Reflections

Turning the Tide

2012-01-30T08:53:00.002-06:00

January 22, 2012 marks the 39th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton Supreme Court decisions, which legalized abortion in all nine-months of pregnancy, for any reason. This begins the 40th full year of legal abortion in America.

For 40 years, America has waded into the darkness. Our culture has slowly descended as we have tolerated the killing of more than 50 million Americans.

However in 2011, our movement united and gained momentum like never before.

Planned Parenthood, our nation’s largest abortion provider was exposed as not only partners in sex crimes covering up statutory rape but also human trafficking.

The U.S. House of Representatives, for the first time in its history, voted to federally defund Planned Parenthood and launched a formal investigation of its business practices.

Nearly 30 abortion facilities shut down adding to the 1513 that have been shut down since 1991.

Poll after poll revealed that this generation of young people, unlike previous generations of young people, is pro-life.

The Guttmacher Institute, Planned Parenthood’s research arm, reported that states enacted a record number of pro-life laws, 92 laws in 24 states, more than triple than the 23 enacted in 2010.

We truly believe that 2011 will be the year we note in the history books as when legalized abortion began to end in America.

2012 will be a deciding year for the pro-life movement. Will we or will we not abolish abortion in our lifetimes? Will YOU be a part of this movement?

Just because abortion has been legal for 40 years, does not mean we are unable to turn back the clock and step into the Light. Abolishing abortion in America is possible within our lifetimes.

Kristan Hawkins, Students for Life of America

2012-01-27T13:27:00.003-06:00

"Ohio is now inches away from ending nearly every abortion in the state through a bill called the Heartbeat Bill which will protect every unborn baby whose heartbeat a doctor can detect. It has already passed the Ohio House and has already been heard in the Ohio Senate. All we need now is for the Senate President to call for a vote and it heads to Governor John Kasich's desk to be signed into the most protective pro-life law in the nation! A dozen states have announced they are watching Ohio--ready to follow with Heartbeat Bills of their own. What happens here will affect the nation!"

Pray that the leaders in Ohio do the right thing and and pass the Heartbeat Bill and that the rest of the nation will follow suit. Write letter to Governor Kasich and encourage him in this endeavor. Write to your own Governor and let him know that you support what Ohio is doing, then encourage him to do the same thing!

Slaughterville

2012-01-23T10:12:00.010-06:00

January 22, 2012 I preached the third of a five part sermon series on Jeremiah 1:17-19 entitled, "Jeremiah, An Iron Pillar". God tells Jeremiah in this text to Gird Up; Stand Up; Speak Up; Bear Up and Look Up.

In that sermon, I said, "Today, we must speak up for the innocent ones. One of the things that Jeremiah spoke against was the practice of taking their little children and throwing them into the fires at Hinnom (Jer. 7:31-32). A couple of weeks ago in this series I spoke about the moral atrocity of abortion and the anniversary of Roe vs Wade (January 22, 1973). One man, almost in tears, met me at the back and ask the question, What can we do to stop this wrong? Here is my answer to that man (and to all of us): We Must Speak Up!"

Therfore I offered this challenge to the congregation and to you today. Let me challenge every member of this congregation to join me in a Speak Up For The Innocent Campaign. Goal of this campaign: that every day we will speak to someone in some form about the innocent children we send to the slaughter houses of abortion clinics in American... above 4000 daily! Ask everyone you know to join in this campaign. Write letters to family members, friends, television and radio stations; our congressmen, our judges, the President (running or residing). Email; Tweet, leave comments on Facebook and any social network you know of; flood our communities with the message that we can no longer tolerate this moral massacre... and that we are outraged by the carnage of convenience.

Plan to do this with me, every day, for the entire year of 2012. At the end of this year, we will set down and evaluate what has been accomplished and where to go next in this battle for the children. Let us rid ourselves of this legacy before the 40th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade (January 22, 2013).

I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed at my brethren's response to this subject. I may hope against hope as one good sister pointed out on Facebook, "Its amazing how many people, members of the church don't think about this due to believing we can't win! We are the David and this is the Goliath!!!" Because the Lord's church has a grasshopper complex (cf. Num. 13:33) it rarly has any impact upon society... it has lost it's savour and in most cases is good for nothing (cf. Mat. 5:13)!

I also read Jerry McDonald's article on this same subject and was invigorated. Here is a sample:

"...Even religious people have become desensitized against abortion. Something that ought to bother every man, woman, boy or girl who claims to follow Christ to the point that they get fighting mad about it, just doesn’t seem to bother us anymore. We say, “O well, I won’t ever have an abortion, so it is not something that I need to get involved in.” One preacher, once, told me that he thought that I was wrong for trying to fight abortion because after all those babies would go to heaven and if they lived they might not. What kind of reasoning is that? Whether they go to heaven or not is not the issue. The issue is “Who gives us the authority to kill those innocent babies?” God doesn’t! O, yes, it was the United States Supreme Court; the same institution that once said that the black man was the property of his white owner. Now who today is going to say that the Supreme Court was right in that decision?..." (http://challenge2.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/americas-legacy/).

Join us in speaking up for the innocent ones, before it's too late - not too late for them - too late for us!

Barking at the Moon

2011-10-27T10:02:00.003-05:00

An old judge told of a troublesome dog, that whenever the moon was shining, went out and barked at it all night! Someone asked the judge what eventually came of the matter, "Oh," said the judge, "the moon just kept on shining."

One of the hardest things for a Christian to ever do is to keep on shining when being barked at by others. Many times even insignificant matters can disturb and discourage us. Paul’s approach was: "Brethren, I count not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14; ASV).

No doubt the enemies of Christ often barked at Him and tried to get Him to react in a mean and sinful way. But, He was the light of the world and wouldn’t give up His glory. He just kept on shining, and in doing that He left us an example to follow (1 Pet. 2:21) when those who are teaching error bark at you for exposing their error. Do you bark at those who try to teach you the truth?

Tom Moore

Gospel Meeting in Dubuque

2011-10-12T11:53:00.003-05:00

Consider this your invitation to attend a Gospel Meeting in Dubuque, Iowa October 16-19, 2011 on the subject of "The god of this World".

God's Divine Love

2011-08-06T16:48:00.002-05:00

God, with our best interest in mind, sent His own Son, Jesus Christ (Jho. 3:16), in the flesh (Jho. 1:14) to present Himself to man in a perfect presentation (1 Pet. 1:19); to lay before humanity a perfect example of submissive living (1 Pet. 2:21); and to be the Lamb of God (Jho. 1:29); the perfect propitiation for the wrath of an offended God (Rom. 3:24-25).

Out of genuine love, He laid before mankind, a perfect plan of redemption (1 Tim. 1:11; Rom. 1:16-17); that if any man (Mark 8:34) would freely deny himself and putting his hand to the plough without looking back (Luke 9:68); make a good confession of their conviction towards Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (Mat. 10:32); that they could now stand before God and their fellowman, having the power to become the sons of God (Jho. 1:12), enveloping themselves in Christ through water baptism (Gal. 3:27).

Paper Work Reduction Act

2011-06-06T13:05:00.002-05:00

In 1995 Congress decided that something needed to be done about the mountains of paper work that was involved in publishing laws, purchasing homes, applying for credit, and any number of other “legal” procedures. Consequently the “Paper Work Reduction Act” was passed that year, and according to the governments own website, the purpose of the act was designed, among other things, to “minimize the paperwork burden for individuals, small businesses, educational and nonprofit institutions, Federal contractors, State, local and tribal governments, and other persons resulting from the collection of information by or for the Federal Government” (http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/laws/paperwork-reduction/3501.html). Although the government expected a 30% reduction in paperwork overall, between 1995 and 1999 the actual amount of paper work increased by approximately 233 million burden hours. If we consider one person working 40 hours a week, it would take him more than 5 million years to take care of the extra paper work as a result of the “Paper Work Reduction Act.” I can personally attest to the failure of the Paper Work Reduction Acts, at least so far as the impact it has had on individuals. My wife and I just closed on a house here in Fort Worth, and the stack of paper work we had to sign was approximately 2” thick, and it took us more than an hour and a half just to “sign on the dotted line” (actually several dozen “dotted lines”). The attempt by the government to “reduce” paperwork, resulted in a massive proliferation of paperwork, precisely the opposite of what the Act was intended to accomplish.

The last six decades have witnessed a rapid departure from the spiritual roots of this country. Slow at first, and more accelerated with each passing year, we are now witnessing a complete casting off of all restraints. The social consequences are evident to any and all who read the daily newspaper, or log on to the internet and observe news items at your favorite website. In the last 100 years we have seen the legalization of drinking, the sale of alcohol, para-mutual betting, abortion on demand, homosexual rights, the lottery, casino halls, houses of ill repute, etc. Now politicians clamor for legalization of drugs, homosexuals in the military, homosexual marriages, and the "Freedom of Choice Act" (making it completely legal to kill children still in the womb, even up and including the point of birth). Laws passed by Congress have no effect; in fact laws passed by humanists in an effort to address moral problems created by humanists will have no better impact upon the moral ills of this country than the Paper Work Reduction Act had in eliminating excessive paper work; in fact, the result will be much worse.

In less than two years this nation’s electorate will be entering voting booths all across this country. I wonder if we have learned our lesson yet! Will we be wise enough to discern the ungodly fruit the present leadership of this country has borne (from the local politicians all the way up to the White House and halls of Congress)? Will we cast our votes based on what we can get from government in the form of more and better entitlements? Will we concentrate on what our favorite politician can give us? Or will we seek divine wisdom that is from above, and seek out leaders who will respect God’s word in the leadership they offer our failing and faltering nation? We might laugh at the results of the Paper Work Reduction Act, but I can assure you that who we choose to fill positions of leadership in political circles year after next is no laughing matter!

Tom Wacaster

Memorial Day 2011

2011-06-01T10:30:00.004-05:00

Memorial Day is a time to take stock of the present, reflect on the past, and renew our commitment to the future of America. Today, as in the past, there are problems that must be solved and challenges that must be met. We can tackle them with our full strength and creativity only because we are free. We owe this freedom to our Creator and to those men and women in uniform who have served this nation in time of need. In particular, we are forever indebted to those who have given their lives that we might be free. I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world. (Notes from Ronald Regan)

This Memorial Day, we honor those brave Americans who died in the service of their country. "Their bodies are buried in peace; but their names live for evermore.'' Scripture, when speaking for the faithful, says, what could be written upon the epitaph of every dead soldier: "Of whom the world was not worthy" (Heb. 12:38). As a tribute to their sacrifice, let us renew our resolve to remain strong enough to deter aggression, wise enough to preserve and protect our freedom, and thoughtful enough to promote lasting peace throughout the world.

May I humbly offer these fundamental items that we as Americans need to remember today:

We have a strong national identity: We are a Christian nation!
We need to maintain a strong national security: God's providential care!
We possess a strong national ethic: God's Holy Writ
We must maintain strong national heroes: George Washington/Seal Team 6
We must maintain strong national villains: Hitler/Osama Bin Laden
We need to maintain strong national memorials: Today is about remembering!

So I want to thank you for this important remembrance. With gratitude and respect, we remember their sacrifice. As Jesus Himself said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13).

May God Bless You... And God Bless America!

These are my notes from the Purdy Cemetery Memorial Service for our fallen heroes (May 30. 2011).

Out of the Ruins -5

2011-05-11T09:32:00.003-05:00

"I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it
as in the days of old:" (Amos. 9:11)

America needs to be reminded of it’s strong national ethic. By definition, ethics is “the study and evaluation of human conduct in the light of moral principles.” The genius of the framers of the American Constitution, lies in how they answered an important moral dilemma regarding democracy’s natural decline: You see, in their minds; neither the governed, nor the government was the source of all law. The theory of the Constitution may be contained in the Federalist Papers, but the moral authority which backs up this theory is righteousness (Pro. 14:34).

"The chief glory of nations is not to be found in the shrewdness of their diplomacy, the wisdom of their international policy, the ruthlessness of their warfare, the splendor of their conquest, the extent of their empire, or in the inexhaustibility of their resources. These may cause nations to be known and feared, but it is righteousness that makes nations secure and causes them to be respected and honored. Apart from righteousness, there is no genuine exaltation for any individual or nation." (B.C. Goodpasture, 1965)

Out of the ruins of America, God can rebuild this great nation.

Out of the Ruins of America -4

2011-05-02T11:44:00.002-05:00

“I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her fertile fields and boundless forests, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her rich mines and her vast world commerce, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her public school system and her institutions of learning, and it was not there. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic congress and her matchless constitution, and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." (Alex de Tocqueville).

Our National Identity is expressed in our motto: “In God we Trust” (cf. Psa. 33:12; 16:1). “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are of God?” (Jefferson).

Out of the ruins of America, God can rebuild this great nation.

Out of the Ruins of America - 3

2011-04-20T14:01:00.008-05:00

“I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it
as in the days of old:” (Amos. 9:11)

Recently my wife and I were the victims of identity theft. Someone gained access to one of our accounts and began to spend our money as if it was their own money. Thankfully, my wife is a hawk when it comes to our accounts, checking them daily, so that our loss was minimal.

According to the Federal Trade Commission’s website they promise to help “consumers learn how to avoid identity theft – and learn what to do if their identity is stolen.” But what happens, if the government is guilty of identity theft? (Hos. 5:1-2; 7:3-5; Mic. 3:9; Jer. 13:18). Our current President began his reign by proclaiming, on a world tour, that “America is not a Christian Nation.” If he meant that America is not a Theocracy, he is correct. If he meant that we do not, at times, live up to the grand principles of Christianity, again he is correct. But, if he meant that this nation was not founded upon and has not been blessed by its reliance upon those principles, he is wrong.

Out of the ruins of American God can rebuild a great nation.

Out of the Ruins of America -2

2011-03-21T14:35:00.004-05:00

America’s national common heritage is eroding, due in part, to secularization. Secularization is a process of removing religious and moral influences from society. As a result, we are increasingly polarized and divided as a nation. Identity is a common bond that unites people to a common cause. We need more conversations about American’s Christian Identity.

We are told, for example, that America is not a Christian Nation and to some degree this may be true. If what is suggested is that we are not a Christian Theocracy or that we are presently living according to the principles upon which this great nation was established, to this I agree. But, if by this it is suggested that our Founding Fathers did not establish this great nation upon biblical principles, I wholeheartedly disagree and could fill this newspaper with quotes to this end. In this sense, my fellow Americans, we are a Christian Nation. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD” (Psa. 33:12; cf. 144:15). May we always seek the Source of our blessings.

Out of the ruins of American God can rebuild a great nation.

How can we regain our Christian Heritage?

Out of the Ruins of America -1

2011-03-10T09:57:00.010-06:00

“I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:” (Amos. 9:11)

God knows a lot about nation building. He has built, maintained, utilized the resources of, as well as disciplined and rewarded nations for their behavior over time. He has experience dealing with tyrants, benevolent dictators and republics. He is well versed in entrepreneurship and has an insider familiarity with economics and education; science and theology; astrology and archaeology; sociology and military sciences and is definitely fair and balanced.

Any group of people seeking to build a great nation, would do well to listen to the council of the One who “hangeth the earth upon nothing” (Job 26:7). When such a group of people honestly contemplate, evaluate and are stimulated by the majestic nature and vast essence of the universe surrounding them, they will ask, “What is man that thou art mindful of him?” (cf. Psa. 8:3-4). Humility is not just the beginning of a great nation; it is the only way to properly maintain it (Dan. 4:37; Pro 16:18).

Out of the ruins of American God can rebuild a great nation. This weeks question for discussion:

What are the basic building blocks of a great society?

America - A Nation Out of Control

2011-03-07T12:17:00.013-06:00

An optimist views everything in the most favorable light possible. On the other hand, a pessimist sees things rather negatively. The optimist sees a silver lining in every cloud; the pessimist believes a dark cloud obscures every silver lining. The realist is somewhere between these extremes. Most of us would like to think that we are realists, and, if anything, that we tip towards being more optimistic than pessimistic.

I really don’t know where I fall in my perspective of our future. In the divine orchestration of earthly affairs, I am supremely confident. I know that the sovereign Creator of the universe will eventually bring his divine plan to fruition. The major lesson of the book of Revelation is this: The cause of Heaven will be triumphant ultimately. Victory will belong to the faithful because the Lamb of God has overcome by virtue of his death and resurrection (Revelation 5:6; 12:11). And all who stand in opposition to the King of Kings will be vanquished.

On the other hand, I am somewhat pessimistic about the future of this nation. And that concerns me for the welfare of my children and grandchildren—and yours. I am not unaware that a “Jonah” could arise, proclaiming a message of repentance that might turn the whole country towards a moral reformation (cf. Jonah 3:5ff). Thus far, though, I’ve not seen him.

Sometimes a country has to “hit bottom” before drastic changes are made. I know this: if righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34), unrestrained sin will destroy it. I also know that Jehovah has a moral standard by which he judges nations, and when they reach a certain depth of depravity, he will bring them down (Genesis 15:16; 18:22ff). God gave Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, forty days to get their act together (Jonah 3:4). When they repented, Heaven relented. Assyria then continued for another century and a half. However, the Assyrians degenerated again, and the prophet Nahum was sent to proclaim their “full end” (Nahum 1:9). Nineveh fell—completely and finally—in 612 B.C.

What makes America labor under the illusion that she is an eternal empire? This country is on a collision course with oblivion. It likely will not come in our day, but the indications are painfully obvious that serious decay is underway. Assyria, Babylon, Greece, Rome—none of these superpowers lasted more than a few centuries. Decadence consumed them. And there are clear signals that the same weaknesses are eating away at America’s vitals. Let us reflect upon four areas of national concern—economic irresponsibility, a degenerating educational structure, a lax judicial system, and a declining moral climate.

Economic Irresponsibility
America is on a spending binge unlike anything we have ever known, and this signals the fact that we are materialistic to the core. Our national debt is in excess of $5 trillion (14.1 trillion today). Since February of 1995, this staggering sum has increased at the average rate of $659 million each day. The average person’s share of this burden is around $20,000. It is difficult for us to even fathom the enormity of our indebtedness when the figures reach such astronomical proportions. If you had $1 trillion, and you spent $3,000 each day, it would take you a million years to spend it all. It is very doubtful that this materialistic trend will be turned around. We are a people out of control in terms of our spending. Economists suggest that within a few years many of our social programs will be bankrupt.

In addition to the national debt, many Americans are head-over-heels in personal debt. Some have multiple credit cards “maxed out.” Who is going to pay for all of your expenditures? Declaring bankruptcy has almost become a national pastime. Seventy percent of those who file for bankruptcy never pay back a dime of what they owe. What if you die unexpectedly? Will you leave your loved ones saddled with your unpaid bills? How does the Lord view this matter? “The wicked borrows and pays not again” (Psalm 37:21). The Bible views indebtedness as a form of servitude (Proverbs 22:7). Every Christian should diligently work to be free of such restraints so that he may serve the Lord with greater vigor and deeper levels of sacrifice. Only those treasures which are spiritual will last into eternity (Matthew 6:19-21).

The Educational System
Another segment of our society that is out of control is the educational system. Gone are the days when the American school room was a place of “readin’, writin’, and ‘rithmatic, taught to the tune of a hick’ry stick.” Nowadays, many youngsters cannot read—even when they leave high school. They cannot write decently, and they cannot balance a simple checkbook. As for the “hick’ry stick,” it has been banished to the Smithsonian museum, while the schoolyard has become a war zone.

There are three major problems with the modern school system: (1) it does not educate; (2) it is a propagandizing tool with a humanistic agenda; and (3) it has become an environment of extreme danger. Let us consider each of these areas.

On the first point, journalist Charles Sykes has produced a bombshell volume titled, Dumbing Down Our Kids. The Washington Times characterized the book as “a scathing indictment of the educational establishment and should be required reading for all parents still in denial about the true condition of K-12 education in America.” Sykes subtitled the book, “Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can’t Read, Write, or Add.”

Here is but a sampling of some of the startling data Sykes presents. Twenty-five percent of high school seniors can barely read their diplomas. A standardized test, given to twenty-six thousand Americans (sixteen and older), concluded that eighty million Americans are deficient in the basic reading and mathematical skills needed to perform the rudimentary tasks of today’s society. When America’s finest students (the top one percent) are compared to the best foreign students, our youth come in dead last! What does all of this tell us about the task before us as we attempt to teach the future generation the great truths of the Bible. How can people study the Scriptures when they cannot even read competently? (cf. Ephesians 3:4).

Secondly, there is absolutely no doubt but that the national educational system has a subversive agenda, the design of which is to proselyte children to materialistic humanism. This motive is no longer even concealed. A recently published book, Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, urges teachers to admit that evolution refutes religion. The author, Daniel Dennett, said: “We will attempt to teach this [doctrine of organic evolution] to your children at our earliest opportunity.” Our youth are brainwashed with evolutionary propaganda in a variety of classes—astronomy, anatomy, anthropology, biology, geology, psychology, sociology, history, etc.

Note this quotation from a 1994 biology textbook.

Darwin knew that accepting his theory required believing in philosophical materialism, the conviction that matter is the stuff of all existence and that all mental and spiritual phenomenon [sic] are its by-products. . . . In Darwin’s world we are not helpless prisoners of a static world order, but, rather, masters of our own fate. . . . And from a strictly scientific point of view rejecting biological evolution is no different from rejecting other natural phenomenon [sic] such as electricity and gravity.

Third, aside from the foregoing factors, the American schoolroom has become one of the most dangerous environments in which your children can exist. And is it any wonder—when teachers are advocating the notion that there is no such thing as “eternal truth,” there are no absolutes relative to “right” and “wrong.”

Children and teachers alike are in danger on campus. Handguns and knives are common among students. Drugs are freely circulated, condoms are provided, and sexual promiscuity is rampant. Is this the sort of “socialization” that some parents are fearful their youngsters will miss if they are educated in private Christian schools, or in a home environment?

The Judicial System
Another symptom of a nation out of control is the manner in which our judicial system has decomposed over the past half-century. A very significant book arrested the public’s attention recently. It is titled, Guilty: The Collapse of Criminal Justice. The author was the late Harold J. Rothwax, a judge who presided over criminal cases in New York City for the past twenty-five years. Apparently Judge Rothwax was not conservatively-oriented. He stated that in his early life his hero was Clarence Darrow (the atheist who argued for evolution in the famous Scopes trial). Too, in his younger lawyering years, Rothwax was a card-carrying member of the ACLU. I mention these things to emphasize that this judge was not out of a strait-laced background.

The thesis of the judge’s book is this: the American justice system is in a state of moral collapse. He writes: “We have formalism and technicalities but little common sense. It’s about time America wakes up to the fact that we’re in the fight of our lives.” This prominent jurist further stresses: “The bottom line is that criminals are going free.” He notes: “There is no respect for the truth, and without truth, there can be no justice.” Rothwax charges that “our system is a carefully crafted maze, constructed of elaborate and impenetrable barriers to the truth.”

There are many cases which illustrate the growing abuse of justice. We summarize two of these.

(1) On Christmas Eve of 1968, ten-year-old Pamela Powers was attending an event with her parents at the YMCA in Des Moines, Iowa. She went to the restroom and was never seen alive again. A few days afterward, a car was discovered in Davenport (one hundred sixty miles away) containing some of her clothes. Two days later, Robert Williams, owner of the car, surrendered to Davenport police. Officials in Des Moines dispatched two policemen to transport Williams back to the site of the abduction. They were strictly charged not to question him en route. Along the way, one of the officers commented that it was Christmas time, and it would be wonderful if the Powers family could at least recover the body of Pamela and give it a “Christian burial.” Sometime later Williams spoke up: “Okay, let me take you to the body.”

He directed the officers to the place where he had buried little Pamela in a ditch. Subsequent tests revealed that she had been raped and smothered to death. Robert Williams was convicted of murder. However, the conviction was overturned in federal court. When the U.S. Supreme court finally ruled on the matter, the majority opinion, written by Justice Potter Stewart, stated that Williams’s “rights” had been violated by the police officer’s “Christian burial” speech.

(2) At 2 a.m. on November 20, 1990, Leonardo Turriago was pulled over by two state troopers for speeding. The officers asked if they could look into his van; Turriago said they could. Inside, the troopers saw a trunk and asked Turriago about it. He sprang open its lock, then ran away. Opening the trunk, the troopers found the body of a man shot five times. Turriago was caught quickly.

In his apartment, police found eleven pounds of cocaine and guns. The suspect told them where to find the murder weapon. Turriago was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to forty-five years to life. The defense appealed, arguing that the troopers had no right to search the van. On June 6, 1996, Turriago’s conviction was overturned. A New York appellate court ruled that the police search had been coercive.

There are hundreds of similar examples. It is difficult to fathom how anyone could be so dense as to be unable to see that we have bent so far over backwards, to insure that those accused of crimes are not abused, that we have thrown truth and justice to the wind. Is it any wonder that respect for the judicial system is at an all-time low? Is it any surprise that the crime rate has skyrocketed? The judicial system is out of control. We have evolved a legal “kangaroo” procedure where the morality of biblical revelation is despised and ridiculed, while the Amendments to the Constitution are viewed as sacrosanct.

American Family Life
President James A. Garfield once said: “The sanctity of marriage and the family relation make the corner-stone of our American society and civilization.” A number of current conditions clearly suggest that that “corner-stone” is crumbling.

Materialistic parents are placing economic prosperity ahead of their children. The phrase “latchkey child” is too well-known to need elaboration. Many mothers have abandoned the home (cf. Titus 2:5), leaving their children at daycare centers—not because (in many cases) they are forced to work in order to survive, but simply because they want more “things” of a material variety. Children spend countless hours watching TV or playing video games without parental supervision. There will be a high price to pay for such parental irresponsibility.

A large segment of our society has abandoned the concept that God designed the marriage ordinances, and that such are not subject to human revision. For instance, the Bible clearly teaches that sexual gratification is an integral part of marriage. But sexual union is not an end within itself. Sexual activity outside of a legitimate marriage is fornication (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:2). At one time it was the case that a mere “live-in” arrangement was a matter of shame. Even Hollywood stars kept such liaisons under the cloak of secrecy. Now, fornicating relationships are common. Celebrities comment upon their “live-with” associations with no blush at all (cf. Jeremiah 6:15). We are told by experts that more than five million Americans are “living together” without the benefit of legitimate marital commitment.

Add to this the fact that divorce has become a national disgrace. Older folks can easily remember when a divorced person was not a viable political candidate. Now, divorce does not raise an eyebrow. Not only is society out of control in terms of the divorce evil, the church is virtually to that point as well. In recent years weird theories, one after another, have surfaced, the design of which is to justify those who have unscripturally divorced their mates and then remarried. Prominent names have been associated with these views. It is this writer’s conviction that the biblical teaching on this topic—namely that a divorce and potential remarriage is allowed only to the innocent victim in a marriage breached by fornication (cf. Matthew 5:32; 19:9)—is now a minority view among believers.

In addition, the homosexual trend in this country is one of the most dramatic indicators that we are a nation out of moral control. An intimidating word has been coined to characterize those who oppose homosexual conduct: “homophobia.” We had better be homophobic—if we remember what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah! Several political movements have attempted to promote homosexual “marriages,” contending that discrimination against “legal” homosexual and lesbian unions is unconstitutional. It is certainly no secret that the present administration reflects the most pro-homosexual leadership in the history of this nation. More than one hundred “gays” have been appointed to administrative positions under the current president’s watch. Our leader has openly commended the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Teacher’s Network, a national homosexual teachers group, which, incidentally, is determined to teach the youth of the United States that homosexual relationships are normal and beautiful. Out of control!

Conclusion
Do nations turn around, once they have started a slide toward moral chaos? Tragically, they almost never do. Not even the great nation of Israel could be salvaged by the persuasion of the prophets. It took an Assyrian conquest and a Babylonian captivity (of seventy years) to bring the Hebrews to their knees. Even then a terminal judgment finally came in the form of the Roman destruction of Judaism in A.D. 70 (cf. Matthew 22:7).

I am certainly no prophet. I do not know what lies in America’s future. I can, however, follow the flow of human history as such is revealed in the Scriptures. And what I see in that does not make me comfortable about our nation’s prospects.

I know this: each Christian, consistent with his/her abilities, has a three-fold responsibility.

We must commit to lives of personal goodness as a savoring influence among our peers.
We must teach forcefully the positive truths of moral conduct.
We must oppose the teachings of the immoral vermin who would destroy this nation.

Sources/Footnotes
Dennett, Daniel. 1995. Darwin’s Dangerous Idea. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Rothwax, Harold J. 1996. Guilty: The Collapse of Criminal Justice. New York, NY: Random House.
Sykes, Charles. 1995. Dumbing Down Our Kids. New York, NY: St. Martin’s Griffin.

About the Author
Wayne Jackson has written for and edited the Christian Courier since its inception in 1965. He has also written several books on a variety of biblical topics including The Bible and Science, Creation, Evolution, and the Age of the Earth, The Bible on Trial, and a number of commentaries. He lives in Stockton, California with his dear wife and life-long partner, Betty.

If you would like to read more articles from Wayne Jackson please click here: http://www.christiancourier.com/

Biblical Ethics and the Blight of Group Dynamics

2009-07-16T08:15:00.009-05:00

Our national economical giants crumble and our leaders sink us further into debt. The sexualizing of America has transformed our once great nation into a land of perverts: an entire month is set aside in our nation to honor homosexuals; pornography and fornication are destroying the very fabric of the family. Darwinism’s sword of evolution and liberalism’s blade of pluralism has conquered the hearts and minds of many in America. Let’s not forget that we are engaged in a war in Iraq and Afghanistan and that North Korea and Iran seek after Nuclear weapons. Yet there arises out of the flames of this fire another great ism the church must face.

This dogma now threatens to destroy families, businesses and churches. No institution seems to go unaffected by its aftermath. Brethren all across the nation have taken up sides and have threaten to split churches if this matter is not settled and soon. Even here in Lindsay we are suffering from its misfortune. No doubt numbers are down in churches; employees have experienced irritableness and other related illnesses; families have split up and no one seems to have the answer... until now!

· The Problem: Thermostatic Dogmatism!
An Unabridged Dictionary states, “an arrogant, stubborn assertion of thermostat settings with an unwillingness to compromise leading to the constant changing of a thermostat within an office or a church building” Herein is the real issue, when the temperature rises into triple digits as it has in Oklahoma, people get irritable. Generally, if not careful unreasonable demands and unfriendly gestures are made during this time.

Irritability has caused even the people of God much difficulty over the centuries. For example, irritability was reason for God to send fiery serpents among the people. “...and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?” (Num. 21:4-5; 1 Cor. 10:10).

· The Principles: What does the Bible say about Thermostatic Dogmatism?
First, some people are by nature complainers and need to learn to “do all things without murmuring and disputing” (Phi. 2:14). Second, others by nature are controllers and need to learn to “let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phi. 2:3). Third, still others are carnal, selfish in nature and need to learn to grow up or as Paul put it, “I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” (1 Cor. 3:1). Fourth, matters of expediency (and thermostatic control is a matter of expediency) shall be decided by the elders of a congregation (Heb. 13:17) and seeing that expediency implies appropriateness to the purpose at hand, I offer the follow solution and justification forthwith.

· The Practical: How to deal with Thermostatic Dogmatism?
First, realize that not everyone has the same internal thermostat. Some people are naturally cold natured while others are hot natured. Church buildings are not like Buicks, you do not get your own controls. Second, all unauthorized parties therefore must cease and decease from their thermostatic tampering. Your contribution does not afford you justification to “have it your own way” for that you must go to Burger King. How many hands does it really take to control a thermostat? ONE! Third, according to the National Center for Occupational Safety and Health and the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety if the thermostat is set at 75 degrees or higher people feel warm, lethargic and sleepy. This is not appropriate to the purpose of study and worship. They also suggest that sedentary people begin to shiver at or below 64 degrees this is not appropriate to the purpose at hand either. It is suggested that 70 degrees is optimum for performance of mental work and 72 degrees is the most comfortable year-round indoor temperature for sedentary people.

Brethren, this ain’t Rocket Science and I hope that you recognize the “tongue and cheek” nature to this article, yet the simple principles that should guide good people in these items of expediency. I like the way one man put it, “In matters of doctrine, unity; in matters of opinion, liberty; and in all things, charity” (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1-8; Heb. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:17).

Rick Popejoy

How Does the Bible Authorize?

2008-03-12T21:46:00.002-05:00

I do not want to discuss how the Bible does not authorize. Liberals are real good at attacking command, example and necessary inference (CENI) but they never seem to get around to showing people just how the Bible authorizes. This is an open invitation to our liberal friends to give evidence of how they arrive at authority.

Simple Silence

2008-02-08T11:04:00.000-06:00

The principle of silence is really quit simple and is a common occurrence in everyday life. This may be a part of the difficulty that people have with the principle; it’s too simple and too common that it is often overlooked. Much like the process of breathing in air, it is so natural that people often fail to give thanks to Almighty God for the air, the ability and the process of breathing it into our lungs - oh, and don't forget to exhale. Silence is as simple as walking into a restaurant and ordering your favorite meal off the menu. Mine happens to be breaded pork chops fried in bacon grease, covered in country gravy with a homemade biscuit of the side. If the waitress brought me everything on the menu including what I had ordered and the manager expected me to pay simply because the manager says, "Well Mr. Popejoy, you did fail to tell us not to bring everything on the menu. I don't know if you realize this or not but our other menu selections are very popular. So enjoy your meal, Mr. Popejoy."

Friends, silence is really that simple. The restaurant represents the religious world and the menu, all the choices of worship styles that are offered. God is the costumer and we are the waiter; the cook; and the manager. In John 4:23-24 Jesus said, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Who really wants to be the manager on the Day of Judgment expecting God to pay for the whole menu, when He only ordered breaded pork chops fried in bacon grease, covered in country gravy with a homemade biscuit of the side? Who wants to be the waitress that messed up the order or the cook that failed to speak up and say, “Wait one minute, this customer only ordered pork chops!”

It is the height of arrogance for Mark Henderson, or any other man, to tell God what He will get or not get. Humility allows God to decide. Seeing that God desired for men to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7) and that faith comes by the word of God (Rom. 10:17) the only way to walk/live that pleases God is to listen to His revealed will, the New Testament.

Consider another problem that we have with regards to this whole situation that Mark Henderson has brought on the churches in the Oklahoma City area. A manager at a local Wendy’s restaurant decides that he is going to start serving Big Mac’s, Quarter Ponders and McRibs on his menu. In reality he wants to be a McDonalds but he does not want to give up the Wendy’s franchise benefits. Is that local restaurant a Wendy’s or a McDonalds? Trying to be an instrumental church of Christ is like trying to be a Wendy’s selling Big Macs! Is Quail Springs a church of Christ or a Baptist Church? In reality the elders at Quail Spring are just like that manager that does not want to give up the Wendy’s franchise benefits. Its time to give up the benefits of the franchise! If you want to be the denomination known as “The Family of God at Quail Spring” have the courage to take down the sign out front that still says, “Quail Springs Church of Christ.”

Rick Popejoy

Doctrinal Discourses

2008-01-25T11:27:00.000-06:00

Question: Is Matthew 19:9 a part of New Testament doctrine?

I suppose there is not a subject anymore misunderstood and twisted than the biblical doctrine of marriage, divorce, and re-marriage. Marriage, the oldest institution created by God and is the basic foundation of society (Gen. 2:22-24). This sacred union is described by the apostle Paul as "honourable" (Heb. 13:4). Words from the very lips of Jesus instruct us concerning our responsibility to this covenant when he declared, "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery" (Mat. 19:9).

This inspired passage (2 Tim. 3:16-17) has come under much scrutiny by brethren, many of whom have even attempt to place this text back under the "law of Moses”! The reasoning goes something like this; since Jesus spoke these words while He was alive they must be part of the Old Testament since He had not died yet. This unwarranted doctrine causes much turmoil to her advancers. First, how do they deal with Matthew 18, wherein Jesus gives teaching regarding how to handle an offense between brethren within the church? The church of Christ did not exist in the Old Testament, separate and apart from the mind of God (Eph. 3:10). It is obvious that Jesus was simply giving future inspired instruction to serve the church that was yet future in existence. Secondly, are we to conclude that all Bible passages that were spoken and or recorded before the death of Jesus belong under the Law of Moses? If so, that would cause insurmountable problems in proper hermeneutics of the Bible. If you have a comment on this subject we want to hear from you!

Brant

Sowing the Seed of the Kingdom

2008-01-15T11:28:00.000-06:00

I often hear people bemoan the fact that the church today is not growing “like it did in the 40’s and 50’s.” The question is then asked, “How can we restart the fire that once burned within our bosom?” Listen to the apostle Paul as he describes his passion in Ephesus: "And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,... Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20:20, 26-27).

Far too many spiritual farmers (1 Cor. 3:9) desire fruit without the cultivation (Jer. 1:10). Some curse the soil (Luke 8:12-14), others chastise the method of the sower (Luke 8:5), while others alter the seed (Luke 8:11). The sower, seed and soil must work in harmony if the fruit is to be brought to perfection.

Needed Principles:

An old-fashion work ethic applied to the church.
A strong sense of ethics and morality.
An aggressiveness with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Saturation with the gospel.

This method of saturation was first brought to my attention by a missionary in Wyoming of whom I learned a great deal from regarding evangelism.

Time's Creator Gets Less & Less

2008-01-12T11:28:00.000-06:00

Average Person lives 77 years. That is 28,000 days, 670,000 hours and 40,000,000 minutes. How does he spend his time?

Telephone* (40 minutes each day, 20 hours per month, 10 days per year, 2 years in a lifetime).

Bathroom (1 hour each day, 20 hours per month, 15 days per year, 3 years in a lifetime).

Getting dressed (26 minutes each day, 13 hours per month, 7 days per year, 1 year in a lifetime).

Television (3 hours per day, 90 hours per month, 45 days per year, 9 years in a lifetime).

The great apostle Paul admonished his brethren in Ephesus to make sure that they were "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16). Matthew Henry wrote, "redeeming the time (v. 16), literally, buying the opportunity. It is a metaphor taken from merchants and traders who diligently observe and improve the seasons for merchandise and trade." American merchants have created a mass frenzy starting the Friday after Thanksgiving and running well into January the next year. It is our hope to create that same frenzy among Christians in Fort Worth for June 8-14, 2007. Join us in redeeming the time.

Thanks,

Brant & Rick

* These numbers do no include teenage daughters.

The Grace of God That Brings Salvation

2007-12-14T15:32:00.000-06:00

When the Holy Spirit authored the letter to Titus, the instructions to Titus were to set things in order in the church on the island of Crete (Titus 1:5). In this letter Titus was given the qualifications for elders to be "ordained in every city" (1:5). Also instructions were given for dealing with false teachers, and the importance of "Sound Doctrine" was stressed. He gave timeless instruction concerning the proper conduct of "aged men," "aged women," "young women," and "young men" (2:2-10). Then he declares; "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men" (2:11). We ask the question, what is this, and what does it mean?

In Acts 20:24, Paul through inspiration tells us WHAT it is. "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." This gospel of the grace of God contains, commandments, words, and laws.

How does this "grace of God" bring salvation? The answer; through preaching. Paul said; "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom.1:16). The Holy Spirit also reveals to us that it is the responsibility of the church to proclaim this message. "To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God" (Eph.3:10). This will include all religious instruction man needs for proper service to the Lord.

To whom has this "grace of God" appeared? The scripture says to "all men." It is no longer only for the Jews, but for all men. God does not want for anyone to be lost (2 Peter 3:9), but for everyone to come to repentance. This however does not negate man’s responsibility to be obedient to the Lord’s commands.

We are told that this "Grace of God that brings salvation" teaches things (Titus 2:12). "Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;" This will involve more than just "Grace only." The grace of God teaches us both negatively and positively.

Negatively, that we must deny: ungodliness, and worldly lusts. Meaning that even though we live in this world we cannot act like this world, for we, as obedient Christians, have been redeemed from all iniquity, and purified unto Christ, a peculiar people (Titus 2:14).
This grace of God that brings salvation teaches us positively that we must live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (2:13). We are then to be "Christlike" in our thinking and behavior as we influence others in this walk of life.

No doubt, we are saved by GRACE (Rom.8:24), but we are also saved by FAITH (Acts 16:30-31), and by MERCY (Titus 3:5), and by OBEDIENCE (Heb.5:8-9), as well as the WORD (James 1:21). Fact of the matter is that the "Grace of God that brings salvation" includes all of the above.

David Harris

Racism: A Sourge of Society

2007-12-04T10:14:00.000-06:00

Racism is a problem in the United States in 2007. But it doesn’t seem as bad now as it did in the past. From the 1600s until the mid-1800s, black people were owned—OWNED—by Americans of many colors, but mostly by whites.

Even after slavery ended, racism continued. It was institutionalized in the South with Jim Crow laws. Segregated businesses and schools in the first half of the 20th century reminded everyone that black Americans were considered second-class citizens.

America has come a long way since then, but racism still exists. And it probably always will, just like theft, murder and lying will always exist. Some people will always dislike others simply because of the color of their skin.

Unfortunately, sometimes even people who claim to follow Christ look down on those of a different color. But that’s nothing new. Part of the argument for slavery in the 1800s was that the Bible taught that black people were cursed descendants of Ham. Allegedly, the curse was that they would be slaves forever.

Pro-slavery ideology rested on the assumption of black inferiority. This legacy stayed with some Americans through the 20th century, and some still hold this view today.

Are some races inferior? If so, is it OK to treat them with less respect?

The Biblical answers are no, and no.

Genesis chapter one tells us that God created man in His image. If all humans descended from Adam and Eve, this means the entire world’s races have common ancestors. Paul affirms this in Acts 17:26 when he says that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.”

God made all humans of one blood. We all trace our beginning to Adam and Eve. Since they were made in God’s image, all humans are made in the image of God. All people, all nationalities, all colors. We’re all made in the image of God.

This suggests that all people are entitled to equal treatment. IF the Bible tells us how to treat someone, that’s how we should treat everyone, since there’s no difference in value among different races.

Over and over we’re told to treat people with respect and kindness. In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says, “all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” We call it The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Treat other people the way you want to be treated—with kindness, dignity and compassion. Not just people of your race—everybody.

In James 2:1-9, James condemns showing partiality to the rich and mistreating the poor—what he calls showing “respect to persons” in verse 9. The same principle applies when dealing with people of your race and other races. All humans are worthy of equal treatment; we’re all made in God’s image.

Paul tells the Galatians in chapter 3, verses 26 through 28 of that book, that God doesn’t made distinctions among races if you are “in Christ.” It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman, black or white, rich or poor; all are equal before God. But even if someone of a different color or race isn’t a Christian, he’s still made in God’s image and is worthy of respect and kind treatment.

People who claim to be Christians, but who discriminate against those of another race or color, give Christianity a bad name. But the Bible, specifically the New Testament, does not teach that whites are superior. It doesn’t sanction discrimination or racism. The religion of Jesus calls on His disciples to “do unto others.”

If you don’t treat all people, regardless of race, color or nationality, as worthy of your respect, you’re certainly not practicing the religion of Jesus. Christianity makes the world better, not worse. If Christianity were practiced the way Jesus and the apostles teach us to practice it through the pages of the New Testament, racism would end.

Landry Brewer

The Seven Churches of Asia

2007-10-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

(click on picture to enlarge)

God does not tolerate congregations who depart from the New Testament pattern. There is much apostasy today in the church and it is very plain according to the letters to the seven churches in Asia (Rev. 2-3) that their candelstick can be removed. Yet, at what point does this drastic and tragic event take place?

The Need to Answer Error

2007-10-12T11:02:00.000-05:00

by Tom Wacaster

Every child of God has the sacred obligation to "be ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15). We are to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Our Lord told us to "beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7:15). Our responsibility is no less than those Christians of the first century who were told, "believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 Jno. 4:1). The past twenty years have seen an ever increasing defection of once-faithful, stalwart soldiers of the cross. Men who once stood in the gap and wielded the sword of the Spirit with skill and effectiveness have gone over to the enemy.

A once faithful brother wrote: "It is not possible to overemphasize the damage done by perverse preceptors. They not only cause division (a thing God hates), but the ultimate outcome of their treachery, whether that treachery be witting or unwitting, is eternal loss to all who are led astray by their influence." With regard to our Lord's admonition, "beware" is a forceful word. It is a warning. It says to us, "Look out, danger, peril, jeopardy, risk, hazard." It screams at us, "Pay attention. Be on guard."

We are locked in a battle with error. Truth will prevail, of that we are certain. But we must do our part to uphold that truth, moving neither to the left nor to the right. There is always the danger that a little compromise will eventually lead to wholesale apostasy. Hence the need to answer false doctrines forcefully, faithfully, and forthrightly. Time is of the essence; souls are at stake; the cause of Christ must not suffer! Unfortunately the ranks of those who will address the issues continue to diminish. But if we are to pass the torch to the next generation we dare not waver in our sacred duty to uphold the truth at all costs. The late F.B. Srygley was right on target:

"Fighting for the Truth is almost a lost art. Men who are enjoying the benefits of the Gospel unmixed with human error, are enjoying these benefits because our fathers fought for the Truth. Every inch of ground from that mysterious way of being saved, which was better felt than told, to the plain conditions of pardon as taught in the New Testament, was fought out for us by our fathers. If someone before us had not fought for the Truth, most of us might yet be in the fog of denominational teaching. This is not the time to temporize or make friends with error (F.B. Syrgley (Madisonville, KY: In Word and Doctrine, Oct-Dec, 1992), page 19; originally appeared in the Gospel Advocate, 1928)

False teachers have been tolerated, ignored, and in some instances embraced by unfaithful elders, preachers and members. Far too little has been done in answer to the false teachers presently assailing the walls of Zion. We only pray that it is not too late to take our stand and defend the truth.

Blessed Are The Peacemakers

2007-09-26T15:05:00.000-05:00

The art of peacemaking is an international concern and depends a great deal upon the type of hostility which exists. Studies in peacemaking are offered on the campus of every major university throughout the world. Hostility reduction is an entire field of study itself and one that every child of God should major in. Peacemakers, secular or spiritual; individual, national or international; base their work upon a self-evident principle: you cannot reduce hostilities without an understanding of the nature and background of the hostilities themselves.

Disagreements concerning the method of peacemaking generally depends upon the accepted standard. The Blackstone tradition of law, for example, argues that every law must have its underpinning upon an eternal foundation. According to Blackstone “they are to be found only in holy scriptures.” Again, “Men do not make laws, they do but discover them. Laws must be justified by something more than the will of the majority. They must rest on the eternal foundation of righteousness.” (Calvin Coolidge).

The following is a list of several types of hostilities that exist between man and his fellow man or between man and his God. Although there may be similarities in the process there are important differences which shall be noted in this article.

Alien Hostilities (Mark 16:15-16)
This hostility exists because of the nature of the two kingdoms; the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light (Col. 1:13; Phi. 3:20; Eph. 2:1—3, 18-19). In fact, Ephesians chapter two is an inspired thesis on divine peacemaking. Within the kingdom of darkness are individuals that are not citizens in the kingdom of God. They have not obeyed the gospel plan of salvation. The blood of Jesus has not washed away their sins (Rom. 3:23; Eph. 1:7). Therefore the wrath of God is upon them (Rom. 5:8-10). If one desires to be translated from the devil’s kingdom to the kingdom of God dear Son, he must be willing to submit to the blessed and only Potentate, Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 6:15). The will of Jesus must be preeminent (Col. 1:18).

Personal Hostilities (Mat. 18:15-17)
This hostility exists because one man has transgressed against another. The misapplication of this passage has made many a man skeptical about God’s pattern of peacemaking and going about to establish their own they have denied the beauty and majesty of God’s wonderful scheme of redeeming man to his former state with his fellowman. Even Eli of old understood the difference in an infraction between two men and one between a man and his God (cf. 1 Sam. 3:25).

Neglected Hostilities (Acts 6:1-8)
This hostility exists because of a carelessness or oversight of the Grecian widows in the church of Christ at Jerusalem. According to many Old Testament passages it is a serious breach of one’s compassion and his desire to be godly (Deu. 24:19-21; 26:12; Isa. 1:17; Mal. 3:5; Jas. 1:27).

Teaching Hostilities (Rom. 16:17-18)
This hostility exists because covetousness wherein teachers using feigned words would seek to make merchandise of the brethren (2 Pet. 2:1-3). Jesus is the first to describe the nature of the hostilities as deception; they are wolves who appear in sheep’s clothing (Mat. 7:15-20). Jude calls them “ungodly men turning the grace of God into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 4).

Moral Hostilities (1 Cor. 5:1-13)
This hostility exists because of immorality accepted, tolerated or prided within the number of the disciples. It is the redefining iniquity in order to take pleasure in those things that God hates (Pro. 6:16; Isa. 5:20).

Disorderly Hostilities (1 The. 5:14; 2 The. 3:6, 11, 14-15)
This hostility exists because unruly men (cf. Acts 17:5; 19:21-34). Some of the Thessalonians were guilty of walking disorderly because they did not live nor govern themselves according to the principles of Christ (cf. Phi. 3:16; Gal. 6:16). Matthew Henry correctly observes, “It is required of those who have received the gospel, and who profess a subjection to it, that they live according to the gospel. If they do not, they are to be counted disorderly persons.”

Subverted Hostilities (Tit. 3:10-11)
This hostility exists because men would rather draw disciples away to themselves rather than converting men to Christ (cf. Acts 20:28-31). They would use whatever means at their disposal (good or evil) to accomplish this twisted plan to become leaders among men.

Understanding therefore the nature of the hostility is essential in dealing with the enmity that arises because of each.

Rick Popejoy

A Tree Fell in the Forest

2007-09-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

A tree fell in the forest, but no one heard it—at least no one who reads the Christian Chronicle.

The fallen tree was the decision by the Quail Springs Church of Christ elders in Oklahoma City to add mechanical instruments of music to their worship.

When the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Texas decided to add mechanical instruments in December, 2006 the Chronicle rushed into print with a full report of that decision. (www.christianchronicle.org). In that story, Chronicle reporter Bobby Ross, Jr. wrote,

The Richland Hills church in Texas — the largest of the nation’s 13,000 a cappella Churches of Christ — has decided to add an instrumental worship assembly with communion on Saturday nights. Jon Jones, an elder and former pulpit minister at the 6,400-member church, told the congregation Dec. 3 that Richland Hills’ elders "fully and completely" endorsed the decision (ibid, “Nation’s Largest Church of Christ Adding Instrumental Service”).

But when Quail Springs, which is in the Chronicle’s own back yard, followed Richland Hills’ lead in January, 2007, the paper’s silence was deafening. The Chronicle’s parent company, Oklahoma Christian University, had Quail Springs’ preacher, Mark Henderson, as a chapel speaker on Monday, February 2, 2007, less than a week after he and the Quail Springs elders made their announcement to add mechanical instruments to their worship (www.quailchurch.com) but there was nary a peep about mechanical instruments where Henderson preaches.

Neither Chronicle Editor, Lynn McMillon, nor Oklahoma Christian University President Mike O’Neal will take public issue with Quail Springs’ decision, which is, itself, public on the worldwide web, and although it’s been six months since Quail Springs made their announcement on January 28, 2007, Chronicle readers still haven’t heard that tree fall in the forest. Oh, by the way, Rick Atchley was also a chapel speaker at Oklahoma Christian University in the fall of 2006.

Jerry Brewer

Here is a very telling note from a Chronicle reader in response “Nation’s Largest Church of Christ Adding Instrumental Service”.

Here is a very telling note from Mike in response to the Richland Hills article:
“Way to go Richland Hills!!! We did this in Feb. of 2005. In 2006 we moved the service to Sunday nights.”

The Catholic Church is...

2007-07-14T18:12:00.000-05:00

RIGHT:

Jesus built and established but one church (Mat. 16:18; cf. Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23).
Denominations are not a part of the true church (Col. 1:18; 1 Cor. 1:10).

WRONG:

The Catholic Church is the result of an apostasy from the that one church (1 Tim. 4:1-4).
The Catholic Church is their own source of authority (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Col. 3:17).
The Catholic Church worships through Mary, Peter, etc., (Mat. 4:10; Acts 10:26).
The Catholic Church has a hierarchy system (Phi. 1:1; 1 Pet. 5:1-5).
The Catholic Church baptizes babies (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38).
The Catholic Church teaches Adamic sin (Mat. 18:1-6; Eze. 18:4, 20).
The Catholic preist recieves confession in place of God (1 Jho. 1:7-10; Jas. 5:16).

"Marking the word of God of none effect thorugh your traditions, which ye have delivered:and many such like things do ye" - Mark 7:13

WHAT LIBERALS REFUSE...

2007-06-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

Liberals refuse to appeal to God's book for the answers (Mark 7:3).

Liberals refuse to appeal to apostolic tradition for the answers (2 The. 2:15).

Liberals refuse to appeal to apostolic doctrine for the answers (Acts 2:42).

Liberals refuse to give answer to those who ask of the hope that is in them with meekness and fear (1 Pet. 3:15).

Liberals refuse to dispute with people about the word of God (Acts 17:17).

Liberals refuse to speak boldly in the Lord (Acts 14:1-4).

When confronted, they resort to mockery (Acts 2:13); intimidation (Acts 17:5); assaults (v. 5); lies (vv. 6-7); and improper judgments (Mat. 7:1-4) rather than discussion and debate (Acts 17:2-3).

FOR EXAMPLE... We have consistently asked of our detractors to produce one item that the churches of Christ bind that is a tradition of men. We would also ask for one man among them to meet in a four night public discussion upon that subject. Now is the time to put up...!

~ rick

From Bling, Bling, to Bang, Bang

2007-06-13T13:23:00.000-05:00

A team of twelve adult workers from Lindsay, Oklahoma met up with a team of twenty-four adult workers from Martinsville, Virginia and turned southwestern Virginia and northwestern North Carolina upside down. We knocked over 5,000 doors and set up about forty Bible studies wherein six baptisms resulted thus far. There are six more that are on the verge of responding including a man whose father and brother are both Pentecostal preachers. Brant and Rick preached over fifty-one hours in just over a week’s time, which included local church services, tent meeting and television time.

We had our lives threatened from an Apostolic “bishop’s” family at least three times (cf. Acts 17:5; 2 tim. 4:14; Acts 19:21-41). This man and his family were nothing but thugs living off the back of widows. The television station went on lock down and three cars of deputy sheriff’s officers had to be called to detain members of the “bishop’s” family. This man drives a Bentley Rolls Royce while requiring the widow’s in his church to give him tithes. His wife threatened us with a .38 while his daughter came to the studio for a showdown to shutdown “Johnny and his posse.” One of his daughters told us that her father “knew a lot of unsaved people in the community who knew where the tent was, so we had better walk softly.” During the mist of all this one of his flock was baptized at 3:00 AM that same morning. The tables turned on these denominational preachers over their “bling, bling – bang, bang” and we had twenty-eight sets of DVD’s requested of the tent meeting and television program in just two days from callers. Each night at the tent meeting we had from eleven to sixteen nonmembers as visitors.

Pray for this good work and your new brethren in Christ that they keep faith and be able to withstand the devil and his workers. All this comes on the heels of a very sucessful campaign in Ardmore, Oklahoma and the planning of another one in Palestine, Texas. More to come in the next Reflections publication which is soon to be published.

Your Child Deserves...

2007-05-21T15:04:00.000-05:00

10 Suggestions for a Better Marriage

2007-05-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

Never consider divorce as an option (Gen. 2:18-24; Mat. 19:1-9).

Learn to forgive & forget (Col. 3:13).

Do not be hypercritical (Pro. 19:11; 1 Cor. 13:5, ASV).

Learn to communicate (Jas. 1:19; Pro. 18:13).

Keep outsiders outside (Mat. 5:28).

Learn to trust (Pro. 19:20).

Do not compare your mate to others (2 Cor. 10:12).

Give positive reinforcement (Pro. 12:25).

Pray for your marriage (Phi. 4:6).

Center your marriage on the Bible (Psa. 119:105).

(Modified from an artice by Dan Flournoy)

God's Mercy Poured Out

2007-04-17T18:01:00.000-05:00

"I want to extend my deepest, sincerest, and most profound sympathies to the families of these victims ..."

-- Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger

I am sure that all who read this will have read, heard, or even seen the tradegy of Virginia Tech on Monday, April 16 2007 and like me did so with affright, abhorrence and anathema. We extend, with Mr. Steger, not only our sympathies but our prayers rise to the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3) and the Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Eph. 4:6) give you aid in this hour of need.

~ rick (for the staff of Reflections)

"Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast" (Psa. 57:1).

The Prayer of a Righteous Woman Availeth Much

2007-01-31T14:27:00.000-06:00

[Note: because of the questions and discussion on the former post, I thought that this article might serve to help in the area of prayer, providence and miracles ~rlp].

She was a godly woman as far as the scriptures say, and she was married to a godly man. But like her forebear, Sarai, she went for many years without bearing any children for her beloved Elkanah.

Some have recently called upon the story of Hannah as evidence or proof that God works supernatural deeds today. Never mind the fact that the events of 1 Samuel 1 occurred during the days that God admittedly worked through supernatural acts, are the events recorded about the conception and birth of Samuel examples of God's supernatural intervention in human affairs? Regarding most of the events detailed the answer to this question is no.

The story of Hannah should encourage every faithful child of God to fervently pray for God's blessings, but it does not teach that God always answers prayers supernaturally. In fact it teaches the opposite view: God's answers to prayers are usually (today always) answered by His working through the natural laws He ordained at the beginning of time.

Samuel records the events that led up to his birth in the first chapter of 1 Samuel. Hannah was one of Elkanah's two wives. The other wife, Peninnah, had no difficulty bearing children for her husband, but despite Elkanah's greater love for Hannah, she bore him none.

Samuel writes that "the Lord had shut up her womb" (1 Sam. 1:5). We do not know if this means that the Lord specifically caused Hannah to be barren, or (more likely) if it simply means that God allowed her to be so (cf. Job 2:3). Whatever the proper interpretation, however, there is no reason to assume that God employed supernatural power to cause her to be without child. The scriptures often describe things done by the Lord that must be accomplished through natural means (Acts 16:14).

During one of her annual pilgrimages to Shiloh to worship with her husband, Hannah bowed herself in fervent prayer to God that He might grant her request for a son. Eli, the high priest and judge over Israel at the time, at first thought she was drunken and rebuked her, but when he learned her true state of mind, he proclaimed, "Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of Him" (v. 17).

This grant gave Hannah peace after many long years of concern, so she was no longer sad. Though it would still be a little while before Samuel was conceived, and even longer before she had any physical evidence of that conception, she believed the words of Eli, and was comforted (v. 18).

Next we read that "Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her" (v. 19). Then, just as Eli said, "when the time was come about after Hannah conceived," Samuel was born to the faithful woman who prayed a fervent prayer.

Now, just what events in this story give evidence of God working supernaturally? Must God work a miracle to answer her prayer?

As mentioned above there is no reason to believe that it was supernatural that Hannah's womb was closed for so many years. Many women have gone without the ability to have children, and there are commonly recognized natural reasons for such to occur.

Was Hannah's prayer endued with supernatural power? Surely not! The prayer she offered differed little from prayers we might hear ordinarily every day.

How about Samuel's conception; was it supernatural? Not according to the text—it occurred in the ordinary way when Elkanah and Hannah shared the marriage bed. But someone might say that in Hannah's case it must have been supernatural, because she had gone so long without the ability before. There are thousands of documented cases, however, where this occurs naturally today. There is no reason to assume a supernatural event, and since the presumption is always in favor of natural law, we should not assume anything other than that.

Was there anything supernatural about Samuel's gestation? Again the answer is no. Samuel was born "when the time was come about" just as every other healthy human child is born.

The only supernatural act that occurred in this story in as far as the record is concerned is the pronouncement of Eli that Hannah's prayer had been granted even before Samuel was conceived. How was it that Eli could know this? Only by the supernatural (miraculous) power of God that worked within him.

All of the other events occurred in complete conformity with nature's laws.
What does this mean fohe knowledge that God can and does work within the laws of nature to answer our prayers. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man [… or woman] availeth much" (Jas. 5:16).

~ Gil Yoder http://www.letusreason.com/

Anvil Sparks

2006-11-02T14:41:00.000-06:00

THE ANVIL AND THE HAMMERS

Last eve I paused beside the blacksmith's door,
And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime.
Then looking in, I saw on the floor,
Old hammers worn out with beating years of time.

"How many anvils have you had," said I,
"To wear and batter all these hammers so?"
"Just one," said he, and then with twinkling eye,
"The anvil wears the hammers out, you know."

"And so" I thought, "The anvil of God's word
for ages skeptic blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard,
The anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone."

John Clifford

A FEW ANVIL SPARKS

"It is hard to find a Scriptural way to do an unscriptural thing."

"Some one said to a church, 'Nothing is so small but that you can have trouble over it if you want to, and no trouble is so large but that it can be settled if you want to.'"

"If Absalom were living today, he would be in great demand, for he was a great mixer in the kingdom."

"In chruches, as in nations, peace at any price generally results in war at any cost."

Notes taken from Doctrinal Discourses by R.L. Whiteside

The Christian Mindset

2006-10-13T16:14:00.000-05:00

The pristine book of Philippians is so much more than just an inspired thank-you note from the apostle to his brethren it is a treaties for troubled brethren on how to get along with one another in spite of the many difficulties that may lie in the way.

The Christian Mind is a...

Focused Mind Undaunted by Unfavorable Events (1:21)
Relinquished Mind Delighting in Esteeming Others (2:3-4)
Spiritual Mind Properly Perceiving Earthly Things (3:19-20)
Restrained Mind Appealing in Anxiety (4:6-7)

Thank God that He has provided us with all things that pertain to life and godliness that we might be able to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (2 Pet. 1:3; Phi. 2:15-16).

~ rick

Study Habits Essentials

2006-10-06T13:45:00.000-05:00

Having a senior in high school necessitates changing your reading taste. Recently, I was reading an article by Veronica Toney by this same title which appeared in the fall issue of College Outlook Magazine. These are three essentials that I use in my own personal Bible study. I also have a specific lesson in my teacher training course that involves the teacher's personal Bible study. You cannot teach what you do not know. You might be able to use these suggestions to help in your own successful study.

“The key to successful studying is consistency. Location, timing and frequency all promote learning...”

Habitat Habit
“Environment has a big impact on learning” Find you a place that is conducive to learning. In the middle of a busy restaurant is probably not the best place for serious study. “Studying at the same time everyday will help increase retention. Soon the brain will get the message that this time is learning time.” Humans are creatures of habit and habit when full grown becomes character.

Distraction Subtraction
“Distractions not only come from environment, but also from you. Wandering minds, boredom and homework overlook can all add hours to the study process.” Too many distractions are the very reason why the busy restaurant is not the best place for serious study. A quite place designed for study may be your best bet when it comes to study time. When you study, let people know that you do not what to be disturbed unless it is an emergency.

Boredom Forum
“The saying ‘two heads are better than one’ applies to studying. Studying in groups helps connect the dots. Putting multiple people’s notes together will give you a more compete reference guide.”

“The more you understand, the less you have to remember.” Craig A. McCraw

~ rick

Biblical Role Models

2006-09-28T15:40:00.000-05:00

Here is a short list of men and women that God considered worthy to follow - but only as they followed the path of righteousness. Consider the words of the inspired apostle Paul "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1).

Abigail, woman of tact & poise (1 Sam. 25)
Abraham, the friend of God (Jas. 2:23)
Barnabas, the great encourager (Acts 4:36)
Caleb, mountain climber (Jos. 14:12)
Deborah, the fearless patriot (Jdg. 4-5)
Daniel, the lion tamer (Dan. 6:22)
David, man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22)
Dorcus, the Christian philanthropist (Acts 9:36-43)
Elizabeth, the priestly mother (Luke 1:6)
Enoch, who walked with God (Gen. 5:22)
Epaphroditus, a man of reputation (Phi. 2:29)
Esther, the providential princess (Esther 4:14)
Ezekiel, a man with a strong forehead (Eze. 3:8)
Haggai, the old man whose time was now (Hag. 1:4)
Isaiah, the gospel statesman (Isa 53)
Jeremiah, the languishing over sin (Lam. 1:16; 2:8)
Jethro, the preeminent father-in-law (Exo. 18)
Job, the patient patriarch (Jas. 5:11)
John, the disciple whom Jesus loved (Jho. 21:20)
Joseph, a lad of dreams (Gen. 37; 41)
Joseph, a man who obeyed dreams (Mat. 1:24; 2:13-14, 19-21, 22)
Joshua, a decisive conqueror (Jos. 24:15)
Lois & Eunice, Christian professors (2 Tim. 1:5; ;3:14-15)
Lydia, an hospitable business women (Acts 16:12-15, 40)
Mary, the magnificent (Luke 1:28)
Moses, the meek Num. 12:3)
Nehemiah, the builder of God's wall (Neh. 6:15)
Noah, true grit (2 Pet. 2:5)
Paul, that passionate apostle (Phi. 3:6; Gal. 1:14)
Peter, from shifting sand to solid rock (2 Pet. 1:10)
Timothy, a likeminded young man (Phi. 2:20)

~ rick

Powerful Peer Pressure

2006-09-22T22:23:00.000-05:00

As in anything there are two sides to the provable coin regarding peer pressure: negative and positive.

First, negative peer pressure is wherein any person or group of persons would influence you to do something God forbad, or not do something God has enjoined. Many examples of negative peer pressure could be given, nevertheless allow these to suffice:

God Forbad:

Hebrew Midwives (Exo. 1:17)
Abraham (Gen. 20:9-11)
Shadrach, Meshach & Abed-nego (Dan. 3:19)

God Enjoined:

Jeremiah (Jer. 36:23; 37:15; 38:28)
Daniel (Dan. 6:4-9)
Apostles (Acts 4-5)

Second, positive peer pressure is wherein any person or group of persons would influence you to do something God enjoined or not to do something which God forbad. One receives this influence today from friends, television, music, movies, co-workers, classmates, etc.. Again, many examples of positive peer pressure could be given, nevertheless allow these to suffice:

God Forbad:

Ananais & Sapphire (Acts 5:1-11)
Apostle Paul (1 Cor. 4:20-21; 9:12, 23)

God Enjoined:

Aquila & Priscilla (Acts 18:24-26)
Apostle Paul (First & Second Timothy)

Third, God's Word addresses the topic of overcoming negative peer pressure. Here are just a few good principles to live by:

Love not the world (1 Jho. 2:15-17);
Set your priorities (Col. 3:1-2);
Be Christ like (2 Pet. 2:21);
Be involved in the work (Jas. 1:22-25);
Study the Scripture (Acts 17:11);
Make Heaven your goal (Phi. 1:21-23);
Be transformed (Rom. 12:1-2);
Be steadfast, unmoveable (1 Cor. 15:58);
Take heed to God's Word (Psa. 119:9);
Let the Word dwell within (Psa. 119:11);
Follow after godly role models (more to come later):

Fourth, God's Word informs the church how to exert positive peer pressure.

Personal Transgressors (Mat. 18:15-17)
False Teachers (Rom. 16:17-18)
Immoral Individuals (1 Cor. 5:1-13)
Disorderly Walkers (1 The. 5:14; 2 The. 3:6)
Heretics (Tit. 3:10-11)

"O Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;... Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindenss of the Lord" (Psa. 107:1-2, 43). May the redeemed also understand that what God forbids and enjoins is for our benefit.

~rick

Biblical Sexology

2006-09-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

DISCLAIMER:

If you are sensitivity to indecorous language, please do not read. The very fact that this is a specialized religious seminar is vulgar in nature.

Joe Beam, a self-proclaimed ecstasy expert, is coming to the Oklahoma City area to teach the men of Oklahoma how to fulfill their wife's sexual ecstasy, according to the flyer sent out by the Del City Church of Christ.

Notes from the flyer...

“Too many Christians are miserable in their sex lives because they don't understand the freedom God has given. From God's Word, I show Christians how to have fun, exciting, and fulfilling life of romance and sexual ecstasy.”

“In the popular session on sex Joe not only reveals truths from the Bible that will change your SEX life overnight, but he also answers the most common questions about sex Christians ask.”

Send me your thoughts.

~ rick

Hermeneutics 101

2006-09-08T10:33:00.000-05:00

What Does This Traffic Sign Mean?

Left Turn Permitted
Right Turn Permitted
Straight Only - all other directions forbidden.

(Just in case you are wondering, the answer is #3. Striaght Only - all other directions forbidden)

If you drove your car the way you interpret the Bible, would you be arrested?

National Ethics

2006-09-01T10:54:00.000-05:00

National ethics affects national existence and the quality of life therein. This great principle clearly underlies the three key messages of the book of Judges:

“In those days there was not king in Israel” (17:6; 21:25). Not even the Lord - “The LORD shall reign for ever and ever” (Exo. 15:18).
“The children of Israel did that which is evil in the sight of the Lord” (2:11; 3:7; 4:1; 6:1; 10:6, 10; 13:1).
“[E]very man did that which was right in his own eyes” (17:6; 21:25).

Social commentators such as Robert Bork (Slouching Towards Gomorrah, 1996), Thomas Sowell (A Conflict of Visions, 2002) and William Bennett (The De-Valuing of America, 1992), have plead with the American people to understand their fate. "Americans now place less value on what we owe others as a matter of moral obligation; less value on sacrifice as a moral good, on social conformity, respectability, and observing the rules; less value on correctness and restraint in matters of physical pleasure and sexuality - and correlatively greater value on things like self-expression, individualism, self-realization, and personal choice." (Bennett, The Children, What to Do About..., p. 5).

Immorality breeds selfishness and selfishness in turn breads a greater yield of immorality, both working like twins feeding off of each other. No nation, regardless of its military or system of government can survive the moral demise of its own people. Consider these warnings:

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro. 16:18).
“When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Pro. 11:2).
“Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility” (Pro. 18:12).
“The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee” (Oba. 1:3).
“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Pro. 13:34).

Positive Prayer Practices

2006-08-25T10:53:00.000-05:00

Pray with...

Anticipation (Mat. 9:28);
The condition of looking forward to something, especially with eagerness (cf. Rom. 8:24).

Awareness (Mat. 26:41);
The condition of being aware (i.e., having knowledge or cognizance: Archaic. Vigilant; watchful; cf. 1 Pet. 5:8; Eph. 5:15).

Amnesty (Mark 11:25-26);
The act or an instance of forgiving (cf. Rom. 1:31; Mat. 5:7; Luke 6:36; Mat. 18:23-35).

Allegiance (Luke 18:1);
Loyalty or the obligation of loyalty, as to a nation, sovereign, or cause (cf. Jonah 2:7; Gal. 6:9; Heb. 12:1-5).

Assurance (Phi. 4:6-7);
The fact or condition of being without doubt (cf. Heb. 10:38-39).

Availing (Jas. 5:15-20).
To be strong in body, to be robust, to be in sound health; to be able.
Our God is able (Eph. 3:20; 2 Chr. 25:9; Jer. 32:17, 27; Dan. 3:17; 6:20; Mat. 3:9; Rom. 4:21; Heb. 7:25; 11:19; Jas. 4:12; Jude 24)

Negative Prayer Principles

2006-08-18T12:41:00.000-05:00

Pray without...

Prejudice (Mat. 5:43-48);
The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions (cf. Jas. 2:1-4, 8-9).

Pomp (Mat. 6:5-15);
Vain or ostentatious display (cf. 2 Kgs. 5:11).

Pride (Luke 18:9-14);
A regarding of oneself with undue favor (cf. Rom. 12:3).

Pretence (Mat. 23:14);
The act of pretending; a false appearance or action intended to deceive (cf. Gal. 2:12-13; literally, “pretend together”)

Pause (Jas. 1:5-8);
To cease or suspend an action temporarily (cf. Num. 13:26-33).

"Meet" God in Prayer

2006-08-11T08:32:00.000-05:00

Jesus prayed...

Morning - Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

Evening - Matthew 14:23 "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone."

Events - Matthew 9:36-38 "But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest."

Troubled times - Matthew 26:36 "Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder."
Matthew 27:46 "And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Following Jesus' Steps

2006-08-04T11:19:00.000-05:00

The scriptures admonish all men to follow in the footsteps of Jesus:

1 Peter 2:21 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

1 John 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

1 John 3:16 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

May we "go and do thou likewise" - Luke 10:37

A Wealthy Man's Walk

2006-07-31T16:43:00.000-05:00

Tennessee Walkers and the Lippizaner horses are famous for their high steps and beautiful walking techniques. Like these beautiful world-renown horses, men are known by their walk as well. For example, in the epistle of Ephesians, the grand apostle to the Gentiles reflects upon the Christian's "eternal vocation" writes G. Campbell Morgan in his volume, "The Analyzed Bible". A simple outline of this of book is remembered by using the words wealth and walking. Wealth describes the blessing we have in Christ (chapters 1-3). Walking denotes our duties (chapters 4-6).

The Following is a list of different New Testmant walkers:

Faith walkers (Rom. 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:7);
New-Life walkers (Rom. 6:4);
Spiritual walkers (Rom. 8:1, 4; Gal. 5:16, 25; 2 Pet. 2:10);
Honest walkers(Rom. 13:13; 1 The. 4:12);
Manly walkers (1 Cor. 3:3; 16:13);
AT&T walkers (1 Cor. 7:17);
God-walking-in-us walkers (2 Cor. 6:16);
In-the-flesh walkers (2 Cor. 10:3);
Rule/Pattern walkers (Gal. 6:16; Phi. 3:16; 1 The. 4:1; 2 Jho. 6);
Good-works walkers (Eph. 2:10);
Worthy walkers (Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1 The. 2:12; Rev. 3:4);
Anti-Gentile walkers (Eph. 4:17);
Lovely walkers (Eph. 5:2);
Luminescent walkers (Eph. 5:8; 1 Jho. 1:7; Rev. 21:24);
Nocturnal walkers (1 Jho. 1:6);
Hawk-eyed walkers (Eph. 5:15);
In-Christ walkers (Col. 2:6);
Wise walkers (Col. 4:5);
Disorderly walkers (2 The. 3:11);
Evan-as-He-walked walkers (1 Jho. 2:6);
Truth walkers (3 Jho. 4);
Lustful walkers (Jude 17);
Idolatrous walkers (Rev. 9:20);
Shameful walkers (Rev. 16:15).

How has your walk been lately?

Graduation

2006-05-16T05:02:00.000-05:00

As graduates receive the final accolades of their collegiate or high school years, there is always plenty of advice to go around. Advice from old sages to modern hip hop; practical to visionary; corporate to country; spiritual to physical; subjective to objective; simple to complex. So much advice one might ask why the need to publish anything else in this field. This is nothing new, simply a reminder of that which has driven nations since the beginning.

Consider the advice given by one teacher to his student:

Let no man despise thy youth (1 Tim. 4:12);
Neglect not the gift that is in thee ( 1 Tim. 4:14);
Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Tim. 6:11);
Fight the good fight of faith (1 Tim. 6:12);
Keep what has been committed to thy trust (1 Tim. 6:20);
Be not ashamed of the testimony of the Lord (2 Tim. 1:8);
Hold fast the form of sound words (2 Tim. 1:13);
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus ( 2 Tim. 2:1);
Endure hardship (2 Tim. 2:3);
Strive lawfully (2 Tim. 2:4);
Study to show thyself approved (2 Tim. 2:15a);
Rightly divide the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15b);
Flee youthful lust (2 Tim. 2:22a);
Follow after righteousness, faith, charity, peace (2 Tim. 2:22b);
Do not strive but be gentle (2 Tim. 2:24);
Continue in the things that thou hast learned (2 Tim. 3:14).

Rather than seeking to "be like Mike" why not be like Jesus:

Jesus increased in wisdom - He developed intellectually;
Jesus increased in stature - He developed physically;
Jesus increased in favor with God - He developed spiritually;
Jesus increased in favor with man - He developed socially.

You cannot walk in the steps of Jesus (1 Pet. 2:21; Jho. 13:15; Eph. 5:2; 1 Jho. 2:6) unless you continue to grow (2 Pet. 3:18). Following after this kind of advice will take you well beyond the stars.

-rick popejoy

Daniel & the God of Gods

2006-05-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

(A brief outline of Daniel 1-6)

Daniel’s God is a God of...

Intervention (1);
Revelation (2);
Salvation (3-4);
Vindication (5-6);

In his book Thy Kingdom Come, Rushdoony has a chapter entitled “The Offense of Daniel.” Here Rushdoony explains why Daniel is “one of the most explosive books in all human history.” This book assumes at every point a philosophy of history which is the antithesis of every opinion held by modern man. Rushdoony sets forth five particulars in which modern man would take exception to Daniel. First, Daniel underscores the Biblical concept of God. Daniel’s God is totally self-sufficient, omniscient, and omnipotent. He is willing and able infallibly to reveal future events. He is far above anything man is or could ever hope to be. Second, Daniel sets forth unvarnished predictive prophecy—blunt, unmistakable, confident and specific. The God of Daniel uses history and is not used by it. Third, Daniel unapologetically narrates miraculous events. Fourth, Daniel asserts the total government of God. Modern man prefers the anarchy of chance and a god who can be manipulated. Fifth, Daniel reveals the fundamental discrimination which exists within the human race between the saved and the lost.

James E. Smith, The Old Testament Survey Series: The Major Prophets

Does It Really Matter?

2006-05-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

Throughout my twenty-two years of preaching I have had occasion to hear people say, in effect, “It really does not matter what you believe.” Of course, the religious world has long held to the belief that as long as a person is sincere about his religion it does not matter what he believes.

Yet, how many lives have been devastated by, “I didn't think that the gun was loaded, but it was” or “I thought no one was listening, but they were” and “I thought no one would ever find out, but they did.” A hard lesson for some: it does matter what you believe!

The following are some biblical examples for our personal study: Eve believed Satan’s lie but God had plainly said, “...of the tree...thou shalt not eat of it.” (Gen. 3:4-6; 16-19). Jacob believed Joseph was dead (Gen. 37:32-35). Job’s friends believed that bad things happen to bad people they sought to convince Job he had sinned - they were convinced of it (Job 4:7-9; Luke 13:1-5). The young prophet believed the old prophet’s lie (1 Kgs. 13:17-19). Naaman believed Syrian rivers were better than the Jordan (2 Kgs. 5:10-12). It mattered what the disciples believed about Jesus (Mat. 16:13-15). It mattered what Saul of Tarsus believed about Jesus (Acts 23:1).

It does matter what you believe! “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith...” (2 Cor. 13:5).

Modified from sermon by Cecil Hutson

"Ye Should Follow His Steps"

2006-05-01T21:45:00.000-05:00

1 Peter 2:21 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Ephesians 5:1-2 “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

Philippians 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”

1 John 2:6 “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

1 John 3:16 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Rick Popejoy

Making Lists

2006-04-06T20:57:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, I heard a man teach a group of Christian college students that we (members of the Lord's church) have too many "lists." He said this as he was introducing a lesson wherein he derided the idea that there are specific, God-appointed acts of worship. Accordingly, after suggesting that we throw our lists into the fireplace, he went on to promote the notion that all of life is worship.

When he finally brought his tirade to a conclusion, he opened the floor for discussion. I quickly raised my hand and when called on, I asked how he would respond to a person who posed the question, "What must I do to be saved?" He stumbled over his words for a moment, then finally said, "I would first tell him that he needed to have faith." I immediately spoke up and said, "You just started a list--you even used the word 'first.'" He stumbled over several other words, changed the subject, and never admitted his inconsistency.

The fact is, lists can be good. They help us organize our thoughts, develop our plans, and accomplish our goals. They help simplify things. The next time you're in a grocery store, go to the magazine rack and look at the covers of the publications. I guarantee that you'll see dozens of magazines with article titles like, "50 Ways to Lose 10 Pounds," "25 Decorating Ideas," "15 Steps to Lower Stress," and "125 Suggestions for Writing List Articles." Apparently, members of the church of Christ are not the only ones who appreciate and benefit from lists.

In light of this no-brainer observation, consider that Jesus Himself alluded to the practice of list-making when He said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33). The term "first" implies that at least a "second" exists. We know, of course, that numerous pursuits in life exist beyond the "second." The point, however, is that God is to be on the top of the Christian's "list." While we might seek after hundreds of other things in this realm, God gets first place. If your list begins with anything else, only then would I agree with the man I heard a few years ago--throw it in the fireplace!

--Preston Silcox

Recipe for Unity

2006-03-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

Although religious groups differ on many things, on one thing we can agree – religious division exists. Regardless of why it exists, it needs to be destroyed. The denominational world has attempted to address it simply by accepting it. This is often called unity in diversity, and is an oxymoron in the religious world. True unity cannot exist through a multiplicity of religious beliefs, as evidenced by “Christendom” today.

Religious division is sin. Jesus earnestly prayed for unity among his believers (John 17:11, 20-23). The New Testament is replete with commands to be like-minded (Phil 2:2-4; 3:16; 1 Pet 3:8, et. al.). Paul made it crystal clear in 1 Cor 1:10 – “I beseech you…that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Is this unity even possible? Is there really any way to mend the religious discord? God would not give us these commands if they were impossible to obey. All things are possible with God, but this requires complete reliance on and obedience to Him. So, how do we achieve this unity?

The first step might be the hardest – try! We must be willing to study God’s Word together. Until we drop opinions and rely on the Bible, we’ll never get anywhere. Second, we must have the “right” attitude. If we stop trying to be “right” and let God be right, we’ll see progress. Third, recognize the Bible for what it is – our complete and only authority in matters of life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Tim 3:16-17). God has promised us that His Scriptures will thoroughly equip the man of God for every good work. Finally, understanding this, we absolutely must recognize the truth of 1 Peter 4:11 – “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God.” If everyone who wants to follow God would do this, not only would religious unity be possible, it is guaranteed (1 John 1:7 – “if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another…”).

What are the dangers of ignoring this biblical recipe? First, those who claim to be Christians, yet have never obeyed the gospel plan of salvation, will remain lost. Second, all other lost souls will remain lost. Finally, Christians who refuse to evangelize will be lost (James 4:17).

This is a very simple recipe. Some might even call it Pollyannaish. But I challenge all those who claim the name of Christ to try it and see. Take a moment and imagine the effects true Christianity could have on this nation if all those who claim to be Christ’s followers would unite on the Bible only. This is the restoration plea!

by David Ray

Episcopal Church Issue Not a "Gay" Issue

2006-03-03T11:53:00.000-06:00

The issue that the Episcopal Church is struggling with is the natural result of a deeper and more prevalent problem in “Christendom”, that of a lack of respect for Bible authority. When one denies the source of spiritual blessings the logical outcome will be a man made denomination that seeks to be guided by man made principles. The Episcopal Church long ago left the Bible as its sole authority in matters pertaining to life and godliness and began to teach that men may do whatever is not forbidden in Scripture. Rather, the New Testament teaches the principle that we may only do those things that are enjoined upon us by God (cf. 1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 3:16).

If men would go back to and ask for the “old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein” they would discover rest for their souls (cf. Jer. 6:16). It is because so many calling themselves Christians refuse to go back to the Bible that “Christendom” resembles a barren land. Most denominations today cannot be called churches any longer because they have become nothing more than social clubs pandering to the will of the elite or the majority. Rather than seeking God’s good graces they put their finger to the wind to determine their doctrine. In the realm of eternity there is really no difference between homosexuality and fornication; adultery; instrumental music; not partaking of the Lord’s Supper each week; or interchanging sprinkling for baptism. Homosexuality is not a “gay” issue, it is an authority issue! God made one women for Adam in the beginning and He joined them in holy matrimony for a lifetime. Anything else is sin.

Rick Popejoy

God's Grace Will Cover It

2006-02-22T14:37:00.000-06:00

God’s grace is an amazing thing. Never has anyone forgiven more than what God has forgiven, and continues to forgive, in spite of the continued sinning of each person whom He’s forgiven. Millions of people on a daily basis break God’s law, sinning against their Creator and the one who loves them more than anyone ever could. Yet His forgiveness still awaits each one of us.

“God’s grace will cover it” is a phrase I’ve heard many times in my life from people in and out of the church. This phrase actually reflects a promise from God. But like all of God’s promises, it comes with conditions. One must first be a Christian in order to taste the fruit of this promise. If a person has never obeyed the gospel plan of salvation, their sins are still with them and God’s grace will not cover it. Sadly, many today apply this phrase, “God’s grace will cover it,” to the plan of salvation itself. When presented the truth from God’s Word about how to become a Christian and have their sins forgiven, they recognize a clear difference between this Biblical plan and the actions they took in order to “be saved.” When encouraged, in love, to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins, being added to Christ’s one church, they balk. They claim that it doesn’t matter; that God’s grace will cover it.

Friends, God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son for it (John 3:16). That same Son is the only way, truth, and life, and in order to come to the Father, it must be by Him (John 14:6). It must be on His terms. A part of those terms is that we must believe and be baptized (immersed; cf. Mark 16:16) for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). If any part of this plan is altered, then it is not God’s plan and therefore cannot save. If a person believes his sins were forgiven at any time other than at baptism, then what was the reason for his baptism? It could not have been for forgiveness of sins, and therefore was not the “one baptism” of the New Testament (Eph. 4:5). He is still in his sins.

God has provided a plan for us to follow in order to receive His grace. We didn’t earn it, but we must follow it. If we reject it, add to it, or subtract from it, we cannot receive grace. Make no mistake about it, God’s grace does not cover rejection of His grace. If you alter his plan of salvation, His grace will not cover you. Jesus will return with His angels, “taking vengeance on them that…obey not the gospel” (2 The. 1:8). We earnestly plead with everyone to accept Jesus Christ on His terms, thereby allowing His grace to save you.

submitted by:
David Ray

The Third man

2006-01-26T20:11:00.000-06:00

Last night I dreamed I took a walk
Up Calvary's lonely hill.
The things I saw with my own eyes
Could not have been more real.
I saw upon three crosses
Three men in agony;
Two cried out for mercy;
The third man looked at me.
And, Oh, the hurt in the Man's eyes
Just broke my heart in two.
It seemed that I could hear Him say,
"I'm doing this for you."
I knelt beneath the third man's cross
And slowly bowed my head.
I reached out to touch His feet,
They stained my hand with red.
And when I heard Him cry in pain,
I raised by eyes to see.
The blood spill from the third man's side
And some of it spilled on me.
And there among the mighty crowd
The ones who mocked Him cried,
"King, save thyself, if thou art King."
And then the third man died.
Suddenly I heard the thunder roar,
I saw the ligtning pierce the sky.
The third man was still hanging there;
And I began to cry.
I saw the darkness fall;
I heard the breaking of the ground.
Then I awoke, and though I had dreamed,
I touched by cheek and found.
My eyes were wet where I had cried,
A dream? I wish I knew.
Yes, I can still hear Him say,
"I'm doing this for you."

by request from Tom Wacaster
Author Unknown

50 Things A Christian Can Do

2006-01-16T14:47:00.000-06:00

Someone may be asking, "What can I do in the church?" Here is a list of 50 things to start out with, if you still have time left over or need further direction we can add another 150 things to the list. Here are some simple, yet practical areas you may be able to help in:

Study your Bible
Worship Sunday Morning
Worship Sunday Evening
Attend Bible Study Sunday Morning
Attend Bible Study Wednesday Evening
Teach a Bible Class
Assist in a Bible Class
Bring Children to Bible Class
Visit Shut-ins
Visit memebrs in the hospital
Visit non-members in the hospital
Visit old members
Visit new members
Visit newcomers to the community
Visit in the prisons
Distribute tracks to hospitals
Distrubites tracks to your friends
Distribute tracts to your neighbors
Do Bible Correspondence Courses
Grade Bible Correspondence Courses
Do daily Bible reading
Give to the Lord's work more
Conduct home Bible studies
Pray daily
Distrubite clothing to needy
Greet visitors at worship services
Be an active worshipper
Donate a book to the church library
Support gospel meetings in your area
Invite people to attend services
Provide transportation to serives
Provide transportation at other times
Write a missionary
Collect toys for needy children
Call those who are absent from worship
Have the youth in your home
Have the elders in your home
Have the deacons in your home
Have the preacher in your home
Take flowers to people who are sick
Take food to people in need
Baby sit for a working family
Prepare food to bereaved
Show interest in children
Prepare material for teachers
Maintain baptistery clothing
Help at funerals
Do office work
Help church secretary
Help the preacher

NOTE: This is not a works based salvation but these works should come from our love, care, and concerns for souls. These are things not in any particular order but just beginning is important. Once you begin to work on these things you will be suprised how little time you really have to think of self.

David Dugan

WHAT THEN?

2005-12-30T11:27:00.000-06:00

When the great plants of our cities

Have turned out their last finished work;

When our merchants have sold their last yard of silk

And dismissed the last tired clerk;

When our banks have raked in their last dollar

And paid the last dividend;

When the Judge of all the earth says,

"Closed for the night,"

And ask for a balance - WHAT THEN?

When the choir has sung its last anthem,

And when the preacher has made his last prayer;

When the people have heard their last sermon,

And the sound has died out in the air;

When the Bible lies closed on the pulpit,

And the pews are all empty of men,

When each one stands facing his record,

And the great book is opened - WHAT THEN?

When the actors have played their last drama,

And the mimic has made his last fun;

When the film has flashed its last picture,

And the billboard displayed its last run;

When the crowds, seeking pleasure, have vanished,

And gone out in the darkness again;

When the trumpet of ages have sounded,

And we stand up before Him - WHAT THEN?

When the bugle's call sinks into silence,

And the long marching columns stand still;

When the captain repeats his last order,

And they've captured the last fort and hill;

When the flag has been hauled from the masthead,

And the wounded afield checked in,

And the world that rejected its Savior

Is asked for a reason - WHAT THEN?

-
When the Christian has finished his journey,
And his hands lay folded in rest;
When his soul is returned to the Master
Who demanded we give Him our best.
And with sorrow we hear the sad message,
"Depart for you cannot come in,
For you failed to help spread the gospel,
And left it to others" – WHAT THEN?

Last verse added by Tom Wacaster
"The Songs & Devotions of David"
Volume 3, pp. 24-25

A Weak Christian

2005-12-21T18:01:00.000-06:00

Weakness rarely receives praise, regardless of the sphere in which that weakness exists. In athletics, your opponent will study you to determine your weakness. The same could be said in a chess tournament. In other cases, weakness might refer to an illness that has left a person without strength. Regardless of the sphere, weakness implies vulnerability to attack. Therefore, we should consider this underlying theme when we read Paul’s exhortation telling us to “support the weak” (1 Th. 5:14). Christians have a ruthless enemy in Satan (1 Pet. 5:8), and like a lion stalking an antelope, the devil preys on weakness.

Weak Christians are those people who constantly require assistance and attention in spiritual matters in order to keep them from completely abandoning their Lord. They have had problems letting go of the life they led prior to their conversion (Col. 3:5-11), and after months and even years of opportunities to learn, they still have difficulty overcoming the same temptations they faced when they first obeyed. They may attend regularly or sporadically, but their weakness limits their involvement in the church because they never really committed to that new way of life.

Weak Christians need support from those who are stronger and more experienced in the faith in order to handle the problems inherent in life. But at some point, those weak Christians have to exercise their faith (Jas. 1:2-4) so that it might grow and stand on their own faith rather than being propped up by others. Weak Christians must move beyond “I know God says that, but...” to making their faith active and strong so that they might one day help others. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (Jas. 1:22).

by Kevin Rhodes

Old Testament Reading Chart

2005-11-29T22:53:00.000-06:00

Composed by Rick Popejoy

The Battle is the Lord's

2005-11-22T10:07:00.000-06:00

The lesson of David and Goliath is one of the most well known accounts from the Old Testament (1 Sam. 17). It has become part of our vocabulary in every aspect of life. Yet sometimes we lose sight of the real point in the story. David has come to represent any underdog who attempts to overcome insurmountable odds. Goliath, on the other hand, represents the greater power, the obvious winner unless something previously considered impossible happens. This is our collective understanding in society, but it implies many incorrect things.David himself did not in any way believe that the odds were against him. Quite to the contrary! In fact, as his boldness suggests, he was confident of victory based upon past success (1 Sam. 17:33-37). The difference was that David was not relying on himself for the victory, and he did not believe that it was his fight. He told Goliath, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Sam. 17:45). As far as David was concerned, Goliath was the underdog. He was mismatched against God! He continued, “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Sam. 17:47). We often try to take far too much on ourselves, and in the process also take the glory. We want growth in the church, but then when it happens, we act as surprised as anybody or congratulate the preacher or the latest “get big quick” scheme that has found its way into the congregation. Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6). Furthermore, it was Paul’s acceptance of God’s will and Christ’s mind in his life in which he had confidence: “I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me” (Phil. 4:13). Paul had confidence that doing God’s will was always the best decision, and it was that confidence that he sought to pass on to others. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).David’s confidence was in God because his heart was with God, and it was for these reasons that God was also with him (Jas. 4:8).

by Kevin Rhodes

The Quality of Humility

2005-11-14T17:11:00.000-06:00

The rich young ruler of Matthew 19:16 had many good qualities to be admired. By reading the account we find that he was healthy, wealthy, influential, clean, humble, earnest, religious, and morally good. These are all characteristics of a great person in a society. He was good enough according to the world to be saved, but not according to Jesus. He lacked one thing and he knew it. In verse 20 he asked; “What lack I yet?” He came to Jesus to ask Him what he should do to inherit eternal life. This is a great quality of humility that we must all have, a quality of humility that would dare ask of Jesus, “what should I do to be saved?” On the day of Pentecost, this question was asked of the apostles by men who knew that they lacked something (Acts 2:37). This question was also asked by Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:6), he also knew that he lacked something. To ask this question of Jesus shows a great quality of humility that acknowledges ones deficiencies. Many today lack this quality of humility to ask the question, for two reasons: First for fear of the answer they would receive; and second, for a fear of some sacrifice they might need to make in their lives.

Just as Jesus gave the answer to this rich young ruler, so will He give us the answer today. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3). He gives us everything we need to know about life and godliness, through His Word. So then we have no excuse for not knowing what we lack in the matter of our salvation. All we need to do is read His Word and apply His teaching to our lives. God in His infinite wisdom has given us a plan of salvation by which each and everyone of us are to live and be saved. But many lack the quality of humility to ask if there is anything in our lives that we lack or that needs to be changed.

After the rich, young ruler of Matthew 19 was told what he “lacked”, he went away sorrowfully. Not because he gave up his material possessions, but because he rejected the instructions from the Lord and thus rejected his own salvation. All Jesus told him to do was to remove the physical obstacle in his life that was keeping him out of heaven. That is exactly what he is telling us today. Because of some changes that need to be made, some religious people fear this answer from the Lord: Believe (Jho. 8:24), Repent (Acts 17:30), Confess (Rom. 10:9-10), be Baptized for the remission of ones sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16), and live faithfully unto death (Rev. 2:10). Others fear the sacrifice they may need to make in their lives, they may need to give something up; “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it” (Luke 9:23-24). We must not only have the quality of humility to ask the question of the Lord, but also have the humility to accept the divine answer. Because Jesus is the “author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:9).

David Harris

The Humility of Stephen

2005-11-03T09:39:00.000-06:00

In the seventh chapter of Acts we have recorded for our profit the great sermon of Stephen, directed to the "stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears" (Acts 7:51a). Stephen declared, "ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye" (Acts 7:51b). Some might consider Stephen a harsh, cruel, and unloving preacher but his actions demonstrate different.

After this strong and mighty warrior of the faith preached his hear out, "they gnashed on him with their teeth" (Acts 7:54b). The people could not handle the simple yet powerful words of truth given by the Holy Spirit, and declared by Stephen! Their response, after they were "cut to the heart" (Acts 7:54a) was to immediately "stop their ears" (Acts 7:57). Why this mean brutality? Why the hatred towards this courageous defender of truth? What had Stephen done to them, besides declare the things of God? They "cast him out of the city, and stoned him" (Acts 7:58).

Some of the saddest words recorded by divine inspiration within this chapter are found in Acts 7:59, "And they stoned Stephen." They murdered this brave spiritual hero. He was a martyr for Christ and an example for all to follow. While they stoned him, Stephen cried out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" and "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:59-60). When he "had said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:60). Although the words of Stephen were pointed directly at the sin which the people had committed, he spoke from a motive of love. Did the sermon of Stephen offend the people? Yes! The hearers chewed on him with their teeth, ran and jumped on top of him, cast him out of the city and stoned him. The lack of love and humility was not from Stephen's side, rather from the hearers upon that tragic day in history. Stephen proved his love, while the people proved that their hearts were dishonest.

Today, two thousand years later, we must ever be mindful of the words found within the book of Revelation some thirteen times, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches" (Rev. 2:7). Think on these things.

Brant Stubblefield

New Testament Reading Chart

2005-10-11T10:08:00.000-05:00

Composed by Rick Popejoy

Saturation Reading Chart

2005-10-10T18:05:00.000-05:00

In general I find that people, especially Christians, want to know God's book. Some seek shortcuts to their determent but far too often I have found that people feel overwhelmed. They simply do not have the knowledge of how to go about this enormous task. Second, they have been convinced that a yearly reading of the Bible is a tremendous feat and that reading a chapter before bed time is enough to feed the soul. This has been done innocently in order to help people get started reading their Bible, but we simply cannot stop there.

In this scheme, the student is encouraged to read the Old Testament, as outlined, in order to first get an overall, "birds-eye" view of the historical setting. Having gained a clearer view of the history of God's people, a student is now ready to read the books of poetry and prophecy.

The New Testament is designed so that a student will read sixty-five (65) chapters a week for four weeks, thus reading the New Testament twelve times in a year as opposed to just once. This is accomplished with less than ten chapters a day.

The New Testament is divided so that a student will read one of the biographical accounts of the life of Jesus at the beginning of the each week. Subsequent books relate either in kind or in authorship, for example, after reading Matthew the student will read Hebrews. Both books were written to the Jews. Mark and Romans are placed together for this same reason. On the other hand, Luke and Acts are placed together as well as all the Johannine writings due to authorship.

Make no mistake, this method is not for the slothful Christian. It will take self-discipline. The discipline necessary for the Saturation Method is challenging. (See following post).

Written by Rick Popejoy

How to Deal with Church Problems

2005-09-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

When problems arise at a congregation, it is not always the problems themselves that do the damage, but how each member deals with the alleged problems. For example, Sister Chatter tells Brother Gossip that she saw Bill, a church deacon, pulled over beside a beer joint helping a young mother change her flat tire. As Brother Gossip hears the story he is so gossipy that all he hears is that a church deacon was seen at the beer joint with a young mother. After the twisted story leaves the venomous lips of Brother Gossip, goes through the demented mind of Sister Busybody, then the story comes out like this. Have you heard that Brother Bill, who has always been a faithful deacon, has now left the church and is seen at the beer joint regularly with one of the young mothers from our congregation? Such exaggerated stories like this should leave us with mixed emotions. They make us want to laugh because they are so far fetched and distorted. Yet, at the same time, they make us want to cry because we all know rumors like this one have done horrendous harm to the church of the Lord. What then should the Christian do when he hears about church problems?

1. Consider the source. Is the person who is telling me this biased toward a certain group or view? Is this person known for being a gossip and spreading rumors? Was this person actually there or did they get the information second-hand?

2. Remember, there are always two sides to a story. Every story, no matter how good, bad or ugly, has two sides. Before believing a rumor that you hear, make sure you get both sides of the story. This is especially important as it relates to religious and biblical matters. Be sure and find out if there are any biblical principles in the story that you have not been told. A lot of times when you explore both sides of the story you see things that some would rather you not know.

3. If you have questions, ask the elders. When problems arise and you hear something someone said, before believing it, talk to the spiritual leaders of the congregation about it. They are the ones who lead and watch out for our souls (Heb. 13:17). And, more times than not, they are at the forefront and know both sides of the story. May all of us remember that more harm can be done after the problems arise than during the problems themselves if we do not deal with them correctly.

Written by Ben Bailey

How Badly Do You Want To Know?

2005-09-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

In Matthew 13, after Jesus told the parable of the sower and the seed, his disciples asked him why he spoke to the people in parables. Jesus’ answer followed in verses 10-17.

Jesus told the disciples that the people had not been blessed “to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” and that this is why he spoke in parables. Did this mean that Jesus arbitrarily chose those to whom he would reveal his truth, revealing these mysteries to some and not to others? No!

This section of scripture falls between the telling of the parable of the sower and its subsequent explanation. In the parable we see that the success of the seed (the Word) depends upon its reception by the soil (the human heart). In verse 12 and 13, Jesus explains that His message requires an open heart in order to be received. One must desire to know the truth.

Was Jesus just making things difficult for us? Couldn’t he have just said exactly what the truth was instead of making us work for it?

The people who struggled with Jesus’ teachings were struggling because they didn’t want to understand. The parables are like a code to understanding the truth. The only things necessary to crack the code are to have the desire to know the truth, and to put forth the effort to study it.

As we read the Bible, we must have an open mind to what it teaches. We should strive to develop our beliefs based on the scriptures, rather than reading the scriptures with the purpose of trying to prove what we already believe. The truth is right in front of us in the Scriptures. How badly do we want to know it?

Written by David Ray.

Alone -- And God Hates It

2005-08-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

Man, made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), needs relationship. It was not good for man to be alone, and no helper comparable to him could be found (Genesis 2:18,20). Therefore God made Eve from the rib of Adam. Adam then said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man” (Genesis 2:21-23). God’s desire for these two was for them to be one. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

In the marriage bond, the husband is the head of the wife. This does not mean the he dictates everything within the marriage. As a loving leader, he should demonstrate his love for his wife by giving himself for her, keeping her clean, pure, without spot, wrinkle or blemish. He should love her as his own body, cherish and nourish her. The wife is to submit to her own husband as to the Lord. This does not mean she is his slave, treated harshly and abused, nor does it mean she has no opinion worth hearing. Her thoughts, dreams and opinions matter. She is to be loved and she is to respect her husband (Ephesians 5:22-33).

“So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate” (Matthew 19:6). Yet, the world today is filled with divorce, which God hates. From the beginning of the world, God intended for one man to marry one woman and for the two to be one flesh until death. When death occurs, the marriage bond is broken (Romans 7:1-3). Sadly, many marriages never reach full potential. Our world allows for divorce for many reasons, even “no fault” divorce (as if something God joined together could be separated without fault). God’s plan does not coincide with worldly wisdom.

God did allow one exception to His plan. Jesus said, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery” (Matthew 19:9 – ASV). When one in the marriage commits fornication, the innocent party may divorce the guilty party. Sin does not have to end the marriage, but if repentance does not occur, true forgiveness cannot occur and can break apart what God has joined together.

There are other sins that may destroy a home. A husband who beats his wife or children certainly is in sin and it may even result in the wife and children separating from the husband. Some have tried to say that in such cases God allows for divorce and subsequent remarriage. To support this view 1 Corinthians 7:15 is often referenced, which says, “…a brother or sister is not under bondage in such cases,” but this is using the scripture improperly. No, one is not under bondage, meaning they are not chained to their spouse, or forced to stay with an unbeliever, including someone beating the wife or children, but this does not break the marriage bond allowing for remarriage.

God has one plan for the home: joined together until death. God has one exception to His plan: the occurrence of fornication. God’s view of divorce: He hates it.

“For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce…”

Malachi 2:16

Written By Denny Wilson

Read Denny's other two articles on this subject.

Alone Again But Not For Long

Alone

The Significance of the Church

2005-08-15T13:14:00.000-05:00

The church really isn't that important, right? Isn't the relationship that one has in his own heart with God the only thing that truly matters? Can't a person be a Christian and not be affiliated with a church? These and similar thoughts often cross the minds of honest people. But what does the Bible say about the church and the Christian's relationship to it?

The Scriptures clearly teach the importance of the church by showing Christ as its owner. Jesus promised to build the church (Mt. 16:18) and even shed his innocent blood to purchase it (Acts 20:28). To say that the church is not important is to say that his blood is not important!

Additionally, one cannot have a proper relationship with God without being a member of Christ's church. In fact, the church is made up of the saved. The Bible declares that the Lord adds the saved to the church (Acts 2:47) and that Jesus is the Savior of the church (Eph. 5:23).

It should be carefully and prayerfully noted that Jesus is not the owner of, did not shed his blood for, and does not add the saved to just any church. The church over which he reigns is not a man-made religious body or a conglomeration of humanly devised denominations. Not a single denomination can be found in the Scriptures!

The church described in the New Testament came into existence in the city of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following Jesus' resurrection (Acts 2). Any church established by any person other than Jesus, in any place other than Jerusalem, at any time other than A.D. 33 cannot be the church pictured in the Bible.

Since the church mentioned in the Bible really is important, no sincere seeker of Truth should be satisfied until he has found that church! We plead with you to honestly and carefully compare the churches with which you are familiar to the church described in the New Testament.

Written by Preston Silcox

Back to the Bible

2005-08-04T16:40:00.000-05:00

"Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it" (Jer. 6:16).

This passage is a sad commentary on the spiritual condition of Israel. Although they thought they were pleasing to God, He tells them they need to repent and go back to the “Old Paths.” Since the institution of Christianity by our Lord, there has been a progressive movement leading many away from the simplicity of the Bible. Many in the religious world have wondered so far from the Bible that they no longer use it as a guidebook for worship and life. Jeremiah 6:16 calls us back to the Bible. In an age where modernism, humanism, and evolution run rampant in the world and the church, we must determine to find the old paths of God’s word and demand they are taught. Let us consider how we should go “Back to the Bible.”

Back to Bible Study. Our technologically advanced age, which has benefited us in many ways, has also made us lazy in other ways. We need to determine to study God’s word regularly, and independently. Paul encouraged Timothy to “Study to show yourself approved unto God…” (2 Tim. 2:15). The Bible tells us that a sincere study of the word of God will free us from sin (Jn. 8:32), give us spiritual understanding (Eph. 3:4), prepare us to answer the critic (1 Peter 3:15), and save our souls (James 1:21). We must stop depending on preachers, commentaries, media and other sources to do our Bible study for us. Let’s go back to the Bible in individual Bible study.

Back to Bible Salvation. Many people are trying to be saved through various avenues. Some try to save themselves. Others depend on men to tell them how to be saved. However, God’s word is the only source for salvation (Rom. 1:16). The biblical plan of salvation is very simple. One must believe in Jesus as the Son of God (Jn. 8:24). Then he must be willing to repent of all his past sins and turn to God (Lk. 13:3, Acts 3:19). Next, one must be willing to orally confess Jesus before men (Rom. 10:10, Matt. 10:32-33). Finally, one must be baptized in water for salvation (Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, Jn. 3:3-5). Have we been saved the way the Bible tells us to? If not, let’s go back to the Bible for salvation. May God help us as we endeavor to return to the old paths of His Word!

Written By Ben Bailey

Some Things I Know the Bible Teaches

2005-07-23T09:14:00.000-05:00

No human being knows absolutely everything there is to know. Thus, infinite (unlimited) knowledge is possessed by no one person. However, to say that no one person is omniscient (all-knowing) is not to say that a person cannot know at least some things. The Bible teaches that there are some things that a person absolutely must know and do to live in harmony with God's will (Matt. 7:21-23; John 3:1-7; 4:24; 8:31-32).

It is neither arrogant nor conceited to teach from the Bible what one knows to be true. As a Christian, I am obligated — as is every Christian — to teach in a very kind, loving, and courteous way, yet clearly, firmly, and truthfully, the truths imparted from God's word. Following are at least some truths I know the Bible teaches.

I know the Bible teaches that there is but one, and only one, God, the Father, Who created all things, Who loves every human being, and Who wishes every person to be saved (Eph. 4:6; Acts 17:24-25; 1 Tim. 2:3-4).

I know the Bible teaches that this same loving God is a "great and terrible" God and that He will punish the majority of the human race eternally in hell for their disobedience to His will (Deut. 10:17; Neh. 1:5; Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).

I know the Bible teaches that there is one, and only one, New Testament church, and that every person who obeys the gospel is added to that one church by God so that every Christian is a member of the church of Christ for which He (Christ) died (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; Acts 2:37-47; 20:28).

I know the Bible teaches that denominationalism is sinful, that it is a hindrance to world evangelism and thus contributes to infidelity, that it is in direct opposition to Christ's prayer for unity, the apostles' plea for unity, and God's eternal plan for every Christian to be united into one body (John 17:20-23; 1 Cor. 1:10-11; Eph. 2:14-18; 3:9-11; 4:3-6).

I know the Bible teaches that it (the Bible) is the all-sufficient and verbally inspired revelation from God to man, and that additions to, subtractions from, or substitutions for, on the part of man are presumptuous, foolish, and seriously sinful (1 Cor. 2:12-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rev. 22:18-19).

I know the Bible teaches that Jesus never authorized, the Holy Spirit never revealed, the apostles never approbated, and the first century New Testament church never employed the use of mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship to God. Furthermore, I know that the introduction of all such man-made innovations in Christian worship is an addition to God's word, and therefore must be regarded as sinful (John 16:13; Eph. 5:19; Rev. 22:18-19).

I know the Bible teaches that Christians are saved by the mercy and grace of God and not of one's own works of human merit, while simultaneously teaching that unless (except) every accountable person complies with the gospel terms of obedience (faith, repentance, confession, and immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins), one will lose his soul and suffer eternal punishment in hell (Titus 3:4-7; John 3:1-7; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).

I know the Bible teaches that the terms "gospel" and "doctrine" are but two different words to designate the same message to be preached or taught, and not two separate and distinct messages, one for alien sinners and the other for the saved. No such distinction is in harmony with the Bible (Rom. 1:15-17; 2 Thess 1:8; Acts 13:12).

I know the Bible teaches that it is sinful for one to be so radical as to make laws forbidding or condemning what God allows. Furthermore I know that it is sinful for one to be "liberal" so as to go beyond God's written word and uphold or practice that which the Bible does not authorize (1 Tim. 4:1-3; Acts 15:1-29; 2 John 9).

I know the Bible teaches that, even though many hated Him and eventually killed Him for it, Jesus told people the truth because He loved people and wanted them to be saved (Luke 6:11; John 7:7; Mark 14:60-65).

These Biblical truths are here stated in love for God, His Son, His Word, His church, and for every person who has never obeyed the gospel. May we realize there is no possible way we can truly love people while withholding the truth from them.

Written by Stephen Wiggins

The Preacher, the Pewster, and Sound Doctrine

2005-07-18T12:49:00.000-05:00

Preachers have never been a popular people, at least not if they are the kind who preach what is needed instead of what is wanted by the pewsters. As churches grow larger and larger, and gradually become more interested in numbers than in truth, pressure is applied to preach what the people want to hear.

The problem is not a new one. Some 650 years before Christ, Jeremiah moaned: "The prophets prophesy falsely and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so..." (Jeremiah 5:31). Earlier it was a rebelious people who would not hear the law of the Lord that begged the prophets: "Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits." (Isaiah 30:10). Can you imagine such a request? "We do not want to hear the truth -- prophesy falsely."

Amos was told by Amaziah. "Go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there..." (Amos 7:12). Why must Amos leave Israel? The land was not able to bear his words (7:10), or, put another way, to face the truth! Since Amos did not preach what the people wanted to hear, he was told to get out!

John the Baptizer spoke to Herod about his adulterous relationship with Herodias, his brother Philip's wife; and for all of his concern, he was rewarded by being thrown into prison (Matthew 14:3-4).

Preachers must resist the temptation to conform and give the people what they want by preaching smooth things, even though the people would love to have it so, and even though it may mean the preacher will have to go elsewhere if he is to preach the truth! Paul said that men-pleasers cannot be Christ pleasers (Galatians 1:10). He charged Timothy to "Preach the word" and then warned that the "time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Timothy 4:1-4). Needless to mention the obvious, but that "time" has long since arrived!

Written by Wayne Price

Homosexuality

2005-07-12T22:23:00.000-05:00

The Biblical view of morality is under severe attack by the left wing extremists here in America. Hollywood in all of its glamour, desensetizes us at a rapid pace, through and by her vile and perverse influences on and off the big screen ! What can we do, as strong Bible believing people, to counter act this polluted agenda of sin? First, we must begin by teaching that truth is absolute, and is found within the pages of the Bible (John 8:32, John14:6, John 17:17). Only the Sacred Writings are "given by the inspiration of God" (2 Tim 3:16), and we must guide people to the Divine source of authority and help. As of recent, the United Church of Christ (which is not affiliated with *the* church of Christ) has openly declared the acceptance of permitting their "clergy" to perform homosexual marriages with the approval of the church (if you can call it a church) ?!? Friends, this is the most blatant and direct rejection of truth, in regards to morality, that we have seen as of yet! Even Jesus Himself said, "Have ye not read, that he that made them from the beginning made them male and female" (read Matt 19:1-9)? Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt 28:18), and He declared, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Paul said, "The things I write unto you are as of the commandments of the Lord" (1 Cor 14:37). Paul, by the Holy Spirit, called homosexuality a sin (1 Cor 6:9) and those who persist in it, without repenting (Luke 13:3), and obeying the gospel (2 Thess. 1:8 ), cannot "enter the kingdom of God" (1 Cor 6:11).

Paul made known that homosexuality is "against nature" and is "unseemly" (Read Romans 1), and closed his remarks in that chapter by saying that they which practice such are "worthy of death" (a reference to spiritual death). Let us remember the words of Jesus, "Fear not Him who destroys the body, but fear Him who will destroy both body and soul in hell" (Matt 10:28). If we "fear God and keep His commandments" (Eccl 12:13), we will never be guilty of supporting the perverse, vile, and wicked lifestyle of homosexuality. While this message may be unpopular she is true and much needed! Let the Bible speak (1 Pet 4:11).

Written by Brant Stubblefield

Salvation and the Church

2005-07-12T10:05:00.000-05:00

Most churches built by men teach that membership in the church is not necessary to salvation. Their mantra is that, "The church doesn't save" and is therefore unnecessary to salvation. In one sense they are right. Christ is the Saviour, but they refuse to understand that it is the church which constitutes the saved. "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." (Eph. 5:23). The church is that which Christ saves and one cannot be saved outside of it. One may as well argue that Noah could have been saved outside the ark as to say one can be saved without being in the church. On the other hand, if their meaning is that one can be saved without being in a denomination, they are entirely correct. Denominations are not the church, nor a part of it and when one is saved through obedience to Christ he is not added to a denomination by the Lord.

The general order for salvation and "church membership" among denominations is for one to "get saved" in whatever way the denomination prescribes, then "join a church." Those who so teach will say salvation is not dependent upon one being in a "church" — that one can "get saved" and go to heaven without church membership. But the apostle Paul said that the church is the "fulness" of Christ (Eph. 1:23).

"The idea that one is first saved by some mystical or mystified, unintelligible or intangible process, and afterwards 'joins some church', is a common religious delusion. Yet there is no truth more plainly emphasized in the Bible than the fact that the process of being saved is the process of entering the church (Acts 2:47). First, it is affirmed in Acts 4:12 that salvation is in Christ. Then, to have salvation, one must get into Christ. But Paul, by analogy, in Ephesians 5:30, teaches that as husband and wife are one, so Christ and the church are one. 'I speak concerning Christ and the church,' he said. Christ and the church being one, how can one be in Christ and out of the church? Second, Paul makes the fact that Christ is 'the Saviour of the body,' (Eph. 5:23) the ground of his exhortation to the Ephesians concerning the church as the bride of Christ (verse 25). He washed it and sanctified it; cleansed it and saved it; purchased it with His blood and redeemed it; reconciles us to God in it and adds all the saved to it. Therefore, out of the church there is no cleansing, no blood, no redemption, no reconciliation to God, no salvation. Third, the relation between Christ and the church is the same as that which exists between God and Christ. Christ is the 'fulness' of God (Col. 1:9), and the church is the 'fulness' of Christ (Eph. 1:23). Therefore, no man can come to Christ and ignore the church for the same reason that no man can come to God and ignore Christ" (Wallace, Foy E., Jr., "Christ And The Church," The Present Truth, Foy E. Wallace, Jr. Publications, Ft. Worth, 1977, pp. 26-27).

Denominational thinking can be illustrated by drawing two circles, one inside the other. According to denominational doctrine, the outer circle represents salvation in Christ. Having entered that circle, man must then enter the inner circle which represents the church. But Paul said the church is the fulness of Christ. One cannot be saved in Christ without being saved in the church of Christ. The Bible knows only one circle and to be saved is to be in the body of Christ, for it is His fulness.

Written by Jerry Brewer

Keep Your Focus

2005-07-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

Oftentimes, the fast-paced world in which we live, distracts us from those things that really matter. Afterall, we are merely "strangers and pilgrims on earth" (Heb 11:13), passing through this temporary habitat on our way to a "better country" (Heb 11:16). This supreme destination is not received without much dedication, knowledge, and zeal. Along this "narrow road that leadeth unto life" (Matt 7:14), Satan continually hurls "fiery darts" (Eph 6:16) at each Christian, in hopes that we might surrender our souls to an eternal devil's hell. No wonder the loyal apostle Paul declared, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection : lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor 9:27). This humble expression of gratitude recognizes both the willingness and responsibility that Paul felt in saturating his life with the "power of the gospel" (Rom 1:16). A true understanding of Biblical grace will move us to "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14). Eversince the inception of the church Satan has swallowed whole thousands upon thousands of individuals with lies. On one occasion Paul uttered these sad words, "For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your ownselves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears (Acts 20:29-31). Brethren, may I humbly yet boldly, warn all of us to keep our eyes on the goal and our hearts in tune with the "doctrine of Christ" (2 John 9-11). Sometimes it is easy to be discouraged, because of the current apostasy within the church! Nevertheless, we must not give in to the pressures abroad but with a genuine love for truth expose error on every hand, while exalting the royal banner of truth! Someday in the future, after this "earth is burned up" (2 Pet 3:10), we can approach the throne of Judgment knowing we defended and taught the truth in love (Phil 1:7, Eph 4:15). A terrible and bone chilling day of horror it will be for those false teachers, and even more so, for those who taught the *truth*, yet never wanted to expose error! The eternal doom of cowardice, lukewarmness, and complacency will be a shock to those who were simply along for the ride and prestige of being a social pillar within the community and not a gospel preacher! "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor 5 :10). Let us think on these things.

Written by Brant Stubblefield

Alone Again But Not For Long

2005-07-02T15:33:00.000-05:00

She Dwelt Among the Untrodden Ways

by William Wordsworth

She dwelt among the untrodden ways

Beside the springs of Dove,

A maid whom there were none to praise

And very few to love:

A violet by a mossy stone

Half hidden from the eye!

Fair as a star-- when only one

Is shining in the sky.

She lived unknown, and few could know

When Lucy ceased to be;

But she is in her grave, and, oh,

The difference to me!

There are few things in life that cut so deep as the passing of a loved one. While I cannot speak from experience, and I pray that I may not taste of such for many years if the Lord delays, the passing of one’s spouse is truly heart wrenching. I cannot imagine life without Robyn. As the poet wrote so well, though one may be unknown and obscure to the world, his or her passing makes all the difference in the world to the spouse.

At the passing of a friend, one whom Jesus knew would be raised from the dead, Jesus wept (John 11:35). How much more sorrow is felt when that person that makes us complete is taken from us? Yet, we who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God and who have obeyed the gospel obtaining life in His name do not sorrow like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We have faith in Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

We look forward to the joyful reunion when this world has come to an end. Jesus will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. The dead in Christ shall rise. We long for the moment when those faithful Christians who have passed from this life are raised from the dead, including our dear loved ones. Those faithful Christians who are alive at Jesus’ coming will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus shall we always be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Paul was right in saying that we should comfort one another with these words. It is a comfort to know that we can spend eternity with the Godhead who loved us, created the world, gave us life, gave us relationships, and gave us hope of eternal life.

While we understand that there will be no marriage in heaven (Matthew 22:28-30), it is a great comfort to know that a marriage formed according to God’s will (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9), a marriage that continues in God’s will for the home (Ephesians 5:22-33; 6:1-4; 1 Peter 3:1-7), and a marriage where both parties remain faithful until death (2 Timothy 4:6-8), will pave the way for these two souls to spend eternity together with all the saints in heaven. Brethren, that makes a difference to me!

Written by Denny Wilson

Read Denny's first post on this subject entitled "alone"

This Hurts Me More Than You

2005-06-29T16:26:00.000-05:00

“You’ll never teach in this school again!” These are the last words I heard from a high school senior a few years ago as I told him to leave class. He had been rude and disrespectful, and then confronted me face to face (literally) when I tried to discipline him. Fortunately no punches were thrown, and I did teach there again.

Having this experience of teaching in today’s school systems, and also having worked with youth even in the church, I have witnessed clearly the results of failing to heed the instruction of Proverbs 29:15 (“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”). Had I ever acted the way this young man did, I would have received the rod at school and then again at home from Dad! This is because when I was growing up, the school system, and my father, took biblical instruction seriously.

Regardless of the ideas of modern child psychology, the Bible teaches discipline and corrective instruction as a necessity, even though it may be difficult.

“Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” (Proverbs 19:18)

Many times prior to spanking me, my father would try to convince me that it would somehow be more painful for him than for me! Though a child may not understand this statement, the parents know that it is not enjoyable to discipline their children. But it must be done.

Without oversight, a child is like a horse with its reigns removed. He is allowed to do anything he pleases and is bound to foolishness (Proverbs 22:15). Learning by experience can be effective at times, but isn’t always necessary. A child should never have to learn that a stove is hot. Proper instruction from his parents and obedience on his part will prevent him from experiencing the pain of finding out the hard way.

Children have the responsibility to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1). When they refuse, proper discipline must be administered. Failure to do so can be devastating. Our society, and even the church, is suffering due to lack of discipline. It’s up to each parent to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), not sparing the rod.

Written By David Ray

Lights! Camera! Action!

2005-06-25T22:12:00.000-05:00

Upon returning from an out-of-state job assignment, one of our members showed me a brochure from a congregation which he had attended. It was a program of the church's drama which they were presenting. It rivaled a commercial production, complete with seven full scenes and a lengthy acknowledgement list of actors, stage crew, construction workers, lighting, sound, scenery, make-up, costume, printing, etc. However, I wasn't surprised at this (and neither was my brother who gave me the brochure)~because many in the church have been acting without Biblical authority for a long time.

It must be remembered, in matters of religion, one can only do that which has been authorized! (Col. 3:17). We cannot add to nor take away from what God has said! (Rev.22:18-19).

What, then, is it that God has specifically told us to do regarding the proclamation of His Word?

He told us to "preach" (kerusso) meaning, "to be a herald; to officiate as a herald; to proclaim after the manner of a herald" (Thayer's, p. 364). Matthew 10:7 states, "And as ye go, preach, saying..." —not dramatizing.

He told us to "preach" (dialegomai) meaning, "to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss" (Thayer's, p. 139). "Paul preached unto them... and continued his speech..." —not drama (Acts 20:7).

He told us to "preach" (euangelidzo) meaning, "to proclaim glad tidings; specifically to instruct (men) concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation" (Thayer's, p. 256). "...when they were come unto Antioch, spake [not dramatized] unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus" (Acts 11:20).

He told us to "preach" (katagello) meaning, "to announce, declare, promulgate, make known; to proclaim publicly, publish" (Thayer's, p. 330) ~ as was done in Acts 4:1-2. Also carefully notice the preaching of Peter (Acts 2:14-40; 3:19-26; 10:34-43), Stephen (Acts 7:2-53) and Paul (Acts 13:16-42; 17:22-31).

The conclusion is obviously obvious, God has specifically authorized preaching by oral discourses. The addition of dramas in our worship is going beyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9); it is a forbidden addition (Rev. 22:18); it is that of which those who both know and love the truth will not do. May we always only do that which God has authorized.

Written by Gary Henson

Revelation and Inspiration (1 Corinthians 2)

2005-06-18T16:55:00.000-05:00

As Paul stood before the Corinthian church, he did not arrogantly and eloquently proclaim a humanly-devised philosophy; rather, he fearfully and distinctly declared the wisdom of God (vss. 1-4). In addition, the apostle backed his teaching with miraculous demonstration so the faith of his audience might stand in the power of God, not in the wisdom of men (vss. 4-6). Now, in Paul's defense of his teaching methods, he reminds the Corinthian congregation of the source of his doctrine (vss. 6-16). The apostle assures the church that he did, indeed, proclaim a wisdom, but not the wisdom of this world; Paul declared the wisdom of God. It is here, in Paul's explanation of these matters, that he provides some very vital information on the often-misunderstood subjects of revelation and inspiration. Among other things, the apostle writes about the purpose, process, and preciousness of revelation and inspiration.

The Purpose

Concerning revelation, Paul writes of those things once hidden in the mind of God, "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit" (vs. 10a). About inspiration, the apostle says, "Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words" (vs. 13 ASV). These verses indicate that "revelation is an act of Deity whereby God communicates facts and truths which were previously unknown to man," while inspiration is the tool that God uses to guide and control the revelation of those facts and truths.1 The combined purpose of revelation and inspiration, then, is to make known "the things that are freely given to us of God" (vs. 12).

The Process

While not every detail involved in the process of revelation and inspiration is covered by Paul in I Corinthians 2, the apostle does mention three important factors: The Holy Spirit (vss. 10-14), the specially selected agents of God ("we," "us," and "he that is spiritual" -- vss. 6, 7, 10, 12, 15, 16), and the act of communicating the mind, or will, of God (vss. 10, 13). When one puts these verses and factors together, he must conclude that by means of words the Holy Spirit guided certain individuals to speak and/or record exactly what God wanted man to know. Other related scriptures include II Samuel 23:2; John 16:13; I Timothy 4:1; and II Peter 1:20,21, which all mention these same three factors.

The Preciousness

Paul declares just how precious revelation and inspiration are when he points out that the blessings of the Gospel which were once hidden are now revealed (vss. 9,10) and, accordingly, are able to be taught to others (vs. 13). Because of revelation and inspiration, man can know God, himself, the path upon which God wishes for him to walk, and the rewards that will come to him for walking thereon (Mt. 7:13,14). Though these are but a few of the blessings that come as a result of revelation and inspiration, such vividly portray the preciousness of the same.While revelation and inspiration do not occur today (I Cor. 13:8-12), their final product, the Bible, remains and continues to bless those who will hear and heed its precepts. God be thanked that He was willing to communicate His Truth to man.

Endnote
1 David Brown, "The Inspiration of The Bible," in Biblical Inerrancy, ed. Jerry Moffitt. (Portland, TX: Gulf Coast Lectures, 1993), 18.

Written By Preston Silcox

The Bible and Sexual Sins

2005-06-14T08:44:00.000-05:00

In writing an article as plain as this, I know there may be the possibility of offending some. Please understand this is not my purpose at all. From history we learn a very clear lesson: Playing the “quiet game” about our problems and “sweeping them under the rug” doesn’t make them go away it actually makes them worse. The Bible is very clear about the heinous nature of sexual sins and their punishment. Notice how the Bible deals with sexual sins.

Incest—A Crime Against One’s Family. Incest, having sexual relations with a family member, is condemned as harshly as any sin in the Bible. In Leviticus 18:6-18, the Bible condemns sexual relations with anyone who is kin to you, except your mate. In fact, the Bible makes it very clear that to commit incest blood relation is not necessary. Sexual relations with an “in-law” or step brother or sister would also be considered incest (Lev. 20:17, 19-21). Truly, the sexual sin of incest is a crime against one’s family.

Harlotry—A Crime Against One’s Body. The selling of one’s body for profit is also strongly condemned in Scripture. In Deuteronomy 23:17 God told the people of Israel that female and male prostitution was sinful. God saw the problems prostitution would create when He warned, “Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness” (Lev. 19:29). Aside from the biblical problems involved with harlotry, think about the medical problems it creates. AIDS and STDs are contracted and given to others every day by prostitutes all across this world. Not only is it a biblical and medical problem, but it is also a very serious psychological problem. Think about the low state of self-worth one has to enter into to sale their body. Truly, prostitution is a crime against one’s self.

Child Molestation—A Sin Against the Innocent. The Bible portrays children as a precious and innocent creation of God (Matt. 19:14). Child molestation is the horrid monster that takes away that innocence. Child molestation by a parent is condemned with the idea of incest in Leviticus 18. Child molestation by another adult who is not kin to you is condemned along the lines of adultery and fornication. The only place in the Bible that sex is approved is between two scripturally married people (Heb. 13:4). A man would have to be sick mentally to take advantage of a child sexually. Child molestation would have to be the most heinous sex crime ever committed. Truly, it is a crime against the innocent!

Homosexuality—A Crime Against Nature. Homosexuality is a sin that the Bible has much to say about. The Apostle Paul said, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Rom. 1:26-27). In the Old Testament God had this to say about homosexual practices: “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination” (Lev. 18:22). Regardless of what our modern world says about the practice of homosexuality and gay marriages, the Bible still says they are a sin. And, it is the Bible we will be judged by, not the practices of our society (Jn. 12:48). Truly, homosexuality is a crime against nature!

Dear friend, the Bible is very clear on sexual sins. They are a crime against God, one’s self and all those a person is associated with. In the church of Christ we do not approve or support such sins as these because they are condemned in the Bible. May those who have committed such ungodly acts of immorality be prosecuted to the full extent of man’s law and may they repent of these acts before they are punished everlastingly by God!

Written By Ben Bailey

Alone

2005-06-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

“Grief can take care of itself; but to get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with” Mark Twain (Wit and Wisecracks).

Seasons come and go ever more quickly it seems. With the passing of time we endure difficulties and victories, face burdens and labors of love, and are blessed with bountiful joy. How we handle the struggles and successes is greatly impacted by the people who are in our lives. God knew of the need of companionship for man from the beginning. He said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet (helper comparable to him—NKJV) for him” (Genesis 2:18—ASV). From that time, man has had the pleasure of developing the greatest friendship on earth through a fully developed and scripturally based marriage. A proper marriage allows for the sharing of the good times and the bad times. The good times are made greater while the bad times are made more tolerable. C.S. Lewis said it well, “The most precious gift that marriage gave was this constant impact of something very close and intimate yet all the time…No cranny of heart or body remained unsatisfied” (C.S. Lewis through the Shadowlands).

Solomon, discussing friendship, wrote, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, and hath not another to lift him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone? And if man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

A “threefold cord” can be found when husband and wife put God first. A husband who seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, will be a better husband. He will help his wife to be stronger spiritually. He will help her to be a better wife by being the husband that she deserves. He will lead his wife to follow Christ. He will love his wife, giving himself for her daily. He will help her to be pure, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. He will love her even as his own body, cherishing her. A husband who puts God first and who loves his wife according to the scriptures (ex. Ephesians 5:22-33), will never be alone.

A wife who seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, will be a better wife. She will be in subjection to her husband, as to the Lord. She will trust her husband’s leadership, knowing that he loves and cherishes her, nourishing their relationship with each other and with God. She will leave her mother and father and will cleave to him, being joined together, becoming one flesh. A wife who puts God first and who loves her husband according to the scriptures (ex. Ephesians 5:22-33), will never be alone.

There are many blessings in a marriage which is focused on God, but one of the greatest is having someone with whom to share the good times and the not-so-good times. A marriage where husband and wife are focused first on God forms a threefold cord that is not quickly broken. With our “help meet” by our side, serving God daily, we will never be alone. Together, we can reach out to others with the joy of the gospel.

Written By Denny Wilson

Getting Acquainted with the Redeemer

2005-06-07T11:28:00.000-05:00

In Exodus it was Pharaoh who asked the question, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice?” (Exo. 5:2). Moses would answer with ten plagues “against all the gods of Egypt” (Exo. 12:12). In other words God is a God who will not tolerate a rival for His affections! This is also indicated in the Decalogue: “And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exo. 20:1-3). In redemption (physical/spiritual), we see the non-moral essence of the Redeemer. We see God’s omnipresence (His all-seeing eye); omniscience (His perfect knowledge); omnipotence (His complete power); immutability (His unchangeableness). Redemption also allows us to see the moral attributes of the Redeemer. In other words, God is more than just His knowledge and power. God is Holy (Rev. 4:8-11; Isa. 6:3). God is Good (Mark 10:18). God is Righteous (Psa. 89:14; 97:2). These are terms that express the moral nature of a being. This is how the Redeemer describes Himself.

A redeemer implies bondage. Those who have sold themselves into the bondage of Satan through sin need someone outside of that bondage to redeem them. As Moses was sent into Egypt, the Word became flesh (Jho. 1:1-2, 14). This redeemer is deity in general and Jesus in particular. The Father is the great designer/architect of redemption (Eph. 3:9-11), whereas Jesus is the executor/operator of the will of deity (1 Jho. 2:2; 4:10). It was Jesus who came in the flesh; it was Jesus who died on the cross. The Spirit then functions as the organizer/revealer of that plan (2 Pet. 1:21). Man has four basic needs in religion. He needs (1) a priest to represent him before God (Heb. 3:1); (2) A sacrifice to approach God (Heb. 10:12); (3) A prophet to reveal God to him (Jho. 1:18); (4) A King to control his life (Acts 2:36; 5:31). Therefore, let us sing the song of The Great Redeemer (Foster/Beazley):

“How I love the great Redeemer,
Who is doing so much for me;
With what joy I tell the story,
Of the love that made man free.

He has purchased my redemption,
Rolled my burden of sin away,
And is walking on beside me,
Growing dearer day by day.

Worthy of praise is Christ our Redeemer;
Worthy of glory, honor, and pow’r!
Worthy of all our soul’s adoration,
Worthy art Thou! Worthy art Thou!

Worthy of riches, blessings and honor,
Worthy of wisdom, glory and pow’r!
Worthy of earth and heaven’s thanksgiving,
Worthy art Thou! Worthy art Thou!”

Written By Rick Popejoy