart to the truth "lest haply they should perceive with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart, and should turn again and I should heal them" (Mt. 13:15). The person who is always right and never changes is usually wrong on many things and always wrong in spirit. The Christian's life begins with a fundamental transformation, the new birth, and continues with constant change. The born again creature (Jn. 3:5) feeds on spiritual milk that he may grow thereby (I Peter 2:1-2). God's children are to press on unto perfection to full growth and maturity (Heb. 6:1-2). The person who thinks he has reached the "top of Pisgah," beyond which no progress can be made, is "dead while he liveth." It is necessary to have definite ideals and strong convictions. God hates a wishy-washy, namby-pamby, unsteadfast person (I Cor. 15:58, Eph. 4:14, II Tim. 4:1-8). Truly, "a double minded man is unstable in all of his ways" (James 1:8) but we must make sure that our ideals and convictions coincide with those of heaven. Strong convictions may degenerate into stubborn opinions. Jesus said, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8:32). Our desire should be to know his will and then do it. __________ OBEDIENCE AND SALVATION Wayne S. Walker Question: "Is obedience essential to our salvation?" There are many in the religious world who teach that obedience is NOT essential to salvation, saying that anything which we ourselves do plays no part whatever in our being saved. However, our aim should be to let all of our questions be answered by the Bible, God's word. What did Jesus Himself say? In Matthew 7.21 He said, "Not everyone who says to me, ?Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." Who did Jesus say would enter the kingdom of heaven? He did not say, "He who just believes in Me." No, He said, "He who does the will of My Father in heaven." That sounds as if Jesus taught that we must do something to be saved. This is confirmed by all the accounts of conversion in Acts. Those on Pentecost asked what to do (Acts 2.36). Saul of Tarsus asked the Lord what He would have him to do (Acts 9.6). Cornelius was told that there was something that he ought to do (Acts 10.6). And the Philippian jailor asked what he must do to be saved (Acts 16.30). What is interesting is that in each case, these people were NOT told that there was nothing for them to do because God had already done it all for them through Christ. Those on Pentecost were told to repent and be baptized (Acts 2.38). Saul of Tarsus was told to arise and be baptized (Acts 22.16). Cornelius was commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord (Acts 10.47-48). And the Philippian jailor was told to believe on the Lord, after which he was immediately baptized (Acts 16.31-34). Furthermore, all the rest of the New Testament also emphasizes the importance of obedience to salvation. Some say that in learning what to do to be saved we should not listen to Peter because he preached only to the Jews but to Paul because he preached to the whole world. Paul wrote the book of Romans. The theme of Romans is that we are "justified by faith" (Romans 5.1). But when are we justified by faith? Paul also wrote, "But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness" (Romans 6.17-18). We cannot be justified before God until we have been set free from the sin which separates us from God. And, again we ask, when were these people made free from sin so that they could be justified by faith? When they obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which they were delivered. The thing that stood between them as slaves of sin and as slaves of righteousness having been delivered from sin and justified by faith was their obedience. That sounds as if Paul also taught that we must do something to be saved. Well, what will happen to those who do not obey, who do not DO what the Lord commands people to do to be saved? Again, we read the words of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1.8-9. "In flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; these shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power." What does the Bible say will happen to those who do not obey the gospel? It says that they will have Christ's vengeance taken on them by being punished with everlasting destruction. The only logical conclusion is that we must DO something in obeying the gospel to be saved. __________ WHY SOME ARE NOT ASKED R.L. Whiteside Happy is the person whose conduct does not raise a question in the minds of others as to where he stands. Some people never have to answer the question, ?Will you have a drink with me?? There is a reason. Some young people are never subjected to certain temptations to which others are frequently subjected, and there is a reason. When your conduct raises a question as to where you stand or as to what you might do, the devil will make you answer that question. Every person who raises a question mark in the mind of people has to defend himself or surrender. Walking in the Light __________ A man is what he is, and not what he has. ___________ Evangelist: Charles G. Maples Sr. Phone-256-530-0772 Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson Phone -256-776-2223 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090808/31d27892/attachment-0001.html From Mikejohnson104 at aol.com Sat Aug 8 12:05:43 2009 From: Mikejohnson104 at aol.com (Mikejohnson104 at aol.com) Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 13:05:43 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] B> The Elon Challenger V 6 N 3 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 VI Number 3 November, 2008 =================================================================== Bible Authority 10 APPROVED EXAMPLE Mike Johnson What should be our attitude toward the concept of "example" as an acceptable form of Bible authority? There are three possible attitudes one might have. First, one might say that all examples are binding. This attitude is unlikely, however, and, as we will see later, this would actually be a ridicules position to take. A second view one might take is that no examples are binding today. Some take this position saying that we are guided by direct statements and commands only. The third position, which is the correct one, is that some examples are binding and others are incidental. Thus, in addition to appealing to the direct statement or command and necessary inference, we appeal to what might be called "approved example" as a form of authority. An approved example is sometimes referred to as "divine approved example," "approved apostolic example," or sometimes this form is known as "accounts of action." DEFINED Consider some definitions of the approved example by various brethren who have written on this subject. 1. "By this we mean the practice of the people of God in the New Testament under the guidance of the apostles" (Ferrell Jenkins, Biblical Authority 21-22). 2. "An example is a recorded instance of a direct order (command or statement) being executed" (Gene Frost, Gospel Anchor, 8-75). 3. " . . . A description of the conduct or activity of people in the Bible, primarily New Testament disciples, that act as a pattern that we may imitate or avoid" (Maurice Barnett, Understanding Authority 39). The approved example is a description of what someone did; it is teaching by "show" rather than by "tell." ARE ALL EXAMPLES BINDING? It is clear that all examples in the Bible are not meant to be binding on us today. If every example is binding, we would have to travel by ship to preach the gospel (since Paul did); have all things common because the early Jerusalem church did (Acts 1:44-45, 4:32, 34-35); assemble daily (Acts 2:46-47); always partake of the Lord's Supper in an upper room (Lk. 22:12, Acts 20:7-11); the same person would have to give thanks for the bread and fruit of the vine in taking the Lord's Supper (Mt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25), and the list could go on. It is also important to keep in mind that the New Testament is full of examples of sinful actions and also incidents that are a part of the historical narratives which have no bearing on our service to God. To determine when an example is binding, one must look at the specific statement under consideration, the immediate context of the specific statement, and the remote context (i.e., what the rest of the Bible has to say about the matter). Also, there are certain logical rules which would need to be considered. One must determine whether or not an example is binding. This is not unusual as the same determination must be made for each direct statement or command. OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES It is important to understand that the old law is not in effect today. It was for the Jews (Deut. 5:1-3); it could not take away sin (Heb. 9:11-12; 10:3-4). When Jesus died, the old law was taken away (Col. 2:14-17). Yet, it is clear that we do learn from the examples of the Old Testament. Romans 15:4 teaches that it was written for our learning. New Testament writers refer to people in the Old Testament as examples. In I Corinthians 10, Paul discussed the children of Israel in the wilderness. In verse seven he said, urging the Corinthians to learn from this Old Testament example, "Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them . . ." In verse 11 he said, "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition . . . ." Hebrews 11 calls attention to the faith of various people from the Old Testament. These examples were brought up for us to learn from (12:1). We are taught in Hebrews 11 about the importance of faith, and that an obedient faith is pleasing to God. In Luke 17:32, Jesus said, "Remember Lot's wife." Her example teaches that God must be obeyed. II Peter 2:4-11 mentions various ones from the Old Testament who were wicked and were punished. The point is, that if God did not spare these people who sinned; He will not spare us either. How do we learn from the Old Testament? The specific details of Old Testament examples are not binding, but principles involved are. For example, the fact that animal sacrifices were offered under the old covenant would not require people today to offer animal sacrifices. As we have seen from the passages above, Christians are instructed to learn from the Old Testament. Consider various Old Testament characters and events. From the story of Cain and Able, we learn that it does matter how we worship God. We do not learn from Noah that we are to build an ark today, but we do learn that God will punish mankind when he sins. Abraham was told to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:1-18). We learn from this story that it is important to have faith in God and to obey Him. We would not follow Abraham's example, however, by offering our children as sacrifices. We also learn principles about God from the Old Testament. We learn, for example, that God is omniscient (has all knowledge) and that He is omnipotent (all-powerful). We also learn of His love, wisdom, mercy, and wrath. NEW TESTAMENT PASSAGES In the New Testament, we are told to follow Christ's example. I Peter 2:21 says, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." In the context of this passage, Christ is our example in how He dealt with mistreatment, but Christ, generally, is our example. Paul, an apostle, wrote in I Corinthians (4:16), "Wherefore I beseech you, be followers of me." He also told the Corinthians (I Cor. 11:1) to "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." On other occasions, Paul taught this concept (I Th. 4:6; II Th. 3:7; Acts 20:35). Another significant passage in Paul's writings is Philippians 4:9. Here Paul wrote, "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you." Not only were they to follow what they had learned, received, and heard, but they were to follow what they had "seen" in him. They were to "put it into practice," as one translation says. Consider some areas where "approved example" can be applied. On what day are we to partake of the Lord's Supper? "Sunday," someone might respond. How do we know this? We know it by "approved example." In Acts 20, we learn that Paul and his companions came to Troas, and they stayed until the first day of the week and then partook of the Lord's Supper. Verse seven says, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." Paul, an Apostle, was present; they partook of the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week; there is no example, or any other authority for, partaking of it on any other day. Thus, the day that we are to partake of the Lord's Supper is established by "approved example." In Acts 14:23, we learn that Paul and Barnabas, after having established churches in various places, revisited them and appointed elders in every church. By this example, we understand that there are to be "elders" in every church, and we also learn that there is to be a plurality of elders in each church. We also learn by example that "water" is the element that is to be used in carrying out the baptism of the Great Commission. The Bible teaches that baptism is a "burial" (Rom. 6:4, Col. 2:12), but many elements can be used to "bury." An examination of the conversion of the Ethiopian (Acts 8:36-39) and the conversion of Cornelius and his family (Acts 10) provide examples of water being used as the element of baptism. There are no examples in the Scriptures of any other element being used for baptism. WHEN IS AN EXAMPLE BINDING? We have already noted that every example is not intended to be binding on us today. Some examples are limited, and generic and specific authority must be taken into consideration. Consider some rules which can be helpful in understanding the proper application of an example. These rules are not listed in the Scriptures. The Bible, however, does not specifically say which examples are binding and which are not. God certainly expects us to use some logic, along with common sense. These concepts, as you will soon see, are obvious. Rule of uniformity - For an example to be binding, all other examples of the same matter, must be in complete agreement in all essential details. It is not binding if there is variation. This rule is useful in eliminating incidental actions. For example, Paul traveled by ship to fulfill the great commission to "go" and preach the gospel. Must we travel by ship today to "go" and preach the gospel? No, we have other examples of people traveling by land. On the other hand, we have many examples of conversion coming about by God's Word being taught and learned. Without the teaching and learning of God's Word, there was no conversion, thus, uniformity is demonstrated by the various examples. Rule of harmony - To be binding, an example must harmonize with all other teaching in the New Testament. The Lord's Supper, we are told, was first instituted in an upper room (Lk. 22:12) and was later observed in an upper room (Acts 20:7). Must the Lord's Supper be observed in an upper room today? No, these examples are not binding as Jesus taught that the place where one worships God is not important (Jn. 4:21-24). Rule of universal application - Since the gospel is for all men of all generations, whatever is binding must be within the ability of all men to perform in all generations. It is not possible for all populations of the earth today to be riding in a chariot on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza, reading the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah, when they learn the need to be baptized (Acts 8). It is not possible to go into Herod's temple at the hour of prayer (Acts 3:1). An upper room would not be available in all areas of the world preachers are not to teach that you must build a multi structured building to please the Lord. On the other hand, immersion in water, the elements of the Lord's Super, the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week, congregations being autonomous, and the church fulfilling the work that God has assigned can all be carried out anywhere. Rule of materiality - For an example to be binding, it must be material and not just an incidental matter. We are told to baptize. It is not important whether the water is running or still, indoors or outdoors, warm or cold. A person is still simply baptizing regardless of whether the water is warm or cold. This would not be relevant to the action or purpose of baptism. Further, we are told to preach, and it does not matter if it is in a home, rented building, tent or church building. The place has no essential relationship to the action. Rule of limited application - Some matters pertain to a special situation which existed at one time but does not exist now; some matters pertain to a custom of the time. In I Corinthians 7, Paul told the Corinthians that it was better not to marry. However, it is clear from the chapter that he was just talking about during the "present distress" (v. 26), i.e., during a special set of circumstances. The holy kiss, spoken of in the Scriptures, was the form of greeting employed during that time. Today, we are to have a sincere, non hypocritical attitude toward others. Feet washing was dictated as an act of kindness and hospitality due to circumstances which existed in Bible times. The way to show hospitality may vary, but Christians are to always show hospitality. Rule of competence - An example must be supported by competent evidence. Infant baptism, for example, is sometimes defended by people on the basis of the "household" baptisms of the New Testament (Acts 16:32-34). An assumption is made that just because the word "house" or "household" is used that infants were baptized. The improper conclusion is drawn that all households have infants. This conclusion to defend infant baptism would also be incorrect as the rules of harmony and uniformity would be violated. From other passages and conversion cases, it is clear that those who are to be baptized were penitent believers. If it is argued that logic must be employed to determine which examples are binding, it must be noted that logic must be employed to determine which direct statements and commands apply to us today. Certainly, along with the direct statement or command, and necessary inference, the approved example is a valid form of Bible authority. __________ ?BE CAREFUL...GOD?S HOLY THINGS? (concluded) Charles G. Maples, Sr. To the surprise of many religionists (they assert that, "It doesn't make any difference, as long as you are sincere..."), God has, "from the beginning," demanded that those who would worship and serve Him must "Be Careful!"- e.g.. Cain learned this "the hard way!" (Genesis 4:1-7). This was particularly true with regard to many things under the Law of Moses, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:1; 22:26). Those things were"a shadow of things to come..." (Colossians 2:17), and were "written for our learning"(Rom. 15:4). In Matthew 16:18 Jesus promised that He would "build (His) church." In Colossians 1:18 and Ephesians 1:22f Inspiration teaches us that His church (which did become a reality on Pentecost following Jesus' death - Acts 2:22-47) is "the Body of Christ." In Eph. 5:27 we see that His church is to eventually to be "presented to Himself, a glorious church; not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing." Surely this presents the church as one of God's "Holy Things!"We note in Colossians 1:18 and Ephesians 1:22f that Christ is "the Head of the church..." Even the fact of that relationship to the Son of God would surely imply that the church is God's "Holy Thing," but then add to that His admonition in I Peter 1:15, wherein He demands, "...as He who called you is Holy, you also be Holy in all your conduct." Then in addition to that, the apostle tells us in I Corinthians 6:17 that members of the body "have become one spirit with Him!" Further (in v. 19), we learn that the bodies of Christians have become "the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own!" "BE CAREFUL!" As lack of respect for a man's family demonstrates lack of respect for that man, surely if in any way one shows disrespect for the "Holy" family of God (see I Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19), he shows disrespect for God Himself! But consider even the expression, "one church is just as good as another"(that is, one that I might establish is "just as good" as the one the Son of God established; for which He died, and of which He is the Head - Ephesians 5:25; 1:22) shows disrespect for God and His Holy Son! God has laid down for us in the Holy Scriptures His "Pattern" for His church; whether it be it's Organization (Phil 1:1), its worship (John 4:23f; Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:23ff; 16:1-2; Eph. 5:19); or "the manner of life" of those who are "members in particular" (1 Corinthians 12:27); and we must "Be Careful" to show respect to it in every regard! Any addition to, or subtraction from any part of that "pattern" will surely bring His condemnation! For example, the "sponsoring church" arrangement, "family life centers," church ball teams, etc., etc. are without Scriptural authority; outside "the doctrine of Christ"(2 John 9) not only show disregard for "Carefulness" about His "Holy Things," it shows lack of Reverence for God and His Precious Son! Surely one who dares to do such shall not be considered "guiltless" when He comes to "judge the world...in righteousness!"(Acts 17:31) Let us; each one of us; "Walk circumspectly" (Eph. 5:15); that is "Carefully," that we might not be found to be a "spot or blemish"(Eph. 5:27) upon His "Holy" church when He comes to "present it to Himself!" Consider the "examples" for us, as seen in the text for the theme of these studies (Deuteronomy 5:1; 22:26); since God was so concerned about those things, which were "a shadow of things to come" (Colossians 2:17), then surely it is even more imperative that we "Be Careful" concerning every aspect of the things which they foreshadowed! _________ PRAY WITHOUT CEASING Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:17 says, "Pray without ceasing." This verse is found in the midst of a series of short admonitions given by Paul near the close of the book of I Thessalonians. He had just said that Christians should "rejoice always." These two admonitions can be connected. Prayer is often the means by which obstacles are removed which stand in the way of joy. It could be said that the way to rejoice evermore is to pray without ceasing. What does it mean to "pray without ceasing"? This admonition does not mean that we are to engage in "nonstop" prayer; it does not mean that our lips are to always be moving. Vines, in his word studies, says that the word used here means "unceasing, without ceasing, is used with the same significance as the adjective, not of what is not interrupted, but of that which is constantly recurring . . . ." The Christian, therefore, is to be regularly involved in prayer. It is to be a regular part of his life. Romans 12:12 says that the Christian is to be "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." The NASB says, "devoted to prayer." How about you? Is prayer a regular part of your life? Or is it, instead, something that you turn to only in the event of an emergency? If that is the case, then you are not "praying without ceasing." Prayer is a duty that we have, but it should also be a great joy and privilege. __________ HOW ARE YOU USING YOUR TIME? Greg Gwin Have you wondered why there never seems to be enough time to get everything done? Well, we may now have the answer. According to an article in U.S.News, an average American, in his lifetime, will spend: - 6 months at stoplights - 8 months opening junk mail - 1 year looking for misplaced items - 2 years unsuccessfully trying to return telephone calls - 5 years waiting in line - 6 years eating Other recent studies suggest that we will spend as much as 20 years watching TV, and even more time sleeping! Now, to put this in its proper perspective, think of this: if you attend every service of the church (Sunday Bible study, Sunday morning and evening worship, and Wednesday night Bible study) you will spend only about 1.5 years total. That's only slightly more time than you will spend looking for misplaced items, and only about twice as much time as you will spend opening junk mail! But, some Christians will not do even this much. Over and over again we return to Hebrews 10:25 - "not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together". God commands us to assemble. Why? The context of this verse clearly shows that it is for our own benefit. Are you taking advantage of this great blessing? Christian, how are you using your time? If you don't regularly attend all of the services, you may be spending more time opening junk mail than worshipping God. Isn't that a terrifying thought!?! __________ A grudge is too heavy a load for any Christian to carry. ___________ Evangelist: Charles G. Maples Sr. Phone-256-530-0772 Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson Phone -256-776-2223 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090808/04604b53/attachment-0001.html From Mikejohnson104 at aol.com Sat Aug 8 14:30:13 2009 From: Mikejohnson104 at aol.com (Mikejohnson104 at aol.com) Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 15:30:13 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] B> Elon Challenger Vol 6 N 4 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 VI Number 4 December, 2008 =================================================================== "DISCIPLES WERE CALLED CHRISTIANS" Charles G. Maples, Sr. Long before that happened (Acts 11:26), God had promised that His people would be "Called by a NEW NAME." In Isaiah 62:2 we read, "...The Gentiles shall see Your righteousness, and all kings your glory. You shall be called by a NEW NAME, which the mouth of the Lord will name." Note that in verse one He says that "....for Zion's sake...I will not rest, until...her salvation (goes forth) as a lamp that burns." He had already said (Isa. 2:2-3) that "...out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem...," and that this would be when ... "the mountain of the LORD'S HOUSE" would be established. (cf. I Timothy 3:15 & Acts two) "Righteousness" and "Salvation" going forth and being received by the Gentiles relates to the immediate setting of Acts 11:26. Salvation had just gone to the Gentiles, in that the gospel had been preached to those of the household of Cornelius (Gentiles). Disciples of Christ had recently been "scattered" and Stephen had preached the Word in Antioch, then Barnabas likewise, when "the disciples were first called Christians." Concerning that "New Name" it is important; and especially in view of the conclusion by some that the name "Christian" was given to Jesus' disciples in derision, by their enemies; to note that the name was to be DESIGNATED BY GOD; and that in fulfillment of prophesy! Those who have Reverence for our Almighty God will hold the name "Christian" in Reverence; for that reason, if for no other! There are a number of other terms by which followers of Christ are "called" in the Scriptures: 1- our text, "disciples," 2- Children of God"(Gal. 3:26), 3-"members of His body,"(I Cor. 12:12) "brethren," (I Cor. 3:1), "Christian" is quite evidently the name spoken of in Isaiah 62:2, and; whereas His people were then known as, "Israel;" they are, after the fulfillment of the prophesy by Isaiah, referred to as "the Israel of God."(Galatians 6:16). But just what/who is a "Christian?" The "name" is often misused. It is often used as a hyphenated word; i.e.. "Catholic-Christian," "Protestant-Christian," etc. Our nation, and some others, are referred to as "A Christian nation." Such usage has no Scriptural basis. W.E. Vine says, "Christian," a word formed after a Roman style, signified an adherent of Jesus..." Having cited Acts 11:26; 26:28 and I Peter 4:16, Nelson (Nelson's Bible Dictionary) says, "In each instance, the word Christian assumes that the person called by the name was a follower of Christ...Loyal to Christ..." Note that in our text it was "disciples" who were "called Christians." A "disciple" is defined as: (1) A "learner," and that is in harmony with Divine record in John 6:44, 45. (2) "One who follows one's teachings," and this is as Jesus stated in John 8:31. Then consider the name "Christian;" this suggests a RELATIONSHIP to the Christ, and that is seen in a number of Scriptures, such as I Cor. 6:17 and Gal. 3:26, 27. In the former, we read that those "saints"(1:2) had "become one spirit with Him," and in the later, those who made up "churches of Galatia" were said to have been "baptized into Christ" and had "put on Christ." We conclude from these Scriptures (and others) that one who "learns" the teachings of Christ (as in John 6:44f; and Mark 16:16), and then is obedient (becoming a "follower" of those teachings) to Him, is a "disciple" of Christ (cf. Hebrews 5:8f), and as seen in our text, he/she IS a "Christian." But, let's consider this God-given "Name" from another point of view. Think of the REVERENCE with which the Christ should be held by anyone who wears this Divinely given "name!" It is this "Name" alluded to in Acts 4:12, where we read "...there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved." But James spoke of some who would "blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called."(James 2:7) We who wear this blessed "Name" can so conduct our selves that the "name" by which we are called; as well as the Cause that we have espoused; may be "blasphemed!" The conduct of the man/woman in I Corinthians five surely was causing the church to be a "shame," even greater than that characteristic of "Gentiles!" Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:14-16 that our conduct can motivate people to "glorify your Father, who is in heaven!"- and, we must keep constantly in mind that our lives might bring to this "Name" the very opposite! In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 the apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." This would likewise be his prayer for US who wear "this worthy name by which we are called," therefore, let us determine to "continue in His Word," that we may be "truly His disciples!" (John 8:31) QUESTION: "Are YOU this Man's disciple?" (John 18:17) " Are YOU "TRULY His disciple?" (John 8:31 NIV) __________ THE BIBLE IS ALL WE HAVE David Bonner Sometimes people ask what are we doing for our young people. We are teaching them the Bible. What are we doing for the old folks, faithful saints, unfaithful people, people who are not even Christians? Since the Bible is all we have, we are trying to teach all of them the Bible. We use the Bible to ?hold? people, keep them faithful, get them stronger, encourage them in their family relationships, get them to rear their children in the proper way, get them to be the right kind of neighbors, friends, citizens, etc. What else is the Lord?s church supposed to do? Since the Bible is all we have, we don't know how to do anything without it. Some apparently are trying to grow by letting the ?church? furnish parties, skating socials, ping pong socials, hay rides, etc. Such socials may round up some people who are interested in such things. But when people know the Bible does not authorize the local church to engage in any such affairs, they will not be impressed. God gave us the BIBLE. The church is to teach it to all the world (1 Thes 1:8; Phil 2:16). As individuals, we?re to be hospitable. But as the local church, THE BIBLE IS ALL WE HAVE. __________ Dangerous Symptoms: ? When the way to the meeting house seems too long: when you dislike to speak with the brethren: when the sermon makes you mad instead of penitent: when reading the Bible puts you to sleep: when you fret if called on to assist in the service or perhaps give a little more; then BEWARE! You are showing all the symptoms of becoming a BACKSLIDER! via Tidings of Truth __________ Bible Authority 11 NECESSARY INFERENCE Mike Johnson We are governed today by three forms of Bible authority. These are direct command or statement, approved example, and necessary inference or conclusion. Most are willing to accept direct commands or statements as forms of Bible authority. Some may question the concept of approved example, but there is a growing number who challenge the use of necessary inference as an acceptable form of Bible authority. Necessary inference has been challenged on the basis that it involves the use of the human mind that logic is necessary to draw the inference, and it has been called a "clumsy interpretative procedure." It is important to understand that the Bible must be understood in the same way as any other written message. For example, we read it, translate the words into mental images, accumulate information, and draw conclusions. We may often use necessary inference when interpreting the Bible without even realizing it. For example, no statement in the Bible is addressed specifically to us. It was Saul who was told, "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins. . . ." Yet, most would (correctly) necessarily infer that this command is also for them since people today live under the same law, and since God does not show partiality (Acts 10:34). Further, people reason by inference every day. It would be difficult to conduct our life without this mode of thinking. It is absurd to think that necessary inference cannot be applied to the interpretation of the Scriptures. What Is Necessary Inference? Information can be conveyed in an "explicit" way or in a way that is "implicit." Explicit means that nothing is implied; the subject is clearly expressed and fully stated. Implicit, on the other hand, means that something is not expressly stated; it is without detail, something that you imply instead of directly saying. If a person takes what he hears, puts "two and two together," and draws a conclusion, it could be said that his conclusion is implied. Another word for "implicit" is "inference." An inference is simply a conclusion that is reached from the premises. (The premises are the two's in the two plus two.) More specifically, a necessary inference is one in which "a conclusion is drawn because the evidence demands it." It is a conclusion that unavoidably follows from the premises. A conclusion must be NECESSARILY inferred. As stated, the evidence demands the conclusion! Necessary inference is not a hunch or a guess. Consider some examples from everyday life. Suppose that a person is driving down the road, passes a baseball field, and notices that the field is wet. He might infer that it has recently rained, but he could not necessarily infer this. He would be unable to necessarily infer that it had recently rained because of the possibility that someone may have just sprayed the field with water to keep it from being so dusty. On the other hand, a person might wake up one morning and see that the countryside is covered with snow. Upon seeing this, he might necessarily infer that the temperature is, or at least has been, that which is necessary to produce snow. Consider a few simple biblical examples. On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), some people, after hearing the apostles speak in foreign languages, inferred that they were drunk (v. 13-15). Their inference was clearly wrong. In Acts 16:15, we read where Lydia and her "household" were baptized. Some have inferred that this serves as an example of infant baptism. A person might infer this, but he cannot necessarily infer it because all households do not have infants. In John 9, the healing of a blind man is recorded by Jesus. The healed man concluded that Jesus must be a prophet (v. 17) and must be "of God" because, as he said, "Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man was not of God, he could do nothing" (vs. 32, 33). He eventually concluded that Jesus was the son of God (v. 38). The healed man drew "necessary" inferences. Examples in the Scriptures To begin with, note two simple examples. Genesis 12:10 states that Abraham and Sarah went down to Egypt. Earlier, Lot was with them, but we are not told that he went with Abraham and Sarah to Egypt. However, Genesis 13:1 says, "And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south." It did not say that Lot went down to Egypt, but we would necessarily infer that he did since he came up out of Egypt. The second example involves Jesus' baptism. Matthew 3:16 says, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. . . ." The text does not say that Jesus went down into the water, but it must be necessarily inferred that he did since he "went up straightway out of the water." The Sadducees were a group of people who did not believe in the resurrection. They also did not believe in consciousness after death. In Matthew 22:23-33, they questioned Jesus about the resurrection. In response, Jesus said, ". . . have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had been dead for around four hundred years when God made the above statement to Moses (Ex. 3:6, 16). When God spoke of the three who were dead, He spoke of them in the present tense. He did not say "I was" their God, but "I am" their God. Thus, God IS the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; God IS the God of the living, not of the dead. The necessary inference that Jesus expected the Sadducees to draw was that the three, though physically dead, were alive as spirits. Consider Luke 15 where the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son are recorded. The publicans and sinners had drawn near to Jesus to hear him. Meanwhile, the Pharisees and scribes "murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them." For Jesus to get his point across to those who murmured, they had to draw inferences from the three parables presented. They should have inferred this point: "As you would seek and receive a lost sheep, coin, or son, so will I seek and save a lost sinner." This point is not specifically stated, but it is the necessary inference that He expected his critics to draw. In Acts 10 and 11, we can read of the conversion of Cornelius and the Gentiles. Cornelius saw a vision, and an angel told him to send for Peter, who was in Joppa. Peter, in the meantime, fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and "a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth." Within were all kinds of unclean animals. Peter was told to rise and eat, but he refused to do so, even after being told two more times. Peter was not sure of the meaning of this vision. The Spirit told him to meet the people who had arrived and go with them. Peter went with them and when he got to Caesarea, he said to Cornelius and those gathered, "... Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean." God did not tell Peter this by direct statement or by example, but He gave Peter the information so that he would have to draw that conclusion. The vision, and the Spirit telling him to go, forced Peter to draw the inescapable conclusion that he should not call any man common or unclean! He thus went, taught the Gentiles, and they became Christians. Hebrews 7:17 cites a prophecy from Psalms 110:4 about Christ. Verse 17 says, "For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." From this passage, the author necessarily infers three facts: 1. There was to be a change in the priesthood (v. 12a); 2. There was to be a change in the law (12b- for a change in the priesthood necessitated a change also in the law) 3. Perfection was not to be obtained through the Levitical priesthood (v. 11- for had it been, there would have been no need that another priest should arise after the order of Melchisedec). Various Questions Consider various passages and questions where necessary inference comes into bearing. The establishment of the church. The church was established on the day of Pentecost in connection with the events of Acts 2. The Bible does not specifically say that the church was established then, but from a number of passages, we can necessarily infer that it was (Mt. 16:18; Mk. 9:1; Acts 1:8, 2:47; Col. 1:13). Preaching Christ meant preaching baptism. Acts 8:26-40 records the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch by Philip. The text says that Philip joined the Ethiopian in his chariot and "preached unto him Jesus" (v. 35). As they were traveling, "they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" How did he know to be baptized? Certainly, it can be necessarily inferred that "preaching Jesus" means "preaching baptism." (Also note: Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal. 3:27; I Cor. 2:2/Acts 18:8.) Some erroneously say that people should just "preach Jesus" and quit preaching about baptism, ignoring the conversion case of the Ethiopian. The frequency to partake of the Lord's Supper. Acts 20:7 says, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight." In this verse, we have an example of the early disciples partaking of the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week. How often are we to partake of the Lord's Supper? We determine this by necessary inference. They partook of it on the first day of the week; every week has a first day; therefore, we are to partake of the Lord's Supper every week. In the Old Testament, the people were told to (Ex.20:8) "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Yet, they were not told to remember every Sabbath day. However, that is clearly what was meant. If it is true that no frequency is taught for the Lord's Supper in the New Testament, a person could partake of it only once and would never need to partake of it again having satisfied the command to observe it. It must be keep in mind that the frequency to partake of the Lord's Supper is not taught by direct statement, direct command, or by approved example. There is, however, a frequency taught, and it is taught by necessary inference. Just as there are certain logical rules to determine when an example is binding, there are certain rules which can prove helpful with necessary inference: 1. If a cause always brings forth a particular result, and the cause is stated, then it must necessarily be inferred that the result followed. As we have seen, the Ethiopian (Acts 8:27-39) was taught and baptized by Philip. But nothing is said about "why" he was baptized. Other passages, however, teach that baptism is "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Therefore, it can be necessarily inferred that when the eunuch was baptized, his sins were remitted. 2. If a result is always brought about by a particular cause, and the result is stated, then it must necessarily be inferred that the cause occurred. Acts 18:8 tells us that Crispus believed on the Lord with all his house, but nothing is said about what produced his faith. However, Romans 10:17 tells us that faith comes by hearing God's Word so it can be necessarily inferred that Crispus heard the gospel just as the other Corinthians had (8b). 3. If the structure of the language requires a certain conclusion itself, though unstated, the conclusion is necessarily inferred. An example of this would be the "frequency" of the Lord's Supper as discussed above. The example of observing it on Sunday would lead us to conclude that it must be observed every Sunday. Acts 15 records a discussion at Jerusalem about the question of circumcision. Certain ones were teaching that the Gentile Christians had to be circumcised as was required under the Law of Moses (vs. 1, 5). All three forms of Bible authority are employed in this discussion. First, necessary inferences were drawn from events which had occurred (Acts 10:17; 15:6-12, 19, 28). Next, approved examples are cited. It was pointed out that God gave them the Holy Spirit even as he did the Jews (15:8), that they had labored among the Gentiles, and God did signs and wonders (15:12). Finally, direct statements, or commands, are employed. Peter told how he was commanded to go to the house of Cornelius (15:7), and James cited the words of the prophets (15:7). All three forms of authority can be seen in various aspects of the Lord's Supper. The fact that we are to partake of it comes by command (Mt. 26:26-28; I Cor. 11:24); we learn the day that we are to partake of it by example (Acts 20:7); finally, the frequency to partake of the Lord's Supper(every Sunday) is determined by necessary inference (Acts 20:7). Necessary inference is a very important form of authority and must not be neglected. __________ Two guest speakers were asked to speak to a student body regarding Abraham Lincoln. After the first speech, the unanimous consensus of the student body was, ?Our speaker was a great speaker.? After the second speech, the consensus was, ?Abraham Lincoln was a great man.? We ask, ?Which one did his job?? ___________ Evangelist: Charles G. Maples Sr. Phone-256-530-0772 Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson Phone -256-776-2223 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090808/34776d67/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat Aug 8 23:00:52 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 00:00:52 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 32: August 09, 2009 Message-ID: Good News for Norwalk For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Volume IV, Number 32: August 09, 2009 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Gods of This World: Self Human beings have either idolized or demonized themselves throughout history. These days it seems that the pendulum has swung firmly toward the "idolized" side. Optimism about human capabilities has led to people making a god out of themselves! This idolization has taken on many forms. Many people today accept a more relativistic view of life, believing that "what is right for you is right for you and what is right for me is right for me." According to this perspective, right and wrong is entirely dependent on individual belief and choice, placing the individual in the position of God. Others place their confidence in the dictates of government or science, which are themselves institutions or structures of men. This trend is also prevalent in religious beliefs, especially in America. Since "secular" and "sacred" have been separated, according to society, and Americans are all about "choice," how one views the "sacred" is now entirely up to them. People are encouraged to "join the church of your choice." To believe that only one belief system is true is considered narrow-minded and elitist; instead, people are encouraged to develop a "cafeteria-style" belief system, choosing for themselves elements of various religions to accept while discarding whatever does not suit them. In all of these ideals, the main "chooser" is the self. It is all about what one believes or wants to believe! This tendency can even manifest itself in people who profess the Bible as their spiritual standard in life. They are more than willing to follow what the Bible says in matters with which they are in agreement, but if a given Bible passage contradicts their belief system, or asks them to do something they do not want to do, they will either ignore the passage, attempt to declare the passage irrelevant to the present day, or distort and pervert the passage in an attempt to justify their perspective. These all represent a form of idolatry, condemned as a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). Granted, people who believe these various ideas about the self are not falling down before a statue, but it remains clear who really is "in charge" in their lives. The self is the one making the decisions. The self, in the end, is the final judge and arbiter. Whether one is a relativist, a follower of the general tendencies of society, or a selective interpreter of the Scriptures, self is placed in the position of God, and the One True God and what He teaches is secondary at best. And it is this very thing that the One True God condemns as idolatry-- when man puts anything in front of God and serves it instead! As in all of these discussions, we must recognize that human beings and their capabilities are not all bad. After all, God made mankind in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Of all the creation, God endowed man alone with the capability of reason and discernment, and He certainly expects mankind to use it (Romans 1:18-20, Acts 17:24-29)! Furthermore, God does not coerce or compel people; instead, He does exhort mankind to choose (Matthew 11:28-30, 1 Timothy 2:4). Nevertheless, any time man takes a good thing and turns it into the ultimate, he commits idolatry. God has given mankind the faculty of choice, but the choice is not whatever the self wants it to be. Instead, the choice is between serving God or serving unrighteousness (Romans 6:16-23). While man does have reason, he is not capable of rendering proper judgment on every occasion-- as Jeremiah says, it is not within man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). Solomon clearly establishes that there is a way that seems right to a man-- but its way is not life, but death (Proverbs 14:12)! It is clear that God made man to think and reason, and that God has endowed mankind with free will to decide whether to serve Him or not. These abilities and freedoms were not given so that man would exalt himself and his abilities to a divine level. Instead, man is to recognize that he is limited, finite, and quite prone to sin (Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 3:9-23). Humans are to recognize that there is a God who is greater than they are, and that they should look to Him for guidance and instruction (Acts 17:24-29, Proverbs 3:5-8). That guidance and instruction is now found in the Scriptures that God gave to man to equip him for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible should be consulted in order to learn what God would have us to do and not as a pretext to justify whatever it is that we desire (cf. 2 Peter 3:15-16, Jude 1:10). In all things, we must remember that we are the creation and God the Creator-- He is the Potter, we are the clay (Romans 9:20-21). Let us not turn ourselves into gods; instead, let us serve the One True God! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies! Our location: 386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits) Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Our assemblies: Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm Our Bible studies: Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For More Information If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist at norwalkchurch.org. Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From jmcph74 at yahoo.com Sun Aug 9 07:03:17 2009 From: jmcph74 at yahoo.com (John McPherson) Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 05:03:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Biblemat] Teacher in China Message-ID: <484884.88874.qm@web110815.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> David Xue, a Chinese Christian in FuSong China is searching for an American Christian woman to teach in his Enlish School for 3 months or longer. Expenses will be paid by the school. Successful applicant need not speak Chinese. Send resume and/or questions to jmcpherson024 at yahoo.com .? -- John McPherson -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090809/2b77f949/attachment-0001.html From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Aug 9 18:38:35 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 17:38:35 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (8/9/09) Message-ID: <002101ca194a$e49e62e0$addb28a0$@dot5hosting.com> "Churches looking for Preachers" and "Preachers looking for churches" are now included on the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com San Juan Logo PNG.png Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) August 9, 2009 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com. In addition, if you want to advertise for "churches looking for preachers" and "preachers looking for churches," go to www.thetfordcountry.com and click on the appropriate link. Fill out the easy form and your listing will be uploaded to the web site within 48 hours (usually the same day). --- CONTENTS: "The Conversion of Saul" (Richard Thetford) "Joseph - Never Defeated" (Lalo Enriquez) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- THE CONVERSION OF SAUL Richard Thetford The book of Acts chapters 9 and 22 tell us of the conversion of Saul, known later as the apostle Paul. By learning about Saul and his conversion we can learn what we must do in order to be a Christian. What kind of man was Saul? When he was talking to young Timothy and explaining that Jesus came into the world to save sinners he added: "of whom I am chief" (1 Timothy 1:15). He clearly admitted that he was beyond a doubt a sinner before God. Before we can be converted to the Lord, we must first recognize as Saul did that we are a sinner (Romans 3:23). Saul knew he was a sinner even though he came from a very good ancestry (Philippians 3:5), and had a great education (Acts 22:3). So just because we might have a wonderful family background and a great education, that alone can't save us. No matter how well known our family is and no matter how much college and other schools we have attended and completed, we still must acknowledge we are in sin and need God. What Was Saul's Great Sin? But what was Saul's great sin that moved him to tell Timothy that he was chief among sinners? He explains in Acts 22:4 that he was involved in persecuting Christians. There it says: "I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women." He felt bad that he had delivered Christians up to be killed and thrown into prison. He did this, but he did this ignorantly. He told Timothy "although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief" (1 Timothy 1:13). Saul's mistake was in regard to religion, he thought that he was right, but in fact he was very wrong. In Acts 26:9 he said: "Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities." Paul later admitted before anyone that would listen that he was wrong in what he did. He further stated that when he was doing these things contrary to God's will that "I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers" (Galatians 1:14). And all the time that he was zealously persecuting Christians he did so in all GOOD CONSCIENCE (Acts 24:16). What can we learn from Saul's great sin? We should learn that a person may think he is right, be zealous, have a good conscience and yet still be WRONG! Until we are willing to open up the Word of God and read what we MUST do in order to be saved, with an honest and open heart, then we too might very well be guilty of doing sin, yet in good conscience. Remember "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). We will never know what it is that we are SUPPOSED to do if we do not read it. We can never gain Bible faith, if we don't read it! Saul Becomes an Apostle and a Christian Let's take a moment to carefully distinguish between the things that made Paul an apostle and the things that made him a Christian. The things that transpired in Acts 22:6-9 is what allowed Paul to call himself an apostle. The text says: "Now it happened, as I journeyed and came near Damascus at about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me. And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? So I answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting. And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me." In this reading we can understand that Jesus appeared specifically to Paul (verse 9), not to any other. He understands and explains that this event happened because he was chosen to be a "witness" for Christ. The scripture says: "Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard" (Acts 22:14-15). Saul became a Christian when he OBEYED the voice of the Lord. In Acts 9:6 it says: "So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" And the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." Why did the Lord tell Saul to go to Damascus and see a man named Ananias? Because that work had been committed into the hands of men. Why was it that Ananias did not tell him to believe? Because Saul was already a believer at this point. Why didn't Ananias tell Saul to repent? Because he was already penitent. So what was it then that Saul was told to do? In Acts 22:16 it says: "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Saul was not saved, was not a Christian, until he was baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27). That is the only way his sins could be washed away. The very same way that the sins were washed away (forgiven) on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the first sermon. At that time Peter commanded the people: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). We can learn a valuable lesson from Saul. When he learned the truth - he OBEYED and was baptized. Have you learned the truth, OBEYED, and been baptized? Tomorrow may be too late! --- JOSEPH - NEVER DEFEATED Lalo Enriquez The Old Testament story of Joseph is one of the most beautiful in written literature. It is found in Genesis chapters 37-50. It's a wonderful story of never giving up; of faith in the midst of trial. Because of his complete trust in God, he would not acknowledge defeat. Beginning at age seventeen much tragedy would befall him. His brothers, out of envy, sold him to slave traders who then took him to Egypt. As a slave to an Egyptian official, he was falsely accused of attempted rape and was thrown in prison for several years. In all his trials, Joseph would not be defeated. He never lost hope, and because of this he was blessed. He eventually became a ruler in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. And, he eventually brought his family to Egypt, saving them from the great famine that plagued the world at that time. It would do well for us to read this story often, especially when we're pressed down with problems. We'd be wise to apply to our lives it's beautiful truths of faith and perseverance under trial. There's absolutely no excuse to lose faith in God and to give up. God knows our problems. He wants to bless us. But only if we maintain our faith and trust in Him, and only if we keep doing those things that are right in His sight. --- SENTENCE SERMONS Swallowing your pride will not give you indigestion. Train up a child in the way he should go and go the way yourself. The reason worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work. When you are through learning , you are through. A house without books is like a house without windows. - Horace Mann There is nothing so frightful as an active ignorance. - Goethe You may think that alcohol peps you up, but in the end it lets you down. There are some people who will fall for everything and stand for nothing. Gossip is like a balloon; it grows bigger with every puff. --- SERMON FAITH AND SALVATION (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) www.thetfordcountry.com --- cid:image003.gif at 01C9DCB3.EEF5E980 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study..........10:00 A.M. Worship.........11:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study........6:30 P.M. Evangelist/Editor Richard Thetford Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090809/eda94b30/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9271 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090809/eda94b30/attachment-0003.gif From crxtra at gmail.com Sun Aug 9 00:50:41 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 8 Aug 2009 22:50:41 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Looking for the Right Thing Message-ID: <000001ca18b5$557ef010$007cd030$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper August 9, 2009 Looking for the Right Thing Imagine that you are walking down a city street and you notice a man who seemed to be looking intently for something. Most of the time, he is looking down at the sidewalk, occasionally you see him digging through trash receptacles, and every once in awhile he lifts his head, seems to be getting his bearings, and then thoughtfully puts his hand up to his chin as if he was in deep thought or trying desperately to remember something. From all you have seen, it appears the man is looking for something, so you join in with some interest, thinking it must be something of importance to him. You follow him around for a bit and then, finally, your curiosity gets the better of you and you just have to ask him what he seeks. What would you think [or do] if the man simply answered, "I don't know"? The illustration above may seem strange but, friends and brethren, it is the story of many people's spiritual search today. I know it often seems like no one is seeking truth nowadays, but the fact is there are still people out in the world who are searching. Unfortunately, many who are searching for something do not know what it is they seek and so their search is just as fruitless, more often than not. It may be that they just feel an emptiness in their lives; maybe they once knew something about God and/or the Bible but have long since forgotten it all; maybe they have been to so many churches and heard so many confusing messages that they have now forgotten what it is they originally sought; maybe they started out looking for the right thing, but have gotten distracted; or maybe they are just trying to get away from what they have known all their lives, sensing that there is something out there that - though different from anything they have ever known - is the very thing they have long sought: the way of God and not man. Though all these situations [and many more] are actual cases, there is only one way to find the truth: You have to want to find it, you have to know what it is, and you have to accept that it is, indeed, the truth. All of these things together make for a successful search, but it will not happen if any one part is missing. I believe all three are seen in the example of the Bereans, as noted in Acts 17:11, 12. Consider: The Desire for Truth. It is said that the Bereans "received the word with all readiness of the mind" [ASV]; that means their minds were prepared to hear the truth! They desired it! They were not acting as professional skeptics, ready to criticize, berate, and mock anything that was taught, but were keenly interested in the truth. It is for this reason they were called "more noble" than those in Thessalonica, who had stirred up a mob, attacked the house of one of the disciples, and charged Paul and Silas with turning the world upside down, mainly because they were envious of their successes and because they did not like the message of salvation through Christ that was being preached. Today, I am afraid there are many who imitate the Thessalonians more so than the Bereans! Their interests are not really in finding truth, but in criticizing, mocking, and hindering the spread of truth. They also make false and exaggerated claims against those who spread the gospel message and who seek to lead others to also follow Christ, and do not tolerate the desire of others who would either teach or listen to the message. But, as was already noted, there are still some in the world today who are genuinely interested in the truth. Are you one of them? Maybe you have noticed that while the so-called "experts" in the world criticize the "old-fashioned ways" of those who believe in the Bible, the society that they have created is falling down around them. Maybe you have noticed the hypocrisy of church leaders who demonstrate only a superficial interest in Christ and His words, while pursuing political and personal power as the flock wanders about aimlessly. Maybe you have heard many messages purporting to be from God, but have noticed that few [or none] actually teach what is found in the Bible - at least not all of it. If you want to find the truth, it still can be done, if you look in the right place. God has told put within every man a desire to find and know Him (cf. Acts 17:26, 27), but many men suppress that desire and follow after the worldly things. You can be one who follows truth, not the crowd. Recognizing the Truth. When the Bereans heard Paul speak to them the word of God, they did not blindly accept his words without a challenge; they were busy "examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so"! In other words, they knew that anything and everything that was said to be the word of God had to be tested by the word of God; they knew what the truth was! They did not go on a hunch, they were not persuaded by Paul's smooth words, and they did not take a vote on it; they went to the word of God - said to be truth (Psa. 119:160) - to verify the words of Paul were, in fact, truth. That must be our response today, too! Instead of responding to the truth based on what your parents have believed or done, what the majority of people believe or do, or even what you think or believe or do, to ensure it is truth, it must be checked against the already-revealed word of God, the Bible. If it agrees, check it again to make sure you are not just wanting it to be true; if it does not agree, then likewise make sure you are just not wanting to reject it, and then if you still find it to not agree with revealed Scripture, you would be right to reject it. Far too many men base their perception of truth based on emotions, family relations, the words of uninspired and biased men, or simply what they "think" it should be. I urge you to not take the word of any man [self included], but do as the Bereans and test it for truthfulness by checking what is said and done against the word of God, the Bible. Accepting the Truth. The story of the Bereans did not end at the hearing but, after hearing, "Many of them therefore believed." Here is where many part ways with truth, having reached their Kadesh-Barnea. They stand at the edge of truth, close enough to look into it and see the many spiritual blessings it offers but, lacking trust in God that His words are true, they instead believe the lies of men who say it cannot be done, point to the apparent certain defeat if truth is followed, and turn back in their hearts to Egypt, surrendering - possibly forever - the chance at Entering God's new Promised Land. For whatever reason - pride, family, personal enmity, whatever - many men falter at finding truth here because they simply cannot accept that it is what it is. Maybe they, like the Jews of the first century, expect something grander or more royal and are disappointed and - sometimes - incredulous that God's plan for our salvation could be so simple. Maybe they do not like the implications that must be accepted when truth is accepted: loved ones now lost and many more who are deceived and in error. Seeing the consequences, many turn away knowing that they have seen truth, but spend the rest of their lives denying it rather than accepting the fact of the matter. Hopefully, you are one who has come to know the truth and have obeyed. But maybe you are one who has searched for the truth, has come to know the truth through diligent study, but have just not yet taken that last step of accepting it. What is hindering you? Please know that no matter how you respond, truth is still truth and it can be found. If you do not recognize it, it is still truth; and if you never accept it, it is still truth. The truth can make you free (John 8:32), but you must find it, recognize it, and accept it by obeying. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090808/bc074215/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 10 04:38:36 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:38:36 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) LOVE DEMONSTRATED Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an artic- le from my files: LOVE DEMONSTRATED God's entire plan for man is built upon love. Jno. 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God didn't just say that He loved man -- He demonstrated it with the greatest manifestation of love that the world will ever know. Consider 1 Jno. 4:7-12: "Beloved, let love one another; for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God to- ward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through HIm. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent HIs Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought to also love one another. God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us." Once again John made the point that God de- monstrated His love by what He did. He sent His Son to die for us. It is an easy thing tosay, "I love God." It is something else altogether to prove it. In 1 Jno. 5:2,3 we find, "By this we know tht we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." Does my conduct demonstrate my love for God? Do I do even the simpliest things that He has asked me to do? Do I study His Word regularly? Do I faithfully attend all of the services of the congregation that I am physically able tro attend, considering my brethren "to provoke unto love and good works"? It is so easy to say, "I love God," but does the evidence of my conduct back that up? Jesus said in Jno. 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." vs. 21, says, "He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." And in vs. 24 the Lord said, "He that loveth Me not keepeth not my sayings." When it comes to, is my love real or is it in word but ot in deed? Think of this as it relates to our fellow man. Once again from the passage in 1 Jno. 3, we all know and understand that if I am standing next to someone who is starving to death, and I have the capability of giving him something to eat, but don't -- I can say that I love him all I want, but it is just not true! James wrote in Jas. 2:14-17, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and hath not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are need- ful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." It all fits in together. How can I say I love my fellow man if my conduct doesn't prove it? The answer is simple -- I can't! We have something that man needs more than food, clothing, or shelter. We have the truth. We have athe gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. That gospel is all about love -- demonstra- ted love on the part of God. The question is, are we going to demonstrate our love by telling people about it? Are we going to love "in deed and in truth?" If I understand the Scriptures correctly, I believe that God is telling us to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. One of the most scathing rebukes ever issued by the Lord dealt with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and is found in Matt. 23:2-4: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seak: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not, For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers." "For they say, and do not"! Seven times in the remaining verses of that chapter Jesus would say, "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" To say something like "I love God" or "I love my fellow man" is easy. God wants it to be real, proven and demonstrated by our conduct. ---- Greg Litmer in "That You May Grow Thereby." -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/e4b446de/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 10 04:38:49 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:38:49 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) HOW TO TEACH YOUR FATHER OR MOTHER THE TRUTH Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. I have known Edward Good nearly all of his life. He and his good family. May God continue to bless them. HOW TO TEACH YOUR FATHER OR MOTHER THE TRUTH What a difficult thing it can be to teach your father and moth- er the truth of the gospel! There are so many Christians whose heart's desire and prayer to God is for their father and mother. The either are praying that mom and dad will become Christians or will leave an apostate church to be a part of pure New Testa- ment Christianity. I sincerely hope I can say a few things here that will help someone to teach his or her mother and father the truth. We all need the truth because of what it can make of us. we are told, "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (Jno. 8:32). (In the same book, in the 17th chapter we are told, "Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy Word is truth" (Jno. 17:17). There might be some who say that their own father is exempt from their teaching because they love him too much to tell him he is condemned if he continues in the same path that he is now following. Don't be controlled by your emotions. Your father and/or mother needs the truth to be free from sin just like anyone else. It takes a bushel of honesty to say that your father is in the wrong. The daughters of Zelophehad had this courage. They said that their father had died in his own sin (Num. 27:3,4). It is probably harder to teach our own parents the truth than anyone else. I reckon it is harder because our parents have been used to doing the teaching, and not the other way around. Our parents, have been in the position of giving orders and lead-ing the children in the family so long, it is hard for them to become the students rather than the teachers. There are so many things that children grow up and begin to do that the parents have already "been there and done that" and knows all about it. They have always been in the teaching position with regard to their children and some times the wrong idea of false idea that their children are now trying to turn things around and teach them something they need and thusfar do not have. (This doesn't only apply to our parents, but it needs to apply to our dearest friends and neighbors, JWS). We must remember that some parents will accept the truth and others will not. Some of Lot's relatives (seemingly, his wife and two daughters) got out of the city and was saved from its destruction, but even the wife disobeyed God in looking back toward the burning city and was turned into a pillar of salt, his daughters later commited incest with their father while he was in a drunken condition. Their offspring from that incest never amounted to anything as far as serving the Lord is concerned. There were those who were Lot's relatives that did not listen to his advice and persuasion and were destroyed along with the wicked city. Rahab was able to save her relatives. Rahab had faith that caused her to plea for and make preparations to save her own family. (Jos. 6:23). The sons of Jacob convinced their father to believe a lie (that Joseph had died from being attacked by a wild beast). But later, they had to persuade their father that Joseph was still alive and desired to see him. David never was able to persuade his father-in-law, Saul to stop his vengeful ways even though he set the right ways before him . Jonathan, Saul's own son tried to persuade Saul to treat David civily and to stop trying to kill him. (1 Sam. 19:4-11; 20:30-33). (Are you having good results in trying to teach your close relatives and friends the truth of the gospel? JWS). Perhaps I should mention some "don'ts." Don't expect an angel to come down to convince your parents to obey the truth. Don't expect someone to be raised from the dead to come back and preach the truth to your parents. The rich man desired that such be done for his brothers (Lk. 16). Don't expect God to speak to your parents through a donkey as He did to Balaam in (Num. 22). What are some specific ways to teach our parents the truth? First, we should use good reasoning (Isa. 1:19). It was a servant that reasoned with and persuaded his master to do what was required of him to have his leprosy cured (2 Kgs. 5:13). The clear reasoning logic of this servant caused his master to rethink his decision and turn and do what was required of him. Second, remember to honor your parents in all that you do and say to them. "Honor your father and mother in all things, which is the first commandment with promise" (Eph. 6:2). You must not curse your parents or use bad language toward them (Prov. 30:11). Instead, speak wisely, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col. 4:5,6). 1 Tim. 5:1 con- tains an important priciple along this line. While it may be speak- ing to those in the faith, the principle still applies: "rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father." Paul says there is a certain way that we are to treat a father. It would be with the ut- most respect, would it not? He goes on to tell Timothy how to conduct himself toward every facit of life in dealing with every type of person he will be meeting and associating with. Third, it might be that your parents will not listen nor reason with you. If that happens, don't forget what 1 Pet. 3 says. 1 Pet. 3:1-7 has a principle that may be applied to teaching your paren- ts. It discusses the ability to live a godly life and so by being a good example of Christianity before them, one might be persuad- ed of your sincerity in dealing with the truth and thereby by your life they may be persuaded to obey the gospel without you trying to pound the gospel into them by your words. Remember, that Edgar Guest said: "I had rather see a sermon any day than to hear one, because I might misunderstand what is being said by the teacher, but I cannot misunderstand what he does." So, our conduct before anyone, even our parents, will sometimes work to their conversion without trying to talk them into it. In all of these efforts to convert your parents and your friends and neighbors, don't forget to constantly pray to God for assistance in what you are trying to do. ---- Adapted from an article by Edward Good via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 29, July 19, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/a710ca82/attachment-0001.html From blackwelderr at gmail.com Mon Aug 10 09:45:52 2009 From: blackwelderr at gmail.com (Roger Blackwelder) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:45:52 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Request: Rebaptism Message-ID: <747a5bf10908100745l61f99436kc15f22b94f02a774@mail.gmail.com> I am looking for articles or sermons on the topic of rebaptism. You can send any to me privately if you prefer. Thanks, Roger Blackwelder Chapman Acres church of Christ Huntsville, AL -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/7bae7960/attachment-0001.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Mon Aug 10 10:21:38 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:21:38 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S> Marked For Jesus Message-ID: Here's a sermon I hope you can use. Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX angletonchristians.com *************************************************** Marked For Jesus Gal 6:17 Intro: Who owns you? A. Jerry Apodaca when running for gov. of NM in 1975 had a slogan: "The man nobody owns" 1. The idea was that he would be obliged to no special interest. It worked, he was elected. B. Slaves of every era have had some mark forced on them to show ownership. 1. Sometimes the mark was branded or cut into their bodies. It could have been an initial or some other identifier that proved the slave belonged to a certain person much like cattle are branded on ranches. C. Some slaves chose to be marked for ownership. 1. Ex 21:2-6; Isaiah 44:1-5 D. In same way, Paul was marked as owned by Christ. 1. Gal 6:17 2. Paul's argument is that since he was obviously in genuine service to Christ, no one should reject his apostolic authority. I. The Physical Marks A. The physical difficulties endured by Paul for Christ's cause were many. 1. 2 Cor 11:21-27 2. Amazingly, we never read of Paul complaining about his lot in life due to following Christ. B. Paul was not the only one to endure physical hardship for being on the right side. 1. Heb 11:24-25, 35-38 2. Persecution and hardship that we've never had to face! What made them so strong and willing to experience such suffering? C. I believe the secret is in mind-set, attitude: 1. Phil 3:7-10 2. With the attitude of experiencing fellowship with Jesus through suffering, Paul believed it made him stronger and more resolved. a. 2 Cor 4:7-11 3. Paul's frailty gave opportunity for God's power to be made known through Paul. All the suffering was a testament to Christ's ownership of Paul. II. The Inward Marks A. Though physical suffering was evident, Paul also bore inward marks of Christ's hold on him. These were just as evident as the physical marks he bore. B. Humility ? Matt 23:12; Rom 12:3 1. This was a heard-learned lesson for Jesus' apostles and continues to be for His disciples today. a. In spite of the "greatness" of his calling, Paul made sure to keep himself in perspective: (1) "I am the least of the apostles." 1Cor 15:9 (2) "I am the very least of all the saints." Eph 3:8 (3) "I am foremost of sinners." 1 Tim 1:15 C. Love for souls ? 2 Cor 5:13-15; 1 Cor 9:16-23; 2 Cor 11:28-29 1. Working tirelessly to spread the gospel, Paul did everything he could to persuade men to obey it. 2. Nothing would stop him - Acts 21:10-14 D. Passion for obedience ? Gal 2:20; 1 Cor 9:27 1. Though once a Pharisee of some reputation, he was not above submission to Christ. 2. Peter T. Forsythe was right when he said, "The first duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its Master." 3. It is the "obedience of faith" (Rom 16:26); the "works" James extols (James 2:18-ff); the "spiritual sacrifices" referred to by Peter (1 Pet 2:5). III. Are YOU Marked? A. Paul's godly characteristics were many but they were not originally his. 1. "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." 1 Cor 11:1 2. When you think about it, Jesus Himself was a "marked man!" (Isaiah 53) B. While we could continue to extol Paul's virtues, the point is this: 1. What marks YOU as being owned by Christ? C. Satan and the world will leave their mark on you: 1. Greed, lust, selfishness, pride, apathy are all marks that one is controlled by the wrong master! a. Eph 2:1-3 2. These characteristics are easy to spot and are becoming more and more prevalent among those who are supposed to be owned by Christ. 3. Conformity to the world instead of radical transformation seems to be the order of the day. a. Rom 12:1-2 D. You can be marked by your rightful owner. 1. Christian, Jesus owns you but allows you to make your own decision whom you'll serve. a. Rom 6:12-18 Conc: Ownership by Jesus leaves a mark! A. Whether the marks are outward or inward, submission to Christ will set you apart from the way of this world. B. While they may look repulsive to the world, the brand-marks of Jesus are the marks of sonship, relationship to God. C. Mark yourself "Belonging to the Lord!" (Is 44:5) 1. Wear the marks of transformation - Rom 8:28-30 D. INV -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/40b0bbf8/attachment-0001.html From tthornhill06 at yahoo.com Mon Aug 10 11:16:33 2009 From: tthornhill06 at yahoo.com (Tom Thornhill) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:16:33 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Biblemat] A> Go Ahead A Do What You Want To Do! Message-ID: <479113.10877.qm@web50909.mail.re2.yahoo.com> Greetings brethren, here is an article from yesterday's bulletin. Tom Thornhill, www.roseavenue.org GO AHEAD AND DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO Have you ever heard of a parent who in frustration at their child?s unwillingness to obey say, ?Go ahead and do what you want to do. You?re going to anyway!?? It is usually NOT said with approval, but with the sad realization that the child has no intention of obeying (at least at the moment) a specific instruction. At times it is said for the shock value, with the hope that the child will wake up and realize that they are being disobedient and perhaps even rebellious and needs to repent. The Bible is filled with examples of rebellion against God. As you study the history of Israel you find not only God?s patience, but the depth to which He went to try and bring them back. The Lord tried everything He could to bring them back, at times with limited results and at other times with NO response. One example of this is found in 1 Kings 22 where Israel is governed by Ahab (and Jezebel), who has the distinction of being its most wicked king. The context records an occasion when Jehosephat, king of Judah, visits with him. Ahab invites Jehosephat to join him in taking Ramoth in Gilead. Jehosephat, being a righteous king has a request first, ?Please inquire for the word of the Lord today.? (22:5) Jehosephat wanted to know if the Lord was with them. So Ahab calls for his parade of ?yes men? who all told him to go and he would find great success. But Jehosephat knows they are charlatans and further requests, ?Is there not still a prophet of the Lord here that we may inquire of Him?? (22:7). Ahab?s response is, ?There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.? (22:8) Nevertheless, Micaiah is called and as he is prepared to see the king he is urged to ?speak encouragement? (13) to the king. Micaiah clearly says that the only words he will speak are those commanded of the Lord. (14) When the prophet finally appears before Ahab and is asked if they should go to war against Ramoth Gilead he says, ?Go and prosper, for the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king!? (22:15) Based on the context it is obvious that Micaiah was being sarcastic and it reflected in his voice (cf. 22:15-16). In essence, what the prophet was saying was, ?Go ahead and do what you want to do.? After he was rebuked (i.e. the shock effect got the king?s attention) Micaiah tells the truth. In essence he said that if Ahab went to battle he would be killed and lose. In fact, in vs. 19-23 Micaiah explains that all those who said, ?go ahead? were lying and it was the Lord?s hope that he would be persuaded to go and thus perish. Ahab was WARNED NOT to go. As you read the rest of the text you find the sad conclusion. Ahab went anyway and died in battle that day (22:29-40). I find it amazing that even after being told he would die if he went, by the only TRUE source he knew of, Ahab went anyways. The text shows efforts to avoid defeat, including wearing a disguise and dire consequences for the prophet who told him the truth, but the word of the Lord came true as a random soldier drew his bow and struck the king between the joints of his armor and he died that day. One might ask why Ahab acted as he did in the face of a direct warning from God. The answer is simple and plain ? HE WANTED TO! There is a reality that influences the overwhelming majority of people in this world: We do what we want to do. Often what this means is that we is that we think about what we want right now for ourselves. We may be warned about the consequences of continuing a certain behavior but we bulldoze ahead full force and do what we want to do anyway. There may be other things we know we need to be doing, but since we don?t want to do them, we find every conceivable excuse to get out of it. Often times we bury the truth, even from ourselves so that we won?t have to face it. But, the fact that we do what we want to do can also be a good thing. IF what we want to do is the right thing, then it is good. That does not mean that we find the task ahead of us pleasant. It simply means that with wisdom we have weighed the consequences and determined that whatever discomfort we face in accomplishing the task is worthwhile because of the goal is worthy and right. That is why the true Christian is willing to suffer and sacrifice. It is not because he enjoys the physical misery that might be inflicted upon him but his desire to please God and do what is best for others is MORE important to him. In other words, it is what he wants to do. His desire is to please God and that is his priority. Consider Paul in Philippians 3:7-11 where he says, ?But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.? What is the point of this article? As a preacher, I realize that I have a responsibility to preach the word ?in season and out of season? (2 Tim. 4:2). That means that when I notice we are not what we ought to be as a congregation or I see problems, either already here or beginning to materialize, I need to tell you the truth. Sometimes this must be done as a rebuke and/or with harsh and strong language. I will tell you: At times, because I know the attitudes that many have, what I want to say is, ?GO AHEAD AND DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO!? Why? Because I know that no matter what I say, OR what the scriptures say, you are going to do what you want to do anyway. For example: ? When it comes to attendancethere are some to whom I might as well say, ?Go ahead and do what you want to do? because regardless of what the Bible says (Hebrews 10:24-25), you are only going to be here when you want to be here and you are NOT going to be here when you don?t want to be. I can?t do anything to change your mind! ? When it comes to our attitude toward one anotheras brethren I must emphasize our need to prefer one another and to love one another (Romans 12:12-16, 1 John 3:11, John 13:34-35, etc.). It must also continually warn us about how we use our tongues and attitudes (Ephesians 4:29-32, Colossians 3:8-9). But I must confess there are times I want to say, ?Go ahead and do what you want to do? because there are some who think of themselves first and their demeanor shows NO intention of changing (Phil. 2:1-4). ? When it comes to living a moral lifewe know that God has set a HIGH standard. We have to watch what we wear, where we go, what we do, and it is not just when we are in public but also in the privacy of our own homes. Preachers are obligated to preach God?s standard of morality (Ephesians 4:17-23, Galatians 5:19-21, James 1:21, Colossians 3:8-9, etc.) and how you cannot serve God with divided loyalties (James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-16, Matthew 6:24, etc.). But sometimes I feel like saying, ?Go ahead and do what you want to do.? ? When it comes to our need to reach the lostthere are times when I want to say, ?Go ahead and keep the gospel to yourself because it is what you want to do anyway.? But I know that God expects us to share His word with the lost just as someone did for us in times past. I know that the great commission applies to me (Mark 16:15, Matt. 28:19). I know that untold millions are dying untold and I have the truth that I must find the courage to tell them about (2 Tim. 2:2, 2 Cor. 5:10-11). I know that the TRUE church is dying in many communities and after all the excuses are scrubbed, the REASON remains that we are NOT doing our job to reach the lost. And the reason: Because we really don?t want to do it. Other reasons could be easily be added to these, but it is my hope that the point has been made. We do what we want to do. It has not been my intention in this article to discourage us from doing what is right. NOR am I saying that it is impossible for one who is selfishly bent on his own ways right now to ever change. Change can happen and sometimes what it takes is a strong rebuke. Just like the preaching of Peter on the day of Pentecost caused them to be ?cut to the heart? (Acts 2:37) so it can change hearts today. And that is why preachers keep preaching the truth and trying to motivate the congregation in the right direction. It is their job, regardless of what you do (2 Tim. 2:3-4, cf. Ezek. 3:16-21). BUT the fact remains, that no matter what is said by the preacher, the elders, your best friend OR God Himself through His word, you will do what you want to do. The question is: WHAT DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO? Only you can answer that, but be prepared for the consequences (cf. Eccl. 11:9, 12:13-14; Romans 2:1-11). Think about it! Thomas Thornhill Jr., Bellflower, CA -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/786c2420/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Aug 10 15:19:04 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:19:04 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Sealed In Death (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: Sealed In Death (Kent Heaton) There is a remarkable thing that happens at the moment of death. When the spirit leaves the body and returns to Him who made us (Ecclesiastes 12:7) everything about our life is sealed permanently. There is no second chance for anything when death strikes. All of the accomplishments of life are ended. All of the opportunities given in life are over. The reality of death is the sobering truth of the finality of it all. The Bible is our guide to the realm of the dead. Only from the mind of God do we have revealed the nature and character of life beyond this world. Without the revelation of God's mind to man the knowledge of life beyond the grave would be unknown. No book ever written can lay claim to that distinction. Abel was the first to experience this event when he was killed by his brother, Cain (Genesis 4:8). From that time until now all men that have died found their fates sealed in the twinkling of the moment of death. Luke tells us the story of two men who shared together the experience of death (Luke 16:19-31). One was a rich man who lived life to the fullest. The other man in the story was a poor, miserable beggar named Lazarus who finally embraced mercy when death took his life. They both shared the same fate - their destiny was sealed in death. The rich man desired for Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool his awful pain. Abraham said this could not be done. The rich man then pled with Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to tell his five brothers how awful the place of torment was. Again Abraham denied the request. The rich man never asked to be sent back. He knew that he would not be able to leave the place of torment. His life was filled with unrighteousness and because of this he would remain in torment. Lazarus, who bore the brunt of human cruelty in life, would remain in the bosom of Abraham; content to dwell with the saints of God. Neither one would be able to change their place. Only one wanted to be somewhere else. Jesus taught that eternal life would be granted to those who believed on Him and were obedient to Him (Matthew 19:29; 25:46; John 3:15,16; 10:28; 17:3). Eternal life means that life is eternal without any change. However, the same rule is applied to those who are disobedient. "Everlasting punishment" is reserved for those who are wicked (Matthew 25:46) and the punishment is without end. There is no change. Jesus describes the final resurrection in John 5:28-29: "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth- those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28-29). Death seals the destiny of each person. The coming of Christ will seal the fate of all mankind. No one can be prayed out of torment. No one can be baptized out of torment (as the Mormon Church teaches). No one can get a second chance. Death seals the fate of everyone. This reality should make us pause and consider our lives before God. Jeremy Taylor wrote, "God hath given to man a short time upon this earth and yet upon this short time eternity depends." Your actions now will determine your eternal destiny (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). The mercy of God ends in death. The grace of God ends in death. The invitation to come to salvation ends in death. When Jesus comes (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10) the blood shed on the cross will never be offered again. Are you ready for the Lord to come? Are you ready to die? Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com July 26 - August 1, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/760930df/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Aug 10 15:23:12 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:23:12 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Women Speaking In Class (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <272B0A8FCFED4D128012D30E06F1DD74@D2381J91> FROM THE QUESTION BOX: Is it okay for a woman to speak out in classes? (Kent Heaton) The above question was submitted to the "Suggestion Box" with concerns of the role women (children and teenagers included) have in the classes "in the church." Two passages were cited as concern for examination: 1 Timothy 2:11-15 and 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. This is a very good question and one important to examine without a traditional view of how it has been done in the past or how a person may view this issue. What we practice at the Trenton church must be based upon proof text of the Bible and not tradition or opinions of men. The first question considers whether it is proper for a woman to speak during class time. The second question examines the Biblical authority for women classes in the church. Should women speak during class time? It must be understood that the "modern" arrangement of services for the church is not a Biblical pattern of necessity. In almost all of the places I have worshipped we have had Bible classes on Sunday morning; a morning service and an evening service; a Bible class on Wednesday night. On occasion, there have been other gatherings on Sunday such as singings, group meetings, special studies and Bible classes. During the week gospel meetings are held, classes conducted and so forth. The New Testament church was instructed to meet on the first day of the week and did so by example (Acts 2:40-47; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; 1 Corinthians 12-14). They followed that pattern by divine command and we seek to follow the same pattern. When we meet on the first day of the week in worship to God we fulfill the divine command. In the last century efforts have been made to expand the work of teaching the Bible to families and Bible classes were encouraged for those who wanted to attend. Meeting on Sunday morning and Wednesday night for Bible class is an extension of the work of what the elder's desire for the church to grow. It is not a mandatory action commanded by the Lord but a time of exhortation to learn more about the word of God. It is important to note the difference between a Bible class and the worship commanded by the Lord on the first day of the week. Worship is commanded but Bible classes is an expediency. The "rules of engagement" are clearly set forth in worship and the expediency of Bible class is based upon the principles of communication between the participates. To engage in a Bible study requires communication. We find an example of a Bible study in Acts 18:24-26 when Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside and "they . explained to him the way of God more accurately." It is proper for a woman to speak in a Bible class whether it is at home or in a classroom at the church building. The church building does not make a gathering a worship. In the process of teaching a woman there is a need to communicate and this does not go against 1 Timothy 2 nor 1 Corinthians 14. Sitting in a Bible class at the church building does not fall under the restrictions of worship. Should the Trenton church have Bible classes? One of the tasks involved in the work of the church is "the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12-13). This can be done in many ways and one of the ways the Trenton church seeks to edify and equip the brethren is a concentrated study of the word of God - Bible classes. In the context of these classes, the restriction of 1 Timothy 2 applies. "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence" (1 Timothy 2:11-12). Women cannot conduct classes that usurp the authority of the man. Participation in a class through discussion does not suggest a woman having authority over the man. If such were the case that a woman was using her place in a Bible class (whether in the church building or the home) to control the class, she would be in rebellion to God's will. Priscilla did not usurp the authority of Aquila when "they" taught Apollos. This was not done in a worship setting but privately. Women teaching women or children is found within the context of their role and important work within the church. Sometimes the question is raised whether a woman should teach a youth who has been baptized. Baptism makes a Christian, not a man and her role as a teacher does not usurp the role of teaching a youth the word of God. It must also be noted the language that is used when trying to determine what can be done "in the church." Often we say we are going "to church" when in fact we cannot "go" to church. The idea of 'meeting in a building' is 'church' is a misuse of the term church. "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47) is not speaking of the building but the body of saved persons. The church is made up of people who have made a covenant with God through His Son. When it comes to the worship on the Lord's day (Revelation 1:10) there are specific commands that must be followed. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church" (1 Corinthians 14:33-35). The church at Corinth was admonished to refrain from allowing the women from taking a role of authority (1 Timothy 2:11-15) and were forbidden from having a leadership role in the worship. This command does not forbid them from singing (Ephesians 5:19) but rather the place of speaking with authority within the worship of the church. Women cannot be used in worship nor called on to lead prayers or preach. This is forbidden by the "commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37). The Bible class is not the worship service. It is a time that individuals can come together and discuss the Bible in an open forum. If the church building is used for this forum the commands of 1 Corinthians 14 are not broken no more than if the class was held in a home, school auditorium or under the oak tree. There is another distinction that is clear from Bible class to worship. The period of time devoted to Bible class does not include the taking of the Lord's Supper as commanded by the Lord on the first day of the week. Saints gathering on the first day of the week does not require every gathering to have the Lord's Supper. The command to remember the sacrifice of the Lord is fulfilled on the first day of the week when the Lord's Supper is memorialized. If the church meets again that day for a singing the Lord's Supper is not required for the purpose of the meeting is to sing. If the church meets for Bible class in the evening the Lord's Supper is not required for the purpose of the meeting is to study the word of God. This shows a distinction of the purpose of the gathering. Women speaking in Bible class does not apply to 1 Corinthians 14 but can apply to 1 Timothy 2. The worship service clearly is bound by the commands of 1 Corinthians 14 which is also fortified by the teaching of 2 Timothy 2. Is it okay for a woman to speak out in class? Within the confines of decency and propriety with submission the woman may do so. If her conscience does not allow her to do so then she will be bound by her conscience. Is it correct to have women classes in the church? Only in the context of the work of the church helping the members grow in the grace of the Lord. Conducting Bible classes is a furtherance of the work the church but does not represent the command to worship on the first day of the week. If the church met only once on Sunday for the sole purpose of worship as directed by the New Testament pattern then it has fulfilled the command of the Lord. Anything else - while beneficial in many ways - is only an expediency to carry on a further work of the church. Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com July 26 - August 1, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/16146092/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Aug 10 15:24:08 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:24:08 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Is War Wrong? (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <7C26DFC2C88249FDA90C45A286D8AA5B@D2381J91> FROM THE QUESTION BOX: Is war wrong . as in killing other human beings which violates God's law of "Thou shalt not kill" (Kent Heaton) Jesus said, "But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet" (Mark 13:7). The reality of war is that as long as man will live on the earth he will die from the cruel nature of war. The Bible is filled with wars fought by the righteous and the unrighteous. God used war to punish His people. War is the conflict burning within man against his fellow man. James defines the nature of war when he writes, "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:1-2). The Lord fought righteous battles but men fight wars for their own lust whether lust for power, land, greed or revenge. The Ten Commandments forbade killing. The meaning of the phrase "Thou shalt not kill" is "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Darrell Hymel in his book, "A Topical Study Of The Law Of Moses" writes: "The word RATSAH (kill) referred to murder (Exodus 21:12-14; Numbers 35:16-18) and manslaughter (Numbers 35:6,11,16-21; Deuteronomy 4:42; Joshua 20:3) . This does not forbid capital punishment (Genesis 9:5-6). In the three chapters following the Ten Commandments there are at least eight offenses named for which God commanded that men be executed. The apostles Paul and Peter believed in capital punishment (Acts 25:11; Romans 13:4; 1 Peter 2:13-15). Neither does "thou shalt not murder" forbid war. Wars were frequently instituted by God Himself (Exodus 15:1; Deuteronomy 20:1; Exodus 17:16; Numbers 10:9)." [page 42] War is a terrible tragedy that takes away innocence never to be recovered. As people of God we must constantly offer prayers for our leaders. "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:1-3). Yves M. Congar wrote, "We often hear it said: 'If God existed there would be no wars.' But it would be truer to say: 'If God's laws were observed there would be no wars.'" [God, Man and the Universe, 1950] The man who fears the Lord "will not be afraid of evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord" (Psalms 112:7). Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com July 26 - August 1, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090810/812f994d/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Aug 10 17:19:13 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:19:13 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Why Do We Do What We Do? Message-ID: Why Do We Do What We Do? I. Introduction A. As humans, we engage in all kinds of activity all the time B. But do we really stop and think about many of the things that we do? 1. We tend to get stuck in ruts! 2. We have our various habits and processes 3. Eating, working, sleeping, etc.-- it never ends! C. While we may not need to put a lot of thought into many of the things we do, is there value in asking ourselves why we do what we do, especially in spiritual matters? 1. Should we stop and think about what we do and why we do it? 2. What's our purpose in our lives? In the various things we do in our lives? 3. Can our service to God be enhanced and our effort in the Kingdom more effective if we purposefully consider what we are to do and why we are to do it? D. Let us consider the matter today -- why do we do what we do? II. Having Purpose A. When we consider the Bible, we do find the need to have purpose! B. Proverbs 29:18 1. People perish (KJV) or throw off restraint (ESV) where there is no vision 2. Certainly refers to prophetic vision, information we have in the Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 3. Yet it demonstrates that people need to have some type of direction! C. Philippians 3:13-14 1. Paul presses on for a goal-- upward call of God in Christ Jesus 2. He casts off everything else to obtain this goal 3. Demonstration of purpose D. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Hebrews 12:1-2 1. Racing imagery 2. Focus, determination, purpose required to win the race, therefore, we must have focus, determination, purpose to fulfill God's purposes! E. The life of Jesus 1. Luke 4:43, John 12:27, John 18:37-- Jesus had a purpose in His existence, to preach the good news of the Kingdom and to die on the cross 2. In three years, He accomplished His purposes 3. Trained the twelve so that all would be ready for the Kingdom (Matthew 10, etc.) 4. Everything He said and did according to His Father's intentions (John 14:9-13, Ephesians 3:11) F. God's Purposes for Us 1. Romans 8:28, Ephesians 1:5 2. Our purpose: to be disciples of Christ, make disciples of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20) G. We can see, therefore, that purpose is an important element in the life of the Christian! III. Considering Ourselves A. As Christians, we must recognize that we have many obligations 1. All things that we do must be according to God's authority (Colossians 3:17) 2. We must examine ourselves and prove all things (2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 John 4:1) 3. Everything we do should result in God's praise and glory (1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 1:9) B. Therefore, it is good for us to ask ourselves: why do we do what we do? C. This question has two levels 1. First level: if we engage in a given practice, what is our reason for doing it, according to the Scriptures? 2. Second level: why do we engage the practice in the way that we engage it, and how can we improve ourselves/the practice to better fulfill God's purposes? D. We can see how this works in many aspects of our faith E. The Assembly 1. According to Scripture, all things in the assembly are to be done for building up (1 Corinthians 14:26) 2. Praying: we pray to thank God, make requests to Him (1 Corinthians 14:14-17, 1 Thessalonians 5:17)-- the one leading the prayer should consider how the prayer will build up and provide thanks to God 3. Singing: we sing to speak to one another in song (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16)-- as singers, we should consider how well we are speaking to one another, and if we really mean what is sung, and song leaders should consider how the songs work to build up and if there is any reason behind the selections of songs 4. Lord's Supper: yes, we know that we are to partake to remember the Lord's death (1 Corinthians 11:23-26), but thought can be given as to how we can best encourage brethren in their focusing on the Lord's death as they partake 5. Preaching: preaching is designed to instruct, exhort, rebuke, encourage as necessary (2 Timothy 4:1-2)-- the preacher must give thought as to how the message relates to the people to whom he is preaching, how it will build them up in their faith 6. Giving: giving to be done cheerfully, as one has prospered (2 Corinthians 9:6-9)-- thought must be given by the giver regarding how they give and the church as to what they are asking people to give for F. Evangelism 1. We know that we are to preach the Word and get the message out (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:16) 2. What methods are being used toward that end? Why? Are they effective? What can be done to better reach people? G. As individuals 1. We have many Scriptures that speak about our responsibilities as individuals (Matthew 5:13-16, Ephesians 5:22-6:9) 2. How are we doing in our various roles? How can we do better at reflecting Christ in our relationships? H. The Church 1. The church as body: Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 2. Does the local church reflect God's purposes for it? How can the church do better at improving the community and environment so as to better reflect its Lord? 3. How can the church improve how it accomplishes the work given to it? I. The Big Picture 1. Jesus charges all of us to grow as His disciples and to work to encourage and make more disciples (Hebrews 5:14, 2 Peter 3:18, Matthew 28:18-20) 2. Do we have a good handle on our purpose? Do we work diligently to better accomplish that purpose? IV. Why Purpose, Anyways? A. As we can see, there are a lot of ways in which we can ask why we do what we do B. But why is it a profitable venture? C. Humans do better when given a goal and an incentive! 1. This reality is not lost on the world 2. Businesses, organizations, governments use these principles 3. They develop purposes and make goals to accomplish those purposes 4. They have indicators that show how goals are to be accomplished, and many times there are incentives to reach the goals D. Without direction, guidance, and incentive, humans do not accomplish as much and as well as when they are present! E. Humans also need encouragement 1. This is evident-- Hebrews 10:24-25 2. Why are people willing to sacrifice so much for various causes? 3. They are motivated by being part of something greater than themselves and the purpose behind their actions! 4. Is this lost on the church? F. Consider the message of Jesus 1. As Christians, we participate in Christ's Kingdom, are part of God's eternal plan (Colossians 1:13, Ephesians 3:11) 2. We are pictured as part of a much greater conflict (Ephesians 6:12, Revelation 12-19) 3. We are to become disciples and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) 4. The hope of eternal glory is given for those who accomplish God's purposes (Romans 1:17-18, 1 Peter 1:3-9)! G. Here we have all the elements necessary! 1. We are given a purpose and a goal 2. We have indicators in the Scriptures as to how to accomplish these goals 3. We have the greatest incentive to accomplish God's purposes 4. God invites us to be part of something much greater than ourselves 5. God provides great encouragement regarding the purpose of our actions H. How well, then, are we doing at communicating this great message, both to those outside and among ourselves? V. Conclusion A. Considering why we do what we do of great importance B. Without proper purpose and goals, we can get lost in the business of life, and sacrifice the greatest for lesser goods C. When we have the proper purpose and goal in our minds, we will do all we can to accomplish God's purposes to His praise and glory D. We may find that more was accomplished than we could ever dream to be possible-- but that is only possible through the power of God and living lives praising, honoring, and glorifying Him! E. Let us then consider why we do what we do, and honor our Lord by our lives! F. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 11 03:41:11 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:41:11 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE BLESSING OF SUBMISSION Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: THE BLESSING OF SUBMISSION Often when counseling before a marriage the word submit comes into the discussion. In the letters written to the Ephesian- s, (5:22) and to the Colossians (3:18) wives are told to submit to their husbands. Also, the apostle Peter addresses wives, "be submissive to your own husbands" (1 Pet. 3:1). The first step in such a discussion should involve defining the word submit, the second step should be an evaluation of how the word is used in the New Testament, and the final step should be a consideration of the blessing that comes from obeying God's command to be submissive. Defining the word submit which is translated from the Greek word "hupotasso." Submit or subject is "primarily a military term meaning to rank under" (W.E. Vines, 1985, pg. 606). Also, it means "to subordinate, to obey: -- be under obedience (obedien-t); put under, subdue unto...; submit self unto" (Strong's Concor- dance -- Greek Dictionary, 1982, #5293. pg. 75). Consider how the word submit is used in the New Testa- ment: Christians willingly submit themselves to every ordinan- ce of man for the Lord's sake (1 Pet. 2:13). Servants, submit themselves to their masters with all fear (1 Pet. 2:18). Younger men submit themselves to their elders (1 Pet. 5:5). All Christians are to be submissive to one another (1 Pet. 5:5). So, wives are to submit to their own husbands (1 Pet. 3:1). What is the blessing of submission? It is the willingness to yield to our heavenly Father. When Jesus asks us to do some- thing, what should be our response? "Do I have to?" "Well, okay, but my heart really isn't in it!" "Alright, I will do it but I am not very happy about it." Or, ratrher, "Yes, Lord, for Your sake I will do it." "Thank You Lord for loving me and dying for me -- I will do anything You say -- I am willing to die for You!" A yielding spirit is all about humility. "Yes, all of you be sub- missive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for 'God re- sists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Therefore humb- le yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:5-7). Everyone is called upon to humbly yield to God which means that we all have many relationships where we must be submissive. For example, children submit to parents; wives are subject to their husbands, citizens are subject to their govern- ment, workers are to submit to their employers; and a local church family submits to their shepherds. So, submission is a blessing to every person who humbly yields to God's Will. ----- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090811/557198d3/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 11 03:41:23 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:41:23 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH? (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anci- ent files. Use to the glory of God. WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH OF THE LORD? (1) When the church of the Lord is evaluated by the frailties and foibles of human beings who compose it, the question is often asked, "Just what is wrong with the church today?" While we must admit to many weak and feeble members, it must be remembered that the church you read about in the Bible is a divine institution, established and existing by the authority of the Almighty God. Therefore, to offset human weaknesses and faults, we can look to the divine side and find many things that are right with the church of the Lord today. Of course, we are not defending the spurious, counterfeit organizations man has begun, for the denominations and sects exist without God's app- roval, and stand condemned by His Scriptures. But the true church of the Lord is still right with God in all its Scriptural com- ponents. The Church Is Right In Origin: -- First, the church is right in its origin. This divine body existed in the mind of God before the world was made. The apostle Paul writes, "And to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God Who created all things; to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly (places) might be made known through the church, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:9-11). The mystery of the grace of God, extending salvation through Christ and His church, were hid from the beginning of time, but God's eternal purpose for His church has now been revealed. The church was established in accordance with prophecy (Isa. 2:2,3; Dan. 2:44), in the city of Jerusalem, "in the last days" (Acts 2:17) to embrace all nations. Jesus had promised, "I will build My church" (Matt. 16:18), and that had been accomplished, for men were added to it (Acts 2:41,47). The church of the Lord had the right beginning, accord- ing to God's eternal purpose. The Church Has The Right Foundation: -- The church is built on the right foundation. Peter confessed to Jesus, "Thou are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus then made the promise "Upon this rock I will build My church" (Matt. 16:18). The found- ation truth upon which the church is built is that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. If this is true (and it is), then the church shall stand forever. If it is false, then the church has not found- ation, and will surely fall. But the church is built upon the solid foundation, and Peter could say of Jesus, "He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner. And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved" (Acts 4:11,12). This foundation was accepted by all inspired men. The inspired apostle Paul wrote, "According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder I laid the foundation; and another buildeth thereon. But let each man take heed how he buildeth thereon. For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3: 10,11). So Paul assures us further that we "are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fit- ly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit" (Eph. 2:20-22). Jesus Christ is the foundation and the church is structured on and in Him. He is our stay! The Church Has The Right Head: -- All authority for the church is vested in Jesus Christ. He stated, "All authority hath been given unto me, in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18). This leaves no religious authority vested in any man, or group of men on earth. Realizing that Christ has all authority, Paul states just when He would relinguish it: "Then cometh the end, when He shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power. For He msut reign, till He hath put all his enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be abolished is death." (1 Cor. 15:24-26). It follows, therefore, that no council, synod or conference can act for the Lord in legislating for His church. He is an absol- ute monarch, having sole authority. God "hath put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22,23). this position of absolute authority is stressed again: "And His 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" (Col. 1:18). Jesus Christ is the right Head of the church, holding all authority and having the preeminence. No human legislation can act for the true church fo the Lord. (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090811/a7780c54/attachment.html From chris.gautney at gmail.com Tue Aug 11 09:13:03 2009 From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney) Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:13:03 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Things Beyond Comparison Message-ID: <9fd765230908110713x60bd329g84e3d3b2e491fe4b@mail.gmail.com> THINGS BEYOND COMPARISON ? 1 Cor. 2:12-13 NO BOOK LIKE - THE BIBLE 1. KNOWLEDGE ? Psa. 119:105,130; Eph. 3:2,3 2. INSTRUCTION ? 2 Tim. 3:16,17, Titus 2:11,12 3. COMPLETENESS ? 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3 4. DURABILITY ? Mt. 24:35; 1 Pet. 1:24-25 NO GOD LIKE - THE GOD OF HEAVEN ? Psa. 115:1-18 1. POWER ? Gen. 1; Psa. 19:1 2. LOVE ? Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8 3. WISDOM ? 1 Cor. 3:19; Rom. 11:33-36 NO SON LIKE - CHRIST 1. LIFE ? Heb 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:21-23 2. LOVE ? Jn. 3:16; Jn. 15:13; 10:14-16 3. NAME ? Jn. 20:31; Acts 4:12; Phil. 2:5-11 NO PLACE LIKE - HEAVEN 1. BEAUTY ? Rev. 21:11 2. LIGHT ? Rev. 21:23; 22:5 3. PURITY ? Rev. 21:27 4. PERMANENCE ? Jn. 14:1-3 5. COMFORT ? Rev. 21:4, 22:14 From Jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Tue Aug 11 21:27:16 2009 From: Jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry ) Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:27:16 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] "I Read The healthcare Bill" Message-ID: Jerry Blount to the list I (like many) have been watching with growing apprehension the health care takeover that is brewing in Washington. I think the thing that scared me the most was when it came out that it was 1100 pages. and that the guys voting on it were rushing so fast they hadn't even read it! That's like a preacher preaching without using the word of God. Today a lot of people preach that way. but it isn't very bright. Like you, I have seen a mountain of internet scare stories floating around regarding this bill. Those things often bring reproach on thoughtful people. When we forward things we need to be sure they are valid. For that reason, among others, I rarely forward articles, but this is an exception. This article that comes with the text from the bill. He says he has read it.. All of it. I certainly haven't! This article is a Christian's reaction to this bill, so please read and consider this article in the light of Washington's turmoil. Here is a link to the bill everyone is fussing over if you wish to read all 1100 pages of it! http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h3200/text There is an opinion poll beside it.. Only 14% of the people that read this were in favor of it. You can participate in the poll beside this bill if you wish. When you are through reading this article. you can take a one question poll if you wish. On Obama's economics performance also if you wish. . http://js.polls.yahoo.com/quiz/quiziframe.php?poll_id=46067 NOTE: After you vote, you will see a second page that shows the running opinion totals. Let me be clear, I have not fully read this bill. I tried to and could not make heads or tails out of the silly thing. It keeps on referring to this section or that. It will take a specialist to implement. This Christian has read it, and he provides the text from the bill he is commenting on. Then, I have provided you a link above to the entire bill so you can cross reference his quote, and comments to form your own informed opinion if you wish. One other sidelight. I have added/expanded and updated my online library. If you wish a one stop online Bible library. I have provided you with one. You can go to my website then click on the library. You will find a good collection of Bible dictionaries/encyclopedia. You'll also find a good collection of commentaries, and historical works. It is the study library that I use. www.JerrysChristianJottings.info Enjoy! Jerry Blount I Read The Bill by Tom Wacaster I have listened with great interest and concern to the "pros" and "cons" of the impending health bill that has been drawn up by the House of Representatives. Few, if any, of our representatives have actually read the bill in its entirety. In contrast a growing number of concerned citizens have taken the time to download and examine this piece of legislation in detail. I downloaded HR3200, and have spent a total of slightly more than ten hours reading the bill, page by page, and line by line. I can confidently say that I have read the bill. Having said that, there are some observations I want to make relative to a "political coup" that is presently underway in the very halls of our Congress. Before addressing what is actually IN the bill, I want to address a mistake that many are making relative to an honest, but mislead attempt to discredit this bill. The internet is a source of much "misinformation." I have received emails saying that the bill will demand abortion if a family has more than two children and the wife becomes pregnant - a scenario similar to China's forced abortion laws. Another email has stated that this bill includes a provision whereby teen age girls will be injected with some kind of a sterility pill and removed later in adult life only when she agrees to the government's law concerning birth, child rearing, etc. I have read of no such provisions in HR3200. All such emails that misrepresent HR3200 only make our attempt to discredit this bill look foolish, and makes honest and concerned individuals appear to be ill-informed at best, and radicals at worst. There is enough in this bill to discredit it based on its own "merits" (I use that word to refer to provisions within the bill that make it a horrible piece of legislation). One more note and then I'll share with you just two or three reasons why every child of God, and citizen of these United States should do all within their power to defeat this bill, and anything like it. I think it important to make a distinction between what this Bill SAYS and what it implies; or in other words, what the Bill states in so many words vs. the authority within those words to enact provisions that are contrary to the very foundation of this country, and which would place in position the means by which the Government could run roughshod over the principles and precepts contained in God's word. If this were purely a health bill, addressing a reform of our health system, I would never have taken the time to read it in such detail. But in my estimation it is a coordinated effort to infringe upon our God-given rights and responsibilities. Consider if you will the following. First, there is the issue of respect for life, whether at conception, or in the closing days of one's life. I am speaking of abortion and euthanasia. Keep in mind that what is "implied" in this Bill is just as important as what the Bill specifically says. On page 230, Lines 8-19 the Bill states: IN GENERAL.-The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall analyze payments for non-therapy ancillary services under a future skilled nursing facility classification system to ensure the accuracy of payment for non-therapy ancillary services. Such analysis shall consider use of appropriate indicators which may include age, physical and mental status, ability to perform activities of daily living, prior nursing home stay, broad RUG category, and a proxy for length of stay. The language gives the Government of the United States the authority to determine whether payment should be made to extend the life of someone who may have reached a predetermined age, physical state, or mental status that the Government deems too costly for treatment. While the Bill does NOT say that anyone past a certain age will NOT be given adequate treatment, it implies it in this provision in the Bill. Once this provision becomes a part of law, it is only a matter of time for the next small incremental step to be taken whereby the Government decides who shall live, or who shall die. The other end of the life cycle is also under attack in this Bill. There are two provisions in this Bill that should concern every God-fearing citizen of our country. The first has to do with the Government's authority to regulate pregnancies. Page 767, Lines 21-24, and continued on page 768, lines 1-5 read as follows: The term 'nurse home visitation services' means home visits by trained nurses to families with a first-time pregnant woman, or a child (under 2 years of age) who is eligible for medical assistance under this title.to the extent determined by the Secretary based upon evidence, that such services are effective in one or more of the following: ''(1) Improving maternal or child health and pregnancy outcomes or increasing birth intervals between pregnancies." This provision grants the Government "as determined by the Secretary" the power to come into your home and evaluate the means by which they might improve the maternal or child health, with specific reference to the "outcomes" (note the plural language here) and/or intervals between pregnancies. Please note the language carefully. The only legitimate, God-authorized "outcome" of a pregnancy is BIRTH. The only other outcome would be abortion. In addition, the Government is going to tell the God-fearing family when they can or cannot have children. And, with any other Government "Bill"or "Law" there will be penalties attached to the disregard for those laws. But there is more in this Bill to support and promote abortion. On page 783, Line 7 provisions are made for the Government financing of "free birth center services." The words are carefully chosen so as to make one think that we are talking about hospitals where provisions are made for births to take place. But watch carefully the language in the lines to follow - and please note the possible interpretation of that provision if so deemed appropriate by the Government. I have placed my interpretation of these possibilities in brackets: The term 'freestanding birth center services' means services furnished to an individual at a freestanding birth center [i.e. abortion clinics, TW] (as defined in subparagraph (B)), including by a licensed birth attendant [abortionist, TW] (as defined in subparagraph (C)) at such center. ''(B) The term 'freestanding birth center' means a health facility- ''(i) that is not [emphasis mine, TW] a hospital; and ''(ii) where childbirth is planned to occur away from the pregnant woman's residence [a teenagers doctor or parents, TW].The term 'licensed birth attendant' means an individual who is licensed or registered by the State involved to provide health care [abortions, even to late term, TW] at childbirth and who provides such care within the scope of practice under which the individual is legally authorized [by Roe Vs. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, TW] to perform such care [abortions, TW] under State law (or the State regulatory mechanism provided by State law), regardless of whether the individual is under the supervision of, or associated with, a physician or other health care provider [the patients regular doctor or parents, TW]. There is one more provision in HR3200 that should concern us, especially those of us who are attempting to raise our children in a Godly manner. On page 837, Lines 1-5 we are introduced to Sec. 1903: GRANTS TO STATES FOR QUALITY HOME VISITATION PROGRAMS FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN AND FAMILIES EXPECTING CHILDREN. On the same page, Lines 13-17 we have the following provision: PURPOSE.-The purpose of this section is to improve the well-being, health, and development of children by enabling the establishment and expansion of high quality programs providing voluntary home visitation for families with young children and families expecting children In other words, HR3200 gives the Government the authority to come into your home and tell you how to raise your children. Interpreted, the "well being" of your child includes indoctrination in evolutionary thinking, humanism, and Godless indoctrination. Should HR3200 pass the House and Senate, every child of God is going to find himself at odds, once again, with an ever encroaching Government that is determined to undermine every attempt on your part to live a Godly life. There are a number of other reasons why I simply cannot support this Bill, but in this article I am concerned about the impact it is going to have on our service to God. Take action; be informed. By Tom Wacaster P.O. Box 283 Talco, Texas 75487 903-427-0212 http://www.churchsoftwareplus.com/ Yours in Christ Jerry Blount Minister for the Pillar church of Christ 560 S Oliver (SE corner of Oliver &Kellogg) Wichita, Ks 67218 316-320-4321 www.JerrysChristianJottings.info -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090811/c691605f/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Aug 12 03:02:54 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:02:54 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH? (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH OF THE LORD? (2) The Church Of The Lord Has The Right Guidance: -- The church also has the right guidance. The Word of God is all-inclusive and explicit. As long as the church an give a "thus saith the Lord," it is led by an infallible guide. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My Words will not pass away" (Matt. 24:35). Again He said, "He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the Word that I spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day. for I spoke not from My- self; but the Father that sent Me, He hath given Me a command- ment, what I should say, and what I should speak" (Jno. 12:48, 49). This is the guide which directs His church. The apostle Peter said, "Seeing that His divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto live and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that called us by His own glory and virtue" (2 Pet. 1:3). This guidance gives all "pertaining to life and godliness" -- then why promote creeds, manuals and church books for that purpose? Therefore the church of Christ still holds the Bible as sufficient. We believe that the Bible, and the Bible only, will make Christians, and Christians only. To the Bible you must add the "Catechism" to get Catholics, add the "Discipline" to get Methodists, add the "Manual" to get Baptists, and so on with creeds of other denominations. But when you destroy all these man-made creeds, the Bible and the Bible only still will make Christians -- and only Christians. The Church Of The Lord Has The Right Designation: -- The church you read about in the Bible did not, and does not, have a specific proper name. It was referred to by different terms of de- signation, but not by a proper name. It was just "the church." It was called, "the house of God, which is the church" (1 Tim. 3:15) It was also referred to as "the church of the Firstborn" (Heb. 12: 23). And a group of congregations was called, "churches of Christ" (Rom. 16:16). Now, all of those terms are Scriptural, but none of them is a proper name. The church belongs to God, and to Christ, or you can simply refer to it as "the church" There was only one church, and you could not have found another had you searched diligently in Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Philippi, Corinth or any other city or land in that age! So the church did not have any distinctive name. The church still holds apart from party names, which pro- mote discord. Individuals who composed the church wore the family name -- "Christian" (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). They added not human nomenclature to give further distinction. They were ust Christians. The church is still right in holding this posi- tion. The Church Of The Lord Has The Right Type Of Worship: -- That early church "continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer" (Acts 2:42). They met on the first day of the week for the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7), at which time they also gave of their means to further the Cause (1 Cor. 16:2). They had preaching of God's Word and sang praises to God (Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19). The right worship will also rule out all other forms of worship, such as counting beads, lighting of candles, instruments of music, clerical robes and rituals and other innovations. (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing. JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090812/25acf8c9/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Aug 12 03:02:38 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:02:38 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) SOW WHAT? 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 article from my files: SOW WHAT? The prophets were special spokesmen of God. They could see into the future and forecast things that were to come. Some- times, their predictions were pleasant, as when they told of the coming Messiah, the Savior of the world. Other times, their prop- hecies warned of something more devastating that God would send from heaven. Hosea was charged with the responsibility of telling God's people of His displeasure with them. He spoke for the Lord when he said, "They have transgressed My covenant and rebell- ed against My law" (Hos. 8:1). Israel had appointed her own rul- ers and princes without consulting the King in heaven. They had taken God's gifts of silver and gold and fashioned them into false idols fro worship. Because of their sins, Hosea foretold the Lord's pending punishment and destruction upon them. In short, "they sow the wind, and they reap the whirlwind" (Hos. 8: 7). It is a simple law of nature that when you place certain seed in the ground, there is only one kind of crop you will reap. You don't sow corn and look to harvest potatoes. You don't plant an acorn and waith for a palm tree to sprout up. You reap what you sow. Israel had sown the wind: vain, futile and worthless worship. They reaped the whirlwind: an agent of violence and destruction. They received back what they had sown or planted. Before we are too quick to complain about how far things have strayed in the religious world, we must see that much of it is the result of seeds we have sown in the ground. These choic- es, sometimes small and with good intentions, have grown and flourished and are now bearing fruit. We can see the whirlwind; but oh, that we had first seen the wind. We Have Sown Entertaining Worship -- We Are Reaping Contem- porary Christians: -- It is not uncommon to drive by a church building and see a sign advertising one assembly with "tradition- al worship" and one with "contemporary worship." I wonder which service the Lord attends? How can both be acceptable? This is nothing more than a dangerous sign that we are taking a man-centered approach to a God-centered activity. Worship must now give to me instead of me giving to God (Psa. 96:7-10). Entertainment is chosen according to what fits my tastes and preferences. If one television show doesn't keep my inter- est, I'll keep pressing the button on the remote until I find anoth- er one that does. Once you convert a man with entertainment, you're going to have to keep him entertained with brighter lights and louder music. Otherwise, he'll juist go a little farther down the road until he finds a church that will. Israel was punished for worshiping idols. How shall we escape the sin of worshiping ourselves? (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090812/02af3b07/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Wed Aug 12 15:40:16 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:40:16 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Jesus' Birth Message-ID: Jesus' Birth I. Setting the Scene A. The hope of Israel 1. In the wilderness, God established Israel as His people (Exodus 19ff) 2. Brought them into the land of Canaan, dispossessed many enemies (Joshua) 3. Not all enemies removed; period of Judges, tempestuous days (Judges) 4. Kingship established-- Saul did not do too well, kingdom given to David; God promises that one would always be on David's throne (1-2 Samuel; cf. 2 Samuel 7) 5. Solomon builds Temple; kingdom divided after him (1 Kings) 6. Because of idolatry, other sin, both Israel and Judah exiled; Israel never returns, a remnant of Judah does return (2 Kings, Ezra 1) 7. Remnant rebuilds Temple, Jerusalem, yet do not rule themselves 8. The Holy Spirit, for a time, no longer speaks directly to people after Malachi 9. Persian empire, Alexander the Great, Ptolemies, Seleucids 10. Antiochus IV Epiphanes: makes Sabbath observance, circumcision, observance of Law of Moses illegal; desecrates Temple 11. Family of Levites, the Maccabees, rise in revolt (ca. 167 BCE)-- eventually free much of Israel from the Seleucids 12. Also called Hasmonean rulers, they end up becoming the very thing they were originally trying to overthrow-- Hellenizing rulers 13. During succession dispute ca. 63 BCE, Romans get involved-- Pompey enters Jerusalem, declares all Judea as part of Roman Empire 14. Rulership falls to an Idumean (Edomite) family-- Herod the Great 15. In days of Herod the Great, great expectation of that branch of David that was to rise up and restore the kingdom of Israel 16. Great desire to be rid of the Romans, be free as they had been 60 years earlier B. God's eternal plan 1. Meanwhile, another plan in the works (Ephesians 3:11) 2. From the beginning, when man sinned, realization of need for redemption (Genesis 3:15ff) 3. After Fall, Flood, Tower of Babel, God chooses one man-- Abraham (Genesis 4-12) 4. Abraham would receive promise: in his seed, all nations of earth blessed (Genesis 22:18, Galatians 3:16) 5. God's people Israel given the law, the tutor/school master until the promise would be revealed and made incarnate (Galatians 3:21-25) 6. The day of that salvation was coming near, and the faith and the promise would be fully revealed (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:2) C. Both of these hopes and expectations converged in the days of Herod the Great with the birth of a child-- Jesus of Nazareth! D. Let us consider Jesus' birth II. Jesus' Birth A. Expectations were growing at the end of first century BCE 1. The Spirit was again directly speaking with people (Simeon, Luke 2:25-26; Anna, Luke 2:36-38), and the message was that the Christ was coming in their generation 2. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah the priest, declares to him that he will have a son, and the child will be filled with the Holy Spirit, will be the promised Elijah, and will prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:8-23) 3. The time was near! B. The Announcement (Annunciation) 1. Six months later, ca. 6/5 BCE, the angel Gabriel visits Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph the carpenter, a man of the house of David (Luke 1:26-27) 2. Mary a peasant girl around 13 or14 years old; Joseph likely in his early 20s or so 3. Angel declares to her that she has found favor before God-- Holy Spirit will come upon her, she will conceive a child whom she shall name Jesus (Luke 1:28-31) 4. This Jesus will be the Son of the Most High, the One who would receive the throne of David, of whose Kingdom there would be no end (Luke 1:32-33) 5. While Mary is often over-emphasized, glorified beyond her station, she nevertheless is a wonderful example of faith 6. To be pregnant out of wedlock a possible capital offense, at least a source of great shame (Matthew 1:19) 7. A reproach that would last as long as she and He lived 8. Nevertheless, she has the faith to be the servant of the Lord and to carry the Lord (Luke 1:38) 9. Gabriel visits Joseph, assures him that the child is of God, and he shows the faith to consent to still marry her (Matthew 1:19-24) C. Expectations 1. Mary spends time with Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife, her relative (Luke 1:39-45) 2. Mary magnifies God-- demonstration of how God exalts the humble, humbles the lowly, fulfills His promises (Luke 1:46-55, the Magnificat) 3. Zechariah and Elizabeth have their son John; Zechariah filled with Spirit, prophesies the redemption and deliverance that would be accomplished through the Christ, how John will be a prophet, will prepare the way for the Christ, to provide light in the darkness (Luke 1:57-79) D. The Birth of Jesus, ca. 4 BCE 1. Because of census, Joseph and Mary must travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-5) 2. On an unknown day, probably in spring or fall, labor comes upon Mary-- no room to stay anywhere, so she gives birth to Jesus and lays Him in a manger 3. Gabriel announces to shepherds the good news of the birth of Jesus the Christ (Luke 2:8-20) 4. Some time later, wise men from the East come to see the King of the Jews who was born in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:1-12) 5. Forty days later (after circumcision and purification-- Leviticus 12:1-4, Luke 2:21-22), Joseph and Mary present Jesus at the Temple (Exodus 13:2, 12; Luke 2:22-23) 6. They offered as a sacrifice the two turtle-doves or pigeons, indicating their poverty status (Leviticus 12:6-8, Luke 2:24) 7. Simeon, to whom the Spirit promised that he would see the Christ before he would die, came to the Temple, took Jesus in his arms, declares that he can now die in peace, for he has seen God's salvation, a light of revelation to Gentiles, glory for Israel (Luke 2:25-32), indicates to Mary how Jesus will be the cause of rising and falling of many, an opposing sign so that thoughts will be revealed, and that her own soul will be pierced (Luke 2:33-35) 8. Anna the prophetess also there, gave thanks to God, spoke of Jesus to all waiting for redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38) E. Thus the Word became flesh on earth (John 1:1, 14) III. Implications of the Incarnation A. The amazing power of God at work in the Incarnation of Jesus the Christ! B. Jesus, the Incarnate Word 1. John 1:1, 14 indicates that the Word was God, was with God, all things created through Him, and that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among man 2. Jesus is this Word, both God and man 3. He is born, made Incarnate, through Mary and the Holy Spirit 4. How this happened is unknown, will remain unknown 5. Powerful reality that hits home: God needing a diaper change 6. Recent song, Immanuel, God With Us by C.E. Couchman: "hands that lighted the evening stars / reach out for comfort in Mary's arms" 7. Definitely indicates the "humiliation" described in Philippians 2:5-11! C. The Unexpected Messiah 1. Considering all the hopes and expectations for the Christ as made evident in the Law and the prophets, this was not the way it was supposed to happen! 2. The King born to a peasant carpenter and his teenage wife 3. The Lord born in a manger, of all places? 4. The Lord to grow up in Nazareth, a proverbial backwater (cf. John 1:46)? 5. The Christ to be uneducated in letters (cf. John 7:15)? 6. Sure, Jesus has the attestation of the angel Gabriel, is born in the right place at the right time by the right type of woman, but this was totally not what was expected! 7. While Jesus has come to fulfill all the promises made, this begins to demonstrate that He does not do so as expected 8. His message is one of humility, one that overthrows conventional wisdom and standard practice, and a Kingdom like no other (Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Corinthians 1:19-21) 9. This is all made evident in the nature of His birth! IV. Conclusion A. All the promises and hopes since the Garden are now beginning their fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth B. We have seen the circumstances surrounding His birth C. The beginning of the fulfillment of the hope of Israel and God's eternal plan D. It certainly is not what was expected, and it is a foretaste of what will come with His preaching and teaching regarding the Kingdom E. Let us praise God for the Incarnate Christ, and find salvation in His name! F. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Aug 13 06:00:44 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:44 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) SOW WHAT? (2) 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 the second installment of this particular study: SOW WHAT? (2) We Have Sown Casual Dress: We Are Reaping An Informal Attit- ude Toward Our Approach To Our God: -- It is amazing to me what people wear in public and even what they will wear as they engage in public worship to God. They eat in restaurants sport- ing attire tht leaves little to the imagination. They arrive to board an airplane looking like they're still in their pajamas. Even some businesses that experimented with"casual Fridays" have aband- oned the practice due to a noticeable decrease in employee pro- ductivity. But that hasn't stopped us from "casual Sundays." This "come as you are" philosophy an rob us of a reverent, dignified worship service. The person who argues otherwise would never dress down to go to a funeral (They even do that I have noticed lately, JWS). Why do so when commemorating the death of our Lord? god sees the heart; He is interested in what is on the inside (Matt. 15:8; 23:27). But when you make not dis- tinction between worship clothes and casual clothes, you are less likely to address the importance of the Lord's Day over every other day of the week. (Do you remember a girl's sport team being invited to the White House to meet their president, and many of them were wearing flip-flops on their feet? JWS). We Have Sown A Lack Of Discipline: -- We Are Reaping Irrespon- sibility: -- Many children are treated with kid gloves in our day. They are often found innocent in the parent-teacher conferenc- es. If the preacher calls them down in services, he gets into trou- ble. And even when they are brought to justice, the judgment rendered is a mere slap on the wrist. This has produced a generation who thinks they can do whatever they want to do. If they see something they'd like to have, they just take it. No one has stopped them before. If they know something is wrong, they do it anyway and wait for mom and dad to swoop down and rescue them -- Again. What they need are parents who love them enough to discipline them. That is the purpose behind the spiritual correction from our heavenly Father (Heb. 12:4-11). He directs our paths away from the wind to avoid the destruction of the whirlwind. Let parents show the same responsibility in this regard. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). Harvest time is com- ing. Whatever seed you put into the ground, you will have to face what comes up. (There is a saying, "Ah, let them sow their wild oats while they are young, they are only kids you know and they should be able to have a good time." "Then, when they are called upon to reap the harvest of their sowing, their parents are praying for a crop failure." JWS). -------- Bubba Garner in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 7, July, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090813/ba156be6/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Aug 13 06:00:53 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 07:00:53 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH OF THE LORD? (3) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the third and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. WHAT IS RIGHT WITH THE CHURCH OF THE LORD? (3) The Church Has The Right Plan Of Pardon: -- The church of the Lord has the right plan of pardon, for it is given by Christ Him- self. In the Great Commission, He said, "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28: 19,20). Mark's account reads, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damn- ed" (Mk. 16:15,16). Luke recorded that "Repentance and remiss- ion of sins should be preached in His name, beginning from Jerusalem" (Lk. 24:47). The accumulation of these passages show that the gospel was to be preached to all nations, believers were to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins. When the full gospel was preached on Pentecost, these terms were faithfully set forth Peter stated that the people were to believe, and when they ask- ed further what to do, he told them to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins, which they did (Acts 2:36-41). Follow- ing this, throughout the book of Acts, every person who was saved, first heard the gospel preached, believed in Jesus to be the Christ, the Son of God, repented, and was baptized. There is not an exception to these rules. As long as God's church holds to these terms, it is right. If The Church Is Not Right, Who Erred?-- When faults and imper- fections are seen in the church which Jesus built, it will be on the human side, never on the divine side. If the church is to be what Christ intended, then it must strive for truth, purity and holi- ness. Just remember that "Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself up for it; that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present the church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:25-27). Since the divine side set forth such beauty and perfection, how we should strive to bring the human side to perfection also! "Till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a fullgrown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into Him, Who is the Head, even Christ; from Whom all the body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each sev- eral part, maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love" (Eph. 4:13-16). When this maturity of the church is seen by the world, then no one will ask, "What is wrong with the church today?" ---- Dillard Thurman, Gospel Minutes of Sept. 4, 1970. Reprinted in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 32, Aug. 7, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090813/e884a20d/attachment-0001.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Thu Aug 13 09:07:04 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:07:04 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A> Revive Us Again Message-ID: Here's an article I hope you can use. Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX angletonchristians.com ********************************************************************* Revive Us Again Zeke Flores "Will You not Yourself revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" Ps. 85:6 Ever feel like you've got the Monday morning "blahs" every day of the week? No matter what you do to try to rev yourself up, you just can't seem to get excited about anything. All the days blur into a routine of familiarity and nothing seems new or stimulating; just the same ol' thing every day. Though familiarity is a good thing and routine is a stabilizing factor in life, for a Christian to settle into this mindset (ho hum, just another day) is spiritual death. We are reminded in God's word that we have been raised from the dead in this life. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)..." (Eph 2:4-5) Initially this "resurrection" is very exciting, filling us with zeal and determination to let nothing stand in the way of our growing "in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18) Our lives seem new and full of promise because we have been raised to walk in "newness of life," and we think that nothing could ever dampen that feeling. Then, ever so slowly, that newness is replaced by what seems like mediocrity and we begin to wonder if our walk with Christ will ever be as fresh and new as it was when we first entered into it. The other week at the singing school in Wilburton, Oklahoma was an invigorating one for me. I was reminded that there are so many others of "like precious faith" who also feel the need for an occasional spiritual "shot in the arm." While trying to learn the mechanics of song-leading (will I ever learn?) I was reminded of why I want to better my singing to God. I was reminded of the very reason we sing to God in the first place: Because we are saved! We have been brought into a place of right standing with God, regardless of how little we deserved it! Yet, though so many already know these things, still some are beset by a discouraging downward trend that threatens to chip away at their love, faith, trust, and joy in God. For this reason, I am so thankful that we meet on Wednesday nights. >From Monday through Wednesday, so much can happen to splinter our joy that by the time Wednesday night rolls around, I need the lift that only comes from assembling together with those "who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Tim. 2:22) Then, on Thursday morning, I can go about my life knowing that in just a few short days, I will again be surrounded by brethren who love our God and want to offer Him the praise and worship due Him, not just once but twice on the Lord's day! Paul admonishes us, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4 - emphasis mine zf) We must learn to rejoice in Him every day, and not just on the days we assemble. This implies that we put forth some effort and learn to seek Him when we begin to sag and grow weary. "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." (Gal. 6:9) If we let ourselves lose our zeal, love and obedient faith in God, thinking we will "pick it up again later," it may be too late. Don't let discouragement stand in the way of experiencing the daily revival that only comes from God. Determine now to stand strong, and to stay "strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." (Eph. 6:10-emphasis mine zf) Oh Lord, revive us again! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090813/b6b619e9/attachment-0001.html From chris.gautney at gmail.com Thu Aug 13 14:25:44 2009 From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney) Date: Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:25:44 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Sermon Database (Access Version) Message-ID: <9fd765230908131225s6cc029d3o48145a79fd49324b@mail.gmail.com> Searching for freeware version of a sermon organizer/database. Prefer MS Access so I can tailor it. Any help would be appreciated. ~Chris Gautney From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Aug 14 03:34:46 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:34:46 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) MAKING CHANGE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. MAKING CHANGE Most of us would love to change some things about ourselv- es. If you do not think you need to change, just as a friend; I am sure he has a list of things you can work on. We would love to change certain aspects of our personality, our appearance, or our habits. We would especially love to change spiritually. We are called to be "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29). That requires some adjustment, to say the least. We need a spiri-tual makeover. All other changes are superficial and short-lived in comparison, because at the core, sin is the bane of our lives. It has stained our character, distorted our priorities, and ruined our peace, so that our souls cry out for transformation. The good news is that the gospel is the most powerful tool of change the world has ever seen. Its pages burst with full-col- or illustrations of the anatomy of change. It is full of case stud- ies about people who fundamentally changed their character and lifestyle. The gospel gives us a way to change, a power to change, and a goal for change that the world knows nothing about. The transformation of the early Christians took the world by storm. They were no longer simply products of their families or their culture. They were a new creation in Christ. They were so totally altered that they were like "new men" who stood out like sparkling salt in a mundane landscape. They were noticeably different and gloriously changed. But how? Is such change possible for us? In Scripture the mechanism of change is fueled by six important elements. Practice these six elements regularly and the gospel will change you. Hear The Truth: -- Every transformed life in Scripture started with "receiving the Word of God" (1 Thes. 2:13). The wind of change was driven by the breath of God. One of the real proble-ms we have with change is listening to the right source of inform- ation. People are changing all the time as a result of the things they hear. Whether the change is good depends upon its source (Prov. 14:12; 16:25). There is no shortage of talk shows, glomorous celebrities, and venerated intellectuals who want to tell you what to change, but there is only one word that contains the truth about who you are and what you were made to be, and that is the Word according to Jesus. Some of us are not changing as we would like because we are not listening to the right source for truth. Satan loves to get us thinking so deeply about ourselves and this world that we do not want to listen to what God has to say. The truth bounces off our hearts like seed off of hard pavement. In contrast, God's people have an unquenchable thirst for truth. See Yourself As You Are: -- The truth causes us to see ourselves as we are. Most of us live in a perpetual state of self-deception. We see ourselves as we want to be rather than how we are, so we see no reason to change. If you doubt that, listen to yourself on a recording or watch yourself in a video. After that experien- ce do you say, "I didn't know I had such a good voice and was so good-looking?" No, we are shocked at how we really appear Why? We are skilled in the art of self-deception. We are much worse in the area of spirituality. If we could see how sinful we are in the prescence of a holy God we would fall to the floor as dead (Isa. 6; Rev. 1). In the same way tht a skunk is not repulsed by its own odor, we don't understand how odious sin is in the sight of God. In the presence of the truth of the gospel our selfishness is laid bare, our indifference toward God and man is exposed, and it is not a pretty picture. No change is possible until we take off the mask, drop the pretense, quit making excuses, and see the truth about ourselves. Change How You Talk: -- Now is the time to change the way you talk. without pretense you cme clean. You admit God is right. There are many times where we know the truth about ourselves but we dare not tell anyone else, because then we just might have to do something about it. There is something about confes- sion that forces us to own up to what needs to change. Then you start using your tongue to profess what you have confessed. You tell people the great truths of the gospel. The reason those early believers were so evangelistic is because they were transformed. When you have found something that completely changes your life you cannot keep quiet. Change Your Habits: -- Now your talk must change your walk. You must begin to "bear fruits worthy of repentance" (Lk. 3:8). You courageously cut some things out of your life. You throw those things away, you turn that thing off, and you say "no" to other commitments, because they do not fit your new priorities in Christ. You can only change when you start doing things differently That is why many of us never change. We hear the truth and we confess our need, but the change never affects our schedules. Why? Because our schedules are too full! We don't take any- thing out, so we don't put anything in, and despite our good intentions we change nothing. Test Your Resolve: -- Be aware, no change will be left unchallen- ged. Satan will send a battalion of burdens to test your resolve. In many different ways he will try to discourage you so that you give up. Nearly every significant change is met with persecution If you get serious about living for God you will face some burd- ens that will tempt you to give up. You will face problems that will make you feel justified in quitting. The reality of your change will be seen in your perseverance in such things. If the frontal attack of persecution foes not cause you to quit, Satan will weaken your resolve by attacking your flank with plea- sures. He will tempt you to value something else more than you value God. You will be forced to ask yourself, "Is this change worth all the trouble?" If not, your change will come to an end. Reaffirm Your Decision: -- Once your resolve is tested, whether you have failed or not, take time to reaffirm your decision. Rem- ember why you decided to follow Jesus in the first place. Return to the passion of your first love for Him (Rev. 2:3-5; Matt. 6:33). If you could see the Lord in all His glory, would there be any fear that things would work out right? Would there be any fear in giving Him your life and bearing your cross? Not at all. When the teaching becomes challenging and your cross becomes heavy, reaffirm your decision by remembering whom you serve. See your Creator in all His power, your Savior in all His love, your Judge in all His glory, and be in awe of Him and inspired to please Him all over again... ------- Tim Jennings, via The Jackson Drive Reporter, August 9, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090814/92565211/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Aug 14 03:34:34 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:34:34 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) HAVING BEEN BORN AGAIN 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: HAVING BEEN BORN AGAIN Christians have been born again. Jesus uses birth to picture the new beginning for a child of God. He told Nicodem- us, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless oen is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus wondered if he had to enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? Jesus corrected his misunderstanding and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is every- one who is born of the Spirit" (Jno. 3:3-8). The apostle Peter in his first letter addresses the new birth of Christians and the love they should have for one another. His explanation reveals how the Word of God is involved in the pro- cess of being born again. He points out that the child of God purifies his soul in "Obeying the truth through the Spirit...having been born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever" (1 Pet. 1:22,23). The result of one's new birth should be "sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart"(vs. 22b). We know that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17). The Spirit uses the written Word of God (Rom. 1:16, 17) to guide our minds to Jesus the Word incarnate (Jno. 1:14) who can bring about the new birth (Jno. 1:12,13). The sinner has a heart/mind/soul that can be regenerated (born again). God has given to everyone who sins the ability to repent and be born anew in His Son (Jno. 3:16; Acts 3:19). It is the words of the Spirit that have been revealed to the apostles and prophets. They wrote these words down so that all gener- ations can read them and know God's Will fro their redemption (Jno. 20:30,31). According to the Holy Spirit, being born again involves more than belief and repentance. The new birth of a Christian involv- es immersion into water. Remember Jesus said that one must be born of the water and the Spirit. Peter commanded Cornelius by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, "Can anyone forbid water, taht these should not be baptized?...And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:47,48). Paul describes the new birth: "but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us abundantly throu- gh Jesus Christ our Savior" (Titus 3:5b). ------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090814/714a3667/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Aug 15 08:14:33 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 09:14:33 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Article - Religion, Morality, and Politics Message-ID: Religion. Morality, and Politics I do not remember how old I was when I heard the statement ?Never argue about politics or religion? ? I was very young and did not understand the import of the statement at the time. As age and experience has now taught me it is very important to God that Christians stand up for all things that are approved by ?HIM ? GOD? - (Eph. 6:10-13 - 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (KJV). We may also appeal to the truthfulness of the passage of Scripture found in Jude 3 - cf. Jude 3-5 - 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remem brance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not (KJV). Yes, we must stand up for and defend the Biblical teaching regarding religious, moral, ethical, and political lifestyles and live our lives accordingly. 1. RELIGIOUS AREAS - If we are to be approved by Almighty God we must defend and occupy our place as true Christians are obligated and Defend true religion in all its form and practices after the Divine Pattern (i.e. the Divine Pattern is revealed via the Holy Scriptures). Whenever men seek to function in religious activities without Divine Authority (i.e. from human wisdom rather than Biblical Revelation), their efforts must be resisted by those who contend earnestly for the faith, once delivered to the saints ? [Jude 3]. Since true Christians are God?s representatives here on earth in any generation they must allow their voices to be heard and their websites must contain effective exposure of error and evil proposals presented by false teachers and evil conspirators. 2. MORAL ? Christians are to uphold and stand firmly upon those principles that were revealed to the first Christians clearly revealed in that portion of the Bible known as the New Testament. In the NT may be found the Divine instruction regarding morality that Christians are to live by and make every effort to incorporate within their life ? cf. Phil. 2:12-13 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Acts 2:42 ? and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (KJV). 1 Cor. 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, un-moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (KJV). Gal. 5:19-25 ? 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (KJV). CONSIDER THIS: The preceding Scripture references give man an idea of the kind of morals and ethics that the Christian must have to please God. The false teaching that a person - ?once acknowledging God is locked into eternal life? is false teaching. Those that live and abide within the instruction of God?s Written Word after becoming a Christian (i.e. through FAITH, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION OF CHRIST, and BAPTISM (i.e. immersion) ? ?for the remission of sin? will see God someday. These things we must teach and defend as this 21st Century begins? Dear brethren, make no mistake about it the need to stand, defend, and be counted for God is urgent. 3. POLITICS ? The Bible is clear on the kind of government in secular affairs that God approves. The government that God approves throughout history has had certain qualities that encourage the support of the human masses. Let us examine some of those qualities found in the Bible: God provides a basis upon which to determine the quality of any government under which Christians live. That gauge is found in Rom.13:1-7 ? 1 let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (KJV). CONSIDER THIS: Therefore; whenever a government under which Christians live becomes oppressive, hedonistic, and abusive toward its masses it is not the kind of government than encourages submission of the Christian. Yet, whenever a government becomes Godless; men of faith and purity will rise to seek changes through the ballot box and will not support that officer (i.e. be it Local, state, or national) SEE THE NATURE OF GOOD GOVERNMENT ? SEE ROMANS 13:1-7 AGAIN. CONCLUSION: ndeed, the Christian is obligated to support good (i.e. righteous) government. The Christian is also to submit to the governmental authorities and the citizen Christian is obligated as such to cry out when a government is failing in their responsibility to citizens and to Almighty God. _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) SEE ALSO ? considermagazine.com August 14, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/baa46365/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Aug 14 16:57:06 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:57:06 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Wonderful City of God" Message-ID: <20090815.093710.3952.4.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study "WONDERFUL CITY OF GOD" "But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly...for He hath prepared for them a city" (Heb. 11:16) INTRO.: A song which seeks to express the wonder, glory, and beauty of that better country in which God has prepared for us a city is "Wonderful City of God" (#637 in Hymns for Worship Revised, #381 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written and the tune was composed both by James W. Ferrill (1879-1975). A native of Texas and a member of the Church of Christ, Ferrill is best known as the author and composer of "A Soul Winner for Jesus." His song "Keep Telling the Story" and the tune for "I Glory in the Cross of Christ" by Stephen D. Eckstein, a convert from Judaism, have also been included in some of our older books. "Wonderful City of God" was copyrighted by Farrell and J. E. Thomas in 1907. Concerning Ferrill, I found the following information from an internet article on another song writer Franklin Lycurgus Eiland (1860-1909). "Other early students who sat at the feet of Eiland include Thomas S. Cobb (later along with Austin Taylor to edit several hymnals for the Firm Foundation); J. W. Acuff, author of 'Just Over in the Glory Land' (1906); W. D. Evridge, composer of 'For the Soul That's Redeemed' (1906); J. W. Ferrill, writer of 'A Soul Winner for Jesus' (1907); Mark D. Ussery, author of 'Don't Let Your Light Burn Low;' and Ira D. Brister, who authored 'Not a Step Without Jesus.' Eiland's school drew large numbers of students from Texas and other states. Teachers of great ability were trained and one of his best song books, The Gospel Gleaner, was edited during that period." Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, "Wonderful City of God" appeared in the 1938/1944 New Wonderful Songs edited by Thomas S. Cobb; and the 1959 Majestic Hymnal No. 2 and the 1978 Hymns of Praise both edited by Reuel Lemmons. Today it may be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church and the 1990 Songs of the Church 21st C. Ed. both edited by Alton H. Howard; the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand; and the 1999 Into Our Hands edited by Leland R. Fleming; in addition to Hymns for Worship, Sacred Selections, and the 2007 Sacred Songs of the Church edited by William D. Jeffcoat. The song reminds us of what will be in heaven that we should desire. I. Stanza 1 emphasizes that Jesus will be there "There's a wonderful place we call home, 'Tis a city of glory divine; It is built in the garden of rest, And that beautiful home shall be mine. O that wonderful Eden so blest, Where Jesus the Master has gone To prepare us a glorious home. There He bids us a welcome to come." A. Here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come: Heb. 13:14 B. The city we seek is a garden of rest that is compared to the perfection of Eden: Gen. 2:8-10, Rev. 22:1-5 C. But what makes it most wonderful is that Jesus the Master has gone to prepare us a home in that place: Jn. 14:1-3 II. Stanza 2 emphasizes that eternal day will be there "O how sweet it will be there to dwell With the Savior and Father of all, In a palace of diamond and gold, Where no evil to us can befall; There no sorrow that home shall invade, And our loved ones no more there shall die-- One celestial, unbroken, sweet day, While eternity's ages roll by." A. Not only shall we dwell with the Savior but also with God the Father, as like the 24 elders we fall down before His throne and worship Him: Rev. 4:9-11 B. It will be a place where there will be no evil, sorrow, or death: Rev. 21:1-4 (this is one song where Ellis Crum apparently missed "our loved ones" and did not change it to "the saved ones") C. The reason for this is that it will be one celestial, unbroken, sweet day because there we shall receive eternal life: Mk. 10:30 III. Stanza 3 emphasizes that the redeemed of all ages will be there "When the jewels of Jesus are brought There to shine in that land of sweet song, \What a beautiful, beautiful thought That I shall be there in that throng; Sweetest peace to my soul it will be To behold such a glorious sight, Where the sun and the moon neither shine, But the glory of God is the light." A. God's "jewels" are those who have feard the Lord and meditated on His name: Mal. 3:16-17 B. Therefore, when Jesus returns to raise the dead, we can look forward to being there in that throng who rise to meet Him the air and thus ever be with Him: 1 Thess. 4:16-17 C. This throng will dwell forever where the sun and the moon neither shine but the glory of God is its light: Rev. 21:22-23 CONCL.: The chorus repeats how wonderfu and beautiful the city of God and our mansion in that city are. "O wonderful city of God, Just across in that beautiful clime, Where the angels' sweet echo of song In musical cadencies chime; O wonderful city of God, By faith in the distance I see There's a mansion prepared over there, Yes, a place in that city for me." Some of our songbooks have been criticized for being over heavy with songs about heaven. It is true that in a few of our newer books somewhat cheap and tawdry, almost carnal, songs about heaven of a more recent vintage have crowded out great hymns of praise and devotion from the past, and that is to be regretted. However, the older I become and the more I see the need to set my affections on things above rather than things of this earth, the more drawn I am to songs about the "Wonderful City of God." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 office phone: (618) 548-1774 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 I have a Hymn Studies blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hymnstudies/ . In addition, 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. ____________________________________________________________ Discount Online Trading - Click Now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTFOsWgCk8EpQ7URiy2GpVKyErAdxNws09ahaI0S7ViNFjEkp3Dkyc/ From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat Aug 15 14:20:32 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:20:32 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 33: August 16, 2009 Message-ID: Good News for Norwalk For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Volume IV, Number 33: August 16, 2009 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Discipline It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:7-11 ESV). "Discipline" is a word that often conjures up unpleasant experiences, mostly because discipline is normally seen in terms of chastening and correction. While chastening and correction are important elements of discipline, discipline involves much more. Discipline is a critical element in the life of anyone who seeks to serve and please God; without it, as the Hebrew author indicates, we are as illegitimate children, not sons, and therefore not inheritors of the promise (Hebrews 12:8)! Gaining discipline in one's life is of the utmost importance. But what is discipline? The Greek word used for discipline, paideia, is defined by Thayer's as the following: 1. The whole training and education of children (which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose now commands and admonitions, now reproof and punishment). It also includes the training and care of the body. 2. Whatever in adults also cultivates the soul, especially by correcting mistakes and curbing passions: instruction which aims at increasing virtue; chastisement, chastening, (of the evils with which God visits men for their amendment). Discipline, therefore, is more than negative correction and reproof. Discipline involves complete training and education and the development of proper attitudes and habits. Discipline is most easily understood in terms of children. Fathers are commanded to raise their children in the discipline of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This discipline does involve correction of disobedient and improper behavior (Proverbs 22:15, 23:13, 29:15). But if the father only corrects negative behavior, he is not properly disciplining his child. Discipline involves training the child on every level (cf. Proverbs 22:6). Discipline also requires the father to encourage the child when he or she obeys and exhibits proper behavior. The father must also instruct the child as to what is proper behavior: to respect authority figures, to be kind to all people, to do what God tells them to do, and so on (1 Peter 2:17, Ephesians 4:32, Romans 6:16-18, etc.). If a father is not providing instruction, encouragement, and correction, the father is not truly disciplining his son or daughter according to the Lord's will! Yet discipline is like many other aspects of parenting (and life): it is more easily caught than taught. If parents do not show discipline in their lives, how can they teach their children to be disciplined? They can set forth all the rules, encourage their children when they do what is right, provide correction when they do what is wrong, but what will the children really learn if the parents are themselves undisciplined? All who believe in Jesus Christ must have discipline themselves. In the sense of instruction, God provides this discipline, as the Hebrew author indicates in Hebrews 12:7-11. We have His instruction within the pages of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17), and the trials and tribulations of life are designed to correct us and guide us in the right path (James 1:2-4). Suffering means that we are truly children of God, and not illegitimate (Hebrews 12:8, Romans 8:17)! If we are obedient, we hope to obtain the approval of our Lord and the promised inheritance of eternal life (Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Peter 1:3-9). Therefore, just as a father disciplines the son whom he loves, so God disciplines us His children whom He loves. The goal of discipline is to provide the proper boundaries of life and guide us in our decision making: this is as true for adults as it is for children. How can we do what is right and avoid what is wrong if we have never learned what is right or wrong (Romans 12:9, Hebrews 5:14)? How can we establish proper priorities in our lives if we have never learned how to do so (Matthew 6:33)? If we have never seen these things practiced or modeled for us, how will we learn how to live? The Bible helps us to understand the need for discipline with the imagery of the runner in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and Hebrews 12:1-2. Excellence in sporting competitions only comes after intense devotion and practice. If a person desires to be a champion runner, he or she must run and train constantly. Their schedules, diet, and sleeping patterns, among other things, must revolve around running. The winner of the race is one who unflinchingly focuses on his or her performance, both before and during the race day. This requires great discipline in the extreme. This is precisely the point that Paul makes in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Christianity is just like that race. We will only be excellent Christians if we are intensely devoted to Jesus and practice what He says (Galatians 2:20, 1 John 2:6). We must constantly learn about and live the message of Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:13-16, 2 Peter 3:18). How we function in our lives-- work, family, recreation, and so forth-- revolve around our commitment to Christ (Ephesians 5:22-6:9). The believer who is saved is the one who unflinchingly focuses on Jesus Christ and His will throughout his or her life (Matthew 6:33, Matthew 10:22, 1 John 2:1-6). And this is why, as Paul says, we must discipline our bodies and keep them under control (1 Corinthians 9:27)! This is why we must run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1-2)! This discipline cannot be forced upon anyone-- it must be the free will decision of the believer to accept such discipline and do the best that they can to live disciplined lives. If a believer has a healthy sense of discipline, it will be that much easier for him to raise his children in the discipline of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). A believer that has good discipline will exhibit self-control and sober-mindedness, and temptations for sin will not be as acute (1 Peter 4:10, James 1:14-15). Moderation, and not excess, will characterize their lives, and they will be known for their generosity and kindness (Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 4:32). Their single-minded focus on God and His purposes will be evident to all, and their example and efforts will likely bear fruit for God's Kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:5-8). Discipline is not easy to develop, and only Jesus lived in perfect discipline (Hebrews 5:7-8, etc.). Nevertheless, the more focused we are on Jesus Christ, the more we learn about and strive to cling to the good and to abhor the evil, and the more self-control and sober-mindedness we develop, the better our lives will be as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us accept the discipline of the Lord and live within it! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies! Our location: 386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits) Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Our assemblies: Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm Our Bible studies: Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:30pm ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For More Information If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist at norwalkchurch.org. Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Aug 15 16:06:58 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:06:58 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Death By Ritual Message-ID: <000001ca1dec$5529ca90$ff7d5fb0$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper August 16, 2009 Death By Ritual It is Sunday morning. I'm up at 5:30, as usual. I go downstairs, walk to the front door and wait on the dog to stretch and shake himself before he comes over to me. I open the door, letting him go out first, and then I follow. He goes over to the grass and sniffs around, finds some strange scent and moves to another place and begins investigating any and every strange new scent before he finally gets around to "doing his business." I walk over to the end of the driveway and pick up the Sunday morning paper and head back into the house. I open the door to go inside and once again wait for him to enter first. I go in, close and lock the door, and the dog goes back to his resting place, or maybe goes over to the stairs to wait for me to sit with him and give him a little attention before we start our days. I scratch his ears and rub him under his chin and he gives a few big yawns before he goes back to lie down and I head to the desk to start my day. I plug in my laptop's mouse and open up the web browser [if it isn't already up] and I check our website [www.truth-reason.com] to make sure the article is up as intended. I read through it once more to see if I missed any typos or poor grammar. Every so often [more than I'd like to admit] I missed something, so I have to go back in and edit. It's too late for the ones I have e-mailed, but maybe no one will notice [but someone most always does]. I go to my Facebook page to see what news any friends and/or family have posted, then go check my e-mail accounts to see what new spam is waiting for me today. I forward all the junk to the government agency that is supposed to be working on cutting down on the junk, but it always seems to find me. I read the tech news, scan the electronics sales, and the news headlines to see if there is any relevant events I should know. I then go to my car news website for any news, but weekends are slow. When I am satisfied I am up to date on everything, I pick up the paper and sort out the sales fliers: keepers on the desk, recycle in a pile. I scan the front page of the sports section to see how the local sports teams fared the night before, and then set it all aside for later. I go put some water on the stove so my wife can have her morning coffee and I decide what kind of muffins we have today; will it be blueberry, chocolate chip, or cinnamon streusel? I usually pick the one we have the most of, and start making breakfast for the family. Get the eggs and milk out of the fridge, the green mixing bowl and measuring cup from under the island counter, and fork from the drawer. If it's blueberry, I have to open the can, drain, and rinse the blueberries first. Anything else, I start with the mix, then spray the pan and add the mix. By now, the whistle has reached a high pitch and my wife comes downstairs to make her coffee. The dog greets her at the stairs and demands her attention for a bit, but he knows what's coming, too. He watches and follows her over to the kitchen and watches her intently as she makes the coffee, anticipating the half-and-half, which he gets on Sunday mornings, added to his dog food. I would say he waits patiently, but that would not be true. If he can wait long enough, I ask him if he is ready to go get the kids, and he bounds up the stairs to go wake them. We go through each room and make sure each one is awake and out of bed before he bolts back down stairs to get his special treat. The kids, meanwhile, are wiping the sleepy out of their eyes and we meet for a morning hug in the hallway before they part to get dressed and I go back down to finish buttering the muffins. When nearly finished, someone rings the bell for breakfast and the dog dutifully - and looking as pitiable as possible - heads to the cage to stay while we eat. We enjoy the warm muffins and talk about what happened yesterday and what we look forward to today. When I finish, I head back to my desk to do some last-minute refreshing of my mind on the morning class material and text[s] before closing everything down and packing the computer to take to the building. When done, I go get dressed for the day and then we head out. And there is where the ritual ends. When I come to the building, my heart rate speeds up, the adrenaline starts flowing, and my mind is preparing for the class I will be teaching. I have prepared by studying the material and/or texts[s] and tried to anticipate any questions and comments that will arise during the class. I have prayed that my mind is right and that I have not inserted my own views into God's holy word, or taken anything away. I am excited to once again study God's word with fellow believers and hear what others have learned in their studies. I anticipate the worship because I thoroughly enjoy singing praises to my God and songs of edification to my brethren, even though my voice just isn't what it used to be. I look with solemnity to the memorial supper where my mind goes back to the crucifixion scene and I try to imagine the suffering He must have endured and my heart is heavy because of how He suffered and died, but I also have great thankfulness and joy that He did because I know it meant my salvation was possible. It is extremely difficult for me to become apathetic during this portion of the worship. And when it is my turn, I walk as calmly as I can to the podium to begin speaking, but inside my heart is leaping with joy and anticipation at sharing the things I have learned from God's word. My hope is that someone - anyone - will be listening with anticipation, too, hoping to hear something inspiring from God's word about His will for us, instruction about how they can overcome difficult situations and live righteously, a retelling of the blessings we have in Christ and of those yet to come, or even what they must do to become a child of God. I am hoping I present God's word clearly and in such a way as those who hear can benefit. I also am hoping the listeners are as excited about hearing it as I am in telling it. I hope that everyone is here because they truly and deeply love God and are seeking spiritual maturity and strength, and I hope that somehow, my words will give them something that does that. But I know some who come this morning do so only because they feel obligated. Some of the older folks may be here because it is just what they do; there is little thought to it - it is their ritual. They are following the same pattern they have long followed, but little of their heart is in it. Bible class is where they read the material or the texts, and fill in the blanks as the question is being answered by someone else. They have not taken the time to read, much less ponder the question and its personal application. What spiritual interest and/or excitement they had has long been gone and now worship and Bible classes are merely routine - ritual. Some have become as those in Sardis, who had a reputation for being alive, but who were spiritually dead (Rev. 3:1). Some of the young folks who do show up come because their parents make them; otherwise, they would be home in bed or off at work. Some, I know, are in bed or are at work because they are not here. I wonder why. I wonder if it is because they saw their parents approach spiritual matters such as the worship and service as a ritual instead of a true joy and privilege. I wonder if they see these things as merely rituals because what they see in the assembly certainly appears to be that and nothing more. I cannot answer why, but I can see results and it does make me wonder. So, what does your Sunday morning look like? Do you anticipate coming together with your brethren (Psa. 122:1), or are you thinking, "What a weariness this is" (Mal. 2:13)? How you see it and how you participate depends on your heart. If this is merely ritual, with no heart, spiritual death is the inevitable end. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/209f2cee/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Aug 15 16:08:02 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:08:02 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Death By Ritual Message-ID: <000001ca1dec$7d7a12c0$786e3840$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper August 16, 2009 Death By Ritual It is Sunday morning. I'm up at 5:30, as usual. I go downstairs, walk to the front door and wait on the dog to stretch and shake himself before he comes over to me. I open the door, letting him go out first, and then I follow. He goes over to the grass and sniffs around, finds some strange scent and moves to another place and begins investigating any and every strange new scent before he finally gets around to "doing his business." I walk over to the end of the driveway and pick up the Sunday morning paper and head back into the house. I open the door to go inside and once again wait for him to enter first. I go in, close and lock the door, and the dog goes back to his resting place, or maybe goes over to the stairs to wait for me to sit with him and give him a little attention before we start our days. I scratch his ears and rub him under his chin and he gives a few big yawns before he goes back to lie down and I head to the desk to start my day. I plug in my laptop's mouse and open up the web browser [if it isn't already up] and I check our website [www.truth-reason.com] to make sure the article is up as intended. I read through it once more to see if I missed any typos or poor grammar. Every so often [more than I'd like to admit] I missed something, so I have to go back in and edit. It's too late for the ones I have e-mailed, but maybe no one will notice [but someone most always does]. I go to my Facebook page to see what news any friends and/or family have posted, then go check my e-mail accounts to see what new spam is waiting for me today. I forward all the junk to the government agency that is supposed to be working on cutting down on the junk, but it always seems to find me. I read the tech news, scan the electronics sales, and the news headlines to see if there is any relevant events I should know. I then go to my car news website for any news, but weekends are slow. When I am satisfied I am up to date on everything, I pick up the paper and sort out the sales fliers: keepers on the desk, recycle in a pile. I scan the front page of the sports section to see how the local sports teams fared the night before, and then set it all aside for later. I go put some water on the stove so my wife can have her morning coffee and I decide what kind of muffins we have today; will it be blueberry, chocolate chip, or cinnamon streusel? I usually pick the one we have the most of, and start making breakfast for the family. Get the eggs and milk out of the fridge, the green mixing bowl and measuring cup from under the island counter, and fork from the drawer. If it's blueberry, I have to open the can, drain, and rinse the blueberries first. Anything else, I start with the mix, then spray the pan and add the mix. By now, the whistle has reached a high pitch and my wife comes downstairs to make her coffee. The dog greets her at the stairs and demands her attention for a bit, but he knows what's coming, too. He watches and follows her over to the kitchen and watches her intently as she makes the coffee, anticipating the half-and-half, which he gets on Sunday mornings, added to his dog food. I would say he waits patiently, but that would not be true. If he can wait long enough, I ask him if he is ready to go get the kids, and he bounds up the stairs to go wake them. We go through each room and make sure each one is awake and out of bed before he bolts back down stairs to get his special treat. The kids, meanwhile, are wiping the sleepy out of their eyes and we meet for a morning hug in the hallway before they part to get dressed and I go back down to finish buttering the muffins. When nearly finished, someone rings the bell for breakfast and the dog dutifully - and looking as pitiable as possible - heads to the cage to stay while we eat. We enjoy the warm muffins and talk about what happened yesterday and what we look forward to today. When I finish, I head back to my desk to do some last-minute refreshing of my mind on the morning class material and text[s] before closing everything down and packing the computer to take to the building. When done, I go get dressed for the day and then we head out. And there is where the ritual ends. When I come to the building, my heart rate speeds up, the adrenaline starts flowing, and my mind is preparing for the class I will be teaching. I have prepared by studying the material and/or texts[s] and tried to anticipate any questions and comments that will arise during the class. I have prayed that my mind is right and that I have not inserted my own views into God's holy word, or taken anything away. I am excited to once again study God's word with fellow believers and hear what others have learned in their studies. I anticipate the worship because I thoroughly enjoy singing praises to my God and songs of edification to my brethren, even though my voice just isn't what it used to be. I look with solemnity to the memorial supper where my mind goes back to the crucifixion scene and I try to imagine the suffering He must have endured and my heart is heavy because of how He suffered and died, but I also have great thankfulness and joy that He did because I know it meant my salvation was possible. It is extremely difficult for me to become apathetic during this portion of the worship. And when it is my turn, I walk as calmly as I can to the podium to begin speaking, but inside my heart is leaping with joy and anticipation at sharing the things I have learned from God's word. My hope is that someone - anyone - will be listening with anticipation, too, hoping to hear something inspiring from God's word about His will for us, instruction about how they can overcome difficult situations and live righteously, a retelling of the blessings we have in Christ and of those yet to come, or even what they must do to become a child of God. I am hoping I present God's word clearly and in such a way as those who hear can benefit. I also am hoping the listeners are as excited about hearing it as I am in telling it. I hope that everyone is here because they truly and deeply love God and are seeking spiritual maturity and strength, and I hope that somehow, my words will give them something that does that. But I know some who come this morning do so only because they feel obligated. Some of the older folks may be here because it is just what they do; there is little thought to it - it is their ritual. They are following the same pattern they have long followed, but little of their heart is in it. Bible class is where they read the material or the texts, and fill in the blanks as the question is being answered by someone else. They have not taken the time to read, much less ponder the question and its personal application. What spiritual interest and/or excitement they had has long been gone and now worship and Bible classes are merely routine - ritual. Some have become as those in Sardis, who had a reputation for being alive, but who were spiritually dead (Rev. 3:1). Some of the young folks who do show up come because their parents make them; otherwise, they would be home in bed or off at work. Some, I know, are in bed or are at work because they are not here. I wonder why. I wonder if it is because they saw their parents approach spiritual matters such as the worship and service as a ritual instead of a true joy and privilege. I wonder if they see these things as merely rituals because what they see in the assembly certainly appears to be that and nothing more. I cannot answer why, but I can see results and it does make me wonder. So, what does your Sunday morning look like? Do you anticipate coming together with your brethren (Psa. 122:1), or are you thinking, "What a weariness this is" (Mal. 2:13)? How you see it and how you participate depends on your heart. If this is merely ritual, with no heart, spiritual death is the inevitable end. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/b0223efb/attachment-0001.html From Mikejohnson104 at aol.com Sat Aug 15 16:56:39 2009 From: Mikejohnson104 at aol.com (Mikejohnson104 at aol.com) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:56:39 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] B> Elon Challenger - V 6 N. 5 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 VI Number 5 January, 2009 =================================================================== Bible Authority 12 "GENERIC & SPECIFIC AUTHORITY Mike Johnson There are many who have failed to understand the concept of generic and specific authority.They may understand that we are governed by direct command or statement, approved example, and necessary inference. However, if they do not understand the concept of generic and specific authority, along with the concept of aids and expedients which may be used in carrying out commands, confusion can certainly result. A failure to understand these concepts can cause people to become frustrated in their attempts to apply important principles of Bible authority. Defined Generic authority can be defined as "a command authorizing the performance of some act without giving directions as to the manner or method of its performance." In contrast, specific authority carries with it the manner or method of its performance. Generic authority includes; specific authority excludes. Some Illustrations Consider this very simple illustration regarding generic and specific authority which appeared, in essence, a few years ago in a book by Maurice Barnett called Understanding Bible Authority. A man steps into a room full of people and says, "Go get some bread." Locomotion was specified with the word "go." Also, the man specified that "bread" was wanted, but, beyond these specifics, there are several things not stated which are important to fulfilling the command. First, the man did not specify who was to get the bread so anyone in the room could go. Second, he did not specify where they were to get the bread or even how the bread was to be obtained. The bread could be bought or borrowed, and someone could go to any store close by or across town. Next, the man did not specify when the bread was wanted (although it might be assumed that it was wanted in a short time) or how much bread was wanted (a small amount or numerous loafs). Further, the man did not specify what kind of bread to get so a person could get wheat, white rye, or any kind of bread. Although those in the room had to do what they were told (get bread), there would be many unspecified options left for them to decide. They would be free to choose. This illustrates generic authority. Suppose, on the other hand, that the man went into the room and said to a particular person, "Here is the money; take my car right now; go to the grocery store on the next corner; buy one loaf of fresh, thin-sliced, white, sandwich bread, and bring it back to me." This illustrates specific authority. There is much less room for choice in this statement. Consider a few more illustrations. Suppose that someone was told, "Go and climb a tree." This command would be generic as to the kind of tree that could be climbed. Any tree would do a person climbing an oak, pine, or maple would be obeying the command. The command would be specific in that only a tree could be climbed. Someone could not climb a "ladder" and fulfill this command, however. Suppose that someone was told to offer an animal sacrifice. This command would be generic in that any kind of animal would do. Offering a sheep, horse, or cow would be acceptable. However, the above command is specific in that only animals can be offered; vegetables could not be offered. If the command was "offer a four-footed animal," then the command would be specific in that only animals with four feet could be offered (a bird would not do), but it would be generic from the standpoint of any four-footed animal being acceptable. Old Testament Examples Consider the Old Testament case of Noah. Noah was told (Gen. 6:14), "Make thee an ark of gopher wood. . . ." If Noah had been told to make an ark of "wood," he could have constructed the ark out of any kind of wood. This command was specific, but he was told "gopher wood," so all other kinds of wood were eliminated by the command. If there were different kinds of gopher trees, then the command would have been generic as to the kind of gopher tree that Noah would have been permitted to use. Noah could have used either small or large gopher trees and would have still been doing exactly what God told him. It must also be understood that aids and expedients (means) are used in carrying out commands. Noah probably used hammers, ropes, and oxen to carry out the command to "build an ark." If so, would these have been authorized? Yes, they would have been "aids." In using these, Noah would have still been doing exactly what God said to do when He said to build an ark. In Numbers 19:2, the Bible shows that the people were to offer a "red heifer." A red heifer was a specific kind of animal. Since it was specified, all other animals were eliminated, and all heifers which were not red heifers were eliminated. If the command was "offer a heifer," a heifer of any color could have been offered. If he said, "offer an animal," the command would have been generic as to the kind of animal, so a rabbit, horse, or any other kind of animal could have been offered. Again, aids and expedients could have been used to carry out the above command. New Testament Examples In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus spoke the Great Commission to his apostles. He said, " . . . All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." From these verses several observations can be made. First, "go" is a generic command; it specifies movement, but they were not told "how" to go. Thus, any means of locomotion would do; they were free to choose. They could have traveled by boat, chariot, animal, or by walking. In addition, today, we can travel by automobile, plane, bicycle, or bus. Next, there is the command to "teach." Specific arrangements for teaching are authorized. We can teach by sermons, by classes, to a group or an individual, by radio or television. Aids and methods can be employed in carrying out this command such as blackboards, charts, overhead projectors, and public address systems. Whether one teaches a group or individuals, by radio or in person, the command to teach is still simply being carried out. There is also the command to baptize. Carrying out this command necessitates a place. A person could be baptized in a river, pool, or lake. The water can be warm or cool, or it can be inside or outside. A baptistery, for example, is authorized as an aid in carrying out the command to baptize. Remember, however, that the Great Commission specifies that the "gospel" is to be taught, so human traditions and philosophies are eliminated. These would not be aids or expedients but additions. We also learn that the church is to assemble (Heb. 10:25). This command is generic with regard to the place. We are not told where to assemble. The church could assemble in a home, a tent, or a meeting house. Some say that we do not have the authority for a church building. This is wrong; as we have generic authority for the church to spend its money for a meeting place. The church is to assemble (Heb. 10:25, Cor. 14); we are to gather together for worship a place is necessitated. A building expedites the carrying out of the command to assemble. The Bible also teaches that Christians are to "give" as they have been prospered on the first day of the week (I Cor. 16:1-2). This command specifies how the church is to take in its money. A church taking in money by raffles, suppers, or operating a business has added to God's Word, not respecting the silence of the Scriptures. Baskets, or plates, to take up the money are aids in carrying out the command to give. When a church uses a basket or a plate, it is still just simply giving as God said. By the way, the day that we are to give (first day of the week) is specified so it would be wrong for churches to take up money on any other day. The Bible also specifies the kind of music that Christians are to use in worshiping God (Col. 3:16, Eph. 5:19, I Cor. 14:15). These New Testament passages, and others, say that we are to sing. Since God specified the kind of music singing all else is eliminated. If God had said, "Make music," He would have given a generic command, and Christians could use any kind of music that they wanted. But, God specified "sing," so all other kinds of music are excluded. Expedients and aids may be employed in carrying out the command to sing. The use of a song book, song leader, and four-part harmony would not be wrong. When these are employed, the church is still just doing exactly what God said Sing! A pitch pipe is sometimes used by the song leader to get the right pitch. This is not a different kind of music but is simply an aid. Sometimes people argue that an organ or piano is just an aid like a public address system, a blackboard, song books, lights, etc. i.e. it is an aid in singing. An instrument of music is not an aid; it is a different kind of music in the same way that beef would be adding another kind of food if added to the Lord's Supper. The instrument is an addition to God's Word. An aid must be subordinate, not coordinate (equal). If a person is ordered to "walk," he could not use a car as an aid to walking as walking and riding are coordinates. Riding would be a different kind of transportation. A cane, on the other hand, is an aid to walking, it is not another kind of transportation. A person, who walked, employing a cane, would still be doing exactly what the command said. If a person told a tailor, "Hand stitch a suit for me." The tailor could use a needle, thread, scissors, and a thimble. These would be subordinates and would be acceptable. But, if he used a sewing machine, he would be using another way to make a suit and would have violated the order. A sewing machine would be coordinate to hand stitching the suit. In like manner, singing and playing are coordinates. They are two different kinds of music. The Bible also specifies that the church has a three-fold mission. It is to teach the lost, teach its own members, and relieve needy saints (I Tim. 3:15; Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 11:28-30). This work has been specified, so no other work can be added. The church is not to provide for entertainment, recreation, and secular education. Its work is not to provide for medical clinics or for anything else which does not fall under its God-given work. Misunderstanding Generic Authority There have been divisions over the years because some have misunderstood the concept of generic authority. Many years ago, the church was split over the Missionary Society issue. The Missionary Society was a separate organization from the church, set up to preach the gospel to the lost. It was supported by money being sent to it by various churches. The argument was that the Missionary Society was simply a method which could be employed by the church to preach the gospel. The Missionary Society, however, was not actually a method of preaching the gospel but a separate organization which used means and methods. The church is its own missionary society. It is to oversee its own work of evangelizing, and it is not to turn that work over to some other organization thus becoming just a money-raising organization. The same argument was used many years later to justify the church support of benevolent societies. It was said that the orphan home was just a method for the church to carry out its work of benevolence. Again, these organizations are not merely methods but separate organizations which employ means and methods themselves. Just as the church is its own missionary society, it is also its own benevolent society. The church is to oversee its own benevolent work. It cannot become a fund-raising organization for some human institution. In the two controversies mentioned above, the question was not how but who. Sometimes we might ask for authority for a certain practice. When authority from God's Word cannot be produced, people at times respond by saying that there are a lot of things we endorse for which we have no authority. Some have said this when asked for the Biblical authority for the church to build what are called "fellowship halls" or recreation buildings. They argue, "You endorse song books, restrooms, drinking fountains which are not mentioned in the Bible but oppose kitchens in the church building and recreation buildings which are not mentioned either." This is an argument of inconsistency. (An argument to prove inconsistency does not disprove another's position; it only proves inconsistency.) It must be understood, however, that a water fountain is not the same as a recreation building. Water fountains, lights, and heating and cooling units are authorized under generic authority. The church is to assemble; this necessitates a place, and a place to assemble would include the above items. If the church were told to "provide recreation," to be involved in the "social gospel," then, under generic authority, a building and equipment would be authorized to carry out this command. Since providing recreation is not revealed to be a mission of the church, then there is no authority to provide facilities to carry out this work. The church can provide facilities for anything which is its work, but recreation cannot be shown to be the work of the church. We must have authority for all that we believe and practice. It is important, however, to understand the importance of generic and specific authority. A failure to do so, can result in error and confusion. ____________ ?HE, BEING DEAD, STILL SPEAKS? Charles G. Maples, Sr. It might be said of INFLUENCE that it is ?Bigger than Life!? It is a PERSONAL power that each individual has. I suppose that there is not an individual with whom we have had some experience; be it so seemingly ? insignificant? at the time; but that it has, in some way, influenced our behavior, or at least our thinking afterward. We are given but very brief history of the life of Abel; of whom the above statement was made(Hebrews 11:4); but what God has chosen to tell us about him is that his FAITH was such that it LIVES ON, even thousands of years after, ?He being dead...? This POWER that God has created within each creature whom He has made ?in His own image,? can be for GOOD or EVIL! We can read of many in the Bible who ?live on? in the lives of those of us who believe the Inspired records. A beautiful illustration of this is seen in Paul?s second letter to Timothy(1:4-5), in which he said that he could be brought to ?great joy (when he) called to REMEMBRANCE the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt in(Timothy?s) grandmother Lois and (his) mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. As was said of Abel, so it can be said of Lois and Eunice that ? they, being dead, yet speak.? But, as stated before, this is a PERSONAL POWER that we can wield FOR EVIL, as well as for GOOD. God calls to our attention, numerous times when such power was wielded by one who lived at a time when God?s people so badly needed good leadership; good influence; and he chose the opposite course. Of Jeroboam, it is often said, in effect, ? being dead, yet he speaks!? Following I give you ?THE LEGACY OF JEROBOAM,? as arranged by Terry Slack in BIBLICAL INSIGHTS, Vol. 8, No. 3, March 2008 ELAH: ?...did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father (king Jeroboam) and in his sin which he made Israel to sin.? (I Kgs. 15:16) BAASHA: ?...did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam and his sin which he made Israel to sin.? (I Kgs. 15:34) ZIMRI: ?...died...because of his sins which he sinned, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Jeroboam and in his sins which he did, making Israel to sin.? (I Kgs. 16:18, 19) OMRI: ?...walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat and in his sins which he made Israel sin, provoking the Lord God of Israel with their idols.? (I Kgs. 16:26) AHAB: ?It came about, as though it had been a trivial thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, that Ahab married Jezebel...went to serve Baal and worshiped him.? (I Kgs. 16:31) AHAZ: ?...did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin.? (I Kgs. 22:52) JEHORAM: ?...clung to the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from them.? (2 Kgs. 3:3) JEHU: ?...but Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.? (2 Kgs. 10:31) JEHOASH: ?..did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not turn away from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel sin,..? (2 Kgs. 14:11) UZZIAH: ?...did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin.? (2 Kgs. 14:24) PEKAHIAH: ?...did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin.? (2 Kgs. 15:24) PEKAH: ?...did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin.? (2 Kgs. 15:28) THE SONS OF ISRAEL: ?...walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them until the Lord removed Israel from His sight. as He had said by all His servants, the prophets.? (2 Kgs. 17:22, 23) ( note) You will note that the life chosen by Jeroboam did not only influence those leaders of Israel to sin, but over and over we are told that he (Jeroboam) ?...caused (made) Israel to sin!? Just think of what might have been the result in the lives of those leaders, and in the history of God? s people, Israel, if Jeroboam had chosen ?THE WAY OF TRUTH,? as did David! (Psalm 119:30) But then pause and think of what YOUR life might continue to ?SPEAK,? after you have ??gone the way of all the earth!? How might YOUR INFLUENCE affect the lives of your children and your children?s children, in generations to come? LIVE ON, IT WILL! You/I choose as to what OUR ? LEGACY? WILL BE! The Inspired apostle Paul wrote that we; as Timothy; can so conduct our lives that we can ?save both (ourselves) and those who hear (us)!? (I Timothy 4:13-16) ____________ Rejoice Always Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:16 says, ?Rejoice always.? This verse is said to be the shortest verse in the Bible in the Greek. Ironically, the shortest verse in the English deals with the opposite emotion which is sorrow. This verse is John 11:35 which says, ?Jesus wept.? It is amazing how many times that the concept of joy is found in the New Testament. Earlier, in I Thessalonians 1:6, Paul speaks of the joy of the Thessalonians while facing persecutions. In Jerusalem, during the days of the early church, the apostles were arrested and beaten. In the midst of this, they rejoiced as they were counted worthy to suffer to for name of Christ (Acts 5:41). There was great joy when the gospel was preached in Samaria (Acts 8:8). When the Ethiopian was converted (Acts 8:39), ?he went on his way rejoicing.? Acts 15:3 tells us that the brethren in Jerusalem rejoiced when they heard of the conversion of the Gentiles, and the Philippian jailor rejoiced after he was converted (Acts 16:34). Even though Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison, he used the word ?joy,? or some form of it, 17 times in this book. The verse that is sometimes called the theme of the entire book is Philippians 4:3 which says, ?Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.? How can a Christian ?rejoice always?? Christians face hardships and shed tears just like everyone else. The Christian, however, always has a reason to rejoice no matter what happens to him because his joy is not based upon external circumstances. His joy, instead, is based upon the relationship with God that he has and with the many blessings which he enjoys. Nothing, not even death, can ever rob him of his rich, spiritual blessings and the joy that he has in Christ. Many happy events can happen to the Christian. However, the Christian will also face hardships. Even in these, he can continue to rejoice. The Christian can ?smile through his tears.? ___________ Evangelist: Charles G. Maples Sr. Phone-256-530-0772 Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson Phone -256-776-2223 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/5147af85/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Aug 15 16:58:14 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 17:58:14 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Article - Religion, Morality, and Politics Message-ID: Religion, Morality, and Politics I do not remember how old I was when I heard the statement ?Never argue about politics or religion? ? I was very young and did not understand the import of the statement at the time. As age and experience has now taught me it is very important to God that Christians stand up for all things that are approved by ?HIM ? GOD? - (Eph. 6:10-13 - 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (KJV). We may also appeal to the truthfulness of the passage of Scripture found in Jude 3 - cf. Jude 3-5 - 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not (KJV). Yes, we must stand up for and defend the Biblical teaching regarding religious, moral, ethical, and political lifestyles and live our lives accordingly. 1. RELIGIOUS AREAS - If we are to be approved by Almighty God we must defend and occupy our place as true Christians are obligated and Defend true religion in all its form and practices after the Divine Pattern (i.e. the Divine Pattern is revealed via the Holy Scriptures). Whenever men seek to function in religious activities without Divine Authority (i.e. from human wisdom rather than Biblical Revelation), their efforts must be resisted by those who contend earnestly for the faith, once delivered to the saints ? [Jude 3]. Since true Christians are God?s representatives here on earth in any generation they must allow their voices to be heard and their websites must contain effective exposure of error and evil proposals presented by false teachers and evil conspirators. 2. MORAL ? Christians are to uphold and stand firmly upon those principles that were revealed to the first Christians clearly revealed in that portion of the Bible known as the New Testament. In the NT may be found the Divine instruction regarding morality that Christians are to live by and make every effort to incorporate within their life ? cf. Phil. 2:12-13 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Acts 2:42 ? and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (KJV). 1 Cor. 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, un-moveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord (KJV). Gal. 5:19-25 ? 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit (KJV). CONSIDER THIS: The preceding Scripture references give man an idea of the kind of morals and ethics that the Christian must have to please God. The false teaching that a person - ?once acknowledging God is locked into eternal life? is false teaching. Those that live and abide within the instruction of God?s Written Word after becoming a Christian (i.e. through FAITH, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION OF CHRIST, and BAPTISM (i.e. immersion) ? ?for the remission of sin? will see God someday. These things we must teach and defend as this 21st Century begins? Dear brethren, make no mistake about it the need to stand, defend, and be counted for God is urgent. 3. POLITICS ? The Bible is clear on the kind of government in secular affairs that God approves. The government that God approves throughout history has had certain qualities that encourage the support of the human masses. Let us examine some of those qualities found in the Bible: God provides a basis upon which to determine the quality of any government under which Christians live. That gauge is found in Rom.13:1-7 ? 1 let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shall have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor (KJV). CONSIDER THIS: Therefore; whenever a government under which Christians live becomes oppressive, hedonistic, and abusive toward its masses it is not the kind of government than encourages submission of the Christian. Yet, whenever a government becomes Godless; men of faith and purity will rise to seek changes through the ballot box and will not support that officer (i.e. be it Local, state, or national) SEE THE NATURE OF GOOD GOVERNMENT ? SEE ROMANS 13:1-7 AGAIN. CONCLUSION: ndeed, the Christian is obligated to support good (i.e. righteous) government. The Christian is also to submit to the governmental authorities and the citizen Christian is obligated as such to cry out when a government is failing in their responsibility to citizens and to Almighty God. _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) SEE ALSO ? considermagazine.com August 14, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/f419dff4/attachment-0001.html From Mikejohnson104 at aol.com Sat Aug 15 17:44:28 2009 From: Mikejohnson104 at aol.com (Mikejohnson104 at aol.com) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:44:28 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] B> Elon Challenger V 6 N 6 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 VI Number 6 February, 2009 =================================================================== ?DOES JESUS DISCRIMINATE? Charles G. Maples, Sr. I recently heard, on a radio program of a religious nature, ?Jesus Did Not Discriminate!? I wondered then; and continue to; if the person quoted, and the host of the program (who seemingly considered that to be a great statement) had given any thought to the implications of the assertion! Mr. Webster tells us that to ?discriminate? is to ?...distinguish by certain tokens...to differentiate...to separate (like things) one from another in comprehension or use by discerning the minute differences...to make a distinction, to distinguish accurately...to make a difference in treatment or favor (of one as compared with others)...? Jesus did not, nor does He ?discriminate? with regard to (1) His Love: (John 3:16; Romans 5:8), ( 2) His Death: (Hebrews 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15), (3) His Grace: (Titus 2:11; Romans 5:20; 3:23). Jesus Loves the whole world! He Died for ?every man!? He extends His Grace to ?all men!? In these He has not, and does not ?discriminate!? But Jesus DOES ?DISCRIMINATE? IN A NUMBER OF WAYS; expressed in numerous Scriptures: 1 - He tells us that through this life there is a ?wide gate,? entering a ?broad way, which leads to destruction? and there is a ?strait gate,? entering a ?narrow way, which leads unto life.? (Matthew 7:13-14) In this the Savior is ?discriminating? between those who wish to be left to live as they please; going with ?the crowd (who) do evil? (Exodus 23:2) He decrees that those who live in the ?broad way? will end in ?destruction.? On the other hand, He urges us to ?enter by the narrow gate;...narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life,...? In this the Savior assures us that if we wish to have ?life? (Spiritual life here [Ephesians 2:1], and ?Eternal life? when this life is over (Mark 10:30; I Timothy 6:12), then we must travel that ?difficult way? entered only by the ?narrow gate!? That IS ?discrimination!? - Divinely Decreed! 2 - Again, we are told by Inspired Scriptures that Jesus ?...by the grace of God...tasted death for EVERYONE.?- Hebrews 2:9 (No ?discrimination? there!) However, in Hebrews. 5:8f we are assured that ?..He (Jesus) learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation TO ALL WHO OBEY HIM...? In this THERE IS ?DISCRIMINATION!? The Savior is saying, ?If you wish to have ETERNAL SALVATION, then you must OBEY ME, as I obeyed the Father!? (in this, see Matthew 26:39-44) This is stated in different terms in Mark 16:15-16; wherein the Savior charged His apostles to ?Go into all the world and preach the gospel to EVERY CREATURE, (no ?discrimination?), He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.? (Divine ?discrimination!?) If one wishes to ?be saved,? then he/she must ? believe and be baptized,? but whoever ?does not believe? chooses to be ? condemned!? ?Every creature? has a choice to make, as to which shall be his/her ?sentence.? The ?discriminating? Savior decrees! 3 - Even in the case of those who become ?disciples of Christ,? Jesus DOES ?discriminate!? Through the Inspired apostle, John He warns, ?? Whoever transgresses, and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.? Inspiration foretold that some who were ?in the faith? would ? depart from the faith,? (I Timothy 4:1; cf.. 6:10), and the Inspired writer James declares, ?Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner (one of the ? brethren? - cgm), from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.? (James 5:19-20) This is Divine ? discrimination!? 4 - When we come to the Judgment (See Acts 17:31; Hebrews 9:27), the Savior tells us that we shall be ?Separated, one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats, He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left...? to those on His right hand, He will say, ?Come you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.? But to those on His left He will say, ?Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels...? (Divine ?discrimination,? and that for eternity!) CONCLUSION: Jehovah God has decreed that man, whom He created ?in His own image,? be capable of CHOOSING the manner of life he/she lives while here in this life, and that we might CHOOSE to accept the salvation that He has provided in His Son (I Timothy 2:4; Ephesians 1:7, 3; etc.), or we can ?die in (our) sins,? (John 8:21-24), and in that case the Savior warns, ?If you die in your sins, where I am, YOU CANNOT COME!? Yes, my dear reader, JESUS DOES ?DISCRIMINATE!? __________ Bible Authority 13 FALSE STANDARDS Mike Johnson Why is there so much division and confusion today in the religious world ? so many different doctrines and so many religious groups? One reason is that so many have never been taught, or at least have never learned, the importance of Bible authority. Some may acknowledge that we are to be guided by the Bible, but when all is said and done, they really only pay ?lip service? to Bible authority. When man is not following the same standard (God? s Word), division and confusion is a certainty. All authority rests in three areas. There is internal human authority, external human authority, and divine authority. It is clear that God intends for us to be governed by divine authority (Col. 3:17, I Thess. 2:13). Divine authority originates with God, is centered in Christ, and is recorded and revealed in the Bible. Yet, many are governed by external and/or internal human authority. These are incorrect standards, and they need to be exposed as such. Consider some external and internal sources of human authority commonly used today. Feelings Many have followed their ?feelings? as a guide in religion. As long as there is the feeling that they are saved, they are satisfied. If one begins to question them about their salvation, one touches a tender spot because their feelings are often ?sacred.? They may say as they pat their chest, ? I would not give up this feeling which I have in my heart for all of the Bibles in the world.? Many people would rather die trusting their feelings instead of making a candid and honest investigation of their salvation in view of what the Bible says. In secular matters, we know that our feelings can deceive us. For example, we may feel that something is true and later learn that it is not. Also, a person may think that he is in good health just prior to the time that he suddenly dies. Consider two biblical examples. Jacob, in Genesis 37, was deceived into thinking that his son, Joseph, was dead. Jacob mourned as if Joseph had actually died. He might have said with complete sincerity, ?I know how I feel. ? Saul, later known as Paul, felt that it was his duty to persecute Christians. Later he said (Acts 26:9), ?I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.? Paul was laboring under a delusion. The fact that he felt that he was doing right did not make his actions right. There are various Old Testament passages which show the futility of trusting our feelings as a guide for what is right and wrong in serving God. Jeremiah 10:23 says, ?O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.? Jeremiah 17:9 teaches, ? The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?? One cannot depend on his own heart to lead him in the right way. Finally, Proverbs 28:28 says, ?He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.? It is certainly foolish for one to trust his feelings concerning his salvation. Consider religious people (such as the Jews and Muslims) who do not believe that Christ is the son of God. Are they saved? They, no doubt, feel that they are. Yet in John 8:24 Jesus said, ?... for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.? These people may feel that they are saved, but that does not mean that they are. If feelings are not evidence of salvation for Jews and Muslims, then they are not evidence of salvation for Methodists, Baptists, and Pentecostals. How can we have assurance about salvation or anything else that we might believe? (Our feelings can be fickle? one day we might believe one thing; another day we might believe something else.) God?s Word gives us assurance. It is our safe and steady standard. I John 5:13 says, ?These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.? John also wrote (2:3), ?And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.? It does not matter how we ?feel? about our salvation. God?s Word is that which is important in this matter. Can we determine from the Scriptures that we have obeyed the Lord? It does not matter how we feel; what matters is what God says. ?Feelings? are produced by evidence, they are not the evidence of salvation. Conscience Others use their conscience as their standard of authority. They might say, ?Just let your conscience be your guide.? This, however, cannot be a correct standard as it is possible for a person to have a good conscience and yet be in sin. Some can steal and kill with a good conscience. Consider the case of Paul. Paul, previous to his conversion, was a persecutor of Christians. We are told that during this time he had a good conscience. In Acts 23:1, he said, ?...I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.? As we noted earlier, according to Acts 26:9, he said, ?I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.? Paul was following his conscience, but he was wrong. If ?conscience alone? is the correct standard, then there are as many standards as there are people. A conscience may be programmed incorrectly, and thus a person could have a good conscience and still be in sin. Surely, the conscience, by itself, is not a correct standard of authority. A conscience must be properly programmed according to God?s Word. How Much ?Good? That Something Does Some people try and justify a practice by how much good is being done. If they are asked for the authority for a certain practice that their church is involved in, they respond by citing the good that is being accomplished. This view is basically saying that the ?ends justifies the means.? They look at the good that they think is being accomplished and assume that since ?good? has been achieved, God must approve of what they have done to achieve this good. This view attributes to God the feelings that man has about matters, rather than looking to God?s Word as the authority. Consider a few Old Testament events. Saul, a king of Israel, was to utterly destroy the Amalekites (I Sam. 15). Saul did not do this; instead he spared their king (Agag) and the best of the animals. When questioned by Samuel, Saul said, ?for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice unto the Lord they God.? Samuel rebuked him and told him that to obey is better than sacrifice (22). Saul was saying that the ends justifies the means ? that it was proper to disobey if good resulted. Saul was wrong and was not justified in his disobedience no matter how much ? good? was said to be accomplished. Another example concerns Uzzah (II Sam. 6). The ark of the covenant was being transported upon an ox cart during the reign of David. To begin with, the ark was not being transported correctly. Then, when the ark arrived at Nachon?s threshing floor, the ark oxen shook the ark, and it was in danger of falling. Uzzah touched the ark to steady it, which was a violation of God?s command. He was immediately killed by God. Uzzah might have contended that his steadying the ark prevented it from crashing to the ground and that good would come because of his disobedience. Uzzah was wrong, however, for touching the ark; he paid for it with his life; the end did not justify the means. Instead of trying to justify a practice by pointing out the good that it does, we need to turn to a ?thus saith the Lord.? Belief of Parents There are others whose parents are their sources of authority in religious matters. These will not accept the truth on certain subjects because their parents did not believe that way. Surely this is a wrong source of authority. We must always honor our parents; however, it is possible that they may have been wrong in their beliefs and practices. We must not reject truth simply because it is contrary to what our parents believed. Matthew 10:37 says, ?He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me....? The Majority Some people use the concept of the majority as a standard of right and wrong in religious matters. They feel that if a majority of the people are practicing a particular idea, then it cannot be wrong. They might say, ? Why, there are millions in the religious group that I am a part of,? or ? there are many who believe as I believe.? Does the fact that a majority believes a certain thing make it right? Is it correct to use the majority as our source of authority or to believe a certain way simply because so many others do? It should be obvious that the majority is not to be our standard of authority because, if it is, truth would change as we change locations. The beliefs of the majority about a certain matter may be different in the South than they are in the North. Also, the views of the majority may vary from country to country. Some countries, for example, consist of populations of people who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. If a person uses the majority as his standard, it would seem that he would need to change his belief every time that he changed locations when the majority of the people in the new location believed differently than the majority in his old location. Taking the entire world into consideration, most religious people do not profess ?Christianity.? Consider a few Bible principles. Exodus 23:2 warns, ?Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil....? Also, Matthew 7:13-14 shows the great mistake of this standard as it says, ?Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.? In some situations, there is safety in numbers. However, this concept is not correct in spiritual matters. We must not use the majority as our source of authority. Great and Wise Men Denominational people often quote a religious leader or scholar to prove their point. They might then say, ?Are you smarter than this person?? Sometimes innovations are brought into the church and are defended on the basis that some respected preacher from the past believed that the practice was Scriptural. There is nothing wrong in examining the teaching and reasoning of various scholars on some subject, and then comparing their logic to what the Scriptures say. We can learn from other people. Yet, we cannot use such people as our authority. God?s Word is our authority, and we are to stand in the wisdom of God (I Cor. 2:5). Even Peter practiced error, stood condemned, and was opposed ?to the face? by Paul (Gal. 2:11-21). It is important to understand that teachers and scholars, although knowledgeable, can be wrong. Pick almost any issue and knowledgeable people can be found on both sides. We must not allow someone to lead us astray. God?s Word, not a mere human being, is to be our authority. What Is to Be Our Authority? What then is to be our authority? Our authority is to be God?s Word. It is not to be these external and internal sources of human authority which are listed above. The Bible is to be our guide; it is to be our source of authority. II Timothy 3:16-17 says, ?All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.? II John 9 says that we must abide in the ?doctrine of Christ.? We must accept the Bible, and the Bible only, as our source of authority. These human standards will lead us astray. ______ DANIEL?S INFLUENCE Daniel?s life revealed the authenticity of his faith in God. He conducted himself so honorably in his high office that Darius ?planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom? (Dan. 6:3). The other governors and satraps, however, were jealous and began to plan a way of getting rid of Daniel. As hard as they tried, however, they could find nothing in his life to use against him. They said, ?We shall not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God? (vs. 5). The Bible says that ?he was faithful; and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him? (vs. 4). What a record of faithfulness! He was loyal and diligent on the job ? all the while giving God first place in his life. Daniel?s life was so far above criticism that his enemies had to create a situation in which his commitment to God would come into conflict with his position. Would we stand up under such close examination like this? Are we so faithful in our work that our fellow employees could ?find no charge or fault? in us? It?s commendable to talk about religious things and Christianity. Don't leave out the influence of a godly life and a job so faithfully performed that others could find no fault. Like Daniel, our behavior should be blameless. Then we too will have a life that gives praise and glory to God and shines like a beacon before our fellowmen, leading them to Christ. Shane Williams ________________ Evangelist: Charles G. Maples Sr. Phone-256-530-0772 Evangelist & Editor: Mike Johnson Phone -256-776-2223 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/bd75bf51/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Aug 15 20:26:06 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:26:06 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 032 Message-ID: <4927772F3A2B40678F6250154A3D61AF@sean2e3f41f1ba> The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 032: August 16, 2009 This Week's Article: Gaining Hope: Philippians 2:12 Today's religious world seems to add complication to what should be a simple plan to understand. There are things that need to be done in order to be saved: We are not earning anything since we cannot compare to the price that has been paid for this opportunity-the blood of the Christ. In this working we are simply seeking to meet our God's expectations-we essentially have some work to do. The brethren in Philippi were holding high the banner of the cross. They were, from what we can read, a good example of what brethren should be. Paul commends them on several counts including their love. Chapter one, verse nine he exhorts them to let their love abound more and more. The entire letter is an admonition to do what they have been doing and then to ever increase the more (Philippians 1:3-11). Paul uses the phrase, "more and more", which means that the increase must never stop. Throughout the letter Paul compels the brethren to keep fighting and never turn back. He compels them with the promise of a great reward out in front that only those who remain faithful will receive (Philippians 3:14; Hebrews 10:35 "great reward"). Within the context of this short epistle we find some words that have brought some varied conclusions. The words of Philippians 2:12, "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling". It is statements like this that cause people to forget the rules of Bible study and changing their whole belief over one statement instead of considering everything the Bible says on the matter. We need to take the time to consider what God intended to be understood by this statement recorded by Paul through inspiration. We must be obedient like Christ. Paul emphasizes this by introducing Christ's example in verses 5-11. He compels the brethren to be of the same mind as Christ. To sum that up we must first consider Christ's mindset: His goal. John 4:34, Jesus says, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me". "Your will, not mine be done" was what Jesus said to the Father in Matthew 26:39. Coming back to Philippians 2:8 Paul proclaim that Jesus was obedient, "to the point of death". Christ's example is one of willing submission to the Father in all things. Everywhere, every time the Father's will was first for Jesus. After improper study some have mistakenly concluded that this verse gives them liberty to plot their own course and to go on without obedient submission to the Father. Instead of "working hard to be saved according to God's will (Matthew 7:21). Some see Philippians 2:12 as saying, come up with your own plan for salvation. Paul makes not allowances for such a conclusion. Paul commands the brethren in verse two "Be like-minded". He knew there was only one plan they all must follow in order to find the prize. In order to workout our own salvation having the mind of Christ. We must know God's will and do it no matter the cost (Matthew 7:21). We must seek it with all of our strength and we must not allow anyone or anything to stop us from our steady progress. We must take care of our own soul. It may be assumed that this verse gives us the right to be islands unto ourselves. Again, this is a false conclusion, since there is no such thing as a Christian-at-large. In the New Testament you will never find a "working unit" smaller or larger than a local congregation. This means that cooperative efforts among congregations are not authorized. Neither is there authority for individual Christians to set out on their own to do the work of the church. To come to the conclusion that we can make this a solo flight through life we would have to cut this single statement out of its context. We, however, know better and we desire to understand what this truly means. The point is that their main focus in life must be their soul's salvation. Paul understood, just as we do, that there are many distractions in this world and we must remain focused on the goal (Philippians 3:14). Our own soul must have priority in this life. Many passages instruct us to make sure we ourselves are walking right and heading toward God not away. Passages such as Ephesians 4:1 "Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called"; Ephesians 5:15 "Walk circumspectly not as fools but as wise"; 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith". 2 Timothy 2:15 "Be diligent to present yourself approved of God". There are many other to add to this list. Paul recorded every one of these examples. From these we can clearly see the necessary priority to place on our soul's salvation. We cannot find our salvation by pursuing the things of this world and trying to run for God too (1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4 becomes an enemy of God). We also must understand that this passage does not exclude our responsibility to our brethren. We must also look out one another. We must look out for the interests of our brethren and others (Philippians 2:4). In our last point we looked a number of passages that instruct us to make sure our own feet are walking the pathway. Just as many passages tell us to be mindful of one another's needs in this direction. Passages like, Romans 12:10 "be kindly affectionate to one another in brotherly love"; Romans 15:5-6 "like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus"; 1 Corinthians 12:25 "Same care for one another"; Ephesians 4:32 "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving"; Philippians 2:4 "Also for the interests of others". Look again at who recorded all this statements through inspiration. We must see our congregation as our family. We must let our love abound more and more. Our care for one another must be constant. We have one goal; that goal is the great reward of Heaven. We must work hard to make sure our own soul is saved also work hard for each other to help one another do what is right. One goal.many participants on the team Conclusion: Work is the operative word. We have the plan; we are not to make up our own. We have a goal that is within our reach if we will work. Salvation can be yours and it can be mine. We must work with all the diligence we can muster for each other and ourselves. What have you done toward your salvation? Are you willing to do God's will? ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward this copy to them and send their email address and I will add them to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/dc258eee/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/dc258eee/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7776 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090815/dc258eee/attachment-0003.gif From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat Aug 15 23:43:27 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:43:27 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] The Word Online Bible Courses Message-ID: Brethren, Greetings! I am pleased to announce that The Word Online Bible Courses is now "live" at http://www.wordbiblecourses.com . The Word Online Bible Courses exists to assist people in learning more about the Bible and about Christianity in structured, self-directed courses and lessons. Our first priority is to assist people who have not yet learned about the Bible and Jesus Christ to learn the message of the Gospel so as to give them the opportunity to believe and obey Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 1:16). We also desire to assist Christians in growing and developing in their faith (2 Peter 3:18). We feel that there is a lack of graduated material to assist Christians in their personal study that would facilitate such growth and development. Therefore, we use a system similar to a college or a university, with classes at various levels. We are not a college or a university and have no intention to become one. We use the system because it is clear and understandable. We are not trying to put anyone down, but we also recognize that people need different levels of information to consider when at different levels of growth in the faith. That is why the material gradually gets more complex and more developed. We hope that The Word Online Bible Courses will be a continual benefit to Christians throughout their walk with God. Right now, Bible 101 and Christianity 101, introducing someone to the Bible and to the Gospel, are available. As time goes on, more courses will be written and will be made available on the website. Please use this as a resource in your evangelistic works. We will be developing a small advertisement that will be able to be placed on a website that will link to The Word Online Bible Courses. We, of course, would appreciate being linked to other websites. You can also check us out on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Word-Online-Bible-Courses/244485420433?ref=mf) and on Twitter @wordcourses. Thanks for your interest! Ethan Ethan R. Longhenry / deusvitae at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 17 11:12:24 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:12:24 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE BLESING OF BEING SINGLE 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 files: THE BLESSING OF BEING SINGLE There is someithing disheartening about being left our of social activities because you are not married. Or, at least feeling like many of the get-togethers of the church family are about couples or couples with children. It is true that there are many blessings for the married and families. But, God's Word also addresses the benefits of being single, (especially under certain cirmcumstances, JWS). It woule be good to be reminded that Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, never married. The fact that Jesus never married may not give one who is not married very much consolation be- cause Jesus was the Son of God who came into the world to save the lost by givng His life a ransom for many. It could be argued that Jesus needed to be dedicated to His cause and pur- pose, thus having a family would make it more difficult for Him to complete His eternal destiny. Yet, Jesus did live through His teen years, His twenties and even into His early thirties, all are prime years of life for marriage Jesus was a single, so, He can understand what it means to live in this world unmarried. The apostle Paul was a dedicated brother who never married. During a time of great distress for the church in the world, he wrote to encourage brethren, "Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman... For i wish that all men were even as I myself... But I say to the unmarried and to the widows; it is good for them if they remain even as I...I suppose therefore that his is good be- cause of the present distress...the it is good for a man to remain as he is" (1 Cor. 7:1,1,8,26). Consider Paul's explanation as to why being single was a good thing "But I want you to be without concern. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things that belong to the Lord -- how he may please the Lord. But he who is married cares about the things of the world -- how he may pleasea his wife" (1 Cor. 7: 32,33). Also, "this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction" (vs. 35). The Word of God reveals that marriage is a good thing and being unmarried is a good things. In whatever circumstances that you find yourself -- serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Each Christian is different and has his own abilities as God has bless- ed him. God wants us to respect each other and the choices we have made in Christ. We must not look down upon the single or married Christians. But rather let us encourage each other to love and good works. ------------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090817/5d57a807/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Aug 17 11:12:35 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 12:12:35 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHEN GOD SPEAKS, LISTEN! (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. WHEN GOD SPEAKS, LISTEN! (2) GOD SPOKE OF THE CHURCH: -- Through the prophet of old, God spoke of the church to come: "And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house...for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of Jehovah from Jerus- alem" (Isa. 2:2,3). And that "house of God" is clearly defined by God: "The house of God, which is the church of the living God" (1 Tim. 3:15). Thus, the Christ, when He came, promised: "I will build My church" (Matt. 16:18). And He did. When salvation was preached in Jerusalem and the church began, God commanded believers, "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins" (Acts 2: 38). People responded: "They then that received His Word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls" (vs. 41). But they were added to what? Keep reading: "And the Lord added to the church daily such as were being saved" (vs. 47). All those whom the Lord saved were added by Him to His church. We must listen to the voice of God. Many today disparage the church, but God says that the church was "purchased with the blood of Christ" (Acts 20:28). God further says, "For the husband is the head of the wife , and Christ also is the Head of the church, being Himself the Savior of the body...for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is great: but I speak in regard of Christ and of His church" (Eph. 5:23,31,32). God says that the church is "the body of Christ" (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22,23) and Christ is married to the church. God spoke, and therefore the matter is fixed: "There is one body" (Eph. 4:4) and that body is the church of Christ (Eph. 1:22,23). Man may argue wit that, and even start many churches (denominations) to compete with the Lord's church. But it is still fixed, because God said it. Christ built only one church, He adds the saved to that one church, and He is married to only one spouse, the church of Christ, that He purchased with His own blood. God never planned that there should be a multitude of churches. We need to be in the one church which God purposed and which Jesus built. We had better listen to Him. The Return Of Christ: -- God has spoken about the return of Christ, and therefore the matter is fixed. Jesus Christ is coming again, in God's own appointed time and in His own way, to fulfill His eternal purposes. From the palisades of glory, Jesus will descend to fulfill God's great plan. As the whole schem of redemption was blue-printed in heaven before the sun, moon and stars appeared, so Jesus will come from heaven to accompl- ish those things which the voice of God decreed. And, as you cannot move the sun, moon and stars from their orbits, so you are powerless to alter God's plans. There are may who "make merchandise" of people (2 Pet. 2:3) by leading the Lord's people astray for their own profit. So- called "prophets" have predicted the Lord's return at a certain time, usually encouraging the gullible followers to bring all their money to the "prophet" while they wait for the Lord! The truth is that no one knows -- nor can know -- when the Lord is going to return. Jesus said, "But of that day and hour knoweth no one, not even the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only" (Matt. 24:36). If God did not see fit to reveal even to the angels when the Lord would return, why would anyone believe that He would reveal it to some mere man? God has spoken, and we had better listen. In God's own appointed time, Gabriel will step forth to send a clarion blast that declares that time is no more. The voice of God will be heard saying, "Come up, ye nations, to be judged, for I am God!" Then shall the Son of God step down from His throne to make His momentous appearance with the angelic hosts (2 Thes. 1:7-9). Jesus said, "Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurr- ection of judgment" (Jno. 5:28,29). God has spoken, "And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this cometh judgment" (Heb. 9:27). And again, "For we must all be made manifest before the judgment seat of Christr; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5:10). None will escape that judgment, for God has spoken. How sweet and blessed it will be for the faithful to hear Him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joys of thy Lord." But there will be multitudes of thsoe who lived for themselves and disregarded the voice of God who will hear Him say, "Depart from Me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire, prepared for the devil and his angels" (Matt. 25:41). Those who refuse to listen to God in this life, will surely hear Him at the Judg- ment! Friend, it was God's purpose when He created you that you hear His voice in this life and glorify Him in your obedient service. He never intended that you should spend eternity in the fire of hell. That is why He sent Christ to die for you, to save you from that and to provide a means by which you live with God in heaven for eternity. Your happiness now and forever depends upon listening to God and submitting to HIs Will. Remember, "Today is the day of salvation, Today if you hear His voice, hard- en not your heart, as they did in the provocation, and were destroyed because of their unbelief." --- Clem Thurman in Gos- pel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 33, Aug. 14, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090817/0d3bcd5d/attachment-0001.html From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Aug 16 19:08:26 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 16 Aug 2009 18:08:26 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (8/16/09) Message-ID: <001501ca1ecf$03a096c0$0ae1c440$@dot5hosting.com> San Juan Logo PNG.png Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) August 16, 2009 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com. In addition, if you want to advertise for "churches looking for preachers" and "preachers looking for churches," go to www.thetfordcountry.com and click on the appropriate link. Fill out the easy form and your listing will be uploaded to the web site within 48 hours (usually the same day). --- CONTENTS: "A Threefold Salvation" (Richard Thetford) "Striving For Unity" (Robert F. Turner) "Getting Help to Misunderstand the Scriptures" (Doy Moyer) "On Being Blind and Stubborn" (Lalo Enriquez) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- A THREEFOLD SALVATION Richard Thetford In 1 Timothy 4:10 we read "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe." We strive to do our best for the Lord because we know that we have been blessed with a threefold salvation. The three salvations are from the grave (John 5:28), past sins (Matthew 1:21), and eternal life (Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:5). But these salvations have terms. The salvation from the grave is an unconditional salvation. Jesus said: "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28-29). To gain salvation from past sins requires us to hear the gospel of our Lord and to persevere in these things (1 Timothy 4:16). We must also have faith (Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31), and once we have faith in Jesus Christ we must realize that salvation can only come to those who are truly sorrowful for their past sins and repent from them (2 Corinthians 7:10). We then confess Jesus as being the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10), and as an act of our obedience to keep all the commandments of the Lord we then are to be baptized INTO Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21). The third term of salvation is a life long commitment of obedience to Christ. The Hebrew writer writes: "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9). We need to always hold fast to the Word of God as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2. Salvation has terms that go with it. Are you keeping the terms of God's commandments? --- STRIVING FOR UNITY Robert F. Turner The Lord's Prayer (John 17) is widely quoted - in part - to emphasize the need for unity among God's people. I challenge you to study the chapter carefully, looking for the means of attaining and maintaining that unity. There are three parts to be considered: Christ's prayer for Himself, for the Apostles, and for those who "believe on me through their word." In Christ's prayer for Himself (vs 1-5) he says he came to earth to give eternal life, and he identifies this with "knowing" the Father and Son. His work on earth glorified the Father, and as this is finished (in the crucifixion) he asks to be returned to His original glory with the Father. As the Father was glorified in the Son, so Christ is glorified in His Apostles (v 10). Also, in the second part of His prayer Christ says He has manifested God's name (v 6) and given them the Father's Word (vs 6,8,14) to the end they may "know" God (receiving, believing, and keeping that word - vs 6,8; see 1 Jn 2:3-5). Being so "kept" the Apostles are "one, even as we are" (vs 11). They are set apart, sanctified, through truth (vs 17-19). Finally, Christ prays for all whom the Apostles teach. The "glory which thou hast given unto me I have given unto them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one..." (vs 22-23). These too have "known" God (v 25), as a result of having received the declared truth. Is it asking too much to expect a discerning reader to notice certain recurring thoughts? First, there is divine GLORY, in which the Father and Son are ONE. Then there is DECLARATION of that Glory (via manifestation and teaching of God's word); and a SHARING in that Glory, as the taught come to KNOW God. It is in this way that those other than deity, come to be ONE with deity. The oneness of believers for which Jesus prayed was the common quality to be found among all who partake of the divine image. Unity exists because they are one. The divine plan is not some organizational or creedal mold that forces heterogeneous people into the same society; it changes the people, in very essence as respects their spiritual life, so that they are now homogeneous, and therefore ONE. "I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one." The ideal (and it is indeed an ideal) is God-like people; having the mind of Christ (Phil 2:5), in word and deed doing all in His name (Col 3:17), transformed from glory to glory into His image (2 Cor 3:18), and all this to the glory of God (1 Pet 4:11). The ideal nature of this unity is no different from being holy as God is Holy (1 Pet 1:16), pure as he is pure (1 Jn 3:3), etc. It is not attained in the absolute sense; but its principles are accepted, it is our constant goal, the mark toward which we press. If we fail to recognize the ideal aspect of this unity, we may consider the level of our attainment as the standard, and begin to measure others by ourselves. Article taken from "Plain Talk", Volume 18, Number 11, January 1982 --- GETTING HELP TO MISUNDERSTAND THE SCRIPTURES Doy Moyer Yes, there are those who would help you to misunderstand what the Bible says. The Bible speaks of them in 2 Peter 3:16-17: "...speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked." We are thus told to "Be on your guard." Something as simple as, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). Is twisted to say, "He who believes is saved, and he can be baptized if he wants to, as long as he understands that it has nothing to do with salvation." As the Scripture says, "Be on your guard." --- ON BEING BLIND AND STUBBORN Lalo Enriquez As long as we blindly and stubbornly, without God's help, insist we know what is best for us, we will continue to go up dark alleys and wind up at frustrating dead-ends. Only a fool keeps saying, "I'll do it my way," especially when all he can see behind him is unfaithfulness, destruction, hopelessness and sadness (Jeremiah 10:23). Do it God's way! Study the Scriptures. Begin today to serve the Lord as He directs, put your trust in Him. You will never see a "dead-end" again in your entire life! --- SENTENCE SERMONS A person with a closed mind can get by "nicely" if he keeps his mouth closed. Fewer marriages would skid, if more who said, "I do" - did. Common sense and honesty should be more common. A man without principle never draws much interest. The Christian's walk and talk must go together. It is easier to float a rumor than to sink one. The brook would lose its song if you took the rocks away. A hypocrite is like a pin - points one way and heads the other. The ability to use experience - even of others - is true intelligence. --- SERMON THE BIBLE'S GUIDE FOR UNITY (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) www.thetfordcountry.com --- cid:image003.gif at 01C9DCB3.EEF5E980 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study..........10:00 A.M. Worship.........11:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study........6:30 P.M. Evangelist/Editor Richard Thetford Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9271 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090816/d109b25c/attachment-0003.gif From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Aug 17 14:47:43 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:47:43 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] A>He Went On His Way Rejoicing (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: He Went On His Way Rejoicing (Kent Heaton) "Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Ethiopia was 1500 miles away and the treasurer of Candace the queen was on his way home from Jerusalem. He had made the long journey to worship in Jerusalem (Acts 8:27) and was reading aloud from the prophet Isaiah. A man approaches his chariot and inquires if what he was reading was understood. He invites the man into his chariot and beginning from Isaiah 53 the stranger tells a wonderful story of the man of Isaiah 53. The Ethiopian is amazed as Philip unravels the mysteries of Isaiah and shows through the "Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms" (Luke 24:44) the promise of the Messiah and His coming. Like Peter on the day of Pentecost, he tells the story of "Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God . by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him . Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, [was] taken by lawless hands, [was] crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it" (Acts 2:22-24). The preacher describes the work of Jesus, His teaching and His commission to others to carry out the message of salvation. As the eunuch listened his heart burned within him and Philip opened the Scriptures to him (Luke 24:32). Finally they came to some water and the Ethiopian says, "'See, here is water. what hinders me from being baptized?' Then Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him" (Acts 8:36-38). The eunuch went on his way rejoicing because his thirst for knowledge had been filled by the "Bible study in the chariot." He thrilled to hear the story of Jesus and how the Son of God was raised from the dead. The preaching of Philip helped him understand more clearly the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 1:3-12). As a sinful man in need of grace Philip shows the eunuch the rich mercy and grace of the Father (Ephesians 2:1-10). The blood of Christ stained upon Golgotha could now cleanse the treasurer of Candace from his sins (1 John 1:7) Rejoicing came after the eunuch understood the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:3-9). He did not rejoice before he was baptized because his sins were not washed away yet. He rejoiced after they came up out of the water because he knew then his sins were washed away (Acts 22:16). What a great trip that was to Ethiopia. How excited he must have been to return home and spread the same gospel Philip shared with him in his chariot to his fellow man. The gospel of salvation brings about joy. "And there was great joy in that city" (Acts 8:8). The eunuch had found the Savior. He rejoiced in the hope of the good news of salvation for the cleansing of his sins. Rejoice comes from the idea of "taking possession of." He embraced his salvation with the grace of God and he took full possession of it during his ride home - and I suspect for the rest of his life. What a wonderful story of the good news of God's love to mankind. Through His Son we can rejoice in our obedience to the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090817/8df1d764/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Aug 17 16:13:47 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:13:47 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Jonah Message-ID: Jonah I. Introduction A. Jonah B. A story that most children know 1. Jonah and the big fish 2. Yet the book has a very important message for adults, too! C. Let us consider the book II. Jonah: The Details A. Authorship 1. Author not known 2. Inspiration attested by Jesus (Matthew 12:39-40) B. Dating 1. Jonah, son of Amittai, lives in time of Jeroboam II of Israel (2 Kings 14:25) 2. ca. 782-753 BCE 3. Book written after that point, certainly before 200 BCE C. Audience 1. Israel 2. Much we can gain from it D. Purpose 1. To tell the story of Jonah and Nineveh 2. To demonstrate God's mercy toward the repentant 3. To rebuke discriminatory attitudes among God's people III. Jonah: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Before Nineveh (Jonah 1-2) 2. At Nineveh (Jonah 3-4) B. Jonah Flees From God (Jonah 1-2) 1. Word of LORD comes to Jonah to call against Nineveh, its evil; Jonah arises, flees from presence of LORD, goes on ship headed for Tarshish (Jonah 1:1-3) 2. LORD causes great storm upon the sea; mariners each cry to his god, removed all cargo; Jonah asleep; they wake him, petition him to call out to his god (Jonah 1:4-6) 3. Mariners decide to cast lots to see who has brought the evil upon them; lot falls on Jonah; they want to know more about Jonah; he identifies himself as a Hebrew, serving the God of heaven; mariners afraid, for they know he is fleeing LORD's presence (Jonah 1:7-11) 4. Mariners ask what should be done; Jonah says to throw him overboard; men first try to get to land; they cannot; they call out to the LORD, beg for mercy, cast Jonah overboard; sea quiets down; mariners sacrifice to LORD, make vows (Jonah 1:8-16) 5. LORD appoints giant fish to swallow Jonah; Jonah in belly of fish three days and nights (Jonah 1:17) 6. Jonah prays to God from belly of fish: calls to God in his distress, seas lash against him, God delivers his life; message of thanksgiving; Jonah will make sacrifices and pay vows (Jonah 2:1-9) 7. Fish vomits Jonah onto dry land (Jonah 2:10) C. Jonah's Preaching (Jonah 3) 1. Word of LORD returns to Jonah, tells him to go to Nineveh; he does so (Jonah 3:1-2) 2. Nineveh large city, three day's journey in breadth; Jonah went a day's journey in, begins calling out that Nineveh will be overthrown; people believe God, fast, wear sackcloth (Jonah 3:3-5) 3. Word reaches king of Nineveh; he humbles himself, wears sackcloth; issues proclamation of fasting and lamentation, so that God may relent of disaster (Jonah 3:6-9) 4. God sees their repentance, relents of disaster (Jonah 3:10) D. Jonah's Anger (Jonah 4) 1. Jonah very displeased; indicates that he fled toward Tarshish since God is gracious and merciful; would rather die than to see Nineveh spared (Jonah 4:1-3) 2. God asks if he does well to be angry; Jonah pitches a tent to east of city to see what will happen to it (Jonah 4:4-5) 3. God appoints plant to provide shade to Jonah; Jonah glad for it; next day, worm attacks plant and it withers; God sends scorching wind that causes Jonah distress; Jonah asked that he might die (Jonah 4:6-8) 4. God asks if Jonah does well to be angry regarding the plant; he says yes, enough to die; God says that he pities the plant that he did not create and which lived for a day, and asks why He should not have a similar pity for Nineveh with 120,000 ignorant people and cattle (Jonah 4:9-11) IV. Jonah: Important Passages A. Jonah 1:17 / Matthew 12:39-40 B. Jonah 4:11 V. Conclusion A. The famous story of Jonah B. Children may be enamored with the big fish, but adults ought to learn from Jonah's "discriminating" example and not share in that attitude C. Let us be thankful for God's mercy and pity, and let us not infringe upon it! D. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 18 02:46:12 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:46:12 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) WONDROUS JOURNEY 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 a poem from my files: WONDROUS JOURNEY Not a care as sin consumed me, Not a care as I stood bound. Wretched, lost, condemned, and guilty, When through grace by Christ was found. The His light pierced through the darkness, >From sin's chains I'm finally free! Blest, forgiven, marching upward, Wondrus grace has rescued me. Praying daily, faith grows stronger, With His Word I cannot fall. Time grows short; Oh, how much longer, Till we hear the archangel's call? Will you be among that number Who will meet Him in the air? Blessed thought when comes life's troubles: Where He is I'll soon be there. If the sun should cease its shining, if the stars fall from the sky, If the oceans dry to nothing, If the winds should fail and die; Still my faith will never waver, And my love will not grow cold! How can I turn from my Savior, Who has promised streets of gold? As the years keep multiplying, As smooth flesh begins to line, As old memories fade in darkness, Head on pillow one last time. Still my thoughts will soar to heaven! Wondrous treasure for me stored! As the angels come to greet me, Final thought: "O, thank you, Lord." Adam Litmer in That Ye May Grow Thereby. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090818/ddd74de8/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Aug 18 02:46:25 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 03:46:25 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) HAS THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS ALREADY OCCURRED? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is an study from my files. Use to the glory of God. HAS THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS ALREAD OCCURRED? 2008 is already half over and "all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation" (2 Pet. 3:4). From the mere standpoint of human observation, "A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever" (Eccl. 1:4). Day after day, it's the same thing over and over again. The sun rises. The sun sets. The people walking this globe come and go. But do not be fooled! This seemingly endless cycle will not continue indefinitely. Your Inevitable Appointment: -- God has appointed a final day of judgment. The resurrection of Jesus confirms that such a day will occur (Acts 17:31). Because many years have passed since that announcement, Peter said some questioned God's promise (2 Pet. 3:3ff). Perhaps for the same reason, others wrongly be- lieve now that God has already fulfilled that promise. Both extre- mes scoff at Scripture. While more time has passed since the initial calls unto read- iness for first century disciples, you must "...not let one fact es- cape your notice, beloved, tht with the Lord one day is as a thou- sand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Pet. 3:8). Why would such a statement be recorded unless the "promise of His coming" could potentially be down the road in time? God has no more forgotten this promise than any other that He has ever made. The working out of the promise to Abraham did not happen in a short period of time, but what an amazing fulfillment unfolded! Because of His marvelous doings through- out hundreds of years, we can now exclaim, "This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psa. 118:23,24). A final great day comes as well! Every man faces an inevitable appointment with God (Heb. 9:27). Just as man dies once, Jesus' sacrifice for sin was a one- time offering coinciding with His first appearance (Heb. 9:28). Yet He "...shall appear a second time for salvation without refer- ence to sin, to those who eagerly await Him." Temporal Judgment Comings Versus The Final Coming: -- The Hebrew writer addresses a first and unique coming of our Lord, a most obvious reference to the incarnation of Jesus. While in one sense, the Lord came or visited many times in the Old Testa- ment for the blessing of His people and judgment upon His ene- mies (Zeph. 1:4,7,14,15), only once did God become flesh and walk among men (Jno. 1:14,18). (In Gen. 18 three men visited Abraham and Sarah. They told that Sarah would bear a son in the appointed time the following year. Two of the men left and one stayed and talked to Abraham about the destruction of Sod- om and Gomorrah. Abraham referred to the man that he was talking to as Lord. In vs. 33 it is said that "the Lord went on His way." This seems to refer to the Lord, in the body of a fleshly man, visiting with Abraham. So, this seems to indicate that the Lord took on the form of a fleshly man as He discussed these matters with Abraham, JWS). We should not confuse the "great day of the Lord" in Zehpaniah with the second coming of (Heb. 9:28). Neither shou-ld we confuse the "the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory" (Mk. 13:26) or its "great trumpet" (Matt. 24:31) with the unique and final coming signaled by "the last trumpet" (1 Cor. 15:52). While the Lord has come many times in temporal judgments upon the ungodly (1 Pet. 4:17), we must not confuse those events with the final and irrevocable end of everything material (2 Pet. 3:10,11). Biblical evidence confirms that we should not equate His coming in Matt. 24:30 with His second appearance in Heb. 9:28. And we should not equate either of those with His proposed comings in Rev. 2:5,16; 3:5,11. How would the destruction of Jerusalem or the end described in 2 Pet. 3 relate to those com- ings of the Lord? A majority of the comings of the Lord describ- ed in Scripture involved a limited geographical area such as a single nation and a limited number of people. But what the Heb- rew writer describes is universal in scope! The Climax Of History: -- Perhaps part of the misunderstanding about the portrait of the Jerusalem destruction in A.D. 70 stems from the nature of the catastrophic figures used to describe it. But such figures are not new. Similar imagery, world-shaking judgment (Isa. 24), is found amidst the writings of the Old Testa-ment prophets. And all of thse intermediate judgments point forward to a much larger and ultimate fulfillment. When the clim- ax of all history comes, when the final judgment comes -- all men will be included, the Lord will be literally visible in the sky and the dead in Christ will literally be raised. While various visible signs preceded the day of the Lord in Matt. 24, the Lord's final coming will approach in stealth "as a thief" (1 Thes. 5:2,3). The Bible clearly describes future events that did not occur in A.D. 70 and have yet to occur... "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed...for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed" (1 Cor.15:51,52). "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, then we who are alive and rem- ain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thes. 4:16,17). "When He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is" (1 Jno. 3:2). --- Stay ready for that day! ------------ Tony Mauck in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 7, July, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090818/eda10a04/attachment-0001.html From exhortingyou at gmail.com Tue Aug 18 19:18:38 2009 From: exhortingyou at gmail.com (Exhorting You) Date: Tue, 18 Aug 2009 19:18:38 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Exhorting One Another newsletter, Issue 87 Message-ID: <300d676a0908181718i6fc8cca3jdd1526965fa67df8@mail.gmail.com> Issue 87 of the Exhorting One Another newsletter is now available. This issue features the following: - Why Is This Happening To Me? - On Fire For Good Works by Brother Ron Drumm - Getting Parents Prepared To Send Our Kids Back To School - by Brother Edwin Crozier In order to access this newsletter, click on http://groups.google.com/group/exhorting-one-another/web/issue-87?hl=en - or if this link does not work, copy & paste it into your browser's address bar. As always, I would appreciate your comments or suggestions. "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090818/67880e72/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Aug 19 04:23:47 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:23:47 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) BEARING GRUDGES Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: BEARING GRUDGES As I grow older I have noticed a tendency in character that I wish I did not see: the tendency to easily hold a grudge. When I was younger, if someone did something against me, or did something that in a way hurt my feelings, I found it relatively easy to let the matter "roll off my back" and forget about it. Yet, as an older man, with a few more hurt feelings "under my belt," and a few more situations that I wish I could forget, what once might have easily been viewed as "water under the bridge," now tends to pool together, dam up and linger a little too long "under the bridge," (so to speak). Understanding why something may happen doesn't justify or excuse its occurrence. Bearing a grudge is wrong because it reflects a lack of forgiveness. Jesus taught in both the model prayer and His comments immediately after the prayer, how im- portant forgiveness is. He declared: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt. 6:14,15). To some degree, this forgiveness is to occur whether the person who has "trespassed" against us ever repents of the wrong they have done. Jesus also taught: "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (Mk. 11:25). Clearly, if we want to be forgiven by God we must be forgiving of others. Bearing a grudge is an unattractive quality. It is an ugly thing to see in one's self or in others. It makes the one who feels it bitter, resentful and distant. Forgiveness, on the other hand, and the sweet disposition that accompanies it are qualities that are appealing, admirable and approachable. In June 2004, the nation mourned the passing of its 40th president, Ronald Reagan. Among the many touching testimon- ials that were made about him, one struck me more than any other. After he was shot in 1981, Reagan recorded in his diary that he found himself struggling with how he could pray to God while harboring hatred in his heart for the disturbed man who had tried to kill him. To address this, Reagan first prayed to God for the soul of the man who shot him and then prayed for him- self. Imagine, after having someone explode a weapon in your direction that lodged a bullet inches away from your heart, taking the time to first pray for him. As impressive as this example is, it is nothing compared to the example of our Lord. He, Who was God in the flesh, as life was slipping away for his fleshly body, considered those who had torn His body to shreds with a scourging whip, slammed a thorny crown down on His head and pierced His hands and feet with nails, appeals to heaven, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Lk. 23:34). If Jesus could ask for the forgiveness of those who carried out His crucifixion, what wrong could anyone evr do to us that would justify bearing a grudge against them? Bearing a grudge requires that we maintain a disposition to- ward the other person that can hinder our very worship of God. Jesus taught that harboring anger towards our brother can place us in danger of judgment, and that holding them in contem- pt can place us in danger of hell (Matt. 5:22). Jesus taught that before we bring our "gift to the altar" we must first do what we can to make things right in our relationships with others (Matt. 5:23,24). Holding a grudge will prevent the spiritual sacrifices we offer in worship to God to become unacceptable. We must strive to prevent this from happening. ---- Kyle Pope in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 9, Sept. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090819/d9679e64/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Aug 19 04:23:56 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:23:56 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) ALEXANDER CAMPBELL AS A PREACHER (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of this particular study taken from my ancient files. Use to the glory of God. ALEXANDER CAMPBELL AS A PREACHER (1) It is evident from the articles already presented on this sub- ject that Alexander Campbell had a well formulated theory of public speaking. Early in his life he arrived at certain principles which should guide him in preaching. It is important for one who is seeking to persuade others to consider ways and means to accomplish his purpose. The theory, however, is useless un- less it is carried into practice. Effective speaking reguires the application of a theory, exactly as effective surgery and effective airplane building require it. This article will trace Campbell's ability to carry his theory into practice. There is abundant material for research on Campbell as a speaker. For a period of over fifty years Campbell spoke in al- most every part of the United States. Many of the people who heard him wrote their impressions of both the message and the messenger. Five of Campbell's debates were published and a book which contained his most important lectures. Rarely did he write out a sermon for publication, but other material makes up for this deficiency. From the evidence at hand it is possible to make an evaluation of Campbell's speech practices. In order to avoid repetition his theory may be reduced to five principles. Principle Number One: -- Campbell's first precept was, "Be assured tht moral influence depends upon moral goodness." Of the thirteen rules which Campbell gave, at least four concern- ed the manner of life of the speaker. He felt tht above all the preacher must live a consecrated life, and have the salvation of mankind sincerely in his heart. There were many things which gave Campbell a strong per- sonal appeal. His appearance was in his favor. He has been described by contemporaries as being close to six feet in height with a physical frame well proportioned, as possessing the digni- ty of Webster. Timothy Flint, who Vernon L. Parrington says was the first literary man of the West, attended the Owen debate in Cincinnati and wrote not only a description of the events but of Campbell. "The champion of the covenant is a citizen of Beth- any near Wheeling, a rather small head, of a sparkling, bright and cheerful countenance, and finely arched forehead: in the earnest vigor of youth, and with the very first sprinkling of white on his crown. He wore an aspect, as of one who had words both ready and enexhaustible, and possessed the excellent grace of perseverance, to a degree, that he would not retreat an inch in the way of concession to escape the crack and puddling of the dissolving world." Even though Campbell was bitterly denounced by many for his religious views, most of his opponents did nto impugn his sincerity or honesty. His readiness to discuss religious differ- ences, and the unimpassioned manner in which he debated caused the majority to be impressed by his integrity. Purcell after his debate wrote, "Campbell was decidedly the fairest man in debate I ever saw, and as fair as you can possibly conceive. He never fought for victory, like Dr. Johnson. He seemed to be always fighting for the truth, or what he believed to be the truth." Campbell loved his family. Even though he traveled much during his life, he was in constant touch with his wife and child- ren. Often he would take some of the children with him, and always wrote tender and affectionate letters home. After some of his children mar