From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jan 1 05:52:56 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 06:52:56 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) A NEW YEAR HAS BEGUN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. What are your prospects for this new year, 2009? BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE MADE NEW Brethren and Friends, the Lord has allowed me and you to meet the dawn of a new day, a new year, as it is depicted in our calendar. So, we might say, "Behold, the old things are passed away, and alas, all things are made new." A new leaf in the book of our lives has been turned. It just waits to be written upon by our actions over the next 365 days. We usually wish for others A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS AND SAFE NEW YEAR. I too wish these things for each and everyone of you. But, as we are happy, prosperous, and safe during the new year as far as our physical well-being is concerned, I wonder how many of us take time to be truly concerned about our spiritual well-being? Our physical bodies will only last for a few years in comparison to the life of our spiritual being that will last forever, either in the bliss of God's heaven or in the torments of the Devil's hell. The Lord has blessed me with a long life thusfar. I have been priviledged to see many new years began and new pages presented upon which to write the activities of my life. I just hope and pray that the writing that I have done upon those pages has been helpful to me and to others, not only in the physical activities of our lives but especially in the spiritual deeds in which we engage. Over ten years ago, my children encouraged me to get a computer to be able to converse with others about life, both physical and spiritual. I am glad that they encouraged me to engage in this type of communication. It has been a joy to me and I trust that during these ten or more years, it has been helpful to others. I have sent out thousands of teach- ing articles, at least two articles a day, 6 days a week, during the course of the many years that God has allowed me to try to reach others with His Word. Brethren and Friends, it has been a real joy to be able to com- municate with you during the course of these years. From my files, I have determined that my mailing list involves possibly 1500 people who receive my postings. In trying to teach in this way, as well as preaching the gospel in a public way which I have been endeavoring to do for more than 55 years now, it humbles me before my God for His wonderful blessings and mercy toward me. I solicit your prayers that my physical and mental capacity will continue to be of such nature that I might continue to try in my humble way to reach others with the gospel of Christ. In the outset of my teaching through the computer, I used all of my sermon outlines and class materials that I had compiled over the years. Sending out two postings each day, six days a week, covers a lot of material. It did not take long to present all that I had filed away of my own sermons etc., so, I had to turn to others to help me continue to teach the gospel through the inter- net. I appreciate the teaching articles that others have written and that I am able to use such, always giving the person and source of such articles. I never scan an article, I rewrite every word as it is presented, making comments from time to time as is indicated by ( - ) and my initials JWS. Thanks to all the brethren that have been a source for my continued efforts to spread the Gospel of Christ to as many people as possible. --------------- Brotherly, Jim Sasser -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/6d3813a6/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jan 1 05:53:10 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 06:53:10 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHY MEN REFUSE TO COME TO CHRIST (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a continuation of a study from my ancient files on this particular subject. Use to the glory of God. WHY MEN REFUSE TO COME TO CHRIST (2) "Ye Have Not The Love Of God In You": -- "And ye will not come to Me that ye might have life." Thousands today who have re- peatedly had the invitation of Christ pressed upon their hearts refuse to receive Him. And the question is, Why do they show contempt for the spiritual life that is their direst need? The Lord Himself tells us in Jno. 5:42 why these Jews would not come to Him. "But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you." There are many conditions which contribute to keeping peo- ple away from Christ. Some remain aloof for one reason and some for another, but the underlying cause of every rejection of Christ is a lack of love of God. Let us study some of the conditions which keep them from coming to Christ. Some Think They Do Not Need Christ:-- I. Some refuse to come to Christ because they do not think they need Him. There are many who do not understand tht they are lost. They have not been convicted of their sins. Paul's universal indictment of all responsible beings in Rom. 3:23, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God", falls on many ears that are spiritually deaf. Men need to have the reality of the personal guilt of sin indeli- bly stamped upon their minds. Those who are not Christians should read with sober attention the Words of Jesus recorded in Jno. 8:24: "...for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins." Those who are counting on enjoying eternal peace without sustaining a saving relationship to Jesus Christ while here on this earth are doomed to disappointment and disaster. "Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Among those who do not feel the need of Christ are those who are placing their confidence in their own morality to save them. We must understand that morality has no power what- ever to save. God's power to save is not morality, but it is in the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16). Christ is the only one who has ever attained a perfect stand- ard of morality, and Christ, who knew no sin, came not to save moral people, but sinners (Matt. 18:11). What is it that Christ saves? Eph. 5:23 tells us: "For the hus- band is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body." Christ saves the body, which is the church. Hence, in order to be saved, one must be a part of that which Christ saves. Several years ago, in a mission meeting in one of the North- eastern states, the song leader's father was not a member of the church, but from the way he acted you would have thought that he was one of the leading members. He did not miss a service, he sat on the front row, and his singing was so prominent that he almost led the song service. But his son told me that he was not a member of the church. He had never obeyed the gospel. I preached as well as I could, exhorting those who were in that conditions as fervently as I knew how, but he was not moved. Finally, one night as he was leaving the service, I said to him: "I wish you would obey the gospel and become a Christian." He looked at me in amazement and replied: "Me? Why I am not so bad!" Not so bad! There are two things wrong with that notion. First, the best moral man on earth cannot be saved without Christ. Second, the best moral man on earth is bad -- very bad -- in the sight of the Holy God. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" (Isa. 64:6). Some Do Not Understand That They Want Christ: -- II. Some men refuse to come to Christ because they do not understand that they really want Him. Note the wording of that statement -- some men do not understand that they want Christ. All men really want Christ because way down deep in their hearts, they want the things that only Christ can give but, being self-deceived, they think they want other things more. Many do not come to Christ because of their love for the world and its allurements. Love Of Temporal Honor: -- I. There are some who love the honors bestowed by the world more than they desire the approv- al of God. The Holy Spirit speaks of such people in the langu- age of Jno. 12:42,43: "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For the loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Yes, men refuse to become Christians because Christianity is not popular with the people of the world. Many members of the church are not faithful for the same reason. I heard of a man who was reared in a Christian family who, when he moved to a certain city to earn his livlihood, quit the church and joined the digressive church. When exhorted to be faithful, he replied: "O, I couldn't be a member of the church of Christ here. It would hurt my business!" There are those who refuse to become Christians because they think it would hurt their business or harm them professiona- lly and injure them socially. What they need to learn is that in giv- ingthemselves to Christ they gain everything that is worthwhile and lose nothing tht amounts to anything. The digressive church in at least one Tennessee town is filled with backsliding members of the church who have moved to town and gone highbrow! II. There are some who do not think they want Christ because of their love of sin: -- "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil" (Jno. 3:19). Love Of Sin: -- Unconverted men love sin. Christ is the perpetu- al enemy of sin. Everything that Christ stands for opposes those who are afflicted with a love of sin. If you are in that category, you need to know that the pleas- ures of sin are seasonal, they endure but for the moment, but that the penalities for sin are enduring. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). Those who are in love with sin must realize that they will inevitably pay the wages of their folly. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corr- uption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Gal. 6:7,8). But how can one who loves sin desist from the love of sin? The answer is that he must fall in love with the sinless one, Jesus Christ. He must heed the admonition of the Holy Spirit in Jno. 2:15-17: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust there- of: but he that doeth the Will of God abideth forever." ------------- (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/20090101/d56d0e3c/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Thu Jan 1 10:29:53 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 11:29:53 EST Subject: [Biblemat] ARTICLE - Weather Changes Message-ID: WEATHER CHANGES Today is Sunday December 27th and the weather has changed from 51 degrees to 30 degrees in about one and a half hours. I have just finished my shave for the day and am in the process of getting ready for church. I believe I have not seen a temperature change that fast before but the weather man says that it will get even colder and that the wind will increase greatly before Sunday is over. Now you may say, what is the purpose in this weather story, Garreth? Well: I was just wondering about the sudden departure of some hot for the Lord Christians and how suddenly they have changed to lukewarm or worse; have stopped attending worship altogether. I guess one could say that they were as changeable as the weather. It is a situation that I have seen over and over again throughout my 50 years as a gospel preacher; that some start out on fire for God and when things get difficult for one reason or the other they turn cold just as the weather does at times. There are times that Christians turn away from the right way suddenly without giving any signs to anyone; and we often wonder what has happened to cause them to turn back to the worldly life that they once lived. I am sure that I do not know all the reasons but the Scriptures give us some idea of the possible reasons. Please note the following reasons that underlie the falling away or abandoning of the once faithful Christian: 1. OVER CONFIDENCE - 1 Cor. 10:12, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. KJV 2. SEEKING A POSITION WITHOUT QUALIFICATION - 1 Tim 3:6-7, 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil KJV 3. DESIRE FOR RICHES AT ANY COST - 1 Tim 6:9-10, 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows? KJV 4. TOO MUCH IDLE CONVERSATION LEADING TO NOTHING OF VALUE - James 5:12, But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. KJV 5. DISINTEREST IN PERSONAL GROWTH - 2 Peter 1:10, Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: KJV 6. ALLOWING FALSE TEACHERS TO INFLUENCE YOU - 2 Peter 3:17, Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. Perhaps there are other reasons but these six listed gives us something to consider whenever we see a faithful Christian turn again to the beggarly elements of the world - 2 Peter 2:20-22, 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (KJV) _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) Sunday, December 28, 2008 **************Stay up-to-date on the latest news - from fashion trends to celebrity break-ups and everything in between. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000024) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/b62c4e0c/attachment-0001.html From kthomas at dnet.net Thu Jan 1 11:52:28 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 11:52:28 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] " Where Two or Three,,," Message-ID: <495D02DC.000003.01828@KENSCOMPUTER> "For Where Two or Three Are Gathered Together..." By Kenneth E. Thomas For as long as I can remember, Matthew 18:20 has been quoted to assure others that numbers do not really matter all that much, in an attempt to keep them from being discouraged when the numbers in a given assembly are few. We who are members of the church of our Lord take pride in the claim that we carefully consider the context of a given passage as we attempt to handle aright the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15; 2:Peter 3:16). Often we hear someone say along those lines, "a text taken out of context, is a pretext." How true! It is my studied opinion that some are doing exactly that when using (Matthew 18:20) as applicable today. While I believe the principle taught here is still true, I doubt that this is the passage and context we should use to teach the same due to the context. I would prefer that we use (John 14:15;20-21,23) where Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." ..."He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him,:.." "...if anyone loves Me he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (See also (2 John 9-10). We have long taken notice of the fact that "binding and loosing powers" were given ONLY to the Apostles of Christ (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18). In the verse just preceding the statement in question Jesus said, "Again I say to you that if two of you (Apostles ket) agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father who is in heaven." This promise is strictly for the apostles. It probably has reference to them being led by the Holy Spirit to the same conclusion indicating that such is definitely God?s revealed will and so therefore when two of them agree whatever they ask will be granted by the Father in heaven. Question? May two of us agree and be assured that because we do, whatever we ask will be granted? Obviously not! Then verses 19-20 do not apply to Christians today. While a lot of what is written in John chapter fourteen is also for only the apostles, the context seems to make a broader application that applies to anyone who keeps God?s commandments in this scribe?s opinion. What do you think? Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/f3745324/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/f3745324/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 41807 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/f3745324/attachment-0003.gif From kthomas at dnet.net Thu Jan 1 12:01:23 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 12:01:23 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] For Where Two Or Three ... Message-ID: <495D04F3.00000D.01828@KENSCOMPUTER> "For Where Two or Three Are Gathered Together..." By Kenneth E. Thomas For as long as I can remember, Matthew 18:20 has been quoted to assure others that numbers do not really matter all that much, in an attempt to keep them from being discouraged when the numbers in a given assembly are few. We who are members of the church of our Lord take pride in the claim that we carefully consider the context of a given passage as we attempt to handle aright the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15; 2:Peter 3:16). Often we hear someone say along those lines, "a text taken out of context, is a pretext." How true! It is my studied opinion that some are doing exactly that when using (Matthew 18:20) as applicable today. While I believe the principle taught here is still true, I doubt that this is the passage and context we should use to teach the same due to the context. I would prefer that we use (John 14:15;20-21,23) where Jesus said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." ..."He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him,:.." "...if anyone loves Me he will keep My words; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him." (See also (2 John 9-10). We have long taken notice of the fact that "binding and loosing powers" were given ONLY to the Apostles of Christ (Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18). In the verse just preceding the statement in question Jesus said, "Again I say to you that if two of you (Apostles ket) agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father who is in heaven." This promise is strictly for the apostles. It probably has reference to them being led by the Holy Spirit to the same conclusion indicating that such is definitely God?s revealed will and so therefore when two of them agree whatever they ask will be granted by the Father in heaven. Question? May two of us agree and be assured that because we do, whatever we ask will be granted? Obviously not! Then verses 19-20 do not apply to Christians today. While a lot of what is written in John chapter fourteen is also for only the apostles, the context seems to make a broader application that applies to anyone who keeps God?s commandments in this scribe?s opinion. What do you think? Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/b42ebf50/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/b42ebf50/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 31851 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/b42ebf50/attachment-0003.gif From kthomas at dnet.net Thu Jan 1 14:54:16 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 14:54:16 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Poem Old 2008 And Time Message-ID: <495D2D77.000003.02964@KENSCOMPUTER> Old 2008 And Time By Kenneth E. Thomas Old 2008 is dead and gone 2008 will never again return From what you did or did not A lesson you?d better have learned! Since opportunity knocks once Then she quickly turns away What you intend on doing Such had better be done today! Time is fickle and she?s fleeting Such cannot be said of eternity Eternity is simply timelessness And from such there?s no release! It will be spent in one of two places Those places are Heaven or Hell While time is still available to you You had better learn this lesson well! (Matthew 7:13-29; 25:1-46; James 4:13-15 Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/f5974f83/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/f5974f83/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 41807 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/f5974f83/attachment-0003.gif From GLClair at aol.com Thu Jan 1 20:25:05 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2009 21:25:05 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Article - "Weather Changes" Message-ID: WEATHER CHANGES Today is Sunday December 27th and the weather has changed from 51 degrees to 30 degrees in about one and a half hours. I have just finished my shave for the day and am in the process of getting ready for church. I believe I have not seen a temperature change that fast before but the weather man says that it will get even colder and that the wind will increase greatly before Sunday is over. Now you may say, what is the purpose in this weather story, Garreth? Well: I was just wondering about the sudden departure of some hot for the Lord Christians and how suddenly they have changed to lukewarm or worse; have stopped attending worship altogether. I guess one could say that they were as changeable as the weather. It is a situation that I have seen over and over again throughout my 50 years as a gospel preacher; that some start out on fire for God and when things get difficult for one reason or the other they turn cold just as the weather does at times. There are times that Christians turn away from the right way suddenly without giving any signs to anyone; and we often wonder what has happened to cause them to turn back to the worldly life that they once lived. I am sure that I do not know all the reasons but the Scriptures give us some idea of the possible reasons. Please note the following reasons that underlie the falling away or abandoning of the once faithful Christian: 1. OVER CONFIDENCE - 1 Cor. 10:12, Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. KJV 2. SEEKING A POSITION WITHOUT QUALIFICATION - 1 Tim 3:6-7, 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil KJV 3. DESIRE FOR RICHES AT ANY COST - 1 Tim 6:9-10, 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows? KJV 4. TOO MUCH IDLE CONVERSATION LEADING TO NOTHING OF VALUE - James 5:12, But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. KJV 5. DISINTEREST IN PERSONAL GROWTH - 2 Peter 1:10, Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: KJV 6. ALLOWING FALSE TEACHERS TO INFLUENCE YOU - 2 Peter 3:17, Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. Perhaps there are other reasons but these six listed gives us something to consider whenever we see a faithful Christian turn again to the beggarly elements of the world - 2 Peter 2:20-22, 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (KJV) _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) Sunday, December 28, 2008 **************Stay up-to-date on the latest news - from fashion trends to celebrity break-ups and everything in between. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000024) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090101/7d0078aa/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Jan 2 04:39:46 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 05:39:46 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD 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: MY HELP COMES FROM THE LORD A Psalmist of old wrote: "I will lift up my eyes to the hills -- from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth" (Psa. 121:1,2). This psalm is often called "The Traveler's Psalm" because it mentions one's going out and coming in (vs. 8). The main point of this psalm is that God's help and preservation are always available no matter when, and no matter where the child of God might be. Let's notice three promises that we have in the Lord. He is our keeper, our shade, and our preserver. The Hebrew writer reminds us, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5b; Deut. 31:6,8). "The Lord is your keeper" (Psa. 121:5): He is our protection day and night. The emphasis is on the fact that the Lord never slumbers (vss. 3,4). It is comforting to know that God is always awake and aware of our needs and circumstances. A keeper must be alert and always watching over his ward. "The Lord is you shade at your right hand" (Psa. 121:5b): the intense heat and light of our daily walk enjoys the shade that God provides. He knows the difficulties we encounter in this life. It is no small matter when it comes to the trials we face every day, and we would all falter along the way if not for the consolation and comfort God provides in Jesus Christ. "The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul" (Psa. 121:7): of all the blessings this one gives the greatest help and assurance. The child of God wants to be pre- served until the coming of Jesus Christ. All Christians are given such a promise: "may your whole spirit, soul, and body be pre- served blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thes. 5:23b). Our God is the Creator of heaven and earth. There isn't any- thing that He cannot do. All we need to do is ask. Our heavenly Father because of His Son will hear us and answer our requests So, we look unto the hills and God's help comes forth to His children. God will be our keeper watching out for us day and night. He will provide the shade of mercy and kindness as we travel through life. He will preserve us blameless until the com- ing of His Son, Jesus Christ! ----------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090102/7358a255/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Jan 2 04:39:57 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 05:39:57 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHY MEN REFUSE TO COME TO JESUS (3) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the third installment of this particular study taken from my ancient files. Use to the glory of God. WHY MEN REFUSE TO COME TO JESUS (3) "...And ye will not come to Me that ye might have life..." (Jno. 5:40). Life is precious. Dying men fight desperately to hold on to life. But depicted here are dying men who spurn the offer of eter- nal life, and turn their backs on the life Giver! Why do those who are spiritually sick turn up their noses at the Great Physician? Jesus gave the answer in Jno. 5:42: "But I know ye, that ye have not the love of God in you." Two of the many conditions which contribute to keeping peo- ple away from Christ were discussed in the preceding article. They are: I. Some think they do not need Christ. They are counting on morality to save them. Morality is necessary, but, apart from Christ, it does not save (Acts 4:12; Eph. 5:23; Isa. 64:6). II. Some do not understand that they want Christ. All men really want Christ, because they want the things that only Christ can give, but some think they want other things even more. Some prefer the praise of men to the approval of God (Jno. 12: 42,43). The love of sin keeps many from coming to Christ (Jno. 3:19). Now let us notice some other conditions that keep people from coming to the Savior: Some Do Not Love The Truth: -- III. Some refuse to come to Christ because they do not love the truth. Christ is the personi- fication of divine truth. In Jno. 14:6 He said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." The Word of God is the vehicle of truth, as we learn from Jno. 17:17; "Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy Word is truth." Those who come to Christ must come in the way appointed by the Word of truth. Those who do not love the truth cannot come to the Father in God's appointed way. In 2 Thes. 2:10-12, Paul writes of those who do not love the truth: "And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; becaust they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in un- righteousness.." You will note that God does not send delusion to people until, because of their hatred of truth, they have hardened their hearts against Christ. A lady in Louisiana who teaches a Sund- ay School class in a denominational church, attended regularly a series of gospel meetings. She was convinced that the truth was being preached. She said: "I know that preacher is preach- ing the truth, but I just can't bring myself to let those children in my Sunday School class down!" Who could possibly be letting anyone down by standing up for the truth? If that lady loved her Sunday School children as much as she thought she did, would it not have been her great- est desire to teach them the truth? This lady, and others like her, need to learn that such disregard for the truth, if not eradicat- ed, will lead to damnation. Some Are Victims Of Prejudice: -- IV. Some refuse to come to Christ because they are victims of prejudice. They have their own conception of Christianity. They are loyal to their own relig- ious party and creed, and they cannot see pure Christianity be- cause of the smoke screen of sectarian error that mars their vis- ion. Many people are so wedded to their own opinions that they have haughtily said with respect to some Bible doctrine, "Why, I wouldn't believe that if you showed it to me in the Bible!" Those who are so filled with prejudice come under the same classification as that previously discussed -- they do not love the truth. Jesus spoke of such people in Matt. 13:15: "For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have clos- ed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them." Stephen used the most scathing language in describing those whose prejudice caused them to turn away from Christ (Acts 7:51-59). He preached the truth, but the Jewish leaders did not love the truth. So, because they were full of prejudice, they stopped their ears, and went about the hellish business of murd- ering one of God's fairest noblemen. A young man in Tennessee, after hearing several gospel ser- mons, said arrogantly, "Why I had rather go to hell with my friends, than to go to heaven with that preacher!" Prejudice! Some Hide Behind Failure Of Christians: -- V. Some refuse to come to Christ because they have been unduly influenced by the conduct of some professed Christians. They observe in the lives of some professed Christians something that is inconsist- ent with Christianity, and they excuse their disobedience on the failure of these weak church members. But this is altogether the wrong basis. "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). Christ- ianity should be judged, in the final analysis, not by the mistakes of Christians, but by the perfect example set by the Christ Whom Christians propose to follow. The fact, however, that some do refrain from becoming Christians because some professed children of God make their lives a misrepresentation of Christianity should cause all of us to think of our deep obligations as disciples of Christ. We need to ponder seriously the words of Jesus in Matt. 18:6; "But who- soever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck and that he was drowned in the depth of the sea." And in 1 Cor. 8:12 the Holy Spirit tells how careful Paul was: "Nevertheless we have not used this power, but suffer all things lest we would hinder the gospel of Christ." Christians should be very careful of their conduct lest they do anything that might hinder the conversion of the people of the world to Christ. (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/20090102/2a5b8b60/attachment-0001.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Fri Jan 2 09:56:34 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 07:56:34 -0800 Subject: [Biblemat] A>How Do We Receive the Holy Spirit today? Message-ID: <475DB24F6EC04114BAF96B846F014FEB@TerryPC> How Do We Receive the Holy Spirit today? 1). Listen to His revealed and confirmed word in the gospel. Rom.10:17; Acts 2:37 2). Let the truth of His word convict you of truth about Jesus, truth about your sin, and the truth of your desperate need for mercy and grace. - Acts 2:37; John 16:13f 3). Repent of your sins and of your resistance of the Holy Spirit - Acts 2:38; 7:51 4). Be baptized in water (Acts 2:38; 10:47-48) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. 5). You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (salvation from sin and condemnation) Acts 2:38,39,21; Rom.8:1 6) Failure to submit to His message is "resisting the Holy Spirit". Acts 7:51 7) Those who resist remain lost and condemned. Heb.10:29; Rom.3:23; 6:23 What Happens at the point of Spirit guided baptism in the name of Jesus Christ? 1) You are added to the church (Acts 2:47) or baptized into One Body - 1 Cor.12:13 2) You are showing faith and God operates to remove the sins of the flesh - Col.2:12 3) You have buried the old man in baptism with Christ, are forgiven, and rise to walk in newness of life - Rom.6:3-5 4) You have "put on Christ" and have been adopted as sons and daughters. Gal.3:26,27 5) You have been spiritually translated out of darkness and into the kingdom of God's dear Son. Col.1:13 6) Your sins are washed away - Acts 22:16; 2:38 - "you are washed" -1 Cor.6:11 7) Your body becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Cor.6:19,20 8) You are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus - Acts 2:38; 1 Cor.6:11 9) You are sanctified by the Spirit of our God - 1 Cor.6:11 10) You are saved from sin and condemnation. Mk.16:16; 1 Pet.3:21 11) Your conscience is cleaned in the blood of Christ. 1 Pet.3:21; Heb.9:14; 10:22 12) Your old manner of life is washed away and you are a new creature in Christ. 2 Cor.5:17 13) Your name is written in the Lamb's book of life - Phil.3:20; 4:3 14) You begin growing to spiritual maturity. 2 Pet.1:5-10; 1 Pet.2:1-3 Terry W. Benton www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090102/f37ee534/attachment.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Jan 2 07:33:47 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 07:33:47 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] question Message-ID: <6566B01519BD482CA2E342F91BFA4EC8@your4dacd0ea75> Dear brethren I had a question come up in our Wednesday nite Bible class. Does the church have the right to own property, i.e. mainly a church building. I gave an answer starting with the authorization to assemble, thus requiring a place to meet and developed it from there. I know this has been discussed at length during the years so I don't want to turn this into a full blown debate at this time, but I would like to know your thoughts so reply to me privately if you desire at thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Thanks in advance, brotherly, Tommy Thornhill thornhill1 at frontiernet.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090102/6ef1f18f/attachment-0001.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Jan 2 07:51:19 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 07:51:19 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] the Buckhorn Teacher 12-28-08 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.7 December 30, 2008 No.16 HONESTY WITH SELF Philip North - Branson MO The word "honesty" comes from the Greek word SEMNOTES, and is defined by W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words as follows: "denotes gravity, dignified seriousness." That last phrase struck a chord in the mind of this writer. It's on those two words that I wish to expound on in this article. "Dignified seriousness" must be exercised from within an individual, not merely on the exterior. Specifically here, I speak of being honest with one's own self, as well as with one's fellowman. The Bible contains much teaching on the subject of practicing honesty both in word and deed to all those with whom we meet in everyday life. The Apostle Peter said to the brethren of his day and time, "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good words, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" I Peter 2:12. Then in II Corinthians 8:21, Paul tells the church there, "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of all men." Truly, the Bible says we must be honest with humankind. On the same level, however, God's book also manifests the necessity of inward honesty. While there are many, many people who would not so much as think of being dishonest with anybody whose paths they cross, which is most commendable, by the same token, a lot of these same ones are not totally honest with the person they must live with the most and view in the mirror daily. This area of honesty is also required by God. In Hebrews 11:6, the writer teaches, "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Nobody can make it to Heaven on Judgment Day who is not honest with self. The combination of definitions used by W.E. Vine on "diligently" say, "earnestly; speedily; carefully; thoroughly; accurately; circumspectly; perfectly." Surely anyone of an open and accountable mind can see self-honesty hidden in all these definitions, for in order to possess such a mind composed of diligence, one would have to be just that----honest with self. So, by common sense, this would be mandatory with----and accompany----being honest in one's own mind! Complete honesty with self, as well as with the rest of humanity, is what makes up a righteous man, along with leading a man to reach such a state. Luke's account of Jesus' explanation of the Parable Of The Sower declares in chapter 8:15, "But that on the good ground are those which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." "Keep it," Luke teaches. The man honest with his own inward spirit will not only accept the words of God, he will also retain them in his life, thus, never letting them go. This one will realize all the way that he must "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" Proverbs 23:23. Since truth can't be anything except that of being totally honest, the sincerity of a fully honest man will demand that he grasp all Biblical truth, and for the rest of his life, cling to it with a bulldog grip! This was part of a number of stern rebukes Jesus gave to the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23, especially in verses 25-28. Please read them. The hearts of these so-called "leaders" were far from being honest! This leads to the question: How honest are you and I? One such man in the Old Testament that sought absolute honesty with his own self was King David. He tells us in Psalm 15:1-2, "Lord, who shall abide in they tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart." The words "in his heart" would show that not only will the person who walks "uprightly" be honest with other people, he will live honestly with himself, and not be the product of a two-sided spirit (i.e., likewise speaking and living honestly when not in the presence of others, along with doing so because he knows that's what God expects of him, and so, he is honest, both inwardly and outwardly, not simply due to his having to be so, but also to his wanting to be so). Besides, doesn't God see all and hear all, right on down to being able to read what is in our hearts Hebrews 4:12? Just like our weekly contribution shouldn't be given out of a begrudging nature 2.Corinthians 9:7, so should complete, inward honesty not be done strictly out of its being a must. In fact, such can't be done. Honesty with one's own self will be what's adamantly desired, to be sure. How honest are our hearts when it comes to the Word of God? Are we peeved at the Bible when we open its hallowed pages, read what it says, and find our toes being stepped on by a God who loves us and wants us to dwell with Him in eternity? To be angry at the scriptures is to be angry with your Creator who had them written, and such reveals the wrong kind of heart. Think about it! Do we hate it when the preacher, Bible class teacher, or some concerned Christian reads the scripture(s) that tell us we need to start doing something or cease doing it? What about some beliefs that need to be discontinued, as well as those needing to be embraced? Do we feel that our ideas are a "cut above" God's and/or everyone else's? Always better? What about having the humility and honesty to admit when we're wrong about something or someone? Sad to say, I've known those whom I've never, ever seen nor heard, no not once, admit being wrong, along with never, no not once, seeing nor hearing them apologize for their erroneous actions. What about recognizing life to be a combination of give and take, instead of all taking? Is there a big need to improve character, but you refuse to do so? How about an addiction or a bad habit that needs so much to be broken? Are there "mending fences" that you need to do--or at least attempt--with others? What about certain hobbies, projects, or desired program(s) you wish to introduce to a church or some group----or perhaps even engage in on your own? Are they desired out of pure and helpful motives, or is there an "axe to grind" at someone(s)? No doubt, the hardest person to conquer is self. This writer for one has learned some lessons along that line in life. The age-old saying goes, "Self-conquest is the greatest of victories." Amen and amen! All of these things stem from the need to develop inward honesty. Denial and cover-up accomplish the sum total of nothing, for respect and admiration are not gained by others trying earnestly to live the Christian life, or at least a morally decent life, and the worst kind of deceit sets in here: lying to one's own self! Well, can't the reader see that this isn't seeking honesty on the inside? Of all creatures of the flesh existing, none can be more stubborn, stiff-necked, or bullheaded than the human being. Such is ever so evident in God's Word; not only of those whom we read about who were disobedient in the Old Testament----individuals, groups, throngs, Jews as well as Gentiles----but also many of the Jews living during and immediately after the time of Christ. Note what the beloved Stephen said to a group of Jews in his sermon, just prior to his being stoned to death by that same group, thus, greatly manifesting their dishonest hearts: "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ear, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it" Acts 7:51-53. "Jesus, we don't want you!" is what many a Jew said here to Stephen, as per their attitude and actions, as well as when Jesus spoke in their very presence. Read all four of the Gospel books and see the sad fact of this. (This article to be continued in next issue) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090102/64a8f1e1/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Fri Jan 2 09:56:21 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:56:21 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 12/28/08 Message-ID: <495DE4C5.21273.B7AEE3@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). ____________________________________________________ December 28, 2008 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) It's Wise to Fear God (Huey Hartselle) 2) Establish Your Hearts (Tim Johnson) 3) The Call to Love (Robert Jackson) 4) News & Notes ____________________________________________________ -1- It's Wise to Fear God by Huey Hartselle "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). Can any person be really wise and not reverence the true and living God? The Mighty Creator of all things and Giver of every good and perfect gift, Who stretched out the heavens, laid the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him! (Zechariah 12:1) We are His offspring. He framed man's body and created him in His own image by giving him an immortal soul. We all depend on God for life and everything to sustain it. "For in Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). But even more significant, He gave His only begotten Son to be sacrificed on the cross as an offering for our sins. "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is through Christ's redeeming blood that we can come unto God and have our sins all forgiven. Friend, this pardon takes place when a believer in Christ, who has repented of his sins, is baptized into Him. Ananias instructed Saul, a penitent believer, to "arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Also we should remember that God will call each of us to a great day of judgment. "God will judge the secrets of men by my gospel" (Romans 2:16). In view of the greatness and goodness as well as the justice of God, how foolish is the person who will not give the profound respect and obedience due Him. Even though God has manifested awesome works, most men do not really fear Him. This was true of Israel of old. They showed their lack of respect by turning from Jehovah to worship the idols of their heathen neighbors. Their disloyalty, immorality, indifference, and self-satisfaction brought them captivity. "But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; they revolt and departed" (Jeremiah 5:22). Today, God continues to show great power in providing material and spiritual blessings, yet the attitude of most people toward serving Him has not changed. Amazingly, we see more evidence of fear of men than fear of God. Often decisions in life are made by whether or not they will bring the praise and approval of our fellowman. Frequently there is compromise of principle to avoid man's censure and displeasure. Apparently most do not consider displeasing God as very serious. This is just the reverse of what one's attitude should be. Jesus said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell" (Matthew 10:28). God's sovereignty and authority should cause us all to bow with reverential awe. Our fear should be more that of not wanting to offend such a Holy One by disobedience, rather than a feeling of dread and terror. The wise course for our lives is to commit our hearts to trusting and pleasing God. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). Life without God has no real meaning and is destined for damnation. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil" (Ecclesiastes l2:13-14). Indeed, it is wise to fear God. -- Via Bible Study ____________________________________________________ -2- Establish Your Hearts by Tim Johnson James 5:8 - "You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." This is very good instruction for those who want to spend eternity in heaven. But just exactly what should you do to "establish your hearts?" 1. Receive God's word (Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23). Jesus relayed this parable to His disciples to teach them about the various kinds of hearts that exists within men. To make sure they understood, He explained the parable as well. We can see from His explanation that there are wayside hearts, too hardened to ever receive God's word. There are stony hearts, which receive God's word, but have no commitment. There are thorny hearts which receive the Word, obey it, but fall away because they allow the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches and lusts of other things to take precedence over following God's commandments. Then there are good hearts, which receive God's word gladly, commit themselves to obeying it fully, and teach it to others. Is your heart a good heart? 2. Love God (Matthew 22:37). Once we have received God's word in a good heart, we must develop a love for God because of all the things He has done for us. He gave us our very existence. He has provided all we may need to sustain our physical lives. He has given us His word which we need to sustain our spiritual lives. He gave us His Son so that we might have the remission of our sins. Truly, He first loved us! Do you love Him? 3. Sanctify God in our hearts (I Peter 3:15). To sanctify is to set apart as special. The church of God in Corinth was made up of those who were sanctified in Christ Jesus (I Corinthians 1:2). In speaking to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:32, Paul said that God "is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified." Just as He has set us apart from all others and made us special, God should be set apart and made special in our hearts. Is God special to you? Can others tell that He is special in your life? Are you prepared to give a reason that God holds such a special place in your life and why you carry the hope of heaven with you? 4. Let the word of Christ dwell in your hearts (Colossians 3:16). God has given us His word to prepare our hearts. We are to allow it to dwell within our hearts. In Deuteronomy 6:4-12, God told the Israelites through Moses that His word should be in their hearts, it should be taught diligently to their children, it should be spoken of in their houses, when they are walking by the way, when they lie down, and when they rise up. His word should be as a sign on their hand and frontlets between their eyes. And it should be written on their doorposts and on their gates. In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God speaks of days that would be coming during which He would put His law in the minds of His people and write it upon their hearts. This is speaking of you and me today. He does this because His word is profitable to us for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction (II Timothy 3:16-17). We then should "...give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine...meditate on these things... (I Timothy 4:13,15). Does Christ dwell in your heart? There are various other instructions found in God's word concerning establishing our heart for the coming of the Lord. God has left it up to each one of us, individually, to make this preparation (Philippians 2:12). But, He has not left it for us to do alone: "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work" (II Thessalonians 2:16-17). -- Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, August 3, 2008 ____________________________________________________ -3- The Call to Love by Robert Jackson The uniform or badge that a person wears will identify him with a certain group or work. This is true of the Christian. He must wear the badge of love. He is called to love. Listen to the words of John: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34,35). We see that men will know that we are of Christ if we have love one to another. Love is Manifested by Self-denial Jesus, the one of perfect love, manifested in his life self-denial. He was so dedicated to the will of his Father that he was willing to deny self of all things. His love for others caused him to forget his own sorrows and pain. This is true love. We ought to be so concerned about each other that we will be willing to deny self. This will help us to even bear our own burdens when we are busy helping others. Love is manifested by attitude of lowliness. Someone, in expressing the love of Jesus said that our Lord did not possess a peacock complex. Never once did he strut around or show off such an attitude. He was a very humble individual. We must be humble in our life. Without humility, we will be defeated. We cannot parade around with the high and mighty attitude. We must discipline ourselves to be humble. Love is Manifested by Attitude of Forgiveness Another look at love through the life of Jesus was the attitude of forgiveness. How often did our Lord say to people, "Thy sins be forgiven." Even to the ones who put him on the cross he uttered words that will never be forgotten (Luke 23:34). We hear some say today that they are men of love, but at times, show very little forgiveness to others. It is impossible for one to say they have love if they are not willing to forgive. Love will forgive. What is needed today is for people to heed the call of love. Love the Lord by obeying his will (Mk. 16:15,16). -- Via The East Florence Contender, Vol. XL, No. 5, May 1996 ____________________________________________________ "For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:11,12). ____________________________________________________ -4- News & Notes Steve Lefort (Harris' brother) has had three surgeries and various treatments for different cancers in the last seven years. He has now been diagnosed again with spots of cancer on his liver, lungs, and pancreas. Since it is just spots, surgery will not be performed; but Steve is receiving medicinal treatment. Let those of us who are Christians be praying for him. Linda Lefort (Ray's wife) recently had surgery due to cancer of the throat. She is now recuperating. Let us also be including her in our prayers. ____________________________________________________ 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 terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Fri Jan 2 16:33:06 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 14:33:06 -0800 Subject: [Biblemat] A>By One Spirit...Baptized Into One Body Message-ID: By One Spirit...Baptized Into One Body 1 Cor.12:13 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. NKJV 13For by [[a]means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and [b]by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit. -Amplified Bible In this passage we can see that the Holy Spirit is the agency "BY" which one comes to be baptized into the one Body. However, the AGENT takes us THROUGH the access door created by Jesus. Notice how it works. Eph.2:18 "for through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." Jews and Gentiles have access to the Father THROUGH Him (Jesus) by one Spirit (by agency of one Spirit). Now, as we consider the topic of 1 Cor. 12:13, we need to get a solid grasp so that no one will mislead us about what is being said. So, let us consider some very simple tests we can use to make sure we have understood this passage. 1) What does "BY one Spirit" mean? a) Holy Spirit is the element in which we are immersed? b) Holy Spirit is the agency directing us to be immersed in the name of the Lord? 2) True or False: By One Spirit: a) 3,ooo Pentecostians were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in the element of water. Acts 2:38,41 (T or F)? Who was the AGENCY moving them to be baptized into the one body? Peter, but Who was guiding Peter? The Holy Spirit. b) The Ethiopian Eunuch was baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 8 (T or F)? Who was the AGENCY moving him to be baptized into the one body? Philip, but Who was guiding Philip? The Holy Spirit. c) Cornelius and his household were baptized in water in the name of the Lord. Acts 10:47,48 (T or F)? Who was the AGENCY moving them to be baptized into the one body? Peter, but Who was guiding Peter? The Holy Spirit. d) The Corinthians, hearing, believed, and were baptized in the same way as the others - Acts 18:8; Mk.16:16 (T or F)? Who was the AGENCY moving them to be baptized into the one body? Paul, but Who was guiding Paul? The Holy Spirit. e) ALL who are baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins, do so by the urgent appeal of the same SPIRIT as all of the above. (T or F)? Conclusion: Even without appealing to the meaning and usage of the Greek words behindBest Wishes From "BY one Spirit", we can easily look at the cases of conversion and conclude the following truths: 1) The Holy Spirit is not the element in which all are immersed. But in His influence we are urged to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. 2) The Holy Spirit is the directing agency (by His revealed and confirmed word) that urges all to be baptized (immersed in the element of water) in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38; 41; 10:47,48 Those who do not yield to the Spirit's urgent message and "gladly receive His words" will not be baptized into the One Body. They have resisted the Holy Spirit. Acts 7:51. The Corinthians heard the Spirit's message, believed, and were baptized into one body. Acts 18:8; 1 Cor.12:13 By one Spirit we ALL are baptized into one body, unless you harden your heart and refuse His great salvation message. Have you come into and under the Holy Spirit's message of influence? Have you resisted His call for you to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins (Acts 2:38,41)? If you resist, you cannot enter the One Body of Christ. His message is still the same today as it was at the beginning. Other spirits are at work to discourage you from doing exactly what the Holy Spirit urged ALL to do in the above cases. Today, if you hear His voice, harden not your heart. Be Baptized today in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins. Terry W. Benton www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com "Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090102/5a786191/attachment.html From tulsa33 at juno.com Fri Jan 2 15:23:33 2009 From: tulsa33 at juno.com (JT Smith) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 16:23:33 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18 Message-ID: <20090102.162333.292.0.tulsa33@juno.com> Brethren, I appreciate what brother Ken Thomas said in his post this morning about Matthew 16:19; Matthew 18:18. I too agree that it was spoken to the apostles. However, I am convinced that the NASV is the correct rendering of the passage. Matthew 16:19 19 "I will give you A the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth 1 shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." J. T. Smith ____________________________________________________________ Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw1mBgIL5XyA3dFEIliUtnMzxP9iJzDI7s8KJhoJSUjnr0EYU/ From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Fri Jan 2 16:19:02 2009 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 15:19:02 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Bible Truths and Bible Questions updates Message-ID: <002b01c96d28$1e731df0$6501a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> Don Martin announcing our most recent material: It is difficult to believe that a year has gone and a new year is upon us. The new Current Truth for www.bibletruths.net is, "The Gospel and Conduct" (see below excerpt). We appreciate your continued use and recommendation of Bible Truths. Thanks in part to you, our Websites are enjoying wide influence and use. "...It is a wonderful privilege to talk about the gospel. Alas, the glorious gospel is often misunderstood. Some view the "good news of the Kingdom" as only consisting of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Lord. Indeed, such do constitute the "facts" of the gospel, but when fully viewed, there is much more involved in the gospel (I Cor. 15: 1ff.). For instance, there are resident in the gospel promises to be obtained and commands to be obeyed (Acts 2: 38, 39, I John 5: 3). Another matter that is reflective of the functionality of the gospel is the fact of the design of the gospel to produce and control conduct. Before we establish this, suffice me to say that one of the most pervasive extant doctrines is that of salvation by faith only. This is the teaching, viewed in its true form, that salvation is wholly of God and man does not participate in any way. The doctrine of salvation by faith only has invaded just about every religion to some extent and it suppresses the utility of Jesus' gospel. Salvation by faith only is of man, men who often look for a "comforting gospel" that demands absolutely nothing of man (cp. Jas. 2: 14-26)...." The new Featured Question for www.biblequestions.org is, "When is an example binding?" (Below.) We are now once again (after the holidays) accepting questions. Should you desire to submit your own question, go to Bible Questions and follow the navigational buttons. Why not take this notice and copy and paste it to your own email list and share it with those whom you know? Question: When is an example binding? Answer: The question reflects some understanding of Bible authority. Indeed, the Bible is our authority in religious matters. We are going to be judged by the Word (Jn. 12: 48). The Word determines those whom we fellowship (2 Jn. 9-11), what we believe (I Thes. 5: 21), and how we live (Gal. 2: 14). How we establish Bible authority. As we have considered in answering previous questions, there are three proven methods of arriving at the teaching of God's word. They are: (1) express command, (2) necessary inference, and (3) approved example. When a command which is not limited by the verse, context, or remote context is encountered, then Bible authority in that area is determined (see Acts 2: 38). Language which requires an inference can be used to establish Bible authority. We necessarily infer (not expressly stated) that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive (conscious) when Jesus spoke (Matt. 22: 32). Hence, the authority for life after death. Regarding Bible examples, how do we know when an example is binding? Determining when an example is binding. Example is in fact one method God used to articulate His will to man (I Cor. 11: 1; Phili 4: 9, 3: 17). There are examples which are condemned (Gal, 2: 11-14). There are incidental examples. We determine an incidental example when we find the same activity done in a different way elsewhere (with approval, cf. Acts 20: 8, 16: 13 - the upper room is not binding). There are also examples which have peculiar application in view of an endemic custom (cf. I Cor. 11: 3-16). Beloved, an example is binding when it is shown to be proper, not incidental, and not limited because of a special setting. Binding examples are exclusive, the only way done (Acts 2: 38, 22: 16). Cordially, Don Martin dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Check out our Web sites: http://www.bibletruths.net Ask and receive a Bible answer http://www.biblequestions.org Simply click on the URL to visit these sites. You may print out the material for teaching purposes, see the copyright provision on the home page of Bible Truths. From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Fri Jan 2 18:01:47 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2009 19:01:47 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Ask Not... Message-ID: Ask Not... I. Introduction A. January 20, 1961: Inaugural speech made by John F. Kennedy as he became the 35th President of the United States B. He utters the now immortal line: "Ask not what your country can do for you-- ask what you can do for your country" C. A great line 1. A call for sacrifice 2. A call to forget about oneself in order to achieve something greater for another D. The line also has great spiritual applications 1. Matthew 16:24-25 2. Galatians 2:20 3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a 4. Philippians 2:1-4 5. God calls upon Christians to also forget about their own needs in order to achieve greater things in His Kingdom! 6. Let us consider various applications of this principle II. Ask Not...Regarding God A. "Ask not what God can do for you-- ask what you can do for God" B. People often look toward God to seek what He can do for them 1. God becomes like Santa Claus or an always benevolent father 2. God is many people's ultimate emergency plan 3. The only time they think of Him is when they are in need of something from Him C. Even Christians can fall into this trap 1. Prayer is often petition only for things 2. We sometimes only really seek after God when we feel like we can go no further D. Yet God is seeking those who will seek Him and trust in Him 1. Hebrews 11:6, John 4:20-24 2. If we will not seek after God, why should we expect Him to do anything for us? E. God certainly wants association with man and to save him-- but His grace is not cheap! 1. God was willing to give of His Son so that we could associate with Him (1 John 1) 2. God expects people to seek His will and follow His commands (Matthew 16:24-25, 1 John 2:1-4) F. Therefore, we need to consider how we can serve God! 1. He blesses those who seek after Him and do His will (Hebrews 11) 2. Therefore, if we seek His blessings, we must do what we can to serve Him 3. We must devote our energies for His purposes, not our own, and He will take care of the rest (Matthew 6:24-34) III. Ask Not...Regarding the Gospel A. "Ask not what the Gospel can do for you-- ask what you can do for the Gospel" B. When we first believe, it is natural to focus on how we have been saved through the Gospel message (Romans 1:16) 1. After all, we have found enough value in it to believe it and obey it 2. We must gain understanding of its meaning and work to put it in place in our lives C. Yet Jesus calls us to quickly turn and promote His Gospel to others (Matthew 28:18-20) 1. After all, it is God's power of salvation (Romans 1:16) 2. We can see people like Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos, who worked to promote the Gospel soon after obeying it (Acts 18) D. By living and preaching the Gospel, we confirm its value for ourselves and accomplish God's purposes in its promotion 1. Matthew 7:16-20: we will be known by our fruit 2. Let us be known as Christians promoting God's message of salvation! IV. Ask Not...Regarding the Kingdom A. "Ask not what the Kingdom can do for you-- ask what you can do for the Kingdom" B. It is a blessing to have brethren around the world and in our midst locally C. God set up His Kingdom for the benefit of those within it (Ephesians 4:11-14) D. We can derive great encouragement from our brethren (Hebrews 10:25) E. Yet God calls upon us to give and to serve ourselves 1. Galatians 6:10, Acts 20:35, James 5:16 2. We are to do good and to pray for those in the Kingdom 3. It is better to give than to receive! F. Let us consider how we can better serve others! V. Ask Not...Regarding Others A. "Ask not what others can do for you-- ask what you can do for others" B. We live in a selfish age 1. Everyone wants to know how they can better "#1" 2. Other people are only good for what they can provide 3. Little thought is given for them or their plight C. This is not to be so among Christians! D. The force of Jesus' commands 1. Luke 10:27, 36: to love your neighbor as yourself, you need to play the part of the neighbor 2. Luke 6:31: your self-interest needs to inform how you handle the interests of others 3. Hence, Philippians 2:3-4 4. We all want to be loved and have our needs met-- therefore, God calls us to love others and meet their needs! 5. If others did this also, we would find that our own needs are met by them as we meet their needs! E. It must all start with each person and their decision: will we seek the good of other before our own? VI. Conclusion A. It is natural for us to seek after our own needs B. Yet God calls us to seek after all other needs before our own! C. We must seek what God seeks; we must promote the Gospel of His Kingdom to make it effective for ourselves; we must seek others' advantage to gain the Lord's favor D. Let us be the servants that God would have us to be! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Jan 3 04:56:56 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 05:56:56 EST 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 "The faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3), "the grace of God that brings salvations" (Titus 2:11), the truth that makes people who follow it free (Jno. 9:31,32) teaches us to deny ungodlness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12) This world of truth defines sin and righteousness so that we can know how to behave in the way that pleases God. It exposes error and identifies it by name (Matt. 16:12; Titus 1:10,11; 2 Jno. 7). It exhorts Christians to put religious teaching to the test of truth, because much false teaching occurs (1 Jno. 4:1-6; 2 Pet. 2:1-22; 2 Tim. 3:1-7; 2 Thes. 2:1-4). When religious people go "beyond the sacred page," they leave the light of truth and enter a world of speculation with no map to guide them and no light to direct their way. Assumption takes the place of objective, guiding truth; and when assumpt- ion rules, everyone's way is right in his own eyes (Jdgs. 2:11-13; 17:6). Which assumer has any authority to reprove another assumer in his assumptions? But Christians are charged with the duty to reprove, rebuke, and exhort in their teaching the truth; for truth reproves, rebukes, corrects, and exhorts to obed- ience (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Heb. 10:25; 1 Tim. 4:13; Titus 1:9-11; Rom. 6:17,18). The Jewish listeners in Acts 2:22-36 knew that they had been reproved. The convinced ones were then exhorted to obey the gospel (vss. 37,38). Do we teach like Peter did that day? --------------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090103/697a6d00/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Jan 3 04:57:07 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 05:57:07 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHY MEN REFUSE TO COME TO JESUS (4) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the fourth and final installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. WHY MEN REFUSE TO COME TO JESUS (4) Some Worship Their Parents: -- VI. Some refuse to come to Christ because they are afraid it would be a reflection on their parents. Many, when they hear the gospel preached in its purity, realize that it is quite different from the way their parents were taught. Their parents were good people who were sincere in their re- ligion. It is not easy to convince people that such good parents could have been so wrong. And, thinking more of their earthly attachments than they do of pleasing God, they say, "Well, if it was good enough for my parents, it is good enough for me!" And there have been those who are gone so far as to say that, if their parents were not saved, then they themselves do not care to go to heaven! They judge what it takes to please God, not by what the Bible says, but by what their parents believed, taught and practiced. In many cases, their parents may never have heard the true gospel. But, regardless of that, Jesus taught that those who ex- alt the religion of their parents above that revealed in the Bible cannot be saved. "He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Matt. 10:37,38). If those who are declining to obey the gospel because they feel that it would be a reflection on their parents would think ser- iously, they might have altogether a different view of the matter. Sometimes those whose parents have passed on say, "My parents were good people and they did not think it was necessa- ry to obey the gospel." Parents who love their children want them to do what is right. If you are hesitating to obey the gospel because of the stand your parents took, think about it this way: Your parents loved you. If you have had an opportunity to learn truths that your parents did not know, do you not feel that they would want you to embrace whatever truth you learn? It is God who is to be pleased, and not our ancestors. If we would go to heaven, we must worship Jehovah and not practice ancestor worship. Some Fear Failure: -- VII. Some men refuse to come to Christ be- cause they are afraid. They fear tht they cannot be successful in the Christian life. They know that they are weak and sinful. They magnify their faults and weaknesses, and say that it is useless for them to become Christians until they are sure they can, as they express it, "hold out." The Holy Spirit promises that we will have help in "holding out:" "...he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1:6). Our Lord has made this precious promise: "...him that come- th to Me, I will in no wise cast out" (Jno. 6:37). Suppose the farmer should reason this way: "I won't plant a crop this year because I might make a failure." Or a man who wants to go into business might say, "I won't go into business because I might fail." The idea that a man must not becoem a Christian until he is sure he can make a success is a misconception. In the first place, your being a successful Christian does not depend upon your own human strength, but upon your abiding attachment to Christ. "There hath not 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" (1 Cor. 10:13). God has promised that those who give themselves to Christ and who depend upon Christ to deliver them from temp- tation will be successful. Some Think They Have Already Come To Christ: -- VIII. Some refuse to come to Christ because they think they have already come to Him. They have been taught the modern popular doct- rine of salvation by faith only -- that all one has to do to come to Christ is simply to believe, and that one is saved the very mom- ent he believes. It is very popular for preachers to tell folk today that it is not necessary for them to obey the gospel to be saved. If you listen to the radio very much you hear a great deal of the do-nothing philosophy in religion -- the idea that man is saved by the grace of God upon the basis merely of a mental assent to the divinity of Christ, and a mental assent or passive acceptance of Him as Savior, without doing those things that God has ordained in order to our salvation. The Bible clearly teaches tht one must come to Christ in God's appointed way, and a careful study of the New Testament will convince any fair-minded student tht the way that one must come to Christ is by obedient faith (Rom. 1:5 A.R.V.). The Bible positively states that one must obey the gospel in order to be saved. "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thes. 1:7-9). The same faith is taught in 1 Pet. 4:16,17: "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must be- gin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of Christ." Some Have Allowed Satan To Rob Them: -- IX. Some refuse to come to Christ because they have allowed Satan to snatch the Word of God out of their heart. "Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God. Those by the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the Word out of thier hearts, lest they should believe and be saved" (Lk. 8:11,12). There are those who hear the word, are impressed with the reasonableness of the gospel, but allow the considerations of the flesh to cause them to turn away from Christ. Satan snatch- es the Word from their hearts. Some Are Victims Of Procrastination: -- X. Some refuse to come to Christ because of the spirit of neglect. They intend to obey the gospel, but they have a disposition to postpone their obed- ience. They excuse themselves on various grounds, and like Felix, "seek a more convenient season." If you are among those who are inclined to proscrastinate with respect to your obedience of the gospel, you need to be awakened by the cry of the Holy Spirit in (2 Cor. 6:2) "...behold, now is the accepted time; behold; now is the day of salvation." Those who are inclined to be neglectful of this most vital matter should read the testimony of the Holy Spirit in Heb. 2:3. This sentiment, even though it is addressed to those who are Christians, applies in principle to those who have not become Christians: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvat- ion; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him?" "Boast not thy self of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth" (Prov. 27:1). Why Keep Jesus Waiting?: -- "And ye will not come to Me that ye might have life." Isn't that a pathetic statement? But it need not apply to you. You can come to Christ, and those who come to Christ will have life -- life more abundant, life everlasting! Won't you lay aside ever excuse, overcome every seeming obstacle, take your stand now for Christ, come to Him believing in Him as the Son of God, repenting of every sin, confessing your faith in His divinity, and being baptized -- immersed in water for the remission of your sins? "Would you be free from your burden of sin? There is power in the blood" of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world, power in the blood shed for the remission of your sins! Why keep Jesus waiting? Come, accept His invitation, accept it now, before it is too late! Jesus Christ is the hope of the world! -------- Bonds Stocks in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 10, August 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090103/e5ab47d4/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Jan 3 19:23:27 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 18:23:27 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Whosoever Will May Come Message-ID: <000001c96e0b$0d9676b0$28c36410$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper January 4, 2009 Whosoever Will May Come As the apostle John closed out the apocalyptic letter to the Christians of the first century, he wrote his inspired account of how the Spirit and the Bride made the great invitation to come and partake of the water of life, with John also adding, ?Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely? (Rev. 22:17). If we understand that this ?water of life? is the salvation that comes from and through Jesus (cf. John 4:10-14), we then may understand the call of Jesus to all men to come and be saved. Contrary to the reprehensible doctrine called 'Calvinism,' God has not already pre-ordained all who will ever be saved, but has sent out the message to all men so that all may have the same opportunity to be saved. But, of course, we know that not all men will respond alike and, therefore, not all will be saved though this is certainly God's desire (1st Tim. 2:3, 4). God wants no one to perish, ?but that all should come to repentance? (2nd Pet. 3:9) but, again, we know that not all will repent. If anyone goes to eternal punishment in hell, it will not be because they did not have the opportunity to escape that punishment, or that they could not escape it by God's unmerciful edict. We certainly depend on God's mercy and grace to be saved, but no one will be saved or lost by an unrighteous and unfair decree. Just as Jesus taught in the parable of the sower, the difference in what is produced when God's word is planted depends on the soil [the heart] upon which it falls. In the parable (Luke 8:5-15), some seed fell on the wayside, some on stony ground, some on thorny ground, and some on good soil. Jesus explained the various soils and reminds us through this explanation that not everyone will produce fruit after we have sown the seed. We have most likely seen variations of these types of soil if we have done any 'planting', and yet we still have to wonder why some refuse to heed the great invitation to eternal life! The fact is, there are many ways by which men come to Jesus, but few in the right way or for the right reason. Some Want To Test God And/Or Jesus. It may be that we know of someone who has come to Jesus, but not because they were genuinely interested in hearing Him or obeying. This is not a new thing, however, for the religious leaders of the first century did this on more than one occasion. Once, they came to Jesus asking for a sign from heaven for proof he was the Christ (Matt. 16:1); Jesus rebuked their impudence, saying, ?You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah? (vv. 3, 4). The fact was, these men did not really care to see a sign because they had already determined that Jesus was not the 'Christ' they wanted Him to be and they had already rejected Him; a sign would not have convinced them for all the signs, miracles, and wonders Jesus did could not break through their hardened hearts. It will be no different today when hardened hearts come to Jesus: they will produce no fruit and they will not be saved! Some Want To Eliminate Jesus And/Or God. Some only speak of God, Jesus, or anything religious only when they want to talk about eliminating any talk about them! Especially in this country over the past few years, there has been a rise in the vociferous opposition to anything religious, led by those who are amazed and even incensed at anyone who still believes in God and who trusts in Him instead of them to save us from ourselves. But, again, this is not new! We know well the story of the time when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane late one night, and ?the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders had come out against Him? (Luke 22:52); they were not there to sing "For He's A Jolly Good Fellow"! These men had already plotted with Judas to betray Jesus to them (vv. 4-6) and they wanted nothing less than the elimination of Jesus. On another occasion, they gathered together after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, but not to admit this was proof He was the Christ! Their only thought was what to do since such a wondrous miracle had been done! They knew that if they left Jesus alone, the people would believe in Him, quit following after them, and they would eventually lose their positions of power, so they plotted to put Him to death (John 11:47-53). At no time did they discuss whether or not these things proved the claim that He was the Christ and the need for them to obey; that was never their desire! It is often no different today when some men speak only of Jesus to ridicule, discredit, or plainly eliminate any further discussion about Him. Some simply have hardened hearts and they tire of hearing about Him, so they seek His elimination yet again. I would like to point out that didn't work the first time, and the hundreds ? if not thousands ? of times since then. Man has tried to eliminate talk of Jesus ever since He walked this earth, but there will always be someone willing to hear of salvation. Will we be the ones who tell them about it? Some Want To Hear Him. Though there are many who want nothing to do with Jesus, there are some who do want to hear Him. But, again, this is not new; since He first opened His mouth and began teaching God's word (Luke 2:46), people have wanted to hear Him. We may remember the time when Zacch?us climbed a tree to be able to see and hear Jesus as he passed by, and even invited Him to his house (Luke 19:1-10). We might also remember that Nicodemus came to Jesus [by night] to hear the wisdom of Jesus (John 3:1ff). Though some of the things taught by Jesus were initially confusing, Nicodemus wanted to hear what Jesus had to say! And let us not criticize the fact Nicodemus came to Jesus by night; at least He came to Him, didn't he? Paul certainly did much public speaking about Christ (cf. Acts 18:4), but he would also write of how he taught some privately (Gal. 2:2) when it was more beneficial for the spread of the gospel. At no time was the message compromised, however. From this, we should learn to be happy to speak about Jesus whenever and wherever we have opportunity because if someone wants to hear about Jesus, who would object? Some Want Him To Help. It is truly heartwarming to see or hear of some who realize their spiritual condition and want to come to Jesus because they know He alone is the one who can help. Again, this is not anything new. Once, a centurion came to Jesus, pleading with Him to heal his servant (Matt. 8:5, 6). Though he was a powerful man and could have ordered anyone in the region to come and help, the centurion took it upon himself to go to Jesus and ask if He would help! [Even Jesus was impressed!] Today, when we find that some are searching for Jesus and recognize the truth that He alone can save them from their sins (Acts 4:12), we should do everything in our power to make it happen! We are often discouraged and complain about the scarcity of seekers, so when one is genuinely seeking the salvation only Jesus can give, let us rejoice at the news and help them on their way to salvation! Truly, whosoever desires to come to Jesus may come, but only those who come seeking His forgiveness and salvation will benefit. Our plea is that you seek Him before it is too late. ?? Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090103/59cd2020/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Jan 3 20:00:14 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2009 21:00:14 EST Subject: [Biblemat] SERMON - THANKFUL (What Does it Mean?) Message-ID: THANKFUL: (?What does it mean??) By Garreth L. Clair INTRODUCTION: Many people today do not know what the word ?thankful? means. Perhaps this is due to a lack of parental upbringing since many people of the boomer generation are undisciplined brats who have little respect for anything that suggest conformity or reverence. Many of that great generation of ?do your own thing ? ? ?leave me alone? generation will deny responsibility for the moral and ethical condition of many people today, yet the fact remains they are parents and grandparents of many of the current population. Perhaps the current generation will bridge the gap between ?me now? and the ?totally ignorant? of moral and ethical values of subsequent generations. DISCUSSION: 1. DEFINITIONS: A. Defining the word ?thankful? from the Greek sources where it is used in the Bible: A. Nouns. 1. charis NT:5485, for the meanings of which see GRACE, No. 1, is rendered "thank" in Luke 6:32,33,34; in 17:9, "doth he thank" is lit., "hath he thanks to"; it is rendered "thanks (be to God)" in Rom 6:17, RV (KJV, "God be thanked"); "thanks" in 1 Cor 15:57; in 1 Tim 1:12 and 2 Tim 1:3, "I thank" is, lit., "I have thanks"; "thankworthy," 1 Peter 2:19, KJV (RV, "acceptable"). See ACCEPT, D, No. 2. 2. eucharistia NT:2169, eu, "well," charizomai, "to give freely" (Eng., "eucharist"), denotes (a) "gratitude," "thankfulness," Acts 24:3; (b) "giving of thanks, thanksgiving," 1 Cor 14:16; 2 Cor 4:15; 9:11,12 (plural.); Eph 5:4; Phil 4:6; Col 2:7; 4:2; 1 Thess 3:9 ("thanks"); 1 Tim 2:1 (plural.); 4:3,4; 4:9, "thanks"; 7:12. B. Verbs. 1. eucharisteo NT:2168, akin to A, No. 2, "to give thanks," (a) is said of Christ, Matt 15:36; 26:27; Mark 8:6; 14:23; Luke 22:17,19; John 6:11,23; 11:41; 1 Cor 11:24; (b) of the Pharisee in Luke 18:11 in his selfcomplacent prayer; (c) is used by Paul at the beginning of all his epistles, except 2 Cor. (see, however, eulogetos in 1:3), Galatians, 1 Timothy, 2 Tim. (see, however, charin echo, 1:3), and Titus, (1) for his readers, Rom 1:8; Eph 1:16; Col 1:3; 1 Thess 1:2; 2 Thess 1:3 (cf. 2:13); virtually so in Philem 4; (2) for fellowship shown, Phil 1:3; (3) for God's gifts to them, 1 Cor 1:4; (d) is recorded (1) of Paul elsewhere, Acts 27:35; 28:15; Rom 7:25; 1 Cor 1:14; 14:18; (2) of Paul and others, Rom 16:4; 1 Thess 2:13; of himself, representatively, as a practice, 1 Cor 10:30; (3) of others, Luke 17:16; Rom 14:6 (twice); 1 Cor 14:17; Rev 11:17; (e) is used in admonitions to the saints, the Name of the Lord Jesus suggesting His character and example, Eph 5:20; Col 1:12; 3:17; 1 Thess 5:18; (f) as the expression of a purpose, 2 Cor 1:11, RV; (g) negatively of the ungodly, Rom 1:21. "Thanksgiving" is the expression of joy God ward, and is therefore the fruit of the Spirit Gal 5:22; believers are encouraged to abound in it (e. g., Col 2:7, and see C, below). 2. exomologeo NT:1843, in the middle voice, signifies "to make acknowledgment," whether of sins (to confess), or in the honor of a person, as in Rom 14:11; 15:9 (in some mss. in Rev 3:5); this is the significance in the Lord's address to the Father, "I thank (Thee)," in Matt 11:25 and Luke 10:21, the meaning being "I make thankful confession" or "I make acknowledgment with praise." See CONFESS, No. 2, CONSENT, PROMISE. 3. anthomologeomai NT:437, "to acknowledge fully, to celebrate fully (anti) in praise with thanksgiving," is used of Anna in Luke 2:35. Note: For homologeo, rendered "giving thanks" in Heb 13:15 (RV, "make confession"), See CONFESS, A, No. 1 (d). C. Adjective. eucharistos NT:2170, primarily, "gracious, agreeable" (as in the Sept., Prov 11:16, of a wife, who brings glory to her husband#), then "grateful, thankful," is so used in Col 3:15. 2. FROM THE BIBLE REFERENCES ? Things to be thankful for: A. BE THANKFUL TO GOD FOR HIS GOODNESS, HIS EVERLASTING MERCY, FOR HIS ENDURING TRUTH: Psalms 100:1-5, ?1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.? KJV B. BE THANKFUL TO GOD BECAUSE WE KNOW HIM, WE GLORIFY HIM FOR OUR KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, FOR THIS WE ARE CONTINUALLY GRATEFUL: Rom 1:18-22, ?18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,? KJV C BE THANKFUL: Col 3:12-17, ?12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.? KJV *** THAT WE ARE ABLE TO: Colossians 3:12-17: [1] ?Forbearing one another, [2] and forgiving one another, [3] if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [4] And above all these things put on charity{LOVE}, which is the bond of perfectness. [5] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; AND: [6] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [7] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, [8] giving thanks to God and the Father by him? CONCLUSION: Everyone of all ages throughout all generations ought to be thankful to God for life, for prosperity, for children of their marriage, for the sun that shines to make the days glad, for health, and beauty, for all good things because all good things come from God, cf. James 1:16-17, ?16 Be not deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.? ASV **************Stay up-to-date on the latest news - from fashion trends to celebrity break-ups and everything in between. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000024) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090103/87957d26/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sun Jan 4 08:56:08 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 08:56:08 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 001 January 04, 2009 Message-ID: <843B9DA7C8B34EAC95F79696BDBAED9A@sean1a4c1f786> The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 731-627-3514 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 01:: January 4, 2009 ARTICLE ONE: Paradoxes of Our Faith: Philippians 1:21 ARTICLE TWO: The Cradle ot the Cross? Article One: Paradoxes of Our Faith: Philippians 1:21 Introduction: Lord willing over the next few articles we are going to consider some paradoxes found in the Doctrine of Christ. A "paradox" is a statement of truth, but it is a statement that just doesn't sound right at first. Webster says, "A statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense". In the epistle to the Philippians, Paul makes a statement, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain". The growing trends of humanism in the world around us certainly make this statement awkward, if not completely rejectable. Common sense today says that there is only "gain" in life and it is pleasure and death is the end of human experience. There were many who thought this way even as early as the time of Isaiah's prophecy against Jerusalem in Isaiah 22. It is here in verse 13 and Isaiah quotes them as saying, "Let's eat and drink for tomorrow we die". The people had lost sight of truth and have become consumed with this life as the end all be all-no hope beyond. Paul reissues this quote in 1 Corinthians 15:32 to show that the mindset was still present in his day with those who did not believe in resurrection. Is life a singular experience-intended only for the pursuit and achievement of pleasure? That may be what the world wants to believe, but for those of faith we see a greater reality. There is more to our time here and more to follow after this life is over. In our time together we need to look into the heart of this matter. What is beyond this life to look forward to? What can prepare us to look forward to the end of life? Have we accomplished our preparations? What is beyond this life? Each of us have an immortal soul, or more rightly said, "Each of us is an immortal soul housed in this fleshly body". It is this soul that goes on in experience after the body fails (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7). According to Luke 16:19-31 there is a holding place for souls called the Hadean Realm or Hades; a divided place where the righteous are comforted awaiting their final reward and the unrighteous are experiencing torments as the result of their choice to refuse God in this life. There both sides, paradise and torments, await judgment and their eternal homes. All will face judgment that will determine our eternal destination (Matthew 25:32-46; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11). This Day of Judgment according Matthew 25:32-46 will be a final "Judgment" where all souls are individually parted into Heaven with God or away from God to Hell. Where do we want to be? Let's consider Heaven. Heaven is described as: a perfected prepared place for our dwelling (John 14:1-6). It is also called the "joy of [our] Lord" (Matthew 25:23) and a place rest (Revelation 14:12-13). Heaven is a place of joy (Revelation 21:1-4), and beauty (Revelation 21:10-21), and righteousness (Revelation 21:22-27). On the other hand Hell is described as: a place of burdensome torments (Mark 9:42-48). Separated from God and all that is good (Matthew 7:21-23; 25:30). A place prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41); also a place for the unrighteous human souls (Matthew 25:46). Both Heaven and Hell are everlasting (Heaven (John 3:16); Hell (Matthew 18:8, 25:41, 46). What can prepare us to look forward to life's end? It is certainly a different perspective to say that one looks forward to the end of their life. Solomon says it in Ecclesiastes 7:1 "better is the day of one's death than one's birth". Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21 is, ".to die is gain". Paul knew that there was something beyond this life (Ephesians 1:3). Paul knew that there was great reward in death. Paul was aware of the great rewards reserved in Heaven for the faithful (2 Timothy 4:8). The hope of eternal life in Heaven is reserved for those who have done the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21-23). God's will, expressly teaches that we are to be: influenced by the gospel, in which we place our faith, and grounded in belief in Jesus as His Son (John 3:16). To allow us into His presence we must be cleansed of our sins (Revelation 21:27) this is accomplished through repentance and submission to the water of baptism (Acts 2:38-42; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Those who have done and continue to do the will of the Father will see His reward the Day of Judgment (Hebrews 10:35-39). It is with the knowledge of true hope that we are able to change our perspective toward life's end. We do not have to fear it but rather we see it as an entrance into our reward. Are You Prepared for Heaven? We must prepare for Heaven before death. Death finalizes the opportunities of change (Hebrew 9:27). We must not get caught by death unprepared (Luke 12:16-21). Too many overly concerned with are all about bigger buildings to hold more worldly possessions. There is no true improvement in life, more important than a better relationship with God-we must prepare for the end. Are you prepared? Do not deceive yourself into thinking that you are okay until you have done what God expects from you: primary selflessness (Matthew 16:24), complete commitment (Mark 12:30), and obedience to His will (John 14:15). The worst form of deception is that of "self-deception". Do not settle for "I hope I will be okay". We can have confidence (1 John 2:28). We can know we are saved (1 John 5:13). Confidence and arrogance and not the same (2 Timothy 2:15 ""be diligent") Conclusion: The people around may think we are weird when we place our hope beyond this life. We can truly understand and accept this paradoxical statement "To live is Christ and to die is gain"-if we have given ourselves to God. This life is not the end all be all-there is so much more in store. Do not be consumed by this life, prepare for your eternal tomorrow. The point of these thoughts is not to rush us into our exit, there are lots of true things to enjoy in this life (John 15:11 our joy is to be "full" in this life). You may not be ready to go, but please make sure that you are prepared. The only way for this paradox to ring true is to prepare your self now. Are you prepared? ~tss Article Two: The Cradle ot the Cross? Introduction: The end of December every year there is a holiday both secular and religious depending upon observer involved. It is this time when many are celebrating the occurrence of Christ's birth. Many assume that this "birth" provided salvation to all mankind-they want to focus their hope on this "baby Jesus". The question we face today is this: Is our hope in His cradle or His cross? The cross needs to be understood as the correct answer. Now, some will say, "you can't have one without the other", which is agreeable, but we must respect God's will on these and all matters. What is it that God's will directs us to focus on? The answer is clearly His exemplary life and His death which is the hinge pin of our hope. In our time together we need to consider what the cross accomplished for us and how we are continually celebrate this proper remembrance. Turn your text to 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. This point of remembrance each first day of the week is our time to remember. Our Saviour's perfect sinless life (1 Peter 2:21-23 The apostle Peter describes His life to us as sinless-Jesus committed no sin (Hebrews 4:15) . He was also a perfect example of commitment to God-trusting in the Father even to the point of death and beyond. Jesus set example we need to follow. Our challenge is to walk in His footsteps-to be like Him (Ephesians 4:13). It is so very important that we clearly understand Jesus committed no sin; this is so that we know beyond a shadow of doubt that He was not deserving of death. The automatic question should be, "Then why was He killed?" The answer His death was for our life-He died for my sins; for your sins (Isaiah 53:4-5; Hebrews 9:27-28). To add to the burden of this sacrifice Jesus was betrayed to this death by one whom He called a friend (Matthew 26:14-16, 47-56). Judas betrayed Jesus with a kind act of true friendship-a kiss. His Treatment and Trial (Matthew 26:59-68) In the context of this death mankind turns on their Hope. The very ones Christ came from the glories of Heaven to save are turning on Him with violence. They rose up to falsely accuse Him with their lies (vs. 59-60). They mocked Him, spat on Him and beat Him with their hands (vs. 67.68)-in all of this they trampled on their only hope-yet in a great irony the world would have no hope without their actions. We need to think of His trial (Matthew 27:22-31) as one sided as it was, led by a tumultuous crowd. The crowd screamed for His death (vs.23-25) and were relentless not settling for less then His death. It is hear that Pilate show his great lack of character as he would not stand up against the people to delivered the innocent Jesus from them. The people further beat Jesus: They scourged Him (vs. 26). (Many men fell to their death from the scourge alone-never making it to the cross). His torturers stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on His back and a royal crown of twisted thorns branches on His head; even a reed in His hand-to mock his Kingship. They with great mockery and disdain bowed before Him. They again spat on Him and then took the reed from His hand and beat down on His head-driving the thorns down on Him (vs. 30). His Death, Burial, and Resurrection (Matthew 27:35, 45-54) Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross and left to die a horrible suffering death. The Psalmist records the last agonizing minutes on the cross prophetically in Psalm 22:14-17. In Matthew 27:57-59 we are told that the lifeless body of Jesus was removed from the cross and place in a new grave. It was there that a large rock was sealed over the entrance and a Roman guard watched over the place; this was to ensure that no outside influences would tamper with the grave. Perhaps this moment as the rock sealed the light from the tomb that perhaps the light of hope was being challenged in the hearts of His disciples. When all hope appeared to be gone we then learn of this His Triumph (Matthew 28:1-8). The grave could not hold our Saviour-in triumph over death which could not hold Him, our Saviour came forth from the grave. In triumph over sin, He established a plan of salvation available to all men. Conclusion: The end of December every year there is a holiday both secular and religious depending upon observer involved. It is this time when many are celebrating the occurrence of Christ's birth. Many assume that this "birth" provided salvation to all mankind-they want to focus their hope on this "baby Jesus". The truth we face today is that our hope is in His cross. The cross accomplished the sacrificial death of our Saviour; now we are continually celebrate this proper remembrance. Turn your text to 1 Corinthians 11:23-29. This point of remembrance each first day of the week is our time to remember and celebrate our hope ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/1da1a54b/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2886 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/1da1a54b/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/1da1a54b/attachment-0001.gif From kthomas at dnet.net Sun Jan 4 15:21:56 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 15:21:56 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] ...In The Begommomg... Message-ID: <49612873.000003.01648@KENSCOMPUTER> Following is a telling quote. Standard Manual For Baptist Churches By Edward T. Hiscox Cpt. IV, Pg. 22 "It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but "one Lord, one faith, and one baptism," and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, "baptism was the door into the church." Now, it is different; and while the churches are desirous of receiving members, they are wary and cautious that they do not receive unworthy persons. The churches therefore have candidates come before them, make their statement, give their "experience," and then their reception is decided by a vote of the members. And while they cannot become members without baptism, yet it is the vote of the body which admits them to its fellowship on receiving baptism Has the Bible changed? Then pray tell, who made it different? And is that difference pleasing to Christ? We say NO! Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/c75e88f7/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/c75e88f7/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 36718 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/c75e88f7/attachment-0003.gif From kthomas at dnet.net Sun Jan 4 15:23:47 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 15:23:47 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] A Telling Quote! Message-ID: <496128E3.000008.01648@KENSCOMPUTER> Following is a telling quote. Standard Manual For Baptist Churches By Edward T. Hiscox Cpt. IV, Pg. 22 "It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but "one Lord, one faith, and one baptism," and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church and at once endowed him with all the rights and privileges of full membership. In that sense, "baptism was the door into the church." Now, it is different; and while the churches are desirous of receiving members, they are wary and cautious that they do not receive unworthy persons. The churches therefore have candidates come before them, make their statement, give their "experience," and then their reception is decided by a vote of the members. And while they cannot become members without baptism, yet it is the vote of the body which admits them to its fellowship on receiving baptism Has the Bible changed? Then pray tell, who made it different? And is that difference pleasing to Christ? We say NO! Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/1433e358/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/1433e358/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 31851 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/1433e358/attachment-0003.gif From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Jan 4 18:19:42 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 4 Jan 2009 17:19:42 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (1/4/09) Message-ID: <20090105002232.48E15BC061@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) January 4, 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 --- CONTENTS: "Determine Now to Follow Christ" (Richard Thetford) "Doing More for the Lord in 2009" (Lalo Enriquez) "The Bible or TV Guide?" (Selected) SENTENCE SERMONS --- DETERMINE NOW TO FOLLOW CHRIST Richard Thetford This is the first Lord's day of 2009. Have you determined within your heart to follow Christ in all that you do this year? Have you began this new year by making any personal and family changes that would be better in your service to Christ? I would encourage each of us to be more determined than ever to devote personal time in the studying of our Bible. Paul told young Timothy to "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Each child of God has the same responsibility in their service as a Christian. Before we can be an effective example and an effective teacher, we must know the word of God. We can only be approved of by God when we learn those things in which He has instructed for us to do in our life and then carry them out. We need to be more like the Bereans and search the scriptures daily to make sure we are in compliance with God's will. When we understand and accept that ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God then we will be on our way to carrying out the commandments of God. The basic fundamental principles of Bible authority is recognizing the "need" for authority and having "respect" for authority. We respect the word of God when we DO what God asks of us. Jesus 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" (Matthew 7:21). Do you recognize the need for authority? Do you respect God's Word? If you do, then determine now to follow the commandments of Christ in your life not only in 2009, but in all the days to follow. --- DOING MORE FOR THE LORD IN 2009 Lalo Enriquez MORE DAILY WALKING WITH JESUS IN 2009: Faithful members of God's family will "walk with God" as "Enoch walked with God" (Gen 5:24), and "Noah walked with God" (Gen 6:9). Walking with the LORD simply means that we live and act (and react) every day as He instructs us in His Word. At work, school, home, or at play - wherever we find ourselves, we respond to daily responsibilities and/or pleasures according to the principles taught in the Bible. MORE DAILY BIBLE READING IN 2009: Faithful members of Christ's church who desire to keep a spiritual "edge" will read their Bibles as often as possible. Even busy people can (busy people especially should) develop daily Bible reading habits. Pick up a reading chart and make it a point to spend a few minutes each day reading God's holy book. It could be in the morning before going to work, or at lunch-time for just a few minutes, or at night before retiring to bed, or anytime in between these. If you miss one day, don't miss the next. Statistics show that it takes 21 days before daily Bible reading becomes a habit, and only 3 days to break it. Commitment and consistency are keys to success. "And they searched the scriptures daily...." (Acts 17:11). MORE FAITHFULNESS IN ASSEMBLING IN 2009: Assembling with those of like precious faith at each appointed assembly should be of utmost importance to every Christian. The times of worship and Bible study should be AUTOMATIC in a Christian's weekly schedule. These are times when we are spiritually (and mutually) built up and encouraged. Christians should depend on one another to attend faithfully at all the assemblies set aside by the congregation. MORE "CHRISTIAN" SOCIAL ACTIVITY IN 2009: Christians need to regularly associate with other Christians aside from the scheduled assemblies of the church. We need each other to encourage and strengthen each other. Over one hundred times the New Testament writers use the term "one-another, love one another, comfort one another, exhort one another, serve one another, use hospitality one to another," etc. Christians should make friends from those of the world (to evangelize), but our closest friends should be of those in Christ! --- THE BIBLE OR TV GUIDE? Selected They lie on the table, side by side: The Holy Bible and the TV Guide. One is well-worn but cherished with pride Not the Bible; it's the TV Guide. As the pages are turned, what shall they see? Oh, what does it matter...turn on the TV. The confusion reigns; they can't all agree Oh what shall they watch on the old TV? So they open the book in which they confide, No not the Bible...it's the TV Guide. The Word of God is seldom read, Maybe a verse e'er they fall into bed. Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be, Not from reading the Bible - from watching TV. So then back to the table side by side Lie the Holy Bible and the TV Guide. No time for prayer...no time for the Word. The plan of salvation is seldom heard. But forgiveness of sin so full and free Is found in the Bible...not on TV! --- SENTENCE SERMONS If you insist on all your "rights," you will infringe on the rights of others. Self-control is more important than self-expression - in many instances. Too truly enjoy your blessings you must share them with others. It is easy to get rid of a bad habit if you will drop it. It is often very hard to keep up with "easy payments." You can't pray for others if you have clenched fists and gritting teeth. It is impossible to bury the truth forever. Christians should pray frequently, fervently and faithfully. --- SERMON Beginning the New Year (with PowerPoint Charts) www.thetfordcountry.com --- 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 Building: (970) 249-8116 Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/e7b934ec/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 14927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/e7b934ec/attachment-0003.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 177 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/e7b934ec/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7202 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090104/e7b934ec/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Jan 5 02:32:33 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 03:32:33 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE TONGUE AND THE TEACHER 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: THE TONGUE AND THE TEACHER When do we find ourselves in trouble most often? We prob- ably are finding it is our mouth that causes us the most heart- aches in our relationships with others. Well, God warns His teac- hers about their tongues and the difficulty of keeping them under control. Directed by the Holy Spirit, James writes: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle teh whole body" (Jas. 3:1,2). According to James not everyone is to be a teacher. Yet, it is evident that God wants His children to teach others the gospel of Christ (Heb. 5:12-14). The point is that Jesus has set teachers in the church to help the body of believers grow in the faith (Eph. 4:11-16). There is a work or office of teaching in the church for which brethren are required to study and prepare themselves. All teaching is to be according to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If a teacher does not convey God's Word but speaks words contra- ry to the truth, he will be accursed by God (Gal. 1:8,9). So, that is why James says teachers will face a stricter judgment. Teach- ers wisely control their tongues in the presentation of God's Word. The lesson of the tongue and the teacher particularly applies to brethren who speak the Word of truth to others. But keep in mind that all of us should learn the importance of controlling the tongue. James offers the following illustrations to support his conclusion that the tongue is difficult to keep in check. They in- clude the horse and the bit (vs. 3), a ship and its rudder (vs. 4), a small fire that ignites a forest fire (vs. 5), and animals can be tam- ed easier than the tongue (vss. 7,8). The destructive nature of the tongue is impressed upon us when James compares it to a fire coming from hell and setting on fire the course of nature (vs. 6). "No man can tame the tong- ue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (vs. 8). Also, we are reminded how hypocritical we are when we use our mouths to bless and praise God, and then from the same mouth curse men who have been made in the similitude of God (vss. 9,10). It is all about our heart and mind consistently being dedicated to godly things, and only then will our words be the product of who we really are. Again, James gives illustrations to uphold his point: fresh water and bitter water can not come from the same opening (vs. 11), and the fig tree does not produce olives, nor does the grape- vine bear figs (vs. 12). Brethren, our words are important, and teachers will control their tongues! ----------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/c9866f62/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Jan 5 02:32:51 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 03:32:51 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER I had a car accident. It was minor, but it was my fault. It wrecked my whole week. It was all I could think about -- until... my daughter had to get three stitiches in her upper lip after a close encounter with a seesaw. She became my world at that moment -- until... the next morning when the daughter of one of our families suddenly collapsed and had to be place on life supp- ort. Her father had recently finished teaching a class on the Mir- acles of Jesus. "We could use one right now," he said in the somber, subdued waiting room. Life has a way of reminding you of what is important. Just when you have fretted over the fact that your team didn't win the game or your car is not working right or one of the appliances needs to be replaced, you are shocked out of selfishness by something that has real value. In a moment, all of the trivial things that seemed important at the time are thrown aside so that your mind and heart can give full attention to the matter at hand. Since life is uncertain and can change quickly, it is also a subtle reminder that you have little control over what happens. Staying in touch with people is critical when critical times come. We keep them informed, we update them on any progress, and we let them know what we are feeling. But we must not forget the superior form of communication, one where there is no limit on the number of minutes used, no access fees or connection charges. It is a free access to God that man has enjoyed from the beginning. Long before there were cell phones, email, and the combination thereof, there was prayer. What is it about prayer that it can sweeten even the bitterest of times? Prayer Reassures Us That The Lord Is Listening: -- David pray- ed in Psa. 28, "Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to Thee for help, when I lift up my hands toward Thy holy sanctua- ry" (28:2). Like a little child who raises his hands to be picked up by his father, David was certain that his Father in heaven was hearing his petition. The "sweet psalmist of Israel" (2 Sam. 23:1) understood the significance of the sweet hour of prayer. But David was not the only one who had the ear of God. The Father was listening to all the prayers offered in all the assemblies of His children on the last Lord's Day. He was listen- ing to all of the families who bowed and "returned thanks" around their dinner tables. He heard every cry from every wait- ing room, emergency room, and back bedroom. How incredible to think that He who created the world cares about what's going on in mine. Our Lord listens. Prayer Reminds Us That God Can Do What We Cannot: -- Psalm 28 is David's call for help. Perhaps it was written while he was on the run from King Saul or at a time when he felt surrounded by his enemies. But he did not strap on his armor and attempt to fight them on his own. The Lord had delivered him from the paw of the lion or bear that threatened his sheep. The Lord brought him a victory over the giant Goliath. The Lord's power would prevail over the enemies of His anointed. "The Lord is my strength and my shield," David confessed (28:7). No other weap- onry was necessary. There will be occasions when our safety is threatened by the seemingly impossible, a situation that makes us admit, "I can't do anything about it." But God can. No matter how scary the lion or bear, no matter how tall the giant, no matter how many the enemy, no matter how bleak the diagnosis, no matter how great the difficulty...this is still our Father's world. Trust in His strength to do what you can't. Prayer Enables Us To Express Our Deepest Cares: -- In this psalm, the heart of the man after God's own heart is opened wide. In his cry for deliverance from his enemies, David pleads for the Lord to "requite them according to thier work and accord- ing to the evil of their practices" and "according to the deeds of their hands" (28:4). He is not calling for personal vengeance, but for the Lord to punish the wicked because they do not honor His work or His will. In any case, David does not hide the most intimate feelings of his heart. God wants to hear from His people, but He is not interested in the mere repetition of meaningless phrases that do not origin- ate from the heart. He wants us to pour out our cares before His throne, to make all our "wants and wishes known." He will never betray our confidence; our faith in HIm will never be disappoint- ed. When David did that, he could boast, "My heart trusts in Him and I am helped" (28:7). Perhaps our help has not come becau- se we are still withholding from Him from Whom nothing is hidd- en. I never know what to say to someone in the wake of a disast- er. But I've learned that it's not as important what you say at those times, but Who you say them to. Prayer can turn even the darkest hour into something sweet. ----- Bubba Garner in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 5, May 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/540e3634/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Mon Jan 5 07:12:12 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 08:12:12 EST Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for January 2009 2009 Message-ID: Hilliard Bulletin Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd. ? P.P. Box 96 Hilliard, OH 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 1 -------------------- January 2009 ======================================================================== WHAT CAN I DO FOR GOD? 1. Always be faithful to God ? Rev 2:10b 2. The Love of God is exemplified in Christians by obedience ? John 14:15; 14:24 3. God wants Christians to teach others ? 2 Timothy 2:2 4. God wants Christians to worship Him ? John 4:23-24 5. God wants Christians to give ? 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 6. God wants Christians to Grow ? 2 Peter 3:18 7. God wants Christians to love each other ? 1 John 4:20-21 8. God wants Christians to care for needy Christians ? Galatians 6:10; James 1:27 9. God wants all Christians to assemble regularly ? Hebrews 10:24-25; Col 1:9-14 10. God wants all Christians to let their light shine - Matt 5:14-16 ?14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.? (KJV) There are many things that God does for the faithful Christian each day; some of them are listed above. Even though we do not consider the invisible things that God does for us continually there are man such events in our lives. Some of the unseen and unnoticed events by many people are: 1. God gives us breath. 2. God causes our heart to continue beating every day. 3. God allows us to shed tears from our eyes at times of sadness. 4. God gives us the ability to see near and far with our eyes. 5. God allows us to close our eyes at night and at other times and sleep. 6. God gives us understanding of basic things in life as we grow from infant child to full grown and developed adult. 7. God provides us with a perfect spiritual guide through life (i.e. the Bible); Jeremiah 10:23, ?O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. ? And so much more: Psalms 119:73-77, ?73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.? (KJV) -- _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ? 12-13-08 Things to Consider That Relate to the Assembly 1. Have I considered how to stir up my fellow Christians to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)? 2. Will I listen to the announcements? Will I strive to participate in various activities? Will I pray for those needing prayer (James 5:14-16)? 3. Will I sing so as to speak to my fellow Christians in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to build up their faith (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16)? 4. Will I actively participate in the congregational prayers and confirm my agreement with "Amen" (1 Corinthians 14:14-16)? 5. Will I remember the Lord's death in the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-28)? 6. Will I pay attention to the lesson, test to see what things are so, and be willing to apply the message to myself first and strive to be a better serv ant of God (Acts 17:11, 2 Corinthians 13:5)? 7. Have I prepared to give as God has blessed me (2 Corinthians 8:8-15)? 8. I will plan to give of my money into the treasury as I have been prospered (1 Cor 16:2, Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 9. I will speak to the visitors welcoming them to the assembly 10. Will I be a kind and considerate friend to my brethren in the church as I am taught to be? DIVINE ENCOURAGEMENT TO GROW The methods to attain growth are revealed in the Scriptures through several different phrases. 2 Peter 3:18, ?But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. Some of them will be our study today ? Work -------------------- Heb 6:10, ?For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.? Phil 2:12, ?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.? Grow -------------------- 1 Peter 2:2, ?As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:? (KJV) 2 Peter 3:18, ?But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.? Add -------------------- 2 Peter 1:5-10, ?5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:? (KJV) UNBELIVERS ? AGNOSTICS ? ATHEISTS INTRODUCTION: The problems that face personal workers, elders, Bible teachers, and preachers that work from house to house seeking to convert the lost consist of many obstacles [i.e. hindrances]. In this article I want to show some of the excuses that I have received from prospects while attempting to teach them the right path to salvation from sin. During my 50 years of teaching the Divine message to the lost, the following statements have been uttered by one or more of the people that I have attempted to teach. Indeed, these excuses [i.e. listed below], and others are often entrenched in the mind of those with which we seek to convert to the Way of the Lord. REMEMBER THIS: Regardless of the nature of excuses, we are required to seek out and attempt to teach the lost ones as opportunities are presented ? We also need to understand that the Lord encourages us to take a militant stance toward doing evangelism, even to the point of going out into the secular world and seeking converts, seeking all! Luke 14:17-23, ?17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21 So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.? KJV THE BIBLE CANNOT BE TRUE 2 Tim 3:16-17, ?16 Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.? ASV MY PARENTS WERE SINCERE AND HONEST CORNELIUS: Acts 10:1-5, ?1 Now (there was) a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian (band), 2 a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius. 4 And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter:? ASV THERE ARE HYPOCRITS IN THE CHURCH Luke 14:27, ?27 Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. TOO MUCH DIFFERENCE IN TOO MANY DIFFERENT CHURCHES 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.? A THERE IS TOO MUCH SICKNESS AND DISEASEA LOVING GOD WOULD NOT LET THIS HAPPEN THE DEVIL IS THE AUTHOR OF EVIL, ETC. - GOD ?S GIFTS ARE ALL GOOD: James 1:16-20, ?16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.? THERE ARE TOO MANY BIBLE TRANSLATIONS MANY ARE UNRELIABLE 2 Tim 2:15, ?15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.? KJV BEING FAITHFUL TO GOD?S RULES IS TOO HARD! Phil 2:12, ?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.? WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE WHO?S RIGHT AND WHO?S IS WRONG? Acts 5:29, ?29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.? KJV Rom 2:8, ?8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,? KJV ONE CHURCH IS AS GOOD AS ANOTHER Matt 16:18, ?18 And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.? ASV Matt 15:12-14, ?12 Then came the disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.? ASV THERE ARE DIFFERENT WAYS TO GET FORGIVENESS OF OUR SINS Prov. 14:12, ?12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death.? ASV 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 YOUR CHURCH IS TOO NARROW MINDED 2 Tim 4:1-4, ?I charge (thee) in the sight of God, and of Christ Jesus, who shall judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be urgent in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.? ASV 2 Tim 2:15, ?15 Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth.? ASV MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE CHURCH THEY ATTEND BELIEVES: THEY THINK THEY DO, BUT THEY DO NOT! REMEMBER; Our sick and those who are shut-in and unable to be with us in our assembly. The needs of these dear ones are not great ? visit, call, send a card ? let them know they are Loved by the Lord., DISCOURAGED UNHAPPY The current state of the economy, the war in Iraq and in Afghanistan, the Automobile Industry?s woes, and other problems are having an effect on the disposition of many Christians today. There are some who are so affected by these matters that they are becoming discouraged about the congregation where they attend worship; thinking surely there must be something wrong with the church because everything else is such a mess. Discouragement is the first step that may lead a person to depression; depression is a terrible state for anyone including the Christian. Whenever one is suffering from depression many surmising arise in the mind along with a number of other unhappy inclinations such as: 1. Sadness through the day ? almost every day. 2. Loss of interest in enjoying normal activities. 3. Feelings of worthlessness. 4. Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt. 5. Thoughts of death or suicide. 6. Trouble making decisions. 7. Fatigue or lack of energy. 8. Sleeping too much or too little. 9. Change of appetite or weight. 10. Trouble concentrating 11. Aches and pains 12. Restlessness THE CHRISTIAN?S HOPE The Christian?s hope is of such a quality that God lets us know that we can rise above this malady. Please consider the following Biblical references that present a process by which we can deal satisfactorily with depression ? glclair at aol.com Bible Teaching about Depression The Bible teaching about depression is enormously encouraging. Jeremiah is an excellent example, which can be found in the book of Lamentations. We can find hope and help from the times of our disappointment and discouragement all the way to despair and depression. Here is how. Example of Jeremiah Jeremiah is even sometimes called the, ?weeping prophet.? The background of this book is the fall and brutal destruction of Jerusalem at the bloody hands of the Babylonians in 586/5 B.C. Times were dreadful. Famine and the sword consumed the fallen city. The book is filled with sorrow, melancholy, and mourning as Jeremiah sat on a hill, weeping over the devastation of his beloved city. If anyone had cause for depression, he did. This is seen in Jeremiah?s words, which vividly illustrate the conditions of depression. Jeremiah's Mental State ?I have become a laughingstock to all my people, their mocking song all the day. He has filled me with bitterness, He has made me drunk with wormwood. And He has broken my teeth with gravel; He has made me cower in the dust. And my soul has been rejected from peace; I have forgotten happiness. So I say, ? My strength has perished, and so has my hope from the Lord.? Remember my affliction and my wandering, and the wormwood and bitterness. Surely my soul remembers and is bowed down within me? (Lamentations 3:14-20). As a qualification, there are spiritual, physical and medical causes and cures for depression. There are also degrees of depression, ranging from the blues to despair and suicide. My focus here is on the Bible teaching about the mental causes and cures for depression, and which parallels the thought of a particular psychological theory known as Cognitive Therapy. The Anatomy of Depression Cognitive therapist, Aaron Beck, maintains there is a triad of forces that bring on depression. These forces originate in our thinking. They are constant negative thoughts about our person, our situation, and the future. They lead to the symptoms of feeling defeated, defective, deserted, and deprived. These factors exactly describe Jeremiah, don?t you think? This analysis fits the Bible teaching about depression. Let me break it down for you below. ?Feelings of defeat: ?broken teeth, cowering in the dust, etc.? ?Feelings of defectiveness: ?laughingstock of all my people, filled with bitterness, etc.? ?Feelings of desertedness: God had made him, ?drunk, bitter, broken his teeth,? and rejected from peace, etc.? ?Feelings of deprivation: he was deprived of hope. Now you can begin to see how depression works in our mind. But, let me show you the triad of negative thoughts. ?His person: he was mocked, bitter, bowed down within, and the unworthy object of God?s wrath (cf. verses 1ff.). ?His present situation: in his mind it was horrible, devoid of peace and happiness. ?His future: Jeremiah?s hope had perished. It was gone. He was in despair. In sum, Jeremiah?s interpretation of the very ugly scene before him had driven him to a dark, deep dungeon of depression in his mind. That is why he said, ?my soul remembers and is bowed down.? Remembering is a function of our mind. When we hear words like ?I am a dirty rotten no good louse, my situation is horrible, terrible, awful, I can?t stand it, and there is no hope for my future,? then depression has dug in deep. I am not talking about fleeting flights of thinking, but engrained, habitual patterns of viewing the world. Jeremiah's Solution The great news in the Bible teaching about depression is that there is hope for you and me. There is a different way of viewing calamity and/or the problems that sometimes consume us. There is a way out of the dungeon of depression. Here is how Jeremiah did it. In verse 22, which follows Jeremiah?s thinking pattern of depression, we find out how he dug his way out of the black hole of depression. It is exciting! He said, ?This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope? (Lamentations 3:21). There you have it! The key! He changed his thinking, and his way of looking at his circumstances! Hope returned! What, then, did Jeremiah start thinking about? God's Goodness, Wisdom and Power He reminded himself of God?s loving- kindness, compassions, faithfulness, goodness, and delivering power (Lamentations 3:22-26). He also said this, ?Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, unless the Lord has commanded it?? (Lamentations 3:37). In other words, the Bible teaching about depression instructs that God is in control of life and events of history. It is wrong for us to complain about how God does things (cf. verses 39, 40). When we don?t understand our circumstances, we must leave matters in the hands of God who loves and cares for His people. As a side bar, by now you have probably recognized that Jeremiah?s words are echoed in the great 1923 Christian hymn by Thomas Chisholm, ?Great is Thy Faithfulness.? There you have it: the Bible teaching about the cause of depression that arises from a negative mental state, and the solution to those nasty thoughts and feelings. God?s solution is to change your thinking about your situation, and trust Him. Another word for that strategy is - faith. Where to Go From Here Depression is sometimes called the ?common cold? of psychological problems. It is complicated, and can lead to suicide. Consequently, if you suffer from depression, and cannot find relief, I urge you to immediately contact your physician and/or minister. As another qualification, I do not mean to minimize the pain, nor imply that getting out of depression is as easy as switching a light on. Life can be brutal at times, just as with Jeremiah. It takes specific work and time to change our thinking habits. For more details on the mechanics of Cognitive Therapy, I highly recommend the popularized version in print, ?Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy,? by David Burns. For more nuts and bolts on how to discover and combat those negative thoughts that swirl around in our skulls, see my essay on _managing your thoughts. _ (http://bible-teaching-about.com/managingthoughts.html) There I show a step by step method that will bring great relief for any negative emotions. All the best to you in your continued study. By Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS For the depressed 1. How would you describe depression? 2. In Paul?s life, what was one trigger and solution of depression (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)? 3. How did Job describe his depression (Job 9:21-10:1)? 4. What were some things that happen to Job (Job 1:12-19; 2:7-10)? 5. What was the source of calamity that hit Job (Job 2:7)? 6. Summarize how God told Job to handle his circumstances and depression (Chapters 38-42)? 7. What were the symptoms of David?s depression (Psalm 32:3, 4)? 8. What was the initiating factor of David?s depression, and how did he deal with it (Psalm 32:5; cf. Psalm 38). 9. What did David suggest to cope with depression (Psalm 32:6-11)? 10. What is suggested to relieve depression in Proverbs 31:6, 7? Note: medicinal use is in view. 11. What stood out to you the most in this study? Explain. CONSIDER THIS: The new year of 2009 is before us all; let us pull ourselves together as faithful Children of God and involve self to work at solving our own personal problems ? calling upon our God as our helper and solid rock. There are many good things that we may do so that our time will be filled with good works. 1. Decide to attend some of the gospel meetings that are conducted in driving distance of your home this year. 2. Remember to consider your friends, brothers and sisters in Christ and those you interact with at work or at school ? consistently speak a good (i.e. kind) word to them. 3. Pray regularly for yourself and for others that you know of that need prayers. 4. Volunteer to teach a Bible class, the church always needs teachers in the rotation. Contact Gary Brewer or Garreth Clair. 5. Join with others who volunteer to clean the church building and prepare the communion. This is a good and necessary work. Contact Gary Brewer or Garreth Clair 6. Occasionally plan a visit to some of the shut-in. Try to visit all of the shut-in as opportunity is available. 7. Take a active role as a member of the congregation here in Hilliard. There is much work to do during this coming year. **************Stay up-to-date on the latest news - from fashion trends to celebrity break-ups and everything in between. (http://www.aol.com/?ncid=emlcntaolcom00000024) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/35c87aa7/attachment-0001.html From seedsower at centurytel.net Mon Jan 5 14:58:20 2009 From: seedsower at centurytel.net (John Shadowens) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 14:58:20 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] reconcile Message-ID: <2E61DE0806C74D2CB397ADF19153B9FB@inspiration> Brethren, I would like to hear about Hebrews 12:9, "THE FATHER OF SPIRITS ; and Col 1:15-17. I thought Jesus Created yet, Heb 12:9 speaks of God the Father created our spirit. Thanks john S. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/323f1255/attachment.html From shewemail at earthlink.net Mon Jan 5 15:30:27 2009 From: shewemail at earthlink.net (shewemail at earthlink.net) Date: Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:30:27 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] reconcile In-Reply-To: <2E61DE0806C74D2CB397ADF19153B9FB@inspiration> References: <2E61DE0806C74D2CB397ADF19153B9FB@inspiration> Message-ID: <49627BF3.7080809@earthlink.net> John Shadowens wrote: > > > > I would like to hear about Hebrews 12:9, "THE FATHER OF SPIRITS ; > and Col 1:15-17. I thought Jesus Created yet, Heb 12:9 speaks of God > the Father created our spirit. > > Brother John, Many times theologians have attempted to delve deeper into the nature of God and Angels than is fully revealed in the scripture. Although the bible warns against this, yet certain theories such as the "Eternal Sonship" theory and the "Athanasian Creed" theory are fruits of such theological efforts. The idea that Creation is compartmentalized and that the Father only willed while the Son created is a theological theory which can not be fully substantiated by scripture. Those who hold to this theory like to reference Col. 1:15-17 as one of their "proof texts." But that is reading into the text something which the text is not actually saying. Paul is refuting the idea that Jesus is sub-deity. The words of Col. 1:15-17 are intended to support the doctrine that Jesus is fully deity. Paul is neither suggesting that Jesus was the first to be created nor that He is the person of the Godhead who singly created. Rather Paul is asserting that Jesus was as fully involved in the creation as the Father was and that He is superior to all that was created. Note: I am not denying the possibility of the "Eternal Sonship" theory - I am merely saying that it is impossible to fully substantiate this theory and there is evidence which tends to suggest that the office of Sonship was a voluntarily adopted office - but that also can not be fully substantiated. There are some things - like the physics involved in allowing the sun to stand still in the days of Joshua - which are not revealed and which we should just accept as they are stated without delving further than what is revealed. Colossians 2:18 James H. Shewmaker -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/0ed9d7e1/attachment.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Jan 5 15:47:13 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 16:47:13 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>The Consequence Of Sin Can Outlive Us (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: The Consequence Of Sin Can Outlive Us (Kent Heaton) The apostle Paul declared in Galatians 6:7 - "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap." There has always been consequence to sin from the moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the garden (Genesis 2,3). Man should not think that he can escape the eye of God. King David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22) and became the greatest king to sit upon the throne of Israel. Whenever David's name is mentioned there is always a sidebar of remembering the incident with Bathsheba, wife of Uriah the Hittite. In 2 Samuel 11 we read of David walking on the roof of his house one evening when he "saw a woman bathing, and the woman was very beautiful to behold" (2 Samuel 11:2). David brought Bathsheba into his palace and lay with her. Later she told the King that she was with child. Wanting to cover the incident up, her husband was recalled from the besieging of the city of Rabbah. Uriah the Hittite was one of the mighty men of David (2 Samuel 23:39; 1 Chronicles 11:41). He was a man of honor and nobility in service to his king. When called home from the war, he refused to enter his house as long as his men and the ark were engaged in battle. Failing at other attempts to coerce Uriah into bed with his wife, David sent an order (by the hand of Uriah) to his general, Joab, to place Uriah in the heat of battle and then withdraw. Uriah carried his death notice and died in the battle. It was later God sent Nathan the prophet to David to declare unto him the judgment of the Lord upon David & Bathsheba, the child and the descendants of David. The immediate consequence of David's sin was the condemnation of God. The grace of God allowed David to live (2 Samuel 12:13) but the child would die. Further consequence that David would suffer is the sword would never leave his house and adversaries would rise up against him - even from his own household (see Absalom and Adonijah). The house of David suffered many years of hardship because of David's sin. The punishment outlined by Nathan (2 Samuel 12:7-15) was immediate at least in the lifetime of David. The sad part of David's sin was that he would forever be marked as the man who took Uriah's wife. When the account of Abijam's reign in Judah is given in the book of 1 Kings it says: "Because David did what was right in the sight of the LORD, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the case of Uriah the Hittite" (1 Kings 15:5). The consequence of sin remained. Remarkably when the genealogy of Jesus Christ is given in Matthew's account, David is again marked with his sin. "Jesse was the father of David the king. David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah" (Matthew 1:6). Generations removed David is still remembered for what he did to Uriah and his sin with Bathsheba. Sin will take you farther than you want to go and keep you longer than you want to stay. The lust of the flesh will mark a person for lifetime as the one who is known for what they have done. This does not dismiss forgiveness as God forgave David but the reality of the reaping of sin sowed in a moment's reckless folly will blacken the pages of life - and sometimes long after the person has died. Many have walked that road today and bear a heavy burden. David cries from the grave long passed: "O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness" (1 Timothy 6:11). 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/20090105/579811a4/attachment.html From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Mon Jan 5 17:08:55 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:08:55 EST Subject: [Biblemat] W> AngletonChristians.com update Message-ID: Brethren, We've updated our website (angletonchristians.com) and invite you to check it out. You'll find a new sermon on the prayer of Jabez which you can download as either an outline in pdf format or an audio file in wav format. There is also a lesson on astronomy and the Bible preached by Nathaniel Outcalt in audio. While there is no outlive for the lesson, there is a Powerpoint file you can download which he used to great effect. The PPT is a lrge file so please be patient. Also, there is a new article on the "Featured Article" page concerning New Year's resolutions entitled "I Am Resolved." Hope all have a spiritually prosperous New Year! Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/61d539c2/attachment.html From waltonweaver at sbcglobal.net Mon Jan 5 19:30:18 2009 From: waltonweaver at sbcglobal.net (waltonweaver at sbcglobal.net) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 17:30:18 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Biblemat] New E-mail Address Message-ID: <207906.45340.qm@web81005.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Hi Mike, I have changed my email address: Old - waltonweaver at sbcglobal.net New - waltonweaver at suddenlink.net Please make this change for me. Thanks. Walton Also, will you please Post the following on Bible Matters for me: New Update for Grand Old Book I have completely reworked my website and posted a lot of new material, both articles and sermons. Check it out at http://www.grandoldbook.com and send me you suggestions on how to make it better. ---Walton Weaver From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Jan 5 19:41:15 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 20:41:15 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> 1 Kings Message-ID: 1 Kings I. Introduction A. 1 Kings B. What will happen after David? C. 1 Kings covers the period from David's death to Ahab's death D. Sin and Division 1. Solomon's kingdom is divided 2. Israel continues in sin 3. Judah struggles E. Let us consider 1 Kings II. 1 Kings: The Details A. Authorship 1. Author entirely unknown 2. No doubt of its inspiration 3. Acts 7:47-48/1 Kings 6, 8 4. Author seems responsible for 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings 5. In Greek Septuagint, book called 3 Reigns B. Dating 1. Events involve 130 years of history, from David through Ahab (ca. 950-820 BCE) 2. Book likely based on records, information nearly contemporaneous with events 3. Actual final composition likely around the exile (ca. 586 BCE) C. Audience 1. The audience of the book is Israel in exile and beyond 2. We can also gain much from it D. Purpose 1. To describe Solomon's reign, the building of the Temple, and God's messages to the kings of Israel and Judah through the prophets 2. To demonstrate Israel's unfaithfulness to God during the period of the kings 3. To indicate the need to follow God's will III. 1 Kings: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Solomon (1 Kings 1-11) 2. A Kingdom Divided (1 Kings 12-14) 3. The Kingdoms to Ahab (1 Kings 15-16) 4. Elijah and Ahab (1 Kings 17-22) B. David and Solomon (1 Kings 1-2) 1. David old; warmed by Abishag (1 Kings 1:1-4) 2. Adonijah sets himself up as king; Joab and Abiathar follow (1 Kings 1:5-10) 3. Nathan, Bathsheba confirm with David: Solomon to be king (1 Kings 1:11-17) 4. David instructs Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah to establish Solomon as king; they do so (1 Kings 1:28-40) 5. Adonijah informed, is alarmed; begs mercy from Solomon (1 Kings 1:41-53) 6. David instructs Solomon to follow God; "take care" of Joab and Shimei; remember Barzillai's kindness (1 Kings 2:1-9) 7. David dies; Solomon established (1 Kings 2:10-12) 8. Adonijah requests Abishag as wife through Bathsheba; Solomon has him executed for it (1 Kings 2:13-25) 9. Solomon has Abiathar exiled to his own house; prophecy to Eli fulfilled (1 Kings 2:26-27) 10. Joab flees to tent of the LORD; killed there (1 Kings 2:28-35) 11. Shimei instructed to stay in Jerusalem; he departs; executed (1 Kings 2:36-46) C. Solomon's Greatness (1 Kings 3-4) 1. Solomon marries Pharaoh's daughter (1 Kings 3:1-2) 2. Solomon follows God; offers offerings to God; at Gibeon, God asks what Solomon desires; wisdom; God gives him wisdom and riches and honor (1 Kings 3:3-15) 3. Two prostitutes come before Solomon; he judges their case wisely; all Israel impressed (1 Kings 3:16-28) 4. Solomon's officials (1 Kings 4:1-6) 5. Officer for each tribe to make provisions (1 Kings 4:7-19) 6. Peace and prosperity; provisions necessary for the king (1 Kings 4:20-28) 7. Exceeding greatness of Solomon's wisdom and knowledge (1 Kings 4:29-34) D. Building the Temple (1 Kings 5:1-9:9) 1. Solomon requests cedars from Hiram king of Tyre; granted (1 Kings 5:1-12) 2. Solomon drafts forced labor, has wood brought down, rock quarried (1 Kings 5:13-18) 3. Temple begun in 4th year of Solomon, 480th year since Exodus (1 Kings 6:1) 4. Description of structure (1 Kings 6:2-10) 5. God will establish Himself in the house if Israel is faithful (1 Kings 6:11-13) 6. Description of Temple: holy place, holy of holies, its walls, doorposts, etc. (1 Kings 6:14-36) 7. Beginning and completion of Temple (1 Kings 6:37-38) 8. Building of Solomon's palace (1 Kings 7:1-12) 9. Solomon commissions Hiram of Tyre to fashion Temple implements in bronze (1 Kings 7:13-51) 10. Assembly of Israel; Ark brought into Temple; overwhelming number of sacrifices (1 Kings 8:1-11) 11. Solomon invokes, blesses the LORD (1 Kings 8:12-21) 12. Solomon dedicates Temple through prayer to God (1 Kings 8:22-53) 13. Solomon blesses Israel, exhorts them to faithfulness (1 Kings 8:54-61) 14. Seven day feast; plenty of offerings (1 Kings 8:62-66) 15. The LORD appears to Solomon; He consecrates the Temple; exhortation to faithfulness, warnings regarding disobedience (1 Kings 9:1-9) E. Acts of Solomon (1 Kings 9:10-11:29) 1. Solomon gives Hiram 20 cities of Galilee for all of the materials (1 Kings 9:10-14) 2. Building of Millo, store cities; Canaanites and others enslaved (1 Kings 9:15-23) 3. Offerings to God; fleet of ships in the Red Sea, their travels and acquisitions (1 Kings 9:24-28) 4. Queen of Sheba hears of Solomon's wisdom; comes to him and put forth matters to him; quite impressed with his wisdom; great amount of spices and stones given (1 Kings 10:1-10) 5. Hiram's ships also provide exotic material (1 Kings 10:11-12) 6. Solomon gives the Queen whatever she wishes; she returns to her own land (1 Kings 10:13) 7. Great wealth of Solomon: gold, ivory throne; wealth more vast than any other king; great number of chariots and horsemen (1 Kings 10:14-29) F. Solomon's Downfall (1 Kings 11) 1. Solomon has 700 wives, 300 concubines; they induce him to serve other gods (1 Kings 11:1-8) 2. Solomon's son will suffer division of kingdom (1 Kings 11:9-13) 3. Hadad the Edomite rebels against Solomon, as does Rezon of Syria (1 Kings 11:14-25) 4. Jeroboam son of Nebat, former servant of Solomon; Ahijah the prophet meets him, indicates that he will be made king of ten tribes of Israel; Solomon thus seeks Jeroboam's life, he flees to Egypt (1 Kings 11:26-40) 5. Solomon reigns 40 years; dies; Rehoboam his son then rules (1 Kings 11:41-43) G. Rehoboam and Jeroboam (1 Kings 12) 1. Rehoboam asked to make load lighter on Israel; elders agree, young men disagree; Rehoboam follows young men; Israel revolts (1 Kings 12:1-15) 2. Jeroboam brought back, made king over ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 12:16-20) 3. Rehoboam musters an army; Shemaiah man of God tells him that this is from the LORD; Rehoboam demurs; remains king of Judah (1 Kings 12:21-24) 4. Jeroboam's apostasy: golden calves in Dan and Bethel, non-Levite priests, changes in dates of festivals (1 Kings 12:25-33) H. Jeroboam's Downfall (1 Kings 13-14) 1. Man of God predicts that Josiah will destroy temples of Jeroboam (1 Kings 13:1-3) 2. Jeroboam orders man seized; his hand dries up; man released; food offered him; he refuses based on God's word to him (1 Kings 13:4-10) 3. Man of God meets old prophet in Bethel; encourages him to share a meal; man initially refuses; prophet lies, says angel spoke to him; man comes and eats (1 Kings 13:11-18) 4. Word of the Lord comes to prophet, predicts downfall for the man for his disobedience; met by a lion in the road who kills him (1 Kings 13:19-25) 5. Prophet hears of it, buries man in his own grave, intends to be buried there also; condemnation of Jeroboam's temples confirmed (1 Kings 13:26-32) 6. Jeroboam continues in evil; Jeroboam's son becomes ill; Jeroboam sends wife to Ahijah; Ahijah knows who she is, foretells the death of their son on account of their idolatry; takes place; Jeroboam also dies after reigning 22 years (1 Kings 13:33-14:19) 7. Rehoboam reigns in Judah 17 years; Judah acts wickedly; Shishak king of Egypt plunders Temple; death of Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:20-30) I. To Ahab (1 Kings 15-16) 1. Abijam rules 3 years in Judah; wicked (1 Kings 15:1-8) 2. Asa rules Judah 41 years; good king, even removing his own mother from her position because of her idolatry; constant conflict between him and Baasha; covenants with Aram to hinder Israel; builds Geba and Mizpah with the material Baasha used in Ramah (1 Kings 15:9-24) 3. Nadab reigns two years in Israel; Baasha conspires against him, kills him and the house of Jeroboam, as predicted by Ahijah (1 Kings 15:25-32) 4. Baasha reigns 24 years in Israel; Jehu predicts downfall of his house (1 Kings 15:33-16:7) 5. Elah reigns 2 years in Israel; Zimri kills him, takes throne; kills all the house of Baasha, as predicted by Jehu (1 Kings 16:8-14) 6. Zimri reigns 7 days; Omri, commander of army, named king by all Israel; Tirzah besieged, Zimri throws self in burning palace and dies (1 Kings 16:15-20) 7. Omri versus Tibni, Omri successful; reigned 12 years; built Samaria (1 Kings 16:21-28) 8. Ahab reigns 22 years; quite evil; marries Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of Sidon; served Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 16:29-33) 9. Hiel of Bethel rebuilds Jericho; loses firstborn and lastborn as Joshua said (1 Kings 16:34) J. Elijah and the Drought (1 Kings 17) 1. Elijah tells Ahab about the drought; flees to Transjordan; fed by ravens there (1 Kings 17:1-7) 2. Elijah goes to widow of Zarephath; she has only a little food; God continues to provide for them (1 Kings 17:8-16) 3. Widow's son dies; Elijah prays; boy revives (1 Kings 17:17-24) K. Elijah vs. Ahab, YHWH vs. Baal (1 Kings 18) 1. In third year, God sends Elijah to confront Ahab; Ahab tells Obadiah, who had previously hidden prophets of God from Jezebel, to find water and grass (1 Kings 18:1-6) 2. Elijah meets Obadiah, tells him to tell Ahab that he is there; Obadiah concerned for his welfare; Elijah gives him assurance; Ahab and Elijah meet (1 Kings 18:7-16) 3. Ahab addresses Elijah as troubler of Israel; Elijah says that such is Ahab; contest between Baal and YHWH (1 Kings 18:17-19) 4. Contest established: 2 altars, 2 offerings, everything but fire: 450 Baal prophets to cry to Baal to bring down fire, Elijah to pray to YHWH for fire (1 Kings 18:20-24) 5. Baal prophets go first; nothing comes; Elijah mocks them; they cut themselves, still no fire; went on most of the day (1 Kings 18:25-29) 6. Elijah summons people to him; builds altar to YHWH with 12 stones; trench made around altar, filled with water; wood for offering also drenched with water (1 Kings 18:30-35) 7. Elijah petitions YHWH; fire comes from Heaven, consumes offering, wood, stones, dust, and water; people confess that YHWH is God; Baal prophets seized; Elijah executes them (1 Kings 18:36-40) 8. Ahab told to go eat and drink, for rain is coming; nothing seen seven times; little cloud seen, and rain begins to fall heavily (1 Kings 18:41-46) L. Elijah in the Wilderness (1 Kings 19) 1. Jezebel threatens Elijah's life; he flees to south Judah (1 Kings 19:1-3) 2. Elijah despairs of life; angel comes and brings him nourishment (1 Kings 19:4-7) 3. Comes to Horeb; stays 40 days and nights; sees wind, earthquake, fire; LORD not there (1 Kings 19:8-12) 4. Sound of silence afterward; LORD there; Elijah comes out; puts forth his claim (1 Kings 19:13-14) 5. God tells him to return and get busy: between Hazael of Syria, Jehu of Israel, and Elisha the prophet, God will gain the victory; 7000 remain in Israel who have not bowed to Baal (1 Kings 19:15-18) 6. Elijah meets Elisha, places his cloak over him; becomes Elijah's assistant (1 Kings 19:19-21) M. Ahab and Aram (1 Kings 20) 1. Ben-hadad king of Aram fights Ahab; fought against Samaria; Ahab sends message of peace; Ben-hadad seeks too much; Ahab rejects his offer (1 Kings 20:1-12) 2. Prophet tells Ahab that YHWH will deliver Aram into his hand; fight takes place, Israel successful (1 Kings 20:13-21) 3. Prophet warns that Aram will return next year; Aramaeans take YHWH to be a god of the hills, believe success will come on the plain (1 Kings 20:22-25) 4. Great victory for Israel at Aphek; Ben-hadad captured, released by Ahab after conceding land and bazaar space (1 Kings 20:26-34) 5. Prophet condemns Ahab: because he spared Ben-hadad, he will die, and Israel will be subdued (1 Kings 20:35-43) N. Naboth's Vineyard (1 Kings 21) 1. Naboth has vineyard; Ahab wants it; refuses to give it up (1 Kings 21:1-4) 2. Ahab despondent; Jezebel connives to have Naboth executed; Ahab takes vineyard (1 Kings 21:5-16) 3. Elijah comes, pronounces condemnation on Ahab and his house (1 Kings 21:17-26) 4. Ahab repents; LORD tells Elijah that disaster will come upon Ahab's son (1 Kings 21:27-29) O. Ahab's Death (1 Kings 22) 1. Aram vs. Israel; Jehoshaphat king of Judah allies with Ahab against Aram (1 Kings 22:1-4) 2. Jehoshaphat seeks to inquire of YHWH; Ahab brings prophets who speak positively of campaign; Jehoshaphat seeks another; Ahab speaks of Micaiah, but he always speaks evil of Ahab (1 Kings 22:5-8) 3. Micaiah summoned; initially speaks positively; later tells of the throne scene where God sends lying spirits so that Ahab will fight and meet disaster (1 Kings 22:13-23) 4. Micaiah struck by Zedekiah who spoke positively of the fight; Micaiah again imprisoned, testifies to what will happen to Ahab (1 Kings 22:24-29) 5. Ahab disguises himself, and yet is still hit with an arrow; dies; word of the LORD comes true (1 Kings 22:30-40) 6. Jehoshaphat reigns in Judah 25 years; does well; made peace with Israel; failed expedition to Ophir (1 Kings 22:41-50) 7. Ahaziah king of Israel; does wickedly (1 Kings 22:51-53) IV. 1 Kings: Important Passages A. 1 Kings 6:1 1. Provides dating structure for events before Solomon 2. Helpful framework for discussion B. 1 Kings 8:27 1. cf. Acts 7:48 2. Demonstration that God not confined to a building! C. 1 Kings 12:25-33 1. Sins of Jeroboam 2. Led Israel into sin for generations 3. Subtle changes of what God revealed for political expediency! D. Elijah and the Drought (1 Kings 17) 1. James 5:17-18: power of prayer 2. Luke 4:25-26: condemnation of Israel that Elijah goes to Zarephath 3. Elijah as type of Jesus E. 1 Kings 18:17 1. Ahab sees Elijah as troubler of Israel 2. Yet who really is troubling Israel? 3. Matter of perception! F. 1 Kings 19:15-18 1. Romans 11:2-6 2. Demonstration of faithful remnant to God! V. Conclusion A. We have seen the events of 1 Kings 1. The best-- and worst-- of Israel 2. Glory days of Solomon 3. Depravity of Ahab B. It is quite important to serve God! C. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From tomthom at infionline.net Mon Jan 5 21:07:19 2009 From: tomthom at infionline.net (Tommy Thomas of Pine Mountain Valley Georgia) Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 22:07:19 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Nostradamus Message-ID: <4962CAE7.000003.03780@TOMMY> Tommy Thomas of Pine Mountain Valley Ga, Does anyone have a lesson on Nostradamus? Thanks Tommy tomthom at infionline.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/9c312ceb/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 1458 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090105/9c312ceb/attachment.jpe From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Jan 6 03:17:43 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 04:17:43 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) YOU AND THE CHURCH Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use To the glory of God. YOU AND THE CHURCH What is your attitude toward the church? Some people seem to think that churches are just money grabbing groups, hungry to take advantage of the feeble minded. Others think the church doesn't matter, that you can find God in your own way and on your own terms. Some consider the church very import- ant, but worry about its future. What is your attitude toward the church? When we look in the New Testament we meet a man who loved the Lord, who worked tirelessly for the risen Savior. This man, the apostle Paul, often reveals how he felt about the church. This was true even for a church he had never met. When Paul wrote to the Roman church, he had never been there. But, he clearly reveals his attitude toward that church. "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, be- cause your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers making request, if perhaps now at last by the Will of God I may succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you in order that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine. And I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented thus far) in order that I migh abtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gen- tiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. Thus, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome" (Rom. 1:8-15). In these eight introductory verses to his letter, Paul reveals himself and his mindset concerning the church. Paul Was Positive: -- I suppose it is human nature to see the neg- ative. Most of us will notice what is wrong a lot more quickly than we notice what is right. It seems we see the mistakes and fail to notice the strengths in churches. Paul however, starts by commending the Roman church in the fact that all over the world people had heard of their faith. This was not a perfect church. As you read the entire letter you will see they had much to learn in Rome about the gospel. Yet, Paul (as he does in most of his letters) started with the posi- tive. I think most of us need to learn this lesson. When we speak of the church, let us start with what is right about the body. Is the church with which you meet perfect? Probably not. Does the church with which you meet need to improve at anything? Probably so. But, when you speak of the church of which you are a member, do you speak of the positve, glowing, warm terms first. Let us learn the hard lesson to be positive, even when we speak of churches that have imperfections in them. Paul Prayed: -- This should not surprise us. Paul prayed for all the churches to which he wrote (Eph. 1; Phil. 1; Col. 1) and so on. But, now he is praying for a church, a group of Christians, he has never met. He knows some of the members there (see Rom. 15,16), but has never been in Rome to be with the entire church. Nevertheless, he is praying "unceasingly" for them. What a great example for us. We too should spend time in prayer simply asking the Lord to build up and watch over the churches wherever they may be. This is especially true when you think a congregation is not all that it should be. Instead of sitting back and criticizing such churches, try spending time on your knees on their behalf, asking God to help the members and the leaders to be what He wants them to be. I believe it is almost impossible to be highly critical of anyone or any church for which we have spent significant time in prayer. So, when you sense the church is in need or facing a challenge, or is in danger of digressing, the first thing to do is to pray on its behalf. That is what Paul was doing. Paul Was A Partner: -- Paul wants to come to Rome to impart a spiritual gift to that church. We are not sure what he had in mind, but as an apostle he had the authority to share the Spirit's power. What is interesting, though, is that Paul admits he needs their encouragement too. That is, the work of the members of the body is always a two way street. Paul wanted to minister to them, but he counted on them ministering to him as well. Whatever your role in the congregation, I hope you feel this way. I hope you share your God given gifts, abilities, to build up the body of Christ with which you worship. At the same time, I hope you depend on the church to build you up as well. No one in the kingdom of God works or ministers alone. All of us are connected and mutually dependent on each other. That is what Paul meant when he said, "For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ" (1 Cor. 12:12). So, no matter what your role in the congregation is, big or small, you are needed and important. And, every other member, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is important too. Paul was a partner in ministry with the church that met in Rome, and so we are to be partners in prayer, praying for each and every congregation of the Lord's people wherever they may meet. Paul Planned: -- The apostle tells the Roman congregation that for a long time he has been planning to come to see them. Paul's life was not a series of accidents. He carefully planned and prayed as he ministered among the churches of his day. His method was to go into a large city, start teaching in the syna- gogue and then branch out into the Gentile community as well. He did this over and over again, establishing congregations everywhere he went. Now, he plans to go to Rome, as he has wanted to do for some time. (Of course, he was hindered on occ- asions, and was not able to fulfill his plans at the time he had set to accomplish such, but ultimately, the Lord willing, he carried out his plans, JWS). What is your plan when it comes to the church of which you are a member? What is your thinking when it comes to the future of that particular body of the Lord's people? I think too many members wait for others to lead and then choose to jump in or not. But, way too few of us have real plans to grow, to get more involved, to start new activities and efforts that will help the congregation to grow. Paul approached his work with con- gregations with a serious and workable plan that would help the particular congregation to overcome their problems and purify themselves from sins that might be among them. We should too. So, instead of just going to worship, why not start planning what you can and will do to grow in the faith and knowledge of the Lord. Thereby helping the congregation to also grow. Paul Had Priorities: -- The apostle reminds us all that he had an obligation. He owed it to Greeks (civilized, settled, educated people) and barbarians (uneducated, less civilized people) to share the gospel. He never lost sight of his first calling and the priorities that calling gave him. Paul was committed to sharing good news with those who had never heard of Jesus. This is where too many Christians and too many churches break down. We get so caught up in keeping the church right, or deflecting Satan's attacks, or just keeping the doors open that we forget that we are to be a light in our community, a city set on a hill that should not be hidden. The church was never established just to exist. The church of Christ is here in order to share the good news of the gospel, even with people who have never even thought about God. Paul was not interested in just keeping the doors open. He wanted to go out and knock down the doors of peoples' hearts. When churches and Christians turn outward, all of a sudden the petty little things that bugged them are less important. And, when people come to the Lord and are saved from their past sins by faith in the Lord, repenting of their sins, confessing the Lord as Christ, and being baptized by a burial in water for the remission of their past sins, then the church rejoices and all other issues seem to be much smaller. So, if you are unhappy with the direction you think the church is going, the best thing to do is what Paul did. Start shar- ing the gospel more and more among the people of your comm- unity. Start making your focus the saving of souls and the pro- blems of the church (and every church has its problems) will get smaller and more manageable. Paul was under obligation to share the good news of the gospel. The sooner we all rekindle that same feeling the sooner the church will thrive again. Paul Preached: -- Paul was eager to preach the same gospel in Rome that he had been preaching everywhere else. This was Paul's mission, his simple priority. Again, too many Christians and congregations have lost this focus. Paul was centered in the good news. He wanted to share the gospel (good news) with everyone he could. Whether he was in Ephesus or Corinth, Antioch or Jerusalem, Paul wanted to preach about Jesus and the salvation that comes through Him. This is our mission as well. Oh, you may not speak in pub- lic like Paul did, but you have friends, neighbors and co-workers who need some good news. Share the Lord with them by your words, your actions, your prayers. Let us all make the effort to preach and teach the good news in any and every way we can to everyone we can. You And The Church: -- How do you feel about the body of Christ? Are you discouraged, worried or afraid? Are you tired, or burned out? Paul's approach to the Romans can give us re- newed hope. When we are positive, praying , partnering, plann- ing and keeping the priority of preaching good news, the church will all of a sudden look better. God will seem powerful and people will be saved. But, what is your relationship to the church? If you have not been baptized into Christ, you are not yet part of His body. You need to put your faith in Him and let Him take away your guilt, your sorrow, your worries. When you are baptized you will be added to the body of Christ, by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:47). Then you too can have the priorities that Paul had. Come to Christ today, repent, and be baptized for the remission of your past sins, continue to worship and serve the Lord according to the teaching of His Word. -------- David Thurman in Gospel Minu- tes, Vol. 57, No. 45, Nov. 7, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090106/e75d009c/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Jan 6 03:17:27 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 04:17:27 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE 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 art- icle from my files: SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE One of the bigger contributors to the confusion, dissatisfact- ion, distraction and weariness of our lives is that they are too complicated. Our lives are filled with too much clutter. We are living in a hall of mirrors so that we cannot distinguish between reflections and reality. We are constantly running into walls and in circles without making any progress. Let me make a couple of suggestions. First, Set Priorities: -- List what must be done in your life. There are many things I want to do that I have left undone for many years. I still haven't finished that children's book I started twenty years ago. I keep meaning to get with my friend Steve to work on our music. There are projects galore around my house that need some attention. But my days are focused on accomplish- ing one thing. Paul said it is "the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13,14). Jesus told Martha that only one thing was necessary. Think about that. There is only ONE nece- ssary thing. If you leave that out nothing will ever be right. Second, Set Goals: -- Paul said, "Therefore I run in such a way, as not without ; I box in such a way, as not beating the air" (1 Cor. 9:26). How do you "aim" to accomplish your priority in life? Are there "unnecessary" things that are standing in your way? The Hebrew writer says, "Let us also lay aside ever encumbran- ce and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1). Is your life tangled up and tied down so that you feel that you are getting no- where with God? Perhaps it would help to sit down and make a list of your obligations. What are your "goals" this week, this month, this NEW year? Can you accomplish those goals with- out altering your priorities? Are som "goals" clutter? Understand, not every moment in life has to be momentous. We need times of rest and laughter. But act according to plan and with purpose. You're not building a house just because you are blindly swinging a hammer! You're more likely to put holes in the wall than to accomplish anything worth-while. ------ Mark Mosely via The Jackson Drive Reporter, Jan. 4, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090106/4ae8d8f6/attachment.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Tue Jan 6 08:41:41 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 08:41:41 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] replies to question about church building Message-ID: <66602CF80EE841728C56BA99947DC636@your4dacd0ea75> >From Tommy Thornhill to Biblematters, biblelist, BOL - I sent the following question and received the following replies. Names are given of those who responded. Since some had requested to receive the material I received I thought it good to forward it. I appreciate very much the responses. They all were helpful. I had a question come up in our Wednesday nite Bible class. Does the church have the right to own property, i.e. mainly a church building. I gave an answer starting with the authorization to assemble, thus requiring a place to meet and developed it from there. I know this has been discussed at length during the years so I don't want to turn this into a full blown debate at this time, but I would like to know your thoughts so reply to me privately if you desire. Brotherly, Tommy Thornhill --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It seems to me that it is not the church which owns property, but the Lord. The land and the meeting house were bought and paid for by money that did not belong to a member nor to the members as a whole. If as often stated: "When we give we are giving back to the Lord a portion of that with which He has blessed us," it is the Lord's money that purchased the property, if not why not. When a local church, as stewards of the Lord's possessions, use His money to acquire a meeting place and facility, that church is acting in the Lord's behalf and regardless of the fact that the government (state and local) registers the property as belonging to that local church in reality it belongs to the Lord in whose behalf the local church holds it in trust. Think about the temple. The Temple belonged to God and was for the use of His people. On the day of Pentecost the Jews ceased to be God's people, but the temple still belonged to God. Where did the first church meet? They met on the property and in the building that belonged to God - the temple. Fred Shewmaker ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear brother Thomas. You asked then answered your own question in my estimation, The commission to do a thing authorizes our expediting of the same using any legal expedient to obey the thing authorized. - Kenneth E. Thomas ------------------------------------------------------- It's an issue of generic authority. The church is specifically commaned to assemble (Hebrews 10:24-25), but the location is not specified (John 4:21). The Temple, homes, and a school were used by the disciples of the first century, demonstrating that no particular location is sanctified over another. Therefore, the use of a church building is approved. That said, I am not convinced it is always the most practical choice. See my article, "Advantages of Meeting in the Library", posted to Biblelist in recent weeks. Bryan Dockens -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thomas, You did it right, it is a necessity of assembling. So we can rent a building, borrow a location, or build a building. Should we build a $10 million dollar building for a congregation of 40? Of course not. - Terry Clayton ------------------------------------------------------------------------ I am really not going to deal directly with your question because I believe that the concept of Generic Authority and tools is both legitimate and fundamental. One might as well ask if Noah had the right to fashion tools for building the ark before he built the ark - after all God did not say "Fashion a hammer" or "Build Thee a cutting tool." What I want to deal with is an inconsistency among brethren concerning the concept of "property." Several years ago, I first realized that some brethren make an arbitrary distinction in their minds concerning the church's property. Some brethren who oppose using the building for social activities, will turn around and take folding chairs from the building to a residence for the purpose of a social activity. The chairs were purchased with the Lord's treasury. Does the church have the right to own a plate for the unleavened bread? Does the church have the right to own cups for the fruit of the vine? Does the church have the right to own song books? Does the church have the right to own chairs? It is an artificial and arbitrary distinction to treat real estate as "property" and treat "equipment" as if it is not property. If the church does not have the right to own property for the purpose of assembling then it also does not have the right to own equipment for the purpose of the Lord's table. - James Shewmaker ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Does the Bible authorize the church owning: Utensils (e.g., cups, plates, etc.) for observing the Lord's Supper? Matt. 26; 1 Cor. 11 Song books for singing? Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 Chalkboard, whiteboard, computer/LCD projector for edification? Eph. 4 Use of all these items is authorized since they are expedients for obeying God's commands to partake of the Lord's supper, sing, and edify. Whether we own these items, rent them or borrow them is a matter of judgment. A building is an expedient to meet God's requirement of assembling (Heb. 10:25) to do all these authorized things. Whether we own, rent, or borrow the meeting place is a matter of judgment as well. However, if one says owning a building is not authorized they must remember that these other items stand or fall with the church building. Craig Thomas ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I think your reasoning is sound. The Corinthians had a place where they came together (I Cor. 11:18, 20). I have argued it from the standpoint of noting the various acts of worship and whether or not the church has the right to purchase songbooks, Bibles, vessels to carry the emblems of the Lord's Supper, chairs or some kind of furniture to sit as we worship .... As people are agreeing yes, yes, yes, then ask: "If we have authority for all of these, do we not also then have the authority to buy a building in which to house these things, and make it possible we can come together under roof to worship?" To me, this is consistent. God bless and have a good day. Brotherly, Jarrod Jacobs Is there authority to have a church building? The Church Building - Curtis E. Flatt (sent to me by Terry Clayton - t.t.) Practically all churches of Christ have church buildings. There is much emphasis placed on church buildings in this generation. Pictures of new buildings occupy prominent places in the papers published by our brethren. When a new church is begun, one of the first things to be done is to build a building. Often plans for a new building are already in the making by the time the first one is paid for. Right or wrong, this seems to be the way of the day. Is There Bible Authority for a Church Building? During the past several years very little has been said in our writings about the authority for such buildings. So far as I can recall, very little restraint has been suggested except to occasionally warn against being extravagant or to warn against worshipping the building. However, toward the close of the last decade, some brethren began to speak and to write as though they think we do not have to have Bible authority for church buildings. These brethren are quick to say they think it is all right to have such buildings. But they raise the subject of authority in a vain effort to give some justification for the existence of their institutions which they have already created to do the work of the church. They hope to leave the impression that we have some things without authority and we can have these too. If there is no authority for church buildings, then lack of authority condemns them just like lack of authority condemns these brotherhood institutions. It looks like anyone could see that. The amazing thing about this is that when our denominational friends told us that they could have the mechanical instrument in their worship on the same ground that we could have church buildings in which to worship, these same brethren were quick to point out that one was without authority and the other was with authority. But is there authority for a church to have a building in which to meet for worship? I am glad to say there is such authority. You will not find it in the form of a command, but you will find it. In Hebrews 10:25 and also in I Corinthians 11 you will find the necessity of assembling. That gives authority for a place. Any suitable or adequate place will do. We know that we can't assemble without a place. It appears that the Jerusalem Church met in the temple. In Colossians 4:15 we find Paul sending greetings to Nymphas and the church which was in his house. In Romans 6:5 we find that a church met in the house of Aquilla and Priscilla. In Acts 20:8 we find the church in Troas made arrangements to meet in an upper room. There is a place involved in the command. I know that Christ did not say: "build a house in which to worship." I am glad he did not say that, for then it would be necessary to have a house built before we could worship and nothing else could be used. Christ gave the perfect law of liberty. It is adaptable to the needs of all. When he gave the command for the church to come together, he also gave the authority for the church to provide a place to meet. This is fundamental and we have understood it through the years. Our brethren need to show authority of some kind for their institutions instead of making great problems greater by casting doubts on practices that can be established by the word of God. For What Should the Church Building Be Used? It is also needful to give some consideration as to the proper use of the church building. Some people say the church is sacred and that should determine its use. However, I doubt that many people are of that persuasion. We know the use of the building would be determined if the building were sacred. However most people, who object to the way many churches uses their buildings, do not do so on the basis of the church building being sacred. The use of the building must be determined by considering the purpose for which it was built. It is a misapplication of truth and right to build it for one purpose and justify its existence on that ground and then use it as we please. There is no way to justify the use of a church building for political purposes or for community projects or for entertainment purposes. When we object to such misuses, let it be understood clearly that we do not object to the ingathering, to the eating, or to the drinking that is incidental to and necessary for the performance of the required to go by the Bible. People can make fun of service. But I know we can see a difference between these things and the practices of many who conduct secular education classes, who have non-religious services, and who eat and drink in an assembly which has gathered together under church direction for purely social entertaining purposes. Making fun of a water fountain or a blackboard or a baby's bottle and comparing such things to many practices of the day may satisfy a number of people, but it will not satisfy people who want and ridicule conscientious Christians who object to such abuses all they choose, but such ridicule does not produce the authority for the church to provide a building for these misuses. Let us build good buildings in keeping with our needs. Let us equip them with the things which are incidental to and necessary for the required service. Then let us use them for the purposes by which we justify their existence. Truth Magazine VI: 9& 10, pp. 11-12 June & July 1962 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090106/225358f8/attachment-0001.html From shewemail at earthlink.net Tue Jan 6 09:39:35 2009 From: shewemail at earthlink.net (shewemail at earthlink.net) Date: Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:39:35 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Clarification - Athanasian Message-ID: <49637B37.4000909@earthlink.net> Brethren, Last night, I realized that in yesterday's letter I wrote as if the Athanasian creed was not disprovable. I believe that it is disprovable and I believe that John 17 by itself would be sufficient to disprove it if there were no other passages available which there are. When I wrote, yesterday I was thinking of whether or not the "Eternal Sonship" theory is disprovable. For my own view, I am completely convinced that the office of Sonship was an office which Jesus took upon himself, However, I am not convinced that it would be a matter for which I could refuse fellowship to anyone. I am not convinced that I must remove fellowship from anyone due to misunderstandings of scripture due to matters which do not affect conduct. However, Paul shows in I Corinthians 15 that the question of the resurrection is not merely a theoretical one, for he argues that it affects our conduct. Without this chapter at first glance, the doctrine of the resurrection might have appeared, at first, to be purely theoretical. But as was seen in the last 60 years, attitudes do have their consequences. Understanding the role of Jesus within the Gospel age can have an affect on conduct. For example, his roles as mediator and as intercessor affect how we worship. James Shewmaker From wcoc at bellsouth.net Tue Jan 6 11:26:27 2009 From: wcoc at bellsouth.net (westside) Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:26:27 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] H: Book Message-ID: <157361B6A1B744459A4F19E49A47C7C1@westsidecoc> Hi folks, I remember a post a good while back about a book dealing with grieving that was written by a Christiam. Sorry for not remembering more but I am looking for material on dealing with death, grieving, and going forward. So if you of you can help me, let me know. No jokes please about me being beyond help. Dennis Tucker "If you make a mistake, learn from it. If you do something brilliant, get over it." D.T. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090106/b76d0971/attachment-0001.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Tue Jan 6 11:39:01 2009 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 11:39:01 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] [ATVG] Expository Files 16.611 (January 2009) Available In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Beginning our 16th year of publication (1994-2009) Expository Files - January 2009 **Our 181st 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 16.1; December 2009 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: The Front Page 16.1 Tittle-Tattle By Warren E. Berkley Angels: Second Place Hebrews 1:5-14 By Warren E. Berkley Dealing With Internal Conflict (Acts 6) By Brady Cook A Believer in God 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10 By Jon W. Quinn Come Unto Me Matthew 11:28-30 By Ed Barnes Five Things We Need To Remember This Year Topic Page By Don Hooton Plan of Salvation By Jon W. Quinn The Final Page 16.1 Our Strength Jeremiah 7:3-10 By Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- EF can be found at the following places: http://www.bible.ca/ef/ Every issue - 1994 to present; every article; html; arranged by book; topic and/or issue; Search engine http://expositoryfiles.homestead.com/index.html 2004-2006 in html by issue; 1994-2003 in zipped self executable format for IBM http://www.geocities.com/w_berkley/ EF in PDF by issue; Sept 2003 to present ===== Jon W. Quinn jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Bradley Church of Christ From kthomas at dnet.net Tue Jan 6 15:16:57 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 15:16:57 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Father of our spirits Message-ID: <4963CA48.000003.03408@KENSCOMPUTER> The following question was asked recently on Bible Matters list. "I would like to hear about Hebrews 12:9, "THE FATHER OF SPIRITS ; And Col 1:15-17. I thought Jesus Created yet, Heb 12:9 speaks of God the Father created our spirit." Kenneth E. Thomas? reply for consideration: Let us consider the fact that in creation "in the beginning." God said. "Let US make man" (Genesis 1:26). Then next consider that God the Father worked miracles "through His Son" (Acts 2:22). The whole Godhead was involved in the creation but Gen, 1:1 simply says "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." If God created through Christ and worked miracles through Thirst then may we not understand that he Father created man?s spirit through Christ Col. 1:15-17)? See also (Hebrews 1:1-2) Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090106/de642719/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090106/de642719/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 36718 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090106/de642719/attachment-0003.gif From mail at mikealrhughes.com Tue Jan 6 16:12:33 2009 From: mail at mikealrhughes.com (Mike Hughes) Date: Tue, 6 Jan 2009 16:12:33 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] New Posts to Forum Message-ID: Hi I just wanted to let all know there has been a little activity on the Bible Matters Forum. CMouse - posted a discussion entitled "Will They be Saved" Mike Thomas - Romans 7 I posted a thread about Preaching Styles would love to see some areas. One of the things I brought up to see your thoughts is a "new" style of late called One Point Preaching. Go and look and participate. Mike Hughes - Minister ? Wilmington church of Christ -- P.O. Box 278 303 N. 1st Street Wilmington, IL 60481 Web: www.mikealrhughes.com E-mail: mail at mikealrhughes.com Mobile: (815) 545-6497 AIM/iChat ID: im2macmike Wilmington, IL Podcasts - The Bible Says Wilmington Sermons Owner Bible Matters List Mikeal R. Hughes's Facebook profile New Forum address: http://www.network54.com/Forum/602460 Join Bible Matters Group for forum at - http://www.network54.com/Group/158452 Blog: http://biblestruths.blogspot.com/ (OS X is like a jungle no Gates, no Windows, and a Leopard inside.) Power corrupts. PowerPoint corrupts absolutely. The contents of this email are personal and private. Please do not forward this communication, in whole or in part, to anyone without my express consent. From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Jan 7 04:32:01 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 05:32:01 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) QUESTION AND ANSWER Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is a question and answer from my files: QUESTION: -- Could you please help me understand Mk. 1:23-27? Were the unclean spirits a disease, a personality, or just an inclination to evil? ANSWER: -- "And straightway there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, sayng, 'What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, Thou Nazarene? are Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee Who Thou art, the Holy One of God'. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And the unclean spirit, tearing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. And they were amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? a new teaching! with authority He commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him" (Mk. 1:23-27). A number of things become apparent in the reading of this Scripture. First, this man was "possessed" by the unclean spirit. That is, the may was controlled by the spirit. Second, the unclean spirit knew who Jesus was -- a fact that even the apost- les di not know at the time. This surely indicates a supernatural knowledge. This was characteristic of the unclean spirits, as we read in other passages. This takes the unclean spirits out of the natural realm -- such as some disease or mental disorder. In other words, this unclean spirit was a personality that "took over" the person that was possessed. In other passages, and other versions, the "unclean spirit" was also called an "evil spirit" (Acts 19:15,16) or a "demon." "And as they went forth, behold, there was brought to Him a dumb man possessed with a demon. And when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spake: and the multitudes marveled, say- ing, 'It was never seen in Israel.' But the Pharisees said, 'By the prince of the demons casteth He out demons'" (Matt. 9:32-34). Notice again that all present recognized that an action greater than man has capability of, had taken place. In other words, a m\ miracle. Look at Mk. 5:1-16, where Jesus found a man who lived in the tombs: Take time to read this passage. Notice that this man had an "unclean spirit" (vs. 2) which is then called "demons" in (vs. 15). This man had superhuman strength. Just how that was done, we are not told. But the people recognized that the demons derived their power from the devil (Lk. 11:18). It is noteworthy that these evil spirits could believe (Jas. 2: 19). They knew and recognized Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (Lk. 4:41; Mk. 1:24). They were conscious of God's power (Acts 16:16-18). And, as is shown in Acts 16, the apostles had power over the evil spirits because Christ had so empowered them (Matt. 10:1; Acts 8:7). The prophet Zechariah wrote about these evil spirits: "In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered; and also I will caust the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land" (Zec. `3:1,2). The "fountain opened" for sin is an obvious reference to the death of Christ on the cross. In these "last days" (Heb. 1:1,2) when God speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ, both the prophets and the unclean spirits were to "pass out of the land." A study of 1 Cor. chapters 12 and 13 shows that the proph- ets ceased when the Word of God had been delivered and con- firmed by the miraculous "gifts of the Holy Spirit" (Mk. 16:20; Heb. 2:2,3). The evil spirits were to "pass from the land" at the same time. As the evil spirits had miraculous power, as it took miraculous power to deal with them. When the age of miracles ceased, the evil spirits did, also -- just as Zechariah prophesied would happen. (Evil spirits, unclean spirits, demons, were elem- ents that were used during the time of miraculous activities, to show forth the miraculous powers of Jesus and His apostles. These miraculous powers were used to confirm the Word spok- en by Jesus and His apostles. When the Word was finally given and confirmed as the Word of God, the spirits, demons, etc. ceas- ed to be needed and thereby ceased to exist, JWS). ----------------- Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 57, No. 45, Nov. 7, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090107/1abb8681/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Jan 7 04:32:16 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 05:32:16 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) "THEY WENT BACK TO JERUSALEM" Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my rec- ent files. Use to the glory of God. "THEY WENT BACK TO JERUSALEM" When Jesus was twelve years old, Joseph and Mary took Him up to Jerusalem for the feast, as was the law and custom of the Jesus. "When they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem: and His parents knew it not; but supposing Him to be in the company, they went a day's journey: and they sought for Him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances: and when they found Him not, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking for Him" (Lk. 2:43-45). This is typical of many religious people today: they travel along without Jesus, supposing He is with them -- or supposing they are with Him. Joseph and Mary went a day's journey before they discov- ered that He was not with them. So, today, many go through life and never discover that Jesus is not in their company. Joseph and Mary looked for Jesus among their relatives and acquaintances. How natural that would be. If we succeed today in getting some honest person to believe that Jesus is not in his company, then we have the added duty of trying to convince him that Jesus is not with any of the human-devised denominat- ions. Jesus said, "This people honoreth Me with their lips; But their heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me, Teach- ing as their doctrines the precepts of men" (Matt. 15:8,9). And again He said, "But He answered and said, Every plant which My heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit" (Matt. 15:13,14). "Lo, I Am With You Always." It is not impossible for us to have Jesus with us at all times. As He promised His disciples, "Lo, I am with you always" (Matt. 28:20). Go back and read Lk. 2 again Jesus never left His parents, they left Him. That is still the troub- le in our day. People run on without Jesus. He made promise: "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matt. 18:20). Joseph and Mary did not find Jesus until they went back to Jerusalem. There they found Him. We are not going to find Jesus until, in the spiritual sense, we go back to Jerusalem. The Church That Jesus Built: -- We need to go back to Jerusal- em to find the beginning of the church which Jesus promiesed to build: "Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 16:18,19). The prophet of old had foretold this church/kingdom: "And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many peoples shall go and say, 'Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob;and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of Jehovah from Jerusalem" (Isa. 2:2,3). This was also emphasized by Jesus, just before He ascend- ed back to the Father in heaven: "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Ye are witnesses of these things. And behold, I send forth the prom- ise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city, until ye be clothed with power from on high" (Lk. 24:46-49). But Jesus also tied this "power" in with the coming kingdom, His church. "And He said unto them, Verily I say unto you, 'There are some here of them that stand by, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power'" (Mk. 9:1). And then, just before He takes leave of His apostles, Jesus told them, "But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusal- em, and in all Judea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). So this kingdom/church was to begin in "the last days" in the city of Jerusalem, when "power" was to come on the apostles. And that was to happen when the Holy Spirit was come upon them to "guide them into all the truth" (Jno. 16:13). The Holy Spirit Came On Pentecost: -- The apostles had been told by the Lord to wait in Jerusalem, "Being assembled togeth- er with them, He charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, said He, ye heard from Me" (Acts 1:4). So, "When the day of Pentecost was now come, they were all together in one place...And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:1,4). So, now the Holy Spirit is given, the apostles are empowered to preach, as Jesus had foretold, and they preach that the kingdom is now come (Acts 2:30-36). When people asked what to do, they are told, "Repent ye, and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, unto the remission of your sins" (Acts 2:38). Then we read, "They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls" (vs. 41). But to what were they added? "The Lord added to the church daily such as were being saved" (vs. 47). So, when we go to the Scriptures, we are led back to Jerusalem for the found- ing of the church. And a church that began at some other place and some other time, is not the church foretold by the prophets and which was promised by the Lord Jesus Christ. Back To Jerusalem For The Gospel: -- The Lord Jesus told the apostles, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" Mk. 16:15,16). That is exactly what was preached on that day of Pentecost in the city of Jerusalem! And that is what the apostles continued to preach throughout the world. "They therefore tht were scattered abroad, went about preaching the Word. And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclai- med unto them the Christ...But when they believed Philip preach- ing good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" (Acts 8:4,5,12). The gospel of the kingdom was spreading, be- cause people were believing and obeying it. As we continue to read throughout the book of Acts, we see the same pattern repeated over and over. People heard the gospel, they believed Jesus to be the Christ and they were bapt- ized into Christ (Rom. 6:3,4). When they did that, they were added to the church (Acts 2:47), and the church grew: "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the com- fort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied" (Acts 9:31). If we would find Jesus today, we must "go back to Jerusalem" for the same gospel which the apostles preached back then. Back To Jerusalem For Church Purity: -- The apostle Paul wrote "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself up for it; that He might sanctify it, hav- ing cleansed it by the washing of water with the Word...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 the church" (Eph. 5:25, 26,31,32). The church is the bride of Christ, and brides are expected to be pure: "For I am jealous over you with a godly jeal- ousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 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" (2 Cor. 11:2,3). The church is married to Christ, just as the kingdom of Israel was married to God. And when they became faithless, God told Israel: "Thy maker is they husband; Jehovah of hosts is His name" (Isa. 54:5). And, "Thou hast played the harlot with many lovers" (Jer. 3:1). Again, "Surely as a wife treacherously depart- eth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah" (Jer. 3:20). This should present a clear picture of the relationship which God wants with His people today. The church is married to Christ, and that relationship should be cherished -- and protected -- by every member. "Christ is the Head of the church" (Eph. 5:23). What a beautiful picture of the church when the bride is a loyal and true virgin. But how sordid whent eh bride of Christ is unfaithful to Him! "Ye adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh him- self an enemy of God" (Jas. 4:4). You cannot play fast and loose with the world -- even the religious world -- and yet be faithful to Christ. The Lord says, "Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? or what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Bilial? or what portion hath a believer with an unbelie- ver? And what agreement hath a temple of God with idols? for we are a temple of the living God, even as God said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall by My people. Wherefore come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord" (2 Cor. 6: 14-17). Fraternizing and fellowshipping religious groups that are in competition with the Lord's church is spiritual adultery and the Lord says, "Come out from among them." We cannot please the Lord unless we do. Back To Jerusalem For Our Worship: -- The worship of the church which Jesus built was really very simple. The came to- gether "on the first day of the week to break bread" (1 Cor. 11:21 - 28; Acts 20:7), they had preaching in that assembly and they laid by in store "on the first day of every week" (1 Cor. 16:1,2). They prayed (Phil. 4:6,7). And they sang hymns (Acts 16:25). And notice their singing: "Speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19). Their "melody" was not made with mechanical instruments, but with the heart. And hist- orians all agree that the church never used instruments in wors- hip unto the 7th century -- which makes it about seven hundred years too late to be part of the church which Jesus built. Striving For The Unity Of The Spirit In The Bond Of Peace: -- The Lord never intended that believers be divided into warring fact- ions. He prayed, "Neither for these (apostles) only do I pray, but for them also that believe on Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me" (Jno. 17:20,21). And the Lord had the apos- tle Paul to write to the church, "There is one body, and one Spirit even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all" (Eph. 4:4-6). Let's go back to Jerusalem to restore "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3), and thereby, help to answer the prayer of Jesus as found in Jno. 17:20,21. ----- Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 1, Jan. 2, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090107/023abcf4/attachment-0001.html From mcmurray at spiritbuilding.com Wed Jan 7 08:42:32 2009 From: mcmurray at spiritbuilding.com (Carl McMurray) Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 09:42:32 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] H: Book In-Reply-To: <157361B6A1B744459A4F19E49A47C7C1@westsidecoc> References: <157361B6A1B744459A4F19E49A47C7C1@westsidecoc> Message-ID: <00e001c970d6$2ccd63e0$86682ba0$@com> Hey Dennis, That excellent material was WILL YOU WIPE MY TEARS, by Joyce Jamerson, a faithful Christian and wife of a preacher. It can be found at www.Spiritbuilding.com. Mac From: biblemat-bounces at biblematters.net [mailto:biblemat-bounces at biblematters.net] On Behalf Of westside Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 12:26 PM To: mcmurray at spiritbuilding.com Cc: Bible Matters Mailing List Subject: [Biblemat] H: Book Hi folks, I remember a post a good while back about a book dealing with grieving that was written by a Christiam. Sorry for not remembering more but I am looking for material on dealing with death, grieving, and going forward. So if you of you can help me, let me know. No jokes please about me being beyond help. Dennis Tucker "If you make a mistake, learn from it. If you do something brilliant, get over it." D.T. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090107/6ac34879/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jan 8 03:31:03 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 04:31:03 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) INTRODUCING HOMOSEXUALITY...TO YOUR KIDS 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: INTRODUCING HOMOSEXUALITY...TO YOUR KIDS Eric Lyons has an eye-opening piece in Apologetics Press that should cause godly parents to shudder. He writes: The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has affirmed that public school teachers in Massachusetts have the constitutional right, not only to instruct their students regarding the alleged normalcy of homosexuality, but to do so without noti- fying parents...On January 31, 2008, circuit judges Lynch, Stahl, and Howard ruled in favor of the Lexington, Mass. public school system and upheld an earlier ruling of U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf, who believes "it is reasonable for public schools to attempt to teach understanding and respect for gays and lesbians and to do so without teachers needing to consult parents." Lyons simplifies what this means: -- So, if first grade teach-ers in Massachusetts want to read books about Daddy's Room- mate or Jack and Jim to their six or seven-year-olds, they not only have every right to do so, but are even encouraged by the state to promote such materials. According to both the judicial system and the Lexington school system, if teachers want to read a book about a prince who rejects all of the princesses who wish to marry him, and instead, chooses to marry another prince (shown kissing on the last page of King and King), teachers are free to expose youth to such material. Parents can quibble and Christians can object, but such is the way of life in Massachuse- tts's public schools. What is amazing (absolutely incredulous) about all of this is that the plaintiff's in the case were not even challenging the curr- iculum (materials promoting homosexuality) but the school syst- em's refusal to provide parental notification. Parents merely wanted to know when such materials were taught and be allow- ed to exempt their child from such instruction. The courts, how- ever, ruled that reading about men kissing and marrying men is not "indoctrination" and therefore parental notice would be un- necessary. It brings "home" once again the need for parents to take res- ponsibility in teaching their children what God says about the subject of homosexuality. Public schools, the media, and culture will not help you. Young people are increasingly being force fed (yes, "indocrinated") at very early ages that homosexuality is something to be celebrated. As people given to living in the world without the world living in us, it is essential that we be alert to the ever-present dangers of culture. The souls of our children are at stake. That's why we must communicate two essential truths to them: That whild God's love is for everyone, certain choices are sin- ful (Rom. 1:26,27). That sinners can change and be saved by God's matchless grace (1 Cor./ 6:9-11). Parents, be viligent! What happened in Massachusetts may be coming to a school system near you -- and much sooner than you think. --------- Wilson Adams in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 5, May, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090108/325c3f71/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jan 8 03:31:12 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 04:31:12 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE CHURCH OUR LORD BUILT... Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. THE CHURCH OUR LORD BUILT "WAS NOT" A DENOMINAT- ION. The church of Christ is a unique religious institution. It is different from all other religious bodies on the face of the earth. One of the things from which it is different is protestant denomin- ationalism. In making this declaration, someone immediately re- plies, "What do you mean, the church of Christ (they would mean a denomination) is different from protestant denomination- alism? Isn't the church of Christ (again a denomination in think- ing of a querist) a protestant denomination?" I know this is the way a good many people view the church of Christ, even some who are members of it, but such is not the case. I, for one, have deliberately refused to join any denominat- ion and have chosen instead to be just a Christian. Can't one be a Christian with out joining a denomination? But if one becom-es and remains a Christian only, is he a member of any church? And if so, whose? The answer is -- Christ's church, and Christ's church is not a denomination. When Christ said, "Upon this rock I will build My church" (Matt. 16:18), did He have in mind a denomination or a federation of denominations? And the "churches of Christ" about which we read in Rom. 16:16, were they denominations? Were they not simply local congregations of people who had become Christians only? If one could be just a Christian, a member of Christ's church in the first century before there were any denom- inations, why can't one be just a Christian today, in the twenty- first century without being a member of any denomination? But, someone says, "I thought a man by the name of Alexan- der Campbell was the one who started the church of Christ." The truth is that Alexander Campbell was almost 1800 years too late to establish the church of Christ. Campbell was born Sept. 12, 1788. But, as we have already noted, churches of Christ exis- ted in the first century A.D. and the apostle Paul referred to them in Rom. 16:16. Campbell obviously was not the founder of those churches of Christ. Yet the churches of Christ today are the same as the churches of Christ we read about in the Bible. The fact is that Alexander Campbell, along with a number of other men in various denominations, in the late 1700's and early 1800's came to the conclusion that, in religion, we ought to aban- don human names and human creeds, human traditions and human religious bodies, and return to the New Testament as our only authority in religion. Campbell himself withdrew from the denomination in which he had been reared and for which he had begun to preach in order to be free to preach the Gospel s it is in the New Testament. The moving thought behind Campbell and a host of others was that we ought to speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent. He contend- ed that we ought to be Christians only (without being affiliated with any denomination) and thus members of the one spiritual body of Christ, the church. With such as his guiding principle, Alexander Campbell did not seek to establish another denomin- ation, a new religious body, but rather his aim was to go back over the dark dismal past of departure to the original church of Christ that we read of in the New Testament. Perhaps an illustration from everyday life will help us to bett- er see this particular point. Abner Doubleday is credited with having invented the game of baseball. Suppose that for the next one hundred years no one played baseball and the game was forgotten. Then a hundred years from now someone finds an old baseball guide book, lays off a playing field, puts two teams of players on the field, and starts playing baseball again. To ob- servers at the time it might appear that a new game had been invented, but those willing to do a little research and go back in history a few years would realize that such was not the case. They would know that nothing new had been started, only that something old and previously know had been restored. Yet, that is precisely what happened in the religious world in the early 1800's. Men picked up God's "guide book" (the Bible) and start- ed working toward the restoration of the original church found- ed by Christ. These men were not seeking to establish another denomination, but rather were seeking to restore the very chruch that one reads of in the New Testament. It was a move- ment far more glorious and significant than even the Reformat- ion Movement of the 1500 - 1600s. Today, it is possible for one to hear of Christ (Jno. 6:44,45; Rom. 10:17), believe on Him as the Son of God (Jno. 3:16; 8:24, 42; Acts 8:37), repent of all sins (Lk. 13:3,5; Acts 2:38; 17:30), confess faith in Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9,10), and be baptiz- ed in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-6, 17, 18; 1 Pet. 3:21), just as people did in the first century (Acts 2:8,16 18,22). Such will make of one today the same thing it made of one back then -- simply a Christian, a member of Christ's church All today who do this in a particular geographical location make up the church of Christ in that location. If they remain true to New Testament teaching in doctrine, worship, practice, and daily life, they continue to be -- even here in the complex twenty- first century -- simply a church belonging to Christ, but without being a denomination of any kind. Indeed, the church of Christ is NOT a denomination, started and maintained be a man or group of men! --- Dan Goddard in The Sower, Vol. 53, No. 6, Nov/Dec. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090108/dba3886d/attachment-0001.html From preacherref01 at verizon.net Thu Jan 8 16:22:15 2009 From: preacherref01 at verizon.net (Thomas Thornhill) Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:22:15 -0800 Subject: [Biblemat] REQ> Reference materials about God Message-ID: <49667C97.5020108@verizon.net> Greetings Brethren, Tom Thornhill Jr here from Bellflower, CA. I have a request. I am seeking good & detailed sources of information about God. This year I plan to engage in a detailed study and preach lessons about who God is. In fact, I intend to address the following topics from time to time throughout this year. 1. Does God Exist? 2. Is the God of the Bible the ONE True God? 3. The Bible IS the word of God 4. Characteristics of God in the Bible: His person - He is eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, Spirit, etc. His character -- loving, merciful, gracious, jealous, just, compassionate, longsuffering, faithful, righteous, severe, good, etc. 5. The glory of God 6. The names of God 7. The influence of God in the Bible & our lives (miracles, providence, etc.) 8. What is our response to God? We are to love Him, show Him reverence, obey Him, worship Him, tell others about Him, put Him first, etc. 9. Questions about God -- why does He allow suffering? Will He really condemn some to hell? Why does evil exist? 10. The Godhead -- Jesus and the Holy Spirit as God Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Tom Thornhill Jr. www.roseavenue.org 562-867-4416 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090108/de163c21/attachment-0001.html From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Fri Jan 9 00:55:32 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 23:55:32 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (1/11/09) Message-ID: <20090109065711.C1113BC06E@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) January 11, 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 --- CONTENTS: "Exposing Error" (James P. Needham) "The Land of Pretty Soon" (Selected) SENTENCE SERMONS --- EXPOSING ERROR James P. Needham There can be no doubt that exposing error is as much a part of preaching the gospel as is the presenting of the positive precepts of divine truth. This is undeniably proven by the following Scriptures: Jeremiah 1:10 "See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, to pull down and to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant" In this verse, are found four terms: three negative (root out, pull down, destroy, throw down), and two positive (build and plant). Two thirds of Jeremiah's preaching was to be negative , and one third positive. II Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." Three terms are used in this passage: two negative (reprove, rebuke) and one positive (exhort). Hence again, two thirds is to be negative. Those non-combative soldiers of the cross who have more sympathy for the espouser of error than for its exposer had better spend more time taking inventory of their own preaching and less of it trying to determine if the combatant soldier is complying with their judgment in the battle. If we learn anything from the above passages it is that MORE of our time should be spent in EXPOSING ERROR than in imparting the positive truths of the word. Anybody who has lived on a farm knows well the lesson. It takes more time to clear new ground of the trees and noxious weeds than it does to plant the seeds once that is done. The same is true in the spiritual realm. It is much harder to UNTEACH people than to TEACH them. It is absurd to even think of going into a new ground a planting seed without first clearing it. It is worse than ridiculous to think of implanting the positive truths of God's word in the hearts of men before they are disabused of the errors of men (Lk.8:14). Unfortunately, we know some who spend 2/3's of their time in the negative alright, but not in fighting error, but those who are exposing it. They would do well to spend more time worrying about whether they are doing enough exposing error and less worrying about whether others are spending too much! If all would do their share, maybe it wouldn't appear that some are doing too much. All my preaching life I have had to fight error with a mass of compromising brethren about my neck. They usually say they are behind me, but when I investigate, I find they are so far behind me that nobody can tell whether they are supporting the truth or the error! They usually have a lot to say about how sound they are, but generally I have found them to be more SOUND then anything else! They think they have to tell everyone how sound they are, otherwise, they might not find out about it! One would never guess it from their actions, Lightning kills, not thunder! It is strange how some brethren think they can convince others they are sound when they fellowship error, and fraternize those who espouse it while destructively criticizing those who expose it! --- THE LAND OF PRETTY SOON Selected "I know a land where the streets are paved With things we meant to achieve; Walled with money we meant to have saved And the pleasures for which we grieve, Kind words unspoken, promises broken, And many a coveted boon Are gathered there in that land somewhere, The Land of Pretty Soon. "There uncut jewels of possible fame Are lying about in the dust, And many a noble and lofty aim Are covered with mold and rust. And, oh, this place, while it seems so near, Is farther away than the moon; Though purpose is fair, we'll not get there- To the Land of Pretty Soon. "The road that leads to that mystic land Is strewn with pitiful wrecks, The ships that sailed for its shining strand Bear skeletons on their decks. It's farther at noon than it was at dawn, And farther at night than noon; Oh, let us beware of that land down there The Land of Pretty Soon." "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation?" Hebrews 2:3 --- SENTENCE SERMONS Criticizing the faults of others does not remove our own. An idle rumor never remains idle. Sin may come upon you by surprise, but do not let it dwell with you as a guest. When a brother falls don't rejoice, but extend mercy. Pride can rob you of honesty, forgiveness, friendship, happiness and eternal life. Alcohol can kill the living and preserve the dead. To receive the crown we must bear the cross. Many who claim much love for the Lord have little love for man. --- SERMON NO NEW SERMON THIS WEEK (Preaching a Gospel Meeting in Cedar Park, TX) www.thetfordcountry.com --- 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/20090108/2926a8f2/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 14927 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090108/2926a8f2/attachment-0003.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 177 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090108/2926a8f2/attachment-0004.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 8642 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090108/2926a8f2/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Jan 9 05:23:45 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 06:23:45 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) QUESTION AND ANSWER 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 quest- ion from my files: QUESTION: -- WHAT IS THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE? HOW DOES ONE GET HIS NAME IN THE LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE? ANSWER: -- This register or list of the saved, thus designated because of the sacrifice of the Lamb making it possible and the life secured thereby (2 Tim. 1:10; Jno. 14:6; 2 Pet. 1:19), compre- hends all redeemed from all covenants, because the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was designed to effect the redemption of faithful saints under all economies (Heb. 9:15; 11:39,40). A similar book of remembrance was mentioned by the prophet in connection with God's people in whom He delighted (Mal. 3:16,17). An examination of this register reveals the following features: 1. Select: Christians have their name entered in the Book of Life (Phil. 4:3; Heb. 12:23). None others have such a promise. 2. Restrictive: Some are definitely and specifically excluded from this list (Rev. 13:8). One would expect this in that the prom- ise of salvation is received upon conditions established in the gospel of Christ, not unconditionally, universally, or automatical- ly. 3. Promising: Those whose names have been entered in this register enjoy the promise of entering heaven and enjoying eternal life (Rev. 21:27). 4. Changeable: This list of names is subject to change (Rev. 3:5; 22:19). In the first passage those who are victorious in Christ receive the assurance that their names will not be remov- ed, while the latter passage says that those tampering with the revelation from God by subtracting something therefrom will have their names removed. People can fall from divine grace (Gal. 5:4). 5. Final: The Bible also teaches that God's list of redeemed people is the final list (Rev. 20:12,15). Judgment will be based on what is written in the books, and those without their names in the Book of Life will enter into the lake of fire, which is the sec- ond death (Rev. 21:8). No one will be able to gainsay what the Book of Life reflects. Friend, now that you know about the Book of Life, why not submit to the will of Christ so that you can benefit from the sacri- fice of the Lamb slain for the sins of all? You can enjoy the prom- ise of eternal life. ------- Bobby Graham in Truth Magazine, Vol. 52, No. 5, May, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090109/6b6d0ab0/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Jan 9 05:24:00 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 06:24:00 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) LIFE COACHES Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. LIFE COACHES According to several websites, life coaching is the up-and- coming field of personal development. What is a "life coach?" As the name suggests, it is a person who helps others develop skills and direction which make for success in life. iCoach Acad- emy.com says that "Life Coaching is one of the fastest growing professions in the world," and that you can become certified by the International Coach Federation, the ICF, "which means that you can trust (our program's) quality and rigour." There are many such websites on the subject. Well, there is not doubt that folks need some coaching in their lives, with the breakdown of family life in America and the shallow place religion holds among our populace. Used to be that fathers were relied on for direction, instruction, and passing on values. Also, religion, particularly the Bible, was trusted as the proven guide to the better life. Failure was not attributed to the sources of wisdom, but to a person's lack of diligence in following the guide. Contemporary wisdom is that we should now trust our lives to strangers and merchants who are certified in telling us how to live. Amazingly, the big thrust among these life-coach advocates is to invite you to become a life coach yourself. Imagine getting paid to tell other folks how to live their lives without first having to prove the product with your own. Further, who is deciding what a "successful" life is? Who is setting the rules fro getting there? Is there a guarantee -- if at the end of your life you consider yourself a failure, do you get your money back? The vagueness of the whole business is seen in the title os a "telecast with ICA trainer Sherri Boone speaking on 'Mastering the Art & Skill of Acknowledgment." (iCoachAcademy com). Contrariwise, the Bible starts with the weightier matters of fact and moves to our lives, then to the specific outcome of our lives: First, There Is God: -- The universe and life are not here by chan- ce, and they certainly are not all about "little ole me." Whatever one might consider success, in the end it will hinge on the cent- er of the whole scheme of things, which is God. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Eccl. 12:13,14). "Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord ...our Savior Jesus Christ, Who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel..." (2 Tim. 1:8-10). Second, We Should All Get Our Lives Ready To Meet God: -- Doing so begins with elementary stuff like manners, etiquette, mothersly discipline, and showing respect -- all from the Golden Rule. How ironic that the folks who go out in public looking like they've slept in a cave (uncombed, unshaven, the girls still in their nighties) are now a fertile market for Life Coaches. The real need here is for mothers who will teach their kids about the virt- uous woman (Prov. 31) and fathers who take care of their own (1 Tim. 5:8). When our fathers do not chasten us to make us into their own, we are called "illegitimate" in the Bible -- a legal problem, by definition, and uncomplementary at the least (Heb. 12:6-11). When elementary lessons are not taught, how can kids be expected to value "formal" worship? (Acts 2:42). They will not be taught to be "conformed to the image" of Christ (Rom. 8:29), or to let their lights shine by self denial and sacrifice. Their goals will be to go for their part of the "gusto," with the magical help of a Life Coach. Those who are taught about Jesus Christ from the pages of the Bible will be exposed to people like preachers, who are spec- ifically instructed, "in all things showing thyself an example of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity..." (Titus 2:7); and elders who are charged with, "being examples to the flock" (1 Pet. 5:3). God certainly has good reason for a person's exposure to such examples. He expects us to emulate them! (Heb. 13:7,17; Phil. 3:17-20). Third, Real Success Will Not Be Achieved Until We've Heard The "Well Done" From God The Judge In The Last Day:-- The final judgment will not be about how cool a person is, how much money a person has, what degree of education a person has, how far he has gone in his career, or any such thing. It will be about how a person has served God. Success is about God and how we relate to Him and His business (Matt. 6:33). Astonishingly, some who claim Christ have jumped on the Life Coach bandwagon. (the Christian Coach.com). A preacher from way back once said that since the church is in the world, we'll have to work to keep the world from getting into the church The "Christian Life Coach" business is about the most poignant and bewildering example of the man's statement I have ever seen. Jesus put it this way: "Every plant, which My heavenly Fath- er hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Matt. 15:13,14). Friends, make no mistake, true success is pleasing God with our lives. "There is nothing new under the sun" when it comes to the purpose and meaning of life (Eccl. 1:9). Please do not be deceived into thinking that anyone can improve upon God's book, the Bible; God's organization, the church; and God's way, the gospel. (Jno. 14:6). Failure comes to the degree that we do not apply what God has so graciously given us. ---- George Hutto in Tidings, Vol. 23, No. 11, November, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090109/3d458063/attachment-0001.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Jan 9 09:11:44 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 09:11:44 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] help with a question Message-ID: Around 1966 an agnostic theologian came on the scene proclaiming "God is dead." I had some material about him and his theology, but evidently have misplaced it. Can anyone help with his name and a couple of his quotes. It would be appreciated. You can reply to me at thornhill1 at frontiernet.net brotherly, Tommy Thornhill with the Buckhorn church of Christ, Randolph MS -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090109/e2a961c3/attachment.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Thu Jan 8 09:00:33 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2009 09:00:33 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] S>The Local Church of Christ Message-ID: <881A3AD1ECE745B4847C2A8F89EFC05E@TerryPC> The Local Church of Christ - AM Sermon Many have tried to unorganize the organized local church of Christ, and justify their non-commitment and lack of accountability on a local team, the church of Christ in a given location. I answered brother Charles Holt several years ago with an article that unravelled him on his position regarding the local church. He promised to respond, but never got around to it. His ideas and some of the ideas of F. LaGard Smith are exposed in this lesson. The local church is a team unit that is not optional. All Christians must either start or join a local church that is organized for work and discipline. To try to avoid such a group or team of local disciples is tantamount to rejecting God and His plan for team work and team discipline and edification. One can become a Christian (like the Ethiopian Eunuch) without a local church, but one cannot forever stay a Christian and avoid the responsibilities of teaming with faithful Christians for the common work of edification, discipline, and gospelizing the church and the world. In this first lesson we noticed just the features of 1 Thessalonians that demonstrate the truth of these premises. Go to the website below for the audio and Powerpoint. Best Wishes From Terry W. Benton www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com "Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090108/9fae0afb/attachment.html From mail at mikealrhughes.com Fri Jan 9 12:27:30 2009 From: mail at mikealrhughes.com (Mike Hughes) Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 12:27:30 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Communicating For a Change Message-ID: <2DE07FFB-6F91-4D41-8DB7-746934EE9409@mikealrhughes.com> I just finished reading a book called "Communicating For a Change" by Andy Stanley. An interesting book. I received the book yesterday and sat down to read a little of it around 6:00 PM yesterday. By the time 10:00 PM rolled around I put the book down I had read 166 pages of a book that is 196 pages long! I finished the rest this morning. Let me give you a little synopsis of the book. He starts with this fellow who has trouble preaching. His wife tells him to go talk to this ex- baseball friend of his who tells him about a fellow he used to hear preach named "Willy Graham" of course he thinks he is speaking of Billy and the fellow no I mean Willy. The baseball guy is well off so he puts the fellow, Ray, on his private plane flies him to Atlanta, GA. Where to his surprise he doesn't meet a full time preacher at all but an ex-truck driver who preached at truck stops when he drove truck. This fellow thinks he has been duped but the plane will not fly him back to his home until tomorrow so the journey begins. The man Will as he calls himself weaves these communication principles to analogies about what is involved in driving a truck. Thus the story to peak your interest in the book and why One Point preaching is a way to consider. This book engages your interest every step of the way. There are seven imperatives of Communication that are dealt with: 1. Pick a goal 2. Pick a point 3. Create a map the ME WE GOD YOU WE 4. Internalize the message 5. Engage your audience 6. Find your voice 7. Start all Over I would recommend a reading of this book if you want to shake up your communication skills. My thought has always been as a preacher who has the responsibility to communicate I can never learn enough about the task. From my start in college when we used John A. Broadus', who by the way was a baptist, classic book about preaching to all the books I have read since I am never to old to learn. Mike From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Jan 9 21:03:41 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 9 Jan 2009 21:03:41 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] thanks to all who replied. Message-ID: <627221E26C884A70B694063282A18777@your4dacd0ea75> I want to express my appreciation to all who have responded to my request about the man who said "God is dead." The answer is Thomas JJ Alitzer who was teaching at Emory U near Atlanta at the time his ideas were picked up by the mainstream media who loves anything opposed to the God and Christ of the Bible. I was preparing an introduction to the song by A W Dicus "Our God, He is alive" and the reason he wrote the song. I am planning a review of the song for one of my sermons this coming Sunday. So, thanks to all who replied, and to some who may reply in the near future. I am also looking at the material on google that some suggested I search. brotherly, Tommy thornhill1 at frontiernet.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090109/7c4f5890/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Jan 10 01:38:54 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:38:54 EST 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 Another calendar year has passed, and a new year is upon us. While most events in our lives are marked by other dates, the coming of a new year serves as a reminder of the swift pass- age of time and should, therefore, give us reason to look at our direction, our current state of life, and our relationship with God. Are you His friend or His enemy? Jesus said, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" (Jno. 15:14). On the other hand, whoever wants to be a friend of wrongdoing "makes himself an enemy of God" (Jas. 4:4). At ALL times our appeal to God should be, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psa. 90: 12). Are we thankful to God that we are still living? Are we using our time wisely -- in view of eternal life or eternal condemnation? Have we become chldren of God through faith in Christ, repent- ance of all our sins, confession that Jesus is the Son of God and by being baptized for the remission of our sins? Are we law-abiding citizens in His kingdom? Is His authority the supreme authority in our lives? Are we functioning faithfully as members of His body, His church, actively serving Him in a local church of Christ? Do we assemble regularly to worship in spirit and truth, to edify and be edified by faithful brethren? Is our worship and service to Him acording to His authority, or after the traditions and doctrines of men? When people observe our lives, do they see Christ living in us (Gal. 2:20); or do they see wayward, willful, weak and disobedient people who pay little heed to God's Word? Think, friends, think! --------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090110/27e40953/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Jan 10 01:39:06 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:39:06 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS: -- A BAPTIST'S VIEW OF AUTHORITY AND WORSHIP. While meandering through a tent displaying new publicat- ions at the Florida College Lectures, I noticed a book by John Price entitled, Old Light On New Worship. The subtitle indicated that it was a book about "musical instruments and the worship of God." I noted that the author was the "Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Rochester, New York." In the foreward to the book Edward Donnelly, "Pastor, Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church," writes of Price: He demonstrates, with an impressive accumulation of scriptu- ral evidence, the absence of any reference to musical instrumen- ts in the worship of the early church and the silence of the New Testament on this matter. For their use in the public worshipp- ing assemblies of new covenant saints there is not a shred of scriptural warrant (pg. 7). In a cursory look of the book I observed that Price devotes almost 90 pages in the second chapter to the history of mechani- cal instruments of music in worship and shows that with few exceptions there was almost universal opposition to instrumen- ts of music in worship until long after the Reformation Move- ment of the 1500's. Need I tell you that I was intrigued enough to purchase the book and to begin reading it on my flight home from Florida. His arguments are exactly the same ones I -- and other gospel preachers -- have made for a half-century against the use of musical instruments in worship. I make no apology for giving you in this article some sample quotations from Price's book. Note, first, the writer's statement of the principles that govern the content of the book and his argument: We will then establish the following three basic theological principles of worship: 1. The Old Testament Temple worship in all of its outward ceremonies and rituals has been abolished; 2. We must look to Christ and His apostles alone for the wor- ship of the church; 3. With no command, example, or any indication whatsoever from the Lord Jesus that He desires musical instruments in His church, we have no warrant for their use (pg. 21). We are faced with two questions: Are musical instruments to be used in the New Testament church? If so, what specific instruments are to be used? In answering these questions, we must look to Christ and the apostles in the New Testament alone Here we find a complete silence in regard to musical instrum- ents in worship. The New Testament gives no command for musical instrumentation in the worship of the church. Neither do we find even a single example of instruments ever being used in any of the churches. There is not a word mentioned con- cerning musical instruments being used in any of the New Testa- ment churches (pg. 49). The regulative principle of worship remains, and what God has not commanded in the New Testament we have no authority to use. He has not commanded the use of any musical instru- ments as He did in the days of Moses and David. Therefore, we have no authority to bring them into the worship of His church. The complete silence of the New Testament on musical instru0 ments is a most compelling argument that they are not to exist in the church. Only singing is commanded (pg. 49). Some may say that all of this is only an argument from silen- ce. But silence is the regulative priniple of worship. Where God is silent, we do not add to His worship. His silence means He has given no command and we have no authority to act. His silence on musical instruments in the New Testament means we have no authority to bring them into the worship of the church (pg. 51). The regulative principle demands that those who would bring any addition into God's worship must prove that they have scriptural warrant for doing so. In this case, the advocates of musical instrumentation must demonstrate from the New Testa- ment that Christ demands their use in His worship. The burden of proof rests upon them, and, apart form such proof, they can- not and should not be used. And if we bring unwarranted addit- ions into Christ's worship, we transgress His authority and prove ourselves violators of His prerogative (pg. 55). One of the arguments made throughout Price's book is that God authorized through David the use of mechanical instrumen- ts in connection with Temple worship, and that since the Temple system was abrogated -- so was the entire Jewish worship, inclu- ding the musical instruments by David. Price not only makes this point in his own words but he quotes a Presbyterian preach- er of the late 1800's who says essentially the same thing. John L. Girardeau in a work entitled, Instruments of Music in the Pub- lic Worship of the Church, wrote: The Lord knew the divine decree by which the temporary ser- vices of the Temple were destined to be abolished. He Himself predicted the utter destruction of the Temple. He knew perfectly that instrumental music was an attachment to the peculiar and distinctive services of the Temple, and therefore He knew that it must share the wreck to which the Temple with all those services was doomed. Did He authorize His church to save the instrumen- tal music from the ruins, and employ it in her worship? He did not. Is she then warrented to do it. Assuredly not (pg. 52). Give heed, brethren. We recommend that you purchase and read the full text of this author's arguments on authority and the use of musical instruments of music in worship. -- L.A. Stauffer in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 5, May, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090110/e0d40b2f/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Jan 10 13:11:17 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:11:17 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Misdefined and Misunderstood Message-ID: <000001c97357$38c93830$aa5ba890$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper January 11, 2009 Misdefined and Misunderstood The term ?Lucifer? is a Bible name, found only in Isaiah 14:12, that has come to be applied to the devil himself. The verse says, ?How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!? [NKJV; The ESV more properly translates the phrase as, ?How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn!? What is implied by the term is that the king of Babylon had a very high estimation of his own position ? figuratively, as high as the morning star.] Unfortunately, long ago, some men who had a fanciful idea that this was talking about a literal fall of Satan from heaven wrongly interpreted the text and many more since then have taken up the baton of the misapplied term without taking the time to read the context. If we would only read the context, we would see that the writer [through inspiration, of course] was speaking about the king of Babylon, not Satan. Earlier, the Lord said plainly to Isaiah that he was to ?take up this proverb against the king of Babylon? (v. 4). Later, the Lord would again make it plain to us who it was He describing: ?For I will rise up against them and cut off from Babylon the name and remnant, and offspring and posterity? (v. 22). It should be plain from the context that the Lord was speaking of Babylon and, in particular, her king, who had exalted himself and thought he and his nation were above all other men. He used very descriptive language to show the arrogance of the Babylonian nation (vv. 13, 14), yet some have pulled those verses out of context and made them to be saying something they simply do not say. There is not even any hint that this could be talking about anyone else and no implication it had some other figurative application, but because some have in their mind that this is about Satan, then they see him in everything that is being said. Wrongly so, I might add. I have a 'chronological Bible' that has even placed this text at the beginning because the compiler believed it was talking about a time before creation when Satan fell from heaven! Centuries of misuse of the term has brought us now to the point that when someone reads the name ?Lucifer,? it is automatically assumed it is speaking of Satan! And therein is the danger in misdefining terms: it leads to a misunderstanding of a text or its application. Such textual mangling is not new (cf. 2nd Pet. 3:16, 17), but it is always dangerous ? on some points more so than for others. Today, let us consider a few terms that come from God's word, but which have been misdefined, misunderstood, and most always because of it, misapplied. ?Christian.? The term Christian is certainly a Scriptural term. We are told in Acts 11:26, ?in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.? [The word translated as ?called? is from the Greek chrematizo [khray-mat-id?-zo] which means a 'divine calling'; it was not a derogatory term, as some have argued]. Agrippa would even use the term when he said to Paul, ?You almost persuade me to become a Christian? (Acts 26:28). Much later, Peter would write, ?Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name? (1st Pet. 4:16). If we are to take these verses and a common sense understanding of the word broken down into its constituent parts [Christ; the Lord, and -ian; 'a follower of'], we may rightly understand that the term means one who is a follower of Christ. But today, one might be simply confused when they hear it being used. Sometimes, it is used as an adjective to describe inanimate objects or services, a nation made up of a majority of people who do not follow Him at all, or used to describe people in general who in no way follow after Christ or His teachings. The term has become so watered down in its meaning, that when a genuine disciple speaks up and mentions that he is a Christian, some don't know what they are supposed to think about it because they are not quite sure what it means anymore! By strict application, the term should still mean one who is a follower of Christ and His teachings, or one who adheres to Christ and His teachings and who assists in the spread of those teachings; a disciple. If we go to the Old Testament to establish authority for anything we teach and practice religiously, then how can we say we are following Christ? When we say we must still abide by the Ten Commandments [a law given to the Jews exclusively], how can we say we are Christians? When we pick and choose which of His words we will obey, how can we say we are adhering to Christ and His teachings? If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we better prove it by the way we live, by what we obey, and by what we teach. One day, we will have to answer for what we have done, and we would do wise to make sure ?whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of [by the authority of] the Lord Jesus? (Col. 3:17). ?Saint.? Again, this is a Scriptural term. Paul said he wrote ?To the saints who are in Ephesus? (Eph. 1:1), ?To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi? (Phlp. 1:1), and, in descriptive words to the brethren at Corinth, said he had written ?To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ? (1st Cor. 1:2). Note that he equated the church with those who were saints and with those who called on the name of the Lord [the ones who had obeyed]. So, as it was initially intended, the term was applied to all believers [all Christians]. But today, it is generally assumed that when we call someone a 'saint,' we mean he or she is one who lives an exceptionally holy or righteous life or one specially designated by the [Roman Catholic] church as being particularly righteous and known to have done exceptionally good deeds and/or performed miracles. To many people, they use the term in a negative sense when they are criticized. ["I'm not a saint!" What they mean is, they are far from being sinless.] This misunderstanding has led many in the world ? and even some in the Lord's church ? to have unreasonable expectations of those who profess to follow after the words of God. Anytime they sin, they are harshly criticized as 'hypocrites' for failing to live up to that false idea of sinless perfection. No true believer thinks he or she is sinless, but they are most certainly saints. ?Faith.? Sadly, this term is misdefined even in most dictionaries! A common definition of faith today is 'belief without proof' ? but that is not God's definition. Faith, according to God [the One who matters], is ?the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen? (Heb. 11:1). That means there is real substance [real; concrete; not imaginary] upon which we believe these things, and evidence that convicted us the things we believe are true, though we do not see them. Just as one may believe Abraham Lincoln was a real man and actually existed without ever having seen him personally, we may also believe God and Jesus Christ existed and are who they claim to be without ever having seen them, and because of the overwhelming evidence that points to the truth of the claim. Faith, according to God, ?comes by hearing, and hearing by the words of Christ? (Rom. 10:17). Do you have that faith? Have you been convicted by the evidence (John 20:30, 31)? The faith that saves is the faith that obeys. ?? Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090110/260f1cd5/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Jan 10 13:32:57 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:32:57 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] One-word correction for posted article Message-ID: <4968F7E9.8000201@gmail.com> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090110/b98171cf/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Jan 10 22:22:13 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:22:13 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 002 Message-ID: <3BD68033DEAE47CBB36F7EC39B9FB747@sean1a4c1f786> The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 731-627-3514 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004 :: ISSUE 02 :: January 11, 2009 ARTICLE ONE: Paradoxes of Our Faith: I Corinthians 1:20-31 ARTICLE TWO: The Scriptures: A Complete Collect? Article One: Paradoxes of Our Faith: 1 Corinthians 1:20-31 Introduction: We are continuing to consider some paradoxical teachings gathered from the Doctrine of Christ. A paradox is a statement of truth that at first seems contradictory or opposed to common sense. In this article we find our focus paradox in a general sense through the inspired teachings of Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:20-31. In this passage Paul clearly exposes the fact that human wisdom will not lead one to righteousness. The only hope of mankind is the humility of willing "foolishness". As will be explained, this foolishness is indeed wisdom-in such we find our paradox. We are living in a very "independent" time. More and more people today are trying to live without consideration for God. More individuals are convinced of man's wisdom that does not acknowledge God. Too many have been taken in by the necessity and promotion of human wisdom. Where do we find ourselves today? There is a need to improve one's level of understanding in order to compete in today's marketplace. We however have a greater need that must be met-a need that is worth the cost of having less to have more. Let's open our Bibles and consider from the Scriptures a better understanding of what it means to be a wise fool according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 1:20-31. The Message is Foolishness? What would the wisdom of man choose, when having to choose a hero for a victorious deliverance? Perhaps we would see a swooping super-hero savior, who would gather the mighty, the rich, and the influential to aid him in victory. Our plan would be grand and glorious for the peoples involved; a feat of plotting and planning; a triumph of strength with the applause of men, When having to choose a plan for inclusion? Perhaps we would require a payment of wealth or a feat of enduring strength, maybe a test of knowledge. It would likely be designed in an exclusive way so that those elite few could brag about their accomplishments. What is God's wisdom? What has God chosen for our victorious deliverance? God's plan involves a humble Messiah (Isaiah 53:2-3); a preacher of repentance (Matthew 4:17) who instills teachings of morality (Matthew 5:1-12), selflessness (Matthew 16:24-25), and servitude (Matthew 7:21; John 14:15). God's plan is triumph through willing sacrifice (Hebrews 9:27-28; 10:1-10). What is God's plan for those who seek inclusion? God's plan for our salvation is an exercise in humility. There is no "human greatness" to be had in God's plan (1 Corinthians 1:27-31). What is God's Plan? His plan provides us with hope-through the gospel message. The message is proclaimed for our hearing. Romans 10:11-17 declares the necessity of hearing. The word of the gospel is to be preached (2 Timothy 4:1-5); causing the listeners to be convicted and convinced. Convinced of their lost state without Christ (Ephesians 2:11-12) and convinced of their need for Christ and salvation (Acts 4:12; Romans 1:16). God's plan involves our faith. The need for faith in God and the hope He provides, is clear; without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). We must believe our need for salvation-admitted helplessness. Helplessness is certainly not an ego boost, it is a humbling experience-admittance of need is foolish in the eyes of men, but is perfect understanding in God's wisdom. God's plan includes repentance. In Luke 13:1-5 we are told that repentance stands between a soul and its forgiveness. Repentance is active and direct recognition of the wrong-doing in your life and effort to diligently remove yourself from that sinful activity. Again, it is part of the plan that one must admit their own will has misled them, and God's way is better. This too is foolish in the eyes of men, but is perfect understanding in God's wisdom. God's plan includes confession. We must confess our belief in Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus seeks our confession (Matthew 10:32) and proves it true (John 20:30-31). The Ethiopian eunuch exemplifies our confession (Acts 8:35-37). The Apostle Paul declares the necessity of confession in our hope of salvation (Romans 10:8-10). We are called to put our faith in One who promised things nearly 2000 years ago; this is foolishness in the eyes of men; but perfect understanding in God's wisdom God's plan also includes baptism. A specific baptism! Water baptism (Acts 8:36-39; 10:47) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). Some question, "Is baptism necessary?" Jesus said it was (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). John recorded that it was (John 3:5). Peter said it was (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21). Paul said it was (Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 3:27: tie these to Ephesians 1:3-14). The idea of water to wash away sins, is foolish in the eyes of men, but is perfect understanding in God's wisdom. Are you willing to appear foolish to be wise? It is difficult to stand alone against the grain of the world around us. It is hard to appear as a fool in the eyes of our peers. It is difficult to fight the desire for recognition and the applause of men. Will you accept God's counsel? God's will is not "common sense" anymore. God's thoughts are not man's thoughts (Isa 55:8-11). Will you refuse the "seeming" of man's mind? Men "seem" to think many things (Proverbs 14:12) but God's wisdom is greater. The highest heights of man's wisdom cannot reach the lowest point of God's wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25). Will you appear foolish to be wise in God's eyes? Will you believe in our unseen Creator (Genesis 1:1-2)? Will you obey His will (Matthew 7:21)? Will you seek His hope (Acts 17:24-27)? Conclusion: Sometimes in order to have true wisdom you may have to appear to be a fool. We may have to appear the fool, to do what is right when our family doesn't agree. We may have to appear the fool, to do what is right when our friends do not see it that way. We may have to appear the fool, to do what is right when the world's common sense does not accept it. True wisdom is from God. Our appearance before Him is much more significant that our outward appearance before our fellow man. God's word directs to do things that the world may argue against. We must choose who it is that we desire to please. Knowing that God's hope is much greater will you seek His wisdom? Humbly submit to God's will today. ~tss Article Two: The Scriptures: A Complete Collection? Introduction: The Bible, as we have it, contains two major sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. These two sections consist of sixty-six books: thirty-nine Old Testament books and twenty-seven New Testament books. Among the Old Testament books we have three types: the books of the Law, the books of the Prophets, and the books of poetry. Among the New Testament books we have four types: the Gospels, History (Acts), the Epistles, the Revelation. Every once in a while we hear of some new "book" resurfacing, some additional text that claims to belong. What about those other books? Are there others that we require? Is the current collection correct that complete? In our time together let's examine the criteria for a book to be considered part of the Bible. So that we can know that we have what we need. So we can trust what we have. What Makes a Book Belong in the Bible? There are several criteria for inclusion in the Holy Scriptures. One point is "recognized author". Writers like Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezra, Peter, James, John, and Paul. All these men are well noted and proven to be men of God: we know their history and their relationship with God. Another point is "signs and wonders". The writers were verified often through miraculous proofs. There are signs like those that verified Moses (Numbers 12:1-15; 16:1-34) or the Apostles (Hebrews 2:1-4). There is also prophetic perfection-as examples, the Psalmist and Isaiah prophesied with exact specifics concerning the coming Messiah literally 700 to 1000 years before His birth. A great wonder is also the providence of God that has provided for the books of His inspiration resulting in our present collection-to deny this is to deny God's ability to save modern man. Another is the "continuity of content". Some forty writers, over fourteen hundred years and the collection of sixty-six books all flow without any unspecified time gaps. Even the four hundred years between Malachi and John the baptizer is foretold and therefore expected. Among the known scriptures there are no books or passages that contradict. There are also no gaps of information: we do not have to wonder how one can transition from lost, to found in hope-there are no unexplained essentials. Another is "cross-referencing". There are nearly one thousand references to the Old Testament in the New Testament. The New Testament writers speak of each other's works also: Peter of Paul (2 Peter 3:15-16) and Paul of Peter (Galatians 2:7). The last point is "concurrent acceptance". The recognized books of both Old and New Testaments were accepted as scripture in their day. This is not saying that tradition determines belonging, however those who are closest to the writing should know what is and what is not true scripture. What about Those "Other" Books? There are several other books that have vied for Scriptural attention over the centuries and once in a while they rise up to modern view. These known books are divided into two groups and they have been around for several centuries. These groups are the apocrypha: Actual authors, yet uninspired books and the psuedepigrapha: Artificially attributed to authors and uninspired books. Although the books of the Apocrypha appear in the later copies of the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), they were not included in the same work at the time of Christ or the Apostles. One modern religious organization holds onto the apocrypha in their Bible, but they have never been widely accepted as inspired scripture. What about some "new" yet to be discovered book? Some are looking for a new discovery that will change the whole scheme of God's will. Based on what we have learned so far in the lesson, if such a book or books were found they would: 1. Have to be written by a recognized author and therefore would be consistent with all the other recognized authors. 2. Have to be prophetically perfect or demonstrated to be valid by the hand of God: through recorded signs and wonders. 3. Have to support and reaffirm the knowledge currently known from the Bible. Not one contradiction is found in our current collection, any "new find" would have to step in line with the rest. This point really ruins the hopes of many who are against the Bible. 4. Have to have been cross-referenced to and from the current collection. 5. Have to also have been widely accepted in their day; therefore the existence of such work(s) is incredibly unlikely. The Sufficiency of our Collection Looking at our sixty-six we have the necessary information we have our important questions answered. Where are we from? Genesis 1-2 [2:4-7] The Bible reveals our Creator God. The scriptures teach us about God. We have a God of.Love (1 John 4:7-8); Providential care (Matthew 6:25-33); Truth (Titus 1:2; John 17:17); and Justice (Acts 17:31 "Appointed a day of judgment). What is our purpose? God created us with purpose: That we might rule the earth (Genesis 1:26). That we might seek Him (Acts 17:27). That we might do His will (Ecclesiastes 12:13). That we might love Him (Mark 12:30) What is right, what is wrong? Without direction we cannot know right or wrong. In fact until something is established as right there is no wrong. God has given us order by revealing right and wrong according to His will both generally (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and very specifically (Galatians 5:19-24). Conclusion: We have a well-proven and trust-worthy collection of Scripture. God has provided for it and we have it preserved to this day. One of the most important points of proofs is found in the work of the Bibles enemies who comb over the collection constantly looking for errors to expose. In the accepted books today, there are apparently none. The most important information on this planet is contained here in these pages: the hope of man's salvation is revealed here. Are you saved? The opportunity to follow God's plan is now, will you do what the Bible says? ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090110/c2829e37/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2886 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090110/c2829e37/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090110/c2829e37/attachment-0001.gif From jmickells at juno.com Mon Jan 12 13:08:11 2009 From: jmickells at juno.com (Jimmy R Mickells) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:08:11 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Sick Lady Message-ID: <20090112.130811.1324.3.jmickells@juno.com> The Sick Lady ?Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said to her, ?Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.? And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God? (Luke 13:10-13). This woman is nameless to you and me, but one that I think we can learn some valuable lessons from. Whatever her infirmity was, it had caused her to be unable to straighten up and had afflicted her for eighteen years. Notice with me at least three things we can learn from the life of this sick woman. Her illness did not stop her from serving God. In verse 10, the text says that Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. This is where He met her. Though she couldn?t raise herself up, she was still present on the Sabbath in the Jewish house of worship to serve her God. Don?t you suppose she could have offered an excuse such as, ?I?m just not able to get around very good, my back is hurting and so I think I?ll stay home today?? Yet, she did not do that! Do we sometimes let an ache or pain keep us from attending worship service? Would that same sickness keep us from going to work on Monday? I have seen on numerous occasions a child sick on Sunday and both parents stay home, missing both worship services on the Lord?s Day. Then on Monday, if the child is still sick, only one parent will attend to his/her needs, the other will be off to work. How devoted are we to serve our Lord? This woman did not let this illness stop her from serving the One whom she loved. Her example of faith led to her healing. On a number of occasions in the gospels, we see people approaching our Lord, asking Him to heal them. In this instance, she did not ask to be healed, but the Lord looked and spoke to her, saying ?you are loosed from your infirmity.? If we will put the Lord first, He will supply the things that we need in this life (Matthew 6:33). Not only will our needs be supplied, but often great blessings, above and beyond our necessities, flow from His bountiful hands. The greatest need for mankind is healing from sin. He is always ready and willing to cure, but we must approach Him to be forgiven. Not by grace only (Ephesians 2:8). Not by faith only (James 2:24). Not by baptism only (Acts 2:38). It is a combination of grace, faith, and obedience to the will of God that through His mercy we can be saved. If you have the kind of faith this woman had, you will obedient to your Creator, and He will heal you as well. Once healed, she glorified God. The word glorified is defined as, ?to praise, extol, magnify, celebrate? (Thayer?s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, p. 157). Here was a lady who was extremely thankful to her Lord for what He had done for her. Ingratitude is a grave sin. When Jesus healed the ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), only one returned to glorify God (vv. 15,16). He asked, ?Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?? (v. 17). Only the one lowly Samaritan returned to bow and give thanks to the One that made him whole. How many times have you and I been healed? Are we truly thankful to the Lord for all His blessings? Do we show it by our actions? May we never be guilty of ingratitude! Let each of us follow the example of this sick lady. There are only three verses in the entire Bible that mention this nameless sick woman, but what a powerful example she is to all who will read this account. May we live our lives in such a way, even if others do not know our names, in crossing their paths, we can be such an example to them. You never know who is watching. Jimmy Mickells ____________________________________________________________ Having problems with the IRS? Click here to find a tax attorney. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw3cYmestpDAvg7Sro61EsXxbqW3n6a0JBwKUI5WosvyvZRlC/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/cb69de35/attachment-0001.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Mon Jan 12 15:09:13 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:09:13 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] S>The Local Church of Christ #2 Message-ID: The Local Church of Christ #2 In this lesson: We examine how Charles Holt's ideas and modern disciples of Holtism mislead people about churches. We demonstrate the fallacy of unorganized assembly in unorganized time and unorganized place by analysis of the specific features of the organized and ordered assembly of God's people at Corinth. The local church at Corinth is a testimony to the truth of God's will for local, united, team, ordered or organized assembly at a specific assembly location in Corinth and anywhere else disciples would follow the will of God. This lesson exposes the false concepts of modern anti-organization religion and shows the wise disciple what is the will of God. Go to the site below of the audio and Powerpoint. Best Wishes From Terry W. Benton www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com "Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/7ac30ed7/attachment-0001.html From kthomas at dnet.net Sun Jan 11 16:44:07 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:44:07 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] God's Platform For Unity Message-ID: <496A7637.000005.01124@KENSCOMPUTER> Based on Ephesians 4:1-6 One body- The church=Unity of Relationship One Spirit- The Holy Spirit=Unity of Revelation One hope- Heaven=Unity of Reward One Lord- Jesus Christ=Unity of Authority One faith- New Testament=Unity of Doctrine One bapt- Immerse For Remission= Unity of Action & Design One God- Jehovah=Unity of Object of worship Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090111/3e3f30fe/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090111/3e3f30fe/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 31851 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090111/3e3f30fe/attachment-0003.gif From kthomas at dnet.net Sun Jan 11 16:47:34 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:47:34 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] Fw: God's Platform For Unity Message-ID: <496A7706.00000E.01124@KENSCOMPUTER> -------Original Message------- From: Kenneth E. Thomas Date: 1/11/2009 4:44:07 PM To: Bible Matters Subject: God's Platform For Unity Based on Ephesians 4:1-6 One body- The church=Unity of Relationship One Spirit- The Holy Spirit=Unity of Revelation One hope- Heaven=Unity of Reward One Lord- Jesus Christ=Unity of Authority One faith- New Testament=Unity of Doctrine One bapt- Immerse For Remission= Unity of Action & Design One God- Jehovah=Unity of Object of worship Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090111/d5b208ab/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090111/d5b208ab/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 31851 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090111/d5b208ab/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Jan 12 03:16:05 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:16:05 EST Subject: [Biblemat] "NO SWORD IN DAVID'S HAND" 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: "NO SWORD IN DAVID'S HAND" "Ladies and Gentlemen, in this corner, weighing in at 230 pounds, with a height of 6 feet, and 4 inches, winner of 63 pro- fessional bouts, holder of the Olympic gold medal in boxing, pre- sent champion of the world, Goliath. "His opponent, with a weight of 153 pounds and a height of 5 feet, 7 inches, first time ever in a professional fight, the 14 year old, Ben Jesse." Some fight, huh? Is there any doubt who would win that one? Do you think there would be any takers in a bet on the Champ? I mean, who would think the kid might have a chance? Maybe someone who had read 1 Sam. 17 lately. Though the names, characteristics, ages, and situation have been altered, the basic confrontation really did happen. America loves underdogs. We thrill to stories of heroism. Tales in which overwhelming odds were dashed and defeat was turned into sweet victory. These stories give us hope that we, too, ordinary citizens though we may be, and do great things if we dare. And isn't that what David is teaching us? 1 Sam. 17 gives spiritual incentive to every Christian who reads it. It is the classic examp- le of the underdog thrashing the champion. Compare the two opponents. First, Goliath of Gath, Champion Fighter. He stood about 9 feet tall, wore some of the "heaviest threads" around (120 poun- ds of armor) and hefted a spear whose head alone weighed more than a 16 pound bowling ball. (Can you imagine throwing a bowling ball stuck on the end of a long spear?) He was confid- ent, yea, a real braggart, but then who wouldn't be in his shoes? He had been a warrior since childhood, one of those "child won- ders." But his self-reliance and blasphemy of God's people led him to the last brawl in which he would ever engage. The blood shed would be his own. David, Son of Jesse, was the baby of the family of eight sons. It was not uncommon to leave David out of important matters (1 Sam. 16:11; 17:13-15). He was a handsome lad, noted so because of his unusual auburn hair (ruddy in KJV). Multi-talented, he played the harp wo well he came to the immediate attention of Saul's advisors. He wrote some of the deepest spiritual poetry ever read. He was a shep- herd, a hunter of note (having killed a lion and a bear), and had been appointed as, armor bearer to Saul. But most importantly, David was a man "after God's own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14; 16:7). David brought food to his brothers on the battlefield of Elah dur- ing the conflict with Philistia; he arrived just in time to watch the daily ritual. For forty days, Israel had begun the morning by suiting up in armor and going out to war. They gathered on the rim of the valley and gazed at the enemy arrayed on the other hill. But just as they got up nerve to rush out, the big man came down. Goliath would strut up and down the valley, roaring that there was no opponent of the "servants of Saul" (he did not even give them credit for being soldiers) to face him. The rules were simple -- whoever won in single combat could claim the entire army of his rival as slaves. Like a Muhammed Ali of old, he had completely psyched the Israelites into thinking they could not possibly beat him. Even the incentives of Saul -- tax free status, great wealth and the hand of Saul's daughter -- could not move a man to walk down into that "valley of death" to face the Champ. Like John Wayne in a western movie. Goliath stood alone in the valley and no man would meet him in battle. Now imagine the anger of these Israelite soldiers when a kid starts questioning their valor. They had been humiliated for forty days. David was saying, "I'll kill this heathen for you." Don't we have similar scenes re-enacted today? The veterans of religous wars grumble and mutter about conditions in the world, or the break-out of some false doctrine, and then some little untried and unknown boy says, "Can't you deal with it? Cause I can if you won't." He is branded as brash, green, cocky, and a sure-fire failure. Brethren, I am not saying youth has all the answers. But sometimes, a David will venture where an Eliab or Shammah will refuse to go. We need to give our David's a chance. It may be they can win. Nobody told them they could not beat the giant. And if they do suffer loss, at least they did what they had to do. It is strange that David would venture into mortal combat without that essential weapon, the sword. yet 1 Sam. 17:50 tells us there was no sword in David's hand. I think there are some good lessons in that fact. 1. David was not a soldier. He had come from the sheep pastures. When presented with Saul's armor, he feld un-comfortable (vss. 38,39). But though he was untrained in war, he went out to fight for Israel. The boy of in- significance was about to become the David "who has slain his ten thousands" (1 Sam. 18:7). I am reminded of Paul's statement in 1 Cor. 1:27, "...God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things that are strong." Here was a boy, of no pro- ven skill in combat, (especially man against man, JWS) facing one who was raised for that purpose. The lesson? So many of us sit and refuse to do what needs doing because there are others better trained to do it. We are waiting for a bigger, better champion to come along and fight for us. We hire preachers to be a hired gun for the church. We let battle-scarred elders con- tinue to march into battle to represent us. There is no reason for us to watch the battle take place from the safety of the hillside. Let us all get into the valley and wage warfare for God. There are battles needing our efforts in personal work, in public wor- ship, and in restoring the reprobate. Instead of thinking that we need a mercenary army of God, let us be a people of warfare picked from the ranks of volunteers -- ordinary citizens of the kingdom of God. 2. David had weapons of his own. vs. 40 tells us he armed himself with the sling and staff that had been con- stant companions in the fields. He was comfortable with them. With them, had overcome a bear and a lion. He knew what he could do with them. And the lesson applies to us. We find our- selves inundated with new methods for every phase of our Christian labor. The temptation is there to grab after each new thing because others have found success with them. But breth- ren, if we can meet with success using those methods and means we have been using for years, why not consider the attit- ude of David? He knew what he had done with the sling and staff. He would stick with them. Saul may have bloodied his sword many times, but that did not mean that David would auto- matically be able to win with it. If something works, why change? But the main weapon in David's arsenal was the belief in the power of God. He declared his confidence in this weapon in vs. 37. We want to note that David did not expect God to kill Goliath for him. No, no more than David watched while God killed the lion and bear for him. It had required the work of David, but God had helped. David took risks, and exerted himself, and enjoyed the praise and glory, but God helped him always. God will not work for us, but will work with us. When we pray for God's help, let us remember tht He will walk into the valley at our side, but never in our place. He stands beside us, not before us. We must be prepared to be the answer to our own prayers, as tools of the fighting God of Israel. Finally, there is a lesson in the fact that David did not utilize the weapons of his enemy. Because he won with a sling, there could not expressions that "he was just better than Goliath at Goliath's own game." When we fight the Devil, we cannot hope to win by "fighting fire with fire." We only get burned. Others may irritate us, curse us, humiliate us, and lie about us. We must not reply in kind. Our answering punches must be the retaliat- ion of Jesus, who "...being reviled, reviled not again" (1 Pet. 2:23 Paul said our weapons are not fleshly, of the world because we ourselves are not of the world (1 Cor. 10:3,4). If we can adapt to our warfare all these great lessons that David leaves for us, who knows but that our conflict with the Goliaths we face may not be put as spectacular? Some may be saying, "Well, if I had the opportunity to face Goliath, I'd take him on, but I just don't have may giants to battle with." I recall the story of two men who were lying in the grass after a hard morning's work. One was big, brawny, and power- ful. The other was small and wiry. The second man was speak- ing. He said, "Man, if I had your muscles and body, I'd go into those woods over yonder and find the biggest, meanest, hungri- est bear in there, and I'd rip him apart just to show how tough I am." His partner looked at him out of the corner of his eye, point- ed at the woods over his shoulder with a thumb and said simply, "Little man, there's plenty of little bears in them woods." Get the point? Okay, go your sling ready? (Every Christian has a sword, the Word of God, in which to fight his enemy the devil, so he needs to pick up his sword and step into the fray, JWS). ------ Ralph Walker via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 45, Nov. 9, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/18833f45/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Jan 12 03:16:17 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:16:17 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) FOLLOWING BIBLE EXAMPLES (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anci- ent files. Use to the glory of God. FOLLOWING BIBLE EXAMPLES (1) Much of what we know today of the New Testament order comes by way of examples pictured for us in the Bible. When- ever people have earnestly sought to duplicate New Testament Christianity in the current age, they have strongly and rightly emphasized the following Bible examples. The authority of Bibli- cal examples lies in the fact that they are inspired accounts of the actual work of the apostles or of work done under their supervision. Thus an example has all the authority of a comma- nd. Despite the significance of New Testament examples, a reck- less and irresponsible use of them is disastrous. Every example in the Bible is not to be followed, nor are these examples to be followed in every detail. There is a need for people who claim to follow Bible examples to give careful study toward developing criteria by which relevant and authoritative examples may be easily distinguished from those irrevelant and lacking in authori- ty. The purpose of this article is to suggest some possible guid- ing principles to be used in establishing ourselves firmly within the bounds of the ancient landmarks. I. Distinction Must Be Made Between The Two Covenants: -- Although God has made more than two covenants, yet the Bible speaks of the two major covenants as "the first" and "the second" (Heb. 10:9). The first covenant was made by God with the Jewish "fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt" (Heb. 8:9). This covenant is sometimes called the "law of Moses" or "the Old Testament." Even before its end, prophets spoke of a new covenant. Jeremi- ah said: "Behold the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Heb. 8:8; Jer. 31:31). Furthermore, this new covenant was to be different from the other: "Not according to the covenant I made with their fathers" (Heb. 8:9; Jer. 31:32). It is not our purpose at this time to detail the many points of differ- ence between the two, but simply to state the patent fact that there are differences. Since this is true, it follows that no exam- ple in the first covenant is authoritative unless recommended in the second covenant or at least not inconsistent with the princi- ples of the second covenant. It is a most reckless practice to dart about anywhere throughout the Bible seeking examples without regard to the covenant in which they are found. In law, precedents cannot be cited from the legal system of another country; neither can examples from a former law be cited after tht law has been susperceded by another. It is true that the old covenant affords examples illuminating certain moral principles which remain true under the new coven- ant. "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one dayh three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Cor. 10:6-11). "See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh. For if they escap- ed not who refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh from heaven" (Heb. 12:25). "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him" (Heb. 2:2,3). "Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience" (Jas. 5:10). "Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Heb. 4;11). "Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffer- ing the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 7). Thus, the first coven- ant affords examples warning against lust, idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, murmuring, failing to hear God, examples of pat- ience, and examples of God-sent punishment. These general principles remain true under the new covenant and the examples in the old covenant powerfully illustrate them for our learning. The old covenant does not afford examples of the "new birth," of church worship, of church organization, or of conver- sion. Men in the old covenant did not undergo a "new birth," nor did they enjoy the "remission of sins"; they were not mem- ers of the church fo Christ and knew nothing of such matters as church worship and organization. The nation of Israel wors- hipped, had its kings and priests, offered sacrifices, but these do not comprise examples to be followed today. Neither Abel's sacrifice, David's harp, nor the thief on the cross illustrate any- thing more than broad moral principles for us today; they do not tell us how to worship or how to receive remission of sins. We are not even to duplicate everything Jesus did although he "suf- fered for us, leaving us an example" (1 Pet. 2:21). His sabbath keeping and temple worship belong to another covenant. (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/20090112/22e1867e/attachment-0001.html From kthomas at dnet.net Mon Jan 12 11:40:03 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:40:03 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] 10 Reasons To Investigate Message-ID: <496B8073.000006.02364@KENSCOMPUTER> 10 Reasons Why You Should Investigate The Church of Christ "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good (1 Thess. 5:21)" 1). The body of Christ, His universal church is of Biblical Origin. It began in Jerusalem Palestine on the Day of Pentecost following the death burial, resurrection, and coronation of Christ (Luke 24:45-49; Acts 1:6-8; Acts 2:1-47). 2). It was founded by Christ Himself (Matthew 16:13-19; Psalms 127:1; Matthew 15:13). 3). It wears and Honors the Name of Christ. We accept every scriptural designation found in the Bible for this one relationship, the bride of Christ. (Ephesians 5:22-33; Romans 16:16; Colossians 3:17; Ephesians 4:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:28). 4). Christ is our only creed. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice, especially Christ?s last will and testament (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 12:48; Acts 3:22-23; Matthew 24:35; Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:6-11). 5). It is scriptural in organization: Note: The Universal body of Christ has no earthly organization. It is made up of individual Christians and not all of the local congregations.Local congregations are ruled by a group of elders who are also referred to as "pastors, bishops, presbyters, shepherds, and overseers" in New Testament language. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Acts 14:23; 1 Peter 5:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-16; Hebrews 13:7,17). Elders are assisted by deacons to whom they delegate various functions (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-10). As seen in the cited passages these mens family members also must be what they should be for these men to serve in this capacity.There are no synods, hierarchies, district superintendents, Popes, etc. Known to the New Testament. There is no such thing as a "sponsoring eldership:" Each congregation under its own eldership answers directly to Christ (1 Peter 5:1-7; Revelation 2:5). The autonomy of each local church must be respected to please Christ. 6). Local churches worship according to the New Testament pattern as set when inspired men lead them: On the first day of the week, we meet to partake of the Lords supper, sing, pray, study, and contribute a free will offering as the New Testament commands (Acts 20:6-7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; Luke 18:1).We reject methods of attempted worship that are not prescribed in the New Testament such as mechanical instruments of music, speaking in tongues, transubstantiation, consubstantiation, the mass, etc. Since all are inventions of uninspired men Things like tongue speaking was unique to first century assemblies before the New Testament scriptures were completed (1 Corinthians 13:8-13; Hebrews 2:1-3). Too, for folks to attempt to worship who arent in the right relationship with God through Christ is impossible (Ephesians 2:13-17; 3:21) For unfaithful ungodly unrepentant members to attempt to worship is also unacceptable (Isaiah 59:1-2; 66:1-6; 1 Peter 3:12; John 9:31). To engage in unauthorized activities in worship renders worship vain (Matthew 15:8-9; Colossians 2:8). 7). Gospel preachers in faithful churches of Christ refuse to wear religious titles which tend to exalt one above the other and there is no clergy laity system known to New Testament Christianity (Matthew 20:20-27; Matthew 23:1-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Psalm 111:9-10). 8). The New Testament teaches that water baptism is the final act of the new birth of the water and of the Spirit, and that it is a burial of a penitent believer and a resurrection to a new life in Christ. Faithful local churches of Christ honor these instructions. Baptism not only puts one "in Christ" but also into the universal body of the redeemed, the family of God. One is not baptized into the local congregation. (Acts 2:22-38,40-41, 47; Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:12; Mark 16:15-16; Acts 8:26-39; 10:47-48; 1 Peter 3:20-22; Titus 3:5; Acts 22:16). This is the only baptism that is acceptable to Christ (Ephesians 4:5; Acts 19:1-7). 9). Faithful local churches urge the membership to live godly lives, upholding the Biblical standard for morals. If and when members disregard the Biblical standard they become subject to disciplinary action beginning with pointed and plain teaching and ultimately leading to being expelled from among the local membership if they refuse to repent and give up ungodly immoral lifestyles. (Titus 2:11-14; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). 10). We plead for complete obedience to Christ and seek peace and unity based on the Apostles teaching as Christ prayed we should and as the apostles admonished we must to please Christ (John 17:17-; 20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:10-12; 3:1-6). Religious error flourishes where people fail to investigate, study, and think. It was noble in Gods sight when the Bereans "..received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). It is still noble to demand proof that your teaching is what may be proven from the New Testament (1 John 3:1-2; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Jude 3).In order to please Christ, we must obey Him?even if it means changing beliefs and practices which we may have engaged in for years (Hebrews 5:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 10:32-30; Luke 14:23-34). Truth and humility do not fear investigation?they welcome it (Isaiah 1:18; 1 Thess. 5:21). If you are weary concerning denominational divisions and doctrines of uninspired men which are constantly changing with the times, we believe you will be happy to learn of the plea made by faithful Christians and by local churches of Christ to lay aside all human elements in religion such as creeds and such and just follow the word of Christ in everything (Colossians 3:17; Acts 3:22-23; Matthew 17:1-5; John 12:48; 2 John 9-11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1). In other words, come with us back to the Bible. Be as broad as it allows and as narrow as it demands. Let us call Bible things by Bible names. Let us do Bible things in Bible ways. Let us seek to obey Christ in all things. Let us be simple New Testament Christians-nothing more and nothing less and nothing else. We invite you to visit the Franklin, Church of Christ which meets at 2302 old Murphy Road Franklin, North Carolina, 28734 Call for more information at 1 (828) 349-3514. We would like to set up a time for a FREE home Bible study class with you at a time and place mutually agreeable. By Kenneth E. Thomas 221 Rolling Acres Trail Box #14 Franklin, NC 28734 Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/e560d763/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/e560d763/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 31851 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/e560d763/attachment-0003.gif From kthomas at dnet.net Mon Jan 12 13:08:12 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:08:12 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] The Way That Is Right And Cannot Be Wrong Message-ID: <496B951C.000012.03420@KENSCOMPUTER> THE WAY THAT IS RIGHT AND CAN NOT BE WRONG -- Psalms 16:11; 119:105 -- Introduction: Everybody looks for the sure thing. Items guaranteed for life, directions that are right. The more important the matter the more sure we want to be. We must be right when it comes to our soul, Proverbs 8:35-36. I. NO BOOK BUT THE BIBLE. A. The Bible contains the words of God, Ephesians 3:1-6. 1. The words of God are sufficient to give eternal life, Philippians 2:16. 2. It claims to be all that there is, no other revelation, 2 Tim. 3:16-17. 3. God?s word will sanctify (separate us from the world), John 17:17. 4. All things that pertain to life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3. 5. It is the "perfect law of liberty," James 1:25 6. It furnishes one to every good work, 2 Timothy 3:17. A. So why not just forget all other books and obey God?s word? 1. Creeds contradict the Bible by either adding to or subtracting from. 2. Creeds are simply the work of people presuming to speak for God. I. NO CREED BUT CHRIST A. What do you believe in? 1. Creed means I believe. 2. We must know His commandments, Romans 10:17. 3. Involves self-study and learning, John 20:30-31. A. He must be the center of our religion. 1. Jesus is our High Priest, King, Lord, Ruler, Advocate, Intercessor, Shepherd, Master, Ephesians 1:22,23. 2. If Jesus is not everything to us, He is nothing to us. I. NO ORGANIZATION BUT CHRIST?S CHURCH A. The church is the saved, Acts 2:47. 1. Only one Savior, Christ, only one body, His. 2. We can not be saved outside that body. A. Jesus sets the terms for entrance into His body. 1. By the Gospel, Romans 1:16-17. 2. Only can be saved and never be a part of any denomination. I. NO WORSHIP BUT THAT FOUND IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, JOHN 4:24 A. They studied the "Apostles doctrine", Acts 2:42. 1. Man can not argue with God?s word, 1 Corinthians 2:16. 2. What can be wrong with giving Bible answers to spiritual matters? A. They sang songs, Ephesians 5:19, Col. 3:16. 1. Our heart is our instrument, we are to sing with understanding and feeling. 2. What could possibly be wrong with "singing" and not playing another instrument? A. They prayed to God, Acts 2:42; Acts 12:5. 1. Jesus is our Intercessor, our Advocate. We are to pray with faith and according to God?s Will. 2. What could possibly be wrong with praying in the "name of Jesus"? A. The observed the Lord?s Supper on the first day of the week, Acts 20:7. 1. Every week has a first day; we observe every first day of every week. 2. What could possibly be wrong with this? A. They gave to the Lord, 1 Corinthians 16:1,2. 1. For benevolence toward needy saints, preaching the gospel. I. NO NAME BUT CHRIST. A. Followers of Christ we called Christians, Acts 11:26; Acts 4:10-12. 1. It was a new name (Isaiah 62:1,2; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16; 1 Cor. 1:10-12). 2. They were also called disciples and saints. I. NO PLAN OF SALVATION BUT THE BIBLE PLAN. A. God only has one plan Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16? man has many. Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/37a8df9f/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/37a8df9f/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 41807 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/37a8df9f/attachment-0003.gif From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Jan 12 15:00:58 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:00:58 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>What Shall We Do Then (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <356009D55C404B0E8E82647952A78E6A@D2381J91> What Shall We Do Then (Kent Heaton) John the Baptist was a fire and brimstone preacher. His appearance alone would strike fear into most hearts. "Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey" (Matthew 3:4). His sermons were direct and not very commending to the religious order of the Jewish nation. "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, 'You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance'" (Matthew 3:7-8). He would warn them not to trust in their lineage for God did not approve of their hypocrisy. When John was preaching to the people he would rebuke their pretense but then follow up with great words of encouragement. The historian Luke records such a sermon in Luke 3. After warning the multitudes to "bear fruits worthy of repentance," John was asked by the people, "What shall we do then?" (Luke 3:10). John outlined five things they needed to do. First, they needed to give to the needy. "The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise" (Luke 3:11). Albert Barnes said of this passage: "In other words, aid the poor according to your ability; be benevolent, and you will thus show that your repentance is genuine." John did not want to make the people think that repentance required only hardship but the attitude of heart that would reach out to other people. A changed heart toward God is a changed heart toward one another. "And some tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, 'Teacher, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Collect no more than what you have been ordered to'" (Luke 3:12,13). Honesty is a characteristic of the people of God. Tax collectors were hated by the Jews because of their propensity to take more taxes than required by the Romans and pocket the rest for themselves. Zaccheus acknowledged if he had defrauded anyone he would return four times as much (Luke 19:1-10). The author Matthew was a tax collector. John exhorts the people to be honest before all men. Remarkably, some soldiers came and questioned John the Baptist about what they must do. "'And what about us, what shall we do?' And he said to them, 'Do not take money from anyone by force, or accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages'" (Luke 3:11-14). The final three admonitions are found in response to questions by soldiers. Soldiers had a powerful role in John's world; whether as Romans soldiers or those who served Herod or Philip. Regardless of their place of responsibility, John admonishes them to be kind, be truthful and be content. What a powerful example the soldiers would make for the teaching of John the Baptist to fulfill those roles. These lessons should not be lost on the people of God today. Our lives must be filled with benevolence (Matthew 25:31-46) for we will be judged by such. Honesty is the golden crown of a Christians life (Ephesians 4:15;25-32). Kindness and truth should be our garments of grace to others (Colossians 3:12-17). Being content is the admonition of the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11 and 1 Timothy 6:8. The Hebrew writer also exhorts the Christians to "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5). John the Baptist had a good sermon. 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 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN July 26 - August 1, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090112/98a46b3a/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Jan 13 05:29:37 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:29:37 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE TWELVE SPIES 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: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE TWELVE SPIES After the children of Israel were freed from Egyptian bond- age and delivered from Pharaoh's army, they began their journ- ey toward Mt. Sinai. In the wilderness God provided food, water and protection. When they arrived at Sinai, they received the law that would govern them as a nation and the pattern for the tabernacle regulating their worship. After being numbered and organized, they were not ready to enter the land of promise. However, it seems that the people originated the idea to sear- ch the land (Deut. 1:20-23). God agreed to it and told them to "spy out the land" and see how the people lived, how strong they were, and what the land looked like. After forty days, the spies returned and admitted Canaan was a wonderful land, but expressed doubt they could conquer these strong people. Two of the spies, Caleb and Joshua, objected and said, "we are well able" to take the land. However, the majority prevailed and Israel wandered in the wilderness another 38 years while an en- tire generation died. This account from Num. 13 & 14 should be very familiar to most readers. But the question is: What do we learn from it? Concerning the problems of Israel Paul wrote: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come" (1 Cor. 10:11). Regarding our approach to studying the Old Test- ament Paul also penned: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). So what example is set for us in this account? What admonitions do we receive? What lessons do we learn from the twelve spies? Two Attitudes: -- The outlook of the ten spies was not very bright. Their report was one of gloom. They could only see the problems instead of the possibilities, the giants instead of God and defeat instead of victory. The inspired writer called it "an evil report" (Num. 13:32). Their attitude could certainly be called negative. On the other hand, Caleb and Joshua, were very optimistic. Their report was one of hope. They saw the possibilities instead of the problems, God instead of giants, and victory instead of defeat. God said Caleb "had a different spirit" (Num. 14:24). Yes it was different from the ten spies because it was positive instead of negative. Today, in the world and in the church, we still have these two groups of people, opportunities to spread the gospel and the disposition that says "we are able." While there are others who can only see the bad in people, the flaw in any idea and say "we are not able." Traits Of The Ten Spies: -- Let us look a little closer into this neg- ative attitude of the ten spies and see what traits composed their character. 1) Doubt: -- They said, "We are not able" (13:31). Doubt caus- ed them to question their resources to take the land, as well as their God Who was leading them. 2) Self-depreciation: -- "We were in our own sight as grass- hoppers, and so we were in their sight" (13:33). They say them- selves as teeny, tiny, little grasshoppers about to be squashed by the big, bad giants. 3) Fear: -- Joshua indicates in 14:9 that they were afraid. Fear naturally follows doubt and self-depreciation. Fear then will paralyze one and keep him from acting. 4) Critical Spirit: -- When people become negative and inact- ive, they turn to criticizing others who want to move forward. The whole congregation was influenced by these terrible ten to murmur and complain against God's leaders, Moses and Aaron (Num. 14:1,2). (This was a case of following a multitude to do evil Exo. 23:2, JWS). 5) Rebellion: -- The preceding attitudes contributed to the spirit of rebellion against God. They said, "Let us make a cap- tain and return to Egypt" (14;4). Can you imagine being on the brink of the promised land, and then wanting to return to the land of slavery? 6) Ingratitude: -- Implied is also a spirit that was not thankful for their blessings. They failed to appreciate all that God had done for them in the two years after leaving Egypt. 7) Unbelief: -- All of these negative traits can be summed up in one word -- unbelief. The writer of Heb. 3:18,19 says that un- belief kept them from entering Canaan. Brethren, doesn't it scare you to death to look at this list and see so many of these negatives in the church today, attitudes that hold us back, divide our ranks, that cause us to wander in the wilderness of sin and keep us from entering the land of prom- ise? Several years ago James P. Needham wrote a very fine art- icle that described negativism this way: "There is no place in the Christian's life for negativism, yet tis is the persistent attitude of many. It constantly talks down the great work of God. It is a pro- phet of doom, gloom and boom! It says nothing is useful or beneficial, no, not gospel meetings, Bible classes, etc., etc. Everything proposed is a waste of time, effort, and especially money! That's the most important. Negativism is not realistic, but materialistic. Negativism is an elephant on the road to pro- gress; a millstone around the neck of usefulness; a cancer of the mind of its advocate; and ice pack on the fervor of the faith- ful. It sees thorns on the rose bush, never the roses on the thorn bush. Its parent is little faith, its child is discouragement, its grandchild is cantankerousness and its first cousin is stubb- ornness!" Caleb And Joshua: -- These two men were "different." They had a different disposition, a different focus on life, and a different attitude toward God and His work. What were some of the attrib- utes of their attitudes? 1) Faith: -- They said, "We are well able to overcome" (13:30). They believed in themselves, in their fellow Israelites and most importantly in their God. 2) Confidence: -- Concerning the Canaanites Joshua said, "The people are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us" (14:9). They had the confidence in the outcome of this undertaking, because they knew they were doing the Will of God. 3) Courage: -- Joshua said, "Fear them not" (14:9). He was not afraid of the giants, the walled cities or the strength of the people. 4) Action: -- Caleb said, "Let us go up at once, and possess it" (13:30). Possitive people say, "Let's go and do it now!" 5) Thankfulness: -- They understood the land was a gift from God, a blessing due to His delight in them (14:7,8). True appreci- ation for one's blessings will lead to action and obedience. Today, as we face the giant problems of sin, suffering or sick- ness in our personal lives or the apathy, indifference and cowardice in the lives of our brethren, we need the positive traits of faith, confidence, and courage, coupled with action and an appreciation of God's blessings to lead us on to victory. Conclusion: -- Num. 3:32 tells us there were 603,550 men of war. Of that number only two, Caleb and Joshua, entered into Canaan, 603, 548 fell in the wilderness. Jesus said only a "few" will enter and walk the strait and narrow way leading to life, while many will walk the broad way leading to destruction (Matt. 7:13,14). Will you and I decide to develop the disposition like God's two heroes of old? Or will we be like those shameful spies who brought back the negative report? Don't be a whiner! Be a winner for God! --- Ken Weliever via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 49, Dec. 7, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090113/7069e55e/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Jan 13 05:29:50 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:29:50 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) FOLLOWING BIBLE EXAMPLES (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second and final installment of this particular subject. Use to the glory of God. FOLLOWING BIBLE EXAMPLES (2) II. Distinction Must Be Made Between The Incidental And The Essential: -- It is not enough tht an example be taken from the New Covenant. Such examples must be refined still further by removing the merely incidental and retaining the essential. By incidental, we mean "a chance or undesigned feature," hence a feature of secondary importance. By essential, we mean "nec- essary, indespensable, important in the highest degree." To illustrate the point: the apostles baptized people in Jerusalem. Is it essential in imitation of them to baptize in Jerusalem today? Is the place of baptizing an incidental or an essential? It should be clear that the incidental part of a Bible example is not binding in order faithfully to follow the example. An attempt to bind upon people something that is purely incidental results in fanaticism and hobbyism. The problem to be solved is that of distinguishing between the incidental and the essential. Some suggestions are here offered: 1. The incidental will very from one example to the other; the essentials will remain unchanged. We must, then, seek for the constant factors in Bible examples. 2. The incidental will never be a part of a command. In the case of examples which are in obedience to commands, them- selves also recorded in the Bible, a careful scrutiny of the comm- and as compared to the example will enable one to sift the essen- tial from the incidental. 3. If an act is symbolic, whatever things are necessary to the symbol are essentials. This does not mean that whatever is non- essential to the symbolism will therefore be an unnecessary part of the example. Many questions may be satisfactorily solved by giving prop- er attention to incidentals as distinguished form essentials: Is running water essential to baptism? Is an upper room essential to the communion? Must two preachers go together in evangel- istic work as did Paul and Barnabas? There is a New Testament example for each of these things mentioned, yet a fair examinat- ion of the record discloses these elements to be incidental. III. Distinction Must Be Made Between Things Permanent And Temporary: -- Some practices were engaged in during the first century which were not at all intended to be examples for our following today, simply because they were temporary rather than permanently binding. It would certainly be a mistake to att- empt to retain in the church today practices which it was God's will should be discontinued. True respect for the Will of God certainly requires that we not only do the things now command- ed of us, but also leave undone those things which He does not want us to do. Herewith are presented some principles to employ in determ- ining whether a practice observed in the Bible was temporary of permanent. 1. Anything based solely upon custom is temporary. The law of God is certainly not tied to the customs either of ancient civilizations or modern. Formerly, the washing of a traveler's feet was one way of extending hospitality. With changes in the customary mode of travel, hospitality is displayed in other ways. We are still to greet our brethren cordially, yet the formality of a "holy kiss" is not required because ti was a temporary practice based on the then prevalent and customary way of saluting a brother. 2. Anything based upon temporary world conditions is temp- orary. Under similar conditions, such would still be binding, yet we are not to feel bound to adhere to such a Bible example when world conditions change. We do not understand that some practices in the Jerusalem church were intended as perm- anent, viz. "and all that believed were together, and had all things common" (Acts 2:44) "Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common" (Acts 4:32). Paul clearly conditioned his recommendations concerning marriage as being only for a cert- ain time when he said: "I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be" (1 Cor. 7:26). 3. Anything involving the miraculous is temporary. While miracles certainly were necessary in New Testament times to "confirm the word" (Mk. 16:20) and miraculous gifts were need- ed "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:12), yet since "that which is perfect is come" (1 Cor. 13:10) any practices requiring miracles or miraculous gifts is clearly temporary. 4. Anything involving living apostles is temporary. The apos- tles were necessary to the establishment and proper ordering of the church in the beginning, but the apostleship was a tempora- ry office. In the very nature of the office and its requirements (Acts 1:21,22) there could be no successors. A "Jerusalem con- ference" today could settle no issue; even the attempt to do so would be antiscriptural. An apostle would be needed to give his "sentence" (Acts 15:19). Thus, whatever examples or parts of examples were temporary are not to be followed today. There is too much reckless handling of Bible examples. On the one hand, there is an alarming independence of them felt. Many seem to feel that everything in the Bible is temporary and incidental and that whenever they develop better ways (in their own eyes) of doing things, they are free to disdain Bible examp- les and substitute their own. Nadab and Abihu learned the folly of that, as did Ussah also. Lev. 10:1,2; 2 Sam. 6:6,7. We need to hearken to the admonition which God gave to Moses: "See that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount" (Heb. 8:5). "And Moses verily was faithful in all his house." On the other hand, there is a blind following of examples which in its extreme nature rather detracts from, than adds to, their authority. It is such a blind following that reverts to Old Testament examples, binds the incidental, retains the temporary and burdens men with a yoke which they cannot carry. May the Lord bless us that we may have proper respect for His Word, its sufficiency and its authority, and that rightly dividing it, we may be found conforming to the faith once for all delivered to the saints. -------- Earle H. West in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 9, July, 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090113/85424677/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Jan 12 22:11:40 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:11:40 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Romans 8:1-11: No Condemnation Message-ID: Romans 8:1-11: No Condemnation Base Text: Romans 8:1-11 I. Understanding the Text A. No condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) 1. A definitive statement! 2. Those who belong to Christ will not be condemned 3. Importance of being "in Christ Jesus"! B. Set Free From Sin and Death (Romans 8:2-4) 1. How is it that there is no condemnation for those in Christ? 2. Christ set us free from law of sin and death 3. Law of sin and death-- penalty for our sin was physical and spiritual death (Romans 5) 4. "The Law" of Moses unable to remove penalty since no one could keep it (Galatians 3-4) 5. Christ was able to do so by coming in the "likeness" of sinful flesh (cf. John 1:1, 14) 6. By keeping the Law perfectly, and being sacrificed for sin, He did away with sin and death (Hebrews 7-9) 7. Sin itself is now "condemned" in Him 8. But to whom is this applied? Those who walk not by the flesh but by the Spirit C. Flesh versus Spirit (Romans 8:5-8) 1. Paul sets up the contrast: those who live by the flesh versus those who live by the Spirit 2. Distinction: those who set their minds on either 3. Galatians 5:17-24 4. Mind on the flesh = death (Romans 6:23) 5. Mind on the Spirit = life and peace (Philippians 4:7) 6. True in both spiritual and physical terms 7. Mind on flesh hostile to God-cannot please Him 8. Does not abide by His law D. Promises to Believers (Romans 8:9-11) 1. Christians should not have their minds on the flesh 2. The Spirit of God must "dwell" in them 3. Without it, one does not belong to Him 4. Spirit of God / Spirit of Christ 5. If Christ is present, even though body is dead, spirit alive 6. Death of body based on Adam's, our sin (Romans 5:12-14) 7. Yet spirit need not die or be condemned-- Spirit is to be life because of "righteousness" 8. Promise of resurrection: if we have same Holy Spirit as Christ, we will be raised as Christ was raised II. Applications A. Great encouragement 1. Paul is attempting to encourage the believers 2. He points to the great salvation accomplished for us 3. We have every reason to believe in God and His promises B. Superiority of Christ 1. Christ was able to do what the Law could not 2. We indeed live under a better covenant with better promises (Hebrews 8:6)! C. "Freedom From" 1. In Christ, we are "free from" sin and death 2. Not license, as is commonly understood 3. Romans 6:16-18 D. Mind on the Spirit 1. All the promises in this passage are dependent on having the mind set on the Spirit 2. We must "have" the Spirit "in us" 3. Without it, we are no longer Christ's! 4. Demonstration of Spirit: its fruit (Galatians 5:22-24) 5. We demonstrate by our conduct to whom we belong (Matthew 7:16-20)! 6. Passage also a demonstration that we must "have" the Spirit in some measure if we belong to Christ 7. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:12-28 8. Hard to argue against some kind of presence of Spirit considering Romans 8:11-- without the Holy Spirit, we cannot be resurrected on the final day! 9. The Spirit as "down payment" on our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13-14) E. Salvation of Christians 1. Those who are "in Christ Jesus" will be saved 2. There is "no condemnation" for them 3. They have their minds set on the Spirit, and the Spirit is "in" them F. All that remains is for us to be those persons! 1. Are our minds set on the Spirit? 2. Is the Spirit "in" us? 3. Will there be no condemnation for us? III. Conclusion A. Romans 8:1-11 a comforting and encouraging passage for the Christian 1. Salvation is not in doubt for those who serve God 2. No condemnation for such persons! B. Importance of having the Spirit, having mind set on the Spirit C. Is your mind set on the flesh or on the Spirit? D. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Jan 14 04:03:23 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:03:23 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) CREATION: NECESSARY BIBLICAL INFERENCES (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. CREATION: NECESSARY BIBLICAL INFERENCES (1) The points we bring to your attention in this article are in themselves clearly taught in Scripture. They are, however, also necessarily inferred or implied by the very fact of Divine Creat-ion. When one by faith accepts that Almighty God created all things other than Himself, the resulting "worldview" (or God-view) necessitates unequivocal basic convictions concerning material things, human beings, and human response to God (i.e. worship, service, and ethical responsibility). Understanding that, we are provided answers to many of today's great social issues which are addressed and resolved in the very first chapt- ers of the Bible. Again, for further consideration of this subject, I recommend that you read Jack Cottrell's chapter 4 in God the Creator, a major source (other than the Bible) for our study. In that chapter Cottrell quotes Langdon Gilkey in Maker of Heaven and Earth: "the idea that God is the Creator of all things is the indispensab- le foundation on which the other beliefs of the Christian faith are abased. It affirms what the Christian believes about the status of God in the whole realm of reality: He is the Creator of every- thing else. On this affirmation logically depends all that Christ- ians say about God, about the world they live in, and about their own history, destiny, and hope" (pg. 143). Inferences Regarding The Material Universe: -- We begin by accepting through faith that God is truly the Creator. We believe in creation, not macro-evolution. That clearly declares that all matter adn the natural processes which manage it wre created by God. The fact that a good God made it implies that matter it- self, with regard to its basic innate nature at least, is good. "And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good" (Gen. 1:31). "For everything created by God is good, and noth- ing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude" (1 Tim. 4:4). Many philosophical and religious systems have denied that matter is good. Plato acknowledged the reality of matter but re- garded it as a hindrance to man. Early "Christian" philosophies such as gnosticism and Manichaeism contrasted matter with God. Modern metaphysical notions such as those held by Christian Science are similar in derivation. In Sankaran Hindu, the notion of maya says that matter is unreal...based on the con- cept that it is evil. New Testament Christians teach that matter is good as created by God. The Bible nowhere teaches that anything God made is intrin- sically evil. There is nothing evil, for instance, about the human body. When Paul talks about the "works of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16- 21), he is not talking about the composition of physical flesh, but about the sinful dispositions of individuals who do not follow God's Will in their lives. Even the desires and needs of the body (food and drink, sexual satisfaction, etc.) are not in themselves sinful. And things composed from the matter God created are not in themselves evil (television, computers, etc.). The purpos- es may be evil (as with many instruments of either torture or plea- sure), but their material elements are not evil. While we may say that computers are evil because one can view pornography there, the evil is found in the corrupt mind of the user, not in the machine itself. God's creation was designed to glorify Himself. "The heav- ens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handi- work" (Psa. 19:1). Therefore, His creation announces His great- ness both in terms of power and goodness. Evil proceeds from man's corrupting what God has made, not from God's physical creation itself. Man should live in the world using what God has made to glorify the Creator. We must realize that matter is finite and limited. Matter is not eternal. Only God is eternal. The very fact that it came from noth- ing by the powerful hand of the Creator argues that matter de- pends upon God for its existence. If it could be brought into ex- istence by His Word, it can as readily be taken away and cease to exist. While it exists, however, matter is generally reliable and pre- dictable. We speak of the laws of nature which are also created and sustained by Almighty God. When a woman is impregnated by a man, she does not expect to give birth to a baby orangutan. We can depend on nature to act according to fixed patterns. While we admit to change within species, science itself argues against Darwinism by the very fact of predictable "laws" of nat- ure. If matter and the material natural world as we know it evolv- ed without rational planning and/or purpose, it would be capric- ious, unpredictable, and absurd. One could not depend on the fact that the atmosphere around him would sustain him from day to day. The recent predictable testing of RNA and DNA pro- viding microbiological confirmations would be unreliable. When one accepts that God created from His rational, orderly, and reliable nature, he accepts that God's creation is also ration- al, orderly, and reliable. It is not random! Inferences Regarding Man: -- If God created man, man owes every part of his existence to God. Not only did God create our bodies, but our spirits as well. "Know tht the Lord Himself is God; it is He Who has made us and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture" (Psa. 100:3). We are, therefore, totally dependent upon God for our being. We did not come into being on our own and we are not sustained by our own power or effort. Likewise, being created by God argues that we have mean- ing and purpose. Only human beings are made in the image of God. That implies that we also are good and not evil by nature. The fact that we are in the flesh does not argue that we must sin. I do not like to hear brethren pray, "Lord, we are only hum- an. Please forgive us," as if that somehow justifies our sinfulne- ss and weakness. Our obligation is to commit to righteousness and glorifying God in our bodies. We should be praying that our existence on earth be dedicated to the fulfillment of God's pur- poses in creating us. "What" I am explains "why" I am and pro- vides understanding as to "who" I am. that forces me to conclude that animals are not equivalent to man. Man is made in the image of God. Adam had animals but he had no comparable helper until God made Eve. It is politically correct in our society to place the protection of animals on a par with safeguarding the wellbeing of humans. While I am happy that we severely punish people who grossly abuse and sadisti- cally torture and slaughter both domesticted dogs and wild cats, animals are not human beings. Further, I must conclude from the creation that I do not have the choice to kill innocent human beings. Man may not with impunity interrupt the continuum of human life for his own selfish purposes once it has begun in the womb. Animal rights and abortion are two more issues at least fundamentally answered in the first two chapters of Genesis. In light of these implications, I owe God my submission. I want to be in fellowship with Him and in harmony with His Will. I can in fact do nothing less in light of my debt to my Creator. That leads to three other points: worship, service, and morality. (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/20090114/80a7f4c4/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Jan 14 04:03:13 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:03:13 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) HIDE IT UNDER A BUSHEL? NO! 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: HIDE IT UNDER A BUSHEL? NO! The book of Acts is a book of conversions. It is the historic- al record of the apostles fulfilling the Great Commission of Christ, "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature..." (Mk. 16:15). They did so in Jerusalem, Samaria, Caes- area, and in the uttermost parts of the world. They did so with great success. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were on the Second Missionary Journey and came to Troas. There, Paul received a vision in the night, of a man who said, "Come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9). They set course immediately. While in Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia, they taught and baptized Lydia and her household. This initial success was quickly countered with an altercation with the local law enforcement. Though Paul and Silas were put in jail, they were not set free from their responsibi- lity to preach the gospel of Christ. Jesus said to "let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). Everyone has a light, one that is not meant for hiding but shining. Never is this more clearly seen than through Paul and Silas' behavior in their dark prison cell. What can we learn from their shining example? You Will Face Many Temptations To Turn Off Your Light: -- Paul and Silas had every right to be discouraged. Their robes torn off of them, they were beaten with rods with "many stripes," thrown into the inner prison, the most secure cell, and their feet fasten- ed in stocks (Acts 16:22-24). This was a divice used to spread the legs as far apart as possible, to ensure cramps and discom- fort. What was their reaction in all of this? Did they grumble and complain? Did they threaten to quit or surrender their responsi- bilities toward Christ? "But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God" (Acts 16:25). Their candle were literally burning the midnight oil. The darkest times are when you must shine even brighter. Your attitude reveals a great deal about your character. Christ- ians ought to be people who respond differently to tragedy and calamity than the rest of the world. We see the bigger picture. We know God is still in control. We believe He has the power to work everything together for good. Paul and Silas were singing "hymns of praise" in prison. It's as if they were thanking God for the privilege of persecution. When disaster strikes, don't look for the "off" switch for your light. But rather, press the "on" button. You Never Know Who Can See Your Light: -- The Lord was not the only one hearing their prayers and songs. "And the prison- ers were listening to them" (Acts 16;25). The sounds in their cell were as important as the words of their sermons on the streets. Remember, Paul and Silas had received a vision to go to Maced- onia, concluding that God had called them to go preach the gos- pel there. And they were not about to quit preaching. Even in jail, they saw an opportunity to turn these prisoners into bond- servants of Jesus Christ. (They literally had a captive audience, JWS). People are watching you, too. In your neighborhood, in your classes, on your team, at your work. They notice that you are different. They don't hear the same words coming out of your mouth that they hear from other people. They don't see you going to the same places and participating in the same activities as those in the world. Or do they...? God has called all of us to preach His Gospel. Not just with our words but with our examples, how we live our lives. The purpose of letting your light shine is so men will "see your good works and glorify your Father" (Matt. 5:16). They've already seen plenty of bad ones. Give them something good to watch and hear. Let them see Him who is the Source of all light. You Can't Be A Light Without Sending The Light: -- Souls were saved the night Paul and Silas let their lights shine. After the earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, the jailer awoke to find all the doors opened. When he learned that none of the prisoners had escaped, he ran and fell before the feet of Paul and Silas and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved" (Acts 16:30)? The jailer must have been listening to their songs and prayers along with the prisoners. (No, he awoke from his sleep and saw that the doors of the prison were opened and the prisoner's chains were loose, JWS). (He was about to kill him- self with his own sword thinking that the prisoners had escaped Paul called to him and told him that all the prisoners were still there, JWS). So he approached Paul and Silas with a question that he knew they were able to answer. He could see that they were living the kind of life they were preaching about. They had not led the prisoners out of the prison even though all had been freed by the quake. We have souls to rescue, souls to save. Make sure that peo- ple know where to find you. If they can make no distinction be- tween you and the rest of the world, enslaved in sin, what reas- on would they have for asking you about salvation (1 Pet. 3:15)? And make certain you're prepared for the opportunity to answer their questions. Paul and Silas "spoke the Word of the Lord to him" that night (Acts 16:32). How much would their flame or light been extinguished had they not been able to answer his question of eternal life? (Jesus had promised His disciples that they did not have to worry about what to say on any occasion for He would put into their mouths what they should say, JWS). There are some people whom you alone can reach. Be sure to leave the light on for them. The same jailer who had fastened the feet of Paul and Silas in the stocks was baptized and set free from the bondage of sin. Think about him the next time you are tempted to hide your light under a bushel. -------- Bubba Garner via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 49, Dec. 14, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090114/109b01e1/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jan 15 00:36:21 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:36:21 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) TONING IT DOWN 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: TONING IT DOWN A "Country Meeting" had gone exceedingly well, and elders from another community asked the preacher to work with them in a meeting the following year. He came at the appointed time, and found his reputation had spread, and the building was pack- ed. The elders met him at the car, told him they had never had such a gathering of Methodists, Baptists, and no-church folk, so he must be very careful lest he offend someone with his forthrig- ht teaching. Being young and brash, and having no more tact than to tell the truth, he reminded them of the undiluted lessons that had been given at the neighboring church the previous year. He said that since he had not been in that section of the state be- fore, the previous year's work must have drawn this year's crowd; and certainly was the reason he had been asked to come. He concluded, "if you expect to hold and convert these people with something other than the kind of preaching that brought them together, in the first place, I'm afraid you have the wrong man. I'll get back into my car and go home." With much confusion -- "Oh no, you must have misunder- stood us" etc., the preacher was persuaded to stay, and the meeting began. The preaching was strong, and seemed to get a little stronger; but the people continuted to come, and serveral were converted. I do not now believe, nor did I then, that "skinning the sects" is good preaching. Some folk will turn away from straight, plain truth, no matter how fairly we seek to present it. But we are dead wrong in thinking we can convert people to Christ with any- thing other than the Bible message. It will convict the world res- pecting sin, righteousness, and judgment; and many won't like taht. But we are looking for the "few" who will like it, and will genuinely turn to God. "Toning It Down" will produce only "toned down" members of a "toned down" church. You may keep the money, the politic- ians, adn silk-stocking crowd; but you will lose the backbone and fiber that is necessary for a church to prevail and please the Lord. And if "members" are not interested in pleasing the Lord and saving souls, why bother with any preaching at all? --------- Robert Turner via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 49, Dec. 14, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090115/31a41800/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Jan 15 00:36:34 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 01:36:34 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) CREATION: NECESSARY BIBLICAL INFERENCES (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. CREATION: NECESSARY BIBLICAL INFERENCES (2) Inferences Regarding Man's Responsibility: -- Worship: -- The fact tht we have been created evokes our worship. We worship because we owe it and because we are driven to it by the sheer awesome realization that the Being Who brought us into exist- ence is far above ourselves. "By the Word of the Lord the heav- ens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast" (Psa. 33:a6-9). "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us knell before the Lord our Maker" (Psa. 95:6). "Worship Him Who made the heav- en and the earth and sea and springs of water" (Rev. 14:7). "Wor- thy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things" (Rev. 4:11). The fact of creation also makes God the One and only object of our worship. Nothing else in our existence is worthy to be worshipped. Everything other than God is created. He alone is infinite and above all things made. Paul says that one is a fool who "exchanges the truth of God for a lie and worships and ser- ves the creature rather than the Creator" (Rom. 1:22-25). Service: -- Creation gives the true meaning to service and the concept of stewardship. All things belong to God ultimately. "For every beast of the forest is Mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird of the mountains, and everything that moves in the field is Mine" (Psa. 50:10,11). The fact that God made all things provides His right to claim all things as His own. Because He made all things from nothing for His own purposes, they are His. A steward, by definition, is one who cares for by properly using that which belongs to another. All that we think of as ours is only ours to use for a time. When we pass, it is plac- ed in the hands of others. We must remember, it always belongs to God. Look at the clear statements of scriptural argumentation on this point: "The earth is the Lord's and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers" (Psa. 24:1,2). "The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine, the world and all it contains, Thou hast founded them" (Psa. 89:11; 95:4,5; 100:3). "You are blessed, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as Head over all, both riches and honor come from You and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? for all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You. For we are aliens and pilgrims before You, as were all our fathers; our days on earth are as a shadow, and without hope. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have prepar- ed to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own" (1 Chron. 29:10-16). The answer to the ethical questions, "What ought I to do?" and "Why ought I to do it?" is founded upon the truth that God is the Creator with the inherent right to set ethical standards. It is upon that basis that God gave the Ten Commandments: "I am the Lord thy God." Enough said. If that is not good enough, all ethical and moral responsibility is relative and subjective. If you want happiness, you ought to do what God says. If you want certain relationships, you ought to listen to the moral Governor of the universe. If you want to extend life, you ought to follow guidelines recorded in God's Word. When God says, "Listen to My voice" (Jer. 11:7), why should we? When Jesus says, "Keep My commandments" (Jno. 14:15), why should we? When men read, "You should diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and His statutes which He has commanded you" (Deut. 6:17), men ask, "Who says?" The God who made you said! God has the absolute right...not just the power but the moral right and we have an absolute obligation to obey Him. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we owe it to God to obey Him and it is rebellion to refuse. That moral responsibility speaks volumes to the thoughtful person in today's world. First, God did not intend to create a uni- sex society. He created human beings male and female. God made men and women equal in personhood but different in roles and the gender qualities to support those roles. That argues, second, that God did not intend for man to practice homosexuality. That kind of deviant lifestyle is strictly forbidden by God as opposed to nature; that is, to the way in which man was created (Rom. 1:22-27; 1 Cor. 6:9,10). Third, God created male and female to come together in unity which would produce progeny. He governed that so that one man and one woman would live together for life. That prohibits promiscuity (pre-mari- tal or extra-marital) and infers God's answer to divorce and re- marriage. It also speaks to the establishment of the family as God's domestic relationship in which a male and female are res- ponsible in their roles to provide for their children. All these soc- ial issues are addressed and resolved early in the very first book of the Bible. Jesus appealed to this exact concept when He said "Have you not read that He Who made them at the beginning made them male and female?" (Matt. 19:4). On all of these issues, we might also say, "Have you not read" about the wond- erful Creator and His masterful work? ----- C.G. "Colly" Caldwell in Truth Magazine, Vol. 52, No. 5, May, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090115/2dcdae85/attachment.html From chris.gautney at gmail.com Tue Jan 13 20:59:08 2009 From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney) Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:59:08 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Sermon Tidbits/Notes/lessons Message-ID: <9fd765230901131859w6dbd6a87kb21274d97ec33f87@mail.gmail.com> All: I have inherited the files my grandfather JM Kennedy used in his 51 years of preaching. I hope to be able from time to time share notes and tidbits as well as full lessons as I transcribe them since great deal are in his own handwriting while others were printed. He is legally blind and health is failing so he is parting with much of his material. As I look through all of the various notes, notebooks, binders, and journals, I realize the great aid modern technology has been in the furtherance of the gospel. May it be profitable for your consideration and use. If you see something you can use/or further develop, I would enjoy hearing from you and and I'm sure he would be glad to know they were put to good use as well. Brotherly, ~ Chris Gautney chris.gautney at gmail.com ***************************************************** What happened when Jesus went back to Heaven? Psa. 24: 7 ? 10 ? The Apostles could bear witness of Jesus on earth. Lk. 24:45-49; Acts 1:8 ? But only the Holy Spirit could bear witness to them of what happened when he went back to heaven. Acts 1:9-11; Jno. 16:13,28. 1. Sat down at the right hand of God Dan. 7:13-24; Acts 2:29-33; Rev. 3:21; Heb. 8: 1-2; 1:3; 1 Cor. 15:25-26. 2. Given a name above every name Phil. 2:8-11; Heb. 1:6,8 3. Exalted Acts 2:33 4. Crowned with glory and honor Heb. 2:9 5. Became one mediator (of N.T.) Heb. 9:15; 1 Tim. 2:5 6. Head of church Eph. 1:22-23 7. High priest Heb. 6:20; 8:4 8. Lord & Christ Acts 2:36; Zech. 6:12-13 ************************************************************ What is a Christian? 1. Babes to grow 1 Pet. 2:1-2 2. Disciples to learn Acts 2:42 3. Servants to serve Gal. 1:10 4. Stewards to keep 1 Pet. 4:10 5. Lights to shine Phil. 2:15 6. Salt to preserve Matt. 5:13 7. Epistles to be read 1 Cor. 3:2 8. Soldiers to fight 2 Tim. 2:3 9. Children to inherit Rom. 8:17 From wcoc at bellsouth.net Thu Jan 15 11:17:08 2009 From: wcoc at bellsouth.net (westside) Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:17:08 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] H: Sermon Request Message-ID: <60E8A997C1634F3EA6EDE0D3F6488F80@westsidecoc> Hi Folks, I am again in need of help. Some one wants a lesson on "dealing with a grumby mate." I could say that since my mate is always happy and easy to get along with I am unable to answer this question. However, I could ask her how she puts up with me. Anyway, I am working on this and would like some input before I finish this lesson. Thanks, Dennis "If you make a mistake, learn from it. If you do something brilliant, get over it." D.T. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090115/690e5605/attachment.html From tedwards at onemain.com Thu Jan 15 20:54:07 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:54:07 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 1/4/09 Message-ID: <496FA26F.7415.AFF866@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). ____________________________________________________ January 4, 2009 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) Our Christian Development and Growth (Richie Thetford) 2) True Faith (anonymous) ____________________________________________________ -1- Our Christian Development and Growth by Richie Thetford Before an individual can grow as a Christian he must first be free from sin. Peter writes: "Therefore, laying aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:1-2). Later he says: "By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet. 1:4). Many Christians seem to be "spinning their wheels" when it comes to Christianity. They want to be an active Christian, yet they also want to continue to entangle themselves with worldly things. We cannot develop and grow into the Christian that God wants us to be if we are not willing to give it 100% effort! Only when we truly "desire" for the righteousness of God will we become a mature, seasoned, responsible, and respected Christian in his service. We must be determined to escape the world's lusts and have a living faith toward Christ. James writes: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also" (Jas. 2:26). Our true character, development and growth as a Christian will be evident to all based upon our works. Our Christian growth will be seen by all without us having to ever say a word. Remember the words of Paul? "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all" (1 Tim. 4:12-15). A Christian's development, growth, and progress will be evident to all that see him. Conditions of Growth We can only grow in Christ when we place our trust and cares on him. "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Pet. 5:7). Jesus pleads, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt. 11:28-30). When we cast our cares and lean on Jesus, then we are on our way to developing as a Christian ought to. The worrier, the pessimist, the negative individual will not grow spiritually because he has not learned to let Christ be the center of his life. When we try to go through our daily tasks without including God, then we have miserably failed. Each and everyone of us when asked if we would like to grow up to be a strong, active, knowledgeable, fruitful Christian would probably answer yes! What we say we want to be and what we actually are, often times are two different things. You see, our growth is conditional. Conditioned that we strive to be what we say we want to be! Steps to Christian Growth So how does an individual grow to become the Christian that God would certainly be proud of? The answer is found in the Bible. Peter writes: "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble" (2 Pet. 1:5-10). We learn that the individual who really wants to develop and grow into a servant of God, a dedicated Christian, has an active work to do. A Christian is: * One who is virtuous, longs for knowledge (Eph. 3:19; Prov. 24:5) * Exercises temperance (1 Cor. 9:25; Gal. 5:23) * Is patient (1 Thess. 5:14; Jas. 5:8) * Godly (1 Tim. 4:7-8) * Shows brotherly kindness always (Gal. 6:10) * Understands that all things must be done first of all because of love (1 Cor. 13:1-13). Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit informs us that, if we are actively pursuing these things, we will never stumble! The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians and encouraged them to remain faithful and to develop and grow as Christians by saying: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things" (Phil. 4:8). May we all strive to develop and grow by putting on the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), and meditating on the good, positive aspects of Christianity. As a result, people will be edified by your growth and encouragement! -- Via Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 5 p11 March 2, 2000 ____________________________________________________ -2- True Faith Romans 4:1-12 points to Abraham as God's best example of the kind of faith needed to please Him. Above all else, this passage teaches that we are saved by faith. We are not saved by "pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps." We are not saved by praying so many prayers, attending so many worship services or performing so many good deeds that God owes us salvation, or that God will reward salvation on that basis. Salvation is purely by grace, to those who follow in the steps of the "faith of Abraham." What is implied in this "faith of Abraham"? Abraham's faith was such that he could (A) BELIEVE ANYTHING GOD SAID, (B) DO ANYTHING GOD COMMANDED (C) WITHOUT ASKING QUESTIONS. Those three qualities form the example Abraham set for us today, if we are to have the same saving faith as he. God made some marvelous promises to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; 13:14-17; 15:1-6). In these passages God commanded Abraham to leave his earthly family (parents and kinsmen) and travel to a land He wanted to give him. He not only promised a land for his descendants, but God said Abraham's offspring would become a multitude too large to number. Finally, God told Abraham he would have a child, a son, and that through this child "all nations of the earth will be blessed." The difficult part for Abraham was that he was 100 years old and Sarah, his wife, was 90 at the time of this promise. But Romans 4:23-25 teaches that Abraham was certain that this promise would come true. Why? Because ABRAHAM COULD BELIEVE ANYTHING GOD SAID. And Abraham could do anything God commanded. God told him to leave his land of birth and go to a strange land, and he did. He gave Abraham the commandment of circumcision and he followed God's directive exactly as given. But the crowning moment of Abraham's faith is found in Genesis 22 when God commanded Abraham to take Isaac to Mount Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice there. No test of faith could be any greater than giving up, even killing, your only son. Can you imagine the look in Isaac's eyes as Abraham bound him, laid him on the altar and took the knife to plunge it into the body of his only son? Only God's angel prevented Abraham from carrying out this command. ABRAHAM COULD DO ANYTHING GOD COMMANDED. An important element of faith that is added in the example of Abraham is that he could do all this WITHOUT ASKING QUESTIONS. In our minds, let's ask Abraham some questions. "Abraham, where are you going?" Mt. Moriah. "What will you do there?" I'll offer Isaac as a sacrifice to God. "But isn't he the son of promise?" Yes. "But how will you inherit the Promised Land? How will your seed bless all nations?" I don't know. And he truly did not know! Oh, he considered the possibility that God might raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:19), but he had no assurance that God would do this. The point is, Abraham didn't know and he didn't need to know. He knew that whatever problems arose, God would work them out. Do we have the same faith as Abraham? Can we believe ANYTHING God says? Are we willing to do ANYTHING God commands? And can we do so WITHOUT ASKING QUESTIONS, patiently trusting in Him? God calls on us to have such faith today, certain that His way is best, no matter how apparent our "success" may be or not be outwardly. Are you wondering if there really is a group of Christians who are content to strive for this kind of faith? We invite you to come and see. -- Via bulletin of the North Gardendale church of Christ ____________________________________________________ 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 Fri Jan 16 04:10:43 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:10:43 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) DANIEL'S INFLUENCE 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: 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 con- flict 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, in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 9, No. 8, Dec. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090116/ed69d1bd/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Jan 16 04:10:57 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:10:57 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) A LITTLE LEAVEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anc- ient files. Use to the glory of God. A LITTLE LEAVEN Though Paul's statement, "None of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself," referred to man's relation to God, the principle which it suggests is equally true of man's relationship to one another. No Christian is able to live unto himself, for it is axiomatic that every life exerts some influence on others. It is a blessing because it radiates the principles of Christianity, winn- ing lost souls to the world's Redeemer, blessing them with salva- tion and the Christian with the realization that his life has become instrumental in converting another to Christ.. It is a res- ponsibility, since God demands that each Christian use his influ- ence as a light that others, seeing his good works, may glorify the Father in heaven. Finally, influence is a danger; it can be used to deceive, degrade and destroy. A deceitful and destructive influence in the Corinthian chur- ch was the occasion for Paul's quoting a proverbial statement, "Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?" (1 Cor. 5:6). The leaven usually used by the Jewish housewife was a lump of old dough, well fermented, which was mixed into the new meal as it was prepared for baking. There are two im- portant ideas which are connected metaphorically with leaven. The first is corruption; the leaven was thoroughly fermented before it became usable. The second is the ability of the leaven to communicate this corruption through an entire measure of meal. When a Christian departs so far from the Lord's standards that his influence becomes negative and his unrighteousness acts as a leaven to corrupt and to permeate the entire group with which he associates, he becomes a leaven of worldliness. Leaven Of Worldliness: -- The church in Corinth faced many ser- ious problems, and worldliness was not the least important. Paul wrote, "It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gen- tiles, that one of you hath his father's wife." Moral standards in Corinth were extremely low, for it was a wicked idolatrous city where the worship of Venus was connected with a shameful licentiousness; but even pagan Gentiles refused to condone the depths of degeneracy which went overlooked and unreprov- ed in the church there. A man had his father's wife, and the church had taken no action against him. The leavening influence of this man's sin is indicated by Paul's reproof to the church, "And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you." Whether their inflated pride resulted from their condoning so grevious a sin or whether it was in spite of it, the fact still remai- ns that the sin had already acted as a leaven to deaden their sense of valurs, they were puffed up with pride whent hey should have been grief stricken at the condition of the church. Paul's remedy was to deliver the guilty one to Satan, to "purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, even as ye are un- leavened." These incidents in Corinth teach three vital lessons: (1) One unrighteous life can acts as a demoralizing and corrupting in- fluence in an entire congregation; therefore (2) scriptural discip- line is essential: so that (3) Christians may be a new lump, serv- ing Christ "with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." When Christian living ceases to be distinguishable from worldly living, the church has lost its reason for existing. There are few who doubt that worldliness is one of the greatest dang- ers facing the church in our day, and this enemy is doubly dang- erous because it penetrates slowly, gradually, insidiously as leaven, corrupting one after another until it has affected the en- tire congregation. Leaven Of Traditionalism: -- When Christ warned His disciples to "take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matt. 16:6), they misunderstood the statement, supposing that he referred to bread. Christ rebuked them for this error and reminded them of the occasions when He had miraculously supplied bread to vast multitudes, after which they understood "that He bade them not to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matt. 16:12). The basic error into which the Pharisees had fallen was that of traditionalism, and it was their "teaching" which Christ called "the leaven of the Pharisees." Instead of respecting the Word of God, they had added their traditions which were so numerous and so legalistic that they actually resulted in making void the Word of God. Therefore the Savior rebuked them, "And ye have made void the Word of God because of your tradition. Ye hypo- crites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, 'This people hon- oreth Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me, But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as their doctrine the precepts of men" (Matt. 15:6-9). Leaven Of False Doctrine: -- Apparently many Jewish Christians failed to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees," and the prob- lem of a divided allegiance resulted. For example, the Galatians were attempting to keep circumcision; and it became necessary for Paul to write, "If ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circum- cision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law...A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (Gal. 5:1-9). The idea that a Christian was to keep circumcision was erroneous, but it was doubly dan- gerous because it would act as leaven to bring those Christians into complete bondage to the Judaism from which Christ had given them freedom. An important danger which inheres in every false doctine is its influence, for one false doctrine can become a breeding ground to produce many others. Observe how the leaven of instrumental music and societies worked within the Christian Church to permeate that entire denomination with a complete disregard for the authority of the New Testament. This leaven- ing influence of false doctrine explains its danger to the church and shows why every error, whether instrumental music in the worship of the church, premillennialism or any of the accumulat- ed false doctrines of denominationalism, must be opposed with all the spiritual power at the church's command. To comprom- ise on a single point is to expose a congregation to the danger of all. Error is powerful in spite of its satanic character; and wheth- er doctrinal or moral, it can act as a leavening influence to corrupt a congregation of God's people. It can, that is, unless its influence is stayed by righteous consecrated lives, by preach- ing which will not hesitate to contend earnestly for the faith, de- fining and condemning false doctrine and worldliness, and by elders who will endorse such preaching and administer discipl- ine when it becomes necessary. ----- Bill J. Humble in The Prec- eptor, Vol. 1, No. 10, August, 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090116/572a0521/attachment-0001.html From chris.gautney at gmail.com Fri Jan 16 10:54:29 2009 From: chris.gautney at gmail.com (Chris Gautney) Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:54:29 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Priesthood of Christ - Its Significance (part 1) Message-ID: <9fd765230901160854g1d794143xd5049b76ec05ef37@mail.gmail.com> Good morning all, This is part one of three parts in a lesson dedicated to the subject of Christ our High Priest. This was used in a radio program "Searching the Scriptures" brought by JMK speaking for the Peru, IN church of Christ. ~ CSG * **THE PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST ? ITS SIGNIFICANCE* No religious organization is stronger than its priesthood. If it is wrong, the religious organization is wrong, for around it centers the power, the strength, and the value of any religion. The priesthood of Christ, therefore, is the very heart around which the Christian religion is built. It is one, if not the most important study in all of the New Testament, for everything necessary to our salvation is centered around the Priesthood of Christ. There are vital questions we need to understand with reference to the Priesthood of the Bible. The first is, how many Priesthoods has God given to man? The Lord has given three priesthoods to mankind. All others are the inventions of man. The first was that known as the Patriarchal Priesthood. This for 2500 years was the only priesthood known to man. It was called the Patriarchal Priesthood because the father officiated. In Gen. 12:7 Abraham erected an altar at Bethel and called upon the Lord. In Gen. 14:17 is the account of Melchizedek who is called the "Priest of the Most High God." All these were before the giving of the Law of Moses and it was that priesthood under which men like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob approached God. To the Gentile world this priesthood continued until the coming of the Priesthood of Christ. *JEWISH PRIESTHOOD* After 2500 years under one priesthood, God separated the children of Israel from the Gentiles, giving them to another priesthood. This was the Levitical Priesthood. In Numbers 17 is the selection of the tribe of Levi through Aaron. Moses commanded the children of Israel to bring him 12 rods, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. When Moses went into the Tabernacle of Witness, the rod of Aaron had budded. In Numbers 18:1 the Lord conferred the priesthood upon Aaron and his sons, with this warning in verse 7, "THE STRANGER THAT COMETH NIGH SHALL BE PUT TO DEATH." Thus we see by this budding rod of Aaron's, God had selected Aaron and his sons as priests in the Jewish worship. No man dared take this unto himself who was not of the tribe of Levi and a descendant of Aaron, lest he die. This one point is significant in this study of the Priesthoods of the Bible. Unless God makes you a HIGH PRIEST, to claim that office for yourself is to have the wrath of God meted out upon you. No man dare change it, or alter it. This why a study in the Priesthoods of the Bible is of such importance. Just as this brought physical death then, to violate God's plans or to assume unlawfully the place of God's High Priest today, will mean spiritual death. The Levitical priesthood was also to last until the coming of the Priesthood of Christ. At that time both Jews and Gentiles were again to be united under one priesthood. Under these they had offered only the blood of animals. It was for this reason they had to give way to a new and better priesthood that man might have his sins forgiven. *THE PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST* This brings us to the Priesthood of Christ which is the third of the priesthoods given to man. This is sometimes referred to as the Melchizedek Priesthood. No such order exists in the New Testament. It is the Priesthood of the Christ after the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was both "priest and king" at the same time, Heb. 7:1. There is no record where he inherited his priesthood from another, nor left it to a descendant. Just so with Christ; he was after this order rather than that of Aaron, for he too was both "priest and king" at the same time, Zech 6:12. Christ did not inherit the office of priest. Neither will he hand it down to another. Under the priesthood of Christ he is the only High Priest, and every Christian is a common priest with no orders or ranks among them. The make up the royal, spiritual priesthood is spoken of by Peter in 1 Pet. 2;5-9. The reason for this change of priesthoods is given in Hebrews 7;11-12, "If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchizedek and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the PRIESTHOOD BEING CHANGED, there is made NECESSITY a change also in the law." This forever forbids the Aaronic Priesthood's being in force during the priesthood of Christ. The NEW PRIESTHOOD is that of Christ and is the last ever to be given to men, for it can bring PERFECTION, SALVATION, and FORGIVENESS of SINS to the lost of this earth. Man, therefore needs no other. In this priesthood all mankind is again brought together under one priesthood. It is the golden age, the SUNLIGHT DISPENSATION of God to man. To reject the blessings offered to man by this priesthood is to forever be lost, for the Hebrew writer says in Heb. 10:26, "For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth NO MORE SACRIFICE FOR SINS." This sacrifice made by Christ for our sins is absolutely the very last. That is why you MUST UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY how to obtain these blessings made possible by Christ, our High Priest. *THE QUALIFICATIONS* The first of our questions has now been answered. There have been three systems of the priesthoods: Patriarchal, the Jewish, and the Priesthood of Christ. Our next question is, "What are the qualifications for this new priesthood?" To become the High Priest of God under this new system one had to be "without sin." In Heb. 4:14-15 the writer says, "We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the son of God, who was in all points tempted as were, yet without sin." There lives not a man among us who possesses these qualifications. This is why churches of Christ do not have men posing as God's high priests today. None of us has ever lived, "without sin" and not one of us has ever gone into the heavens. Again to qualify as High Priest under this New Order one had to "die for the sins of the people." In Heb. 2:9 we read "he was crowned with glory and honor; that he might taste death for every man." "He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross,' Phil 2:8. Unless I have died on the Roman cross for every man, I cannot qualify as the High Priest of God. No man but the Christ as ever done so, therefore no man save Christ can ever be the High Priest of God. Under the Levitical Priesthood, God only had ONE OFFICIATING HIGH PRIEST AT A TIME. Under this new system he had only one High Priest at the time, and he tells us who he is, CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD. This eliminates every man on earth from qualifying as God's High Priest. To become the High Priest of God under this new order, one had to "bear the sins of the people." Peter in 1 Pet. 2:22-24 says this of Christ, "Who his own self BARE OUR SINS IN HIS OWN BODY ON THE TREE that WE, being DEAD TO SINS should LIVE UNTO RIGHTOUSNESS." Such passages as those are all you need to prove that no man today can qualify as God's High Priest. What man among us has ever died on a tree to bear our sins in his own body? What man among us poor humans of the earth would dare say we have NEVER SINNED and no GUILE was ever found in our mouths? These are some of the reasons why churches of Christ do not claim to have High Priests of God on earth. No man but the Christ has ever been or will ever be able to so qualify and for us to claim such a high and exalted position on earth would be taking unto ourselves an honor bestowed upon Christ alone. We would have to claim perfection, to be as good as Christ, if we are to be God's HIGH PRIESTS in the new order. Therefore we are made to believe by this study of the Bible that the qualifications for the High Priest are so great that all orders of human earthly priesthoods are forbidden. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090116/0e0ebc6d/attachment.html From robertwater at gmail.com Thu Jan 15 13:30:05 2009 From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters) Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 13:30:05 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Changelings -- Are They to Be Feared? Message-ID: Greeting to the list, Here is a link to an article I have recently added to my web site: http://www.totalhealth.bz/spiritual-health-changelings.htm Hope you profit from it, Robert Waters Changelings ? Are They to Be Feared? by Robert Waters I recently received an e-mail, via an Internet list, from a man I'll call Benny, who used to be a member of the church of Christ but now preaches for the Disciples of Christ. In view of the teachings of God's word regarding change (adding to or subtracting from His commandments), some of the things he said, in his efforts to change the church of Christ, are astounding. Below is the part of the letter that disturbs me: "God is a God of change...change for humanity, change for empowerment, change for new life, change for new relationships. God has always been and will always be about "doing a new thing" among His people. The motto of keeping the "old paths" is antithetical to what God has always done. Anyone?who opposes the change that God has in store for His people is not a disciple of Christ." Benny was responding to an article on change that I posted to a discussion list that pointed out the tactics of change agents and what God's people, who seek to follow the "old paths" (God's ways) must endure. (The following is a link to the article by John Waddey: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fortify_your_faith/message/225.) The author of the e-mail is a product of our liberal "church" schools. He has a PhD and has received instruction from several of our liberal colleges. In the course of this article I'll quote various parts of Benny's letter and make some comments. Dr. Benny wrote: "God is a God of change...change for humanity, change for empowerment, change for new life, change for new relationships." First, God Himself does not change (Heb 13:8; Mal 3:6), so to argue that "God is a God of change" is imprudent to say the least. But our concern here is WHAT type of changes He wants man to make and what He thinks about those who set out to change what He has commanded and established. God Changed Some Things God changed the priesthood and the Law. "For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law" (Heb 7:12). See also Jeremiah 31:31-32. God sometimes changed the names of Bible characters. He changed Abram's to Abraham. He changed Sarai to Sarah and Jacob's name to Israel. God Demands That Some Things NOT Be Changed To His people of old He said: (Deu 4:2) "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish aught from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." To assure that men got the message God reiterated: "What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it" (Deu 12:32). Commenting on the above passage *Gil*, highly respected commentator, wrote: "In the manner it is commanded and directed to; the laws of God, both as to matter and manner, were to be obeyed just as they were delivered: thou shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it; neither add any customs and rites of the Heathens to them, nor neglect anything enjoined on them." The New Testament contains similar teachings to that found in Deuteronomy and includes explicit warnings as to what God will do to those who disobey: "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" (Re 22:18). The wise man, Solomon, by inspiration, wrote: "Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar" (Pr 30:6). Comments from respected commentators on the above passage: ** *Barnes:* "Men are not to mingle revealed truth with their own imaginations and traditions. In speculating on the unseen, the risk of error is indefinitely great, and that error God reproves by manifesting its falsehoods." *Gil: "Add thou not unto his words*,.... To the words of God; as the Jews did, by joining their oral law, or the traditions of the elders, to the written word, and preferring them before it; and as the Papists, by making their unwritten traditions, and the sense and determinations of their church, equal to the Scriptures; and as all enthusiasts do, who set up their pretended dreams, visions, revelations, and prophecies, upon a foot with the word of God, or as superior to it; whereas that is, and that only, the rule and standard of faith and practice, and is a sufficient and perfect one." God Requires Some Changes A change of life is demanded of all who want eternal life. We must change from a life of sin to a life *"dead to sin."* The new life begins when, after being buried with Christ in baptism, we *"rise to walk in newness of life"* (*Rom 6:1-18*). Jesus said, *"?Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish"* (Luke 13:3). All, whether Jew or Gentile (Acts 26:20) *"?should repent and turn to God."* Repentance means, *"Change of heart followed by a change of life or direction.*" Thus, the most important thing a man can do is change his life from serving the god of this world (2 Co. 4:4) to serve the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. To do that one must look to the commandments of Christ for Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matt 7:21). His commandments are found in the New Testament that were written by men who were inspired of God. Paul wrote, "The things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Co 14:37). One must *"walk in the light"* (1 John 1:7), which involves following the *"commandments of the Lord,"* before he can obtain true confidence that he is in God's graces. This type of change is what soldiers of Christ are commissioned to seek among people in the world. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Co 10:5). The whole battle that we're facing in the world is a battle for the minds of people to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. This is needed change. But?. Change Can Be Bad Paul warned of the possibility of people's *minds* being *"corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ"* (2 Co 11:3). To the Romans Paul wrote of people who changed: "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man?Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator?." (Ro 1:22-32). The wise man, Solomon, wrote: "My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:" (Pr 24:21). Comments from respected commentators on the above passage: ** *Gil*: "Or who are given to change in religious things; make innovations in doctrine and practice, always love to hear or say some new thing; turn with every wind, and shift as that does; are tossed about with every wind of doctrine, fickle and inconstant?with 'divers and strange doctrines'; such as disagree with the perfections of God, the doctrines of Christ and his apostles, the Scriptures of truth, the analogy of faith;? innovations in doctrine and worship ought not to be admitted of; and such who are for introducing them should not be meddled or mixed with; they should not be countenanced and encouraged; they should not be attended upon or given heed unto; have no fellowship, and join not in communion with them." *Clark: "Meddle not with them that are given to change* ? "And with the changelings mingle not thyself." The innovators; those who are always for making experiments on modes of government, forms of religion, etc. The most dangerous spirit that can infect the human mind. The wise man wrote: "For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knoweth the ruin of them both?" (Pro 24:22) *Gil:* "?And innovate in matters of religion; and especially that bring in damnable heresies, and, while they cry Peace, peace, and are pleasing themselves with their new schemes and prosperous success, swift and sudden destruction comes upon them," Dr. Benny wrote: "God has always been and will always be about 'doing a new thing' among His people." First, the phrase "new thing" is found only four times in the entire Bible and in no instance does it add credence to the idea that God wants His people to do new things in religion, which is the issue I have with Dr. Benny and others who share his beliefs. In Acts 17:21, we have mention of the Athenians who, *"?Spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing." *It seems the inspired writer was critical of these people because they could not be satisfied with anything. These people were not highly spoken of because they weren't searching for the truth; they were just interested in what is new. *Robertson* states, "The new soon became stale with these itching and frivolous Athenians." The Bereans, on the other hand, were searching for the truth. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11). Dr. Benny wrote: "The motto of keeping the 'old paths' is antithetical to what God has always done." It is mind-boggling that a man who claims to follow the Bible would make such a statement as quoted above because it is so obviously contrary to the teaching of the Bible. The prophet Jeremiah was given the job of trying to restore lost Israel because they had strayed from the Old Paths. But he was met with the same attitude that Dr. Benny exhibits. "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, *We will not walk therein*" (Jer 6:16-17). Some assert that we cannot apply the lesson in the above text today because it was written to Israel. Along with Dr. Benny, they scoff at the idea that we must look to the teachings of God in the Bible for direction in religious practice. We are not under law, they say; yet Paul commanded that Christians fulfill His law. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Ga 6:2). They say the only *pattern* we are to follow is Jesus. They say the only * commandments* that are important are "love God and neighbor." It was the New Covenant, spoken of by Jeremiah (31:31-32), that Isaiah was speaking of when he said: "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem" (Isa 2:3). The word of the Lord, the New Testament, Christ's Law, went forth from Jerusalem as the apostles preached by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Thus, there can be no doubt that when God's word urges people to follow or to return to the Old Paths (*"His ways"*) that such is applicable to us. Again, I remind you what Paul said, "The things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Co 14:37). To get around the teaching of this clear text, which devastates their teachings, some have asserted that because Paul said, "Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment" (1 Co 7:25), Some are saying that he may have just been speaking his opinion when he said his teachings were the *commandments of the Lord*. But that is absurd! Paul's comment applied only to the situation or the context of which he spoke. The Psalmist said: "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies" (Ps 25:10). Asking the Israelites to return to and walk in the "Old Paths" was tantamount to asking them to look to God for their guidance and direction, which they were NOT doing. This lesson is *definitely* applicable to us today. Those who refuse to look to the teachings of the apostles, (*"the commandments of the Lord"* 1 Co 14:37) for guidance are in a state of rebellion just as was the case with Israel. Thus, the problem with those who refuse to walk in the Old Paths (God's ways) is that they are rebellious. They are determined to ignore God, fight those who preach His word and to do as they please. They are unteachable because they will not hear what God says. If you use scripture that proves a point, they often will charge you with "proof-texting." Dr. Benny wrote: "Anyone?who opposes the change that God has in store for His people is not a disciple of Christ." It is difficult to ascertain with certainty what Dr. Benny meant. But it evidently was an attack on those who endeavor to return to or maintain the Old Paths. I sent Benny an e-mail requesting information regarding "the change that God has in store for His people". Here is the reply I got from him: "As far as proving from Scripture the change God has in store for His people, the evidence is all throughout the Scripture. If you can't see that then you're blinded by something. Besides, Scripture isn't the law-code you theorize it to be; it isn't a law-book whereby one turns and cites paragraph and subsection for legal proof. Your total ignorance and/or disregard for the nature of Scripture is part and parcel of the legalistic system within which you're immersed. Until you have an accurate and biblical understanding of the nature of scripture you'll never understand the nature and incarnation of god among His people." Many people who think like Benny reject the hermeneutics that were generally accepted in the past and were the basis for unity. They contend for what they call "the new hermeneutic." They reject the scriptural idea of looking to *patterns* for what God teaches on a subject (Tit 2:7; Heb 8:5); they reject the idea of using *commands, approved apostolic examples and necessary inferences* to establish authority and insist that those who follow the old "hermeneutic" are not followers of God. These brethren, who evidently think they are the only true disciples, assert that we can do ANYTHING in religion, as long as it is not contrary to a *direct command* or does not violate some moral principle. Yet they do not even practice the above. For example, they have no problem with practices that are contrary to a direct command, like the command to *sing* (Col. 3:16; Eph 5:19); they are comfortable in *adding to* the command by also playing instruments in worship. They understand the "law of specificity" as it applies in Old Testament examples. For example, God specified that only those of the tribe of Levi could do sacrificial offerings (1 Sa 2:28; Ezek 44:11). They understand that when God specified the tribe that would do the offerings, He meant (by exclusion or "silence") that anyone NOT of the tribe of Levi would be punished if they did the sacrifices. That is because of the very clear teachings in the passage noted below: 1 Sam 13:12-14: "Therefore said I, The Philistines will come down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the LORD: I forced myself therefore, and offered a burnt offering. 13 And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee: for now would the LORD have established thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. 14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee." There was no command saying specifically that one of another tribe COULD NOT do the offering, yet even our changelings understand what happened to Saul and why. But they are not willing to apply it to instruments or to other issues among us. Some go even further and argue that we can do "*anything in religion that is not specifically forbidden.*" In other words, if God did not say, *"Thou shall not"* then we can do it. Therefore, it is apparent that they see no requirement for authorization of church practices. Yet they plead for unity and charge that those who preach the Old Paths are responsible for all the division that has occurred. We who insist on a return to the Old Paths are called "legalistic patternistic partyists" and placed on the same level as the Pharisees who sought to change God's Law (resulting in what is know as the Taliban). "Patternism" and "CENI" (command example and necessary inference), which is nothing more than a common sense method or tool to establish authority have been dogmatized and demonized. They talk about CENI as if it is an evil person. Amos asked, *"Can two walk together, except they be agreed"* (Am 3:3)? We need to be in agreement and walk in unity (John 17:21), but if we agree to walk in paths of men and to follow men's ways, rather than God's ways, unity would be of no profit. The old "hermeneutic" will work if people will use good judgment, while understanding and appreciating the mercy of God, and seek truth rather than seek to justify denominationalism with all its man-made creeds and dogmas (Mt 15:9). The chief priests and the scribes of Jesus' day understood the need for authority. They asked Jesus, "?Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?" (Luke 20:2b) We too must look to authority for what we do in religion. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.?" (Col 3:17a). [Back to the Old Paths discussion?] Jeremiah asked, "Why do you go about so much to change your way? You also shall be ashamed of Egypt, as you were ashamed of Assyria" (Jer. 2:36a LITV). Regarding this determination to change, that Jeremiah talked about, *Gil*comments: "The Vulgate Latin version is, 'how exceeding vile art thou become, changing thy ways'; and so Jarchi says, the word...signifies 'contempt', or 'vileness'?to be 'vile' or 'contemptible'?." Indeed, those who boldly argue for change FROM God's Old Paths TO the ways of man are "vile" and "contemptible" and true disciples must have no fellowship with them. If these men ever knew God they have forgotten Him. "Yet my people have forgotten me; they burn incense to idols. They have stumbled in the way they should go; they no longer follow the old ways; they walk on unmarked paths." (Jer 18:15 GNB) Changelings of our day have no problem taking the Lord's Supper any day other than the day we are taught by example (The *"first day of the week,"*Acts 20:7). It could be said that in this text Paul taught by his own example. It seems apparent that in giving the example, God settles the question of what day to take the Lord's memorial supper. We can hear Him, or we can follow the opinion of man or our own selves. Changelings are to be feared Job understood the problem of those who would not follow God: "They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof" (Job 24:13). "The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish" (Job 6:18). In addition, the wise man Solomon wrote: "Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;" (Pr 2:13). On the other hand, those who are of the mind to follow the Old Paths can be assured that God will reward: "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake" (Ps 23:3). Rather than reject the very idea of following God our attitude should be: "Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths" (Ps 25:4). Conclusion: Men who are preaching change but who make no effort to give book, chapter and verse for justification for the changes they propose are to be feared. Paul commands the faithful to mark them: "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them" (Rom 16:17). Regarding the above passage *Clark* comments: "let them have no kiss of charity nor peace, because they strive to make divisions, and thus set the flock of Christ at variance among themselves; and from these divisions, offenses (s?a?da?a, scandals) are produced; and this is contrary to that doctrine of peace, unity, and brotherly love which you have learned. Look sharply after such that they do you no evil, and avoid them - give them no countenance, and have no religious fellowship with them." Instead of hearing and following the *changelings* of our day, those who say "we will not walk in the Old Paths," we should hear God who says: "My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path" (Pr 1:15). To the *changelings* of our day and those who have been following their teaching, God commands and promises: "Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls" (Jer 6:16-17). Rather than remain obstinate and respond as Israel did to God, when Isaiah spoke for God, and say, *"We will not walk therein,"* we should have the attitude of the Psalmist who said: (Ps 119:35) "Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight." -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090115/7d87d5a5/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Fri Jan 16 17:43:43 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:43:43 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 1/11/09 Message-ID: <4970C74F.21623.7C8C47@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). ____________________________________________________ January 11, 2009 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) The Dispersion (Alan Jones) 2) The Lord's People -- The Church (Lowell Blasingame) ____________________________________________________ -1- The Dispersion by Alan Jones "Has Ezekiel gone mad?" This may have been the reaction of some after they watched Ezekiel shave his head and beard, weigh the hair, divide it into thirds, and then burn a third, strike a third with a sword, and scatter the remaining third to the wind. However, Ezekiel was not mad, but he was signifying the punishment soon to fall on Jerusalem, a punishment which would pave the way for the salvation of the world (Ezek. 5:1-12). When Ezekiel tossed his hair into the wind, he was not telling God's people anything new. In giving the blessings and curses of the Law (Deut. 28-30), God had sworn that if Israel disobeyed him, he would scatter them among all the peoples from one end of the earth to the other (Deut. 28:64; Ps. 106:26-27). Soon after Ezekiel's hair was swept away by the wind, Jerusalem fell and the Diaspora or Dispersion began. Against the Word of the Lord through Jeremiah, a remnant from Jerusalem went to Egypt, taking Jeremiah with them (Jer. 43). When the Persians gave the order that those taken captive by the Assyrians and Babylonians could return to their homes, only a small proportion chose to do so. The sons of Korah wrote that God had scattered them among the nations (Ps. 44:11). Haman described the Jews to the Persian king as "scattered and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom" (Esth. 3:8). In the 400-year period of silence between Malachi and John the Baptist, the dispersing of the Jews continued both by force and free will. Ptolemy I of Egypt (322-285 B.C.) captured Jerusalem and took home captives, adding greatly to the Jewish population of Alexandria. Antiochus the Great of Syria (223-187 B.C.) removed 2,000 families from Jewish communities in Mesopotamia and Babylon and settled them in Phrygia and Lydia. Pompey captured Jerusalem in 63 B.C. and carried away hundreds of Jews to Rome. During the period "between the Testaments," the Jews also voluntarily emigrated for the purpose of trade and commerce, as well as colonization, which was encouraged by the Greek kings who sought to "Hellenize" or to bring Greek culture to all of the peoples under their control. The Sibylline Oracles (mid-second century B.C.) say of the Jewish people, "every land and every sea is full of thee." God promised Abraham that he would bless all nations through his seed (Gen. 12:3). In his providence, he used the punishment of dispersion as part of the "fulness of the time" (Gal. 4:4) so that the good news of salvation through his Son might be readily presented and accepted throughout the world. The large Jewish population in Alexandria led to the translation of the Old Testament in Greek. The Septuagint or LXX (named so because of its 70 translators), began to be translated between 300 and 200 B.C. and was the "Bible" of Jesus, the apostles, and the first Christians. More importantly, this translation made what was once only a Jewish book, not only accessible to the world, but an influence upon it. Wherever the Jews went, if ten men were present in a city, they set up synagogues for the teaching of the Old Testament. Some Gentiles were proselytized to the Jewish religion. Other Gentiles became "God-fearers," those who accepted Judaism, but were not fully proselytized. As Paul and others evangelized throughout the Roman world, they first sought out the synagogues (Acts 13:14-15; 14:1; 17:14; 10-12 etc). In the midst of the desert of an idolatrous and immoral world, the preachers of the gospel found an oasis, an audience who believed in the one true God, who believed in the Scriptures, who had concern for moral living, and who had Messianic hopes. Tacitus, Suetonius, and Josephus, all wrote of widespread expectation that from Judea would rise a ruler whose dominion would be over all the world. Therefore, as the result of teaching in the synagogues, many converts were made, especially among the Gentiles. The gospel had its beginning when the dispersed had gathered from around the world for the feast of Pentecost (First-fruits) (Acts 2:9-11). That the gospel was preached on this occasion was no accident. The first-fruits were gathered unto God from those around the world, who later would scatter because of persecution and take the gospel home with them (Acts 11:19-20). The Diaspora certainly was the key to the spread of the gospel to all the nations, leading to the obedience of faith (Rom. 15:26). As Christianity was accepted by the Diaspora and they received the blessings of the gospel, God fulfilled in a spiritual way his promise "to bring His scattered ones back together, to give them the land of Israel and a new heart and a new spirit" (Isa. 11:11-12; Ezek. 11:16-20; Zeph. 3:9-10; Matt. 24:31). And, this restoration of Israel was too small. Through God's use of the Diaspora, his Servant became a light of the nations so that his salvation might reach the end of the earth (Isa. 49:6). Aren't we thankful for the fulfillment of Ezekiel's hair scattered to the wind? -- Via Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 9 p22 May 4, 2000 ____________________________________________________ -2- The Lord's People -- The Church by Lowell Blasingame Vine defines "ekklesia" "from ek, out of and klesis, a calling (kaleo, to call)," (Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Vol. 1, pg. 83). This is the word which is commonly rendered "church" in our English versions of the New Testament where it occurs 115 times. Once it is used of Israel (Ac. 7:38), which had been "called out" of Egypt and, at the time, was in the wilderness making her way to the land which had been promised to her as an inheritance. Three times the word is translated "assembly," once of the group called out by Demetrius, the silversmith (Ac. 19:32) and twice of an assembly convened by the town clerk (Ac. 19:39, 41). This leaves 111 times that it occurs either in its singular or plural form of the Lord's people and we should be impressed by the Holy Spirit's giving us so much information about the Lord's "ekklesia." While the word identifies us as His called out, this word doesn't tell us how or by what we are called. People have strange ideas about how the Lord calls people. Some recite strange or unusual experiences which they have had which they interpret to mean is a call from the Lord. Usually, this will be an emotional sensation which they haven't experienced before. Or it may be something strange which they hear or see and they interpret this to be a call from the Lord. Since the Lord isn't a respecter of persons (Ac. 11:34-35) and isn't willing that any perish (2 Pet. 3:9) but wishes that all come to repentance, it would appear that He would call all in the same way. The Scriptures teach us how the Lord calls us. Paul said, "Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 2:14) and "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present life" (Tit 2:11-12). So the medium through which God calls is the gospel, which is "the word of His grace" (Ac. 20:32) and the gospel is to be taught to all nations or every creature (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15). Without exception, each case of conversion related in the book of Acts has persons first being taught. Ekklesia identifies us as the Lord's "called out" but the word doesn't tell us "out" of what or "into" what we are called. But the Scriptures do. They tell us that sin severs our spiritual relationship with God making us "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1) and, by such, we become "servants of sin" (Rom. 6:17) and need to be "delivered from the power of darkness" (Col. 1:13). It is by our obedience to the gospel or response to God's call that we are delivered from the power of darkness and "translated into the kingdom of His dear Son" (Col. 1:13), or "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness " (Rom. 6:18). The consummating act of obedience to this form of doctrine is obedience to the command to be baptized. In this act, we enter Christ (Gal. 3:27), where we become "new creatures" (2 Cor. 5:17) and we are buried and raised "to walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:3-4). So, we are called out of an old relationship of alienation from God into one in which our union with Him is restored. Ekklesia tells us that we are called out but not the reason or why we are called out. But the Scriptures tell us this also. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light" (Col. 1:13) and that "ye should show forth the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9). This ought to motivate one to respond to the call of the gospel and thereafter to live faithfully for the Lord. Think how wonderful it will be to hear Him say, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matt. 25:34). This will come only to those who respond to the call of the gospel. -- Via Taking a stand with Christ, Vol. 44, No. 5, May 2008 ____________________________________________________ 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 Sat Jan 17 02:39:55 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 03:39:55 EST 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 On what basis is a Christian accounted as being righteous before God? By God's grace He sent His Son, Who laid down His life for mankind, tasting death for every person (Jno. 3:16; 10:11,17,18; Heb. 2:9). The Son gave instruction regarding how His death could become effective in the lives of those who come to believe in Him (Mk. 16:15,16). Essential obedience for remiss- ion of sins for alien sinners includes listening to what He has said and believing in Him (Jno. 8:24), repenting of one's sins (Lk. 24:46,47), confessing one's faith in Christ (Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:9, 10), and being baptized into Christ for forgiveness of one's own past sins (Acts 2:38). "In every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34,35). A Christian is accounted by God as being righteous because his sins have been remitted (blotted out), and his record is now one of righteousness. Righteousness is doing the Will of God (Psa. 119:172; 1 Jno. 3:7). Our faith and obedience to God is accounted (imputed) to us for righteousness just as Abraham's was to him (Rom. 4:6-24; Jas. 2:21-24). Christians maintain a record of righteousness by living soberly, righteously, and god- ly in the present age (Titus 2:11-14), and by being cleansed from all unrighteousness (1 Jno. 1:7-9). When we stand before Christ in the Judgment, we will be judged by our deeds, by our record (Rom. 2:5-11; 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12-15). If our sins have been blotted out through forgiveness, then our record will be clean. "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile" (Psa. 32:1,2). ----------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090117/7bba8153/attachment-0001.html From kthomas at dnet.net Fri Jan 16 12:52:40 2009 From: kthomas at dnet.net (Kenneth E. Thomas) Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:52:40 -0600 (Central Standard Time) Subject: [Biblemat] I need some information! Message-ID: <4970D778.000006.01224@KENSCOMPUTER> When trying to "cut or copy and then paste" into my email program often nothing comes through. Can anyone tell me what may be my problem? Thanks in advance, Ken Kenneth E. Thomas 221Rolling Acres Trail Franklin, North Carolina 28734 http://www.geocities.com/kethomas_2000/index.html Email: kthomas at dnet.net 1 (828) 349-3514 - Home -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090116/c3ef85e1/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 289 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090116/c3ef85e1/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 36718 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090116/c3ef85e1/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Jan 17 02:40:17 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 03:40:17 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) "ENEMIES OF THE CROSS" Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my rec- ent files. Use to the glory of God. "ENEMIES OF THE CROSS" Take time to read: (Phil. 3:17-20). I am sure that no one read- ing this would want to be an "enemy of the cross of Christ." Yet, just as it was in the day of the apostle Paul, there are some in the church of the Lord today who are actually enemies of the cross of Christ. One does not have to be a murderer, a thief, an adult- erer, a liar, or otherwise immoral to be an enemy of the cross of Christ. Let us see, in this article, what characterizes some of these enemies of the cross. "Love Not The World" -- The apostle John wrote, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the Will of God abideth forever" (1 Jno. 2:15-17). The "world" of which thsi apostle writes is the world of sin -- note: "The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the vain glory of life." There is both good and bad in the world, and John is here dis- cussing the bad. The apostle Paul wrote of Demas, a formerly faithful companion and co-worker for the Lord, "Demas hath for- saken me, having loved this present world" (2 Tim. 4:10). The Scripture says, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idola- try, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisio- ns, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21). Those practices belong to the "world" which must be avoided in our lifes." "Love not the world" means that we turn from those things that are wrong. "They Mind Earthly Things" -- One does not have to commit murder, stal, or lie to "mind earthly things." When preachers talk about "worldliness," and minding earthly things, the lesson is often lost because people think that one must be guilty of terr- ible immorality before such lessons apply to them. Jesus spoke of "a certain rich man" (Lk. 16) who "fared sumptuously" while ignoring the sad plight of those around him. And there was another rich man who "pulled down his barns to build greater barns" (Lk. 12). As far as we know, neither of these rich men were immoral. But the Lord was clear about the fact these men were "minding earthly things" instead of seeking the things of God. God is the Creator of "the heaven and the earth, and all that in them is" (Exo. 20:11). So, the earth and what is in it is not evil in itself. So, the good things of this earth -- mountains, rivers, oceans, blue sky, etc. -- are part of God's creation. And the things He has given us for our use in this life --such as food, clothing, shelter, etc. -- can lead us away from the Lord. Some- times a man can allow a perfectly honorable business to take up all his time, so that he has no time for God and the church. To do so is to "mind earthly things." And that means forsaking the Lord and His Will. How Do We "Mind Earthly Things"? -- First, to admire, to look longingly on, the earthly things is to take the first step away from God. Eve, mother of the race, looked upon the forbidden fruit (Gen. 3). When she saw that it was good for food, she partook of it. Her first step was to look upon it, to admire it. Then she want- ed it. Achan, started in the wrong direction when he looked upon the devoted goods (Jos. 7). He looked, then he coveted, then he took. Had he kept his mind where it belonged, he would never have "minded earthly things." The next step is to think much about, devote a lot of time thinking of, earthly things. The psalmist wrote, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers: But his delight is in the law of Jehovah; And on His law doth he meditate day and night" (Psa. 1:1,2). What we use to fill our hearts will determine the kind of persons we are: "For as he thinketh within himself, so is he" (Prov. 23:7). If we constantly meditate upon immorality, then we will easily be- come immoral. As the Bible says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O Jehovah, my rock, and my redeemer" (Psa. 19:14). The next step is to desire earthly things, which are wrong in themselves. We are told clearly, "If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seat- ed on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. For ye died and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:1-3). Achan look- ed, and lusted. He entertained that desire in his heart until it mastered him. "They that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof" (Gal. 5:24). The only way to master wrong desires is to crucify them. If you enter- tain them, they become your master and lead you into sin. Why Not Mind Earthly Things? -- Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot ser- ve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24). You just cannot "mind earth- ly things" and keep your focus on Jesus Christ. To "mind earth- ly things" is to let them become your master, to love them, to de- sire them and labor for them. Asked about "the great command- ment," 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). If we get wrapped up in the things of this world, we lose our focus on the things of God. Jesus explained that God cares for us, and that He provides the necessities of life -- food, clothing, etc. (Matt. 6:19-32). But then the Lord adds, "Seek ye first His kingdom, and HIs righteou- sness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33) That must be our first priority. We become partakers of the nature of the things we love. The man whose heart is to get and enjoy all of this world he possibly can, is influenced by these things in the building of his character. He becomes hard, unsym- pathetic and selfish in his attitude toward other people. In other words, to "mind earthly things" is to lead one directly away from God. We should not "mind earthly things," because they are, at best, uncertain and unsatisfying. Solomon wrote, "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings, Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven" (Prov. 23:5). The apostle Paul warns us not to be, "Highminded, nor have (your) hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Tim. 6:17). The rich fool thought he had riches enough laid up for all his needs and desires (Lk. 12). But he was wrong. The Bible says, "All things are full of weariness; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing" (Eccl. 1:8). As our text points out, when we "mind earthly things" we be- come enemies of the cross of Christ. No one can offord to be- come an enemy of the cross of Christ, for to be such is to be a helper of Satan. There is no middle ground. You are either on the Lord's sid or you are with the devil and his crowd. There is no third choice. And the Bible says clearly, "If ye live after the flesh, ye must die...For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life" (Rom. 8;13; Gal. 6:8). Doing It The Lord's Way: -- If we are going to refuse to be "enem- ies of the cross," we must first renounce the world and its claims upon us. We must turn our backs upon earthly things and face resolutely toward God and things spiritual. Self-denial and determination are indispensable to such a course. Second, we msut put material things in their proper place. "Minding earthly things" is most often just allowing the material things to take first place in our lives. Actually, these "earthly things" are the gifts from God that make life here on earth possible. "Every good gift and every per- fect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights" (Jas. 1;17). But we msut use these "earthly things" to make them contribute to our good, and to the good of others, rather than allowing them to become our masters. We msut use the material things of life for the glory of God, rather than let them become our god. Third, to keep from minding earthly things, we msut cultivate an appreciation of our relationship with Christ and the blessings to be gained by that. Such appreciation does not come just be- cause one has been baptized into Christ. It is gained through conscious cultivation of our focus on the spiritual things, to which Christ gives emphasis in our lives. Focus On The Cross Of Christ: -- We are, by nature, inclined to love the world and worldly things. Satan sees to that. So, even without any effort on our part, we fall into the trap the devil has set for us. He makes the things of the world so attractive, just to attract our attention and desire. But if we love God, our attent- ion and desire is directed toward Him. As we focus on the cross we are brought closer to Him Who was nailed there. We put our trust in Christ, and are baptized into Him: (Col. 2:12; 3:1-3). You see, it is all centered in the cross of Christ. He died there in order that we might live forever with Him. Being baptiz- ed "into Christ" is a commitment to live for Him, as we read in the Scriptures: (Rom. 6:3,4). And because we are now "in Christ we begin a new life, with new affections and new direction, (2 Cor. 5:17). When we are baptized into Christ, we become new creatures. As such, we must always seek Him and His Will for our lives. May God help us do that. ---- Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 2, Jan. 9, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090117/d196347a/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Jan 16 18:09:23 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:09:23 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "True Worship" Message-ID: <20090117.084003.3764.5.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. "TRUE WORSHIP" "...They that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (Jn. 4:24) INTRO.: A hymn which exhorts us to worship God in spirit and truth is "True Worship" (#178 in Hymns for Worship Revised, #9 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written and the tune was composed both by Tillit Sidney Teddlie (1885-1987). The song was first published in 1944. Teddlie was a prolific songwriter among churches of Christ. Some of his well known hymns include "Singing Redemption's Song," "Hear Me When I Call," "Heaven Holds All to Me," "Songs of Salvation," "Into Our Hands" (with words by Ruth Carruth), "O God of Infinite Mercy," "The Depth of God's Love," "In the Service of My King," "What Will Your Answer Be?", "The Lord's Supper," and "Worthy Art Thou." Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, "True Worship," sometimes identified by its opening line, "Of We Come Together," appeared in the 1965 Great Christian Hymnal No. 2 edited by Teddlie; and the 1978 Hymns of Praise 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 1978/1983 Church Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by V. E. Howard; the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand; and the 1999 Into Our Hands: Songs for the Church 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 explains some of the things that God expects of worshippers when they assemble on the Lord's day. I. Stanza 1 talks about singing, praying, and offering "Oft we come together, Oft we sing and pray; Here we bring our offering On this holy day." A. It is clear that God wants His people to come together on a regular basis: Heb. 10:24-25 B. When they come together, they sing and pray: 1 Cor. 14:15 C. When they come together on the first day of the week, they also bring their offering since it is a holy day because it is the Lord's day: 1 Cor. 16:1-2, Rev. 1:10 II. Stanza 2 talks about eating the bread "May we keep in memory All that Thou hast said; May we truly worship As we eat the bread." A. The purpose of the Lord's supper is to remember the Lord's death: 1 Cor. 11:26 B. Thus, when we eat we need to remember all that the Lord Himself said about the supper: Matt. 26:26-29 C. When we eat the bread, we are engaging in worship by remembering His body: 1 Cor. 11:23-24 III. Stanza 3 talks about taking the cup "May we all in spirit, All with one accord, Take this cup of blessing Given by the Lord." A. In general, God wants His people to act with one accord: Phil. 2:2 B. This is certainly true when we take the cup of blessing: 1 Cor. 10:16 C. This cup of blessing was given by the Lord for us to remember His blood: 1 Cor. 11:25 CONCL.: The chorus asks the Lord to help us worship in spirit and truth. "Help us Lord, Thy love to see; May we all in truth and spirit worship Thee." Occasionally this song has been used as an "opening song" for a Sunday morning worship service, but more often than not it is used before the Lord's supper. It is not a song with deep theological content, but it uses simple words to remind us that partaking of the Lord's supper on the first day of each week in memory of the Lord's death is part of "True Worship." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 9024 Amona Dr. Affton, MO 63123 home phone: (314) 638-4710 e-mail: wswalker310 at juno.com website: www.defenderoftruth.com Notes: Other hymn studies are available at the Defender of Truth website. Also, some of my previous hymn studies are now included in book that I have written entitled Songs of Zion. It can be ordered from the publisher by calling 1-800-423-2484 or going to www.faith-facts.com . And 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. ____________________________________________________________ Click and get free information on a satisfying career as a massage therapist. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2ZT2XzKqQqqzBxryRlK5NJ23ATixYSgsDL308s2Woput5ju/ From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Sat Jan 17 12:03:48 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 12:03:48 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Total Depravity or Total Inability Message-ID: <6744C2C1E16A41A4976994770A84BE31@TerryPC> Total Depravity or Total Inability Calvinism is commonly summarized and remembered by use of an acrostic formula using the word TULIP. The first letter stands for "Total Depravity" or "Total Spiritual Inability". Let me let a Calvinist explain what is meant by this term. Quote: Total depravity is a concept that everyone including the elect and non-elect is incapable of choosing God because he is sinful. In my opinion, Arminians, who reject this point, do not understand Romans 3:10-11. as it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS GOD; Romans 3:10-11 - Unquote! They say that the reason none seek God is because they are incapacitated or unable to do so. That is why some prefer to call it total spiritual inability. Quote: (T) - Total Spiritual Inability (Sinners are unable to come to Christ unless the Holy Spirit regenerates them) -Unquote! This idea says we were totally unable to choose God and righteousness from birth, thus inborn with total depravity. But, if we are totally depraved from birth, then we were never able to be responsible before God, and therefore at no time were we ever alive spiritually and safe from sin and condemnation (Rom.7:9). But, if totally depraved from birth, then unable to be held accountable. None who are totally disabled are accountable. It cannot be the baby's fault that he is totally unable, and at no point in time as he grows to manhood can a totally incapacitated person ever be responsible to do what he has always been unable to do. Imagine how useless and silly it is to talk to a hammer and command the hammer to go build you a house and then warn the hammer that if it does not obey you, you will throw it into the fire. That is the scene with God trying to command people who never had ability to hear and obey and then acting like they can be moved by warnings. While guilt is a necessary conclusion for all, the responsibility is within ability. In other words we are guilty because we do not seek God to understand, not because we CAN'T do so. Total depravity says we don't even have the ability to seek God. If we can't do so, then we are not responsible to do so. Romans 3 does not speak of our inability, but of our guilt, and guilt implies that we did not use our ability to seek God, and therefore, we could not be anything but guilty before God. Furthermore, the passage says that we all have "gone out of the way" (which implies that there was a time when we were not "out of the way"). Total inability implies that we never had any ability and therefore were always out of the way. This passage does not support the Calvinist doctrine. "God made men upright but they sought devices" Eccl 7:29 (plural can't refer only to Adam). The verse talks about being upright (not totally depraved), but then tells what goes wrong with these upright men. They "sought" many devices. Watch this verse carefully. Eccl 7:29 29 This only have I found: God made mankind upright, (not totally depraved and totally unable to do upright things and be upright) but men have gone in search of many schemes." (It was not built into them. They went from an upright state to seeking schemes that were not already built into their totally depraved nature).NIV But, also remember that if man was born totally depraved, then there can be no good feature in a child that we need to mimic, yet Jesus said we have to become as little children if we would enter the kingdom (Matt.18:1ff). Why would God want us to mimic those totally depraved little brats? If all people are totally and inherently depraved, then when God said "Hear O Israel", they couldn't hear or obey the command to obey. They were "totally unable" to hear and obey. In fact it is silly to command a hammer to do anything on its own or to even take a first step toward cooperating with another. If the Calvinist's doctrine of Total Inability and Total Depravity is true, then Israel could no more "Hear" than a hammer could hear and it would be just as silly for God to be talking to totally unable people as it would be for me to command a hammer to listen to me and obey me. Nor could God hold us accountable anymore than I can hold my hammer accountable for being lazy and always just lying around doing nothing, a total waste of existence. The scene that Calvinism creates is actually blasphemous to God. It makes Him look as ridiculous as a man talking to his hammer and then getting angry at it for not obeying commands. a.. Steve Rudd observed: a.. If every newborn is "utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil", then how do we account for the goodness of the "unregenerate" like Cornelius, Acts 10:1-4, 22, or anyone else today. How do we account for all the good things that non-Christians do? then how can "evil men proceed from bad to worse" 1 Ti 3:13? -Unquote! Indeed! How can one move from "totally depraved" to worse than total? I would add that if we are all inborn with total inability and total depravity, how can there be a situation where Gentiles "do by nature the things contained in the Law"?(Rom.2:14). I guess they were pre-programmed and regenerated first, which leads us back to the question of how any man is really guilty at all. It looks like all the guilt falls on the ProgrammER, not the programmED. A computer can only do what it is programmed to do. If the programmER does not allow and give the computer the capability to do anything else, how foolish to destroy the computer for not doing what it couldn't do anyway. Now, I fully anticipate that the Calvinist will say the issue of fairness was raised in Romans 9:20 and we have no right to question God's justice and fairness. Wait just a minute! This context is not about leaving the Jews programmed to reject God, but of God's right to choose between the fleshly seed of Abraham and the spiritual seed of Abraham. At the end of Paul's discussion he tells us that the reason many Jews were rejected and Gentiles accepted was "Because they did not seek it (righteousness) by faith" (v.32), putting the responsibility where it really belonged. The context is not showing that God has a right to be arbitrary about SALVATION, but that He had a right to reject Jews who did not believe in Jesus even though He promised to bless the seed of Abraham. God made the choice to reject the descendants of Abraham who did not seek righteousness by faith but as it were, by the works of the Law. He had us much right to make that decision as He did to make the decision to select Jacob over Esau or Isaac over Ishmael. He affirms there is no unrighteousness with God. He was not arbitrarily making a decision to send Esau and Ishmael to Hell. It was not a decision about eternal destinies in their cases. It was a decision about which seed-line to use to bring the Savior into the world. The decision to bless only BELIEVING Jews is not arbitrary, but well within the right of any just ruler to choose the avenue and conditions of blessing that he chooses. Was it unjust for God to not bless some of the descendants of Abraham? Not at all. He argues that they call still yet seek it by faith (9:33; 10:1-3,13,16; 11:20,23). So, though a Sovereign Lord may choose certain conditions for blessing without it being unjust, His conditions made some Jews think that God had not kept His promise to bless them if Christians were correct. They argued that they were Abraham's descendants, had the law and circumcision from God, and now Christians seem to be claiming that that counts for nothing, that God is only going to bless a few Jews and a lot of Gentiles. That appeared to make God unfair and unjust. So, Paul lays out the case for God having the right to have mercy on whom He wills and make the choices He made without really being unjust and totally arbitrary. He lays the blame squarely on the shoulders of the unbelieving Jews because their own scriptures told them an unpopular "rock of offense" would be the one they would need to believe in order to not be put to shame. (9:33; 10:11). They stumbled anyway over that rock and their unbelief was what put them to shame. So, Paul argues that God was indeed just and He warned the Jews fairly of what would happen. If they failed to believe, it was fair of God to choose not to bless them. God never chose people to salvation or condemnation arbitrarily. If He did, THAT would indeed make God unjust. We may have more to say about this passage when we analyze the doctrine of Unconditional Election, the next link in the TULIP chain. Right now we are establishing that God did not pre-program the Jews to be unbelievers, which would indeed be unjust and unfair. If all of us were totally depraved and totally incapacitated due to no fault of our own, and God chooses to leave many incapacitated and blame them for it and send them to hell, then THAT is unjust. If God decided arbitrarily to give a few the capacity to believe and actually programmed them to believe, and then acted like He was "rewarding" them and blessing them with eternal bliss for the way He programmed them, then THAT would indeed be unfair and unjust. If the Judge of all the earth acts that way, then it would be just for a Judge to dismiss all juries, file some criminals by his desk, hand some walking papers out arbitrarily and sentence the rest to death on no basis other than the Judges' own "goodness". THAT is not right or justice at all. If the reason Jesus was sinless was because God did not allow Him to inherit the totally depraved nature that would have totally disabled Him, then why does God hold others responsible and accountable for sin? God made us so that we could not walk upright, and then condemned us for doing what we had absolutely no control over. Why did He not give us the same advantage as Calvinists assert that He gave Jesus? This totally perverts justice. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? It is like sending mentally retarded folk to eternal fire for being born mentally retarded. If we inherited mental retardation from Adam's sin, then true justice would hold only Adam responsible. The rest of us could not help being totally incapacitated, and true justice will not condemn the innocent. Romans 3 says we have all "gone out of the way", which implies that we moved away from the state of innocence and uprightness that we were born with. So, even though we have all sinned, the guilt is ours for going out of the way and letting sin dominate and control our thoughts and actions. A drunkard sinned somewhere along the way by taking that first drink. He was totally responsible, but he never stopped and then it mastered him, and he became a slave to it. But, he was not born a slave to it. He was responsible for his own sins. Now consider this doctrine and apply it to particular cases of conversion you see in the book of Acts. Here is the scene from a Calvinistic outlook. Let's start with the first case of conversion found in Acts 2. ALL were totally unable to listen to the Spirit speaking through Peter because ALL were inherently totally depraved and had "TOTAL spiritual inability". Yet, Peter preached and "they heard this"(2:37) and they cried "...what shall we do?" Have they already been "regenerated" by the Holy Spirit? If so, why did the Holy Spirit only regenerate 3,000 and not all? Is that just and fair? Further, if the reason they had power to hear and ask "what shall we do"? is because of God's desire to only save a few, so He made only those few "hear" and seek, then the reason the others did not hear and seek is because God desired that most of them perish for no fault of their own, but solely on arbitrary grounds. That is not justice at all. Further, this doctrine makes a liar out of God. Peter said of God that He "is not willing that ANY should perish" (2 Pet.3:9-10). Yet, if He desired all to be saved and none to perish, then He would have given all the same ability to hear and seek. Yet, this same Peter is preaching to all the Jews because God is not willing that any should perish, and then God only regenerates 3,000 enough to allow them to "hear" and obey? The others had no ability given to them. That is not justice. It is injustice. ALL had been equally totally disabled, but only 3,000 were given ability to hear and obey. Furthermore, no one was actually guilty, and no one was actually guilty of crucifying Jesus. Inborn total depravity can do no better or worse than TOTAL depravity dictates, and TOTAL inability means that the Jews were unable to do any better than crucifying Jesus. But, if the reason the 3,000 heard and asked "what shall we do"? is because they were already "regenerated" by the Holy Spirit, then Peter's answer makes no sense. How can you "repent" (vs.38) if you have already been regenerated? If "regeneration" has occurred already, and that regeneration is what gave them ability to "hear" Peter's spiritual message, then the "washing of regeneration" has already occurred (Tit.3:5) and the "renewing of the Holy Spirit" has already occurred. If they have already been washed and renewed by the Holy Spirit, then Peter should have answered the question this way: Acts 2:38 should read: "There is NOTHING for you to do. God has already done it all for you. You have already received the gift of the Holy Spirit". But, "those that gladly received his word were baptized" (v.41). But, that is odd. They could not do otherwise than "gladly receive his words" since they have already been "regenerated" to do that very thing. Keep looking at this case of conversion and ask yourself if you can see any trace of the five points of Calvinism. Calvinism makes a total mess of the Bible, and they will tell us that the reason we cannot see it that way is because we have not been regenerated. When and if we get regenerated (which is totally out of our control and totally up to God, if this doctrine is correct) only then will we be able to see the Bible the Calvinists' way. But, that is much like the Jehovah's Witnesses. They say we cannot see things their way until we first get enlightened by WatchTower publications. The Mormons say that we can see it their way only if we pray to see it and receive Joseph Smith's records and revelations of God. Calvinism teaches that none of us can actually understand Peter's sermon until the Holy Spirit first does something to our totally enabled ears and heart and understanding. They call this "regeneration". But, their version of regeneration is totally arbitrary, which is totally unjust. Conclusion We reject the whole stack of cards of the TULIP doctrines because the very foundation of it is false. If man was made upright, then we were not born totally disabled and depraved. We have "gone out of the way", but we were not born out of the way. We bear responsibility only if we have ABILITY. But, if we all have "ability", then there can be no "total" disability or total inability. If we are responsible for sin at all it would only be because we could have done better. Thus, the first point in the TULIP acrostic must be rejected as false. In our next article we will consider the next link in the chain: Unconditional Election. Terry W. Benton Best Wishes From Terry W. Benton www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com "Choose Ye This Day...." (Joshua 24:15) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20090117/bdeba542/attachment-0001.html From preacherref01 at verizon.net Sat Jan 17 12:29:16 2009 From: preacherref01 at verizon.net (Thomas Thornhill) Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:29:16 -0800 Subject: [Biblemat] REQ> Proving the God of Bible Message-ID: <4972237C.7010808@verizon.net> Greetings again brethren, I want to thank everyone who responded to my request for material on God. I received an abundant supply that will help me throughout the entire series of lessons. I do have a request for a little more information. Having established that God does exist, how do you set out to prove that the God of the Bible is the ONE true God? Some of the arguments I will be making have to do with the Bible itself: 1) Establish Jesus was Who He claimed to be. If not, He was a fraud or a lunatic (per Josh McDowell). 2) Point to prophecies of events foretold before they happened. 3) Note how the Bible is "ahead of its time" and identified scientific facts before scientific laws proved them. (Paths of the sea, innumerable stars, all of one blood, etc.) Do you have other resources or suggestions on establishing the God of the Bible, such as discrediting various world religions (Islam, Buddhism, etc). Once again, thanks in advance for all your help. I will post these lesson throughout this year (and then, when our new website is developed, you will find the entire series there). In Him, Thomas Thornhill Jr. www.roseavenue.org From preacherref01 at verizon.net Sat Jan 17 12:35:28 2009 From: preacherref01 at verizon.net (Thomas Thornhill) Date: Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:35:28 -0800 Subject: [Biblemat] God (1) - The Case for God Message-ID: <497224F0.8010005@verizon.net> Greetings Brethren, Here are the first two lessons in my series about God. They present the case for His existence. NOTE: IF you find anything that is inaccurate please let me know, before I post this to my site. Thanks. Tom Thornhill Jr. www.roseavenue.org /Sunday, January 11, 2008 am/ / / *A STUDY OF GOD* *THE CASE FOR GOD* Today we begin an ongoing study throughout this year on God. I believe that this is an important subject that perhaps we don?t think about enough. When asked if God exists, we just admit that He does by faith. But can you prove it? Beyond that, having proven that God does exist ? who is He? With the multitudes of religions in the world today there is NOT unity on that subject. So, WHO is God? And having established that the God of the Bible is THE Supreme Being, what do we know about Him? Do we know Him? Do we know what He expects of us? How can we please Him? In this ongoing study, we are going to answer these questions and many more as we strive to learn about our creator? Thus far, I intend to address the following topics: * 1. Does God Exist? * 2. Is the God of the Bible the ONE True God? * 3. The Bible IS the word of God * 4. Characteristics of God in the Bible: His person - He is eternal, omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, Spirit, etc. His character ? loving, merciful, gracious, jealous, just, compassionate, longsuffering, faithful, righteous, severe, good, etc. * 5. The glory of God * 6. The names of God * 7. The influence of God in the Bible & our lives (miracles, providence, etc.) * 8. What is our response to God? We are to love Him, show Him reverence, obey Him, worship Him, tell others about Him, put Him first, etc. * 9. Questions about God ? why does He allow suffering? Will He really condemn some to hell? Why does evil exist? * 10. The Godhead ? Jesus and the Holy Spirit as God In our lesson today we want to answer the question, */Does God exist/*? If you were to hear someone say, ?There is no God? how would you answer them? In our lesson today we are going to notice some ways that we can argue to prove that God does exist. This lesson is by no means exhaustive. This is just a sampling of arguments that can be made. In this lesson, when appropriate we WILL appeal to scriptures, however our goal is to be able to prove to one who does not believe the Bible that God does exist. Until we can do this, opening a Bible is useless, and indeed, ?casting your pearl before swine.? So let us notice some arguments that can be made to prove that God does exist. *I. * *Scientific Arguments* a. When did the world begin? Is matter eternal? i. Most atheists believe that there is no beginning to matter. They argue that matter is eternal. ii. Genesis 1:1 is the answer of the Christian. This verse shows that there was a BEGINNING to the natural universe. Hebrews 11:3 shows that this is a statement of faith. This of course hinges upon the belief that there is a divine being behind the creation. iii. Laws of science also verify that the material universe had a beginning. */1) Science has proven that the universe is expanding each and every day/*. There are many different galaxies in the universe and each day they are growing further apart. Because this has been shown to happen consistently (in fact it has been discovered that these galaxies are actually accelerating in their expansion), if we were to move backward in time, we would eventually reach a point where all these galaxies were united together. Science calls this a singularity. But what happened before that? If matter is eternal, something had to be there. And science cannot compensate for that time. 2) */Laws of energy also call for the need for a beginning/*. There are three known laws of thermodynamics (Thermodynamics actually means heat power and deals with absolute laws about energy). */The 1^st law of thermodynamics/* states that matter/energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can change form, but it is still there. */The 2^nd law of thermodynamics/* is also known as the law of increased entropy. What it notes is that while energy is never destroyed, the quality of that energy/matter gradually deteriorates over time. That is, usable energy is converted into unusable energy. The challenge of these laws lies in the question: */If matter & energy are eternal, why has not ALL usable energy/matter already been converted into unusable energy?/* For example, it is proven that the sun is continually loosing energy. The sun is a star that, like all other stars, generates its energy through thermonuclear fusion. Every second, ?/the sun compresses 564 million tons of hydrogen into 560 million tons of helium with 4 million tons of matter released as energy/? (that is 4 million tons converted into unusable energy ? TT). This process is ever so slowly consuming energy (hydrogen ? and converting it into helium). The same process is true of every one of the innumerable stars in the cosmos. The question is: _If that much */hydrogen/* is being consumed */and this has been going on eternally/*, then why have we not run out of hydrogen_? There has to have been a FINITE amount of hydrogen, (if matter is eternal) but why has it not all been consumed? What happens when you keep driving your car without putting gas in it? http://www.doesgodexist.org/Pamphlets/Mansproof.html iv. The fact that there is a beginning is sometimes called, */?The first cause argument/*? which basically says that because of these and other scientific facts, someone had to create and start the universe. Science DEMANDS it! And if there is a beginning, then matter is NOT eternal and therefore CREATED by a divine being! v. In dealing with the 2^nd law of Thermodynamics on the website, www.allaboutscience.org , a website devoted to the proof that God does exist we find the following quote from a book entitled, _God and the Astronomers_, 1978, p. 16, ?The theological implications are obvious. NASA Astronomer Robert Jastrow commented on these implications when he said, "Theologians generally are delighted with the proof that the universe had a beginning, but astronomers are curiously upset. It turns out that the scientist behaves the way the rest of us do when our beliefs are in conflict with the evidence." ?Jastrow went on to say, "For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries." (/God and the Astronomers/, p. 116.) It seems the Cosmic Egg that was the birth of our universe logically requires a Cosmic Chicken...? http://www.allaboutscience.org/second-law-of-thermodynamics.htm b. Design demands a designer i. Have you ever ridden in a car? Do you watch a television or listen to a radio? Do you own a Bible? Have you ever turned on a switch as you entered a room and it lit up? Do you own a watch so that you can tell time? Do you have a computer? We could go on with multitudes of questions like this. What do they all have in common? They would not exist if someone did not design them. We KNOW that for a fact. ii. The story is told that Sir Isaac Newton who was an adamant believer in God once had a series of discussions with an atheist about the existence of God. After several failed attempts to change his friend?s mind, he went to a carpentry shop and had the owner build him a to scale model of the universe with great detail. The next time his friend came to his house, he saw the model on the center of a table. Admiring it, the friend asked, WHO made it. Newton?s answered that no one made it. It just appeared. The friend refused to believe it so Newton finally explained why he did what he did. Design DEMANDED a designer (via, apologetics press). iii. Our universe is no different. The universe is very orderly in so many different ways. */In fact, science relies on order and consistency of natural law to learn and formulate factual conclusions/*. iv. When we consider the complexity of the various elements of this earth, we see order. When we look at the human body we see order. When we look at the universe, we see order. _ In every other area of study order means there is design behind it,_ e.g. archaeology, forensics, copyright & patent laws, etc. */Why is the universe any different?/* v. Psalm 139:14 says, ?/I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well/.? Have you ever considered how complex the various systems of the human body are? The nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system, reproductive system, etc, all work together to make the human body. That many details would be impossible without a designer. vi. Consider the placement and complexity of our earth. The size of the earth is just right. If it were larger or smaller, it could not support our atmosphere which is necessary for life. If it were any closer to or further away from the sun, the earth would be too cold or hot. The earth is tilted at the right angle, rotating at the right speed, circulating around the sun at the right speed, etc. And the moon is in just the right to circulate our water and restrain their boundaries. http://www.everystudent.com/features/isthere.html All of these things make life possible and show a Creator/designer behind our existence. c. Life does NOT come from inorganic matter i. Science has made tremendous advancements in the last 100 years or so. They have developed microscopes and telescopes that can magnify the smallest and farthest away objects. They have determined the makeup of cells and determined how most processes work. But with all science can do, one thing it has NEVER been able to do - create life from inorganic matter. Further it cannot find nor prove that it ever happened. Like everything else, they have their theories. I read in an article entitled, ?How did life begin? from the science section of the New York times (online). The article begins, ?The origin of life is biology?s most daunting problem.? ?Some progress is being made at reconstructing the process that led to the first living cells. But it consists of conjectures of varying plausibility, not proof.? The article proceeds to describe that it was probably the result of ?a natural chemical reaction that repeated itself.? But in the end, there is no conclusive answer. In fact the article concludes by saying, ?Researchers are a long way from reconstructing any plausible path to the origin of life. But they have not given up. And they always conclude, no matter how fragmentary their evidence, that life is possible.? (www.nytimes.com/2003/11/11/science ...) There are serious problems even with this theory. 1. Where did the chemicals and inorganic matter come from? 2. How did that simple life form develop into more complex forms? 3. The extremely high improbability of all the various processes happening that would be necessary to create even the simplest of life forms. Mathematics disproves the possibility of life as we know it on earth. To create even a simple life form by chance (the simplest of life forms have at least 400 amino acids, each with at least 4 chemical elements) ranges in the area of 1 in 10^167636 power, or 10 with 167,636 zeros behind it. http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/rtg/rtg-evid/rtgevd01.txt That is like a tornado going through a junkyard and when it leaves; it has created a working car. And even then, you still have to explain where the materials in the junk yard came from in the first place. ii. Here?s a ?theory?. Life was created by a divine being that is greater than all natural matter. He is all powerful and eternal. The fact that there is life on this planet (even intelligent life in man) shows that there had to be some supernatural force at work to create us. As the Bible says, ?/Then God said, ?Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb,/ ?? (Gen. 1:11, 20, 24, etc) iii. Because of the inability of science to even remotely create the smallest matter of life, it calls for its origin from some other source. That argues greatly in favor of the existence of God. d. Many other thoughts and arguments could be added to these. When you honestly look at the processes of this world, the unexplained things point toward the necessity of a creator ? God. As Paul said in Romans 1:20, ?/For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse/.? Psalm 33:6-9, ?By the word of the Lord the heavens were made?? * Lesson 2* /Sunday, January 18, 2009 am/ / / *A STUDY OF GOD (2)* *THE CASE FOR GOD (2)* Today we continue an ongoing study throughout this year in which we will strive to deepen our understanding of our God. Last week we began examining the first element of this study in which we intend to establish that God DOES exist. Unless this can be proved, the remainder of this study is meaningless. Today we continue to prove our case for God. In our previous lesson we noted some laws of science that point toward the existence of a divine creator. ? We noted that science cannot prove that matter is eternal. In fact, laws of science point toward the opposite, suggesting that there had to be a beginning. ? _A case in point is that the universe is expanding which points to the fact that at some point in time past, there had to be a point from which the expansion began_ (unless this universe was CREATED with the process already in effect). Science refers to this as ?the big bang theory.? And then the *evolutionist *needs to prove there was something BEFORE expansion began. And if he proves that, what was BEFORE that? The point is matter is NOT eternal. ? _Laws of energy serve as another example_. There are 3 laws of thermodynamics. The first states, that energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can change form or states (i.e. solid to liquid to gas to plasma & back), but the quantity is constant. The 2^nd law of thermodynamics is also called the law of increased entropy (disorder). In essence it says that while energy is never destroyed, the quality of it deteriorates over time from usable energy to unusable energy. As a result, the amount of usable energy in the universe is being slowly used up. This leads to the question: */If matter/energy are eternal, why has it not yet been used up?/* NOTE: The 3^rd law of thermodynamics establishes that as temperature approaches absolute zero (-273.15 degree Celsius), the entropy of a system approaches a constant minimum (just short of stopping). This law also states that we can never reach absolute zero. My question in these laws: */If matter &/or energy are eternal, why have we not yet reached the state of near absolute zero?/* LAWS of energy point to a beginning of all matter.*//* ? _The first cause argument_*/. /*Based on examples like these two laws of science just mentioned, there has to have been a force (outside of the material realm) that started it all. As we read in Genesis 1:1, ?/In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth/.? By faith we accept that statement (Heb. 11:3), but NOT without proof (Rom. 1:20). *//* ? _The design of the universe_. Design demands a designer. Also known as ?the teleological argument.? We all understand this concept in EVERY other aspect of life. Where there is design, the has to be a designer behind it. When you see a wristwatch, you know that it was made by someone. And even if you were to take all the parts and place them in a bag and shake it up, the probability of them coming out as a working watch are so astronomical that it would be impossible. And you STILL have to consider where the parts came from. When you consider the complexity of the universe, this earth, the human body and other organism you cannot help but see design, and thus a designer. The alternative, is illogical. And as we noted last week, the laws of science themselves show design. */The study of science is only possible because of the order and consistency of natural laws. /* ? _How do you explain the origin of life from inorganic matter_? In spite of tremendous advancements in science, one thing it is not even close to doing is creating life from an inorganic source. With advancements in the study of DNA, micro-biology, chemistry and other subjects, science can accurately determine the chemical and biological structure of just about anything. They might even be able to assemble together the various elements ? but even if they did ? they would STILL NOT have that spark of life which they cannot create, either in plant form OR animals. As noted last week, in the evolutionary process, even for the elements of a simple life form to happen by chance (that is the necessary elements to form a living organism to be assembled together in a usable state) are so astronomical that they are impossible. In our lesson today we want to continue our study by examining some logical arguments and time permitting note some of the arguments made by atheists against a divine creator. *I. **Logical Arguments* a. There are also many logical arguments better answered by acknowledging God rather than denying Him. Consider these: b. */What is the meaning and purpose of life? Why am I here?/* 1 Cor. 15:19 says, ?/If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most pitiable.? /We know that this speaks of the hope of the resurrection and existence beyond this life, but the same conclusion would be true IF there is no God. Why are we here? If there is nothing beyond this life then our purpose is meaningless. Not only that, life itself is temporary. In the above arguments dealing with nature we have mentioned that the universe is expanding. One of the consequences of this is that things are growing farther apart and energy is being used up, which means that in time life will cease to exist on earth (and elsewhere?) as we approach absolute zero (3^rd law of Thermodynamics). So what meaning is there to life and doing good? When you die it is all for nothing. Solomon figured that out in the book of Ecclesiastes. That is why he reached his conclusion, ?/Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man?s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil/.? (12:13-14) c. */Our ability to reason as we do/* ? what sets us apart from the rest of creation? We have mentioned the probability of the creation of a simple organism as being astronomically impossible. What about a complex organism like the human being? And then how did we rise to the top and develop the ability to reason as we do. The biological evolutionary process does not explain the highly developed intelligence of man. It does not explain the development of our ability to carry on intelligible conversations with one another, to debate subjects such as this, to build things with intricate detail (like cars & houses, etc.). It does not explain the conscience, emotions, our ability to solve problems, etc. All evolutionary science can say is, ?It happened over time.? I get a kick out of scientists describing intelligent animals, (i.e. dolphins, chimpanzees, etc.), especially animal rights activists. One goal of humanism has been to equalize us with all other living things. But the fact is that even in their most developed ?intelligence? of EVERY other species is primitive at best. The ?intelligence? of an animal consists of survival, primitive behviors and trained responses. Yes some animals are able to be trained to do complex tasks and even choose the right alternative if given certain choices but _only to the degree that they have been trained_ and usually based upon a sense of reward, etc. But there is no, ?Duke? (of baked bean fame), ?Planet of the Apes? or ?Mr. Ed? or any of a number of fictitious animals we find in Hollywood and books. And you still don?t have the conscience, detailed reasoning, etc. that science cannot explain. The Bible answers the question in Genesis 1:26, ?/Then God said, ?Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;/?? d. */The fact of morality/* ? Exact standards of morality differ throughout the world, but there are certain general moral principles that EVERY civilized society understands, such as you cannot indiscriminately kill other humans just for kicks and a need to respect certain boundaries for others. _So WHO determined what is moral and not moral?_ There is a standard inherent within us. Some have called it, ?a sense of ought?. That is there are things we naturally know we ought to do and ought not to do. How did we get that sense? Morality is not explained by the evolutionary process. _What is interesting is that such reasoning is not existent in other forms of life_. Animals may respect territories and such, but it is purely natural and based upon their survival. They don?t have a conscience of right and wrong. _But where did our developed morality come from?_ IF we are just creatures of chance, then how can there be any moral standards? Even humanists, who say there is no absolute morality (they deny the existence of God, etc.) set standards of decency in dealing with others. Humanism says you should not do things that interfere with the personal rights of others. I ask, WHY? If there is nothing beyond this life, why not live totally for yourself? Their reasoning on morality is hypocritical. They deny absolute morality, but what would they do if their child is killed by a drunk driver (whose moral standard permits him to drink and drive) or someone steals their possessions. What made the holocaust wrong - IF there is no absolute morality? Why was Hitler so bad? What is the big deal about Muslim extremists who believe they should kill anyone who will not submit? Why should we condemn the warlords in Africa who are engaged in genocide? If this world is nothing but a part of the natural process of evolution (here only for a few billion years) why not live for ourselves? /One might say, so that we can live in peace. But why? Who gives us the right to make that decision?/ Furthermore, why would man be willing to give himself for another ? if there were not something within him that transcends selfishness? Evolution is about survival of the fittest, each one out for itself. That is contrary to morality. IF _there is no divine being to whom we must give an account_, why do anything for anyone else? The Bible often speaks of morality (cf. Matt. 7:12, 25:34-46, etc). Why? It is the message from our Creator. Morality makes sense if we are here for a purpose and there is someone to whom we must answer beyond us. e. */?Pascal?s Wager/*? ? Blaise Pascal was a 15^th century apologist and mathematician. He is referred to by some as ?the father of probability? (all those numbers mentioned above). As to the existence of God, he presented a premise known as ?Paschal?s Wager.? In it he set out a premise that even though the existence of God cannot be proved through reason (i.e. it requires a certain amount of faith) he noted that when the odds that God exists are even with those that He does not, the prudent will wager that God DOES exist.? He then noted that placing a wager is unavoidable since we already exist. The reasoning: If God exists and one believes in Him, he has hope of eternal life. But if God exists and one does NOT believe in Him, then when proven wrong ? his eternal fate is ?infinite loss.? On the other hand, if God does NOT exist, then he who believed in God ?suffering no infinite loss has lost nothing.? But the atheist, though he was right has gained nothing. Hence, the prudent choice is to believe that God exists. It is worthy of note that Pascal did believe that one could ?get a look behind the scenes? meaning that there are many forms of evidence that tend to prove the existence of God as being greater than that He does not exist (i.e. miracles and prophecy). Thus it is wiser to ?wager? in favor of God. Remember what Joshua said in Joshua 24:15, ?/And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell, But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord./? Remember also the words of Jesus, ?/What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul/?? (Matt. 16:26) In this life you have to choose what you will believe and who you will follow. BUT in this, be prepared to face the consequences. *II. **Consider the alternative!* a. Where & when did life begin? How is matter eternal? His failure to answer these questions leads to a life of misery and hopelessness (i.e. no purpose). b. The faith of an atheist ? There is no de