From bearsfan64 at ffni.com Sun Nov 1 07:51:20 2009 From: bearsfan64 at ffni.com (Jeff Kibler) Date: Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:51:20 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S) YOUR BEST FOR GOD In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <4AED9258.6040802@ffni.com> This is in reply to the email about the movie Facing the Giants. I would whole heartily agree what the article said about the movie and it's message. I would like to point out that there are 2 other movies along the same line by the same church. The first movie was not Facing the Giants. Their first movie was Flywheel. It is even cheaper in cost than Facing the Giants. They had a budget of $20,000. However it has a great message of trusting in God. The third movie that this church did is more well known. It is Fireproof. Also an excellent movie. On this movie they actually partnered with Sony pictures. To me it is so very refreshing to have choices in movies that inspire us to trust in God over the movies that Hollywood cranks out. I just wanted to thank the author of the email for the article about Facing the Giants. I have lost count of how many times I have watched this movie. May God Bless everyone today as we seek to serve Him. Jeff Kibler From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Nov 1 19:01:07 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 1 Nov 2009 18:01:07 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (11/1/09) Message-ID: <001901ca5b58$5b276ac0$11764040$@dot5hosting.com> San Juan Logo PNG.png Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) November 1, 2009 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com. In addition, if you want to advertise for "churches looking for preachers" and "preachers looking for churches," go to www.thetfordcountry.com and click on the appropriate link. Fill out the easy form and your listing will be uploaded to the web site within 48 hours (usually the same day). --- CONTENTS "To Obey Is.." (Richard Thetford) "Pentecost" (Greg Litmer) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- TO OBEY IS.. Richard Thetford Through the prophet Samuel, Saul was told by the Lord to "go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey" (1 Samuel 15:3). So Saul, upon hearing what was told of him to do, went and gathered the people to fight the battle against the Amalekites. Better Than Sacrifice In 1 Samuel 15: 8 we read where Saul took the king of the Amalekites (Agag) alive, and did utterly destroy all the people. But in verse 9 it says that he "spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed." Immediately upon reading what Saul did in relationship with what the word of the Lord said we can see a discrepancy. Saul DID NOT utterly destroy all the people as the Lord had instructed for him to do (spared the king, isn't he "a people"?). He DID NOT destroy "all they have" and "ox and sheep, camel and donkey" (kept all that was good, unwilling to destroy them). As a result of this, the Lord regretted that He had set up Saul as King. Samuel later finds Saul at Carmel where he had set up a monument for himself and was sacrificing the spoil that he brought back from the battle with the Amalekites. When Saul sees Samuel he says: "I have performed the commandment of the LORD" (V13). Isn't it amazing how plain and simple the Lord's commandment to Saul was, yet he, thinking he obeyed, did not! Notice the exchange between Samuel and Saul in verses 19 and 20. Samuel begins by saying: "Why then did you not obey the voice of the LORD? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the LORD?" And Saul said to Samuel, "But I have obeyed the voice of the LORD, and gone on the mission on which the LORD sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites." We can clearly see that Saul disobeyed the Lord but tries to cover it up by telling Samuel that THE PEOPLE took the best of the spoil, that should have been destroyed and brought it back to sacrifice to God. Samuel responds by saying: "Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams" (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul knew what the Lord had directed him to do through Samuel and as the King, it was his responsibility to ensure that the people did exactly as the Lord commanded him to do. No matter what we may offer to God, it is meaningless unless we offer it in obedience to His divinely inspired Word! Better Than Everlasting Destruction Today we need to understand that if we do not obey God's Will for us that we will suffer everlasting destruction. The Hebrew writer states: "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9). If Jesus only offers salvation to those who obey Him, what then will happen if we do not obey Him? Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9: "and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power". Any student of God's Word can clearly see that ONLY those who obey His word will be saved. Yet there are many, many souls who will suffer that everlasting destruction because they will not harken to the voice of God, and will offer to God their own sweet smelling fragrances that are an abomination to God! Obedience is what God expects and demands from His children. We can ONLY enter the land of eternal rest when we OBEY and DO His will (Matthew 7:21). Obedience and a home in heaven is certainly better than everlasting destruction! --- PENTECOST Greg Litmer Pentecost was the second of the three great annual festivals of the Jews. was celebrated on the fiftieth day after the Sabbath of the Passover week. the Jews were to count out those seven weeks, Pentecost was also known as the "feast of weeks." was also referred to as the feast of harvest or the day of first fruits because it celebrated the close of the grain harvest. was a day of joy and celebration, and even though it occurred on the first day of the week, or Sunday, it was observed as a Sabbath. work was suspended and the people expressed their gratitude toward God on that day. The most extraordinary Pentecost of all was the Pentecost that followed the resurrection and the ascension of our Lord Jesus. careful reading of Acts 1:3 - 2:1 indicates that there were forty days between our Lord's resurrection and His ascension into Heaven, and less than ten days from the ascension to Pentecost. that Jewish feast day, on that day of celebration, the church that Jesus had promised to build began. Acts 2:1-4 tells us, "And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." The prophecies that pointed to the coming of the church, such as Joel 2:28-32, were being fulfilled. this glorious Sunday, we find Peter exercising the "keys of the kingdom" as he effectively opened the door to the church by proclaiming Jesus to be both Lord and Christ. response to the question, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter told those Jews assembled in Jerusalem for the celebration of the feast of Pentecost what to do to be saved. said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). That same day about 3,000 people were baptized for the remission of their sins and were added by the Lord Himself to His church. The Lord's church has existed from that day forward and will continue to exist on earth as long as this old world is still here. When the Lord returns, He will deliver up the church, the kingdom, to God, His Father, (1 Corinthians 15:24). --- SENTENCE SERMONS A gossiper is like an old shoe - its tongue never stays in place. The person who lives only for self is engaged in a very small business. People who live right will not get left. The marriage knot should not be a slip-knot. Beware of the man who does not translate his words into deeds. A lot of people have ability, but they lack stability. --- SERMONS WORLDLINESS: The Tongue (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) The Faith of Abraham (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) www.thetfordcountry.com --- cid:image003.gif at 01C9DCB3.EEF5E980 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study...........10:00 A.M. Morning Worship..11:00 A.M. Afternoon Worship..2:00 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study........6:30 P.M. (No Wednesday night Bible study November - February) 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/20091101/42c8a2f7/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 69751 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091101/42c8a2f7/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Use to the glory of God. EMPLOYER -- EMPLOYEE (1) In this, the Christian dispensation, God does not set forth one form of civil government as being above another. He does, however, lay down definite principles which are to govern the conduct of any kind of government and principles which are to govern the relation of government to people, and people to government under any prevailing system. The same can be said of slavery: The Bible does not condemn slavery in so many words, yet all honest and enlightened people recognize that the Bible has been instrumental in abolishing slavery from almost every point of the earth. The very spirit of Christ's teaching and the great principles which are to govern men in their relation one to another are contrary to the spirit of making one man the slave of another. The influence of this teaching has tended to abolish the practice. Likewise it can be affirmed that the Bible does not endorse the capitalistic economic system above any other, but it does lay down principles which should govern men under it or any other system. Fundamental Principles: -- As has been pointed out, the Christ- ian is in the world but not of the world. While in the world it be- comes his obligation to earn a livelihood. This he may do in one of several capacities: either as an employer of others in a busin- ess of his own, or as an employee working for another, or as an independent worker working for himself. There is no question but what America today is passing through a great industrial and social revolution. Bloodless, to be sure; but a revolution none the less. Before all and including all in some way, there is the question of the relation of an employer to his employee, and of the employee the the employer. The older pattern of so many working for themselves in a small business is fast passing away This has raised the problem introduced, that of employer-employee relationships, and vice versa. In this article it shall not be my purpose to discuss labor problems and labor disputes as such, but to investigate and present something of what the Bible says about the relation of the two: the employer to his employee and the employee to his employer. FIRST, let this point be made clear: What the New Testament says on the subject it says to Christians, to those who have con- fessed Jesus Christ as Lord, obeyed the gospel, and who are seeking to make His standard of conduct the standard of their own lives. Until an individual has submitted himself to Christ's guidance and oversight, Christ's laws given for His kingdom cannot claim authority over that one. I do affirm, however, that Christ's way is the only way out of the moral, social and spiritual chaos of today. When men, both employers and employees, will accept the Christ as Lord and King, bow the knee to His divine sovereignty, and submit to His government of life and righteous- ness, they will act differently toward one another. When Christ's laws are respected as the law of God Himself, then what the New Testament has said on the great issue now confronting the people will be respected by both, and as a result difficulties will be solved. Do the men of both groups today, employers and employees, claim to be Christians? Then let each demonstrate his claims by his respect for god's law in the matter at hand. (More will be posted on this tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091102/a192a9fa/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 2 02:46:17 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 03:46:17 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) "THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT" 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 UNITY OF THE SPIRIT" In Jno. 17:20,21 we have this language: "Neither for these 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, are in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may be- lieve that Thou didst send Me." This Scripture, along with many others, teaches us the attitude of Christ toward unity. The apost- le Paul labored eighteen months to establish the church in Corin- th. After he had been gone for only a short time, division crept into the church there, and several different parties sprang up. The first four chapters of First Corinthians are devoted to the sin of division. Paul condemned the Corinthians in no uncertain terms, saying, "Let there be no divisions among you." Jesus Taught Unity: -- While Jesus was in the world His chief enemies were the religious people of His day. At that time the religious world was divided into different sects. As Jesus saw these different bodies and learned that they cared more for their traditions that for the true Word of God, He set about to correct their teachings. In trying to be their Friend and to lead them in the right way He made enemies of them, leading finally to Hid crucifixion. Jesus was the world's greatest character and great- est teacher. His magnitude was tested when He lived as well as taught His convictiosn. He came not to do His Own Will, but rath- er the Will of His Father, and that He did until the last spark of His life went out. Some of the last of Jesus' words are in His prayer recorded in Jno. 17. At that time He knew that it would be only a few hours until He would be killed: so we can be assur- ed that His whole soul was wrapped up in the prayer, and that it came from the very center of His heart. He prayed fervently that we all might be only as He and the Father were one. Not for my life would I do or teach anything that would prohibit the answering fo that prayer. Rather I want to do all that is in my power to bring about an answer to it. For that reason I am writ- ing this article. Unity Is Needed: -- I have read from the pens of a number of out- standing men of the various denominations on the subject of unity. All of them believed and taught that unless we can be united in some way, the religious world is doomed. Because of this belief, union conferences have been held. Giant minds are studying this problem. In many parts of the United States differ- ent religious badies cooperate in holding union meetings. In many cases most of the denominations in a town have union meetings. In many cases most of the denominations in a town have union services for the Sunday evening assembly. These various union meetings are admissions of the need of unity. (There can be union among denominations, but that does not mean they have unity. They still have their differences in many areas of their teaching and practice, and will not forego their teachings and practices in order to all meet under one name following one form of doctrine. It is like hanging two cats over a clothesline, you have union among the two cats by by no means do you have unity between them, the fur will be flying, JWS). There is no place in all of God's Word that teaches for His people to be divided today, but there are many Scriptures that teach the need for unity. Paul, writing to the Corinthians besoug- ht them to speak the same things to eliminate divisions and to be perfectily joined together in the same mind and the same judgment. He admonished the Ephesians to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." He also exhorted the Colossia- ns to remain knit together in love, warned the Galatians not to bite and devour one another, let they be consumed one of anot- her, and wrote to the Romans for them all to be like-minded. Tim- othy and Titus were especially warned against schism and divis- ions. In the above statements we ahve the mind of inspiration on unity. The outstanding men of the religious world are of the same mind, though they be divided in opinions and in fellowship (This reminds me of several years ago when Pope John II, called upon the religious world to meet in Rome in what he termed an ecumenical meeting. After meeting for several days, the leaders of the religious institutions of the world, determined that they would all go back to their personal venues and hold to their maj- or doctrines and practices, but try to have union among them- selves even though their doctrines and practices were to be held on to. During this whole ecumenical meeting, no one said, "Why don't we do away with our differing doctrines and practic- es and take the Bible and follow it strictly?" As far as I can learn, about the discussions held in these several meetings among Catholic and Protestant leaders, not one time was it suggested that the Bible ought to be accepted as their doctrine and it alone should be followed. If fact, I don't even know if the Bible was even mentioned in this meeting of the major heads of their differ- ing religions. Paul says that we should preach and practice the same thing, that doctrine and practice must come from the New Testament. For we are called upon to know and practice the truth that is only found in the Bible. It will furnish us with every need in our religious activities, Jno, 8:31,32; 17:17, Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:16,17, etc. JWS). Can We All See Alike?: -- How can this much-needed and much- wanted unity be brought about today? Some justify division by saying that it is impossible for everybody to see the teaching of the Bible alike. Why all this teaching on unity in the Word of God if it is impossible for people to be united in It's teaching? Would a just God command unity and provide no way for His command- ment to be obeyed? Surely the divided condition of the relig- ious world today is no fault of God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit. Unity cannot be brought about by looking into the future for some imaginary unity. It must be brought about by looking back to the time when God's people were one, and by modeling our teaching and practice after theirs. When that model is followed, unity will result, and the instructions of God will be followed. For the first few hundred years after Christ there was only one church, and that was the church that Jesus Christ came into the world to establish. That church was started on the first Pente- cost after the resurrection of Jesus, and it grew be leaps and bounds, by the thousands. In Acts 4:32, we read: "And the mult- itude of them that believed were of one heart and soul." This is the exact unity for which Jesus prayed. The religious world to- day can be of one heart and one soul by following the instruct- ions that made that early church of oen heart and one soul, and those instructions are found in God's Holy Word, the New Testa- ment. Our Lord prayed that we might all be one, as He and HIs Father are one. We can bring about the answer to that prayer by speaking where the Scriptures speak and being silent where the Scriptures are silent. As Jesus sits at the right hand of God today, He frowns upon the existing religious conditions, or else He is inconsistent with His own teaching that He left for our guidance. --------- Eris A. Ritchie, in the Gospel Advocate, Vol. 78, No. 24, June 11, 1936. via. The Jackson Drive Reporter, Nov. 1, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091102/49845b0f/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Nov 2 07:15:08 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:15:08 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>The Pride Of The Drunkard (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <393408FC992543349D3EE7A6122EDCF6@D2381J91> The Pride Of The Drunkard (Kent Heaton) Basil said, "Drunkenness is the ruin of reason. It is premature old age. It is temporary death" (Homilies, c. 375). There are few things engaged in by man that is as self-defeating and destructive as drunkenness. Quite frankly it is stupid beyond reason. A radio commentator recently described a time he had so much to drink he could not remember going home, how he got home nor who took him home. The sad part his remarks is that it was a boast with laughter intermixed of his drinking exploits. I thought of his wife who had to put up with a drunk coming home; possibly children. What about what they had to endure? The pride of the drunkard is described in Proverbs 23:29-35. "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 'They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?'" The remarkable part of this scenario is after all the pain endured the man seeks another drink. "Drunkenness is a vice which is painful and sickly in the very acting of it" (Jeremy Taylor, 1651). Billions of dollars are spent each year to promote drunkenness and billions of dollars are exacted to pay the health, mental and family crisis that is caused by the foolishness of alcohol. The news is filled with stories of pain and sorrow because of the impact of drunkenness. The word of God gives stern warnings of its consequence. Because of drunkenness Noah was uncovered before his family (Genesis 9:20-27) and Canaan was cursed. The daughters of Lot committed incest with their father when they got him drunk (Genesis 19:30-38). David got Uriah drunk trying to cover up his adultery with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:13). There is no glory in drunkenness. "A drunken man staggers in his vomit . For all tables are full of vomit and filth; no place is clean . Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, pressing him to your bottle, even to make him drunk, that you may look on his nakedness! You are filled with shame instead of glory. You also-drink! And be exposed as uncircumcised! The cup of the Lord's right hand will be turned against you, and utter shame will be on your glory" (Isaiah 19:14; 28:8; Habakkuk 2:15-16). The greater sadness is found in moments of reckless folly here will only lead to an eternal sadness in Hell. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived . drunkards . will [not] inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). It will not be funny to be a drunk in Hell. There will be neither pride nor boasting of drunkenness in torment; only the sad realization that life was about living with God and not dying through the bottle. Children of God have enough to deal with in temptation stone sober than to cause a greater temptation through the drinking of alcohol. "Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). "As He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15-16). Don't be a fool! Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091102/5a4d4f0a/attachment.html From edcaskey at gmail.com Mon Nov 2 09:21:47 2009 From: edcaskey at gmail.com (Eddie Caskey) Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 09:21:47 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Let Your Light Shine Message-ID: *Let Your Light Shine* Eddie J. Caskey Great things are expected of you, as a Christian. ?You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven? (*Matthew 5:14-16*). Each day is a decision to arise and show forth a lifestyle that extols the virtues of our God. We are to be good examples, worthy of imitation. How sad it is, then, when followers of Jesus Christ allow things to hide that light! Let?s examine a few of the things. Living a life of conformity is one obvious example of how we can be guilty of hiding our light. How can one stand out and be noticeable, if his or her life looks just like everyone else?s? Many years ago, marketers of Coca-Cola were looking for distinctiveness in their product that would set it apart. One solution was the patented shape of their glass bottles. People used to reach down into a cooler when they would select a soft drink and from that angle, most all bottles would look the same. Coca-Cola?s stated goal was to so shape their bottle so that patrons could tell it apart from all others, even in the dark. The approach worked. As mortals, we may appear similar to just about every other person, but, as Christians, our lives are to be so distinct, that others cannot help but see the difference. Paul said, ?I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God? (*Romans 12:1-2*). Our lights are hidden, and God?s will is not proven, when we live worldly lives. Our lights are also hidden when we lack knowledge of God?s word. Disciples are exhorted to ?grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? (*2 Peter 3:18*). But, when Christians cannot be relied upon to utilize the word of God in distinguishing the difference between right and wrong, darkness abounds and destruction is at the door (*Hosea 4:6; Hebrews 5:12-14*). The word of God is the sword of the Spirit (*Ephesians 6:17*). Therefore, it is a weapon of our spiritual warfare. Do not allow that weapon to grow dull and rusty due to neglect. Rather, ?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*). Is your light hidden? If so, then resolve today to study God?s word diligently, that you might learn to live a life of distinction. Let your light shine! Eddie J. Caskey Melrose Drive Church of Christ Richardson, Texas www.melrose-drive.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091102/95ea8a06/attachment.html From wcoc at bellsouth.net Mon Nov 2 12:06:12 2009 From: wcoc at bellsouth.net (westside) Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 12:06:12 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Q:Lord's Supper Message-ID: <1123F34D23864FAAA311A6AFD1F0EB71@westsidecoc> Hi folks, Here's a question concerning the Lord's Supper. Is it necessary that we literally break the bread on the Lord's Supper? This question comes about due to some places having the unleavened bread already cut into individual pieces. 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/20091102/5b162818/attachment.html From Jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com Mon Nov 2 13:01:59 2009 From: Jerry at eldorable.kscoxmail.com (Jerry ) Date: Mon, 2 Nov 2009 13:01:59 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Observing our first anniversary. Message-ID: Jerry Blount to the list The Pillar Church of Christ 560 S Oliver Wichita, Ks 67218 316-320-4321 November 2, 2009 The birth of a new congregation Our first year in review. A year has now gone by since the establishment of the congregation at Pillar. Let's review our victories and frustrations together. There had been a doctrinal battle brewing for some two years at the congregation where I had served as an elder for 12 years. That all came to a head on October 19, 2008 A group of us previously met with the liberal leadership on October 15 and pled with them not to split the church and to work to a more reasonable solution. to no avail. We met for the first time at the home of Scott and Betsy Prior the following Wednesday to organize a new congregation. Originally some 36 came with us to tackle this effort. But as the reality of starting a new group from scratch settled in, six returned to their old congregation. (Hebrews 11: 15. And indeed if they had been thinking of that {country} from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return.) It was our intention to not miss a single Lord's Day. We accomplished that goal. When October 26, 2008 arrived. the new group was ready. There were a lot of trivial things. For example, one couple had gone out and bought a communion tray. I must admit that I was nervous about it all. I am in my fifties and had never done anything like starting a new group before. When we cut loose with our first song. I was confident we would be fine. This group had been under siege for their beliefs for so long. It was obvious that they were now free and they knew it. I knew that nothing would be able to thwart their/our efforts. The Priors turned out to be wonderful hosts for the congregation and were more than willing to continue indefinitely but the local zoning laws are such that we knew we needed to make other arrangements as soon as possible. We choose the name "Pillar" for the new work. because Paul had referred to the church in such a manner and we really had no idea "where" we would wind up. We didn't wish to be confusing those around by constantly changing names as we moved from place to place. I Timothy 3: 15. "But in case I am delayed, {I write} so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." I began the arduous personal task of raising outside support for the first time in 25 years. This has proven to be a massive undertaking during a recession!" (We are still trying.) We had to set ourselves up legally etc. just to get a bank account. (That is a mess in Kansas!) I soon learned that there are many things I had always taken for granted working with established churches. For example, we had our first baptism in November. Terry Mears. She is the wife of one of our members. He was obviously thrilled. She came forward when the invitation was offered. She had been a Baptist and everyone in the room (but her) thought she was trying to make her way out to use the restroom! Once we realized that she was obeying the gospel. we had to do a mad scramble to figure out "where" to baptize her. After meeting for a month an a half we found our current meeting place (just a few blocks away). We actually hated to leave off meeting at the Priors home. Their dining room/living room had virtually the same meeting area as the store front we have now rented. The men of our congregation tore out a wall and did some minor alterations to prep it for our use. In the mean time the South Cullman congregation (in Alabama) had advertised that they had some extra pews. we only had to come get them. Bret Mears and I loaded up and went to Alabama. We stayed with the Deason family and met the South Cullman congregation. They had originally only advertised 5 pews. But over the course of things ten became available. Brother Deason urged us to take all ten even though we actually only had space for four at the time. He turned out to be right. It took awhile to talk our Landlord into allowing another wall to come out but we are now using seven of the pews and could squeeze in two more when the need arises. We can now comfortably seat 50. These things are longer than they appear. over13.' The back row has over 40' of pew space. If you look on the floor in the picture you can see where the walls had to come out. The pews won't fit in the space going crosswise of the room. In the mean time we had two setbacks. One family (of two) moved away. Obviously any loss of people in a small group is a serious matter. The other was much more serious. It began filtering back to us that the group we had left was aggressively trying to cover up the doctrinal nature of the split and blame it all on "personalities." Some of the older men I had turned to for advice and help through all this, had previously warned me that this was likely to happen, based on their experience. Back in the 1950's and '60's when the church was originally rocked over the institutional and social issues. it was common for the liberal elderships to attempt to just "explain away" the doctrinal matters as factionalism or stubbornness. I have prepared a concise list of the literal doctrinal differences between us for this purpose. As the things "said" began filtering back to us I started having to prepare numerous written responses. Fortunately because we live in the electronic age. emails clearly demonstrated how it all played out. Because of the quantity of those emails. I have recently condensed all that to a simple doctrinal statement of differences. I began offering to debate with any or all of them in a public forum; whether a man could serve as an elder if he didn't believe the things the congregation had supposedly stood for. This was based on an elder's job description in Titus 1: 9. "Holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict." Perhaps the most dramatic example of such. Their current preacher called on some of our members and proceeded to try to convince them that it was a "personal matter" if one of the elders contacted various members of the congregation and asked them to financially support a sponsoring church arrangement on behalf of his son. This particular one was overseen by the Richland Hills congregation in Texas. i.e. He stated that it was unreasonable for me to consider that as a doctrinal violation of said elder's trust as an elder. (Richland Hills is known for recently adding instrumental music, the Lords' Supper on multiple days of the week, etc.) In the mean time some that had left the same congregation in 1994 contacted us and alerted us that they had been through this before over the same elder (and doctrines) but all had been covered up (as they were again trying to do this time). All such goings on distracted us as a group for awhile. It really took us about the first 6 months of this past year to wade through all this and get our feet on the ground. (Our year runs from October until October) We had our first gospel meeting April 26, 2009 with Connie and Bobby Adams. (Bobby held women's classes). Their time with us was an enormous success. It was our first real exposure to the community around us. They were exactly the right folks at exactly the right time. with exactly the right topical mix of sermons. As we settled into our first summer we started trying to rebuild our personal work program through following up with visitors. I have had several personal Bible studies going for several years. At the time of the split I had 8 going. The split pretty much destroyed all that. It has been taken me longer to put that effort back together than I had expected. Actually it helped me to realize how spoiled I really was. I love personal work and had so much opportunity with it, that I rather took it all for granted. The people that had supported these efforts are also the ones that came with us (thankfully). but they were also distracted, as we were preoccupied with dealing with the various tedious items, things like fixing first the furnace and then the air conditioner in the new meeting place. In the course of the last 6 months our openings for personal work has started to creep back up. In the last four months I am pleased to note that we have added someone each month. The first two were from the original group at Pleasant Valley. Note: I now have found that doors are beginning to open up all across that original group. I believe that, in the beginning, many were just too afraid (or ignorant of the facts) to take their stand with us. Now that we are actually a solid group, and at peace, and that like each other. More and more of those are looking. Deep down they know they gave up the truth to stay behind. We had another baptism in September. This is the first generated by our personal Bible studies since the split. We now have a new family coming to us from a very liberal church in Wichita. I have known them at arms length for a couple years. Now they are making the jump. They have also mentioned that they know two others ready to make a change. We'll set a Bible study up with all of them to get their feet under them. October 18ff we had our second meeting. This one was with Jim McDonald. Again, we had a well placed meeting with the right man at the right time. The overall attendance was not as large as the one with Connie Adams but we have had more doors open up through this effort. Frankly the members here were able to be more focused on spiritual things by now. For example, the members from a small institutional group supported the meeting aggressively. We (Jim and I) followed up with the preacher and there seems to be an opening to work with this group and maybe lead them back from the brink. They are a small group that has been torn by liberalism in its march across Wichita. They were unwilling to go as far as most. Only time will tell if they will be receptive to what the scriptures teach. This year our internet work (Jerry's Christian Jottings) has increased our reach and continued to expand. These monthly emailings started the year with a distribution of 20,000 and ended it with 30,000. (50% increase) Obviously there has been a certain hunger for Bible teaching through this medium. In addition, the productive nature of said effort has really come into its own this year. We reach 20-30 countries as well as benefiting locally. A few examples.. 1) In January 2009 we were able to put folks from multiple states together to start a new congregation in Missouri. 2) I have corresponded with several. leading folks out of error and into the truth. We have had out of town visitors at the rate of one group per month showing up to visit us through this work. 3) In the last month have two solid local leads come in through this effort. One from Texas advising me of a family that moved into the area. Another was purely local. They had fallen away from a liberal group and responded with good wishes, encouraging us with our new work. I am obviously hopeful that it will continue to increase. All in all this has been a very productive year. We are much better off than I would have ever dreamed at the end of our first year. The congregation is continuing to enhance its work. We are becoming less preoccupied with the physical necessities of being new. I have had doors to two Bible studies open up this month alone. Yours in Christ Jerry Blount Evangelist www.JerrysChristianjottings.info -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091102/4e611e22/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 13778 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091102/4e611e22/attachment-0002.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 5136 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091102/4e611e22/attachment-0003.jpe From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 3 05:28:46 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:28:46 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) MY CHILD IS BACKSLIDING Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is a quest- ion and answer from my files. QUESTION: -- How Do You Deal With An Adult Child That Has Fallen Away From The Lord? ANSWER: -- I always thought rearing children was the hard part. Now that both of my children are grown and lead- ing their own lives, I have discovered being the parent of an adult child is the hardest job of all. I no longer control their choi- ces. They decide for themselves. I can advise them. I can encourage them. I can scold them, but they will still decide for themselves. So it is with your son or your daughter. But don't despair. There are many Biblical things you can do. First, you can pray. "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might no rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the sky poured rain, and the earth produced its fruit" (Jas. 5:16-18). James tells us to pray and keep on praying. God is bigger than your son or daughter's problems and can reach even a stubborn heart. (Think about Saul of Tarsus). Secondly, you can create in your own home an environment that will be appealing to your son or daughter whenever they visit with you. The atmosphere in your home can be of such nat- ure that they will see your good life and deeds toward God and others. Such, can and may have good effects on your adult chil- dren when they visit you. Remember what the prodigal son thought whenever he finally realized his undone condition out in the world. "But when he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger' 'I will get up and go to my fath- er, and will say to him', 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight; I am no longer worthy to be called thy son; just make me as one of thy hired men'" (Lk. 15:17-19). This young man began his journey home because he recalled how good home was. Even being a servant at home was better than the pig sty that he now found himself in. So he arose and went to his home and there he received a joyous and accepting welcome from his aging father. So, make sure that your wayward child remembers the good things that he had when he was home, and that he can still have such and be safe and accepted. Thirdly, simply invite your child to come and get you and take you to the church building at service time. Buy him or her lunch afterwards, or even cook him or her their favorite meal. He or she knows you want them to realize their condition and that you have been praying for their return to the Lord. They know, within themselves, that they are prodigal children, and that you are a loving parent that wants more than anything in the world for you to return to the fold of God. And you know that there will be rejoicing in heaven among the angels, when you, that have been lost, are found again and are now safely in the fold. Finally, don't give up. I have often seen men and women I thought were beyond God's reach come to the Lord again. Be faithful in your desires and your prayers on behalf of your way- ward child, as the father of the prodigal son continually desired and prayed for his son to return home. Be ever watchful and ready to accept such child whenever he or she does see the condition of their ways and wants to come back home. ------------ David Thurman, in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 44, Oct. 30, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091103/bc59b146/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 3 05:29:03 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:29:03 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) EMPLOYER -- EMPLOYEE (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. EMPLOYER -- EMPLOYEE (2) FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES (cont.). Let us begin with a state- ment made by Jesus, laying down a general principle which should govern men in all their relations with other men: "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt. 7:12). This Statement Needs Little If Any Explanation; What It Needs Is Practice By All. It simply means that one should treat the other man, Not As He Treats You, But As You Would Have Him Treat You. Most of us know how we should like to have another treat us: that is the way we should treat him. Applied to the employer, it would mean that any employer is to put himself in the place of his employee, consider how he would like to be treated in that place, then treat the employee accordingly. Appli- ed to the employee, it means that the employee is to put himself in the place of his employer, consider how he would want to be treated by those working for him, and treat him accordingly. The difficulty is nto in understanding what Jesus taught, nor in recognizing the right of the teaching, but it is in bringing oursel- ves to do it. Is not this correct? One may say, "Yes, but the other fellow doesn't treat me right." Suppose he does not, does that lessen your obligation in the matter? None at all. As a Chris- tian i am to follow Christ, doing the thing that is right regardless of how the other man acts. Remember, they did not treat Jesus right, but that did not change one iota the course of His conduct. EMPLOYEE -- EMPLOYER RELATION: -- Next, we pass to what the Holy Spirit, through the apostles, has said in a specific way on this subject. Writing to the church at Ephesus Paul said: "Servants (which we would interpret today, 'employee'), be obed- ient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters (em- ployers), with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not in the way of eye-service, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ; doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free (Eph. 6:5-8). Remember, as has been stated, that what the apost- les wrote in these epistles they were writing to Christians. If the reader is a Christian they apply to him. If not, but he expects to become one, they will then apply to him. The point made by the apostle is this: on the ground of serv- ing Christ the Christian is to do right in His service as an employ- ee. He does right because he belongs to Christ and is working as unto Christ and not unto men. The apostle promises further that whatever good thing the Christian does, though it should not be recognized by his master or employer, will be recognized and rewarded by the Lord. Here is a test of faith to the Christian. Further, the same apostle said: "Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters (employers) according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart fearing the Lord; whatsoever ye do, work heatily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; know that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ" (Col. 3:22-25). This principle makes the Christian's relat-ion to Christ the ground on which his conduct is determined. His life is a Christ-centered life, with every act of his behavior rising out of a consideration of that relationship. The Christian works at his job as unto the Lord, striving to please the Lord, not seeking the glory of men in that which he does, but the praise and favor of the Lord whom he serves. (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/20091103/14fe0936/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 4 05:13:17 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:13:17 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) EMPLOYER -- EMPLOYEE (3) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the third installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. EMPLOYER -- EMPLOYEE (3) EMPLOYEE -- EMPLOYER RELATION (cont.). And now a word from Peter on this point: "Servants (i.e. slaves, but today it would be those working for another), be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward (i.e., the wilfully contrary). For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a man endureth griefs, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye sin, and are buffeted for it, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye shall take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow His steps; Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously" (1 Pet. 2:18-23). Here the apostle sets forth Jesus as the example of suffering when wrongfully treated, appealing to those as slaves in the service of another to suffer wrong. Christ conquer- ed as a result of His conduct; His own spirit and standard is the only thing by which present day conditions may be corrected. Today the Christian may resign from a position but he cannot retaliate when mistreated. Someone may be ready to argue that such a way as herein set forth by Christ and the apostles is a way of weakness, the way of the sissy. Such is a mistaken view. This is the way of courage and conviction; conviction that certain principles are right and ultimately will win. The price of such a conviction may be humiliation and shame for the moment, but ultimately they prove victorious. History has demonstrated that the way of self- ishness and self-will bring only sorrow, suffering and regret; but the way of humility, sacrifice and right-doing will bring an ultim- ate reward, rich in joy, peace and victory. (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/20091104/f6512072/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 4 05:13:09 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 4 Nov 2009 06:13:09 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 another question and answer from my files: QUESTION: -- Do Angels Have Wings? And was Satan an angel, or cherub, before he sinned and was cast down from heaven? ANSWER: -- The word "cherub" is defined in the Bible Diction- ary as "A winged angelic being, often associated with worship and praise of God. The cherubim are first mentioned in the Bible in Gen. 3:24. When God drove Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, He placed cherubim at the east of the garden, "and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life" (Nelson's Illustrated Bib- le Dictionary). There are numerous references to cherubim in the Old Testa- ment Scriptures, and evidently the people of Israel were familiar with the term. When God gave directions about the ark of the covenant, and the mercy seat (the lid of the ark), He told Moses: "And thou shalt make two cherubim of gold; of beaten work shalt thou make them, at the two ends of the mercy seat. And make one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end: of one piece with the mercy seat shall ye make the cherub- im on the two ends thereof. And the cherubim shall spread out their wings, with their faces one to another; toward the mercy set shall the faces of the cherubim be" (Ex. 25:18-20). Another passage that sheds some light on this subject is Isa. 6:1-3, "In the year of King Uzziah's death, I saw the Lord sitt- ing on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of HIs robe filling the temple. Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called out to another and said, 'Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory." As to what angels look like, the Scriptures show sev- eral different views, and quite often the angels that interacted with men and women were invisible to them. The word "angel" literally means "messenger." And, althou- gh there is much we don't know about angels, we do know something of their work among men. To show the superiority of Jesus over angels, God said: "And of the angels He saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And His ministers a flame of fire: but of the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of Thy kingdom...But of which of the angels hath He said at any time, Sit thou on My right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of Thy feet? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?" (Heb. 1:7,8,13,14). God sends His angels into our lives when He deems it fit, and He does not always tell us about it. Notice that they are "minister- ing spirits, sent forth to do service." Why should we care what "form" angels take to do what God wants them to do? That is His business, and He does not confide it to us. (As for angels having wings, etc. it seems that sometimes they do and some- times they don't. But it shouldn't matter and we should not waste our time trying to figure out exactly what angels might look like, and whether they have wings or not, remember that they are servants of God as we should always be, JWS). -------- Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 44, Oct. 30, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091104/7e118e8f/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 5 05:01:53 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 06:01:53 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) "BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT" Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is the first installment of a study of the Beatitudes: "BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT" The first of the Beatitudes that we find in the great Sermon on the Mount is: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:3). When Jesus spoke of the poor, He was not speaking of what a person had or didn't have; He was describing what a person is, and there is an important differ- ence. In the New Testament, two words are used to express degr- ees of poverty. One word (ptochos) means total destitution, absolute poverty. The other word (penichros) means having only the bare necessities of life. We could perhaps describe this person as needy. The word our Lord used was the first. Jesus was saying: "Blessed are the spiritually destitute, those who are utterly helpless, for they are the ones who will gain access into the kingdom of heaven. The point that Jesus was making is this: we must feel our total dependence upon God rather than upon ourselves. We must come to the place where we recognize our absolute spirit- ual helplessness apart from God. We must reach the point where we are willing to say, as Jeremiah did in Jer. 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 own steps." Those who are not willing to bow in humble submission to the Will of God will never enjoy the blessings of citizenship in the kingdom of heaven. Entrance is gained by an attitude of humility and recognition of our own insufficiency. Such an attitude leads us to ask, "Lord what would You have me do?" and then being prepared and anxious to do it. There is a beautiful old song entitled "Be With Me Lord," the first verse of which so aptly expresses the mindset of one who truly is "poor in spirit." It says, "Be with me, Lord, I cannot live without Thee. I dare not try to take one step alone. I cannot bear the loads of life unaided. I need Thy strength to lean myself upon." -------- Greg Litmer in That Ye May Grow Thereby. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091105/78e97b88/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 5 05:02:03 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 5 Nov 2009 06:02:03 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) EMPLOYER -- EMPLOYEE (4) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the fifth and final insta- llment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. EMPLOYER -- EMPLOYEE (4) Employer-- Employee Relation: -- Thus far we have considered only one side of the study: that of the servant or employee who respects Christ as Lord and His Way as the right way. Let us now see what the Scriptures teach concerning the master, the employer. Paul writes, "And, ye masters (employers), do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening; knowing that He that is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is not respect of persons with Him" (Eph. 5:9). Look at that again: "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them." Therefore what Paul said to the servant, the employee, in the preceding verses was now made to apply equally to the employer. They also, with good will, were to do service as unto the Lord. They, also, are to render to their employees as unto the Lord. Now note, the apostle declares: "There is not respect of persons with Him" (i.e., the Lord, Who is the Master of each). The apostle continues, "Masters, render unto your servants that which is just and equal; know that ye also have a Master in heaven." (Col. 4:1). Here the obligation is laid upon the master, the employer, to render unto the employee that which is just and equal. These statements all rest upon the Word of Jesus for their foundation. "All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them" (Matt. 7:12). What can one find wrong with instruction such as this? As this teaching of the Bible ultimately outlawed slavery. If adhered to today, it will settle our present-day labor disputes. Do you reply, "It is too idealistic?" But is it? It would not have been wor- thy of God had He not presented an ideal worth striving toward. No, it is not too idealistic; but it is that which can be attained only as each individual makes it his own goal. Possibly some employer is saying, "But my employees are not Christians; were they Christians we could work these princi- ples." Suppose they are not, are you? If you claim to be a Christian, then your obligation is clearly marked, regardless of what the other may or may not be. Possibly some employee is saying the same of his employer. Suppose he is not a Christian, if you are, then your course likewise is clear. It is up to the Christian to follow the teaching of Christ regardless of how another may act, or what the immediate consequences to him may be. Christ recognized right and followed it, even though it cost Him His life. It may be that neither is a Christian. In that case, Christ's principles would not be respected by either. What, then, becom- es the way to proceed? Let us see how Christ proceeded toward each: Christ's primary task was that of revealing the Father and His Will in an effort to change the hearts of men. He sent out the apostles, not simply to correct the existing stand-ards of men and to settle their differences, but to change the hearts of men by converting them to Himself. A conversion to Christ meant an about face, involving submission to His stand- ard and His laws as the guiding principles of life. This is more than mere church membership, the joining of some denominat-ion; it is, as Christ stated it to Nicodemus, a new birth from above. Men born again respect the principles of human relation- ships as set forth by Jesus, and later by the Holy Spirit. It is as Jeremiah declared in the long ago: "O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps" (Jer. 10:23). Because it is not in man to direct his own steps, God has made known to him through Jesus Christ His Son what is the right way. It is only by following HIm and His teaching that we can enjoy those right relationships here. Jesus declared, "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jno. 8:32). But what is truth, the truth by which we shall be made free? Jesus said in His prayer to the Father, "Thy word is truth" (Jno. 17:17). God's Word as revealed by Christ, through the Holy Spirit, is the truth by which men shall be made free. Surely, in this enlightened land where Bibles are to be found on every hand, we all recognize that His Will has been made known through Christ. In the revelation of that will God has set forth the right relation that should exist between employer and employee. Our plea is that each reader who is not a Christian shall become one, and that as a Christian he be governed by Christ's teaching in this and all other relationships of life. ------- Homer Hailey in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 12, Oct. 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091105/df3189a2/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Tue Nov 3 22:31:02 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Tue, 3 Nov 2009 23:31:02 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Zechariah Message-ID: Zechariah I. Introduction A. Zechariah (YHWH remembered) B. Addressing the challenges of the post-exilic Jewish community C. Let us consider the book II. Zechariah: The Details A. Authorship 1. Material from Zechariah the priest, son of Berechiah, son of Iddo (Zechariah 1:1) 2. Iddo returned from exile with Zerubbabel, ca. 538 BCE (Nehemiah 12:1) 3. Ezra 5:1, 6:14: Haggai and Zechariah prophesy to encourage people to rebuild Temple despite official opposition 4. Perhaps the prophet mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 23:35, killed between the sanctuary and altar 5. Nothing known regarding final compiler B. Dating 1. Dates provided for many prophecies (Zechariah 1:1, 1:7, 7:1) 2. These date to around 520 BCE, same time as Haggai 3. All material ca. 530-470 BCE C. Audience 1. Post-exilic Judah 2. Much we can gain from it D. Purpose 1. To reveal the word of God that came to Zechariah 2. To encourage the people to finish the Second Temple, obey God 3. To set forth the things that would happen to the Christ III. Zechariah: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Visions (Zechariah 1-8) 2. Burdens (Zechariah 9-14) B. Call to Return to God, Visions (Zechariah 1-6) 1. 520 BCE: Word of God to Zechariah: LORD angry with your fathers; LORD calls people to return to Him; do not be like fathers who did not listen to prophets; fathers and prophets did not live forever, God's words and statutes caught up to them; they repented when their destruction was evident (Zechariah 1:1-6) 2. Zechariah sees first vision: man on red horse, standing among myrtle trees, with red, sorrel and white horses behind him; Zechariah wants to know meaning, angel will reveal; horsemen as those God sends to patrol earth; indicate earth is at rest; angel wants to know how long it will be while God shows no mercy to Judah; LORD provides comforting, gracious answer, indicates His jealousy for Judah; God angry with nations at ease; God will return to Jerusalem, Temple to be rebuilt, prosperity to return; God will comfort and choose Zion (Zechariah 1:7-17) 3. Zechariah sees second vision: four horns; asks what they are; horns that scattered all Israel; Zechariah sees craftsmen, asks what they are doing; they come to terrify, cast down horns of nations who fought against Judah (Zechariah 1:18-21) 4. Zechariah sees third vision: man with measuring line; Zechariah asks him where he is going; he goes to measure Jerusalem, its size; angel meets individual, tells him that Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls because of number of people; LORD as wall of fire all around, His glory present; LORD declares for people to flee from the north, to return from the Dispersion to Jerusalem; glory to plundering nations will be restored; God to dwell again in Jerusalem; nations to join themselves with the LORD; God to dwell in the midst of the people, they will know that God has sent Zechariah to them; God will inherit Judah as His portion; all flesh to be silent because God has roused Himself from His dwelling (Zechariah 2:1-13) 5. Zechariah sees fourth vision: Joshua the high priest before angel of LORD, Satan next to him, accusing him; LORD rebukes Satan; God has again chosen Jerusalem; Joshua as in dirty clothes; angel says to have clothes removed; iniquity removed, he will be clothed with pure clothing; Joshua clothed with clean turban, garments; angel assures Joshua that if he is obedient to God, he will be given right of access; friends sitting before him as a sign that God will bring His servant the Branch; stone set before Joshua with seven eyes, inscription engraved; sin of land removed in one day; on that day, all invite neighbors to sit under vine, fig tree (Zechariah 3:1-10) 6. Zechariah sleeping, awakened by angel; Zechariah sees fifth vision: lampstand of gold, bowl on its top, seven lamps with lights, two olive trees; Zechariah wants to know what they are, does not know; word of LORD to Zerubbabel: not by power or might but by the Spirit of God; mountain to be plain before him, will bring forward top stone; as Zerubbabel began foundation of Temple, he will finish it; then they will know God sent Zechariah; those despising days of small things will rejoice, will see plumb line in hand of Zerubbabel; seven as eyes of the LORD on the earth; Zechariah asks twice about olive trees; they are the anointed ones who stand by the LORD of earth (Zechariah 4:1-13) 7. Zechariah sees sixth vision: a flying scroll, 20 by 10 cubits; curse going out over the whole land; all who steal cleaned out by what is on one side, those who swear falsely by what is on other side; God will send it out, it will enter houses of thieves and those who swear falsely, and will consume those houses (Zechariah 5:1-4) 8. Zechariah sees seventh vision: a basket going out; the iniquity in the land; woman in the basket, Wickedness; pushed back into basket, lid returned; Zechariah sees two women coming forward; wind in their wings, wings like storks, lifted up basket between earth and heaven; basket taken to land of Shinar (=Babylon), house to be built there for it (Zechariah 5:5-11) 9. Zechariah sees eighth vision: four chariots coming out from between two mountains; mountains of bronze; first chariot with red horses, second black, third white, fourth dappled; all strong; they go out to four winds of heaven after presenting themselves to God; black goes north, white after them; dappled toward south; horses impatient to patrol the earth, and they go; those who go to north country have set Spirit at rest there; word of LORD to Zechariah: take Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, exiles returning from Babylon, go to house of Josiah; take silver and gold, make crown for Joshua the high priest; to say to him: man whose name is Branch; will branch out, build Temple; will bear royal honor, will sit and rule; priest on throne, counsel of peace between them both; crown will be in Temple to remind aforementioned persons; those far off will come and help build Temple; people will know that God sent Zechariah; it will come to pass if they obey (Zechariah 6:1-15) C. The Word of the LORD Through Zechariah (Zechariah 7-8) 1. 518 BCE: people of Bethel send Sharezer and Regem-melech to entreat God's favor, asks whether to weep and abstain in the fifth month; word of LORD to Zechariah: did you fast for God? Do you not eat and drink for yourselves? Did not God say that all these things were going to take place?; God tells people to accomplish justice and mercy, do not oppress people; people refused to pay attention, stopped ears, made hearts as hard as diamonds, did not hear message of former prophets; anger came from God, people were scattered among nations, land made desolate (Zechariah 7:1-14) 2. God jealous for Zion, jealous with great wrath; God has returned to dwell in Jerusalem; it will be called faithful city; old men and women will again sit in it; streets to be full of children playing; marvelous in His sight; God will save His people from east and west, make them dwell in Jerusalem; they will be His people, He will be their God (Zechariah 8:1-8) 3. Let the hands of Temple builders be strong; beforehand, no security, money; now there will be sowing of peace, prosperity; Judah previously a curse, will be made a blessing; do not fear, have strong hands (Zechariah 8:9-13) 4. As God was provoked and brought disaster without relenting, He will now do good for Judah; do not fear; they are to speak truth and act justly, not think evil in their hearts and do not love false oaths, things God hates; all the fasts of Judah will be turned into seasons of feasting and joy; love truth and peace; people of many cities will come to seek, entreat God; men of nations will ask to go with a Jew since they have heard God is with him (Zechariah 8:14-23) D. The First Burden (Zechariah 9-11) 1. Burden of word of LORD against Hadrach and Damascus; God has eye on nations, Israel; Tyre is very wealthy, yet God will strip her of her possessions and power; Philistine cities will see and be afraid, will lose their kings, be uninhabited; mixed people to live there, pride of Philistia to be cut off; blood taken from its mouth, abominations removed; after purging, made part of Israel; no oppressor to march over God's people (Zechariah 9:1-8) 2. People of Jerusalem to rejoice: their king is coming, humble, mounted on colt; cavalry, armaments to be removed from Israel and Judah; will speak peace to the nations; will rule over all the earth; because of blood of covenant, prisoners of the pit to be set free; prisoners of hope to return to their stronghold, will receive double from God; Judah bent as bow, Ephraim as arrow, to attack Greeks (Zechariah 9:9-13) 3. God will appear over them, will sound trumpet and march as whirlwinds of south; LORD to protect them; they will devour, tread down, and drink and roar; God will save them on that day; they will shine in land like jewels in crown; God's goodness, beauty are great; grain make men flourish, new wine the young women (Zechariah 9:14-17) 4. Ask for rain from the LORD in spring season, He will provide; household gods speak nonsense and the diviners see lies; people wander like sheep, afflicted for lack of shepherd; God angry with shepherds, or leaders, will punish them; God cares for the flock of the house of Judah, from Him will come cornerstone and tent peg and battle bow and ruler; they will be as mighty men in battle; they will fight because God is with them, will put riders on horses to shame (Zechariah 10:1-5) 5. God will strengthen, save Israel and Judah; He will bring them back because of His compassion, they will be as if never rejected; God will answer them; Ephraim to be as mighty warrior, will be glad; children will see it and be glad; rejoice in LORD; God to whistle and gather them in for He has redeemed them; they will be as they were before; God dispersed them, will restore them, bring them home from Egypt, Assyria, return them to Gilead and Lebanon until there is no room; waters to be struck and dried up; pride of Assyria to be humbled; God will make them strong, they will walk in His name (Zechariah 10:6-12) 6. Lebanon to open doors so fire will devour cedars; cypress, oaks, shepherds to wail, lions to roar, for destruction has come upon Lebanon (Zechariah 11:1-3) 7. God tells Zechariah to become shepherd of flock doomed to slaughter; those who slaughter go unpunished, those who sell make money on them and bless the name of God; shepherds have no pity; God to no longer have pity on them, will cause them to fall into each others' hands; land to be crushed; Zechariah does so, taking two staffs, Favor and Union; shepherds sheep; in one month, destroyed the three shepherds; became impatient with them, they hated him; Zechariah says he will no longer be their shepherd: what will die to die, those who remain devour one another; Favor broken, ending covenant of God with peoples; sheep traders saw, know it is word of LORD; asks them to give him his wages; they weigh out 30 pieces of silver; God says to throw it to the potter; it is the price at which they valued God; Union broken, ending brotherhood of Judah and Israel (Zechariah 11:4-14) 8. God tells Zechariah to take equipment of foolish shepherd; God raising shepherd in land who will not care for oppressed; woe to that shepherd, deserting the flock; may he be struck in the eye and his arm withered (Zechariah 11:15-17) E. The Second Burden (Zechariah 12-14) 1. Burden of Word of LORD regarding Israel: LORD the Creator will make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to the peoples; siege of Jerusalem also against Judah; Jerusalem to be a heavy stone for peoples; those who lift it will injure themselves; nations of earth to gather against it; all horses, riders struck with panic, madness; for Judah God will keep eyes open, inhabitants of Jerusalem will have strength through God; Judah to be made like a fire on that day, devouring all surrounding peoples; Jerusalem to be inhabited again; LORD to give salvation to tents of Judah first so that glory of Jerusalem does not surpass Judah; LORD to protect inhabitants of Jerusalem; the feeble to be strong, the strong to be like God; God will seek to destroy all nations coming against Jerusalem (Zechariah 12:1-9) 2. God will pour out spirit of grace and mercy on house of David and Jerusalem; they will mourn and weep for sin when they look upon the God whom they have pierced; on that day, mourning for Jerusalem like mourning for Hadad-rimmon on plain of Megiddo; land, families individually mourn; fountain opened that day for house of David and for Jerusalem to cleanse them from sin (Zechariah 12:10-13:1) 3. On that day, God will cut off name of idols from the land, to be remembered no more; prophets, spirit of uncleanness to be removed from land; those who prophesy will be denied as liars by their own parents; they will pierce him through; every prophet on that day will be ashamed of vision; he will not put on hairy cloak, but will claim to be a farmer; will deny wounds are from being a prophet; sword to be roused against shepherd; when shepherd struck, sheep will scatter; God to turn hand against little ones; two-thirds will be cut off, one-third to survive; that third to be put in fire and refined; they will be His people, tested in fire, who will call on His name and He will answer; He is their God, they are His people (Zechariah 13:2-9) 4. Day coming when spoil taken will be divided in their midst; nations will gather for battle, the city will fall, houses plundered, women raped; half of city will go to exile, other half will not be cut off from city; LORD will go out and fight on that day, will stand on Mount of Olives; it will split in two; people to flee to the valley of the mountains, like they fled in the day of the earthquake in Uzziah's day; God will then come, His holy ones with Him; no light, cold, frost on that day-- a unique day, known to God, light in evening; living waters will flow from Jerusalem, half to the eastern sea, half to western sea, in summer and winter; LORD to be king over earth; LORD will be one, His name one; land to be turned into a plain save Jerusalem, which will still be on mountain; it will be inhabited and will dwell in security (Zechariah 14:1-11) 5. Plague will come against nations fighting Jerusalem: flesh will rot; panic from LORD will fall on them, will fight each other; wealth of all nations to be collected; plague will also fall on all living creatures in their camp; all who survive from the nations will come up to worship God, keep Feast of Booths; no rain on those who do not go up; plague, no rain, for Egypt if they do not go up; it will be inscribed on bells of horses, "Holy to the LORD"; pots in Temple will be as bowls before altar; every pot in Jerusalem, Judah to be holy to the LORD so that all who sacrifice may come and partake; no more traders in Temple on that day (Zechariah 14:12-21) IV. Zechariah: Important Passages A. Zechariah 1:7-16 / Revelation 6:1-8 B. Zechariah 2:1 / Revelation 11:1 C. Zechariah 3:2 / Jude 1:9 D. Zechariah 4:2 / Revelation 1:12 E. Zechariah 6:1-3 / Revelation 6:1-8 F. Zechariah 8:16 / Ephesians 4:25 G. Zechariah 9:9 / Matthew 21:5, John 12:15 H. Zechariah 11:13 / Matthew 27:9 I. Zechariah 12:10 / John 19:37, Revelation 1:7 J. Zechariah 13:7 / Matthew 26:31, Mark 14:27 V. Zechariah: Conclusion A. Thus we have the visions, prophecies, and burdens of Zechariah 1. Encouragement to the people to serve God 2. Condemnation of nations, wickedness 3. Upcoming day of glory B. Zechariah teaches us the importance of listening to God, serving Him C. Let us be the holy ones of God! D. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 6 03:51:14 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 04:51:14 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) READING GOD'S WORD TO KNOW HIS WILL Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here are a coup- le of short articles that might interest you: READING GOD'S WORD TO KNOW HIS WILL We should never underestimate the importance of reading. God chose the written word to convey His teaching to mankind. Reading and understanding God's Word allows God's Will to flow into the depths of our soul. The Hebrew writer expressed this truth vividly: "For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a dis- cerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). The apostle Paul explained how God communicates through the written Word: "How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apost- les and prophets" (Eph. 3:3-5). God wants us to read the Word that He had the apostles and prophets write down. Paul told Timothy to give attention to read- ing (1 Tim. 4:13). He told the churches to read the letters sent to them and read the letters that were sent to other churches (Col. 4:16). Reading God's Word will help us to know His Will for us! **************************************************************************** **** UNDERSTANDING HOW THINGS WORK Most of us desire to be involved in the work of the church whether it is serving others or being involved in the daily activit- ies of a church family. There are many things that need to be done every day, every week, every month and even every year. Have you ever wondered who washes the windows of the church building where you attend? How about who keeps the Bible tracts organized in the foyer or who keeps the bulletin board for trhe missionary reports up to date? Understanding how things work is an important part of be- coming involved in the work of the Lord. The first step is quite easy -- decide what work you want to do. The second step is to ask who takes care of that work. The third step you take is to volunteer to help. The fourth step is to learn how the work is done. Brethren, we are a church family where all of us need to vol- unteer to help in the work that we to do. We should never have the attitude that someone else will do the work. Paul describes the attitude we should have toward working for the Lord: "There- fore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58). We are all able to do something for the Lord's kingdom. Let's get busy helping wherever we can. Remember the most important labor we can be doing is teaching those who are lost in their sins. Also, it is the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings, whom we serve, and He will help us understand how things work through His Word. (The author of the two short articles is unknown to me, but they were taken from the Henderson Blvd. Bulletin, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091106/6c686253/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 6 03:51:25 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 04:51:25 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) FAITH IN SEARCH OF UNDERSTANDING Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. FAITH IN SEARCH OF UNDERSTANDING As the reader knows, faith is to be one of the primary virtues of every Christian. The New Testament teachies that we are sav-ed by faith, justified by faith, have peace with God by faith, and should walk by faith. Our spiritual journey begins with, is sustai- ned by, and will be completed in faith. Faith has to do with confi- dence in the unseen and the unproved (Heb. 11:1). As people of faith we are as certain of the reality of things we cannot see, as we would be if we could see them. We are sure that certain things are true, though our powers of logic and reas- on take us only so far in proving them. Without this kind of con- fidence in the unseen, we cannot please the God whom we have not seen (Heb. 11:6). Yes, we claim to be people of faith, and yet it seems that at times we do not want to allow a place for faith in our lives. God says of Himself, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways your ways...For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa. 55:8,9). There may be many ways in which God's ways are higher than ours -- when He does what is not possible for us to do, when He does what we do not understand, or when He does the opposite of what we would expect in order to accomplish His purpose. At times we must accept by faith that God has accomplished a thing in a way that we do not understand fully. Perhaps we have a partial understanding of it, or it may be that some have a better understanding of it than others, or we may draw an analogy or two to help explain it. But in the final analysis, the process belongs to God and we must accept it by faith. HOW? -- For example, do we know for sure by what process Jesus performed miracles? Did Jesus merely manipulate natur- al processes? Did He simply "speed up" a series of natural causes and effects or provide a single necessary ingredient to initiate nature's work? Perhaps, but no one knows with certain- ty what happened when miracles were performed. Apart from avoiding a few mistakes, no explanation is needed. We don't accept the reality of miracles because we can explain how they worked to our or anyone else's satisfaction. We accept them by faith -- faith is the power of the Person who did them. It's going up on providing a plausible explanation and accepting things by faith that gives some people trouble. HOW? -- And how did inspiration work? Were the writers of the Bible overpowered by the Spirit of God so that as they wrote they had no idea what the content of the book they were writing would be? Were they unaware of what word or even letter would be the next one out of their pen? Or did God guide the intellect and abilities of the authors in some other way to produce the books of the Bible? It seems likely that God worked in concert with the will, consciousness, and intellectual abilities of the writers to produce His inerrant word. But no one knows exactly how inspiration "worked" in every case. We don't accept the inspiration of the text because we can adequately ex- plain how God produced it through human beings. While ackno- wledging that some explanations may be better than others, after all is said and done we accept it be faith. HOW? -- Christians beleive that the blood of Jesus atones for sins, and that when people respond to His gracious gift in obed- ient faith, their sins will be forgiven. But how are the sins of one person borne by another? How does the death of Jesus in the first century satisfy the requirements of God so that He is able to forgive the sins of someone who lives in the 21st century? We can offer explanations and draw analogies that may help us understand these things, but the mystery of the atonement will likely remain just that -- a mystery. We accept the work of Christ by faith. Not a blind faith, to be sure, but faith nonetheless. FAITH! -- The New Testament says that we are to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Requiring a plausible explanation before we accept a thing as true is not walking by faith. It comes closer to walking by sight and is faith in us, not in God. Of course, we should seek to understand the deeper elements of the gospel, but our efforts should be "faith in search of under- standing," not faith conditioned upon understanding. In the final analysis, after all of our reasoning and attempted explanat- ions, we must abandon our powers, accept our limitations, and confess our faith in a God whose ways are higher than our ways. --------- Bob Hutto in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 10, Oct. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091106/0957d870/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Nov 6 07:45:31 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:45:31 EST Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for November 2009 Message-ID: Hilliard Bulletin Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ================================================= Volume 11 Number 11 November 2009 I Did Not Know That! {A Look at the word Autonomy} Not long ago a person I was working with in an attempt to convert him from a false religion stopped me while I was presenting a statement about the independence of each congregation by exclaiming ?I did not know that.? After some consideration it dawned on me that there may be many people who are seeking true Biblical doctrine who were unaware of the independence of each congregation of churches of Christ. For that reason this article has been written. I do pray that some will examine my reasoning and exegesis of the Bible texts to follow and find satisfaction (i.e. acceptance) of the Biblical doctrine of local congregational autonomy. What does the word autonomy mean? - (Autonomy: "self-law", hence, self-governing...the right of self-government...a self-governing community.) -Autonomy = Independence & self-government. CHURCHES IN THE EARLY N.T. ERA WERE AUTONOMOUS: The Biblical pattern of the early church (i.e. independent congregational government) is the only way a congregation may organize to this very day. There is no other organizational structure reveled for the local congregation found in the New Testament. Each Local Church Is A Complete Organization Within Itself Acts 14:23 - And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. KJV Acts 20:28 - Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. KJV Phil. 1:1 - Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: KJV CONSIDER THIS: The organizational structure of a congregation is revealed in the three references sited above; the Biblical organization for local congregational function consists of elders, deacons, and other members. This concept will work perfectly with each congregation wherever the congregation exists in the world. The congregation has no organizational function beyond its own ability. The ability of each congregation is determined by the size, spirituality of its members (i.e. maturity), and its financial strength. Each congregation is responsible to God in three area of work: Eph. 4:10-16 - 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 1. Evangelism - spreading and supporting the teaching of Christ. 2. Benevolence ? Taking care of the congregation?s needy. 3. Edification of itself ? building up the membership of the congregation (i.e. aiding the members to grow ? mature in the faith). The above three areas of work assigned by the Lord for the congregation when performed to the extent of their ability with their resources is authorized, pleasing to the Lord, and completely acceptable to God. Through the above process each congregation is acceptable to God. I know of no Biblical teaching that authorized a plurality of elders in one church to assume or accept the responsibility of a sister congregation?s work; either in part or the whole. The concept of sponsoring eldership, congregational interlinking such as is current in the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, and many others religious organizations pursuing unauthorized means and methods to activate the universal church (i.e. all the members throughout the world or all the churches throughout the world) is without Biblical support. CONSIDER THIS: Any system or any organizational arrangement that is not authorized by the Bible is unacceptable to our Lord. Anything that is unauthorized by our Lord via the Holy Scriptures that is practiced by man is sinful. There is no other statement that will adequately define this departure from the Biblical pattern; this is transgression of God?s instruction. SEE ALSO THE FOLLOWING BIBLICAL REFERENCES: Jesus Christ is the only Head of the Universal Church and has not delegated any authority to any man or men to take His place while he sits at the throne of the Father in Heaven. Matt. 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV Eph. 1:22-23 - 22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all. KJV Col. 3:15-17 - 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. _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - October 8, 2009 ANOTHER QUESTION REGARDING THE WORD ? AUTONOMY ? Question by JES Garreth Clair please tell me why you have ignored the great famine and the uniting of all churches in the New Testament to send help to the church in Jerusalem to distribute in your previous article? Apparently you have overlooked this occasion of activating the universal church in the book of Acts. ANSWER by glclair at aol.com The reference by the questioner is a good question but I did not conceal this situation for the purpose which he seems to imply. The truth about the case regarding the famine in Judea has no bearing on the subject of my first attempt to clarify the nature and work of the congregation. I understand that our questioner here accepts the fact that the congregation is autonomous but wants to know if perhaps in our haste to explain the nature of the congregation?s work we forgot or overlooked this situation. The case referred to here is first revealed to us in the Book of Acts as follows - Acts 11:27-30 - 27 and in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (27) ?In those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch, (28) and one of them, named Agabus, arose and signified through the Spirit that there would be a great famine throughout the whole world, which also occurred in the days of Claudius. (29) Then the disciples, every one according as he was prospered, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea; (30) which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.? (KJV) COMMENTARY NOTE: ?This is the first account we have of the gift of prophesy among the disciples, but Agabus and his companions appear to have been already known as prophets, doubtless from previous exercise of this gift. The brethren, therefore, did not hesitate to give full credit to the prediction, and knowing that such a famine must cause peculiar distress among the extremely poor in Judea, they were prompt to supply their wants even before the period of distress arrived. Their benevolence is not less remarkable than that of the Church in Jerusalem at the beginning. The poor for whom that Church provided were in their midst, and suffering from present want; but the disciples in Antioch anticipate a state of distress yet in the future, on the part of brethren to whom they are personally unknown, and provide for it in advance. No more striking evidence could be given, at once, of their benevolence, and their confidence in the predictions of their own prophets. This benevolent supply was sent to the Elders, by whom, we are to understand, it was distributed to the final recipients. This is the first time that elders, as a distinct class, are mentioned in connection with the congregations of disciples. They are mentioned, however, as a class of officials then well known, and, consequently, we must infer that they had been appointed in the Churches at a still earlier period.? (From Acts of the Apostles) GLC COMMENTS: The commentary points directly to the exact points that I discussed earlier regarding the nature of congregational autonomy. The receiving church (i.e. Jerusalem) received the benevolence from the various congregations and the elders of the congregation in Jerusalem distributed the gifts. There is no departure from the autonomous congregational design that we discussed in the previous article ? . BIBLE - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS I Did Not Know That! {A Look at the word Autonomy} ? (Contact _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) for complete article) ? CONSIDER THIS: Since the New Testament teaches us that each congregation is autonomous, why would we alter the teaching in order to support activating the universal church with some super addition to distribute to needy brethren in far away places when the method (i.e. pattern) has been established for this work by God via the New Testament? Indeed, the Divine Pattern is for each congregation to send to the emergency need in another congregation or congregations and send the needed supplies to the needy congregation?s elders - one at time for distribution by their elders without any sponsoring or intermediary distributing point (i.e. another organization). _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) --- October 12, 2009 THE WORK OF THE CONGREGATION We encourage everyone who is available to be with us for Our monthly study about Bible Teaching The date this month is Saturday November 14 at 6:00 PM The study will be led this session by Garreth Clair -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091106/7e24d651/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 7 06:06:04 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 07:06:04 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) DISCIPLINE IS ESSENTIAL Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. DISCIPLINE IS ESSENTIAL The Word Of God Agrees That Discipline Is Not A Joyful Thing: - "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but pain- ful: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of right- eousness to those who have been trained by it" (Heb. 12:11). Discipline, although painful, is necessary and commanded by our Father in heaven. One of the obstacles with congregational discipline is that some do not seem to have the stomach for it. The congregation should be a place of healing, not hurt. Yet when there is no dis- cipline in the family (and the local church is a family), the family will be hurt. "if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so tht he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" (2 Thes. 3:14,15). If we had the right attitude toward discipline, we would be the better for it. King David wrote: "Let a righteous man strike me -- it is a kindness; let him rebuke me -- it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it" (Psa. 141:5). Likewise, Solomon said: "Open rebuke is better than love carefully conceded. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are de- ceitful" (Prov. 27:5,6). The church is sometimes likened to a body (1 Cor. 12:12-27; Rom. 12:4,5). If our physical body suffers from disease, surgery is often necessary in order for the body to survive. Discipline serves the same need. "Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, as do stripes the inner depths of the heart" (Prov. 20:30). Jesus said: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be establish- ed by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax coll- ector" (Matt. 18:15-17). Notice the Lord's language -- "If your brother sins...you have wonyour brother..." Which is worse, to allow someone we love to continue in sin and eventually be lost in hell, or care enough to confront and correct their sin? "He who spares the rod hates hsi son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him" (Prov. 13:24). Maybe we don't discip- line because we don't love our brother enough. The opposite of love is not hate, but apathy; and when we don't discipline, we show ourselves apathetic to the sin of our brethren. Ignoring sin will not make it disappear; it will grow -- "Because the sent- ence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of sons of men is fully set in them to do evil" (Eccl. 8:11). James writes: "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins" (Jas. 5:19,20). The bottom line? God disciplines us for our good (Heb. 12:5- 11). And He has given us the responsibility as a family of believ- ers to use discipline in order to save wandering souls (1 Cor. 5:5,11-13). ---------- Jamey Hinds, in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No.10, Oct. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/23a9cf92/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 7 06:05:54 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 07:05:54 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. A very good Saturday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN Denominationalists have for many years tried to sectarianize local churches of Christ by grouping them as followers of Alex- ander Campbell, and also Barton Stone. Faithful Christians working together as local churches of Christ are what they are because of their faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. They do all that they do and teach all that they teach by faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. They do not consult Campbell's or Stone's writ- ings to determine their faith and/or practice. It is sad that some BRETHREN who ought to know better join the ranks of denomin- inationalists and falsely change the faithful saints of God. Christians become such by obedience to the first principles of the Gospel: faith (Jno. 8:24; 3:16), repentance of sins (Acts 2: 38; 17:30), confession of faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32; Acts 8:37), and baptism in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:15). None Of These Instructions Originated With Either Campbell Or Stone. -- From the first Pentecost after the death and resurr- ection of Jesus Christ onward, Christians met together as a local congregation of people to worship and work in the kingdom of Christ. This was long before Campbell or Stone came upon the scene. (Acts 2:41,42; 4:32-37; 8:1-4; 11:35-30). Local churches were identified as belonging to God and Christ (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 1:2). Writing to the saints at Rome, Paul said: "The churches of Christ greet you" (Rom. 16:16). Local churches were completed in organization by the ordaining of elders and deacons (Acts 14:23; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11; Phil. 1:1). None Of These Developments Originated With Campbell Or Stone: -- Christians were then and now guided by the Apostles' doctrine, the Gospel of Christ (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 15:1-11), as it was delivered to us by the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures which furnish the man of God completely unto every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17). Faithful Christians honor the authority of Christ and seek always to abide within it (Matt. 28:18; 2 Jno. 9). Christ abides in those who abide in Him (Jno. 15:4). To those who are faithful unto death He has promised the crown of life (Rev. 2:10). We Do Not Follow Campbell Or Stone Or Any Other Man; We Follow Christ. Whom do you follow? ----- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/80daa5bc/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Nov 7 07:52:52 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 08:52:52 EST Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for November 2009 Message-ID: Hilliard Bulletin Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ===================================================== Volume 11 Number 11 November 2009 I Did Not Know That! {A Look at the word Autonomy} Not long ago a person I was working with in an attempt to convert him from a false religion stopped me while I was presenting a statement about the independence of each congregation by exclaiming ?I did not know that.? After some consideration it dawned on me that there may be many people who are seeking true Biblical doctrine who were unaware of the independence of each congregation of churches of Christ. For that reason this article has been written. I do pray that some will examine my reasoning and exegesis of the Bible texts to follow and find satisfaction (i.e. acceptance) of the Biblical doctrine of local congregational autonomy. What does the word autonomy mean? - (Autonomy: "self-law", hence, self-governing...the right of self-government...a self-governing community.) -Autonomy = Independence & self-government. CHURCHES IN THE EARLY N.T. ERA WERE AUTONOMOUS: The Biblical pattern of the early church (i.e. independent congregational government) is the only way a congregation may organize to this very day. There is no other organizational structure reveled for the local congregation found in the New Testament. Each Local Church Is A Complete Organization Within Itself Acts 14:23 - And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. KJV Acts 20:28 - Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. KJV Phil. 1:1 - Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: KJV CONSIDER THIS: The organizational structure of a congregation is revealed in the three references sited above; the Biblical organization for local congregational function consists of elders, deacons, and other members. This concept will work perfectly with each congregation wherever the congregation exists in the world. The congregation has no organizational function beyond its own ability. The ability of each congregation is determined by the size, spirituality of its members (i.e. maturity), and its financial strength. Each congregation is responsible to God in three area of work: Eph. 4:10-16 - 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 1. Evangelism - spreading and supporting the teaching of Christ. 2. Benevolence ? Taking care of the congregation?s needy. 3. Edification of itself ? building up the membership of the congregation (i.e. aiding the members to grow ? mature in the faith). The above three areas of work assigned by the Lord for the congregation when performed to the extent of their ability with their resources is authorized, pleasing to the Lord, and completely acceptable to God. Through the above process each congregation is acceptable to God. I know of no Biblical teaching that authorized a plurality of elders in one church to assume or accept the responsibility of a sister congregation?s work; either in part or the whole. The concept of sponsoring elderships, congregational interlinking such as is current in the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, and many others religious organizations pursuing unauthorized means and methods to activate the universal church (i.e. all the members throughout the world or all the churches throughout the world) is without Biblical support. CONSIDER THIS: Any system or any organizational arrangement that is not authorized by the Bible is unacceptable to our Lord. Anything that is unauthorized by our Lord via the Holy Scriptures that is practiced by man is sinful. There is no other statement that will adequately define this departure from the Biblical pattern; this is transgression of God?s instruction. SEE ALSO THE FOLLOWING BIBLICAL REFERENCES: Jesus Christ is the only Head of the Universal Church and has not delegated any authority to any man or men to take His place while he sits at the throne of the Father in Heaven. Matt. 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV Eph. 1:22-23 - 22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all. KJV Col. 3:15-17 - 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 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - October 8, 2009 ANOTHER QUESTION REGARDING THE WORD ? AUTONOMY ? Question by JES Garreth Clair please tell me why you have ignored the great famine and the uniting of all churches in the New Testament to send help to the church in Jerusalem to distribute in your previous article? Apparently you have overlooked this occasion of activating the universal church in the book of Acts. ANSWER by glclair at aol.com The reference by the questioner is a good question but I did not conceal this situation for the purpose which he seems to imply. The truth about the case regarding the famine in Judea has no bearing on the subject of my first attempt to clarify the nature and work of the congregation. I understand that our questioner here accepts the fact that the congregation is autonomous but wants to know if perhaps in our haste to explain the nature of the congregation?s work we forgot or overlooked this situation. The case referred to here is first revealed to us in the Book of Acts as follows - Acts 11:27-30 - 27 and in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (27) ?In those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch, (28) and one of them, named Agabus, arose and signified through the Spirit that there would be a great famine throughout the whole world, which also occurred in the days of Claudius. (29) Then the disciples, every one according as he was prospered, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea; (30) which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.? (KJV) COMMENTARY NOTE: ?This is the first account we have of the gift of prophesy among the disciples, but Agabus and his companions appear to have been already known as prophets, doubtless from previous exercise of this gift. The brethren, therefore, did not hesitate to give full credit to the prediction, and knowing that such a famine must cause peculiar distress among the extremely poor in Judea, they were prompt to supply their wants even before the period of distress arrived. Their benevolence is not less remarkable than that of the Church in Jerusalem at the beginning. The poor for whom that Church provided were in their midst, and suffering from present want; but the disciples in Antioch anticipate a state of distress yet in the future, on the part of brethren to whom they are personally unknown, and provide for it in advance. No more striking evidence could be given, at once, of their benevolence, and their confidence in the predictions of their own prophets. This benevolent supply was sent to the Elders, by whom, we are to understand, it was distributed to the final recipients. This is the first time that elders, as a distinct class, are mentioned in connection with the congregations of disciples. They are mentioned, however, as a class of officials then well known, and, consequently, we must infer that they had been appointed in the Churches at a still earlier period.? (From Acts of the Apostles) GLC COMMENTS: The commentary points directly to the exact points that I discussed earlier regarding the nature of congregational autonomy. The receiving church (i.e. Jerusalem) received the benevolence from the various congregations and the elders of the congregation in Jerusalem distributed the gifts. There is no departure from the autonomous congregational design that we discussed in the previous article ? . BIBLE - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS I Did Not Know That! {A Look at the word Autonomy} ? (Contact _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) for complete article) ? CONSIDER THIS: Since the New Testament teaches us that each congregation is autonomous, why would we alter the teaching in order to support activating the universal church with some super addition to distribute to needy brethren in far away places when the method (i.e. pattern) has been established for this work by God via the New Testament? Indeed, the Divine Pattern is for each congregation to send to the emergency need in another congregation or congregations and send the needed supplies to the needy congregation?s elders - one at time for distribution by their elders without any sponsoring or intermediary distributing point (i.e. another organization). _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) October 12, 2009 THE WORK OF THE CONGREGATION We encourage everyone who is available to be with us for Our monthly study about Bible Teaching The date this month is Saturday November 14 at 6:00 PM The study will be led this session by Garreth Clair -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/67dc8dd8/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Nov 6 16:35:10 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 6 Nov 2009 16:35:10 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Hymn Study, "In Remembrance" Message-ID: <20091107.075121.3204.1.wswalker310@juno.com> 11/7/09 Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. ?IN REMEMBRANCE? ? This do in remembrance of Me.? (Lk. 22:19) INTRO.: A song which emphasizes the importance of remembering the death of Christ by partaking of the Lord?s supper on the first day of the week is ?In Remembrance? (#163 in Hymns for Worship Revised, and #295 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written by Roland Rudolph "Rue" Porter, who was born near Green Forest, in Boone County, AR, on Apr. 4, 1890. His mother was a widow, and the family knew the hardships of life in that Ozark Mountain in the early years of the twentieth century. The community offered little in the way of formal education, but Porter seemed to have made good use of what was available. Baptized into Christ in 1908 by James Brinkley, a gospel preacher in Green Forest who was also a blacksmith, he began preaching in a rural community near Harrison, AR, in 1911. Two years later he married Nancy Thomason, and four children were born to them, Roy D., who died in 1939; Noline (Mrs. Jack Ricketts); T. Coy; and Dr. V. F. Porter. Like many other preachers, Porter had to provide a part of his own support, which he did working as a carpenter. Much of his early preaching was in meeting work, but he did do local work in Bristow, OK, from 1919 to 1928. After moving to Neosho, MO, in 1931, where he made his home for the rest of his life, he established many congregations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and other areas. Also, holding gospel meetings in at least thirty states from coast to coast, he baptized over 8,000 people, preached the gospel on more than fifty radio stations, and held around forty debates, including one with Carl Ketcherside at Ozark, MO, in 1937. Later he edited a religious paper called The Christian Worker for several years beginning in 1955. In addition, he authored several books and penned either words or music or both for a few hymns. The tune for this one was composed by William Washington Slater (1885-1959; see #394). The song was first published in 1942. Porter's last article for the Christian Worker was written on July 7, 1967, and his death occurred on August (one source says September) 25, 1967, at the Elmhurst Nursing Home in Webb City, MO, after which his body was buried in the Hazel Green Cemetary at Boulder City, MO. In 1985, Don Deffenbaugh of Neosho, MO, released the biography of Porter entitled Uncle Rue. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord?s church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, ?In Remembrance? appeared in the original edition of the 1971 Songs of the Church edited by Alton H. Howard (but not in subsequent editions). Today it may be found in the 1978/1983 Church Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by V. E. Howard; and the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand; in addition to Hymns for Worship, Sacred Selections, and the 2007 Sacred Songs of the Church edited by William D. Jeffcoat. Interestingly enough, it was not included in any of Will Slater?s books that are in my collection, though some of Porter?s other songs are. The song is obviously intended to help prepare people?s minds for partaking of the Lord?s supper. I. Stanza 1 mentions assembling on the Lord?s day ?On this Lord?s day we assemble ?Round the table of the Lord; Happy hearts are made to tremble When we hear His blessed Word.? A. The term ?Lord?s day? was universally used by early church writers to refer to the first day of the week: Rev. 1:10 B. This is the day on which early Christians assembled to break bread, symbolized by the table of the Lord: 1 Cor. 10:21 C. In addition to partaking of the Lord?s supper, happy hearts are made to tremble when they hear His blessed word just as Paul preached when the disciples gathered together in Troas: Acts 20:7 II. Stanza 2 mentions partaking of the bread ?We recall His broken body As we look upon this bread;? ?Give ye thanks, divide, and eat it In my memory,? He said.? A. The body of Jesus was hung upon the cross for us: Heb. 10:5-7 B. We recall that ?broken? body as we eat the bread: 1 Cor. 11:23-24 C. He said that we should give thanks and eat it in His memory: Matt. 26:25 III. Stanza 3 mentions partaking of the cup ?And this crimson cup reminds us Of that dread scene long ago; When He died in pain and anguish, There His blood was made to flow.? A. The cup is the communion of the blood of Christ: 1 Cor. 10:16 B. Its purpose is to remind us of that dread scene long ago as we drink ?in remembrance?: 1 Cor. 11:25-26 C. Thus, in our mind?s eye we can see His pain and anguish as His blood was made to flow: Jn. 19:34 IV. Stanza 4 mentions remembering the purpose of His death ?There in agony He suffered On the cross for you and me; Now, upon the throne He?s reigning, Blessed Lamb of Calvary.? A. The purpose of the agony that He suffered on the cross was for you and me that He might die for our sins: 1 Cor. 15:3 B. Now, having suffered the death of the cross, He is reigning upon the throne, exalted at the right hand of God: Phil. 2:8-11 C. We should acknowledge Him as the blessed Lamb of Calvary: Rev. 5:6-1 CONCL.: The chorus offers thanks to God for Christ as our Savior and for the memorial of His love. ?Thanks to God for such a Savior, Now enthroned in heaven above; Thanks for this exalted favor, Blest memorial of His love.? There are many good songs to help prepare our minds for the partaking of the Lord?s supper, but few explain the what, the how, and the why concerning the communion service as well as this one, which reminds us that everything which we do during this part of our worship is to be done ?In Remembrance.? Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 cell phone: (618) 292-2694 e-mail: wswalker310 at juno.com website: www.defenderoftruth.com ____________________________________________________________ Graphic Design Education Browse Graphic Design degrees from the leading online universities. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=KmJlH2bVKZhsHk2n0RJ43gAAJ1AqWLnxUT_Og0R1xxm43-TkAAQAAAAFAAAAALpJTD4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAJVKQAAAAA= -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091106/e239fae6/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Nov 7 15:26:11 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 14:26:11 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> An Excellent Wife Message-ID: <000301ca5ff0$ef4867d0$cdd93770$@com> An Excellent Wife The wise writer asked, "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels" (Prov. 31:10). These words were written by divine inspiration, and are worthy of our note for what they say, but even more so to help us as we seek the kind of wife who will help us grow closer to God, or help us to be a wife who will help a husband walk with God, too. These words, along with others from God's word, are all the more important when we consider the state of our society and its view of marriage. We could use some wise words to help us be the spouse we need to be, and words to help us know the kind of spouse we should seek. As someone who is about to mark twenty-five years of marriage to my excellent wife, I ask that you bear with me as I use her example and parallel it with the words of King Lemuel in Proverbs 31:10-31. I readily admit that I have been blessed enough to have found that "excellent wife" who is, to me, truly "far more precious than rubies." I do so because I believe she is worthy of the title "excellent wife" because of her life and example and, though she would never say it, I believe she is an example to other women, both young and old about how a godly woman should live. Her Husband's Trust. (Prov. 31:11, 12) The wise writer speaks of how the heart of the man who is married to this excellent wife "safely trusts her" and he is blessed by the fact "She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life." This is a woman who is living for her husband, as Paul notes is often the case, and should be (cf. 1st Cor. 7:34), and the same should be said of the husband be towards his wife. There is nothing more comforting and assuring than knowing your spouse is trustworthy on every level and every aspect of the spousal and family relationship. In the context, the wise writer says that the trust extended to her is well-founded, for he never lacks; in other words, she is not wasteful with whatever resources they have and with the finances, but makes wise choices and does nothing that would cause him to doubt her. He knows his children will be cared for, provided with food and clothing, and loved as a mother should. My excellent wife has been a great comfort and asset to me and - when the children came along - to the family, as a whole. There were some "thin" times where her wise financial decisions kept food on the table and clothes on the children, and her resourcefulness helped us to never feel like we were lacking, though, by the worldly standards, we fell well within what some call "poor." I do not worry about missing a meal [I know; that's obvious] or going without true necessities because she is constantly looking out for us, though we often do not recognize her foresight. When I look back on the last twenty-five years and all we've been through together, I am truly thankful to have had someone for my wife whom I could trust completely in everything. She Is A Worker. (Prov. 31:13-19, 27) The wise writer describes this excellent wife as one who is, to say the least, industrious. She is one who "seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.brings her food from afar.rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and.with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle." In short: She is a worker! Many men do not comprehend or appreciate the work that a dedicated wife and mother does for the household, but a brief look at the deeds of this woman should open a few eyes if it were taken seriously. Many women who read this conclude by saying to themselves, "Honey, I know what she's going through; I've been there and done that!" They know the responsibility of pleasing a husband who doesn't always think about how she turned leftovers into appetizing meals and turned next-to-nothing into a meal at all, but she does it anyway; she knows the feeling of constantly looking out for the young ones and making sure they are dressed warmly in the winter and have food to eat when it seems they are almost always scrounging through the refrigerator for something to eat. Husbands and children alike sometimes take for granted that the food will always be there, the clothes will always be hanging in the closet or folded neatly in the drawers, and that the dishes will be washed and put away in the cabinets, but this woman knows how it gets done. She is the reason. She Is Compassionate. (Prov. 31:20) This woman who so diligently looks out for the well-being of her husband and children does not turn a blind eye to the needs of others while she is taking care of her own. As the wise writer put it, "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." Her heart is tender and loving, and not just for those of her own family. She cares for her own in a special way, but she also cares for others because her heart is full of compassion and considers every person as a part of her family and would literally do unto others and she would have them do to her (Matt. 7:12). She does not wait for "Someone Else" to step up and help; she sees herself as the one who is able to fulfill the need and does what she can. In doing this for others, she unknowingly is teaching her children to be compassionate, caring, and unselfish. [Maybe she does it knowingly.] They see her give her own food to others who have none because she is suddenly "full"; they see her give away her favorite dress or jacket to others, telling them she needs to get rid of some things; they see her quietly do all these things not for attention or accolades, but because it is the right thing to do. Others, outside the family, see this, too, and they might even feel ashamed that they have not done more. I have to say that my wife is one of the most compassionate people I know -- sometimes to a fault. Sometimes, she sees others in need that she just cannot remedy and she is saddened that she cannot make things better; sometimes, she sees children whose parents really do not seem to love them and she just wants to take them all home and raise them herself; sometimes, she just cannot believe that adults would treat one another as badly as they do, and it breaks her heart. How could I not love her for that? I catch myself sometimes, chastising her for caring too much. Yes, I have done that. I remind myself, though, that God never chastised someone for caring too much, but often admonished us to care about others more than what we do, and I am the one who should be embarrassed. She Speaks Good Words. (Prov. 31:26) I don't know how else to say it than "good words," but note that the wise writer speaks of how "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." She does not spend her time in idle gossip, talking about useless things, or talking just to be heard; when she opens her mouth, it is to say something worth saying and something worth hearing. And when she speaks, she considers the ears of those who hear her and those words are spoken with kindness. I will say only this: Many of us would do well to follow the example of my excellent wife in this matter. I have been angered when others falsely accused her of saying anything mean-spirited because I knew that such is not even in her heart. Her Family Loves Her and Appreciates Her. (Prov. 31:28) For those of you who see us regularly, you know this is true in my household. We may not always let her know, and we may not always tell her how much she is appreciated, but this excellent wife has a family who knows they would be much worse off without her! I am continually thankful in my prayers that she said "Yes" so long ago, and that she's put up with me for this long! Let us be willing to recognize those godly women we know, and let them know what a great example they are for us, too. The wise writer closed by saying, "A woman who fears the LORD is to be praised" (v. 30). Let these words be her praise. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/3423c55c/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Nov 7 15:35:28 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 15:35:28 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 044 Message-ID: The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 044: November 08, 2009 This Week?s Article: In Man?s Estimation Man has ?from the beginning? attempted to forego, ignore, or refuse God?s will. It is interesting that God, who has continually revealed His expectations (Hebrews 1:1-2) and who has always let man know what He desires, can be so easily ignored by men. When mankind allows their egos to tell them that they know a better way, we begin to place our faith in wishes instead of the truth. Consider Eve in Genesis 3. She knew God?s law: ?Do not eat the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden?. Then she allowed her own perspectives to change her actions. She began to think that the fruit looked good. She imagined that such good-looking fruit must taste good. Her ego convinced her to think that she needed whatever it was that God was holding back from her by banning that fruit. So she set her faith on her own wish to change the rules and she found out that is not the way to please our Creator. How often does mankind base their faith on wishful thinking instead of on the truth of the word of God? This morning let?s look at a few examples of the wishful thinking that many today are basing their faith on. In Man?s Estimation-- ?Good? is ?Good Enough? How often have you heard others described as ?good people?? ?Oh they are a good person.? This seems to be the set standard by which the world measures one's acceptability before God. We want to think that our individual good actions can merit our release from any punishment for wrongdoing. What is interesting about this description is that it is often given to one who has not followed the instructions of the Bible. What is the problem with this thought? It is not based on the truth about sin (Ezekiel 18:18-20; Romans 3:23). It is not based on the reality of sin?s price (John 14:6; 1 Peter 1:17-21). It is self-righteousness not God?s righteousness (Romans 10:1-3). God?s perspective is that ?good? is not good enough?man still needs the blood of Christ found through a full submission to the will of God (Acts 10:1-6; 47-48). We must do the will of the Father to be pleasing to Him (Matthew 7:21-23). In Man?s Estimation--Baptism Is Not Essential For Salvation One of the first things a denominational follower will blame us with is that we believe in ?Water Salvation?. This is certainly not what we teach, although our teaching of the necessity of baptism is prevalent. Modern religious groups have mostly done away with baptism; they have adopted the false doctrine of ?faith only? for salvation. Through misapplied scriptures they attempt to rationalize away the necessity of baptism for salvation. They instead offer some ?prayer? or ?statement of acceptance? that is suppose to bridge to cross over into salvation. What is the problem with this thought? It is not based on the clear unmistakable teaching of many passages such as: Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:1-4; 1 Peter 3:21. It is not based on any example(s) of baptism found in any case of conversion found in the New Testament. It disregards God?s divine plan of salvation as delivered through His will. God?s perspective is that only those ?in Christ? will be accepted. The only way to enter ?into Christ? is through baptism (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). Simple logic must prevail and it must therefore be understood that baptism is necessary for acceptance and salvation. In Man?s Estimation--God?s Love Cancels Condemnation: Often 1 John 4:8 is abused to the extent of saying, ?God is a God love and not condemnation.? This is what many wish were true, and many continue to teach as true. Many believe that God will simply love everyone into that wonderful place called Heaven. What is the problem with this thought? It goes against the long-standing actions of God. Genesis 3 God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden as punishment for their sin. In Genesis chapters 6 through 9 God destroyed the earth and all of its people as punishment for their sin. Both testaments record situations of punishment rendered for lack of obedience. To conclude that God looks past sin it to ignore direct teaching in regard to that great Day of Judgment: Matthew 7:21-23 those did not do the will of God were sent away. Matthew 25:31-46 all people will be separated righteous and unrighteous and those who are unrighteous will be sent away into everlasting punishment. 2 Corinthians 5:10 we must all appear before the judgment seat. God?s Perspective is that He is certainly a God of Love who give to all ?Life, breath, and all things? (Acts 17:24-25). But He also expects His creation to a willingly submit to His will (Acts 17:27-30). Because God has chosen a day in which He will judge all people in righteousness (Acts 17:31). Conclusion: The wishful thinking of mankind will likely not be stopped. Wishful thinking does not remove God ability to hold us responsible for our own sins. Wishful thinking does not remove necessity of God?s righteousness. Wishful thinking does not remove the necessity of doing all the things that God requires. The time to stop wishful thinking and start truth seeking is now. Romans 10:17 ?Faith comes by hearing the word of God.? Let?s determine to base our faith on the solid ground of truth. You cannot wish your way into Heaven, but you can make your life right and be prepared to enter that wonderful place if you will submit to God?s simple plan. ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward this copy to them and send their email address and I will add them to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/62c3d0cc/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/62c3d0cc/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7811 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/62c3d0cc/attachment-0003.gif From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Sat Nov 7 19:37:52 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Sat, 7 Nov 2009 19:37:52 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] God's Amazing Bible Message-ID: <1A28A63C326A4A289FD0D9D445C94ACC@TerryPC> God's Amazing Bible How much do we take for granted? We take for granted freedom in this country, and the blood spilled to make that possible. We also take for granted the accessible nature of the Bible and our freedom to read it, believe it and practice it. Go to other countries and you will realize just how much we take for granted. But, our freedom gives us opportunity to learn the most amazing evidences for God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ being the Son of the Living God. There are many amazing things about the Bible, but one feature sets it high above all other religious books. We have the prophetic word, and we have that prophetic word made more sure and certain. Consider the element of prophecy in the Bible, unmatched by any other religious book. Consider the Old Testament as the part that Jewish writers wrote hundreds of years before Jesus Christ was born. Then consider how many prophecies they wrote that described Him in amazing detail. Consider the odds of one man fulfilling just eight of those prophecies, to say nothing of the dozens and dozens of prophecies, types, and shadows of this Messiah and His kingdom fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Consider the following article: The Mathematical Odds of Jesus Fulfilling Prophecy The following probabilities are taken from Peter Stoner in Science Speaks (Moody Press, 1963) to show that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Stoner says that by using the modern science of probability in reference to eight prophecies, 'we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 1017." That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. In order to help us comprehend this staggering probability, Stoner illustrates it by supposing that "we take 1017 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. "Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man." Stoner considers 48 prophecies and says, "we find the chance that any one man fulfilled all 48 prophecies to be 1 in 10157, or 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. The estimated number of electrons in the universe is around 1079. It should be quite evident that Jesus did not fulfill the prophecies by accident." __________________ This information was taken from the book Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell The Bible is an amazing Book. It not only prophesied great details about a Messiah who was coming, but it also gave amazing types and shadows of him hundreds of years before the Messiah arrived in Jesus of Nazareth and fulfilled every detail. The writers of the New Testament were amazed by this factor, as one of the reasons they were convicted enough to live and die for the spread of this message. They saw what we all need to see. The New Testament shows how Jesus fulfilled those prophecies, types, and shadows in every way. Those writers suffered and died to let us see what they saw, and understand what they understood (Eph.3:3-5). It would be a shame if we let it sit on the table and collect dust as the rich man and his brothers had done for so long (Luke 16:19ff). Let the rich man's anguish over that neglect, and his regret and fear that his brothers would repeat the same mistake, be an alarm to make us afraid to take God's word for granted any more. We have the prophetic word made more sure (2 Pet.1:16-21). When you study and start grasping these marvelous things, light comes on in the mind, heart, and life, growing brighter and brighter until it is like the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. You realize that you hold in your hands the most important information in the world. Nothing in the security vaults of our nations' top-secret chambers holds any information more important than the treasures of wisdom and knowledge available to us in the Bible. When it dawns on you, Glory fills the soul. We are enlightened and illuminated (Heb.6:4). Why does that happen? Because it becomes very clear that the will of man and human wisdom did not produce the prophetic word. Truly, holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. This book of prophesy has the power of God in it to save the soul from death, enlighten the mind, and guide the soul to eternal life. Oh, what a subject that is itself! If you have lost sight of how marvelous and amazing the Bible is, spend some time within its pages, and let that Star rise again in your heart. The Psalmist said: "Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from your law"(Psalm 119:18). Have you seen that glorious light? Don't let your chances get by you. Neglect other things, but don't neglect this. It is too amazing to neglect for needless and useless things that make useless lives. Study this book. Your life here and after death depends on it. Terry W. Benton www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091107/4f72ffe9/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sun Nov 8 06:38:39 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 07:38:39 EST Subject: [Biblemat] HILLIARD BULLETIN for November 2009 Message-ID: Hilliard Bulletin Published by the church of Christ 4840 Cemetery Road ? P.O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 876-4089 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ====================================================== Volume 11 Number 11 November 2009 I Did Not Know That! {A Look at the word Autonomy} Not long ago a person I was working with in an attempt to convert him from a false religion stopped me while I was presenting a statement about the independence of each congregation by exclaiming ?I did not know that.? After some consideration it dawned on me that there may be many people who are seeking true Biblical doctrine who were unaware of the independence of each congregation of churches of Christ. For that reason this article has been written. I do pray that some will examine my reasoning and exegesis of the Bible texts to follow and find satisfaction (i.e. acceptance) of the Biblical doctrine of local congregational autonomy. What does the word autonomy mean? - (Autonomy: "self-law", hence, self-governing...the right of self-government...a self-governing community.) -Autonomy = Independence & self-government. CHURCHES IN THE EARLY N.T. ERA WERE AUTONOMOUS: The Biblical pattern of the early church (i.e. independent congregational government) is the only way a congregation may organize to this very day. There is no other organizational structure reveled for the local congregation found in the New Testament. Each Local Church Is A Complete Organization Within Itself Acts 14:23 - And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. KJV Acts 20:28 - Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. KJV Phil. 1:1 - Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: KJV CONSIDER THIS: The organizational structure of a congregation is revealed in the three references sited above; the Biblical organization for local congregational function consists of elders, deacons, and other members. This concept will work perfectly with each congregation wherever the congregation exists in the world. The congregation has no organizational function beyond its own ability. The ability of each congregation is determined by the size, spirituality of its members (i.e. maturity), and its financial strength. Each congregation is responsible to God in three area of work: Eph. 4:10-16 - 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 1. Evangelism - spreading and supporting the teaching of Christ. 2. Benevolence ? Taking care of the congregation?s needy. 3. Edification of itself ? building up the membership of the congregation (i.e. aiding the members to grow ? mature in the faith). The above three areas of work assigned by the Lord for the congregation when performed to the extent of their ability with their resources is authorized, pleasing to the Lord, and completely acceptable to God. Through the above process each congregation is acceptable to God. I know of no Biblical teaching that authorized a plurality of elders in one church to assume or accept the responsibility of a sister congregation?s work; either in part or the whole. The concept of sponsoring elderships, congregational interlinking such as is current in the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, and many others religious organizations pursuing unauthorized means and methods to activate the universal church (i.e. all the members throughout the world or all the churches throughout the world) is without Biblical support. CONSIDER THIS: Any system or any organizational arrangement that is not authorized by the Bible is unacceptable to our Lord. Anything that is unauthorized by our Lord via the Holy Scriptures that is practiced by man is sinful. There is no other statement that will adequately define this departure from the Biblical pattern; this is transgression of God?s instruction. SEE ALSO THE FOLLOWING BIBLICAL REFERENCES: Jesus Christ is the only Head of the Universal Church and has not delegated any authority to any man or men to take His place while he sits at the throne of the Father in Heaven. Matt. 28:18-20 - And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. KJV Eph. 1:22-23 - 22 and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all. KJV Col. 3:15-17 - 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 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) - October 8, 2009 ANOTHER QUESTION REGARDING THE WORD ? AUTONOMY ? Question by JES Garreth Clair please tell me why you have ignored the great famine and the uniting of all churches in the New Testament to send help to the church in Jerusalem to distribute in your previous article? Apparently you have overlooked this occasion of activating the universal church in the book of Acts. ANSWER by glclair at aol.com The reference by the questioner is a good question but I did not conceal this situation for the purpose which he seems to imply. The truth about the case regarding the famine in Judea has no bearing on the subject of my first attempt to clarify the nature and work of the congregation. I understand that our questioner here accepts the fact that the congregation is autonomous but wants to know if perhaps in our haste to explain the nature of the congregation?s work we forgot or overlooked this situation. The case referred to here is first revealed to us in the Book of Acts as follows - Acts 11:27-30 - 27 and in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. (27) ?In those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch, (28) and one of them, named Agabus, arose and signified through the Spirit that there would be a great famine throughout the whole world, which also occurred in the days of Claudius. (29) Then the disciples, every one according as he was prospered, determined to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea; (30) which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.? (KJV) COMMENTARY NOTE: ?This is the first account we have of the gift of prophesy among the disciples, but Agabus and his companions appear to have been already known as prophets, doubtless from previous exercise of this gift. The brethren, therefore, did not hesitate to give full credit to the prediction, and knowing that such a famine must cause peculiar distress among the extremely poor in Judea, they were prompt to supply their wants even before the period of distress arrived. Their benevolence is not less remarkable than that of the Church in Jerusalem at the beginning. The poor for whom that Church provided were in their midst, and suffering from present want; but the disciples in Antioch anticipate a state of distress yet in the future, on the part of brethren to whom they are personally unknown, and provide for it in advance. No more striking evidence could be given, at once, of their benevolence, and their confidence in the predictions of their own prophets. This benevolent supply was sent to the Elders, by whom, we are to understand, it was distributed to the final recipients. This is the first time that elders, as a distinct class, are mentioned in connection with the congregations of disciples. They are mentioned, however, as a class of officials then well known, and, consequently, we must infer that they had been appointed in the Churches at a still earlier period.? (From Acts of the Apostles) GLC COMMENTS: The commentary points directly to the exact points that I discussed earlier regarding the nature of congregational autonomy. The receiving church (i.e. Jerusalem) received the benevolence from the various congregations and the elders of the congregation in Jerusalem distributed the gifts. There is no departure from the autonomous congregational design that we discussed in the previous article ? . BIBLE - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS I Did Not Know That! {A Look at the word Autonomy} ? (Contact _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) for complete article) ? CONSIDER THIS: Since the New Testament teaches us that each congregation is autonomous, why would we alter the teaching in order to support activating the universal church with some super addition to distribute to needy brethren in far away places when the method (i.e. pattern) has been established for this work by God via the New Testament? Indeed, the Divine Pattern is for each congregation to send to the emergency need in another congregation or congregations and send the needed supplies to the needy congregation?s elders - one at time for distribution by their elders without any sponsoring or intermediary distributing point (i.e. another organization). _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) October 12, 2009 THE WORK OF THE CONGREGATION We encourage everyone who is available to be with us for Our monthly study about Bible Teaching The date this month is Saturday November 14 at 6:00 PM The study will be led this session by Garreth Clair -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091108/4a37ba78/attachment-0001.html From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Nov 8 22:01:37 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2009 21:01:37 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (11/8/09) Message-ID: <000c01ca60f1$b97f4130$2c7dc390$@dot5hosting.com> San Juan Logo PNG.png Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) November 8, 2009 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com. In addition, if you want to advertise for "churches looking for preachers" and "preachers looking for churches," go to www.thetfordcountry.com and click on the appropriate link. Fill out the easy form and your listing will be uploaded to the web site within 48 hours (usually the same day). --- CONTENTS "Where Is Your Hope and Trust?" (Richard Thetford) "Words of Warning From the Past" (Keith Greer) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- WHERE IS YOUR HOPE AND TRUST? Richard Thetford There are many people and things that we put our hope and trust in these days. Often times we do not realize the amount of hope and trust that we have in our different friends of today. In some cases we hope and trust in others more than we even trust God "For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:10). Paul told Timothy that their hope was fixed on God. Is our hope fixed on God today? We need to be aware that if we are not trusting in God, in all aspects of our life, then we are missing the boat. Sometimes we show more confidence in an acquaintance than we do in God our Father. God is alive, He created us and He knows what we need (Matthew 6:32). As a result, we should want to put our hope and trust in God. No one knows us as well as our Father and when we understand this then we will quickly go to our Father in prayer to place all of our hope and trust in Him to lead us through each day of our lives. But He can't help if we do not ask. Jesus said: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). When having a bad day, do you call on your best friend to abide in, or do you seek God and pray to Him? Jesus said "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me" (John 15:4). Is God first in your life? Do you put all of your hope and trust in Him? If so, good for you. If not, reevaluate your life and put your hope and trust in God our Father! --- WORDS OF WARNING FROM THE PAST Keith Greer The Old Testament was written for our learning. Paul wrote: "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Since it was written for our learning, we understand the lessons of the past. Right? Let me give you a few to consider. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes" (Deuteronomy 6:7-8). Do we teach our children the word of God by word and practice? "And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 2:19). Solomon told us a long time ago, "we can't take it with us." Do we still doubt it? Some work and gain material wealth at the cost of their soul. "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness" (Proverbs 15:1-2). Do we still allow our anger to control our speech? Whoever is louder is right. Sometimes that's the way we act. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). When will man learn that many a downfall can be traced back to pride. Do we admit our wrongs or try to justify and minimize them? "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise" (Proverbs 20:1). Recently in a poll taken among the teenagers of a large city, over 60% had tried some form of alcohol before their graduation. I wonder what example the parents of these teenagers set? "Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight" (Isaiah 5:20-21). We just change the name of the sin and that makes it right in the eyes of many. Abortion, that is pro-choice, not murder. Homosexuality is an alternative lifestyle, not sin before God. Mercy killing is compassion not murder. Have we forgotten the words of Isaiah? "But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). Do we believe that the wrath of God will somehow exempt us from our disobedience? Could we repeat the sad mistakes of the past again? We can read these words, see these lessons, yet, go down the same paths - sadly, the end is the same! --- SENTENCE SERMONS The devil has gone out of "fashion," but not out of business. The gospel is God's power to transform a "nobody" into a "somebody." If you feel like you have no faults, that makes another one. Praising yourself to the skies will not get you there. We would all be more successful if we followed the advice we gave to others. Seven days without prayer will make one weak. --- SERMONS WORLDLINESS: TV, Movies and Music (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) www.thetfordcountry.com --- cid:image003.gif at 01C9DCB3.EEF5E980 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study...........10:00 A.M. Morning Worship..11:00 A.M. Afternoon Worship..2:00 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study........6:30 P.M. (No Wednesday night Bible study November - February) 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/20091108/875a1625/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 69751 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091108/875a1625/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/png Size: 129359 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091108/875a1625/attachment-0002.png -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/png Size: 688 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091108/875a1625/attachment-0003.png -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9271 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091108/875a1625/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 9 01:56:00 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 02:56:00 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) "IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO HAVE NEVER BEEN BORN" (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. "IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF HE WOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN BORN" (1). At their last meal together, the Lord Jesus told His disciples that one of them would betray Him. He then added: "The Son of Man goeth, even as it is written of Him; but woe unto that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! Good were it for that man if he had not been born" (Matt. 26:24). Job suffered great loss -- with regard to his family, wealth and health -- so, in the midst of his suffering, he said: "After this opened Job his mouth and cursed his day. And Job answered and said: Let the day perish wherein I was born, And the night which said, There is a man-child conceived" (Job 3:1-3). And the Lord Jesus spoke of one who causes a faithful child to fall, "But whoso shall cause one of these little ones that believe on Me to stumble, it is profit- able for him that a great millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be sunk in the depth of the sea" ((Matt. 18:6). Some people actually would be better off if they had never been born. The spiritual condition of one must be very bad for the Lord to say, "It had been good for that man if he had not been born." But Jesus spoke those words of Judas Iscariot, who had made a bargain to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matt. 26:14- 16). Jesus knew of the plan, and so He spoke the words of Matt. 26:24. But there are many people in the Scriptures -- and also people living today -- of whom that same truth could be stated: "Better never to have been born." The Traitor -- Who Sells The Lord: -- In the naming of the twelve apostlse of Jesus, the last one named is always Judas Iscariot. The terms used to describe him are graphic: "Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him...Judas, which also betrayed Him...Judas Isca- riot, which also was a traitor" (Matt. 10:4; Mk. 3:19; Lk. 6:16). Judas was one of the trusted disciples, but he betrayed that trust. He was a traitor, and his price was "thirty pieces of silver" (Zech. 11:12,13; Matt. 26:15). Jesus gives charge to all of us, "If any man come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:24). Further, He admonishes us all, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matt. 6:33). But it is easy to "sell out" as Judas did, if the reward seems enough at the time: world- ly popularity, money, power, pleasure. Our "reward" is thus our "thirty pieces of silver" if we compromise the eternal principles of God and Christ for the momentary gain this world offers. Judas thought he was selling Christ, but really, he was selling himself! The "lover of self" (2 Tim. 3:2) is described by the apost- le Paul, "Whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" (Phil. 3: 19). For any who would "sell out" the Lord today, the warning is clear: "Better never to have been born." The Unbeliever -- Who Denies The Lord: -- The opening words of the Bible are: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen. 1:1). The evidence tht "God is" surrounds us. "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament show- eth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night showeth knowledge" (Psa. 19:1,2). The apostle Paul writes, "For the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even His everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse" (Rom. 1:20). With abundant evidence that there is a God, the psalmist was quite right when he stated, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God" (Psa. 14:1). Only a very foolish person would come to that conclusion. There are many kinds of unbelievers. Some refuse to believe in the God of the Bible and put their faith in evolution. Some trust in, and worship, idols. Some believe in black magic, some in witchcraft, others in astrology -- all of which deny God. But even if a person believes in God, there is still a faith beyond tht which He requires fo us. Note Heb. 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after Him." There are two parts to this faith: 1) believe that "God is" -- that is, believe in the existence of God. And, 2) beleive that God rewards those who seek after Him in obedience (Heb. 11:4-8 etc.). But there is another element to acceptable faith: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (Jno. 3:16). God demands that we believe in His Son. As Jesus said, "If ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins" (Jno. 8:24). The apostles later told the Jews, who did not believe in Jesus to be the Christ, "He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner. And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, where- in we must be saved" (Acts 4:11,12). If one does not believe in God and believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, then for them, "better never to have been born." (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/20091109/c2ae8cda/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 9 01:55:47 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 02:55:47 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) THAT THE CHURCH MAY BE EDIFIED 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: THAT THE CHURCH MAY BE EDIFIED Gifts of the Spirit used in the assembly of a New Testament church were for the edification (the building up) of the body of believers. Paul when discussing the spiritual gift of prohesy, pointed out that "he who prophesies speaks edification and ex- hortation and comfort to men" (1 Cor. 14:3). Paul even discour- aged the use of the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues because that gift did not edify the church: "yet in the church I would rath- er speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand wors in a tongue" (1 Cor. 14:19). The goal of teaching is understanding God's Word, and that understood Word resulting in the building up of the church. Paul expresses the importance of all spiritual gifts being used to edify, exhort and comfort brethren. God desires His children to be in the Spirit with full understanding of what they are hearing and doing. Preaching and teaching the Gospel of Christ in an orderly way will bring about the result of understanding. Paul wrote that even people of the world can understand what is being taught when they visit our assemblies and hear words that inform them and convince them concerning their personal lives (vss. 23-25). At the beginning when the Gospel was being revealed the churches relied on brethren with gifts of the Spirit to speak and teach the Gospel. Once the New Testament was written down and could be read to know God's Will, the gifts of the Spirit van- ished away (1 Cor. 13:8-10). God wants the church to continue preaching and teaching the revealed Word of God that people may be saved, and that Christians can grow and mature in Christ (Rom. 10:14-17; 1 Cor. 1:18,21; Eph. 4:11,15,16). The Lord's people can be edified when the teaching of God's Word is clearly presented, and every effort is made so those who hear are not confused. This type of exhortation is done by allowing each person in and orderly manner to speak God's Word freely without interruption (1 Cor. 14:25,26,40). Also, God asks us to recognize that His Word was revealed to the apostles and prophets, and that they spoke and wrote as they were inspir- ed by the Holy Spirit (vss. 36,37; 1 Cor. 2:6-13,16). A church of Christ should make sure that all teaching and preaching is based on God's Word and that it edifies the members. --------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091109/5df7d48c/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Nov 9 14:10:00 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:10:00 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>The Name Of Christ Church (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <9F8CEC541A604E16B4197AB294C1045B@D2381J91> The Name Of Christ's Church (Kent Heaton) Jesus promised to build His church in Matthew 16:18. He bought the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28) and reigns as King and only head of the church (Revelation 19:16; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:15; 5:23). After His resurrection Jesus spent time with His disciples instructing them and preparing them for the work that was to begin at Pentecost (Acts 1:1-3). Luke reveals in Acts 2 the birth of the promised church as the first converts were "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved" (Acts 2:47). The historian of Acts continues to reveal the character and nature of these early followers of Christ as a "company" of people (Acts 4:23), and the "multitude of those who believed" (Acts 4:32). Great fear came upon "all the church" when God took the lives of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). "Believers" are spoken of in Acts 5:14 and the "numbers of the disciples" were multiplying in Acts 6:1,7. Following the death of Stephen a great persecution rose up against the "church" as Saul made "havoc of the church" (Acts 8:1,3). The church is described as "disciples of the Lord" when Saul was breathing threats and murder against them (Acts 9:1). The early Christians are referred to as "disciples" thirty-one times in the book of Acts. Luke records a remarkable description in Acts 9:2 when Saul is seeking out "any who were of the Way" (Acts 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22; see also John 14:6). Early Christians were called "saints" (Acts 9:13,32,41; 26:10). The "church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied" (Acts 9:31). Antioch was where Barnabas brought Saul (Paul) and "for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). Paul would later call for the "elders of the church" (Acts 20:17) and instructed them to oversee the "church of God" as shepherds (Acts 20:28). Festus simply refers to the disciples as "their own religion" when he explained the case of Paul before Agrippa (Acts 25:19). The power of Paul's persuasive speech led King Agrippa to say, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian" (Acts 26:28). In the epistles we find many different descriptions of the church. "To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints" (Romans 1:7). Paul refers to the "church in Cenchrea . church in their house . whole church" and the "churches of Christ" (Romans 16:1,5,23,16). "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours" (1 Corinthians 1:2). There are many terms used to describe the nature of the church (called out, household, kingdom, body, temple, vineyard, bride . see especially Hebrews 12:22-24). What lesson do we draw from this? First, there is no single name attached to the church; but there is a New Testament name ascribed by God. Second, the New Testament does not reveal the names of most churches listed in the phone book. The name of Christ's church is the name you can find in the New Testament and if that name is not found in His book then it is not the church Jesus built. Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091109/5a04ba1e/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Nov 9 14:19:36 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 15:19:36 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume IV, Number 45: November 08, 2009 Message-ID: Good News for Norwalk For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Volume IV, Number 45: November 08, 2009 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gods of This World: Pride Pride has been the bane of humanity for about as long as we have been in existence. Throughout time, many people have cherished inflated views of themselves and their abilities. Pride is also found on family, clan, community, cultural, and national levels. Much of what we see promoted around us in some way reflects pride or the appeal to our sense of pride. Unfortunately, pride and many varieties of pride have become gods of this world. One can certainly see pride as one of the results of the Fall: man, now separated from his Creator and Source of life, finds himself a small player in a large and dangerous world, and must find some way to lift up his spirits (cf. Genesis 3, Isaiah 59:1-2, Romans 5:12-18). It is easy for people to desire to exalt themselves when they feel like they are insignificant. We feel the need to stand out from the other six billion people who walk the earth! It is beyond doubt that human beings have a natural emotional volatility regarding their self-image. That volatility is there to remind us that we are the creation and that we ought to seek our Creator and His will, for we will not find sufficiency in ourselves (cf. Acts 17:26-28, Romans 9:20-21, 2 Corinthians 3:5). There are times when we all require encouragement and building up, and times when we have the strength to build up others (cf. Hebrews 10:25). Furthermore, man has the impulse to seek to take care of himself and those under his charge, and to gain a measure of satisfaction for so doing (cf. 1 Timothy 5:8, 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Yet it is easy for people to take that volatility and those impulses and to make them the absolute. The situation is not made better by myths of the ideal of self-sufficiency: the "best men" among us are those who "pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps" and by their own effort "made something of themselves." Pride and "independence" are thus exalted, while humility and interdependence are minimized. Humans are not islands. They were never made to be entirely independent. There is a time to give and a time to receive (cf. Acts 20:35). Many people refuse the assistance of others because of their pride. They are willing to go without or see their loved ones go without as opposed to humbling themselves to receive support, be it financial, physical, emotional, or spiritual support. This emphasis on self-sufficiency and pride will be the downfall of many souls. The wonderful benefits of community and interdependence, things God desires of His people and His church (cf. Acts 2:42-47, 1 Corinthians 12:12-28) are too often sacrificed on the altars of pride and independence. Pride need not be so obvious and bald-faced to be a major challenge for people. The challenge also goes under different names: ego, self-esteem, self-image, self-worth, and the like. Thousands of books have been written on how to look at yourself more positively. Seminars are held around the country and the world attempting to "empower" people--- if you think yourself to be confident and successful, you will be confident and successful. In much of the educational world the emphasis has shifted toward raising the self-esteem of children: no one loses, what is really important is how you feel about yourself, and therefore nothing can be done that might ruin a child's self-esteem. This trend has also infected the religious world: many "preachers" in denominations (and sadly even in the church) are little more than self-help gurus who quote a few Scriptures every so often. Their message is more about "you" than it is about Jesus! It is not as if humans do not have egos or have no need for self-esteem. The difficulty with all of these self-help and ego-boosting programs is that they are wrongly directed. As long as humans are separated from their Creator they will suffer from low self-esteem and related challenges. Some will turn and project a hollow sense of pride but realize, deep down, that something is wrong and missing. Our sense of self-image, self-esteem, and ego cannot be built on ourselves and be what God intends. Instead, we must gain satisfaction and sufficiency in God (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:5). We have value because God has found us valuable enough to send His Son to die for our sins so that we could be reconciled to Him (Romans 5:1-11). We derive our worth from being God's faithful servants. Notice that the Bible does not explicitly speak regarding self-image, self-esteem, and ego, as if they need some special boosting through some self-help program. Instead, God calls on mankind to die to self and to live to God (Romans 6:11, Galatians 2:20). We should take on the identity of the servant of God, seeking to be conformed to the image of the Son (Luke 17:7-10, Romans 8:29). We can gain emotional and spiritual strength and confidence by realizing our place in God's Kingdom, being part of something greater than ourselves, and through the love and support of God in Christ and our fellow believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-28, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Romans 8:31-39). These lead to true empowerment, not the shallow worldly shell of the idea! Pride has been the bane of humanity for generations in all of its many guises. Let us not serve the worldly senses of pride to our own detriment and destruction, but let us seek God and find our sufficiency in Him, having been found to be His obedient servants! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies! Our location: 386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits) Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Our assemblies: Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm Our Bible studies: Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For More Information If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist at norwalkchurch.org. Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Mon Nov 9 21:18:49 2009 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Mon, 9 Nov 2009 21:18:49 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 16.11 November 2009 Available Message-ID: Our 16th year of publication (1994-2009) Expository Files - November 2009 **Our 191st 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 16.11; November 2009 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: Expository Files, November 2009 Front Page 16.11 Preventive Teaching & Remedial Teaching By Warren E. Berkley God?s Work Acknowledged ? Man?s Sin Confessed Nehemiah 9:6-31 By Warren E. Berkley Beware of False Teachers Ephesians 4:14,15 By Gary Henry Absorbed in the Faith ?...so that your progress will be evident to all. " 1 Timothy 4:15,16 By Jon W. Quinn ?Going Along? With Jesus Luke 14:25-33 By Karl Hennecke The Oldest Book Ever Written Topic Page By Kent Heaton Plan of Salvation By Jon W. Quinn Why We Celebrate Jesus' Death The Final Page 16.11 By Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- EF can now, or soon will, be found at the following places: http://www.bible.ca/ef/ Every issue - 1994 to present; every article; html; arranged by book; topic and/or issue; Search engine http://expositoryfiles.homestead.com/index.html 2004-2006 in html by issue; 1994-2003 in zipped self executable format for IBM http://www.texas.wberkley.info/ EF in PDF by issue Jon W. Quinn Bradley Church of Christ Bradley, Illinois http://www.bradleychurchofchrist.com Jon W. Quinn Bradley Church of Christ Bradley, Illinois http://www.bradleychurchofchrist.com Expository Files Sites http://www.bible.ca/ef/ http://www.expositoryfiles.homestead.com/ From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Tue Nov 10 11:47:39 2009 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:47:39 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S> I Am The Resurrection and the Life Message-ID: Here's a lesson I'll be presenting at a lectureship in Bay City, Tx. Hope you can use it. Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com ************************************************************************** I Am The Resurrection and the Life John 11:25-26 Zeke Flores Intro: John 11:25-26 are famous words spoken often at funerals to comfort loved ones. A. No one likes to think of death or the thought of the body of a loved one decaying in the ground. To consider one's own impending death is harder still. 1. "I am abandoned by God and man: I shall go to hell!" Voltaire 1778 (French philosopher & religious antagonist) 2. "What blood, what murders, what evil councils I have followed. I am lost! I see it well!" Charles IV, 1328 (King of France) 3. "All my possessions for a moment of time." Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1533-1603) 4. It's been offered that W.C. Fields' last words were spoken while leafing through a Bible: "I'm looking for loopholes." B. Considering most people's apprehension of death and dying, how do Jesus' words give hope and comfort? I. The Scene ? John 11 A. The sickness of Lazarus - vv 1-16 1. Note espec. Vv 11, 15 - Everything Jesus did was to teach a higher spiritual truth in order to instill faith in Him! B. Sorrow over Lazarus - vv 17-37 1. Martha's - vv 20-27 2. Mary's - vv 28-32 3. Jesus' - vv 33-38 C. Summoning Lazarus - vv 38-44 1. Reluctance - vs 39 2. Reassurance - vv 40-42 3. Resurrection - vv 43-44 D. Notice some quick lessons: 1. Death is no respecter of persons 2. Death brings sadness 3. Death is occasion for instruction E. In the midst are Jesus' words (vv 25-26) which are convincingly and definitively affirmed. 1. But how are they still true? 2. Consider their dual application. F. First, consider that Death strikes all men physically and spiritually 1. Physically, over 5400 people die every hour. 2. Spiritually, many more than that. a. Eph 2:1-2 b. We are in the land of the living dead! 3. Just as physical death is separation of body/spirit, so spiritual death is separation of God/man. a. It leaves a void in life that people try to fill in various ways. Seeking fulfillment and significance, they fail to see that the hole in life is "God-shaped." II. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life HERE & NOW A. But Jesus gives a promise of fulfillment, meaning, and new life in a resurrection here & now. 1. Psalm 23:4a; B. It begins with a renewal only possible through HIM. 1. John 5:24-25 2. Paul affirms it - Eph 2:4-6; Col 2:13-14 3. It is ONLY possible through Jesus! a. Rom 6:1-8; Col 3:1-4 b. "The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that too many wait too long to begin it." (Richard Evans) 4. God is in the "new creation" business! Since Adam & Eve messed up, God has been unfolding a plan to be recreated in His image. a. Eph 4:17-24 b. How? Through "newness of life" - Resurrection here & now! III. Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life for the godly dead LATER. A. The newness of life in this world is but a foretaste of the full and final resurrection He'll accomplish for the godly dead. 1. Those who recognized His voice in life will recognize it in death. a. John 5:28-29; 1 Thess 4:13-18 b. As Vice President, George H.W. Bush represented the U.S. at the funeral of former Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev in 1982. Bush was deeply moved by a silent protest carried out by Brezhnev's widow. She stood motionless by the coffin until seconds before it was closed. Then, just as the soldiers touched the lid, Brezhnev's wife performed an act of great courage and hope, a gesture that must surely rank as one of the most profound acts of civil disobedience ever committed: She reached down and made the sign of the cross on her husband's chest. There in the citadel of secular, atheistic power, the wife of the man who had run it all hoped that her husband was wrong. She hoped that there was another life, and that that life was best represented by Jesus who died on the cross, and that the same Jesus might yet have mercy on her husband. 2. Life is good, but eternal life is better yet. Jesus offers more than mere resuscitation. The Nain widow's son & Lazarus died again but Jesus offers unending quality of life. a. John 10:10 B. He proved it by rising from the dead Himself 1. 1 Cor 15:20-26 2. It is the "capstone on the arch of Christianity," it is the definitive vindication of Christ and his claims - Rom 1:4; Acts 17:30-31 C. Knowing this, we await our turn to be ... 1. Fully and finally different - 1 Cor 15:35-41 2. Fully and finally changed - 1 Cor 15:42-53 3. Fully and finally victorious - 1 Cor 15:54-57 D. Unlike Lazarus & Nain widow's son, we won't be subject to the limitations, sorrows, and struggles of this earthly life. We will be radically and wonderfully transformed! 1. 1 John 3:1-3 2. A young man who had been blind since he was ten years old, years later met a wonderful young lady, and fell madly in love with her. They married, and had lived together for some time when it was discovered that a certain operation would restore the young man's sight. After the operation, when the bandages were finally removed, the first thing he was able to see was his wife, and he said, "You are more beautiful than I ever imagined." Like this young married man, though we have never personally seen Jesus Christ, our Savior, when He appears in all His glory, He will be "more beautiful than we ever imagined." Conc: Jesus IS the resurrection and the life - Now and Later! A. While we have it now, there is work to do until later: 1. "Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Cor 15:58 B. INV -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091110/451346db/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Tue Nov 10 14:16:36 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:16:36 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 11/1/09 Message-ID: <4AF975C4.6287.1B6FC4F@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). ____________________________________________________ November 1, 2009 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) The Blood-Bought Church (Bob Buchanon) 2) News & Notes ____________________________________________________ -1- The Blood-Bought Church (Bob Buchanon) More and more I am amazed at the colossal ignorance of, and unconcern for, the purpose of Christ's blood shed on the cross! Liberal-thinking preachers for many years have been making efforts to eliminate the blood of Christ from man's need of coming to God and some even look upon the blood as repulsive. Many work hard trying to separate the church from salvation saying that the church has nothing to do with salvation. God Chose Blood Since man's first sin in the Garden of Eden, God has required the shedding of blood for the atonement for sin. God instructed Cain and Abel concerning the kind of sacrifice He wanted. It is said of Abel, that by faith he "offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain" (Heb. 11:4). This blood sacrifice must have been precisely what God wanted since faith comes by the word of God (Rom. 10:17). The first thing Noah did after he came out of the ark was offer a burnt-offering (Gen. 8:20). When Israel was delivered out of the slavery of Egypt, blood was used in their deliverance (Ex. 12:7-13). The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says, "The rite of circumcision is an Old Testament form of blood ceremony. Apart from the probably sanitary importance of the act is the deeper meaning in the establishment of a bond of friendship between the one upon whom the act is performed and (Jehovah) Himself. In order that Abraham might become `the friend of God' he was commanded that he should be circumcised as a token of the covenant between him and God, Genesis 17:10-11" (see "Blood," p. 489). The Patriarchal Age was marked by sacrifices and rites of blood by those desiring to please God. In Abraham's covenant, his own blood had to be shed. Later an atoning animal was to shed blood, but those who did appropriate the blood of animals were only ceremonially, and temporarily clean, because it was not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Heb. 10:4). In all ages, however, there must always be a shedding of blood. The covenant under Moses was dedicated by the blood of animals. Moses took the blood of calves and goats and sprinkled both the book and the people, saying, "This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry, and almost all things by the law are purged with blood and without the shedding of blood is no remission of sins" (Heb. 9:20-22). Since there is no salvation but by blood, and since the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin, it naturally follows that some blood of greater merit must be applied. As the first covenant was sealed by the blood of animals, the New Covenant was sealed by more precious blood, the blood of Jesus. The Individual Is Bought With A Price Each child of God has been purchased. Paul wrote, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirits, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:19-20). This was accomplished by the blood of Christ (Eph. 1:7), something of far greater value than silver and gold (1 Pet. 1:18). Each child of God has the same hope, having been purchased by the blood of Christ. Unto the saints in Galatia, Paul wrote, "But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world" (Gal. 6:14). Paul would not be found guilty of minimizing the cross of Christ, and what it had done for him. He would never equate the cross of the Lord, as some do today, to some $2 ornament worn as jewelry about the neck. To Paul, the cross was the symbol of the blood which Christ had shed thereon, and this gave it the fullest meaning. It is only when we find what the blood of the cross did for lost men that we have an appreciation for it. The view of Paul is far different from those who claim such love for the blood of Christ, and sing loudly of the "Old Rugged Cross," yet spurn the very thing which the shed blood of the cross purchased for us. To fully appreciate the cross of Christ, we must look much further than the shape of the tree on which Jesus died. The Church Purchased By The Blood Paul's statement in First Corinthians 6:20 shows that every member of the church has been bought with the price of the blood of Christ; the church is composed of members; hence, the church has been purchased with the blood of Christ. He has given for it His own most precious blood, thus making it His own by the dearest of all ties. The transcendent sacredness of the church of Christ is thus made to rest on the dignity of its Lord and the consequent preciousness of that blood which He shed for it. We must maintain that, had not this Lord been God, His blood could have been no purchase for the souls of a lost world and the promise of redemption in His church would have been impossible. Since the church has cost heaven its dearest treasure, we ought to value it very highly indeed! When Paul met the elders from Ephesus at Miletus, he discussed many important things. Included in the discussion was this thought: "Take heed unto yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Paul wanted them to know that the body of Christ owed much to the blood of the cross! This cannot be emphasized enough. Jesus Christ gave His blood to purchase the church and it should be remembered by all that He has never complained of being defrauded in the deal. It was by this sacrifice that the church was bought and sanctified. When Paul wrote back to his friends and brethren at Ephesus, he said, "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it" (Eph. 5:25). This divine institution was the spiritual body of Christ. Nothing is like it in the world, and nothing else like it in the Bible. Now, if Jesus had promised to build a multiplicity of churches, then we might have the option of choosing one to our liking. But since He promised to build only one (Matt. 16:18), and added the saved to only that one (Acts 2:41-47), then no option is extended! Since Jesus Christ loved that church so dearly that He gave Himself for it (Eph. 5:23), God "gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). You just cannot afford to down-grade any institution so important to the Lord, that it was purchased with His own blood! To belittle the church of the Lord is to belittle the very blood of the cross which bought it. Unto the saved in Christ, Peter said they were redeemed with "the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Pet. 1:19). The Highest Price The word, "purchase," as used in Acts 20:28, occurs but in one other place in the New Testament -- 1 Timothy 3:13: "For they that have used the office of deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree and great boldness in the faith." The word properly means "to gain or get for oneself, purchase" (W.E. Vine's, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 231). This may be done by a price, or by labor. No verse in the New Testament, or any other statement that could be imagined, could possibly exceed the power of Acts 20:28 in declaring the eternal importance and necessity of the Church which Christ established. Here the heretical notion of salvation by "faith alone" is shattered and countermanded forever. By any definition, salvation by "faith alone" means salvation without the church of Jesus Christ; and in such a view the crucifixion of our Lord is reduced to the status of a senseless murder. As James Coffman said, "If men are saved, in any sense by the blood of Jesus, they must be saved through the church of which that blood is here declared to be the purchase price" (Commentary On Acts, p. 395). That the church is, therefore, of peculiar value -- a value to be estimated by the price paid for it -- is clearly taught. This fact should make the purity and salvation of the church an object of special solicitude with the elders. They should be deeply affected in view of that blood which has been shed for the church; and they should guard and defend it as having been bought with the highest price in the universe. The chief consideration that will make elders faithful and self-denying is that the church has been bought with a price. If the Lord Jesus so loved it, if He gave Himself for it, they should be willing to deny themselves, to watch, and toil, and pray, that the great object of His death -- the purity and the salvation of that church -- may be obtained. Too many men like the title of elder, but do not like the work that is required; they like to see their name on a piece of stationery or bulletin, but do not want to put in the hours of labor that is required. The Shepherd Paul's figure of speech to the elders is directly connected with a reference to the church as a flock; to the officers as overseers, or shepherds; and to their duty of feeding the flock. The figure as used by our Lord in John 10 should be compared with the expression in Acts 20:28. How does a shepherd purchase his sheep with his blood? Pulpit Commentary noted, "The shepherd may actually give his life in fighting and killing the wolves. If he kills the wolves he saves the sheep, though he may himself die of his wounds; and then he plainly purchases the safety of the flock with his blood. These figures may be applied to the work of the Lord. He imperilled his life for our defence. He met our great foe in conflict. He overcame sin and death, and plucked death's sting away. He died in the struggle, but he set us free; and so he has purchased us by his own blood. He has won, by his great act of self-sacrifice, our love and life for ever" (Vol. 18, p. 168). Implications It is easily seen that some count the blood unholy when they have little regard for the church of the Lord and see it as just another denomination of no importance in God's scheme of redemption. Such say by their lack of respect for the church that the blood was wasted in purchasing the church. Let it be said, in teaching and in practice, that the purchased church was not purchased to be a social club, but it has business second to none -- that of saving souls. The borders of the kingdom must expand yet at the same time purity must be maintained within the church for it is Christ's desire to present it a glorious church without spot or wrinkle. Questions 1. How long has God required the shedding of blood as the atonement for sins? 2. How do we know that God instructed Cain and Abel concerning the kind of sacrifice He wanted? 3. What was the first thing Noah did after he came out of the ark? 4. Explain why those who offered animals for atonement were only temporarily clean. 5. If the first covenant was sealed by the blood of animals, by what was the New Covenant sealed? 6. The cross was a symbol of what, to Paul? 7. Quote several scriptures in which Paul mentions the purchase of the church by Jesus' blood. 8. What is the chief consideration that will make elders faithful and self-denying? 9. Discuss how a shepherd could purchase his sheep with his blood. -- Via Truth Magazine XXIV: 2, pp. 37-39, January 10, 1980 ____________________________________________________ -2- News & Notes From November 2-6, I visited with my mother in a nursing home in Pennsylvania. As mentioned in our last bulletin, she has been diagnosed with an untreatable, aggressive cancer that is in various parts of her body, along with other health problems. A few days before I arrived, a doctor indicated to her that she would probably not live beyond the end of November and could also pass away any time before then. My sister Helen and her son Tommy were also there. We went to comfort mother, but she did more to comfort us by just being herself. She really appeared, sounded, and acted in good shape -- mentally and physically -- with the exception of being a little tired and forgetting a few recent things. Her attitude was encouraging and commendable. She believes she will pass away the end of this month, but is looking forward to eternity and says she is ready. Whether she was sitting by her bedside table enjoying a meal, reading her mail, carefully looking over her bills and writing checks to pay them with a business-as-usual attitude, or just in the way she talked with us, mother seemed like she would be able to keep on going for years to come, rather than what she was told. But she did begin hospice November 6. Please continue to remember my mother in your prayers -- especially concerning her relationship with Jesus, that she will always be kept in His good care. Thank you. If you would like to send her a card, her address is as follows: Marian Edwards c/o Golden Living Center (West Shore) 770 Poplar Church Road Room 503, Bed 2 Camp Hill, PA 17011 ____________________________________________________ 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 Wed Nov 11 04:59:08 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:59:08 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. I will be away from my computer for a few days. I hope to be back with you on Monday the 16th of November. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN Children of God are followers of God. Jesus told some rebel- lious Jews, "You are of your father the Devil..." thus identifying them as children of the Devil by their disobedience to God. "Be ye followers of God, as dear children" (Eph. 5:11). Thus Paul addressed Christians. Our lives demonstrate whether we are followers of God or followers of someone else. False claims are exposed by the light of truth (Rev. 2:2). People become the child- ren of God by obeying the truth (Gal. 2:26,27; Rom. 8:12-17). people remain in God'sfavor by faithful devotion to Him. If one refuses God's discipline, then he is accounted as illegitimate and not a son of God (Heb. 12:4-17). We must choose the right course, for we cannot follow God and follow evil, too (Matt. 6:24; 3 Jno. 11). Often people identify themselves as followers by the names they wear. If one follows the doctrines of popes, he likely will say that he is a Catholic. If one is not following Martin Luther, why would he identify himself as a Lutheran? Followers of John Calvin may acknowledge that their theology is Calvinistic. If one does not follow the doctrines of the various Baptist churches, why would he call himself a Baptist? A Pentecostal identifies himself as a follower of that religious group. Many conflicting doctrines are taught in the denominational world, and that fact necessitates distinguishing names. If all of them are following Christ alone, then there should be no doctrinal conflicts. "God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33). Those who follow Christ alone can be united. He prayed that all of His followers be one (Jno. 17:20,21). His gospel, His doctrine enjoins unity among His people (1 Cor. 1:10; 12:20-27; Eph. 4:1- 6,11-16; Jude 3; Gal. 1:6-12). Why, then, is that religion called by the world "Christianity" so filled with division and religious con- flict? Could it be that many people have lost their proper allegia- nce and have become followers of doctrines and command- ments of men? (Matt. 15:7-9). ------------ Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091111/93741cc2/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 11 04:59:19 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:59:19 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) IT'S YOUR LIFE, YOU KNOW Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. IT'S YOUR LIFE, YOU KNOW Life is filled with perplexities, puzzlements of various sorts. It has odd turns: seemingly insignificant things sometimes turn out to be terribly significant; things that aren't supposed to work out, but sometimes do; and things that seemingly should work out, but don't. Life is a tangled web, a knotty, mostly inexplicab- le web. Man seeks to describe it, to explain, and he can't. All he can do is live it. But don't despair. There is more to life than just an inexplica- ble maze of unrelated and uncontrollable events. Actually, God made life, and it is to Him that we must turn for information con- cerning its proper management. Life can be a zesty, fulfilling experience, even in the face of difficulty or adversity, if it is lived in accordance with the designs of the Maker. Otherwise it's just an empty shell lived without meaning and with little genuine happiness attached to it. First, let it be carefully observed that a life divorced from God has little meaning. Solomon paints a sordid picture of life in Ecc- lesiastes. He says that the sun rises and goes down over and over. He says that one generation comes and another passes away. He says that the weather forecast really doesn't change tht much -- that one cold front followers another, that "that which is crooked cannot be made straight and that which is wanting cannot be numbered' (Eccl. 1:15). Paul the Apostle echoes the same sentiment when he exclaims, "If in this world only we have hope, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Cor. 15: 19). So let it first be noted that a good life begins by getting in touch with God. Life has meaning when it generates service. Service is the essence of life. To put oneself at the disposal of others is to bring meaning to life, to be a part of society, to bring honor to the Creator. We are "all members one of another" (Rom. 12:5). That means we re joined in service to one another. We don't all have the same talent, but we all have some talent with which to serve. Want a fulfilling life? Put yourself at the disposal of others. Get out of yourself and get involved in serving others. Life has meaning when it is motivated by love. Love is the divine energizer. It brings things about. It generates the motion necessary for everything from good marital relationships, to good congregations of God's people. Actually, what is not motivated by love is of little value in the ultimate reality. Love broadens, softens, actuates, disciplines, clarifies, joins, repairs, and is behind every sort of human happiness. Love and you'll be blessed -- even when things go wrong. Furthermore, life has meaning when it is pointed in the right direction. "I am the way, the truth, and the life," is Jesus' way of saying, "point your life toward Me or it will have no meaning." The Hebrew writer must have had this concept in mind when he said we should run the race "with patience, looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." To look in the wrong direct- ion is disastrous! You will have a wreck for sure. Finally, faith is the substance for giving life real meaning. A life that has been lived without any connection to the life here- after is foolish indeed. More than that, it's a terrible waste! Even the light affliction worketh for us a far greater and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Cor. 4:17,18). You should know by now that "faith is the substane of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1). Our faith is the basis for our hope. If we look in the right direction, we will see -- off in the distance there -- eternal life. Now that's a life worth living! ---- Dee Bowman via The Jackson Drive Reporter, Nov. 8, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091111/037f57b0/attachment-0001.html From wsasser at tds.net Fri Nov 13 11:17:36 2009 From: wsasser at tds.net (Whit Sasser) Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:17:36 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] material request Message-ID: <9B397BA6-35E2-4E4F-9704-5AA7CAFD8031@tds.net> Hi Bible Matters list, Anyone have some good material dealing with the one church per city doctrine that the Boston Movement espoused, as have others more recently, that you are willing to share? Thanks in advance. Whit Whit Sasser 3601 E. Newberry St. Appleton, WI 54915 920.733.5009 wsasser at tds.net www.appletonchurchofchrist.org Join my free e-list: "Exhortations & Stuff" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091113/18144556/attachment-0001.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Nov 13 21:23:50 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:23:50 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 11-15-09 Message-ID: <2B9BA67E18F5444AB245A4DB9A66ADC2@your4dacd0ea75> THE BUCKHORN TEACHER "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2.Tim.4:2 Buckhorn church of Christ - Thomas Thornhill - editor. 13675 Hwy 341, Randolph MS 38864-9117. Tel. 662-568-2960. Cell 662-419-5378.E-mail thornhill1 at frontiernet.netTV program - the internet - w07bn.com Vol.8 November 15, 2009 No.13 THE DEADLY DANGER OF INDECISION If someone were to ask me what is the most discouraging thing I have encountered as a preacher I would reply, "The deadly danger of indecision." Not only preachers but any person who has spent time trying to teach the word of God to a lost soul knows just what I am talking about. The teacher has presented the truth with sincerity and love to one that is lost, pleading for the lost one to purify his/her soul by obeying the truth, being born again 1.Pet.1:22-23; Jn.3:3, 5. Then, at the conclusion the deadly danger of indecision pops up. The person who has been taught says, "I am undecided. I can't make up my mind at this time." Because of indecision, obedience is delayed until another time. I can only imagine how discouraged Paul felt with the response of Felix after he had reasoned with him "about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come." Even though Felix was afraid he fell prey to the deadly danger of indecision. He said to Paul "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you" Acts 24:25. In the encounter of Elijah with the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel in 1.Kgs.18 we see how this deadly danger of indecision affected Israel. Israel had turned away from Jehovah to serve idols. Isaiah opposed this and as a result was accused by King Ahab of being "a troubler of Israel." Isaiah replied "I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father's house have in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals" v.18. Ahab then gathered the prophets of Baal to meet Elijah on Mt. Carmel and Isaiah challenged the people, ".How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. But the people answered him not a word" v.21. They could not make up their minds what to do. They were undecided. This brings me to the point of my lesson. The danger of indecision leads to the danger of delay which will be fatal if not corrected in time. If you are standing today in the valley of indecision about becoming a Christian you are standing on dangerous ground. Let me issue the challenge of the prophet of old. How long will you falter between two opinions? If Jesus is the Savior then obey Him Lk.6:46; Heb.5:9. At this time you are partly for God and partly against Him. You are divided in your attentions. Your attitude is divided. Your affections are divided. You may not intend to be against Christianity, but you are, if you are not for it. If you have never become a Christian you are still lost. No matter what you think, your indecision means you are against Him. Jesus said, "He that is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad" Matt.12:30. You are either for the Lord, obedient and active in His service or you are against Him. God and Jesus demand that we give them first place in our hearts or none at all. One may say, "I am a good person. I don't act like a wicked sinner. I live better than some who claim to be Christians." But, how much of a recommendation is that to God? I don't care how good you are, or how good I am, none of us are good enough to be saved without becoming a Christian. If salvation is based on goodness then no one can be saved. Period! "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Rom.3:23. Think about this. Even if you are a good person outside the church of the living God, where is your influence? In your indecision you are a worse enemy to the cause of Christ than the out and out wicked sinner. Why? Because of your influence. The community knows the ungodly man and has little respect for him or his opinions. But, you, being a person of good character, but not a Christian, are seen as a respectable citizen and others (whether you aware of it or not) are following your lead in delaying obedience. Your indecision has an influence on them since they are following your life. You might say, "But becoming a Christian will not make me a better person." That is the purely human view. Salvation is offered on the basis of accepting Christ and complying with His commands, not on moral goodness. No matter how good you think you are there is sin in your life that needs forgiveness and the only way to obtain forgiveness is through the atoning blood of Jesus' blood 1.Pet.1:19; Eph.1:7. To be saved you must obey, for Jesus only saves those who obey Him Heb.5:9. Obedience to the gospel is not designed to make you a better person (though it will), it is designed to give you forgiveness of sins so you one day will be glorified before the throne of God. Remember when Naaman came to Elisha to be cured of leprosy, he was eventually cleansed, but not until he obeyed Elisha's command. But dipping seven times in the river Jordan didn't make him a better man. He was a good man before he came to be healed and the cleansing of leprosy did not affect his moral standing. But, he would have remained a good man with leprosy if he had not done as he was commanded to do. In the same way God offers forgiveness of sins based on certain conditions. One must believe and be baptized to be saved Mk.16:16; Acts 2:38. Obeying these conditions will not change the nature of man, but it does make one a Christian. The reformation of life (the fruits of repentance) comes after. Not only will indecision cause you to be lost in eternity, it has many side effects in this life. Indecision is a waste of energy. Have you ever got up some morning without any definite plans? There are several things to do, so you say I will do this - no, I will do this, and I think I will do this, but by the end of the day you really have accomplished nothing. You started with indecision and ended with inactivity. This inactivity leads to another danger, that of wrong action. Pilate's indecisiveness about the innocence of Jesus finally led him to wash his hands and condemn Jesus to be crucified. His lack of courage to do right caused him to do wrong. So indecision leads one not only to inactivity, then wrong action which soils one's character, it can eventually result in the wrong destiny. Indecision can eventually lead you so far away from God that you will find it impossible in your heart to have the courage to become a Christian and when you die to be lost forever. I hope you consider seriously the dangers of indecision. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091113/db231f84/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Nov 14 22:39:28 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:39:28 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 045 Message-ID: <95E39D379AFE46A095510BC3EFEBF7A5@sean2e3f41f1ba> The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 045: November 15, 2009 This Week?s Article: How Can You Be Certain? Lesson 1: A Pattern Provided Introduction: This lesson should be of great interest to us and most of the people we know. It is a widely held idea that most, if not all, people go to Heaven. The majority of people in our community still desire to go to Heaven; and believe they will make it. The problem is that many of the people either practice various religions or no religion at all, but are convinced that they will be rewarded by God. There are over 1000 ?differing churches? in America alone. Where would one even begin the search in the hope of discovering truth in the midst of all this confusion? Does it matter about ?being certain? in religion? Since the New Testament condemns false religion and declares that God will not accept those who practice false religion: YES! Matthew 7:21-23?Many will practice religious things, but will not be accepted. In Matthew 7:21, we are instructed in what is accepted by God. We are told that the specific ?doing? the ?will of the Father? is the key?therefore it is now this ?key? on which we focus our search. Let?s get to the scriptures and consider the points of this first lesson: God?s Will is Available: Nature declares design and therefore a designer (Psalm 19:1-6). Nature is clearly the handiwork of God?our Creator (; Romans 1:18-22). Within nature, we have been designed with the purpose of seeking and serving our Creator God by our own free choice (Acts 17:24-27). However, nature does not teach us how to find our Creator or how to serve Him well. If this is where the story ended we would all understand why over 1000 recognized churches exist. The story does not end there; our Creator did not leave us to our own volition?He provided us with instructions. The Bible, the scriptures, the word of God, provides us with the insight to understand our Creator?s expectations (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible provides doctrine?it teaches us our proper practices. The Bible provides reproof?knowledge with which to judge right and wrong. The Bible provides correction?our loving Creator does not point out error without also graciously providing correction. The Bible also provides instruction in righteousness?being right in the sight of our Creator God. The Bible is our only instruction in righteousness. We must refuse the advice of the world that says ?the church of your choice?. We must seek to know the will of God to Whom we will answer (2 Corinthians 5:10-11). God?s Will is Set Some have come to the conclusion that the word of God is meant to be flexible and ever-changing. This means that the truth itself would be flexible and ever-changing. If this were the case, we would be able to prove our conclusion by the scriptures themselves. The Bible however declares that its source is never changing (James 1:17-22) and the word is all-sufficient and not to be changed, ever (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18). There can be no changes to that which is complete?without making it less than complete or more than is required?and the Bible is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This is confidence: We can be confident from the knowledge of our never-changing Creator and the steadfast hope of His never-changing truth. The apostle Paul declared that there is one revealed faith (Ephesians 4:5) and Jude speaks of that faith in declaring that it has been revealed for all times (Jude 3). Once we discover the church in the Bible we can be confident to know that we can become just as it is pictured and be well pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:20-21) God?s Will is A ?Pattern?: God has provided us with a pattern. The Apostle Paul admonishes each of us in 2 Timothy 1:13, as he says, ?hold fast the pattern of sound words?. In other words: Do not let go of the pattern that is provided by God?s word. What does he mean by ?pattern?? Our word ?pattern? is translated from hupotoposis which means ?to be imitated? (Strong?s #5296). Its root word is ?tupos? ?a die to be struck (Strong?s #5179)?when struck, or applied, it renders an exact copy. It is with this knowledge that we seek the pattern church with which to know what God has determined to be right?so that we can be right. We must allow the word of God to render us as God would desire. As if the word were a ?die? and we were a ?blank? on which the dies is struck. Think about the coins that are made in the US Mint. If one is falsely struck it is to be destroyed?only true copies, accurately struck from the die, are allowed to be used as coinage. We must align ourselves with God?s pattern and allow it to be applied to our lives, if we are going to be rendered (changed) to become well-pleasing. This certainly means that the concept of church is not left up to man to decide (Romans 10:1-3) and we have it clearly portrayed in the scriptures with the intention of exactly imitated (James 1:22-25). Conclusion: Lord willing, our next few lessons are going to be the facts concerning the church that is patterned for us in the scriptures. We are going to deal with the points of identification not only for those who seek to know the truth but also for those who have found the truth and desire to continue in it. The truth can be known (John 8:31-32). We will continue to investigate the question of, ?How can we be certain?? right now though, it is time to ask yourself if you are saved. The hope of salvation is gained through obedience to the will of God, This is the same will of God that we have been speaking about in our lesson. You can know the truth and you, yes you, are capable of obeying God?s will even now. ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward this copy to them and send their email address and I will add them to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091114/4e67a884/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091114/4e67a884/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7811 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091114/4e67a884/attachment-0003.gif From wswalker310 at juno.com Sun Nov 15 20:20:04 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:20:04 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "We Saw Thee Not" Message-ID: <20091115.202006.2504.1.wswalker310@juno.com> 11/14 Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. ?WE SAW THEE NOT? ?Whom, having not seen, ye love; though now ye see Him not ye rejoice? (1 Pet. 1:8) INTRO.: A song which emphasizes the need to believe in Christ even though now we see Him not is, ?We Saw Thee Not? (#167 in Hymns for Worship Revised, #313 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written by Anne Rigby Richter, who was born, probably at St. Mary's Beverly in Yorkshire, England, around 1792, the daughter of Robert Rigby, who was minister at St. Mary's Beverly from 1791 to 1823. Her husband was W. H. Richter, who was chaplain of the county jail at Kirton Lindsey in Lincolnshire, and later minister at St. Paul's in London. A descendant of John Bradshaw, whose name is the first in the list of the signatures on the death warrant of King Charles I, she was also a great friend of the poet Mrs. Felicia Hemans and wrote for various magazines. These words were published anonymously in Songs from the Valley: A Collection of Sacred Poetry in 1834. The original poem was in eight six-line stanzas. They were completely recast in 1838 for his Lutterworth Collection of Hymns for Public Worship by John Hampden Gurney (1802-1862). The poem was further altered in 1843 for Psalms and Hymns by Henry J. Buckoll (1803-1871). Mrs. Richter, who published The Nun and Other Poems in 1841, died probably at London, England in 1857. The tune (Shaw) was composed by Knowles Shaw (1834-1878; see #75). It first appeared around 1877 in one of his Sunday school song collections and became popular after being included in James H. Fillmore?s The New Christian Hymn and Tune Book, Part III, in 1887. Shaw is also remembered for the hymn ?I Am the Vine,? the text of ?Bringing in the Sheaves,? and the tune for ?Tarry With Me, O My Savior.? Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord?s church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, ?We Saw Thee Not? appeared in the 1921 Great Songs of the Church (No. 1) and the 1937 Great Songs of the Church No. 2 both edited by E. L. Jorgenson; the 1935 Christian Hymns (No. 1), the 1948 Christian Hymns No. 2, and the 1966 Christian Hymns No. 3 all edited by L. O. Sanderson; the 1963 Abiding Hymns edited by Robert C. Welch; and the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J. Nelson Slater, set strangely enough to a tune (Melita) by John Bacchus Dykes which was composed for ?Eternal Father, Strong to Save.? Today it may be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church, the 1990 Songs of the Church 21st C. Ed., and the 1994 Songs of Faith and Praise all edited by Alton H. Howard; the 1978/1983 Church Gospel Songs and Hymns edited by V. E. Howard; the 1986 Great Songs Revised edited by Forrest M. McCann; and the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand; in addition to Hymns for Worship, Sacred Selections, and the 2007 Sacred Songs of the Church edited by William D. Jeffcoat. The song is about faith in Christ. I. Stanza 1 says that we did not see Him on earth, yet we believe that He lived ?We saw Thee not when Thou didst come To this poor world of sin and death; Nor yet beheld Thy cottage home In that despised Nazareth. But we believe Thy footsteps trod Its streets and plains, Thou Son of God? (repeat). A. We did not see the incarnation of Christ: Jn. 1:14 B. We did not behold His cottage home in Nazareth: Lk. 2:39-40 C. Thomas believed because He saw; we believe because of the inspired record: Jn. 20:29-31 II. Stanza 2 says that we did not see Him on the cross, yet we believe that He died for us ?We saw Thee not when lifted high Amid that wild and savage crew; Nor heard we that imploring cry, ?Forgive, they know not what they do.? But we believe the deed was done That shook the earth and veiled the sun? (repeat). (Gurney?s original read, ?We did not see Thee lifted high Nor heard Thy meek, imploring cry .?) A. We did not see Jesus when He was lifted up on the cross: Matt. 27:32-38 B. We did not hear His cry, ?Forgive them for they do not know what they do?: Lk. 23:33-34 C. However, based upon the scripture we believe that Christ died for us: Rom. 5:8 III. Stanza 3 says that we did not see Him following His resurrection, yet we believe that He arose again from the dead ?We gazed not in the open tomb, Where once Thy mangled body lay; Nor saw Thee in that ?upper room,? Nor met Thee on the open way. But we believe that angels said, ?Why seek the living with the dead??? (repeat). (Gurney?s original read, ?We stood not by the empty tomb Where late Thy sacred body lay; Nor sat within that upper room .? A. We did not gaze into the open tomb as did the women: Matt. 28:1-8 B. We did not meet him on the open way, as the disciples of Emmaus, nor in the upper room with the twelve: Mk. 16:12-14 C. However, we believe the message of the angels about His resurrection: Lk. 24:5 IV. Stanza 4 says that we did not see Him taken up in the cloud, yet we believe that He ascended back into heaven ?We walked not with the chosen few, Who saw Thee from the earth ascend; Who raised to heaven their wondering view, Then low to earth all prostrate bend. But we believe that human eyes Beheld that journey to the skies? (repeat). (Gurney?s original read, ?We did not mark the chosen few, When Thou didst through the clouds ascend, First lift to heaven their wondering view, Then to the earth all prostrate bend; But we believe that mortal eyes .?) A. We did not walk with the chosen few who accompanied the Lord following His resurrection: Matt. 28:16-20 B. We did not raise to heaven our wondering view as the cloud took Him from earth: Lk. 24:50-53 C. However, we believe that Jesus ascended back into heaven just as the scriptures teach: Acts 1:9-11 V. Stanza 5 (not used by Shaw) says that we do not see Him now, yet we believe His word ?And now that Thou dost reign on high, And thence Thy waiting people bless, No ray of glory from the sky Doth shine upon our wilderness. But we believe Thy faithful word, And trust in our redeeming Lord? (repeat). A. The Bible teaches that Jesus is now reigning on high: 1 Cor. 15:25 B. However, there is no visible evidence of His reign because we walk by faith and not by sight: 2 Cor. 5:7 C. Yet, we still believe on Him through the word of those who left us eyewitness testimony: CONCL.: Some might be interested in Mrs. Richter?s original poem: 1. ?We have not seen Thy footsteps tread This wild and sinful earth of ours, Nor heard Thy voice restore the dead Again to life?s reviving powers: But we believe?for all things are The gifts of Thine Almighty care.? 2. ?We have not seen the billowy sea Grow calm and still at Thy command, Nor the dim orbs again to see, Beneath the healing of Thine hand: But we believe the Fount of light Again could give those eyeballs sight.? 3. ?We did not see Thee tread the wave; We did not hear the voice from heaven, Which once with awful warning gave That God?s own Son for us was given. But we believe?oh! strengthen Thou The faith which to Thy Name we owe.? 4. ?We did not see the armed throng Steal to the garden?s midnight shade, And watch the palm-tree?s boughs among, Then quail beneath Thy glance afraid: But we believe?Almighty love Alone could such dark moments prove.? 5. ?We did not see the darkness veil With sudden gloom the noon-day skies; Nor the fierce soldier?s cheek grow pale; And priestly mockery veil their eyes; When the proud Roman owned the power Of heaven, ?twas in that awful hour.? 6. ?We did not hear the footsteps fall Within that lonely garden ground, Of the all-wakeful sentinel, Slow tracing there his watchful round; But we believe?the Holy One Bursting that tomb, in glory shone.? 7. ?We were not with the chosen few Who saw Thee through the clouds ascend, Who gazed, and wished to follow too, Then on the earth all prostrate bend; But we believe that mortal eyes Beheld the journey to the skies.? 8. ?Chase every shade of doubt away; ?Light of the World!? in mercy shine; Illume with faith our erring way, We would no worship own but Thine. Bring us to heaven?s peaceful shore, And make us Thine forevermore!? The Bible teaches that we must believe in Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God in order to be saved from our sins. Jesus said, ?Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins? (Jn. 8:24). His inspired word provides all the evidence that is needed to accept Him. And so, we must say to Christ, ?Our faith firmly rests in Thee, O Lord, even though ?We Saw Thee Not.?? ____________________________________________________________ Weight Loss Program Best Weight Loss Program - Click Here! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=ax0Fqa3iOKiIF7IVZq6pZAAAJ1AqWLnxUT_Og0R1xxm43-TkAAYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEUgAAAAA= -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091115/af31d74a/attachment-0001.html From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Nov 15 20:32:20 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:32:20 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (11/15/09) Message-ID: <000601ca6665$331d03b0$99570b10$@dot5hosting.com> San Juan Logo PNG.png Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) November 15, 2009 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com. In addition, if you want to advertise for "churches looking for preachers" and "preachers looking for churches," go to www.thetfordcountry.com and click on the appropriate link. Fill out the easy form and your listing will be uploaded to the web site within 48 hours (usually the same day). --- CONTENTS "We Are Raised With Christ" (Richard Thetford) "Oh, My God!" (Mike Thomas) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- WE ARE RAISED WITH CHRIST Richard Thetford Paul wrote in Colossians 3:1-2 "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." There are three reasons why God saw fit to give us this privilege, that is, the privilege to be raised with Christ. Those three things can be found in Ephesians 2:4-5. There it says "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)." This means that God had mercy upon me, a sinner, and through His great love, sent His only Son to die so that I might have forgiveness of sins and be eternally saved (John 3:16). The grace (unmerited love and favor), that God offered man was His Son. Only those who take what has been offered by God can be saved. God has provided us with His grace freely, but it will only do us good if we grab hold of that grace, being determined to live for Him every day of our life. Being Raised With Christ Before we can be raised with Christ something must first be accomplished. There must first be a death, a burial, and then a resurrection. We must first "die" before we can be raised. In Romans 6:3-6 Paul explains the process that man must go through as a likeness to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It says "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." When we are "raised" with Christ we have "died" to sin. If we really want to live for Jesus, looking to Him as our example in all things that we do, then we must die to sin. The "old man" has been "crucified" and we are now servants of Jesus. An "awakening" must take place in our life if we are going to forget the past and live for the future in Jesus. Paul writes "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light" (Ephesians 5;14). How To Be Raised With Christ Before we can be raised with Christ we must have faith in Jesus. The Bible says "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead" (Colossians 2:12). It is through our faith that we are baptized into Jesus for the remission of sins. It is then, through baptism, that we are raised with Christ (Romans 6:4-5; Colossians 2:12). Our Life - After Being Raised With Christ When we make the commitment to serve Jesus then we must present ourselves to God. "And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God" (Romans 6:13). We now have a responsibility to be instruments of good, not of evil. We also are to set our sights on things above, not on things of the earth (Colossians 3:2). We must realize that "sin" no longer has dominion over us. Paul wrote "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:12, 14). We are now under the grace of God. We have taken hold of His grace that He offered us in the form of His Son Jesus. Now don't let go! Hang on to God's grace because once you have it, doesn't mean that you'll always keep it. Some have fallen from God's grace (Galatians 5:4; 2 Peter 2:20-21). When we gain faith in Jesus (Romans 10:17), and are baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38), we are then "...transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2). To be raised with Christ means that we are forgiven (Colossians 2:12-13), and that we are justified (Romans 6:4-7). It is only through being raised with Christ that we believe that we can live with Him (Romans 6:8). If we truly want to be saved, to live forever with Jesus, then we must do His will (Hebrews 5:9; Matthew 7:21-23). Have you been raised with Christ? --- "Oh, My God!" Mike Thomas I am amazed at those in our society who are quick to remove God's name from everything except defamatory language. God's name is not welcomed in our public schools or court houses, but very few are upset when His name is associated with cursing or angry outbursts. "G-D" is a common phrase when someone is upset, and "Oh my God" is a typical response to surprise. (HGTV should be renamed OMGTV because of the many people saying, "Oh, my God".) It is also common to hear "My Gosh" and "Gee" from people. Since these are euphemisms for the Lord's name, they are all in the same category of taking the Lord's name in vain. One of the Ten Commandments God gave the Jews was to have respect for His name. "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain" (Ex. 20:7). If you and I were to list the top 10 things we expect of people in living a righteous life, I doubt any of us would include a caution about how we use the Lord's name. It's not as offensive to us as the other things in the Ten Commandments: lying, murder, adultery, and so on. But to God, it is just as wicked to use His name as a common word as it is to murder someone. Both are acts of irreverence and disregard. Even though we are no longer under the Law of Moses, we are to be just as careful and respectful when referring to God (I Tim. 1:20). If I got mad and cursed your mother's name, would you be upset? If I used your name in association with evil, would it bother you? "Oh my God" is no different to God. It is taking His name in vain by using it in a common and disrespectful manner. Our Creator deserves a better response from us. Correction. Our Creator demands a better response from us! --- SENTENCE SERMONS The only genius some people possess is the ability to destroy what others have built up. It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness. Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, and the lesson later. What shall it profit a father if he gains the whole world and loses his own son? To be without friends is a serious form of poverty. Some people's spirit grows gray before their hair. --- SERMONS WORLDLINESS: Materialism (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) Are You a "Good" Person? (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) www.thetfordcountry.com --- cid:image003.gif at 01C9DCB3.EEF5E980 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study...........10:00 A.M. Morning Worship..11:00 A.M. Afternoon Worship..2:00 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study........6:30 P.M. (No Wednesday night Bible study November - February) 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/20091115/988d98c5/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9271 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091115/988d98c5/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 16 04:45:32 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:45:32 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD'S RULE FOR GIVING Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. It it good to be back with you after being away a few days. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: GOD'S RULE FOR GIVING How much money does a person need to be considered "rich"? How much money does a person have to give away to be considered "generous"? I don't imagine that two people will agree on where that line is drawn. In fact, it may be impossible to give a specific answer to those two questions. The apostle Paul did nto set a percentage as a rule for giving nor did he say that only those who are "well off" should give. Instead, he challenged the Corinthians by telling them about the Macedonian Christians who give out of their "deep poverty" and "beyond their ability" (2 Cor. 8:2-5). "Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep pover- ty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing. Imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave them- selves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God." (2 Cor. 8:1- 5). Why did they do this? Because "they first gave themselves to the Lord." He reminded his readers of their Savior, the Lord Jesus, who exchanged the riches of heaven for poverty on earth so that they might be rich for all eternity. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be- come rich." (vs. 9). Can't you see god's great wisdom? It doesn't matter if we perceive ourselves to have an abundance or not! Whether we consider ourselves rich or poor, our love for the Lord should provide us with all the reason we need to be generous in our giving. ----------- Shane Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 10, No. 6, Oct. 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091116/986b5a11/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 16 04:45:46 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:45:46 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) FOR WHAT SHOULD A SINNER PRAY? (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of this study from my ancient files. Use to the glory of God. FOR WHAT SHOULD A SINNER PRAY? (1) As a young lad I attended many revivals in which sinners were begged to come forward to a mourner's bench to pray for pardon. Having heard them plead for God to be reconciled to sinners, rather than sinners turning to obey God. I can easily see why many sincere folk turned away in utter frustration, belie- ving God no longer cared for them. But friend, God has not taught sinners to pray! They are to first obey, and then having become children of God they can then pray to a "Father in heaven." Even of old it was taught, "Be- hold, the arm of the Lord is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy that He cannot hear; but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face , that He will not hear" (Isa. 59:1,2). Who will God hear? "We know that God heareth not sinners; but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His Will, him He heareth" (Jno. 9:31). Before one is heard of God and has his prayers ans- wered, he must first become obedient unto Him by doing His Will. But if a sinner should pray to God, for what should he pray? Just what is he taught to expect to receive from God in answer to his prayers? Let us examine the Scriptures to see for what a sinner should ask: For God To Love Him? --- This would be foolish in view of what has been recorded of God's love! "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on HIm should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Jno. 3:16). In view of such a sacrifice, isn't it redundant to ask God to love us, when He has told us, and showed us, that He already does? "But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). How can any religio- us teacher ask sinners to pray for God to love them, when He has told us over and over that He does? Pray To Be Accepted Of God? -- When Peter came to Cornelius with God's plan of salvation, he said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fear- eth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him" (Acts 10:34,35). Sinners do not have to pray that God will accept them; but rather they must come to where all are accepted of God: "To the praise of the glory of His grace; wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Eph. 1:6). It would be foolish to ask God to accept one who refuses to enter into Christ where God's acceptance has been located. Until one has put on Christ he cannot expect God to accept him, for God has not so promised! Pray For God To Be Willing To Save? -- Who set forth that idea that God has not always been willing to save? The gift of His Son, the revealed plan of pardon and all within it attest to God's willingness to save sinners. "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). God is always willing to save - - but on His terms rather than those that man may outline! Pray For Christ To Love Us? -- Why, the Son has reflected the Father's love for lost men! What more could we ask of Him? "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jno. 15:13). His whole life on earth manifests His love for lost men. "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). His interest in sinners is shown in His miss- ion on earth. "For the Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost" (Lk. 19:10). His promise dispels any doubt as to His great love: "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I wlll give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Don't disparage the great love of Christ by teaching sinners to pray for Christ to love them! Pray For The Gift Of The Holy Spirit? -- This has been done so frequently! Sinners kneel at the altar or prayer bench, and there ask God to send them the Holy Spirit. But you will never find a picture of this in the New Testament church! The Holy Spirit figured prominently in the salvation of those you read about in Acts; but in what way? Well, first it was by the Holy Spirit that the apostles spoke forth the Words of God. They spoke "as the Spirit gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4). And when they were pricked in their hearts by the gospel, they cried out, "What shall we do?" Peter then replied, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). These people didn't pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon them. They obeyed the gospel terms of pardon, and the Spirit was then given to them. Paul said, "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit fo His Son into your hearts, crying Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6). The Holy Spirit was never given to make one a son of God, but unfailingly is given to all who be- come children of God. (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/20091116/a5ca1704/attachment-0001.html From edcaskey at gmail.com Mon Nov 16 10:02:24 2009 From: edcaskey at gmail.com (Eddie Caskey) Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:02:24 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Transformers Message-ID: *Transformers* Eddie J. Caskey I can remember, as a child, playing with a new toy, based upon a popular action cartoon ? transformers! These ?robots in disguise? would take the form of a car or airplane, but could then morph into their native android appearance. Recent films, with their amazing computer generated special effects, have brought these childhood toys, amazingly, to life. A much more amazing thing, however, takes place when one who once lived their lives in accordance with the darkness of this world of sin, becomes something so different, he is unrecognizable. The Apostle Paul exhorts us to ?not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind?? (*Romans 12:2*). Notice the Apostle Peter?s comments on this transformation: ?that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles ? when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you? (*1 Peter 4:2-4*, *emphasis mine*). Peter says that the world they once conformed to, now finds it odd that they no longer have anything in common with them. Instead of trying to fit-in with those of the world, Christians strive diligently to transform themselves into the image of the Son of God. Again, Paul exhorts, ?Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him? (*Colossians 3:9-10*). Also, ?but we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord? (*2 Corinthians 3:18*). Both of these verses remind us that the Christian?s speech, conduct, and even his thoughts are shaped by the understanding of who Jesus Christ truly is. We were bought at a price (*1 Corinthians 6:20; 7:23*), we are, therefore, servants, and ?it is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master? (*Matthew 10:25*). This transformation takes place ?by the renewing of your mind...? This means it begins from within the heart. As already noted, the ?new man is renewed in knowledge?, thus, when we struggle against the things of the flesh, being armed with the knowledge of God?s word, ?we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day? (*2 Corinthians 4:16*). This inward change of heart results in a remarkable change of life! Won?t you be transformed? Eddie J. Caskey Melrose Drive Church of Christ Richardson, Texas www.melrose-drive.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091116/8ff171c1/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Mon Nov 16 12:46:05 2009 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:46:05 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>There Is None Like Him (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <47F4FF3167224919A5B8FB363E505AFF@D2381J91> There Is None Like Him (Kent Heaton) "The prophets emphasized the sole deity of Jehovah, pointed out His majesty, holiness, righteousness, and justice, and made known the principles on which He would act toward people - both His own and the heathen" (Homer Hailey, "A Commentary on the Minor Prophets; page 12). The richness and fullness of Jehovah is vividly painted upon the canvas of the Old Testament prophets. During a time of moral degradation and national ruin, great men rose up to preach the needed message of repentance to God's people. Influenced by the carnal influence of a sin oppressed world, the nation of Abraham's seed spiraled headlong into a dark chasm of idolatry, pride and sensual immorality. The people had forgotten Jehovah God. >From the pen of the prophets comes the recurring theme of what happens to every nation that forgets God. "So you shall say to them, 'This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the LORD their God nor receive correction. Truth has perished and has been cut off from their mouth" (Jeremiah 7:28). The psalmist admonished, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God" (Psalms 9:17). As a nation, Israel had removed the holy being of Jehovah from their lips and their hearts. They no longer desired to serve the Creator but rather to worship the creation (Romans 1:18-25). The prophets sought to stir the hearts of the people back to God and back to a holy devotion to the Law. Isaiah is rich in his descriptions of the majesty of the Lord. How could man find anything to compare to Jehovah? What in the wisdom and power of man could match the awesomeness of the Lord God Almighty? "All nations before Him are as nothing, and they are counted by Him less than nothing and worthless. To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him" (Isaiah 40:17-18)? Immediately we see the insignificance of man before the one who calls Himself the "Holy One" (Isaiah 40:25). Consider the might and power of the Holy One: "Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; Not one is missing" (Isaiah 40:26). The greatest minds of men could never match the hem of Jehovah's garment in comparison to His majesty and power - not even Solomon in all his glory (Matthew 6:28-29). Isaiah declares the infinite wisdom of God. "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure'" (Isaiah 46:9-10). Nations are nothing more than a "drop in a bucket and are counted as the small dust on the balance" (Isaiah 40:15). Jehovah knows all things whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14). How can man stand before such an awesome God (Psalm 111:9)? Nehemiah prayed, "Lord God of heaven, O great and awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments" (Nehemiah 1:5). Donald M. Alexander wrote in that wonderful hymn, "There is none like Him none can compare; no god His equal, no prince His heir! Lift up your eyes and see His great might! Soar like an eagle, on wings of flight" (Saints Lift Your Voice). Soar with the Almighty, the Lord God - the Holy One. Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com Audio Sermons Available www.northfloridabiblecamp.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091116/778c3f90/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Nov 16 20:16:38 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:16:38 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Forgiveness Message-ID: Forgiveness I. Introduction A. Let us consider an important aspect of the faith B. Forgiveness 1. Without forgiveness from God, we would be without God, without Christ, without hope, and entirely in our sins 2. Without forgiving one another, we cannot receive forgiveness from God! C. Let us consider the subject today II. The Meaning and Nature of Forgiveness A. What is forgiveness? 1. Greek aphesis: release from bondage or imprisonment; forgiveness or pardon, of sins, remission of the penalty (Thayer's) 2. English: the act of forgiving; the pardon of an offender, by which he is considered and treated as not guilty; the pardon or remission of an offense or crime; as the forgiveness of sin or of injuries; disposition to pardon; willingness to forgive; remission of a debt, fine or penalty (Webster's) B. Forgiveness, therefore, involves a release from an obligation 1. We understand debt forgiveness: if you owe $1,000, and that debt is forgiven, you are not obligated to pay it: the loss is taken on by someone else 2. This is the operative principle regarding forgiveness! 3. Thus, when someone is forgiven, the "loss" or the "offense" is suffered by the one forgiving, and the one who is forgiven receives a release and a deliverance from the obligation or the consequences of the offense C. In terms of sin, therefore, forgiveness is to clear the sinner's offense(s) and no longer hold the sin against him D. Forgive and forget? 1. Many people speak simply regarding forgiveness and say that proper forgiveness involves "forgiving" and then "forgetting" 2. The Scriptures never speak in this way! 3. The view is defended by an appeal to Jeremiah 31:31-33 (Hebrews 10:16-17), that God will remember sin "no more" 4. Must it follow that if God remembers sin no more that He has completely forgotten about the sin? 5. Or are Jeremiah and the Hebrew author indicating that when God forgives a man of sin, He no longer brings the sin to His conscious mind against that person? 6. Matthew 18:21-22, 32-34: how can one know that a brother has sinned seven times against him if he has forgotten each sin after it happens? How can the Master call to mind the forgiven debt if that debt was forgotten? 7. Forgiveness need not require forgetting, but forgiveness does demand that the sin no longer be held against the person in any way, shape, or form! E. Forgiveness, therefore, involves releasing a person from an accrued debt or from consequences as a result from an offense III. Forgiveness: God and Man A. Why Man Needs Forgiveness 1. We speak many times of God being willing to forgive mankind 2. But why does mankind need forgiveness? 3. God has established holy and righteous laws, for He is just (1 John 2:3, Ezra 9:15) 4. All people transgress some of those laws and thus incur sin (Romans 3:23, 1 John 3:4) 5. That sin is offensive to God and causes a separation between man and God (Isaiah 59:1-2, Habakkuk 1:13) 6. God would be just to condemn all humanity on the basis of these affronts against His righteousness (Romans 6:23) 7. There is nothing that man can do by himself to pay the debt of sin or to reconcile himself to God (cf. Ephesians 2:1-10) 8. This is why man needs forgiveness: his hope cannot be in "paying God back" or doing enough good things to outweigh the bad, but must be based in God suffering loss on account of the sin B. In former times, animals were offered as sacrifices for sin (Leviticus 1-8, cf. Hebrews 9:1-10, etc.) C. Yet these could not really take away sins (cf. Hebrews 10:4)! D. Jesus the Christ died on the cross in order to allow humans to have their sins forgiven 1. Matthew 26:28, John 1:29, Romans 5:5-11, Hebrews 7:22-28, Hebrews 9:10-15 2. Since Jesus was without sin, He could suffer the loss to atone for, or pay for, the sins of mankind 3. God is willing to allow the blood of Christ to cover the sins of those who request it in truth, and they can be reconciled back to God E. This forgiveness originally obtained through baptism (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-7) 1. Belief, confession, repentance presupposed (cf. Mark 16:16, Acts 16:16, Romans 10:9-10, Acts 2:38) 2. It is not as if the water has special properties! 3. Instead, the believer's willingness to submit to the approved type of death and resurrection is recognized by God as an appeal for the forgiveness of sin, and God then covers those sins on the basis of the blood of Christ, and the believer is then reconciled back to God F. Forgiveness for baptized Christians comes on the basis of petition to God of confession and repentance 1. 1 John 1:9 2. Confession: Greek homologeo, derivation "speak the same thing as," thus, "confess" 3. "Confessing sin" involves actually identifying sin, "speaking the same thing" as what was done, not some generic petition for forgiveness 4. It may be humbling and uncomfortable to actually say to God the sins that we have committed, but if we really want them to be forgiven, that is what we must do! G. Without the forgiveness of sin, we will be condemned (Romans 6:23, 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)! IV. Forgiveness: Man and Man A. There are many times when God attaches forgiveness of sin to our willingness to forgive others of their sins 1. Matthew 6:12, 14-15, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:37, 7:47, 11:4, 17:3-4 2. Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13 B. Illustrated clearly in Matthew 18:21-35 1. Peter wants to know how many times he is to forgive his sinning brother-- 7 times? 2. Jesus says seventy times seven! 3. Parable of the Master and the Unforgiving Servant 4. Debt of 10,000 talents: approx. $1,095,750,000, or $1.01 billion! 5. Debt of 100 denarii: each denarius about $15, thus, $1,500 6. Parable interpreted: we are the indebted servant 7. We have a debt we will never be able to repay-- sin against God! 8. Yet if we petition God according to His righteousness and lovingkindness, He is willing to forgive us of our sins! 9. The fellow servant is our fellow human 10. The debt of 100 denarii is his sin against us-- it does not compare to the debt we have to God, but notice that it is still fairly significant! 11. When people sin against us, it is going to hurt! 12. Nevertheless, we must remember that just as their sin has hurt us, our sins have grieved God and required the horrific death of His Son for atonement! 13. If we refuse to forgive our fellow man when he sins against us, God will not forgive us of our sins, and we will be condemned! C. The lesson is clear: we must forgive everyone who sins against us when they repent D. But what about those who sin against us but do not repent? 1. Many feel that if someone has not repented, we cannot forgive them 2. They appeal to the fact that most of these examples indicate that the offensive party is repentant 3. Yet that is the point of Jesus' teaching in those places-- what if Jesus has no intention to address the matter of forgiveness without repentance in these passages? 4. Consider Matthew 6:12-15, Mark 11:25: mention made of needing to forgive, no indication of repentance 5. Jesus and Stephen represent examples of this (Luke 23:34, Acts 7:60): it is clear that those crucifying Jesus and those stoning Stephen were not repentant! 6. What is to be lost if we forgive even if there is no repentance? Nothing! We willingly take on the burden of suffering the loss since God suffered such loss for us while we were ungodly (cf. Romans 5:6)! 7. On the other hand, if we are to forgive regardless of repentance, what will God think of us if we refuse to forgive when there is no repentance? 8. We must love our enemies and do good to those who hate us (cf. Luke 6:27)-- how can we do that if we hold the sins of our unrepentant enemies against them? E. Therefore, we would do well to forgive anyone and everyone who sins against us so that we may reflect God's love to all men and demonstrate our appreciation for our own forgiveness! V. Conclusion A. We have considered forgiveness B. Forgiveness is the releasing of a person from a debt or from the consequences of an offense-- the one forgiving suffers the loss or the pain, and the forgiven is delivered 1. Jesus suffered greatly so that we could obtain the forgiveness of our sins 2. We therefore ought to be willing to suffer loss and forgive others, no matter how they sin, no matter the condition of their hearts! C. Without forgiveness, we are lost without hope D. If we refuse to forgive, we will find ourselves likewise unforgiven! E. Let us live as people who have obtained mercy and forgiveness from God! F. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Nov 16 20:17:46 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:17:46 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Malachi Message-ID: Malachi I. Introduction A. Malachi (messenger) B. Disputation with the people of post-exilic Judah C. Let us consider the book II. Malachi: The Details A. Authorship 1. Material from "Malachi" (Malachi 1:1) 2. Believed to be a name; could also be a title ("the messenger") 3. His message affirmed as inspired (Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2, Luke 1:17, 7:27) 4. Nothing known regarding final compiler B. Dating 1. The book itself provides no date 2. It seems that the Temple is in existence (Malachi 1:10, 3:1, 3:8), thus, after 516 BCE 3. Reference to governor in Malachi 1:8 gives indication that it is within Persian period (ca. 539-332 BCE) 4. Thus, sometime between 516 and 332 BCE, most likely contemporary with Ezra and Nehemiah (ca. 460 BCE) C. Audience 1. Post-exilic Judah 2. Much we can gain from it D. Purpose 1. To reveal the oracle of God that came to Malachi 2. To warn the people regarding their inappropriate behavior 3. To promise the return of "Elijah" III. Malachi: The Story A. The LORD, Israel, the Priests, and the People (Malachi 1-2) 1. Introduction (Malachi 1:1) 2. God loves Israel, but Israel doubts; God compares Esau and Jacob, how he loved Jacob but hated Esau; Edom may try to rebuild but God will tear it down; God angry with them forever; Israel will see it, will declare greatness of God (Malachi 1:2-5) 3. Son honors father, servant his master, but God is not honored; priests have not honored God because they have offered polluted food on the altar-- defective and inferior animals, not the best of the flock; God encourages them to take such creatures to the governor and see if he will accept them; God wants them to shut Temple doors and have no fire on altar, for He has no pleasure in them and will not accept offerings from them; God's name to be great among the nations and yet Israel dishonors it by polluting altar; Israel considers it as weariness, bringing inferior offerings, and God asks whether He is to accept them; curse to the cheat who makes a vow but substitutes an inferior animal; God as great King, Name to be feared by the nations (Malachi 1:6-14) 4. Command now comes to priests: if they will not listen and will not honor God's name, the curse will be sent upon them and their blessings; they are already cursed since priests have not laid it to heart; their offspring to be rebuked, dung on their faces and offerings, and they all will be taken away with them; priests will then know that God sent this command to them to keep covenant with Levi-- a covenant of fear, and Levi feared God; Levi as exemplary believer; priests should be exemplary believers, but they have turned from the way; many have stumbled because of their instruction; they corrupted the covenant with Levi, and God will make them despised and abased before the people, since they do not keep God's ways but show partiality in instruction (Malachi 2:1-9) 5. Questions regarding singularity of Father, that one God has created them; people as faithless with one another, profaning covenant of fathers; Judah as profaning Temple by marrying daughter of foreign god; petition for God to cut off from Israel any who do this and bring offerings to God (Malachi 2:10-12) 6. People as covering altar with tears because God does not regard or accept offerings; God does not do so because He is witness between the people and the wives of their youths to whom they have been faithless; God made them one, seeking godly offspring; people to guard themselves, not be faithless to wife of youth; God hates divorce; one who divorces covers garment with violence; they are not to be faithless (Malachi 2:13-16) 7. People as wearing God with their words; they do this by declaring that those doing evil are good in the sight of God and by asking where the God of justice has gone (Malachi 2:17) B. The Messenger, Contributions, Elijah (Malachi 3-4) 1. God to send His messenger who will prepare the way; God will be in the Temple, messenger is coming; who can stand when He comes?; God as refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; He will refine and purify Levites and they will bring proper offerings; God will then be pleased with offerings as He was in olden times (Malachi 3:1-4) 2. God will then draw near for judgment, will be a witness against sorcerers, adulterers, oppressors (Malachi 3:5) 3. The LORD does not change, Jacob not consumed; people as constantly turning aside from God's statutes; return to God, He will return to them; people as robbing God through their tithes and contributions; people are to bring full tithes to the storehouses and put God to the test-- see if He will pour out blessings for their obedience; He will rebuke devourer so that their crops will not fail; all nations will call them blessed (Malachi 3:6-12) 4. Words of people hard against God; they have said that it is vain to serve God, do not see profit in following Him; they call the arrogant blessed, say that evildoers prosper and put God to the test and escape (Malachi 3:13-15) 5. Those fearing God speak together; God hears them, book of remembrance written before those who fear God and esteem His name; they will be God's when He makes up His treasured possession, and they will be spared; they will then see distinction between righteous and wicked, the servant and the disobedient (Malachi 3:16-18) 6. A day is coming when arrogant and evildoers will be consumed as by fire; yet for those who fear God, sun of righteousness will rise; they will go out as calves leaping; they will tread down the wicked; people to remember Law of Moses and its statutes (Malachi 4:1-4) 7. God will send Elijah the prophet before the day of the LORD; he will turn hearts of fathers to children, vice versa, lest God come and strike land with decree of destruction (Malachi 4:5-6) IV. Malachi: Important Passages A. Malachi 1:2 / Romans 9:13 B. Malachi 2:16 C. Malachi 3:1 / Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2, Luke 7:27 D. Malachi 3:17 / 1 Peter 2:9 E. Malachi 4:5-6 / Matthew 17:10, Mark 9:11, Luke 1:17 V. Malachi: Conclusion A. Thus we see the oracle of God to Malachi B. A message of warning for a complacent, complaining people 1. Not giving God their best, not being faithful to wives 2. People who doubt God's watchful eye, faithfulness 3. It will not go well for them! C. Malachi provides a message of hope and expectation 1. Day of the LORD will come 2. The messenger and the King D. A fitting end to the Old Testament: hope in the promise that will be fulfilled by John the Baptist and Jesus! E. Let us trust in God and serve Him fervently! F. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 17 05:50:16 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:50:16 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) IMITATE ME, JUST AS I IMITATE CHRIST 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 artic- le from files: IMITATE ME, JUST AS I IMITATE CHRIST You have heard from your youth up the saying, "Monkey see, monkey do." Surely you have played the game that mimics the actions of another person just to annoy them. Doing these things describes what it means to imitate someone. The apostle Paul tells the Corinthian Christians, "Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul was particularly referr- ing to the work of evangelism. Jesus came into the world to save mankind. HIs every step was directed toward the salvation of the world. Paul imitated Jesus in his work to preach the good news to every person with whom he had the opportunity. So, he calls upon every Christian to imitate him as he imitated Christ in the good work of saving souls. Paul explains: "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 10:32 - 11:1). Everyone we meet can be saved from their sins and find hope of eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our desire should be to imitate Paul as he followed the example of Jesus in the effort to save people from their sins. Our imitation of Christ in the work of saving souls is no game. It is serious business that must never be neglected. God wants all people to be saved. He gave His Son to die that the world might be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-7). This is one of the most im- portant works that we can be doing. We all can imitate Paul and Jesus in their marvelous example of evangelistic fervor. The following are some things we can be doing that imitates Paul: Pray for the lost that they might be saved. Pray for oppor- tunities to teach the unsaved. Support the preaching of the gos- pel to people in our country and other countries of the world. Pray for missionaries and their families as they preach the Word where they are located. Read the reports that we receive from the evangelists that we are having fellowship with through help- ing to support them financially and with our prayers and with others that request our prayers for them and their work. Look for doors that are open to teach God's Word with you own family your co-workers, fellow class-mates, neighbors and friends. Are you imitating Paul? As he imitated Christ? ---- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091117/bdee6539/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 17 05:50:36 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:50:36 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) FOR WHAT SHOULD A SINNER PRAY? (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. FOR WHAT SHOULD A SINNER PRAY? (2) Pray For Salvation? -- Inspired men never told alien sinners to pray for salvation! In Acts 10, we find the prayer of Cornelius didn't save him; but he was commanded to send for Peter, "Who will tell thee words, whereby thou and thy house shall be saved" (Acts 11:14). And when Saul of Tarsus saw the Lord, he wasn't told to pray. Rather, the Lord said: "Arise, and go into the city, and there it shall be told thee what thou must do" (Acts 9:6). From there we can read from Paul's own account how Anan- ias came to him, saying: "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Ananias found Saul praying, and he stopped his prayer with a command to be baptized into Christ! Wouldn't it be great if these same words could be given the thousands who make "decisions" in the Billy Graham campaigns? Just tell them the same thing Ananias told Saul! Pray For Freedom From Sin? -- God has provided freedom from sin for sinners -- but not through prayer! "Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked that ye were the ser- vants of sin, but ye obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye be- came the servants of righteousness" (Rom. 6:16-18). You have only to read the first six verses of that chapter to find how that freedom came! Peter wrote: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently" (1 Pet. 1:22). Freedom from sin comes from obedience to the terms which God has presented through the gospel of Christ -- not through prayer for it. Prayer For Pardon? -- God's promise has been made abundant- ly clear on this point: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Isa. 55:7). Since man sinned against God, it is for Him to dictate terms of pardon. He says man must turn back to Him, but it must be in obedience rather than by vain prayer. Jesus said: "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mk. 16: 16). One who refuses this plan of pardon obtains nothing by prayer. Jesus asks: "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Lk. 6:46). He asks for obedience and not empty prayers. Pray For Grace? -- This has been a favorite petition at many pray- er benches and altars. But what has God said on the subject? "For the grace of God, which bringeth salvation hath appeard to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this pre- sent world" (Titus 2:11,12). Why pray for God's grace when it has already been so abundantly given through the gospel? And isn't it very foolish to pray for grace while refusing the teaching which grace has given? God's grace must be appropriated by faith which works by love (Eph. 2:8,9). Have you sufficient faith to obey the teaching of grace? If not, then have you faith enoug-h to be effectual in prayer? Pray For Reconciliation? -- Sure, many people have been taught they should pray for God to be reconciled unto them. But that has never been taught by inspired men! Paul said: "And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit; that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Cor. 5:18-20). Don't pray for God to be reconciled to you, but become reconcil- ed unto God by accepting and obeying His terms of reconciliat- ion. Pray For Light? Faith? Saving Power? -- Again we turn to the Word of the Lord. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psa. 119:105). That light has been given to all who will walk within it. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Faith is developed by accepting the Word of God as true and authoritative, not by prayer. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul" (Psa. 19:7). Sinners have only to accept the will of God in obed- ience to be changed (converted) to Him. "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom. 1:16). Don't pray for saving power while despising that which God has given to lost men. Now For A Brief Summary: -- It does not appear logical for one to call on "Our Father Which art in heaven" until he has entered into the family of God. Therefore, the alien sinner must hear the gospel of Christ and believe it. This faith in God and His Son must lead to repentance. Then upon a statement of this faith, he can enter Christ by being baptized into Him (Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 7:10; Gal. 3:27). Then as a child of God, he has the privilege of prayer, which is one of the spiritual blessings located in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3). But don't try to ring Central before you have installed your telephone! First, be sure you have the proper connection before you begin talking! (In other words, if you want to be connected to your party, you must first put in your quarter, JWS), ------ Dillard Thurman, Gospel Minutes, Jan. 23, 1970. Reprinted in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 58, No. 45, Nov. 6, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091117/b64c5d08/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 18 04:02:21 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:02:21 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD'S LINE OF MEASUREMENT 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: GOD'S LINE OF MEASUREMENT It is true that you cannot define a word by using the same word to describe it. It just doesn't work. You can't explain a term by comparing it with itself. It would do little good to describ-e "repentance" as what happens when one repents. You also cannot describe a word by making up your own def- inition. Oh, it's fun sometimes to try and come up with a funny definition for an unknown word. However, when you want to know the definition of a word, you find a good dictionary. All of this is likewise true in evaluating one's character. In 2 Cor. 10, the apostle Paul showed the foolishness of trying to judge our own character by our own opinions (vss. 12,18). "... but when they measure themselves by themselves, and comp- are themselves with themselves, they are without understanding For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends." We would be wrong to evaluate ourselves by devising our own standard and guidelines. We must use God's line of measurement. He evaluates our lives by the standard of His unchanging Word. What we are is what the Lord says we are. One cannot change that by using an inferior standard. As we take inventory of our lives and what we have done in the Lord's service, let's not be too quick to commend ourselves. The real test is whether we are of those "whom the Lord comm- ends" (vs. 18). ------- Shane Williams, via The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 10, No. 6, Oct. 2009. **************************************************************************** ***** DOING SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT Do you want to be significant and do something important? If so, then you must put your faith in the Lord Jesus and follow Him. Only through Him can our lives truly be meaningful and pleasong to God. He is the only One through Whom eternal life can be found (Acts 4:12; Jno. 14:6; 2 Tim. 2:10). Are you "in Christ"? (Gal. 3:26,27). If you follow Him, one day you will stand before Him, hear His commendation and receive your eternal re- ward. GOD'S PLAN FOR SAVING MAN Hear The Gospel Of Christ: (Rom. 10:17). Believe The Gospel Of Christ: (Heb. 11:6; Jno. 20:31). Repent Of Your Past Sins: -- (Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30). Confess Faith In Christ And His Word: -- (Rom. 10:10; Matt. 10: 32). Be Baptized In Water For The Remission Of Your Past Sins: -- (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet. 3:21). Live A Faithful Life: -- (Heb. 10:35-39; Rev. 2:10). --------------- Shane Williams, via. The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 10, No. 6, Oct. 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091118/58ccceb7/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 18 04:02:32 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:02:32 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHO IS ADEQUATE FOR THESE THINGS? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. WHO IS ADEQUATE FOR THESE THINGS? PROFOUND: -- The likes of you and me being called "the child- ren of God." AMAZING: -- The great depths to which God Himself plunged in His love for us. AUGUST: -- Coming into the glorious presence of an incompara- ble God -- fellowship! My assessment of my service to Christ must never be regard- ed as drudgery, small, or meaningless. Our approach to worsh- iping together must never spiral downward to the extent that it becomes stale, listless, uninviting, and, worst of all, boring! The more one thinks about it, the more astounding and overwhelm- ing service and worship should be in our minds. May we never cease marveling over what God has done and continues to do for us! He saved us -- and that is a "Wow!" beyond anything we can comprehend. Even more, He promises to come to our aid when we are tempted (Heb. 2:18; 4:15,16) and ... He can do "ex- ceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20). Paul delves into our near speechlessness in his second pre- served epistle to the Corinthians. He says: "But thanks be to God, Who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma of death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life, and who is adequate for these things?" (2:14-16). In order tht the Corinthians will not conclude that Paul is boasting in himself, he further explains, "And such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God" (3:4,5). Our adequacy is no less. All that I am, all that I have learned, all that I have served in His king- dom, all of it is because of Him. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen!" (Rom. 11:36). Preachers And Teachers: -- At times, I feel woefully inadequate for the task. My greatest fear is to bore people witht he greatest and most exciting message in the world. The challenge also is to be balanced in my declaration of "the whole purpose of God" (Acts 20:27). I want to do everything within my power as a stud- ent of the Word and as an instructor to solicit a response that pleases our heavenly Father. That means attempting to excel in persuasion of others (2 Cor. 5:11). May the Lord provide the preacher and teacher of truth with a sufficient passion for the task and an ability to display the ser- ious nature of this message to those who listen. I am still amus- ed when men publicly pray for the preacher to have "a ready recollection of the things he has prepared." Of course, as I get older, the recollection of the thoughts is becoming even more important to me! Sometimes, I literally sit on the pew before prea- ching wondering how I am going to accomplish this awesome task. When I feel weak or incapable, I simply ask God to help me and give me strength. I place my confidence in Him. (I often think of praying that the preacher or teacher has prepared him- self well for the task at hand, JWS). Elders: -- How overwhelming is the God-given responsibility to- ward the flock. Each sheep is precious and one for whom the elder will give account (Heb. 13:17). Wolves must be watched and thwarted in their savage attempts to do harm (Acts 20:28-30) The high calling must be realized "...proving to be examples to the flock" (1 Pet. 5:3). For a job well done, an "unfading crown of glory" is promised (5:4). Dependence through prayer is essential for the successful completion of the task. Worshippers: -- Who can say, "I've always given worship the whole heart that it deserves?" My attempts at praise seem woe- fully weak at times compared to what He deserves. Question: -- Does your perspective need to change? I do not have to worship on the Lord's Day -- I am quite privileged to do so. Rather then merely fulfilling an obligation, I am blessed. I sing heartily with mind and voice, and not because that is always done, thoughts are attended to at heaven's Throne. I par- take of the Supper, knowing that an awful price was paid for my salvation. My approach to God is with my whole heart and in utter astonishment. Knowledge of Him and fellowship with Him is my delight and my peace. I see my fellow worshipers, not as an annoyance, but as brethren, fellow-servants, and fellow heirs. O Lord, give me the perspective fo Habakkuk when days are difficult and dreary, "Yet, I will exult on my high places" (3:17-19) We must remember that the Source of our adequacy is not our- selves, but a powerful God Who loves us and can richly supply all of our need (Phil. 4:19). ------ Tony Mauck, in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 10, Oct. 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091118/f55b0d3a/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Wed Nov 18 07:40:30 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:40:30 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Preparing For Your Future Message-ID: <000001ca6854$b39aab00$1ad00100$@com> Preparing For Your Future Someone once said, "If you fail to plan, plan to fail." Someone also said, "If you don't make your own decisions, someone will make them for you." These are not just words you might hear at some motivational seminar, but words that speak truthfully about the need for us to make plans and make decisions - and they are no less true in regard to spiritual matters. To prove that these words are true, let's consider a few situations where decision-making regarding spiritual matters is important and can have lasting, if not eternal, consequences. Planning for Eternity. Most people in this country do not plan for tomorrow, much less for eternity! That fact has been demonstrated by surveys of the last couple of decades that show Americans saved, on average, 1-3% of their income for retirement [last year's jump to almost 7% is considered a short-term change due to the economy], and surveys where the majority of those interviewed said they were counting on someone else [the government (via Social Security) or commercial experts (investment advisors)] to make sure they had enough - or even anything - when they decided it was time to retire. From my experience, we do not do any better when it comes to planning our spiritual future! The problem with our planning for spiritual things is that we think in physical terms too often and not enough in terms of spiritual matters, and even that thinking is not based in reality. We think we're going to "live forever" or at least long enough to stop all we're doing now and make those last-minute plans just before we die - as if we knew the exact moment that would come. But none of us knows how long we have on this earth. The wise writer reminds us "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them" (Eccl. 9:11, 12). The apostle Paul echoes this idea of man's uncertainty when he spoke of the time when Christ would come, reminding us "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night" (1st Thess. 5:2). Since we know neither the day we will die, nor the day Christ will come, we need to plan for the unexpected and prepare as if this was our last day. Just talking about it is not preparation; preparing is preparation! We sing a song every so often that solemnly speaks to the soul who is unprepared, admonishing: Careless soul, O heed the warning, For your life will soon be gone; O how sad to face the Judgment, Unprepared to meet thy God. And, indeed, that will be a sad day when we are face to face with the One who died for our sins, but whom we also had rejected or put off until it was too late. Friends, if you have not prepared for eternity, now is the time. The fact you have been given this day is evidence of God's mercy and longsuffering - and an opportunity for your salvation (cf. 2nd Pet. 3:15). Don't miss an opportunity for eternal life! As someone has said, "If you miss heaven, you miss it all." As Paul wrote, "Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2nd Cor. 6:2). Planning For Your Children's Spiritual Service. When I stop and think about it, it is simply unbelievable to me that so many parents who are Christians put so much into planning for their children's education and career, and yet so little into planning for their spiritual service to God. I've seen parents establish college savings accounts, do hours and hours of searching and investigation for years to find the right school, and invest thousands of their own dollars to ensure their children are educated in worldly wisdom, but then turn around and complain that the Bible class teacher is "asking too much of their time" and that their children simply "do not have the time" to do what is required of them in a simple workbook for their Bible class study because of all the other things going on in his or her life - things like a secular education, extracurricular activities, and social activities. I am not surprised when I see my worldly friends say these things, but my own brethren? Long ago, God instructed His people, "These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" (Deut. 6:6-9). From these words, can we see that God placed heavy emphasis on parents teaching their children His word and His ways? Friends and brethren, there has never been a better time to teach your children than right now! Can we not see that, if we fail to plan for their spiritual instruction, their spiritual enemy - whom we have been warned "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1st Pet. 5:8) - will soon have them enslaved? If we care at all for their spiritual condition, begin teaching them while they are young (cf. Psa. 71:5, 17; 2nd Tim. 3:14, 15), but teach them even if they aren't so young anymore. And if the reason you haven't taught them is because you don't fee like you know enough, what are you doing to resolve that shortcoming? While you are planning for their spiritual salvation, make sure you don't overlook yourself! Planning for the Church to Prosper. It seems many want to liken the church to a "business" today and try to compare "good elders" to successful business leaders, but the Bible has instead given us a picture of shepherds tending to sheep (cf. Acts 20:28). With that in mind, try to imagine a flock whose shepherd had no plans for how the sheep would be fed, how to protect them from dangerous animals that were known to creep about and possibly infiltrate the flock, and who actually spent little time with the flock. Close your eyes and try to get a mental picture of what those sheep would look like - that is, if there would be any sheep who survived such a situation! There are some important parallels between the shepherd and the elders who watch over the flock of God, especially when it comes to good planning [or the lack of planning] and the spiritual prosperity of the local church. Spiritual growth, strength, and prosperity do not come by accident or merely by time passing, anymore than sheep "accidentally" get fed, "coincidentally" are protected from wolves, or "just happen" to listen to the shepherd's instructions and guidance; it takes a great deal of planning, effort, and a constant commitment to the cause for any flock to prosper, and any shepherd worth his name would know that and make it happen. Elders in the church should ensure they are planning ahead for the flock of God, as any good shepherd must do (Jer. 23:4) and will make sure they have what they need to accomplish the work that is theirs to do (Eph. 4:11, 12). But to plan effectively for the future of the flock, a shepherd must know each one of the members of the flock and the individual needs of each sheep; generic planning might create a bunch of activity, but it doesn't mean anything will actually be accomplished or that the church will be effective in its work. Plan according to needs! And when success comes, the shepherd cannot rest on past accomplishments, but must move on to new goals and encouraging more spiritual growth. Though Paul praised the brethren at Thessalonica for their way of life and their love (1st Thess. 4:1, 9-10), he exhorted them to "excel still more" in those things. Success is but a measure of the moment, and demands constant planning if it is to continue. -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091118/fc61276d/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 19 02:37:23 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:37:23 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) ON A DAILY BASIS 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: ON A DAILY BASIS A man, asked recently to describe memories of his college days twenty-five years ago, replied, "A few big moments; many goofs, but, overall, pleasant memories." Would these words not describe our memories of life gener- ally? As we recall our years, there are always the "big" mom- ents, the emotional "highs," that we love to relish. Then there are the"goofs," the embarrassing occasions that just keep com- ing back to haunt us. But, through it all, the pleasant memories sufficiently prevail to enable us to feel generally good about life. But, in reality, success or failure in life is not determined by the "big moments" or "the goofs." We will not be eternally sav- ed on the basis of a few great spiritual achievements or eterally lost on the basis of a few gross mistakes (assuming they have been repented of). Life consists of everyday actions and decis- ions, and it is these that bring ultimate success or failure, eternal happiness or eternal damnation. "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me" (Lk. 9:23). It is one thing to express concern for our children as we talk of their future spirituality and faithfulness. It is quite another to provide on a daily basis a spiritual atmosphere in the home, a good example of godliness and faithfulness, consistent and lov- ing discipline and a love for God and respect for fellowman that are so essential to the training of our children. It's the little im- pressions that are made day by day that prove to be so decisive It is one thing to dream of some day being appointed an eld- er in the church. It is quite another thing to put forth the effort on a daily basis to learn the Scriptures, to develop leadership ability, to grow spiritually, and to live as to gain the confidence of a discerning congregation. One does not qualify for the elder- ship in one big leap. It comes through daily development. It is one thing to talk a "good line" on priorities. It is quite another thing to put God first on a daily basis. The devil knows so many ways to test our resolve in these realms. Our intent- ions are good, but, through his subtlety , he has us selling our souls for a mess of pottage or thirty pieces of silver. It is one thing to think that we would die for the Lord if our faith were so tested. It is quite another thing truly to live for Him on a daily basis. Egos may be fed on the "big moments," but true spirituality develops through daily prayer, study and medi- tation. Our lesson is this. Set your goals for the future, and set them high. But recognize that it's the little, day-by-day moments the often forgotten moments, accumulated through the years, that truly shape our destiny. Tomorrow's success depends up- on the choices and decisions that are made today. Make them with care. ---------- Bill Hall via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 44, Nov. 1, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091119/7c4d8688/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 19 02:37:33 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:37:33 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) BEING OF SERVICE TO THE LORD Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. BEING OF SERVICE TO THE LORD Each of us has hobbies or activities that we enjoy, and be- cause we enjoy them they tend to take precedence over other activities of lesser significance. Likewise, we all possess a drive or determination to do those things tht are most important and enjoyable to us. You might recall one such activity or hobby in your own life such as hunting, sewing, fishing, gardening, sing- ing, reading, cooking, or spending precious time with family and friends. Other activities we enjoy, from a spiritual perspective, may include Bible reading, praying, praising God in song, teach- ing, giving, and serving. Do we spend more time or focus on any one of these activities than another? As with our hobbies and other activities, serving the Lord requires motivation and determination. It requires initiative and effort. It is a never end- ing commitment. Let us consider the idea of joyful service to Jesus. Others, and you least of all. Notice Jos. 22:5 the instruction to serve the Lord wholeheart- edly: "But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His Ways, to keep His com- mandments, to hold fast to HIm, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." An option or alternative to serving Jesus is not given, however we are aware of trhe consequences of nto doing so, (1 Chron. 28:9; Psa. 9:17). Our service to the Lord should take precedence over all other activities in our lives. We should desire to joyfully serve the Lord and that desire should supercede our interest or involvement in extra-curricular activities and hobbies. The Lord desire His children to serve Him. In Exo. 8,9,10, He speaks to Pharaoh through Moses saying: "... Let My people go, that they may serve Me." Serving the Lord whenever we feel like it or on our own time is unaccept- able, wouldn't you agree? If we are serving the Lord with all our heart and all our soul as Jos. 22:5 suggests, then we are consta- ntly serving Him and doing so joyfully. The Psalmist says in Psa. 37:5 to "Commit your way to the Lord..." so when we comm- it to something we carry it into action or follow through with it. Never with our hobbies or activities of interest do we settle for mediocrity. The same should be true of our attitude toward ser- ving God Almighty. On the premise that serving the Lord in our lives is foremost, we will become inclined to the idea of serving others. Once we are committed to serving the Lord, serving and helping others become more natural and innate. While our society views serv- ing fellow mankind as a burden, true Christians realize it's just another way of serving and glorifying Christ. Just as there is scrifice and commitment involved with serving Jesus, there is sacrifice and commitment involved with serving others. In Rom. 12:3-8, Paul alludes to the fact that each of us is given different "measures of faith," different "talents," or different "gifts." The point Paul makes is we are to use whatever gifts God has gracio- usly given us to serve Him. Yes, perhaps we are serving others with our gifts or talents, but in serving others we are ultimately serving Jesus. Paul adds another dimension to our duty of ser- vice in Gal. 5:13, that we "...through love serve one another." Are we joyfully practicing what Paul has commanded? Have we prioritized our lives such that our service to God supercedes all else? To fail in this regard is to miss out on the privilege and blessing of serving Jesus and others, but more so to jeopardize our spiritual relationship with Him. We serve ourselves best when our service to the Lord and to others precede our own hobbies and activities of interest, as long as those things do not interfere with our service to Jesus and to others. This becomes more challenging especially when those of the world would have us to think otherwise -- where the focus is more on self and me as opposed to Jesus. We must keep our priorities and activities in check and not be overtaken with more than we can handle, whether it be a hobby, extra-curr- icular activity or work. I recall a cliche which my father stressed through my adolescent years. "Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last." My hope and prayer is for each of us to serve in that manner. Only then will we know the true meaning of JOY. ------------ Ed Whittlesey via Gospel Power, Vol. 16, No. 44, Nov. 1, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091119/75ebba56/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 20 02:39:45 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:39:45 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) CHARACTER: THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF LEADERSHIP Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. CHARACTER: THE ESSENTIAL QUALITY OF LEADERSHIP He saw it happen but somehow it didn't register in his mind. The peanut butter was in the cart, but somehow it never made it to the conveyor belt that carried it by the cashier. The bag boy just picked it up, unpaid for, and put it in the paper sack. And a few seconds later everyone was out the door, into the car, and headed down the street toward home. Just outside the parking lot, the man realized what had happened. He checked the ticket to make sure and, sure enough, he had not payed for the peanut butter. This presented a character test. What does he do? Likely no one even saw it happen. He's certain that the cashier didn't see it. Even the bag boy probably didn't realize the mis- take he had made. But the man did. What to do??? Option one: Don't think about it any more. Carry the peanut butter home and make your peanut butter and jelly sandwich, eat, drink your milk, and enjoy. It's not a great expense. The store will never miss the inventory. More than one jar of peanut butter has been destroyed on the floor. It was as much their mis-take as yours. And the things are over-priced anyway. They call it rationalization. Option two: (and the right one): Turn the car and the rest- less kids around. Explain to them why you have to go back to the store. Listen to their moans. Go into the store slightly em- barrassed. Explain to the cashier what had happened. Pay for the peanut butter. And go home to eat (and sleep) with a clear conscience. That's a lot of fuss over one small jar of peanut butter, you say? Maybe so. But the peanut butter is not the real issue here. The issue is character. Integrity. Honesty. Jesus said, "He who if faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much" (Lk. 16:10). If a person would, however innocently it may occur, take a jar of peanut butter without paying for it, you certainly couldn't trust him with the company store. Integrity has no price tag, whether small or great. I once read that character is what you are when no one is looking. I like that. It's first an issue within you. It is how and waht you decide that you are going to be. It is the principle by which you live. And, in another sense, you either or a person of character or you are not. And you are the one who decides. I wouldn't take anything for the lesson I taught my children when I turned around and carried that peanut butter back into the story to pay for it. Actually, I couldn't do anything else at the time. But this was an opportunity to state in unmistakable terms something about the kind of person I wanted to be...and it said something to them about the kind of person I wanted to be...and it said something to them about the kind of person I wanted them to be. I also like the impression it made upon that cashier. I didn't know her. But I think I made her day. I have often wond- ered if , in her quiet and meditative moments, she ever recalls the men who returned to pay for the peanut butter? Now, lest you think that relating this is self-righteous on my part, I want you to know that I have probably, in my own spirit- ual weakness, failed more character tests than I have passed. But I did pass this one. And there'll be another. I have written this for the purpose of provoking your mind to think about character. What it is, and its importance as we dis- cuss the topic of leadership whether religious or civil. Charact- er is the essential foundation of good leadership. It is the indis- pensable quality of a good role model . ---- Jim Deason via The Jackson Drive Reporter, Nov. 15, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/62e67284/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 20 02:39:35 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:39:35 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) NOW CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS 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 artic- le from my files: NOW CONCERNING SPIRITUAL GIFTS It would be wonderful to have a spiritual gift like the ability to do miracles or the ability to speak in tongues. There are nine gifts of the Spirit listed in the New Testament. They are the word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healings, working of mirac- les, prophecy, discerning of spirits, different kinds of tongues and interpretation of tongues (1 Cor. 12:7-11). The apostle Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to de- sire spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:1). He even suggested that they de- sire the gift of prophecy over speaking in tongues. The use of these gifts should be for the building up (edification) of the church (1 Cor. 14:1,3,5,12). Paul gives guidance as to the use of the spiritual gifts in the church (1 Cor. 14:26-40). We should note that the church at Corinth did not come short in any of these gifts (1 Cor. 1:5,7). But, even having all these gifts, the church still had many problems. The gifts of the Spirit did nto assure faithfulness or a church with few faults. What were the purposes of these gifts of the Spirit? We have already learned that the main purpose was the building up (teaching and strengthening) of the church. Jesus said: "these signs will follow those who believe," and the gospel of Mark ends with this statement: "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word through the accompanying sings" (Mk. 16:17,20). The Hebrew writer reveals further: "How shall we escape if we neg- lect so great a salvation, which at the first begain to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?" (Heb. 2:3,4). The miracles, signs, wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit con- firmed the Word and salvation of Jesus Christ. Paul explicitly states that certain gifts of the Holy Spirit will cease when that which is perfect has come (1 Cor. 13:8,10). The Word of God is called the perfect law of liberty (Jas. 1:25). The perfect has come the Holy Spirit has confirmed it, and the gifts of the Spirit have vanished away. Keep in mind that the love of God is the more excellent way over the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 14:31). Also, we still have the powerful promise of God answering our prayers of faith (Jas. 5:15,16). Another promise from God is the differing gifts of grace we all receive in the body of Christ (Rom. 12:3-8). ------------ Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/efd93fcc/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Nov 20 13:14:16 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:14:16 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Consider This! Message-ID: JUST THINKING! ?IS IT TIME TO GO BACK HOME FOR A VISIT?? Whenever we grow up and feel that we are ready to leave home (i.e., the place where we grew up with dad and mom and siblings}, we say goodbye to everyone and go forth to seek our own goals in the world. After we are gone from home for a while we start to think about returning to see the folks and friends that grew up with us. What fond memories that we have but did not know we had them until we were far away from home? The memory of home to most is a joyful remembrance, one that brings happiness and a longing to go back. Time does pass swiftly, so a few years later a call comes, that dad or mom is sick. The first thing that you do is make hasty arrangements to go back home quickly. The reason for the haste is simple; you want to speak again with dad or mom before it is too late. One of the great regrets of many people is that they did not go back home in time to see dad or mom before they went to meet God. Have you thought of going back home to see everyone again or have you severed your ties with the family and old friends so that they do not mean much to you now? You may think that you have been away too long, that no one misses you but you may be sadly mistaken. You may suffer guilt for having not returned home occasionally if a disaster strikes your family and friends before you can get back to see them. Perhaps it is time to "go back home" for a visit. ?Don?t forget your church family?? ? ?COME HOME! Do not forget God's instruction: Eph. 6:1-4, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise), 3 that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord" Read of the Prodigal Son ? Matthew 15:11-24 _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) 11-20-2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/537e55c4/attachment-0001.html From danjgatlin at yahoo.com Fri Nov 20 17:11:54 2009 From: danjgatlin at yahoo.com (Dan Gatlin) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:11:54 -0800 (PST) Subject: [Biblemat] A> "Come As You Are" Message-ID: <667058.45824.qm@web33008.mail.mud.yahoo.com> ? ?Come As You Are? ? By Dan Gatlin ? ????????????? A popular notion of our generation is ?attend the church of your choice.?? Sectarian bodies, promoting this concept, have tried to make themselves as attractive as possible to the general population in order to increase their membership.? There are some churches that focus on a particular group of people, i.e. there are cowboy churches, biker churches, trucker churches, etc.? Others advertise a ?come as you are? policy.? Not surprisingly, some churches of Christ have followed suit.? What are the implications of this ?come as you are? idea?? What does it really mean? ? Come as you are?your sins are welcome here!? This is really what most people think, that they can be part of a church without having to make any changes in their lives.? They can remain in their sin and they will be accepted as they are.? Unscriptural marriages, doctrinal error, human traditions are all welcome.? Perhaps this is the result of false teaching on the grace of God that has become so prevalent (that God ignores the ?small sins?).? Maybe it?s the influence of Calvinism which teaches that you can?t really do anything about your sins because salvation is ?wholly of God.?? Either way, such a notion is contrary to the teachings of the New Testament. ? The Bible teaches that if we are to be saved we must change.? ?Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him? (Col. 3:9-10).? Does putting off the old man and putting on the new imply that we can come as we are or does it imply that we have to change?? ?Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us? (Heb. 12:1).? If we?re to lay aside our sin, we can?t come as we are.? ?Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin? (Rom. 6:6).? One cannot be a part of the Lord?s church without being a Christian, and? baptism is essential in becoming a Christian.? Part of that process is to ?do away with? the ?body of sin.?? The verb ?done away with? (katargeo) means ?to cause to cease, put an end to, do away with, annul, abolish? (Thayer).? We must change, and our sins done away with.? Thayer defines the word repent (metanoeo) as ?to change one?s mind.?? By its very definition the concept of repentance is contrary to ?come as you are.?? ? Come as you are?and bring your casual and irreverent attitudes.? After the deaths of Nadab and Abihu, Moses told Aaron, ?This is what the LORD spoke, saying: ?By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified?? (Lev. 10:3).? Reverence is also taught in the New Testament, ?Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.? For our God is a consuming fire? (Heb. 12:28-29).? There are many ways that we can show irreverence toward God.? Here are a couple: ? 1. Appearance.? Most of us attempt to dress appropriately for whatever situation we may find ourselves.? We dress differently for doing yard work than for going to a nice restaurant.? We dress better still if we attend a funeral or some formal function.? Our dress reflects our attitude toward? each situation.? Yet, some feel free to come to services dressed like they are about to mow the lawn!? ? True, the Bible does not give us a ?dress code.?? If you would wear blue jeans and a tee shirt to your mother?s funeral, if it?s the best you?ve got, then by all means wear it.? There may be times when we?re traveling or getting off work when we just don?t have time to dress appropriately, but that?s not the point.? The point is when we choose to dress in a casual manner for a serious occasion.? Studying about our Lord and commemorating His death is a serious and solemn matter.? That needs to be reflected in our appearance.? ?A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? . . .? (Mal. 1:6) ? 2. Whispering, note-passing, and lack of attention.? In worshipping God our external actions must be correct, but our minds must also be involved.? ?What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.? Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will he who occupies the place of the uninformed say ?Amen? at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say?? (1 Cor. 14:15-16).? While the context of this passage is the controlled use of miraculous gifts in a first century worship service, the idea that we must worship ?with the understanding? is universal.? Our minds must be involved in every act of worship (1 Cor. 11:27-28; 2 Cor. 9:7; Eph. 5:19; etc.).? Inappropriate behavior while we should be worshipping demonstrates a profane and irreverent attitude. ? Come as you are?and we?ll require nothing of you.? Some are more concerned having a body in the pew and a few more dollars in the collection plate than with the church functioning in its proper capacity.? ?But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head?Christ?? from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love? (Eph. 4:15-16).? To imply that people can be a part of the church, do nothing, and then be saved is deception of the worst kind.? Those who don?t want to do the Lord?s work need to repent (change their minds).? When one becomes a child of God they take on certain responsibilities, whether they want them or not.? This is why Jesus cautioned us to ?count the cost? (Lk. 14:26-33).? ?And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple? (Lk. 14:27). ? Should we tell people to ?come as they are??? Not if we love them.? Not if we want their souls to be saved.? Such an approach is deception.? The message we should convey is that sinners need to leave their sins behind (Heb. 12:1; 1 Pet. 4:1-2), transform their thinking (Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20), and start serving God (1 Cor. 4:1; Heb. 12:28). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/53b786a9/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Fri Nov 20 20:57:28 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:57:28 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 046 Message-ID: <634E2D981B2742848ED1856B89D364C8@sean2e3f41f1ba> The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 046: November 22, 2009 This Week?s Article: How Can You Be Certain? Lesson 1: The Origin Facts Introduction: This series should be of great interest to all. Especially since eternal salvation is the desire of many. Eternal salvation, however, is not man?s right, nor is it his privilege without being well pleasing to God (Matthew 25:21). There are over 1000 ?differing churches? in America alone. Our goal is not to find the ?church of our choosing??we must be determined to know which church God chooses. Since the New Testament clearly condemns false religion and declares that God will not accept those who practice false religion, we must set our minds on discovering and doing what God desires. Let?s get to the scriptures and consider the points of this our second lesson. The One True Church Spoken of In Prophecy: In the scriptures ?the church? is also spoken of as ?the kingdom?. The kingdom the church was prophesied in the Old Testament in passages like Daniel 2:44 ?God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed? and Micah 4:1-2 ?The mountain of the Lord?s house shall be established on the top of the mountain.? It is this kingdom, the church, that Jesus foretold in Mark 9:1. Jesus also said that this kingdom, the church, would come with a sign from Heaven (Luke 24:49). These prophecies were fulfilled and endorsed by the Spirit with the presence of power in Acts 2:1-6. It is this event that signified the beginning of the promised church. It is this event that sets the church of God?s choice apart from all the rest?only one church began that day; only one church was witnessed by the promised sign from heaven. We must understand ?one church? was God?s plan from eternity. Ephesians 3:8-10 speaks of ?the? church of the New Testament. It is the fulfillment of unsearchable riches of Christ. It is the expression of God?s great wisdom wherein all can have equal opportunity to hope. Jesus spoke of this one church and His ability to build it (Matthew 16:18-19). This is the fulfillment of God?s plan?the one true church, in which all have equal access to His hope (Romans 5:1-11). The church is founded by Christ (?I will build?). The church belongs to Christ (?My? church). This takes us to a point of looking for the beginning of the one true church, so let us consider the identifying marks found on the first day. The One True Church Begins: With the sound like a ?mighty rushing wind? the sign was given (Acts 2:1-6). It was this sign that placed God?s approval on this event?this one church. Only ?the church? was ever given this sign. As we search to know the one true church with a desire to be certain, we must search for the one church endorsed by this powerful sign. The first day brings several firsts that are points of identification for the one true church. The one true church was the first to preach the gospel message (Acts 2:22-40). The one true church was the first to offer salvation in Christ (Acts 2:38). The one true church was the first to practice baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38-41). According to Acts 2:42, the one true church was the first to provide opportunity to serve God through the apostles doctrine (That is Christ?s teachings); the continued fellowship (Togetherness on one spiritual road); the breaking of bread (Remembrance/ Communion); and in Prayers (communication with God). The one true church was increased as souls obeyed and the Lord added them to the number (Acts 2:47) In our search we are looking for the modern presence of this one ancient church. The one true church we are searching for began on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:1), so any church beginning after that is to young to be the one true church. This brings us to look for the church of God?s choice as it continues today. The One True Church Continues Because of the precise pattern provided in the scriptures we have an opportunity to find and become part of the one true church of the Bible still today. The church we are searching for began in the early first century on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:1) and continues today and will continue until the end (1 Corinthians 15:24). If we find the one church that is identified in the scriptures, we will know the facts needed to locate the one true church today. The one true church today will still have Christ as it Founder and Head (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:21-23). The one true church today continues to offer the one hope of salvation?obedience to God?s will (Matthew 7:21). The one true church today will still preach the pure gospel (Acts 2:38-39 Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5). The one true church continues to practice baptism in water for the remission of sins (1 Peter 3:21-23). According to Acts 2:42 the one true church continues to provide opportunity to serve God through the apostles (that is Christ?s) doctrine?Bible preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-5); the continued fellowship (Togetherness of spiritual road)?focus on spiritual fellowship (Philippians 2:1-4); the breaking of bread (Remembrance/Communion)?on the Lord?s day (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29); and prayers (Communication with God)?Praying according to the will of God (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Conclusion: We will continue to look at the facts concerning the church that is patterned for us in the scriptures. The points of identification are provided for us so what we can find and become part of the one true church. How can we be confident? We are promised that the truth can be known (John 8:31-32). With that knowledge we search the word for the truth about the church and we will rest assured when the truth is found. Right now though is the time to ask yourself if you are saved. The opportunity to obey Christ is yours now. ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward this copy to them and send their email address and I will add them to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/6ab684d4/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 3298 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/6ab684d4/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7811 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/6ab684d4/attachment-0003.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 21 02:53:32 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:53:32 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 Doing, on man's part, is an essential part of God's plan of re- demption. Doing has been mankind's responsibility in order to please God through the ages. Cain was told, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door" (Gen. 4:7). "By faith, Noah, being divinely warned of things not seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household" (Heb. 11:7). God told Abraham, "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice" (Gen. 22:18). Even so, Jesus is the Author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Heb. 5:8,9). 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" (Matt. 7:21). Again, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mk. 16:16). One be- comes a servant of righteousness by obeying Christ from the heart (Rom. 6:17,18). Convicted sinners cried out "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37). They were told to re- pent and be baptized for the remission of sins (vs. 38). Saul of Tarsus, interrupted on a journey to persecute Christians, asked, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" Jesus said, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:6). There Ananias told him "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). John wrote in Rev. 22:14, "Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city." To saints James said, "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (Jas. 1:22). Not one of these said, as some preachers do today to those seeking salvat- ion, "There is nothing you can do, nothing for you to do, because Jesus has done it all. It's already finished." Yes, Jesus did all that He came to do. Now it is our lot to do what we must do to become children of God, and to continue in His fellowship Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Jno. 1:1-10). ----------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091121/845182b2/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 21 02:53:46 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:53:46 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE BIRTH OF JESUS -- A CHRONOLOGY Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. THE BIRTH OF JESUS -- A CHRONOLOGY Both Mark and John skip over the birth and youth of Jesus as well as the birth of John the baptizer. Mark begins his accou-nt with the ministry of John the baptizer, followed immediately by the ministry of Jesus. After a prologue (Mk. 1:1-18) in which he emphasizes the eternality and deity of the one who became Jesus Christ, John does the same. Matthew begins his account with the genealogy of Jesus back to Abraham through David (1:1-17). Then he give a brief account of the birth of Jesus with the focus on Joseph. Mary is already with child, and an angel appears to Joseph to explain and tell him what he is to do -- we are not told where Joseph was living at the time. The marriage proceeds, and the child is born (Matt. 1:18-25). The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea is follo- wed by the visit of the wise men from the east. Matthew also tells of Joseph with Mary and Jesus fleeing into Egypt and stay- ing there until the death of Herod the Great, of Herod's order to kill all the "male children" two years old or younger in and around Bethlehem, of the return of Joseph, Mary and Jesus to Judea, and of their going to Nazareth of Galilee. Luke gives the background of the birth and then tells of the birth of John (who would become the baptizer). While he has nothing to say about the appearance of the angel to Joseph, the visit of the wise men, Herod's attempt to slay "the young child" Jesus, or the flight to and sojourn in Egypt, he, with the focus on Mary, has more to say about the background of the birth of Jesus, the actual birth of Jesus, and the events that clos- ely followed the birth of Jesus. Here Are The Events In Chronological Order: 1. John's Prologue: -- Read Jno. 1:1-18. Jesus is the Word that became flesh and dwelled among men. That Word was in the beginning with God and was God. All things were made ("Jeho- vah's Witnesses" falsely teach that He was the first thing that was made or created) were made through Him. He came to make God known to man and to reveal the grace and the truth. 2. An Angel Appears To Zacharias: -- Read Lk. 1:5-25. In the tem- ple at Jerusalem the angel Gabriel appears to the priest Zachari- as to inform him that his wife Elizabeth will conceive and bear a son whom they are to name "John." That child will become the man who in the spirit and power of Elijah will prepare the Jewish people for the Lord. She conceives and hides herself for five months. 3. An Angel Appears To Mary: -- Read Lk. 1:26-38. At Nazareth of Galilee the angel Gabriel appears to a virgin named "Mary" who was betrothed to a man named "Joseph" to inform her that she has been chosen by God to conceive a son by the power of the Holy Spirit. She is told of the great role to be played by that child and that she is to name him "Jesus." She is also told that her kinswoman Elizabeth is now in her sixth month with child. 4. An Angel Appears To Joseph: -- Read Matt. 1:18-24. At Nazar- eth of Galilee an angel of the Lord appears to Joseph who has learned that Mary, his betrothed, is with child and is considering putting her away privately. Joseph is told of Mary's miraculous conception, instructed to proceed with the marriage, and told why the child is to be named "Jesus." Joseph marries Mary. This event may have occurred after the next event took place. 5. Mary Visits Elizabeth: -- Read Lk. 1:39-56. Mary leaves Nazar- eth and goes to the hill country of Judea to the town where Eliza- beth lives. She stays there three months and then returns to Nazareth. (Actually, the marriage of Joseph and Mary may be- long here). (If Elizabeth was six months along, when the angel appeared to Mary, and Mary visiting Elizabeth and staying three months, would indicate that maybe Mary was with Elizabeth when John was born, JWS), 6. The Birth Of John: -- Read Lk. 1:57-65. We are told of the birth of Elizabeth's son and of his being named "John." 7. The Birth Of Jesus: -- Read Lk. 2:1-7. Joseph and Mary journ- ey from Nazareth of Galilee to Bethlehem of Judea to be enrolled in the census ordered by the emperor Augustus. There Mary gives birth to her baby (apparently in a stable because there was no room in the inn), wraps him in swaddling clothes and lays him in a manger (a feeding trough). (Matt. 1:25 also goes with this passage. 8. The Visit Of The Shepherds: -- Read Lk. 2:8-20, which tells of the visit of the shepherds that very night to see the babe in a manger. 9. Jesus Is Circumcised And Named: -- Read Lk. 2:21. Joseph and Mary apparently stay at Nazareth, finding a house for that purpose. When Jesus eight days old, He is circumcised and given the name"Jesus." 10. Joseph, Mary And Jesus Go To Jerusalem: -- Read Lk. 2:22- 24. When Jesus is forty days old, they take Him to the temple at Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord as their first-born son and to offer the required sacrifices for Mary's cleansing. 11. Simeon And Anna See Jesus: -- Read Lk. 2:25-39. While Jos- eph, Mary and Jesus are there in the temple, they encounter the righteous and devout Simeon (who holds the infant in his arms) and the aged prophetess Anna. 12. The Visit Of The Wise Men: -- Read Matt. 2:1-21. Joseph, Mary and Jesus apparently returned to Bethlehem and the house where they were residing at the time. A few or more mon- ths had passed. Then we are told of the visit of the wise men from the east (they are not identified as kings, nor is their num- ber given). Following a star, they go first to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem where they find "the young child" (no "babe" -- eight times in this section of Scripture Jesus is called "the young child") in a "house" (not still in the stable or a manger). There follows their flight into Egypt, Herod's order to slay all male children (in and around Bethlehem) two years old and un- der (according to the time the wise men first saw that guiding star in the east), the death of Herod, and the return of Joseph, Mary and Jesus to Judea. 13. Joseph And Mary And Jesus Return To Nazareth: -- Read Matt. 2:22,23; Lk. 2:39b. It is then that Joseph and Mary go back to Nazareth with their son Jesus. Friend: the traditional "Christmas Story" is a garbled version of the Biblical account which most people will never read or hear in their entire lives. Please read the passages given above for yourself and get others to read this article and those passages. Bill Crews in The Preceptor, Dec. 1999. via The Sower, Vol. 54, No. 6, Nov/Dec. 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091121/ef797802/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Nov 20 16:57:30 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:57:30 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Upon the First Day of the Week" Message-ID: <20091121.084047.348.0.wswalker310@juno.com> 11/21 Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. ?UPON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK ?Upon the first day of the week the disciples came together to break bread ? (Acts 20:7) INTRO.: A song which emphasis the importance of the first day of the week in God?s pattern for the church as revealed in the New Testament is ?Upon the First Day of the Week? (#177 in Hymns for Worship Revised, and #3 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written by James H. Childress (1902-1936). Born in Rockdale, TX, he moved when quite young with his family to Bowie, TX. After completing high school, he went to Abilene Christian College (now University) where he received a bachelor's degree, and Southern Methodist University where he received a master's degree. Obeying the gospel in 1919, he began to preach soon afterwards and was minister for the Central church of Christ in Houston, TX, when he was killed in an automobile accident on Highway 75 just north of Conroe, TX. The tune was composed by Benjamin Mason Taylor, who was born in Kentucky in 1881. A telegraph operator for the MKT Railroad and Western Union, he was a member of the church of Christ and a song leader in many gospel meetings. This song was copyrighted in 1931 by the Gospel Advocate Company and first appeared in Greater Christian Hymns, edited by C. M. Pullias and published that year, although it did not appear in any of the popular ?Christian Hymns? series later published by the Gospel Advocate Company. Taylor had seven children, outlived two wives, and was married to a third at the time of his death on Jan. 28, 1961, in San Marcos, TX, where he lived the last five years of his life. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord?s church during the twentieth century, the song appeared in the 1940 Complete Christian Hymnal and the 1960 Hymnal both edited by Marion Davis. Today it may be found in Hymns for Worship, Sacred Selections, and the 2007 Sacred Songs for the Church edited by William D. Jeffcoat. Interestingly enough, it also was used in the 1959 Christian Hymnal: A Collection of Hymns and Sacred Songs Suitable for Use in Public Worship, Worship in the Home, Evangelistic Meetings, and General Occasions, published by the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, Gospel Publishers of Moundridge, KS. The song explains why the first day of the week should be so important to Christians. I. Stanza one talks about the resurrection of Christ ?Upon the first day of the week. Our Savior came forth from the grave; He died, was buried, then arose, To reign to triumph, and to save!? A. It was upon the first day of the week that Jesus came forth from the grave: Lk. 24:1 B. The basic facts of the gospel are that He died, was buried, then arose: 1 Cor. 15:1-4 C. Having arisen, He ascended into heaven to reign as Lord: Acts 2:29-36 II. Stanza 2 talks about the observance of the Lord?s supper ?Upon the first day of the week, Disciples met to break the bread, And drink the cup In memory Of Him whose blood for us was shed!? A. Breaking bread refers to the bread which we break as a communion of the body of Christ: 1 Cor. 10:16 B. Drinking the cup refers to the cup which we drink in memory of Christ and the blood that He shed: 1 Cor. 11:23-26 C, The Lord?s supper reminds us that because Jesus shed His blood for us we can have redemption: Eph. 1:7 III. Stanza 3 talks about the collection ?Upon the first day of the week, Let each of us lay by in store, As blessed and prospered by the Lord, The King of kings whom we adore!? A. Paul commanded that it should be on the first day of the week that the church should lay by in store: 1 Cor. 16:1-2 B. This giving is to be done as blessed and prospered by the Lord, not grudgingly or of necessity because God loves a cheerful giver: 2 Cor. 9:6-7 C. In this way we honor the King of kings whom we adore: Rev. 19:11-16 IV. Stanza 4 talks about worship in spirit and truth ?Upon this day ?beloved? John Saw Christ and heard His trumpet voice. We, too, in spirit worship Him; With prayer and song our hearts rejoice!? A. The term ?Lord?s day,? upon which John saw Christ and heard His trumpet voice, was used universally by early Christian writers to refer to the first day of the week: Rev. 1:10-17 B. When we worship the Lord, it must be in spirit and in truth: Jn. 4:23-24 C. Two things that we do in our public worship are prayers and songs: 1 Cor. 14:15 CONCL.: The chorus expresses the commitment not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:24-25). ?Though others may forsake the Lord, Yet, we are here Thy truth to seek; Thy holy presence comforts us, (dear Lord,) Upon the first day of the week.? Some have objected to this song on the basis that it sounds too much like a ?creed.? But I suppose the same could be said about any song that specifies certain things from the scriptures that we should believe or do. This song has often been used before the Lord?s supper, although some would suggest omitting at least the third stanza at such time. In any event, the words of the song certainly help us to understand the value and necessity of those things which the Lord has commanded us to do ?Upon the First Day of the Week.? Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 cell phone: (618) 292-2694 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. ____________________________________________________________ Get Estimates from Carpenters Get Free Estimates in 24 hrs. from qualified, local contractors. One Short Form. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=PcKiw1BjpFb31_FKgEbubwAAJ1AqWLnxUT_Og0R1xxm43-TkAAQAAAAFAAAAAAffRD4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABSReQAAAAA= -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091120/39c2e619/attachment-0001.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Sat Nov 21 10:07:03 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 10:07:03 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Is the Church of Christ a Cult? Message-ID: Is It A Cult? - Terry W. Benton Recent exposure in the news and on talk radio and TV has brought back around the charge from Baptists and Presbyterians that the "Church of Christ is a cult". Immediately, the connotation of "cult" brings to mind such mind-control groups as Jim Jones and the People's Temple or David Karesh and other far-out groups. The term is loaded with prejudice, and is often so vaguely defined that anyone, including the Baptists and Presbyterians, can be charged with being a cult. Of course, it does not feel as well to them when they are on the receiving end of the accusation. Several years ago, about 1980-81, a local Presbyterian, formed an organization called "New Life, Inc." It was a group of Presbyterians who wanted to "expose" the "cults", without people knowing that they were members of the Briarwood Presbyterian Church. Briarwood did not want the negative publicity of putting down other area religious groups. So, they supported New Life to do the dirty work and take the heat under the name New Life. New Life would be viewed as a group of Christians exposing the cults, and the Briarwood Presbyterian Church could be viewed as clean and loving and harmless. New Life began advertising a list of the "cults" in the Birmingham News and Post Herald. The Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Bahai, and Churches of Christ, were lumped together as "cults" to beware of. The list made no attempt to explain the definition of a cult, or to explain why the Baptists and Presbyterians were not listed also as cults. It was an underhanded tactic to use a scatter-gun approach to prejudicing the public mind against any group that New Life claimed was a "cult". Not willing to let these guys get away with their accusation without a challenge, I called Craig Branch, the head of the New Life organization in Birmingham, and asked why he said that Churches of Christ were a "cult". He was evasive, and so I asked for a public discussion of the issues. He would not consent to a public debate, but, after much pressure from Larry Rouse and myself, he agreed to meet privately for some discussions of the issues. We got some brethren to help us put some counter advertisements in the paper exposing New Life as a front group for the Briarwood Presbyterian Church and challenging them to retract the charge that Churches of Christ can be legitimately classified as a "cult" or to meet us in public discussion to prove their accusation. This was embarrassing to area Presbyterians, because they knew members of churches of Christ to be level-headed and decent people, and that the term "cult" should not have been thrown out so loosely and haphazardly. The Webster dictionary definition would have made all religions, including Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, and Presbyterians, come under the word's meaning. However, the New Life organization was not using the basic dictionary definition. In our discussions, it became clear that "mind-control" was not the issue. There was no church built around a single man who sought to control the individual lives of every member. The issue was not that we tried to make our members live in a bubble or in a commune. Nor, was it an issue of how our Bible classes or worship was conducted. The issue, according to Craig Branch and New Life, was that we taught that one has to be baptized in order to be saved. When he said that, I asked, then, if Peter was a member of a cult, since he told people to be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:37-40)? It was amazing how different Peter's teaching was from that of Craig Branch, New Life, and the Briarwood Presbyterian Church. I told him that I was glad to stand with Peter, but that he should be honest and advertise that Peter and the early church were also what he was calling a "cult". This point made it apparent that Craig Branch's brand of religion was different from Peter's, and that therefore his own religion was no more scriptural than the Mormons, the Jehovah's Witnesses, and other groups he called "cults". New Life fell out of existence for a while. Craig Branch later started his efforts again under a new name. The group is now known as "Watchman Fellowship". Prejudicial terms were used against the early church. They were called "the sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5) by Jews wanting to prejudice people against them. If we stand for the same truth they stood for, it is unavoidable but that we too will be maligned or accused with terms loaded with prejudice. We cannot keep people from prejudice and preconceived, erroneous notions, but we can live honorably before all men and teach the truth without compromise. We can even love our enemies, but we must remember that it was prejudice and unfairness that caused our Lord's crucifixion. If the most perfect man could be mistreated and falsely accused, we must be mentally, spiritually, and emotionally ready to be recipients of the same. There is a danger in using words that are loaded with prejudice, and that leave undefined the particular issue that caused one to select the particular term. No one today usually thinks the term "cult" is a compliment to another person or group, and all confess that it has the power of striking fear and suspicion about any group so accused or described as a cult. Michael Lagrone, a leading spokesman about cults, confessed that there is a tremendous amount of ambiguity associated with the term. He wisely remarked: We also hope that in your own endeavors you apply the term "cult" judiciously and with an acute awareness of its ambiguity and limitations. (The Definitional Ambiguity of "Cult" and ICSA's Mission). Was The Early Church a Cult? If we take the earliest meaning of the term cult, then the early church was a cult, and the term did not necessarily have any negative connotation to it. One writer researched the origin of the word and found it was very positive or neutral. Any group would not have been offended to have been referred to as a cult. One writer said: Perhaps the most confusing and dangerous religious term is "Cult". The word is derived from the French word "culte" which came from Latin noun "cultus." The latter is related to the Latin verb "colere" which means "to worship or give reverence to a deity." Thus, in its original meaning, the term "cult" can be applied to any group of religious believers: Southern Baptists or Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses or Catholics, Hindus or Muslims. However, the term has since been assigned at least 7 new and very different meanings. The original meaning of "cult" remains positive; more recent definitions are neutral, negative, or extremely negative. The word "cult" is the noun of the verb "cultivate". What has been cultivated is the cult. The church is about cultivating hearts and souls. Hearts and souls that are cultivated to serve God and others are the "cult" of what is being cultivated. All churches should be trying to cultivate hearts and souls for the development of the fruits of the Spirit. Thus, all churches SHOULD be "cults" (that which has been cultivated). If this is the connotation being used, we should not and would not object. However, terms have a way of changing, and often the user of a term has developed a new slant on the word. Do you remember the days when the word "gay" was a fine word and had nothing to do with one's sexual orientation? The same has become so with the word "cult". It has been given some negative connotations, and often the user is totally wrong in his doctrinal outlook that moves him to call another a cult of error. Often the user is so blinded by his own erroneous doctrines that he sees only through the glasses of his own cultivated beliefs, and speaks negatively of what has been cultivated (rightly or wrongly) in another who differs with him. If the original meaning was "to worship or give reverence to a deity", then what church would have felt insulted by the term? This meaning is very positive. Even Craig Branch (Briarwood Presbyterian's own), would have to admit that he was a member of a cult. But, as mentioned earlier, it was the arbitrary and newly created definition that urged that he classify churches of Christ as a cult. He determined that if a group says that salvation is at the point of baptism into Christ, instead of by "faith only", then he believed he had the right to classify that group as a cult on newly contrived charges and with a new and negative connotation of the term. But, this negative definition backfired on Craig Branch. It was his definition that put him in the position of having to (if he wanted to be logically consistent) call the Biblical writers as "cultic". James, for example, said a man is NOT justified by "faith only" (James 2:19f). He said a faith that does not work is dead and does not "save". Thus, being at odds with Presbyterian doctrine of salvation by faith only, James taught what churches of Christ are saying, and the opposite of what Branch teaches. So, if one man or the other is justly called "cultic"(under the new and negative definition), would it be James or Craig Branch? Furthermore, Peter told people they had to "do" something to be saved (Acts 2:37-40). He told them that they must repent and be baptized for remission of sins. Branch would have had to have told them that they were already saved at the moment of conviction, by "faith only". Because Peter differed with Branch, which person should get the modern dishonor of the word "cultic"? Peter? Or Branch? Peter also said "baptism does also now save us" (1 Pet.3:21). Branch says it does not. So, who gets the modern dishonor of the term "cult"? Several weeks ago a preacher of a "Church of Christ" was shot by his wife. The media took the story and tried to make sense of the shooting. A Baptist preacher was asked if the Church of Christ was a "cult", and if this might have some bearing on understanding why the wife behaved the way she did. Of course, the Baptist preacher could not go to the Bible and show evidence that there ever was a Baptist Church in the first century. Thus, it is very strange that a religion foreign to the Bible (Baptists) could sit in on a critique of another religion and call them a "cult" (in a negative sense). The old saying that "those who live in glass houses should not throw stones" would be very fitting here. Has a Baptist preacher ever been shot or killed by his wife? If so, then do we neatly label the Baptist Church as a "cult" to explain the killing? Has a Presbyterian minister ever been killed by his wife? If so, then do we neatly label the Presbyterian Church as a "cult" to explain the killing? Obviously, the purpose of bringing out the term "cult" was of no value in explaining the incident. It was simply a convenient opportunity to take a prejudicial stab at all Churches of Christ. I would encourage people to study the teaching of any group, including Churches of Christ, to find out if it is scriptural or biblical in teaching and practice. The name of a group is a give-away as to whether it is biblical in other areas of teaching or practice. If the group does not mind being different from the early Christians in name, then they will also be very lax and indifferent to biblical truth and authority in other areas of teaching and practice. A good rule to remember is "speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11). If the very name of the group cannot be found in the "oracles of God" (the Bible), then it is unscriptural and therefore a false religion. Jesus did not authorize the existence of various denominations and the various names attached to these later developments. This means that a representative of an unscriptural church or organization has no business talking about other religions as unbiblical or unorthodox. However, the fact that a group tries to be scriptural in name, does not mean that they are automatically scriptural in other areas of teaching and practice. Various denominations venture away from the teaching and example of the early church in various degrees. Some are further away from the Bible than others. But, all modern denominations are "cultic" in comparison to the early church. They all teach people to be different from the original model. It is not good or safe to venture away from the original pattern to any degree. If a group tries to identify itself in name, teaching, and practice by the model of the early church, give it a fair chance. Look into it carefully. Study it! If the teaching is identical with the Bible, then either the early church was also a "cult", or the term "cult" is pejorative, and prejudicial in the hands of a man who needs to be busy pulling the plank out of his own eye. Demand truth above all else, and God will see that you either start or help support a scriptural church. terrywbenton at bellsouth.net See my blog site: http://isitacult.blogspot.com/2009/03/is-it-cult.html -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091121/5003a60e/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Nov 21 14:42:39 2009 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:42:39 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Worthy of the Name Message-ID: <000001ca6aeb$2bc4b150$834e13f0$@com> Worthy of the Name Most of the time, when someone says something about "living worthy of the name," we think of the name of our Lord. [That is a good thing!] But for today's study, let us consider another name for which we should live in such a way as to be called worthy of the name. That name is.a worker. The apostle Paul urged the young evangelist Timothy, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth" (2nd Tim. 2:15). The words I would like us to focus on today are the ones that speak of being "a worker who has no need to be ashamed" - something, I believe, is worthy of note, especially in light of some recent surveys. Before I get to the surveys' results, let me just make the point that being able to be honestly called a "worker" demands one thing of us: work! A spectator [one sitting on the sidelines merely watching] is not a worker; a nit-picker [one who is constantly finding fault in others] is not a worker; a discourager [always talking about how it can't be done] is not a worker; and someone who is always talking about it but never gets around to doing it is not a worker. One is a worker if - and only if - he or she is actually doing the work. I know that sounds obvious, but apparently some disciples believe they can claim the label without ever having earned it. Apparently, some believe they can wear the name "worker" like it was some "Hello, My Name Is." badge, and not because they have done any actual work God demands of all disciples. While it is true we may never "earn" the name "child of God" because God's grace is what made it possible, we can earn the title "worker" - but only if we have been working! According to one web page's report, surveys among those professing to be disciples of Jesus Christ in this country found that 95% of respondents said they had never won a soul to Christ, 80% said they did not consistently or regularly make efforts to teach the lost, and less than 2% said they were currently involved in efforts. I don't know about you, but when I read those numbers, I was more than a little bothered, if they are true. When I read that 19 out of 20 members have never led someone to obey the gospel, it was very disturbing! How could this be true? Why is it true? But reading this report reminded me of a survey done among churches of Christ about 15 years ago that likewise found only about 4-10% of the membership in any local congregation were actively involved in the efforts to teach the lost. I would be generous in my opinion and lean toward the upper percentage, but even one out of ten members being involved in this most important work is still far from what it should be. The reality, though, is that in some congregations, only about four in one hundred members thinks it important enough to do something about it. Let's stop and consider for a moment that our Lord once said, "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10) and the apostle Paul echoed this in 1st Tim. 1:15. If our Lord came for that reason, we who are His servants should also be actively involved in this important effort. Jesus was willing to give His life in the effort to save men from their sins; what are we willing to do for that same purpose? No, we cannot save them by giving our lives, but we can save them by bringing to them the words of salvation. Are we doing that? If we are, then great! If not, why not? If it is true that less than five out of every one hundred Christians are involved in this effort, stop and think about how few will stand before our Lord in Judgment and be able to say they had truly done His will! We must surely know that there are very few Christians in this world, but apparently there are even fewer who believe saving souls is important enough to be personally involved! But let us now take the time to note that the work God demands of all disciples is more than just teaching the lost. [Keep in mind, though, that all disciples must take part in that effort; cf. 2nd Tim. 2:24-26.] But there is a lot more work to do than this; consider Paul's words to the brethren in Rome: "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness" (Rom. 12:6-8). Note that Paul said they should use those gifts given to them; it would have been a shame if they had been given these abilities and did not use them. Though we do not have the spiritual gifts they had then, we can still do something in the work of the Lord. Remember that Paul used the physical body as a analogy of the spiritual body, the local church, and the work each part may do. In that analogy, Paul pointed out that even "the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable" (1st Cor. 12:22). While we may not think there is anything "important" we can do as a part of the body of believers, please understand that every part has a function - and a responsibility to do what he or she can. The worst thing you can do, though, is to do nothing. The apostle Paul urged the Corinthians onto greater efforts, exhorting them to "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1st Cor. 15:58). We need to take the time to comprehend the meaning of what Paul said, and then ask ourselves if we really believe those words; sometimes, we act as if we do not! Sometimes, we refrain from doing the work because we are convinced [by self or others] 'that will never work' or 'no one will listen' and so we say and do nothing. Sometimes, we talk ourselves out of doing the work that needs to be done because we don't think that our efforts will make a difference. Whatever the case, though, we need to quit making excuses for not doing the work and then we need to just do the work! Can you imagine joining the work force of a company and then sitting back, doing nothing? How long do you think you would last there? And if your manager asked you why you weren't working, do you think you would keep your job if you told him, "There a lot of people who can do the job better than I can"? Would you be excused if you told him, "I've tried that before and I just don't think it's worth the effort"? Would they want to keep you if you told them, "Look, I've put in my time; it's time some of these younger people started doing the work"? Do you see how weak and ridiculous those arguments are? As silly as they sound, I have heard them all used by brethren who were not taking part in the work. The wise writer said long ago, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Eccl. 9:10). We see the truth of this exemplified in the labor of the people who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, of whom it was said "had a mind to work" (Neh. 4:6) and who completed the work in just 52 days (cf. Neh. 6:15). Imagine what we, as a local church, could do if we all "had a mind to work" and we all quit making excuses. If this congregation is one where only 4% are doing the work, imagine what we could do if just 25% were doing the work! What if we got 50% to do the work? What if we got everyone doing the work? And if the possibilities are not enough to stir us up to more and greater efforts, let us not forget the words of the wise writer, who said, "Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys" (Prov. 18:9). We may not be actively seeking to destroy this church, but if we are not doing anything towards the work that should be done in the Kingdom of our Lord, we are just as much a danger as the one who purposefully sets one brother against another; the end result is the same: destruction. So, are you a worker - approved of God and worthy of the name? -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091121/022428d8/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Sat Nov 21 13:18:36 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:18:36 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 11/8/09 Message-ID: <4B07E8AC.22964.13AF6BC@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). ____________________________________________________ November 8, 2009 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) The Need for Gospel Preaching (Lindsay A. Allen) 2) Sentence Sermons (selected) ____________________________________________________ -1- The Need for Gospel Preaching by Lindsay A. Allen As God in his wisdom ordained, the world failed to find him by its wisdom, and he chose to save those who have faith by the folly of the gospel (1 Cor. 1:21 N.E.B.). If there were no other passage in the Bible on preaching, this passage alone would impress upon all of us, especially those who preach, the great need of preaching the gospel of Christ. The need for preaching the gospel never changes. The need remains constant in all ages under all circumstances and conditions. It may appear that in certain periods and places in history the need for gospel preaching was much greater and urgent than at other times. When the forces of evil are widespread and Satan seems to be in the saddle exercising control over the passions of men, there seems to be a much greater need for gospel preaching. However, it must be recognized that sin is sin, transgression of God's law, whether it is a violation of moral or spiritual law, and if persisted in, it will bring eternal death (Rom. 6:23). The sins of immorality appear to be more serious than so-called doctrinal sins because the former bring social disorder and discord. But this is not the way God views the matter. While those who practice the works of the flesh come under divine condemnation, those who teach for doctrine the commandments of men will also be lost (Matt. 15:6-9,13; Lk. 7:29-30). The gospel must be preached to the good moral man who has not obeyed the gospel as well as to the immoral. Thus Paul instructed Timothy to "preach the word. Be urgent in season and out of season" (2 Tim. 4:1-2). The N.E.B. renders this passage "press it home on all occasions." There is never a time to soften or let up in preaching the gospel. As long as sin and false doctrine are in the world, the gospel must be preached, for there is no other remedy for sin. History, secular and divine, is a silent witness to man's need in every age for the gospel of Christ. For four thousand years man carried on a persistent and continuous search for God apart from divine revelation. Philosophers, theologians, and scientists (the scholastic cream of the ages) carried on a relentless search for the true knowledge of God with dogged determination, under the most favorable circumstances, and utilizing the best resources available. Yet, in spite of all the skills of learning applied with diligence and industry, the search always ended in a blind alley. As Adam Clark has so well said, "No wisdom but that which came from God could ever penetrate and illuminate the human mind." This failure to find God through human learning and wisdom may appear strange in the light of man's accomplishments in other fields of endeavor. Man has been able to unlock doors to many of the secrets of the universe and reveal secrets thus far unknown to bring material comfort and satisfaction to his fellows. However, no man or group of men, ancient or modern, have been able to lift the veil that clouded man's understanding of God. So it shall ever be, for as the above passage states, "As God in his wisdom has ordained." Man seems slow to learn that God, in his infinite wisdom, has so ordered and arranged the plan of salvation to make it impossible for man to come to a true knowledge of God apart from divine revelation. Moreover, history shows that the more man searches for God through human devices, the farther he wanders from God. Sin is added to sin until the lowest level of moral degradation and corruption is reached. In Romans 1, Paul gives a horrible, yet vivid, picture of the sad plight of the Gentile world because they refused to have God in their knowledge and launched out on their own wisdom. The only remedy for such conditions is the gospel of Christ. The need today is the same. Nor will the time ever come when the gospel will be out of date. The gospel is God's power to save in every age and every clime. The gospel has been "once for all delivered" for man's salvation. No other revelation will be forthcoming. Now it is in order to inquire, What is gospel preaching? No man is prepared to preach until he knows what the gospel is. Far too many are attempting to preach who have little conception of what the gospel really is. This writer is in agreement with the late Curtis Porter when he said, "We have entirely too much preaching that means nothing, and the need of the hour is for men who have the courage to preach a distinctive message" (Truth Magazine 24:46). Another worthy preacher has said, "All preachers need a checkup once in a while." Every preacher who loves the truth and the souls of men will run a check on himself examining his attitude toward God and his word, and the manner and content of his preaching. Too much is at stake to treat preaching lightly. Now, what are some of the features of gospel preaching? 1. Gospel preaching is Bible preaching. The Bible, the word of God, is the one and only textbook. While the preacher may consult dictionaries, commentaries, histories, etc., as aids to a better understanding of language, etc., such aids should never overshadow the word of God. He must remember that he is a messenger delivering the word of truth. The following excerpt is taken from Ministry, a Seventh Day Adventist publication, and is given here to show that even among some denominations there is an understanding of preaching even though misapplied: "A sermon idea, then, is of no value unless it is Biblically oriented. A Biblical preacher will keep in mind, first of all, that the only truth he can or will preach is Bible truth. Every idea that he uses must have a solid foundation in the word of God. There is no exception. If you cannot find scripture that will match the idea, you can perhaps give a good talk, but you can't preach a Biblical sermon, because sermons are based only on the word of God." The late H. Leo Boles often told the preacher-boys, "Boys, there is a great difference in preaching the gospel and making a talk on a Bible subject." Let the news media take care of the social and economic problems, and let the preacher be about his business of preaching the gospel. 2. Gospel preaching is Christ centered. The very heart and core of the gospel is good news about the Savior. The coming of Jesus into the world to save a recreant and ruined race through the offering of himself upon the cross is the theme of the Bible. This is what gospel preaching is all about. To fail to point men to the Lamb of God is to fail to preach the Gospel. Men must be made to understand that Jesus "gave himself for our sins." 3. Gospel preaching is distinctive preaching. The story of the cross and the plan of salvation God devised to save man is a very distinctive message. Gospel preaching identifies these truths and thus draws a sharp line of distinction between the gospel and the vagaries of denominationalism. The great difference between the truth of the gospel and false teaching must be set forth with clarity so that those who hear may understand the difference. There is something wrong when those who are steeped in sin and false teaching can listen and go away feeling comfortable. All who hear may not obey the gospel, but at least they know what the Bible teaches. Again, we quote from the same article by brother Porter, "Preaching that is not distinctive enough to make the lost realize they are lost is not the kind of preaching it takes to save men. Whenever an unfaithful brother, one guilty of sin against high heaven, or with an ungodly attitude toward the work of the Lord can sit under a man's preaching without feeling any discomfort or alarm, there is probably something wrong with his preaching." Preaching that does not disturb those in sin could hardly be called gospel preaching. 4. Gospel preaching identifies and separates. Gospel preaching identifies and brings to light the different classes of hearers. The value of the gospel depends not only on the preaching but also on the condition of the heart of the hearer. Those who are insincere and do not love the truth will soon be identified and weeded out. These who are living ungodly lives will either repent or separate themselves from the Lord's people. Those who love God and his word and have an honest heart will be strengthened and thus make strong disciples. This kind of preaching keeps the church pure and by so doing will prevent many church problems. Brethren, encourage the preacher where you worship to "lay it on the line" and tell it as it is written. This is the only kind of preaching that will save souls and build up the Lord's church. 5. Gospel preaching is kind and compassionate. There is the mistaken idea that gospel preaching that draws a sharp line between truth and error is caustic and unkind, driving people away. This is certainly not true. A review of preaching in the New Testament will show that gospel preaching was firm, straightforward and uncompromising, yet with kindness and compassion. Brethren, let us be firm, but with kindness. -- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 5, pp. 131-132, March 5, 1992 ____________________________________________________ -2- Sentence Sermons A marriage may be made in heaven, but the maintenance must be done on earth. Success in marriage is more than finding the right person. It's becoming the right person. True integrity is shown by doing right when no one is looking. The truth cannot be stretched without being ruined. If we listen to the truth we look inward, outward, and upward. A grudge is to heavy a load to carry. Lessons learned in hard times should be remembered in good times. A work of faith and a labor of love will not be forgotten. The grace of God will not lead you outside the will of God. -- selected ____________________________________________________ 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 richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Nov 22 18:58:08 2009 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:58:08 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (11/22/09) Message-ID: <000c01ca6bd8$68a78f00$39f6ad00$@dot5hosting.com> San Juan Logo PNG.png Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) November 22, 2009 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com. In addition, if you want to advertise for "churches looking for preachers" and "preachers looking for churches," go to www.thetfordcountry.com and click on the appropriate link. Fill out the easy form and your listing will be uploaded to the web site within 48 hours (usually the same day). --- CONTENTS "Thanksgiving - More Than A Holiday" (Richard Thetford) "How Thankful Are We?" (Richard Thetford) "SENTENCE SERMONS --- THANKSGIVING - MORE THAN A HOLIDAY Richard Thetford This coming Thursday the nation will celebrate together a time of "Thanksgiving" for this country that we live in. The word "thanksgiving" is mentioned several times in the New Testament. We would not get a chance to celebrate the upcoming "Thanksgiving" holiday if God had not created earth and man to begin with. Paul writes to the Corinthians and says "you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God" (1 Corinthians 9:11). Paul was stressing to the Corinthians that the true reason why wealth was bestowed was not for self gratification but in such a way as to cause thanksgiving to God. Yes, we should always want to have a spirit of thankfulness in our hearts to our God. We are told in Philippians that we are to be "anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). We are also told to have "...an attitude of thanksgiving;" (Colossians 4:2). The true attitude of thanksgiving is an attitude from our heart that says "I am truly thankful to God for everything that He has given me to enjoy and use while on this earth". Yes, "Thanksgiving" is more than just a holiday, it's an attitude. An attitude Christians should always have on their heart year round realizing that all one has is from God, and as a result, is truly thankful! --- HOW THANKFUL ARE WE? Richard Thetford This coming Thursday is the day that is set aside in our wonderful country as a national day of Thanksgiving. As Christians we have so much to be thankful for and it should be very easy to find reasons for being thankful. Besides having so much of this world's goods, we have all spiritual blessings which can only be realized by being IN Christ (Ephesians 1:3). But how thankful are we? There are others in the world that certainly do not have or ever will have the material things that we are blessed with in our life. Yet we still find ways to complain and wish that we had even more. In addition to all the physical things that we are blessed with, we should thank God every day that we have learned about Jesus Christ, obeyed Him, and are striving to live a faithful life on this earth until we die. We are promised that heaven is waiting for us to possess it IF we are faithful to the very end (Revelation 2:10). Now that is something we can truly be thankful for. As We Bow As we bow our heads in prayer to God this coming Thursday, before we eat our meal, let us truly be mindful of all the wonderful things that God has allowed us to enjoy here on this earth. We should be thankful for our prosperity and for being able to worship God unmolested at any time. Let us thank God for our health and that He may bless us with many more years of faithful service in His kingdom. May we thank God for those that have had an open heart to receive His Word, and are now determined to serve Him for the rest of their life. We should thank God for the opportunities that He presents to us to share His Word with others. Let us also thank God for our children and pray that we raise them completely in the training and admonition that He dictates to us. May we thank Him for the congregation here at Valley and pray that we can all strive to continue to build each other up, keeping one another motivated for the cause of Christ and for each other, longing to be with God and each other forever in heaven. As we bow, there are so many things that we can be thankful for. Prayer Is Important The importance of prayers of Thanksgiving to God is taught to us clearly in the Bible. Notice the following: Psalms 50:14 "Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High." Psalms 105:1 "Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!" Psalms 106:1 "Praise the LORD! Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." 1Thessalonians 5:18 "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Hebrews 13:15 "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." Ephesians 5:20 "giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," When we look at God's Word, we can see where our duty is evident. We know that we have received many blessings from our creator in which we should be eternally thankful. Prayer is important because it is through prayer that God can clearly see in us what kind of children we really are. A prayerful child is one who talks to their father. God wants us to talk to Him and express to Him how truly thankful we are for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. Can it be seen in us by our expression to God in prayer that we really are thankful for what we have, both physical and spiritual? --- SENTENCE SERMONS While looking at the obvious it is easy to overlook the significant. An idea that rules people inwardly will ultimately rule them outwardly. To ignore and miss God's will is to sin. Experience is what you get while looking for something else. A task worth doing and friends worth having make life worth living. A good way to break a habit is to drop it. --- SERMONS Nothing (with PDF Charts/PPT Charts/Audio) www.thetfordcountry.com --- cid:image003.gif at 01C9DCB3.EEF5E980 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study...........10:00 A.M. Morning Worship..11:00 A.M. Afternoon Worship..2:00 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study........6:30 P.M. (No Wednesday night Bible study November - February) 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/20091122/2fbf6ec3/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 69751 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091122/2fbf6ec3/attachment-0002.gif -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/png Size: 129359 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091122/2fbf6ec3/attachment-0002.png -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/png Size: 688 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091122/2fbf6ec3/attachment-0003.png -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9271 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091122/2fbf6ec3/attachment-0003.gif From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Sun Nov 22 15:43:42 2009 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:43:42 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] "TULIP" by Joseph Y. Lee Replied To and Examined Message-ID: <72B780D97AC74CA094537D4434BCF4F9@TerryPC> "TULIP" by Joseph Y. Lee Replied To and Examined by Terry W. Benton Thu Apr 24, 2008 4:14 pm (PDT) TULIP Religion Pamphlet #5 by Joseph Yosuk Lee TULIP is an acronym for the five points of Calvinism- total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance. Please note that you do not have to be Calvinist to be Christian. Reply: This says that you do not have to believe the truth to be a Christian, or it is saying that Calvinism may not really be the truth. I'm convinced that you cannot be a Christian and believe the five points of Calvinism. The truth will not allow a Christian to believe those doctrines. We will show in this examination that Calvinism is a subtle perversion of the gospel of Christ. It has elements that have a ring of truth and then moves into erroneous conclusions. 1. Total depravity or inability Total depravity is a concept that everyone including the elect and non-elect 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 Reply: 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. 2. Unconditional election Five Point Arminians imply that people earned salvation through their choice. In my opinion, they believe that Jesus + free will = salvation. Although Calvinists believe that free will exists, free will is a form of works. On the other hand, Calvinists believe that God predestined our salvation unconditionally through His choice and not ours. They believe that Jesus alone = salvation/free will. You do not earn your salvation through works, and you can not force God to choose you through your works. You have to be chosen unconditionally. And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also PREDESTINATED to become conformed to the image of His son, ... Romans 8:28-29 [Jesus said that] You did not choose Me, but I chose you,... John 15:16 Reply: This is a misrepresentation of all non-Calvinists. When we think about it, it does not make good sense. If Calvinists really believe that "Jesus alone = salvation/free will" then if someone is not saved, it is Jesus' fault. While no one can "earn" salvation, they can meet conditions that God may require. God predestined that those who are called by the gospel would be conformed to the image of His Son, but that says nothing about it being unconditional. The gospel calls for us to believe and repent. Those are conditions (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30,31). If a person does not believe and repent, then they are refusing the call of the gospel. If they repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, they get the free gift (Acts 2:38,40). If they refuse to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, they refuse the free gift. Now, while Jesus chose His twelve disciples, it was not without their cooperation. The point of John 15:16 is not about whether man has a choice in his salvation or not, but that the Twelve were chosen and appointed to a certain task that they did not foresee at the beginning. In other words, they did not come seeking to do this job and asking to be chosen for this job, but that they were chosen (with their cooperation) and as they cooperated as "friends" they accepted whatever Jesus had in mind for them to do. They did not choose Jesus to get to do this work of going and bearing fruit, but they were chosen by Jesus and He had in mind this purpose for them. It is not at all about whether or not man has any cooperative ability or inablity. Thus, we cannot allow the spin placed on these verses. None of these verses say anything about being chosen "unconditionally". Therefore, the second point of Calvinism is erroneous. 3. Limited atonement or particular redemption This is the most difficult concept to understand. Calvinists believe that God died for the elect while Arminians believe that God died for everyone. If God died for everyone, how can people go to hell? If people go to hell, what is the point of God dying for them? Arminians use this verse to argue that God died for everyone. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16 The Bible is saying, 'that whoever [chooses to believe or chosen to believe] in Him should not perish,...' If you read the next following verses, you can clearly see that God did not die for everyone. God specified that He died for only the sheep, who are the elect. ...I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:15 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep. John 10:26 If you are not one of the sheep, God did not die for you. So, I encourage every non-Christian to find out whether or not he is chosen. Reply: This last comment is self-contradicting. If a man is "totally depraved" or has "total inability", then that person cannot "find out whether or not he is chosen". He has no ability to do that. So, Calvinism says that God predetermined to program some people to go to hell and they have no ability to escape this appointment. If a person SHOULD "find out whether or not he is chosen", then he CAN find out. But, that denies the former points in the Calvinistic system. Now, the offer of the gospel is free to all, but only those who obey the gospel will benefit. Thus, they become the sheep that make Jesus' death count. The people who let Jesus die in vain show that they are not His sheep. Jesus died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), but only those who hear His voice and obey Him will benefit from what He did on the cross. They are His sheep. So, He died for everyone, but everyone will not benefit because they will not hear and come on His conditions to receive His benefits (Matthew 10:30-32). 4. Irresistible or efficacious grace Five Point Arminian beliefs deny God's omnipotence. Their beliefs imply that men have the power to reject God's grace. Reply: This is misleading too. Man has ability to "resist the Spirit" (Acts 7:51). That does not deny the omnipotence of God. It just affirms that God does not use His omnipotence to force Himself into people's minds and hearts against their will. Paul pleaded with the brethren at Corinth "not to receive the grace of God in vain"(2 Cor.6:1). If they received it in vain, does that mean that they were denying the omnipotence of God? Certainly not! So, this argument is phony. If a person can "do despite to the Spirit of grace" (Heb.10:29) then they can resist it or let it be in vain in their behalf. Calvinism is wrong because it says that people must be saved and they have no choice in the matter, while others must be lost and they have no choice in the matter. And all the habitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, But He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the habitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand...Daniel 4:35 Satan is more powerful than men and that men do not have a choice because Satan is making choices for them. ...are taken captive by [the devil] at his will. 2 Timothy 2:26 Reply: Eve had a choice, but she was taken captive to do his will. This passage does not affirm that Satan takes people captive "at his will" (i.e., whenever he wants and we cannot resist it), but that we put ourselves in position to be taken captive "to do His will". People can "come to their senses" and escape the SNARE of the devil. But, if they do not escape the snare, they will get caught to be taken captive to do his will. So, this verse does not say that all men have no ability to resist the devil, but that all men can get caught in his traps or snares and then be taken captive. This has nothing to do with the subject of whether we can resist the grace of God. There is no verse that talks about "irresistable grace". This is a phony Calvinistic doctrine. Five Point Arminian beliefs imply that God's grace is not efficacious (def. Producing an intended effect). Calvinists believe that God's grace is totally irresistible. Calvinists believe that once anyone receives God's grace, he will fall in love with God. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), Ephesians 2:4-5 Grace in its original language is 'charis.' Charis means unmerited favor. Grace is not something to be earned for it is a gift from God. See Ephesians 2:8,9. Reply: While grace is certainly unmerited or undeserved, this does not affirm that it is irresistable. The author of this article needs to show a verse that shows that a man cannot resist the gift of God or receive it in vain. We have shown that it can be resisted and it can be received in vain. Thus, the fourth point of Calvinism is built on the former erroneous conclusions. One error builds on another. It is a house of cards that falls under examination. 5. Perseverance Every Five Point Arminians believe that you can lose your salvation even though you were once saved. They are implying that people can lose their salvation by not doing enough works. On the other hand, Calvinists believe that if you are a Christian, you will always remain a Christian. Reply: Paul thought he could become disqualified for the prize (1 Cor.9:24f) and that there was a danger of the saved at Galatia "falling from grace"(Gal.5:4). The doctrine of "once-saved-always-saved" is a doctrine of demons (1 Tim.4:1-4). It gives people false assurance, and it is built on the previous part of the chain in the five links of Calvinism. The Bible does not teach any of these links. A person can receive the grace of God in vain and become worse than an infidel and become worse off than if they had never believed (2 Cor.6:1; 1 Tim.5:8; 2 Pet.2:20-22). For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 Reply: This verse is showing Paul's confidence in their cooperation with the Lord. Anyone who continues to cooperate with the Lord will give others confidence that God will continue to develop them on to perfection, but that is not automatic and irresistable. The brethren of Galatia were of an opposite nature. They caused Paul to lose such confidence in them. He said "I am afraid for you" (Gal.4:11). He could not say the same thing to them that he said to the brethren of Philippi. Why? Because one group was cooperating with the Lord in learning His will and growing stronger, and the other had been influenced by false teachers to loosen their grip on the orignal gospel and therefore loosening their cooperation with the Lord's will. We can be confident of some people because of the their feeding habits, and we can become worried about others because their feeding habits do not open them to God's will as readily and as powerfully. Therefore, we conclude that this passage in Philippians does not support the doctrine of automatic preserverance. and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. John 10:28 Reply: This verse is similar to the former verse. It shows that a cooperative sheep learns to trust his master's voice and will not easily be "snatched" over to a new and different voice. It will take a lot to get a sheep familiar with the master's voice to readily and immediately follow a new and different voice. This passage does not teach that a sheep cannot get caught in a trap or wander off and get taken captive. It is simply showing that people who are always listening to God's voice in the scriptures become so familiar with it that they will know when something is not right and cannot easily be "snatched" away quickly to those doubtful sounds. References: TULIP: The Five Points of Calvinism in the Light of Scripture by Duane Edward Spencer Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Lorraine Boettner. Please share this religion pamphlet to your Christian friends by forwarding this e-mail. Copyright - CHEMISTRY (Christian E-mail Ministry) E-mail: _JosephYLee at ..._ (mailto:JosephYLee at ...) Website: _http://www.josephylee.org_ (http://www.josephylee.org) Reply: Please make note of the errors of this pamplet and use the opportunity to explore the truth more fully. You are welcome to visit the site below for other good, solid biblical materials. - Terry W. Benton www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com Please share this information with others freely. - TWB -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091122/ea61e0d5/attachment-0001.html From jdevoll at gvtc.com Sun Nov 22 23:31:31 2009 From: jdevoll at gvtc.com (James DeVoll) Date: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:31:31 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] FW: The facts on Sarah Palin (you should read)! Message-ID: I think she's pretty special when it comes to politicians. How many of us would want our lives scrutinize by eleven lawyers bent on uncovering dirt with which to destroy our reputation? Come to think of it, one day all of us will have greater scrutiny than this! Will we be prepared? -James _____ From: H.L. Collett [mailto:hcollett at gt.rr.com] Sent: Saturday, November 21, 2009 11:46 AM To: @NONE> Subject: The facts on Sarah Palin (you should read)! Maybe, just maybe, she's not such a lightweight................whatever, I'll bet she is the most honest politician out there. By Dewie Whetsell, Alaskan Fisherman. As posted in comments on Greta's article referencing the MOVEON ad about Sarah Palin. The last 45 of my 66 years I've spent in a commercial fishing town in Alaska. I understand Alaska politics but never understood national politics well until this last year. Here's the breaking point: Neither side of the Palin controversy gets it. It's not about persona, style, rhetoric, it's about doing things. Even Palin supporters never mention the things that I'm about to mention here. 1- Democrats forget when Palin was the Darling of the Democrats, because as soon as Palin took the Governor's office away from a fellow Republican and tough SOB, Frank Murkowski, she tore into the Republican's "Corrupt Bastards Club" (CBC) and sent them packing. Many of them are now residing in State housing and wearing orange jump suits. The Democrats reacted by skipping around the yard, throwing confetti and singing, "la la la la" (well, you know how they are). Name another governor in this country that has ever done anything similar. 2- Now with the CBC gone, there were fewer Alaskan politicians to protect the huge, giant oil companies here. So she constructed and enacted a new system of splitting the oil profits called "ACES." Exxon (the biggest corporation in the world) protested and Sarah told them, "don't let the door hit you in the stern on your way out." They stayed, and Alaska residents went from being merely wealthy to being filthy rich. Of course, the other huge international oil companies meekly fell in line. Again, give me the name of any other governor in the country that has done anything similar. 3- The other thing she did when she walked into the governor's office is she got the list of State requests for federal funding for projects, known as "pork." She went through the list, took 85% of them and placed them in the "when-hell-freezes-over" stack. She let locals know that if we need something built, we'll pay for it ourselves. Maybe she figured she could use the money she got from selling the previous governor's jet because it was extravagant. Maybe she could use the money she saved by dismissing the governor's cook (remarking that she could cook for her own family), giving back the State vehicle issued to her, maintaining that she already had a car, and dismissing her State provided security force (never mentioning - I imagine - that she's packing heat herself). I'm still waiting to hear the names of those other governors. 4- Now, even with her much-ridiculed "gosh and golly" mannerism, she also managed to put together a totally new approach to getting a natural gas pipeline built which will be the biggest private construction project in the history of North America. No one else could do it although they tried. If that doesn't impress you, then you're trying too hard to be unimpressed while watching her do things like this while baking up a batch of brownies with her other hand. 5- For 30 years, Exxon held a lease to do exploratory drilling at a place called Point Thompson. They made excuses the entire time why they couldn't start drilling. In truth they were holding it like an investment. No governor for 30 years could make them get started... This summer, she told them she was revoking their lease and kicking them out. They protested and threatened court action. She shrugged and reminded them that she knew the way to the court house. Alaska won again. 6- President Obama wants the nation to be on 25% renewable resources for electricity by 2025. Sarah went to the legislature and submitted her plan for Alaska to be at 50% renewables by 2025. We are already at 25%. I can give you more specifics about things done, as opposed to style and persona. Everybody wants to be cool, sound cool, look cool.. But that's just a cover-up. I'm still waiting to hear from liberals the names of other governors who can match what mine has done in two and a half years. I won't be holding my breath. By the way, she was content to return to AK after the national election and go to work, but the haters wouldn't let her. Now these adolescent screechers are obviously not scuba divers. And no one ever told them what happens when you continually jab and pester a barracuda. Without warning, it will spin around and tear your face off. Shoulda known better. You have just read the truth about Sarah Palin that sends the media, along with the democrat party, into a wild uncontrolled frenzy to discredit her. I guess they are only interested in skirt chasers, dishonesty, immoral people, liars, womanizers, murderers, and bitter ex-presidents' wives. So "You go, Girl." I only wish the men in Washington had your guts, determination, honesty, and morals.. I rest my case. Only FOOLS listen to the biased media. _____ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091122/4b712439/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 23 01:45:08 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:45:08 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) MEMBERS OF THE ONE BODY OF CHRIST Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: MEMBERS OF THE ONE BODY OF CHRIST The New Testament explains Christ's church by using differ- ent figures of speech or picture words. Some of those word ima- ges that are equated to the church are the flock, the vineyard, the kingdom, the temple or tabernacle, the family or household, and the body. The apostle Paul uses the images of the body to instruct the Christians of the church of Christ as to the importan- ce of each one of them, and their duties to each other, and to the one body of Jesus Christ. Understanding the importance of each member and the body of Christ will help the children of God to know how to please their Father in heaven. Paul explained the significance of each member and the equality that exists in the body of Christ, when he wrote: "For as the body is one and has many memb- ers, but all the members of that one body, being many are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and have all be made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many" (1 Cor. 12:12-14). All the members of the body are necessary to the function of the body of Christ. Paul illustrates this lesson by using terminol- ogy like th foot, hand, ear, and eye to describe how each mem- ber is essential to the whole body. We can see how each mem- ber is necessary when we read: "If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the mem- bers, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased" (1 Cor. 12:17,18). We need each other to function as God has determin- ed. No one is to be considered more important than any other member (1 Cor. 12:22-27). We must all do our part. God has appointed different work- ers with different abilities in the church (1 Cor. 12:28,29). The members of the body have many functions, and each one must do his/her part to bring about a mature and strong body (Eph. 4: 11-16). What can you do? Develop yourself and your abilities throu- gh study and practice. You can desire to be useful to the body of Christ and select a ministry to which you can be involved. You can trust that God in HIs grace has given you a gift in the ministry of serving, teaching, exhorting, giving, leading, and showing mercy (Rom. 12:4-8). It is time to be what God has call- ed you to be. Make no excuses and step out of your fear in the power of the Spirit of God. Jesus desires His body and each member to be alive with zeal, and active in every good work to the glory of His Father in heaven. That means each one of us, as members of HIs one bady are doing the works He has asked us to do every day until He comes again. --------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091123/d9f11519/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 23 01:45:25 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:45:25 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT IF CHRIST WERE NOT? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. WHAT IF CHRIST WERE NOT? Henry Rogers, a brilliant lawyer of a few years ago, wrote a book entitled The Eclipse of Faith, in which he imagined that some powerful hand had wiped the influence of Christ out of our civilization, as a hand wipes the chalk writing from a blackboard in a classroom. He imagined himself going into his library to dis- cover that every vestige of Christ's life and work had wholly disa- ppeared. He opened hsi law books upon the legal safeguards protecting children, the poor, and the innocent only to find that these laws had disappeared. He turned to his histories of art and there found that some of the world's greatest masterpieces, such as Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," Raphael's "The Sistine Madonna," Van Dyck's "Christ and the Tribute Money," Rembrandt's "The Prodi- gal Son," and hundreds of others, had vanished. Only the frames remained for the canvases had ceased to exist. In like manner he turned to his books of literature. There he found blank pages where formerly there had been the great writings of Dante, Milton, Goethe, Browning, Tennyson, Wordsworth, Long- fellow, Whittier, and many others. Stories like Charles Dickens' "Christmas Carol" were lost completely. Next he turned to the world of music and there found that the great hymns of the church had vanished. Among these were were stirring hymns such as the seventeenth century German hymn, "Fairest Lord Jesus," Isaac Watt's "Joy to the World," Charles Wesley's "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," Kath- erine Hanky's "Tell Me the Old Old Story," George Mattheson's "Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go," and, of course the Negro spirituals such as "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" Then it was tht Rogers realized that if Christ were not, the schools, the hospitals, the orphanages, the missions, and many other of our twentieth century benevolent institutions would all perish, and this lawyer cried out that he would not want to live at all in a world where Christ is not. The Influence Of Jesus: -- In her anthology, Christ and the Fine Arts, Cynthia Maus quotes the following beautiful tribute to the Lord: "Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in another villag e, and that a despised one. He worked in a carpenter's shop for thirty years, and then for three years he was intenerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put his foot inside a really big city. He never traveled, except in his infancy, more than two hundred miles from the place were he was born. He had no credentials but himself. "While still a young man the tide of popular opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them betrayed him. He was turned over to his enemies. He went through the mock- ery of a trial. He was nailed on a cross between two thieves. His executors gambled for the only piece of property he had on earth, his seamless robe. When he was dead, he was taken down from the cross and laid in a borrowed grave through the courtesy of a friend. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone, and today Jesus is the centerpiece of the human race, and the leader of all progress. "I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that were ever built, all the parliam-ents that ever sat, all the kings that have ever ruled together have have never affected the life of man upon this earth like this one solitary personality. "All time dates from his birth and it is impossible to under- stand or interpret the progress of human civilization in any nation on earth apart from his influence. Slowly through the ages man is coming to realize that the greatest necessity in the world is not water, iron, gold, food or clothing...but rather Christ enshrined in human hearts, thoughts and motives." Most Important Of All: -- While it is true that Christ has had a trem- endous impact upon our civilization in its laws, in its art, in its literature, and in its general pattern of life, it is far more import- ant that Christ has brought to the world a conception of eternal truth which will save men's souls. Here are a few of the things which Jesus taught us: 1. The Sacredness Of Human Life: -- Jesus respected the poor and healed the sick in an age when the poor and the sick were despised and neglected. It was the teaching of Jesus that eventually led to the overthrow of slavery and put an end to such practices as the exposure of unwanted infants. 2. The Value Of A Soul: -- Jesus said, "A man's life consist-eth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." (Lk. 12:15). He pointed out that spiritual matters are more import- ant than physical concerns when he said, "Lay not up for your- selves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for your- selves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal..." (Matt. 6:19-21). 3. The Nobility Of Womanhood: -- Until Jesus came woman had been mere chattel to be used and abused but never exalted as a creature equal with man in the sight of God. 4. The Brotherhood Of Man: -- When Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan He was saying, in effect, that the lowly Sam- aritans were sometimes more noble than the exalted Jews. The same message is found in the opening words of Peter's discour- se to the household of Cornelius: "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to Him" (Acts 10: 34,35). 5. The Fatherhood Of God: -- In the story of the prodigal son Christ clearly pictures Jehovah as a loving Father yearning for the return of wayward mankind. (Lk. 15). 6. A Perfect Standard To Live By: -- The pattern of Christian living as set forth in the sermon on the mount and in many other passages is the finest standard the world has every known or is likely to know. Jesus said, "Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matt. 5:48). 7. A Perfect Example To Follow: -- The Hebrew writer said, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but oen that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Heb. 4:15). Without Christ men would be like sheep without a shepherd, but with Christ we have only to follow in His steps if we would reach per- fection itself. 8. The Forgiveness Of Sins: -- The prophet Isaiah said, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on Him the iniquities of us all." (Isa. 53:5,6). 9. Freedom From The Fear Of Death: -- In the words of the apostle Paul, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is they victory? O death, where is thy sting?" (1 Cor. 15:54,55). 10. The Promise Of Eternal Life: -- There is no more beautiful passage of hope in the entire Bible than the words of Jesus, "Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I come again, and will receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (Jno. 14:1-3). Without Christ man could not be saved, but not only that, man would slip back into paganism and barbarism. Christ has opened to mankind the door of heaven and has not only made salvation possible, but has made this world bearable. It is indeed terrible to contemplate "What If Christ Were Not"? ------------ Batsell Barrett Baxter via The Sower, Vol. 54, No. 6, Nov/Dec, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091123/a2d6d7b2/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Nov 23 18:31:14 2009 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:31:14 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Christological Controversies (1) Message-ID: Christological Controversies (1) I. Introduction A. 2 John 1:9-11 B. The nature of Jesus of Nazareth has always been controversial 1. Is He God? 2. How is he both God and man? 3. What is His relationship with His Father? C. These and many other questions were hotly debated in the first centuries after Jesus' death D. Why is this important? Why study these matters? 1. Many question why we should study these things 2. After all, there's not much in the way of application 3. Furthermore, we are not God, and are dependent on His revelation to understand anything about Him (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9) 4. On the other hand, we do not want to fall into heresies (cf. Galatians 5:19-21)! 5. Many times our thoughts about the way God "must be" are not properly conditioned by Scripture, and that must not be! 6. Since there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), it is good to consider these ancient controversies so we do not fall into the trap that others fell into! E. Let us study three such controversies 1. Adoptionism 2. Docetism 3. Arianism II. Adoptionism/Adoptianism A. Adoptionism is also called dynamistic monarchianism 1. Dynamistic monarchianism distinct from modalistic monarchianism, i.e. modalism, the heresy positing that God really one Person manifested in three ways 2. Modalism involves all three Persons in the Trinity, discussed in other lessons 3. Early heresy: late first, second centuries B. Adoptionism: Jesus was a regular person until God "adopted" Him 1. An attempt to reconcile God as one Person with claims of Jesus as God 2. Belief that Jesus given divine power when He proved Himself holy at baptism-- in eyes of some, past sin as man cleansed at baptism, allowing this (cf. Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22) 3. Spirit then works powers (Greek dunamis) in Him (cf. Luke 4, etc.) 4. After resurrection, fully God C. Adoptianism: from eighth century Spain, belief that Jesus not really Son of God, but adopted as Son of God D. Challenges with Adoptionism/Adoptianism 1. Luke 1-2: Jesus declared Son of Most High from birth, astounding ability to teach at 12 2. John 1:14: the Word became flesh and dwelt among mankind 3. Matthew 17:24-27: Jesus the fully legitimate Son 4. Ephesians 1:5: how could we be "adopted" as sons through Christ if He also had been "adopted"? E. Adoptionism, therefore, to be rejected 1. The way to reconcile God as one yet in three Persons is not by stripping the Christ child of His divinity! 2. The Scriptures attest that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of man and Son of God from birth 3. The Scriptures do not indicate that Jesus is God's "adopted" Son in any way, shape, or form, but speak of Jesus in a figure as His "begotten" (Hebrews 1:5) F. Jesus of Nazareth, therefore, is the Word made flesh, Son of man, Son of God, God the Son, and was so from birth (John 1:1, 14) III. Docetism A. Docetism a very ancient heresy (even in first century-- cf. 2 John 1:7-11) B. Docetism: belief that Jesus of Nazareth was not really God in the flesh-- He was God, seemed to be flesh, but not really flesh 1. From Greek dokeo, "to seem" 2. View of almost all the Gnostic sects regarding the nature of the Logos (Word; John 1:1, 14) 3. Docetism the view of Islam in regards to Jesus (Qu'ran Sura 4:156) C. In the docetic view, all Scriptures relating to Jesus' humanity and being human are to be interpreted metaphorically 1. Jesus never really did anything in the flesh-- He just seemed to 2. He was not really crucified-- many docetists posited that Simon of Cyrene really the one on the cross 3. The resurrection of the flesh, therefore, remained impossible! D. Challenges with Docetism 1. 2 John 1:7-11: John emphasizes the need to confess that Jesus came in the flesh 2. Those who do not confess it as "antichrists" and "deceivers" 3. The concept of the resurrection is reduced to utter foolishness if Jesus never really was in the flesh, and without Jesus' resurrection, we are lost in our sins (1 Corinthians 15) 4. Likewise, story of Virgin Birth rather irrelevant if Jesus was never really flesh (Matthew 1, Luke 1-2) E. One cannot believe in docetism and accept the Scriptures as written! F. Docetism, therefore, to be rejected G. Jesus of Nazareth is the Word made flesh and really was flesh (John 1:1, 14, 2 John 1:7-11)! IV. Arianism A. Arianism-- a late third and early fourth century heresy that led to the Council of Nicaea, perhaps one of the most popular heresies of the day 1. Not a few "bishops" were Arian 2. Arian missionaries converted many of the German hordes that overran the western Roman Empire in the middle of the first millennium 3. Orthodox trinitarianism restored in the Empire by end of fourth century, among German tribes by end of seventh century B. Arianism: belief that the Son was created by the Father-- granted, the greatest of the Father's creation, but created nonetheless and therefore subordinate to the Father 1. Named for Arius of Alexandria who first presented the idea 2. Based originally in Proverbs 8:23-24, equivalence of "Wisdom" with the Logos 3. Justified also by Jesus' declaration of the Father's superiority in John 14:28 4. John 17:20-26: ability of man to be united with God as God and Christ are united indicates that God not a Trinity but a union of thought and will 5. Declaration that the Word was begotten based on Psalm 2:7, Hebrews 1:5 C. Difficulties with Arianism 1. Arianism is seductive: it would seem to explain how Jesus is "begotten" of God, subordinate to Him 2. Nevertheless, the doctrine presents challenges 3. Arianism must make Jesus God not by being of the same substance but of being like substance, and how can this be without having more than one God? 4. Romans 1:24-25: giving honor to creation due to Creator as sinful-- how could Jesus then be honored as God if He was the creation and not the Creator (cf. Matthew 28:20, John 20:28)? 5. "Begotten" can refer to relationship and not actual derivation 6. God the Son can be subordinate to God the Father in the divine hierarchy while being of the same substance! 7. How can there be a time when the Word was not if the Word is God? D. Council of Nicaea (325) 1. Declares Arianism heretical 2. Affirms that the Son is of the same substance (homoousia) as the Father 3. Affirms that the Son is a distinct being in existence/reality (hypostasis), thus able to be subordinate to Father 4. Jesus as God in essence (ousia) 5. Council and its creed affirmed at the time by many, but disputed for years 6. Council of Constantinople (381) re-affirms Nicaea and its creed E. Arianism thus rejected, but these words and definitions would lead to future controversies F. Difficult matters indeed, but the challenges of Arianism justify its rejection G. Therefore, Jesus of Nazareth is the Word made flesh, of the same substance as the Father, the essence of God, distinct in existence, subordinate to the Father (John 1:1, 14, Colossians 2:9, John 14:28) V. Conclusion A. Thus we have seen many of the early Christological controversies B. Disputes over the nature of Jesus as God and as man C. The Scriptures reveal that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of Man and Son of God from birth, the second Person of the Trinity, truly God and truly flesh, of the same substance as the Father, having the essence of God, uncreated and eternal D. Let us hold firm to these truths and serve Christ the Risen Lord! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotional for your life. http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna From cfleming at mikrotec.com Mon Nov 23 19:53:28 2009 From: cfleming at mikrotec.com (cfleming at mikrotec.com) Date: Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:53:28 -0500 (EST) Subject: [Biblemat] Need Help Rom 7:1-4 Message-ID: <18960.76.8.172.196.1259027608.squirrel@webmail.mis.net> Need any study material on Rom 7:1-4. Studying the concept that two may marry that have been divorced (not for fornication). When one of the former mates die, the couple repents of a sinful marriage and stays together as husband and wife. I think this is a part of the mental divorce question. Be kind in your posts or reply to me privately. Any study material appreciated. -- chris McRoberts church of Christ http://users.mikrotec.com/cfleming/ bencaudill.com NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY: The contents of this email and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee and may contain confidential information that is legally privileged and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. You are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken in reliance on the contents of this email is strictly prohibited. If you are not the correct recipient you have received this communication in error, please immediately contact the sender by reply email and delete this message and its attachments, if any. JCF is a means I use for identification. From jdevoll at gvtc.com Tue Nov 24 00:03:15 2009 From: jdevoll at gvtc.com (James DeVoll) Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:03:15 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] An apology Message-ID: <0963D631538742ACB9C1D38C8ECE846A@james> I want to apologize to the board subscribers for accidently post the message concerning Sarah Palin. It was not my intent to post it here, but due an oversight (I seem to have more these day) on my part it was sent. To any that may have been offended I ask your forgiveness. I will do my best not to let such a thing happen again. Brotherly, James DeVoll. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091124/b9257de6/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 27 05:06:12 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:06:12 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF HEADSHIP 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 artic- le from my files: THE BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF HEADSHIP Headship represents authority in the New Testament. The word "head" is used figurativly, metaphorically of authority or of the one who gives directions or guidance. In 1 Cor. 11, head- ship is presented in triune order. Paul writes, "But I want you to know that the Head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the Head of Christ is God" (vs. 3). The headship of man over woman is addressed in the following verses (2-16). The apostle presents four principles of headship: man is the image and glory of God, and woman is the glory of man (vs. 7); woman is from man, and woman was created for man (vss. 8,9); all things are from God (vss. 10-12); and nature teaches the difference between man and woman (vss. 13-15). Another reas- on that man is the head of woman is the fact tht woman sinned first (1 Tim. 2:13,14). How should we apply this teaching on headship? There are two areas of life that are addressed in Scripture. Those areas of life are the husband and wife relationship, and the brother and sister relationship in the worship assemblies of the church. Let's consider the results that will come from adhering to the order God has commended to His followers in this matter of headship. We honor God and Jesus in Their Headship, and we honor our own heads when we are obedient to God's Will (1 Cor. 11:4,5). The church will be taught in peace, and all worship and teaching such as praying and prophesying, will be done to please the Lord and Savior. Even the customs and traditions of the world can be followed as long as they are not in disagree- ment with the Gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 11:2,10-12,16). It is important to acknowledge the Headship of Jesus Christ in the church. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Body which is His church (Eph. 1:21-23). The Father gave His Son all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). Also, we know that the Father of heaven is Head of every- thing in heaven and on earth forever and ever (1 Cor. 15:27,28). The biblical concept of headship defines who is in charge, and requires our willingness to be obedient. ----- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091127/cf5ae2c1/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 27 05:06:24 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:06:24 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) HOW COULD OUR PRESENT ADMINISTRATION BE "ORDAINED OF GOD" (ROM. 13:1)? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first installment of this particular subject. Use to the glory of God. HOW COULD OUR PRESENT ADMINISTRATION BE "ORDAIN- ED OF GOD" (ROM. 13:1)? (1) It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that our nat- ional leaders are increasingly beoming out of touch and in many cases at odds with principles on which our country was found- ed. the "Judeo-Christian Values" (whatever that is supposed to be, JWS) which seemed to be the core of much or our govern-ment's policy for years, are being traded for humanism, Marxism socialism, and government sanctioned and promoted immorality Some work had to sweep against this tide through elections, but their hopes are often crushed by election defeats. Then, some candidates who promise certain things in campaigns turn out to be no better and sometimes even worse than their predec- essors when in the office elected to. Yet, Paul said, "there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained by God" (Rom. 13:1). Some ask the question forming the title of our article and see a "disconnect." It could be reworded this way: "How could so many of the anti- God, anti-Christian, immoral politicians we have in Congress who seem bent on belittling Scriptural values be what Scripture calls "God's minister"? For a proper perspective, our present age is not the first struggle with this question. Every generation since the first cen- tury has faced this including the first Christians who lived under the political thumb of our of the more immoral and oppressive governments toward disciples ever, the Roman Empire. How- ever, it was to saints living in the very capital of that ancient soc- iety that Paul wrote, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are ordained by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works but to evil...For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain: for his is God's minister, and avenger to exec- ute wrath on him who practices evil" (Rom. 13:1-4). Obviously, the above words constitute God's design for civil government. "The fact that governments sometimes turn out bad, and do un- just things, does not prove Paul's statement to be untrue. The devil sometimes controls the actions of governments, but that does not prove that all governments belong to the devil" (R.L. Whiteside, A New Commentary on Paul's Letter To The Saints At Rome, pg. 258). Whenever government demanded then that Christians do anything contrary to God's Will, Christians were taught, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). The same is true now. How then could evil regimes, cruel dictators, or even our present administration be "ordained by God"? The answer is not that these people are seeking to serve God and do His revealed Will necessarily, any more that Assyria sought to serve God when they took Israel captive (Isa. 10:5-10) Rather, they are serving God's overall or bigger purposes. His overall providential will as He rules in the affairs of men. For example, during the days leading to the destruction of Samaria and captivity of the northern kingdom of Israel (723 B.C. there were some good people in Israel. However, as a larger unit or nation overall, they rebelled against Jehovah (Isa. 1:2-17). God used the character, circumstances, and power of Assyria to chastise Israel as a nation by taking them captive. Good and righteous people in Israel were not held responsible for the sins of their brethren, yet they suffered the consequences of captiv- ity. Those good people must have wondered, "How could these anti-Jehovah, anti-Law, immoral, idolatrous Assyrians be "serv- ants of God"? The answer -- God said, "Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger and the staff in whose hand is My indignation. I will sen him (Assyria) against an ungodly nation (Israel), and against the people of my wrath I will give him charge, to seize the spoil, to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets. Yet he does not mean so, nor does his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy, and cut off not a few nations" (Isa. 10:5-7). Assyria did not desire to do God's Will and be the "rod of" His anger. Their desire was to stroke their egos and satisfy their desire for ininterrupted conquest of surrounding nations. How- ever, God used such to accomplish His overall will in chastening Israel for their sins. How though was Israel's captivity a part of God's overall pro- vidential will? During the days of Moses God warned, "But if thy heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away; and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess" (Deut. 30:15-17). Therefore, while God desired their faithfulness, He promised their expulsion from the land if they were unfaithful. How did He do that? The Assyrians answ- ered His call! They fulfilled a promise made over seven hundred years previous to the fact. God did the same to the southern kingdom of Judah using the Babylonians (Hab. 1:5-11). Isaiah predicted that a man would arise by the name of Cyrus. The Lord called this Persian king His "anointed" who would carry out His Will, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusal- em following seventy years in captivity (Isa. 44:26-45:5). Yet, Cyrus did not know Jehovah (Isa. 45:4,5). This Old Testament teaching indicates that God is in control and can use the charac- ter of people, whether good or bad, circumstances, nations, and events to bring about His overall Will. This non-miraculous pow- er of God bringing together what seems coincidental, is called "providence." (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/20091127/2ef08b6d/attachment-0001.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Fri Nov 27 11:42:10 2009 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:42:10 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Buckhorn Teacher 11-29-09 Message-ID: THE BUCKHORN TEACHER "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2.Tim.4:2 Buckhorn church of Christ - Thomas Thornhill - editor. 13675 Hwy 341, Randolph MS 38864-9117. Tel. 662-568-2960. Cell 662-419-5378.E-mail thornhill1 at frontiernet.netTV program - the internet - w07bn.com Vol.8 November 29, 2009 No.14 We often sing a song "Count your blessings" then fail to do so as often as we should. Maybe this "thanksgiving season" will remind us to become more attentive and thankful for the greatest blessing of all, the unparalleled love of God and His Son for sinful humanity which we learn about in His revealed word we call the Bible. A famous philosopher, Karl Barth, had studied the Bible for years. On one occasion he was asked "What is the greatest theological discovery you have ever made?" His answer was simple, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." These words are the first line of the song "Jesus loves me," a song that is literally sung by children and adults all over the world. What a wonderful thing it would be if every man, woman and child in the world could come to this same understanding for it certainly carries a life changing message for a sin sick world. Divinely inspired men during the first century "by word or epistle" 2.Thes.2:15 taught lost humanity that Jesus loved them. While proclaiming this love of Jesus orally they also wrote it down to be read by all future generations. Any person reading what inspired men wrote would have the same understanding of what they preached. Read Eph.3:2-8. We no longer have inspired men but we have their inspired book, the New Testament, to tell us "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so." As Karl Barth noted, the only way anyone can know of this great truth is through reading The New Testament. If one will read, believe and imbibe its teaching in obedience one will not only know that Jesus loves him or her, but will also experience the blessings that Jesus' love brings to them. So, with this knowledge let's join with Paul in "giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" Col.1:12-14. Thank God for the book that teaches us this. Being thankful for God's revelation that teaches that "Jesus loves me" so I can be saved, I feel the following article is worthy of reading. It is lifted from "Bulletin Briefs" Vol.12, Sept.2009, No.9, edited by Jim Waldron, and is a reprint of an article placed in the front of copies of the New Testament being distributed in India by some brethren. -t.t.- THE NEW TESTAMENT This little book, which you hold in your hand, is a precious book for it is God's New Covenant or Testament for all humanity. It tells the story of God's love for all, whether a person is rich or poor, male or female, Jew or Gentile, black, brown, white, red or yellow or from whatever caste or station in life he or she may come. As it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (Jn.3:16). The well known and highly respected disciple of Jesus, Peter, affirmed, "God has shown me that I should call no man common or unclean" (Acts 10:28). Again Peter proclaimed, "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality; but in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him" (Acts 10:34-35). In nine places the Testament, which is the law of Christ (Gal.6:2) reminds those who love Jesus to: "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mk.12:31). Are you lonely, without friends, bereaved in spirit, abused, forsaken, fearful, sick, infirmed, or just weak? God loves you and you may know Him and His Son and be a part of His kingdom through reading and giving attention to the things taught in this little book. The need for the practice of righteousness is abundantly clear when one observes local, national and international terror, along with crime, corruption, murder, violence toward women and children, suicide, immorality, hatred, envy and similar evils upon the earth. Such evil comes about because of sin, which is in the world due to the wicked influence of Satan, who is in rebellion against God and seeks to destroy the human race through temptation, lies, violence, disease, death and the use of ungodly men to carry out his evil work (Jn.8:44; Lk.13:13-16; Jude 1:10). The fact is, "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom.3:23). And, ". the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom.6:23. This little book also reminds us, "it is appointed for men to die once, and after this the judgment" (Heb.9:27). The cemeteries, the mausoleums and the funeral pyres around the world make all know death will come. We are also told that after death we will be judged before the throne of Christ (Matt.25:31-33; Rev.20:11-15; 21:8). In view of judgment everyone must repent because God has given assurance to all that they will be judged by Jesus having raised Him from the dead (Acts 17:30-31). God has given us this one life and one life only; during which we must seek Him; as it is written again, "God has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on the earth .so that they should seek the Lord in the hope that they grope for Him and find Him" (Acts 17:26-27). Jesus, having the very same nature as God, came out from God (Phil.2:5-8), and as all are, He was born of woman (Gal.4:8), thus He was Immanuel, that is, "God with us" (Matt.1:23). His coming to the earth was to save us from our sins (Jn.1:29), to give us a good conscience before God (1.Pet.3:20-21), raise us from the dead and give us eternal life in heaven (jn.14:1-3). For God through Christ will forgive our sins when we obey Him. (this article will be concluded in the next issue) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091127/5c27ac3b/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Fri Nov 27 15:00:59 2009 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:00:59 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 11/22/09 Message-ID: <4B0FE9AB.18836.1C039D9@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" (Matt. 28:19,20) -------------------- November 22, 2009 -------------------- Contents: 1) Seeing As Jehovah Sees (Monte Hampton) 2) The Reality of Hell (Gene Taylor) 3) Thought for the Day (Ogden's Biblical Resources) 4) News & Notes -------------------- -1- Seeing as Jehovah Sees by Monte Hampton "But Jehovah said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:6,7). So spoke the Lord concerning the man whom he would anoint to replace Saul as king of Israel. God had directed His prophet to Bethlehem and the household of Jesse. When Samuel met with Jesse's family, he was most impressed with Eliab, Jesse's eldest son. Looking upon him, Samuel concluded, ". . .surely, Jehovah's anointed is before him." Samuel was a great man of God. He served as Jehovah's chief messenger at an immensely important juncture in the history of God's chosen nation. He not only saw Israel reject God's system of "judges" in favor of a King, but he also personally served as her final judge and, by anointing Israel's first King, functioned as a sort of bridge between the two periods. Samuel anointed Saul, a man of exceptional physical credentials. He was a "mighty man of valor," about whom Samuel wrote, "from his shoulder and upward he was higher than any of the people" (1 Samuel 9:2). Certainly, then, human wisdom pointed Samuel to Eliab -- the eldest brother and one of favorable "countenance" and "stature" (v. 7). Judging by ostensible, earthly criteria, Eliab appeared the most qualified. But Jehovah looks beyond the merely apparent. Saul was the right choice for his day, not essentially because of his physical credentials, but because God had selected him. Unlike man who "looketh on the outward appearance," the Lord "looketh on the heart." And he now saw something in young David that was unapparent from the human perspective. God sees differently than man sees. >From Mount Sinai to Mount Zion, man has demonstrated his unholy proclivity toward the "outward appearance." Precisely while Moses was receiving God's law, Aaron and the people were fashioning a golden calf -- a tangible object to which they could worship (Exodus 32). Little has changed since their day. It is not the Gospel but the "outward appearance" of a grandiose building that enamors so many today. The stained glass and towering spires are the "countenance" and "height of stature" through which God saw and passed, which Samuel was unable to see. Others take the "safety in numbers" approach and affiliate with the church boasting the greatest membership. According to Jesus, the "narrow gate," not the wide, leads to life (Matthew 7:13,14). Regardless of its appeal, religion of human origin is "vain" and "shall be rooted up" (Matthew 15:8-13). But the tendency to emphasize the "outward" also exists with the Lord's church. Many content themselves with giving the proper form of worship without giving the true substance of worship. It is certainly necessary to follow the New Testament pattern of assembling for mutual exhortation (Hebrews 10:24-25), partaking of the Lord's Supper and discussing the Lord's will (Acts 20:7), praying (Acts 4:24ff), contributing financially to divinely authorized collective actions (1 Corinthians 16:1ff). These are not "magic acts" which appease some capricious god. They are divinely sanctioned methods of demonstrating our complete devotion to Jehovah. We must completely give Him ourselves -- as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1,2) -- before our outward "acts of worship" avail anything. Jehovah "looketh on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). Samuel, of course, saw as Jehovah did, most of the time. We should seek to do the same. We must remember that, contrary to popular wisdom, "the things that are seen are temporal; but the things which are not are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18). Now, then, as finite temporally oriented creatures, can we possibly see into the realm of eternity? The answer lies exclusively in the word of God and a resolute belief in the promises of God -- "faith is the conviction of things unseen" (Hebrews 11:1). By assimilating the revelation of the Eternal Father, we can look beyond the "outward appearance" and see as Jehovah sees. -- Via Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 12/8/96 -------------------- -2- The Reality of Hell by Gene Taylor In Matthew 25:31-46 the Bible teaches that at the final judgment while the righteous will enter heaven to enjoy everlasting life, the wicked will go into eternal punishment. The thought of everlasting suffering is repulsive to many. No doubt this aversion lies at the bottom of much of the indifference to what the Bible teaches about hell. Hell, despite the denials of many, is real. Sin demands it. Sin is a violation of the law of God (1 John 3:4). If there were no punishment for sin, then there could be no law; for law without penalty is null and void. If there is no law, there would be no sin. That would make the death of Jesus useless because if there is no sin there is no responsibility to save anyone from it. The reality of life after death also demands the reality of hell. Jesus taught, in Matthew 22:23-33, that there was life after physical death. In the account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, two distinct destinies are presented: comfort for the righteous, but punishment for the wicked -- depending on whether or not one serves God while living on earth. Hell was not originally prepared for man. It was prepared for Satan and his angels (Matt. 25:41). Jude 6 states that fallen angels are placed in chains awaiting judgment. Yet, when men and women join the devil in his work and live in servitude to him, they must suffer the same fate that will befall him. Hell Is Not Contrary To The Nature of God Many people find it difficult to accept the reality of hell because they cannot understand or believe that a loving, merciful and forgiving God could create such a place and then place people in it eternally. If no punishment were given for violation of His law, then God would not be just. Being a just God, He will reward the righteous and punish the wicked. Hell is to punish the wicked. What Hell Is Like * Hell is eternal. It is described that way in Matthew 25:46. In Romans 16:26 God is said to be eternal. The Holy Spirit, in Hebrews 9:14, is also described as eternal. The same Greek word is used in all three passages. The word means "eternal, everlasting, without end, never to cease." Hell and the punishment meted out there will last as long as God -- forever. * Hell is a place of darkness. Jude 13 speaks of "the blackness of darkness" to which false teachers will be confined forever. God is light (1 John 1:5) and the Father of lights (Jas. 1:17). Hell is described as darkness because it is the place farthest removed from God. * Hell is a place of fire. Matthew 13:42 speaks of it as a furnace of fire. Matthew 25:41 calls it an everlasting fire. Mark 9:44-45 says the fire is never quenched. Revelation 21:8 refers to it as the lake of fire. There will be no relief from its fires because Revelation 14:11 says the smoke from the fires of torment ascends forever and ever. * There is no rest there. Revelation 14:11 says the wicked will have no rest from their torment day or night. Hell is a place where there is no hope. The punishment is everlasting (Matt. 25:46) with no chance of pardon or parole. Who Will Go There As already noted, Satan and his angels will be there (Matt. 25:41). Revelation 21:8 says the "cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars" will be there. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 says that those who do not know God and those who will not obey the gospel of Christ will be punished with everlasting destruction. In short, all sinners who choose to remain in their sin will be found in hell. Why People Will Go There People will not be in hell because God wants them to be there. He desires that all be saved (1 Tim. 2:1-4). They will not be there because God cannot save them. God is all- powerful and the gospel, His power to save (Rom. 1:16), can save to the uttermost. God sent His Son into the world so that all might have salvation (John 3:16) and He has extended His invitation to all who would come to Him (Matt. 11:28-30). If a person ends up in hell, he is lost by his own free choice. He has no one to blame but himself. Many see no need to be interested in spiritual things and are indifferent to the pleas of the gospel. Others refuse to obey the gospel or submit to the will of God. Some refuse to believe. Others just love sin more than righteousness. Some, though once obedient, become unfaithful in service. Many put off obeying until it is too late. Hell is real. The suffering of it is waiting for the sinful. You can escape the torments found there by giving obedience to Christ now. He will wash away the guilt of your sins and grant you hope of a life of eternal bliss in His presence. -- Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, November 8, 2009 -------------------- -3- Thought for the Day Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished or not: if you're alive, it isn't. Nothing works like work when it comes to getting the Lord's work done. The only preparation for tomorrow is the right use of today. -- Via Ogden's Biblical Resources -------------------- -4- News & Notes Beginning with the bulletin for November 15, 2009, at the Gospel Observer website (http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go), I began using HTML for the format. To my surprise, it is actually somewhat smaller (about 12k to 14k total size) than the plain ANSI text versions I was previously using, since I am no longer setting the margins and locking them in (which used blank space). Now, instead, the reader can grab and drag the edge of his or her browser to whatever width preferred; and in some browsers, pressing "CTRL +" or CTRL -" will change the font size larger or smaller, respectively. This will allow you to view the bulletin in a wide variety of formats. This will probably also be true with your email program. NOTE: If you cannot grab and drag the edge of your browser or email program, try clicking first in the little box beside the red box with the X in it at the top right corner. -------------------- The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation 1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17, John 20:30,31). 2) Believe in the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18). 3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). 4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38). 5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21). 6) Continue in the faith; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). ------------------- CHURCH OF CHRIST 201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn), Denham Springs, Louisiana 70726 Sunday services: 9:15 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 4 PM (worship) 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. -------------------- -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091127/c11f4d4d/attachment-0001.html From robertwater at gmail.com Fri Nov 27 20:28:23 2009 From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters) Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:28:23 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] list archives Message-ID: I can't get into the archives. Is there something wrong with the system? Robert Waters -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091127/fffdb825/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 28 03:08:55 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:08:55 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. My God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN Simple lessons sometimes we overlook as we pursue lif's race. Jesus chided His audience for failing to see God's provid- ence even for birds and flowers (Matt. 6:19-33). Thus the assur- ance that He provides for mankind's needs was lost upon those "of little faith." Anxiety about our needs, both physical and spirit- ural, indicates a lack of faith on our part. God has promised (and He is faithful) that He will not leave His people nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5,6), but how often we forget that promise when we are in difficult situations! God provides for the physical needs of humanity; and, likewise, He has provided for the spiritual needs of all who are lost if we will only use His provisions. Herein is a second lesson from the birds. As a sign in front of a church building observed, God feeds the birds, but He does not through the food into the nests. Birds toil diligently to gather God's provisions for them. Without effort on their part, they will starve to death. Of humans, God has said, "If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (2 Thes. 3:10). Can we not see the spiritual application as well? Jesus is the bread of life (Jno. 6:35), and He offers freely the water of life (Rev. 22:17), but He does not stuff unresisting mouths with food nor pour water of life into mouths that He has pried open. He has said, "Come unto Me..." (Matt. 11:28-30). "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matt. 11:15). Repent of sins or perish is His message (Lk. 13:1-5). Confess Him as the Christ, He has taught (Matt. 10: 32). "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mk. 16:16). "But he who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt. 10:22). Just as the birds enjoy the physical blessings of God's grace by their diligent efforts, so we can enjoy the spiritual blessings offered by God's grace when we diligently seek Him and obey His instructions (Heb. 5:8,9). Have you considered the birds of the air! -------------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091128/99c419e6/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 28 03:09:06 2009 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:09:06 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) HOW COULD OUR PRESENT ADMINISTRATION BE "ORDAINED OF GOD"? (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. COULD OUR PRESENT ADMINISTRATION BE "ORDAINED OF GOD?" (2). What Are The Lessons For Us? -- First, the principles involved in how God works among nations have not ceased. "Righteous- ness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34) is just as true now as it was during the days of Solomon. Righteous dealings among citizens within a society or nation based on God's truth help to promote trust and confidence among individuals, that each will do what he promises. Such provides the foundations of economic growth and stability. When a totalitarian or socialistic regime interferes to the degree that citizens cannot trust their government or each other to do what is right, economically or otherwise, that society is destined to fall eventually. History shows this to be true. What is to stop it now? There are large and bad consequences to a nation given overall to unrighteous behavior. God's spiritual laws often work hand in hand with His natural laws to bring about Hid desir-ed results. Is not a present lack of respect for these Divine laws and principles the root of our economic woes, both on Wall Street and Main Street? Second, we do not have prophets who tell us that specific sins committed in our country will result in specific punishments brought about by specific leaders and specific nations as proph- ets did for Israel. Nevertheless, the same principles of unright- eousness that caused Israel and Judah to fall continue to cause other nations to fall. How might God chastise the United States? I don't know specifically because God doesn't tell us specifically However, from the Scripture we learn that unrighteous behavior was punished and we see how it was punished. Today, we may not know exactly how a nation might be punished (what leader, nation, religion, or group could inflict chastisement on the United States economically or otherwise), but we know that un- righteous behavior in our country will be punished eventually. Third, while there are many good and righteous people in the United States today who will not share in the guilt of the un- righteous, we may well share in the consequences of their un- righteous behavior. When a large number of people in a great country such as the United States turn their backs on God, He can use people,a, circumstances, and other nations to chastise this country. God stated this principle to Nebuchadnezzar when He told him that the things that were about to happen were "to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will, and sets up over it the lowest of men" (Dan. 4:17). Who knows but that God is using matters covered by the news every day to chastise this country? What are those things? Matters such as injustices (bailing out some corporat- ions but not others), abortion on demand and even its discussi- on in our presently debated "universal health coverage" bill, ungodly people in high places who do not care for His Word ("the lowest of men"), a growing hostile religion (Islam) and the weakness of political correctness that protects it, a war over- seas, skepticism in a tottering economy, and a growing number of people leaning toward dependency on bigh government for their every need, rather than taking personal responisibilty as the Scripture teaches (1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Thes. 3:10) would be a good start! These are only a few national issues that directly counter righteous behavior described in the gospel. What Can We Do? -- First, trust in God and nto our country. Our reliance must be in Him always, not the military or stock market. They can fail but He won't. For everyone, this short life will end and we will stand before God in judgment (Heb. 9:27). Regard- less of what happened to us physically or our country, in the last day the most important thing salvaged (saved) will be our souls (Matt. 16:26). Trust in and obedience to God are most im- portant! Trust in allied countries and their own strength rather than God brought both Israel and Judah to their knees as nations and will for any country today. Second, pray that more people in our country will obey the gospel. This is our greatest need. Never underestimate what God can and will do in answer to prayers of the righteous (Jas. 5:16-18). Third, teach people the gospel so they can believe and obey it. When people enthrone Jesus Christ as King in their hearts, many of our social problems are eradicated. Righteousness and goodness preserve a society. Sodom would have remained had there been found only ten righteous souls therein (Gen. 18: 32). However, while this is true, it is only a by-product of the most important result of gospel obedience -- the salvation of one's soul. Being right with God now and living in heaven with God eternally should be the chief concerns of our very existen- ce (Eccl. 12:13,14). Does God use governments of men today to accomplish His rule in their efforts? Yes, indeed, even by the use of evil men and their adminstrations. How? We are not told specifically. We are shown how it occurred in Israel's history and why; we are assured it continues now. (Remember, that those things written about God's dealings with nations of old, were written for our learning that we not fall into the same conditions that brought obout their demise and captivity, JWS). Rather than becoming despondent, depressed, and down- cast about what goes on in Washington that eventually will affect us physically adn economically, rejoice over the opportun- ity and promise of being saved eternally with God in heaven, and share that same optimism of the gospel with those around us. It is for their good and ours here and most especially in the hereafter. ------ Phillip Owens in The Elgin HIlls Examiner, Vol. 4, No 11, November, 2009. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091128/62030e09/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Nov 27 17:04:48 2009 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:04:48 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Wonderful Man of Galilee" Message-ID: <20091128.080234.2192.0.wswalker310@juno.com> 11/28/09 Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. ?WONDERFUL MAN OF GALILEE? ?Then cometh Jesus from Galilee ? (Matt. 3:13) INTRO.: A song which pictures Jesus coming into our lives spiritually as He came from Galilee physically is ?Wonderful Man of Galilee? (#130 in Sacred Selections for the Church). The text was written and the tune was composed both by Baylus Benjamin McKinney (1886-1952). The song was copyrighted in 1935 by Robert H. Coleman. It was later owned by Broadman Press who renewed the copyright in 1964. McKinney is perhaps best known for ?God Give Us Christian Homes,? but his ?Glorious Is Thy Name,? ?Wherever He Leads I?ll Go,? and ?The Nail Scarred Hand? have appeared in some of our books, and his arrangement of Charles A. Tindley?s ?Trials Dark on Every Hand? or "By and By, When the Morning Comes" has been popular. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord?s church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, ?Wonderful Man of Galilee? may currently be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church edited by Alton H. Howard; and the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand; in addition to Sacred Selections, and the 2009 Favorite Songs of the Church edited by Robert J. Taylor. The song tells us several things that Jesus does or will do when He comes into our lives. I. Stanza 1 says that He lifts our heavy load ?I met Him one day on a lonely road, The Christ of Galilee; ?Twas there that He lifted my heavy load, This Man of Galilee.? A. We remember the two disciples who met Jesus on the road to Emmaus: Lk. 24:13-15 B. While we do not meet Jesus literally in this way today, we do meet Him through the teaching of the written word by which He speaks to us today: Heb. 1:1-2 C. When we come to Him, He will lift our heavy load as He promises that He will give us rest because His yoke is easy and His burden is light: Matt. 11:28-30 II. Stanza 2 says that He walks with us ?I yielded my life to Him that day, To Christ of Galilee; He?s walking with me all along the way, This Man of Galilee.? A. The means by which we yield our lives to Him is through obedience to His will: Heb. 5:8-9 B. When we do this, He will walk with us as we walk in His light: 1 Jn. 1:7 C. And He will wall with us all along the way because He promises that He will be with His people even until the end of the age: Matt. 28:20 III. Stanza 3 says that He gives us a song ?He gives me a song that none other can give, This Man of Galilee; I?ll honor and serve Him each day I live, This man of Galilee.? A. He gives us a song in that we can rejoice in Him: Phil. 4:4 B. Because of what He has done for us, we should want to honor Him: Jn. 5:23 C. Also, we should want to serve Him each day that we live: Rom. 1:9 IV. Stanza 4 says that He will come again for us ?Some day He is coming again for me, This Man of Galilee; Transformed in His beauty, His face I?ll see, This Man of Galilee.? A. Some day He is coming again, as the angels promised: Acts 1:9-11 B. At that time, we shall be transformed in His beauty, as our vile bodies are conformed to His glorious body: Phil. 3:20-21 C. Then we shall see Him as He is: 1 Jn. 3:1-3 CONCL.: The chorus expresses what our attitude should be toward Christ in response to what He has done for us. ?Wonderful Man of Galilee, Wonderful Man of Galilee; He?s dearer than all the world to me, This wonderful Man of Galilee.? Sacred Selections, and books that copied from it, have an added note, ?Figurative language is used, as Jesus speaks and is revealed unto us today through the word?Heb. 1:2.? That is certainly true, and I realize that many people in the religious world have been deceived by false doctrine on this subject, but it almost seems as much an insult to our intelligence for an editor to feel that he has to append such a note to the song as for McDonald?s to be required to include a note on their coffee cups that says, ?Caution: coffee may be extremely hot; handle with care.? The song simply reminds us of the importance of our relationship to the ?Wonderful Man of Galilee.? Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 503 S. Jefferson St. Salem, IL 62881 home phone: (618) 548-6286 cell phone: (618) 292-2694 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. ____________________________________________________________ Online Psychology Degrees Earn your psychology degree online. Earn your BS, MA, MBA, Ph.D now. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/c?cp=scbyVx7nhRbH0u2bvEtvCwAAJ1AqWLnxUT_Og0R1xxm43-TkAAQAAAAFAAAAABAWVD4AAAMlAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWSEwAAAAA= -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091127/56392292/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Nov 28 12:18:02 2009 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:18:02 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Article - Defining the word "abomination" Message-ID: ABOMINATION 1. Idolatry Deuteronomy 7:25 - The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 27:15 - Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen. 2. Unjust weights and measures Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - 13 Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. 14 Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great and a small. 15 But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. 16 For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the LORD thy God. KJV 3. Uncleanness Deuteronomy 24:4 - Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. KJV 4. Incest Leviticus 18:6-18 - 6 None of you shall approach to any that is near of kin to him, to uncover their nakedness: I am the LORD. 7 The nakedness of thy father, or the nakedness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover: she is thy mother; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 8 The nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover: it is thy father's nakedness. 9 The nakedness of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether she be born at home, or born abroad, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover. 10 The nakedness of thy son's daughter, or of thy daughter's daughter, even their nakedness thou shalt not uncover: for theirs is thine own nakedness. 11 The nakedness of thy father's wife's daughter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 12 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's sister: she is thy father's near kinswoman. 13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy mother's sister: for she is thy mother's near kinswoman. 14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy father's brother, thou shalt not approach to his wife: she is thine aunt. 15 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy daughter in law: she is thy son's wife; thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy brother's wife: it is thy brother's nakedness. 17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take her son's daughter, or her daughter's daughter, to uncover her nakedness; for they are her near kinswomen: it is wickedness. 18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. KJV 5. Lying with a woman in her menses Leviticus 18:18-20 - 18 Neither shalt thou take a wife to her sister, to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, beside the other in her life time. 19 Also thou shalt not approach unto a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is put apart for her uncleanness. 20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her. KJV 6. Adultery Leviticus 18:20 - Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with thy neighbour's wife, to defile thyself with her. KJV 7. Sodomy Leviticus 18:22-23 - 22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. KJV 8. Offering seed to Molech Leviticus 18:21 - And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. KJV 9. Offering children in sacrifice Deuteronomy 18:10 - There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, KJV 10. Sorcery and necromancy Deuteronomy 18:10-11 - 10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. KJV 11. The hire of a whore and price of a dog, as a consecrated gift Deuteronomy 23:18 - Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God. KJV NEW TESTAMENT REFERENCES 1. IDOLATRY Gal. 5:19-20 - 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry , witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, KJV 2. Unjust weights and measures Matt. 7:2 - For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. KJV 3. Uncleanness Rom. 6:19-20 - 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. KJV 4. Incest 1 Cor. 5:1-5 - 1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife . 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. KJV 5. Lying with a woman in her menses ???????????? Possibly uncleanness ? 6. Adultery Matt 5:27-28 - 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. KJV 7. Sodomy Rom 1:21-27 - 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, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie , and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. KJV 8. Offering seed to Molech See number 1 ? Molech worship was a form of Idolatry 9 Offering children in sacrifice See number 8 ? In the book of Deuteronomy God condems those of Israel who offered their children as sacrifices to Moloch. 10. Sorcery and necromancy Sorcery is sinful; Acts 8:9-13 - 9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery , and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. KJV 11. The hire of a whore and price of a dog, as a consecrated gift Acts 15:20 - But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication , and from things strangled, and from blood. KJV 1 Cor. 6:18 - Flee fornication . Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. Eph. 5:3-4 - 3 But fornication , and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. KJV _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) November 25, 2009 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20091128/8ad7e5b2/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Nov 28 15:59:37 2009 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 28 Nov 2009 15:59:37 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 004 Iss 047 Message-ID: <2A3FB39C15F5472D941EBEB8FE8AC1CF@sean2e3f41f1ba> The Messenger 2009 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 004::ISSUE 047: November 29, 2009 This Week?s Article: How Can You Be Certain? Lesson 3: The Worship Remains the Same Introduction: This series should be of great interest to all rational minds. A rational mind accepts the overwhelming evidence that there is a God (Psalm 19:1-6). A rational mind understands that our God has given us direction (Psalm 19:7-11; Hebrews 1:1-2). A rational mind will desire to follow that direction (James 1:17-25); thereby accurately serving our God. Some must live on the assumption that Heaven is simply unavoidable. Regardless of what they have done or what they plan on doing they expect their grand entrance into ?the gate? one day. Eternal salvation, however, is not man?s right, nor is it his privilege without being well pleasing to God (Matthew 25:21). With over 1000 ?differing churches? in America alone we are set out on a search. Our goal is not to find the ?church of our choosing??we must be determined to know which church God chooses. Since the New Testament clearly condemns false religion and declares that God will not accept those who practice false religion, we must set our minds on discovering and doing what God desires. Let?s examine the practices of the ?pattern? and see how those practices line up. What did they do then? According to Acts 2:42 the organized worship in the church involved three continual practices: teaching ?the Apostles? [Christ?s] Doctrine?; remembrance: ?Breaking of Bread?; and praying: ?Prayers?. They accomplished all these things in ?fellowship??spiritual togetherness. The early pattern of worship also included singing; this singing is patterned for us as part of the praise of God and was certainly involved in their worship (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The use of singing in worship to God was used long before it was included in the New Covenant. Singing as worship and praise is recorded as early as the days of Moses (Exodus 15:1). One more action of worship that is found in the pattern is the collection of money. The early church patterned a fulfillment of the needs for money to cover operational costs and the benevolent needs among the saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-10). What details are in the pattern? There is more to the pattern than just the five basic elements of worship?within each we learn the details that pertain to the proper execution. We need to take the time to study and analyze the details: Their teaching and preaching was exclusively focused on the word of God (2 Timothy 4:1-5) and void of the philosophies of men (Colossians 2:8). They freely offered the hope of the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16) with no substitutions (Galatians 1:6-8). The early church observed remembrance on the first day of the week only (Acts 20:7). We clearly see the example as setting the pattern of ?every first day of the week?. During this remembrance only unleavened bread and unleavened fruit of the vine was used (Matthew 26:17, 26-29) to remember the body and blood of our Savior (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29). We learn this from understanding the serious implications of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is during this feast-time that Jesus instituted this remembrance and there was no leavening in any of the houses. This restriction was to the point of searching the house for any crumbs of leavened goods (chametz) and sweeping them out, so we know that Jesus used unleavened bread and unleavened fruit of the vine in His pattern. The early church would gather money in a collection to meet the needs of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). This was specifically accomplished on the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). This offering was different from that of the Old Testament tithe; it was to be from the heart?a willing heart (2 Corinthians 9:6-10) and it was not a set percentage; but rather the amount is ?as he purposes? and ?as he may prosper?. The early church shows us a pattern of prayers to the Father exclusively. All examples demonstrate a pattern of: through Jesus (Our mediator 1 Timothy 2:5), by His authority (John 14:13), and to the Father (Matthew 6:9, 26:39, Ephesians 3:20; Colossians 1:3). The church of the New Testament would sing. There are two key verses that focus on proper singing: Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16. The only acceptable types of songs are psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The language both the Ephesians and Colossians verses demand an instrument. By the definition of the word psalms we learn that an instrument is required. However, the word itself does not instruct as to which instrument but it is dependant on the context to detail the proper instrument. The context calls for the use of the human voice and the heart only. This vocal music is the only way to exact the pattern. Exacting the Pattern Today Does this pattern of worship exist today? Is there any hope of finding a church who still respects these ancient ways? More and more we see signs touting ?Contemporary Worship? ?this is not the pattern exacted today. According to our study, confidence or certainty can only be satisfied by truth?and truth is Bible book, chapter, and verse (John 8:31-32). The word of God is a pattern for true believers to exact in their lives (2 Timothy 1:13). Worship is also patterned so we must find the church that teaches and preaches the word of God (2 Timothy 4:1-5); not philosophies of men (Colossians 2:8); offering the true gospel hope (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). One that pa