BulletinGold Extra

Bible Study?

2012-01-23T15:58:00.000-08:00

By C.M.Callan

     I suppose there are some questions that just have to go unanswered as we plod along the road of life. Some of these questions are of major significance but most are just queries we would like to have answered. As an elder God has charged me with the spiritual oversight of the congregation (along with the other elders) and this has raised a question that gives me a lot of worry time. Perhaps you have the answer.
      The question is simply this: If a person is truly converted to be a follower of Jesus and claims to be a Christian in all of its glorious biblical definitions, then why do so many not take advantage of Sunday morning classes and Wednesday evening bible study? If we are truly dedicated to follow Jesus then surely we would want to be present for any opportunity to get closer to our Master. Christianity is not something you do for one hour on Sunday morning, it is a way of life. It should be so important that every question or decision that comes up in our life should first be screened though the “Jesus filter”.
      Yes, I am well aware there are legitimate reasons for one to be absent from these studies, but just think about it. If Jesus was going to be present in person, would you make an effort to be there? Well, He has promised to be there in spirit (Matthew 18:20). Surely that should be enough motivation for you to change you habits. If you are truly converted to Christ, then you will always want to be where He is. You are correct, there is no scripture that says you must be present for all bible studies, but why would you not want to be?
      Here are ten reasons I have heard for not going to class. I am sure there are many others, but these should be enough to see how absurd some of them are.

1. I already know all the bible I need to know.
2. Sunday morning is the only morning I can sleep late.
3. Wednesday evening is when I watch my favorite TV program.
4. Sitting two hours on Sunday morning is just too long for me.
5. There is no command for it in the bible.
6. The teacher is boring or hard to understand.
7. I am just too tired to go on Wednesday night.
8. The church benches are just too hard to sit that long
9. Just never got in the habit of going.
10. All they do is argue over minute points that I have no interest in.

I know it is not for me or the elders to judge your motive, but when the seats are empty in the class, we have to ask the question, why?

- C.M.Callan serves as an elder for the Rotan church of Christ in Rotan, Texas. He may be contacted at drcall@sbcglobal.net

Kinder, Gentler Marriages

2012-01-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

By Travis L. Quertermous

    The famous British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was once accosted by a woman. “Mr. Churchill,” she shouted, “If you were my husband, I would poison your soup!”
    Churchill didn’t miss a beat. “Madam,” he replied, “If you were my wife, I would drink the soup!” Though a funny story, it also illustrates one of the biggest problems in many marriages and families, and that is the utter lack of respect, kindness, and gentleness. The apostle Paul wrote, “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Eph. 5:33). Also, the apostle Peter taught, “Likewise you husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).
     Think for a moment how much arguing and abuse would stop at home if more spouses practiced those two simple verses of Scripture! Let us all resolve to treat our mates with greater respect and kindness.

- Travis L. Quertermous preaches for the church of Christ in Dexter, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.dexterchurchofchrist.com/

Growing In Spiritual Maturity

2012-01-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

By Timothy E. Davis

“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready for it.” 1 Corinthians 3:2 (NIV)
     Our niece is fighting attempts to shift her diet from formula in a bottle to baby food. She is failing to embrace the change. She wants to stay in her comfort zone. In much the same way, the work of God suffers tremendously from our spiritual immaturity. God needs mighty spiritual warriors; not a bunch of spiritual cowards. Jehovah needs elite Special Forces spiritual warriors. We are to battle Satan at every turn, waging an unending war against him and his unseen forces of darkness. Instead, we cower in the corner while Lucifer mocks us.
    Spiritual warriors must train constantly to be effective. You can not take a soldier who has not been to the weapons range in two years and put him into the middle of a firefight. He is useless without that training. Some Christians among us appear to have formed a new denomination, "Christian Minimalists". They steadfastly believe in doing the absolute minimum they can for the cause of Our Redeemer. Unfortunately, the body of Christ is full of them. The Holy Scriptures predict their fate. It tells us they will be saved, but as a man escaping through a fire.
     Our spiritual Coach, God, keeps telling us he wants us in the starting line up. Our Father tells us we are ready. He promises to be right there on the sidelines giving instructions and tips. We are told if we get confused, we can call a time out and come directly to Him to talk. But we say no, Coach, send in someone else. I am just happy to be on the team. This bench is real comfortable. I feel safe here. It is what I am used to.
     When we limit Our Messiah to Sundays and Wednesdays, we are sitting on the spiritual bench. We are stubbornly refusing to grow spiritually. We tell Jehovah to send someone else in when we fail to study our Bibles every day. We wallow in our spiritual immaturity when we fail to spend quiet time with the Lord. We drink babies milk when we forget that prayer, like any other conversation, is a two way street. It requires both speaking AND listening. How can the Master use us for mighty things when we will not even do the small things He asks of us? How can we shake the foundations of Hell and make demons flee when our Bibles gather dust and we forget to take to our knees daily to pour out our hearts to Our Heavenly Father?
     It is long past time for us to stop being spiritual infants. It is long past time for us to live up to our spiritual potential. Want to see revival in your church? Get off the spiritual milk! Want to see the Holy Spirit move in your life? Move on to the solid spiritual food of a mature believer!

- Timothy E. Davis submitted this article to BulletinGold, along with the simple request that he be contacted should you choose to utilize it in your local bulletin. He may be contacted at ted400us@yahoo.com Copyright 2007 Timothy E. Davis.

Obstacles

2012-01-16T08:53:00.001-08:00

By James C. Guy
     In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way.
     Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded.
     As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.
     The peasant learned what many others never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.

- James C. Guy, Canal Heights church of Christ, in Demopolis, Alabama. He may be contacted at THE BIBLE SAYS website at: http://biblesays.faithsite.com

Sacrifice

2012-01-16T08:52:00.000-08:00

A Christian farmer's cow gave birth to twin bull calves. The farmer was delighted as bull calves are worth more than a cow calf, and since he had two he decided to sell one, when it was fully grown, and donate the money to the work of the Lord. However, one of the calves grew sick, and then sicker. Then one day the farmer came into the house looking sad. He looked at his wife and said, "You'll never guess what's just happened! The Lord's calf is dead!"

-From the Internet; via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

When God Is Listening

2012-01-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

By Bryan McAlister

“...that you would...remember me!”
     Job’s cry (Job 14:13), is not unlike the cry we have heard from souls today, or perhaps have even uttered ourselves. Job’s brief statement reflects the essence of most of our fears and troubles; the desire to be remembered and not forgotten, the hope we will have a meaningful connection in our lives. For many, these connections are present. They come in the form of loving husbands and supportive wives. These connections are found with honorable children and noble parents. We find meaningful connection in the household of God, among God’s family. For many, these are the connections which bring comfort to the soul.
     For many more, these connections are a mere dream, a wish unfilled, a passing thought, left only to ponder and not possess. Perhaps now, in this generation, in this age, in this time, when the news could not be more bleak about finances and the economy, jobs and physical security, now is the time when we speak with the resounding voice of reassurance “Bow down Your ear, O Lord, hear me; for I am poor and needy” (Psalm 86:1).
     Our studies of recent days have pointed us to the reassurance from God, He is present and ready to help. He is near each of us, if we will seek Him (Acts 17:27). But does He hear us? More than any other author in scripture, the Psalmist uses the phrase, “hear me” when calling, literally crying out to God. This cry is distinct from the petitioner, much more so than prayer. Do not misunderstand, God’s ears are still attentive to prayer (II Chronicles 7:15). He is listening for those hearts who make appeal to Him and come before His throne. Paul’s encouragement was to guard every step of life in prayer (Phil 4:6-7). We see the living example of Jesus relying on prayer in His life (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12). Yet our cry to God, our calling to Him, our “crying out” to His holy name has a great power and blessing waiting for us.
    “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17).
     We read it, but do we believe it? There is much taught and insisted in that great verse of comfort. First, it is insisted that the righteous cry out. Righteousness of the heart and soul must not be overlooked or underestimated.
     “There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). Righteousness does not come from our own making or creating. Righteousness for mankind comes only through embracing the righteousness offered to us.
     “For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (II Cor 5:21). Our sinless savior, took on the brunt and punishment for sin as the perfect sacrifice, and in His righteousness we are made whole.
     God’s connection to us is not severed. He has sent His Son as a seal and a promise that we have neither been forgotten or abandoned. His Son now serves as a mediator between God and man, so that when we approach the Lord through Jesus, we have assurance He will hear (John 14:13). Not only will God hear those made righteous by His Son, He will deliver them from “all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). This is the kind of deliverance only God can provide, the kind which frees the soul from the limitations of the flesh, and points us to the assurance of God’s eternal provision. “I pray and I pray, but I don’t think God is there.” Have you examined your life as in II Corinthians 13:5? Have you “cried out” to the “Most High God” (Psalm 57:2)? God is ready to hear our cry, and answer our call, but there must be the readiness on our part to break our silence, and “cry out” to Him.

- Bryan McAlister preaches for the Centerville church of Christ, in Centerville, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centervillechurchofchrist.org

Reflections

2012-01-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

    You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.
    It seems just yesterday that I was a young girl, just married and embarking on my new life with my husband. And yet, in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all...
     And I have glimpses of how it was back then and all of my hopes and dreams...But, here it is...the winter of my life and this catches me by surprise…How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go?
     I remember well...seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like…
    But here it is…husband retired and he’s getting gray...he moves slower and I see an older man now. He’s in much better shape than me...but, I see the great change...Not the one I married who was dark and young and strong...but, like me, his age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be.
    Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore—it’s mandatory!
    And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things.
    But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last...This I know, that when it’s over...I will enjoy the spring in the arms of my loving Father...and wait for my loved ones to come when their winter is over too.
    So, if you’re not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you want to accomplish in your life, please do it quickly!
    For, remember that scripture?...your life is but a vapor, it vanishes away...So, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!
    You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so live for God today and say all the things you want your loved ones to remember…

- Author unknown; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Things We Cannot Escape

2012-01-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

By Jerry Brewer
     Our daily lives are filled with constant decisions, and sometimes life’s demands become so great that we seek escape from those decisions. Fortunately for all of us, there are some things which we can escape in this life and avoid. But the Bible reveals certain things about our lives which we can never escape.

OUR INFLUENCE
     Every one of us wields some kind of influence by the life we live, the things we do, and the words we speak. That’s the meaning of Paul’s words in Romans 14:7: “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.”
     The influence we have on others may be good or it may be bad, but we cannot escape influencing others. Whatever we do influences others to some degree.

PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
     In Romans 14:12, Paul also wrote, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” The fact that we cannot escape personal accountability for our actions is something that most people do not understand in this age of irresponsibility.
     Like Adam, many people want to shift the blame for their own actions to someone else. When Adam sinned, he told God, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I did eat” (Genesis 3:12). In that statement, Adam became the first man in history to not only blame his wife for his own actions, but to also blame his Father, who was God.
     But the fact remains that each of us is personally accountable to God,. I cannot serve God for my family and neither can they serve Him for me. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him” (Ezekiel 18:20).

SIN’S CONSEQUENCES
     Sin has always had consequences and the ultimate consequence of sin is eternal death. Paul said, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). What most people don’t realize is that even sin which has been forgiven may have consequences. One may ruin his health by drunkenness or by drugs and later repent and become a Christian. When he obeys the Lord, his sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38) but the consequences of his actions will linger in his body that is dissipated by drugs and alcohol. But the greatest consequence of all is the eternal loss if one’s soul if his sins are not forgiven.

CONCLUSION
     But regardless of the sins we’ve committed, God has promised to forgive us when we obey the gospel of Christ. If one is willing to believe in Jesus as the Son of god (John 8:24), repent of his sins (Luke 13:3), confess his faith in the Son of God (Acts 8:37) and be immersed in water for the forgiveness of his sins (Acts 2:38), his sins are forgiven by God. Friends, you can escape the eternal consequences of sin by doing these things.

- Jerry Brewer; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

What Will People Remember About My Teaching?

2012-01-09T08:12:00.000-08:00

By Jerrie Barber
     I was going through my files and found this note written by Danny Lutz, December 4, 1974. I was reminded of the long-term investment that a teacher makes when she/he prepares a class and presents a lesson.
     Notice what Danny wrote and remembered about his first Sunday School teacher.
     The teacher that probably influenced me more than any other one was Mrs. Imogene Long. This was a long time ago when I first started coming to Sunday School at the church building on Grapevine Road. I was in about the 8th grade at school and never thought very much about the church. When I was encouraged to attend the church of Christ by some of my friends, I found myself in Mrs. Long’s class. She was the first “real Sunday School teacher I had ever known. She amazed me because of her knowledge of the Bible and her reverence. She would not put up with any foolishness, but yet, she seemed just like one of us. After the class period, we would sing some hymns. She enjoyed this very much. She especially liked to sing “Angry Words.” Mrs. Long just seemed “set apart” from other teachers I had known. She was not the most “learned” teacher that I have been studying under as I have progressed through the years, but, as far as impressing me with the church, she was probably the Most Important teacher I’ve ever had.
     What do you notice? Here’s what impressed me:

Danny started coming to class because some friends invited him.
He was fortunate to get in a class with an excellent teacher.
She knew her Bible.
She demonstrated an attitude of reverence.
She had order and respect in her class. This was consistent with her attitude of respect.
She related well to her students.
She liked to sing and communicated that to her students.

It has been more than three decades since I read this for the first time. I am again encouraged by this teacher and her student. Imogene Long died in 2005. Her life and lessons are still remembered.
What will my students remember about me?

- Jerrie Barber; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

25 Reasons to Remain Faithful to God

2012-01-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

By Lance Cordle

To see God (Matthew 5:8)
To encourage others to remain faithful (Hebrew 13:7)
To know the wonderful feeling of victory (Revelation 19:1,2)
To live in a place where there are no tears (Revelation 21:4)
To live in a place where there is no more pain (Revelation 21:4)
To see my faithful friends who have died (Revelation 14:13)
To see my faithful family members who have died (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17)
To have no regrets (Philippians 1:23)
To live in a place where there is no more pain (Revelation 21:4)
To meet Antipas, who literally gave his life for Jesus (Revelation 2:13)
To fully realize that the sufferings of this life are not worth to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18)
To meet Abel, who, though now dead, still speaks (Hebrews 11:6)
To live in a place where there is no more death (Revelation 21:4)
To meet the great prophets of the past who remained faithful to the Lord (Hebrews 11:35-39)
To hear the new song (Revelation 5:9)
To hear the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb (Revelation 15:3)
To rest from the labors of life (Revelation 14:13)
To meet the children who never had a chance to grow up (1 Samuel 12:23)
To hear “Well done” (Matthew 25:21)
To live in a place that was prepared by Jesus for me (John 14:2)
To live in a place where love continues and controls (1 Corinthians 13:13)
To know the satisfaction of finishing the race (2 Timothy 4:7)
To eat of the tree of life (Revelation 2:7)
To avoid the second death (Revelation 2;11)
To hear my name confessed before God (Matthew 10:33)

“Be faithful unto death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City church of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Are We Like Christ?

2012-01-09T08:07:00.000-08:00

By Harry Middleton
     Some years ago, Brother G. F. Raines wrote about a young Buddhist who had made a very careful study of the life of our Lord said to a Christian: “Your Christ is wonderful, oh, so wonderful; but you Christians, you are not like him.” Could it be that the Christian was left speechless by the accusation, because the force of the young Buddhist’s remark lies in the fact that he almost “hit the nail on the head”?
     Christ was a prayerful man (Luke 6:12); but too many “Christians” pray either infrequently or not at all. If we were like Christ, we would continue “instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
     Christ came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10); but do we “Christians” lose any sleep because of the impending fate of the lost?
     Christ’s primary concern was his “Father’s business” (Luke 2:49); but the work of the Lord is the thing about which many “Christians” are least concerned.
     Christ had no place “to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20); but too many “Christians” are so fond of luxuries that they will not contribute liberally for the propagation of God’s will.
     Christ fervently prayed that Christians might be “made perfect in one” (John 17:23; cf. 11:20-22); but too many “Christians” bite, devour and consume one another.
     A certain lady accurately expressed what real Christianity is when she said: “Christianity is putting Christ on inside, then letting him show on the outside.”

- Harry Middleton serves as one of the ministers for the Lebanon Road church of Christ in Nashville, TN. Adam Faughn serves as the pulpit minister for the congregation, and he may be contacted through the congregation’s website at: http://www.lebanonroadchurchofchrist.org

Careful Where You Pitch Your Tent

2012-01-02T18:46:00.000-08:00

By Edd Sterchi
     Abraham’s nephew Lot is a very interesting study in many areas. One of those areas can show us how sin can work its evil in our lives. It can be seen in the various places Lot finds himself and how his condition worsens each time. You may remember that when Abraham gave him a choice of which way he and his herdsman would go, “Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere” and “chose for himself all the plain of Jordan” (Gen. 13:10-11).
     From this point on, it is very interesting to note the places where Lot ends up. From them, we can learn the progressive and aggressive nature of temptation and sin.
     First, we see Lot pitching his tent “toward Sodom” (Gen. 13:12, KJV). This meant that he set up camp in the direction of Sodom. Every day he went about his business, Sodom may well have been in sight, and Lot may have indeed been tempted to move ever closer toward Sodom’s wickedness.
     We next see Lot dwelling in Sodom (Gen. 14:12). By this time, Lot had moved into Sodom and was likely being influenced by the citizens’ wickedness in even greater proportions, since he was living amongst them.
     Finally, we see Lot sitting at the gate of Sodom (Gen. 19:1). No longer was he simply a resident of that wicked city, he was apparently a leader of it (or at least in association with the leaders). The city gates are where the elders and city officials sat and conducted business. While compared to Sodom’s standards, Lot remained righteous (cf. 2 Pet. 2:7-8), the fact remains that by this time Lot had become quite influenced by evil. Else why would he call the Sodomites “brethren” (Gen. 19:7) or offer his daughters to be used sexually at the Sodomites’ wildest whims (Gen. 19:8)?
     I realize that some of what I have written is conjecture. We do not have all of the facts to know what was in Lot’s intentions or heart. But I do know this: the closer we dwell to sin, the easier it becomes to commit sin. And remember this - it all begins with where you pitch your tent.
     “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (Jas. 1:14-16).

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Jackson church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.com

Our Great Shepherd

2012-01-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

By David R. Ferguson
     In John 10:2-4, Jesus says, "But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter opens; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
     What is the significance of Jesus using the parable of a shepherd overseeing his sheep to teach us a lesson about His Kingdom? It is significant because Jesus wanted us to understand that He came to the Earth to be born of a virgin in order that He become the Shepherd of His sheep. As Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 53:6, "All we like sheep have gone astray…." Our iniquity has left us wandering lost and shepherdless in the wilderness of sin. Jesus came to be the Shepherd of His sheep so that He could lead them in the way He Himself prepared. A real shepherd goes before his flock, and the flock follows him because they have learned to trust him. If you are dealing with cattle, you must drive them from behind. But this is not the case with sheep. With them, you must lead them. The Lord Jesus came to be a Shepherd. That means He came so that the sheep could follow safely in His way. He will not ask you or I to take one step where He Himself has not trod. He goes before His sheep, but we must be willing to follow in His footsteps. We are to tread the path that He blazed.
    His path is not overly burdensome, for our Shepherd said in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." The way of the Lord is not burdensome, but it is the only way we can find ourselves back to the Father. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one comes unto the Father, but by Me." So we have seen that following our Shepherd is not burdensome, and it is the only way back into the fold of the Father. Additionally, it is ultimately an exceedingly rewarding decision to follow our Shepherd, both in this life as well as in the life to come. Paul wrote that the sheep of the Lord have the privilege now "…to sit with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus," (Ephesians 2:6-7). So let all who have had their sins washed away in the blood of the Lamb rejoice and follow after our Shepherd, the very Son of God "Who His own self bare our sins in His body upon the tree, that we, having died unto sins, might live unto righteousness; by Whose stripes you were healed. For you were going astray like sheep; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." (1 Peter 2:24-25) So take up your cross today and joyfully follow after Him!
    May the Lord bless you!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Lakeland Church of Christ in Mattoon, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://lakelandchurchofchrist.web.officelive.com/default.aspx

A Work Unfinished

2012-01-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

    The story is told about a distinguished carver who set out to create a great masterpiece in ivory. For many years he labored and labored until the piece began to take on a beautiful form. He only needed a little more effort and the work would be finished. Then, for some reason, the artist lost interest. He cast aside the partially finished carving and refused to take the final steps that would have produced an outstanding piece of art.
    It is difficult to understand the motivation that would thus throw away the conscientious toil of a lifetime.
    The road to Christianity is something like that carving: the sincere searcher finds little difficulty in accepting a faith based on the Bible.
    Likewise, he is willing to find a new direction and is happy to confess Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God.
    There also does not seem to be a problem with repentance of past sins, but immersion seems to be a stumbling block. They ask the question: “Why should one submit to so humbling a process?”
    And so this person refuses to take the final step that brings one into Christ Jesus and that makes us part of His body, the church; unwilling to finish the beautiful carving.
    “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
    This, then, is still not the finish, for after this new life is born, it must be kept alive by steadfastly feeding upon the word of God and putting it into continuous practice.
    “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25)
    The carving must not only be completed, but it must also be used.

- Author unknown, via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

Instant vs. Delayed (or Denied) Gratification

2011-12-28T09:43:00.000-08:00

By Lance Cordle

    “Give me what I want, and I want it right now,” seems to be a message that is prevalent in our world today. In years past it was normal for children to go through the stage of selfishness. It was just as normal for parents   to recognize selfishness and help the child through that by taking their focus off their wants and wishes and directing them toward more responsible choices. Unfortunately, the desire for instant gratification is present in many adults.
     However, taking one’s focus off their own wants and needs serves at least three purposes: 1) It helps them see the value of patience and hard work. 2) It helps them realize their responsibility to other people. 3) It helps them see that there are things they should not have—ever.
     Patience and hard work have long been recognized as virtues. Employers look upon these characteristics as desirables one for current and prospective employees. But when people are not taught these virtues, goals are pursued without them. The results will be decreased quality and productivity.
     Beyond the damage to one’s own productivity and worth, is the impact that selfishness has on society. Whether we realize it or not, we depend heavily on others and they in turn, depend upon us. Going into debts which we know we cannot pay will not only hurt us, but our community as well.
     Finally, there is the matter of wanting things (more specifically, relationships) we should (morally) not have. It might be reasoned, “If I can have the things I want, why can I not have the relationships I want.” Should it surprise us then, that in a materialistic society, fornication and adultery are rampant? Recent societal consequences of such behavior have been minimal at best. The need for companionship can be supplied through seeking someone who is eligible to be in a lawful relationship with us.
     Often when we read of Samson, we focus upon his exploits as a strong man—He killed a lion with his bare hands, moved the gates of a city to a hill, etc. We neglect however, a very important statement, made by him, which reflects an attitude of selfishness. He saw a woman he should not have considered as “wife material.” Instead of dealing with his desires, and bringing them into line with what was best for him and the people around him, he told his father, “Get her for me, for she looks good to me” (Judges 14:3). Samson’s father followed his wishes, and Samson, and those around him, suffered the consequences. Getting what we want when we want it may seem good, but it is not always best.

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City church of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Be Of Good Cheer!

2011-12-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

By R. W. McAlister
     When problems strike, how do we handle them? Everyone responds differently; some choose to overcome, and others choose to be overcome. I’ve encountered both types during my time in the ministry (indeed, during my lifetime) – those who allow adversity to make them become better, and those who allow it to make them become bitter. For those who have confidence in the Scriptures, Christ provides the answer for how we should deal with adversity. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation …” (John 16:33). Most of us look ahead for good things to come in our futures, but that’s not always the case. How do we deal with unexpected and depressing events?
     No man can know tomorrow, but it’s certain we’ll have unforeseen difficulties that take us by surprise – everyone does. On the surface, some appear to live a fairly problem-free life, but we can’t know what may be happening below the surface in the private parts of their lives. The story has been told of Ludwig Von Beethoven, one of history’s greatest composers, who was also nearing deafness at the age of 32. His condition was pressing upon him so heavily that he considered suicide.
     Thankfully, he didn’t yield to his despair. If he had, the world would have never experienced his impressive musical talent.
     What about the countless “ordinary” people who feel they have nothing of such great value to offer the world? Recall the parable of the talents in Matt. 25. Verse 15 says of the man traveling to a far country: “And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability...” You’ll notice that there was no zero talent man! We may not have some unique genius to offer the world, but that doesn’t mean we have no value! When we face challenges, we may have no special passion from which to draw strength, as did Beethoven. How can we overcome despair?
     The answer is as simple as Jesus Christ. Christ came into the world to save sinners (Romans, 5:8; I Timothy 1:15). What Christians do have is the knowledge of the gospel (John 8:32). Therein lies the Christian’s gift to the world (Romans 1:16). This is his purpose and strength for living! He knows all about the cure for spiritual diseases, far greater than any cure for physical diseases and more important than all the medical knowledge the world over!
    We have a certain strength for living that outweighs any possible unforeseen challenges and discouragements: if we have obeyed the gospel and we are living with sincerity and diligence, with heaven as our primary objective.
     “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). Our time here is but a vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes away (James 4:14). We can have peace in Christ, and being “in Christ” puts on the winning side! So, be of good cheer!
- R. W. McAlister preaches for the Anna church of Christ in Anna, IL.He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.annachurchofchrist.com/

“My Help Comes From the Lord”

2011-12-19T08:27:00.000-08:00

By Bryan McAlister

     “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
     Finding a companion is a blessing, one to be cherished. If that companion stumbles or is hurt, there is one who is ready to help in time of trouble and need. It is a fitting theme for marriage, but that is a theme fit for another day. For now, with the hearts of many of our brethren hurting and wearied for various reasons, we look to scripture, the source of God’s words to us, for a companion who is eternal and untouched by the troubles of our hearts. We look for a companion stronger than us, wiser than us, and holier than us. We look for a companion who is not burdened by our weakness or our worry. We look for a companion who is able to conquer what we encounter.
     Scripture reveals Who that companion is for us. “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help” (Psalm 121:1)? A person’s eyes can tell the whole story. In one look you can see pain or pleasure, sorrow or surprise. With one look you can know if a person is distracted, disappointed, or even despondent.
    The eyes are the window to the soul. “My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me” (Psalm 38:10). “I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry; my eyes fail while I wait for my God” (Psalm 69:3). Did you see that? The light of life had been taken from the eyes of the one hurting. The eyes of the hurting had cried so much, their throat had gone dry and the eyes failed, they had no more tears to give. When the heart has reached its breaking point, when it has had all that it can take; when the eyes have cried all the tears they can cry and when there is an emptiness beyond description of words, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills.” Disease, divorce, death, discouragement, debt, disaster; if you stare long enough and intently enough at any one of these, your eyes will be filled with the pain of these moments. “From whence comes my help?” It was rhetorical, because deep down inside, cutting through the pain, was the reminder of truth, “My help comes from the Lord.”
     The transitions our soul will encounter are too numerous to name here. Suffice it to say, whether it is a course of life, a change in season of living, a new year of work, school, or general alteration of any thing, I hope you know, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord.”

- Bryan McAlister preaches for the Centerville church of Christ, in Centerville, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centervillechurchofchrist.org

I Will See Him

2011-12-19T08:25:00.000-08:00

By H. L. Gradowith

I may not see the top of holy Sinai,
Or the land that once with milk and honey flowed;
I may not, like a bird, soar up through the sky,
Or have on me the honors of men bestowed...
But I will see Jesus! O! Yes! I’ll see Him,
And when He comes for me I will go to Him!
And then I’ll see Heaven – where I’ll live with Him!
O! Yes! I’ll see Jesus! I’ll surely see Him!

I may not find the cure for some dread disease,
And thereby astound the experts of the world;
I may not end war and bring to all men peace
And see one flag over all unfurled...
But I will see Jesus! O! Yes! I’ll see Him,
And when He comes for me I will go to Him!
And then I’ll see Heaven – where I’ll live with Him!
O! Yes! I’ll see Jesus! I’ll surely see Him!

I may not have a friend to stand by my side,
Or even one to help as His work I do;
I may not see bad men here success denied,
Or good men exalted when the day is through...
But I will see Jesus! O! Yes! I’ll see Him,
And when He comes for me I will go to Him!
And then I’ll see Heaven – where I’ll live with Him!
O! Yes! I’ll see Jesus! I’ll surely see Him!

I may not, in this world, know the precious rest
That the Lord has promised those who would be true;
I may not have the things others count as best,
With precious little I may have to make do...
But I will see Jesus! O! Yes! I’ll see Him,
And when He comes for me I will go to Him!
And then I’ll see Heaven – where I’ll live with Him!
O! Yes! I’ll see Jesus! I’ll surely see Him!

I may not overcome all the foes I face,
Or see the weaknesses that hindered me gone;
I may not ever find for myself a place...
Or see the works He gave me at long last done...
But I will see Jesus! O! Yes! I’ll see Him,
And when He comes for me I will go to Him!
And then I’ll see Heaven – where I’ll live with Him!
O! Yes! I’ll see Jesus! I’ll surely see Him!

- H. L. Gradowith For more information on H. L. Gradowith and GRADOWITH POEMS e-mail group visit http://www.geocities.com/fp5699/ - the website of Tim Smith, minister of the Enon church of Christ in Webb, AL.

Families Need Teamwork

2011-12-19T08:22:00.000-08:00

By Mike Haynes      In life, as well as in sports, it is vital to know that “we” is more important than “ me. ” the USA basketball team did not win a gold medal in the 2004 Olympic Games. The U.S. team was loaded with NBA all stars. Yet, they lost to Argentina, Lithuania and Puerto Rico. How could that happen? It is a good question. John Wooden, the former UCLA basketball guru, offered this explanation: he said, “The U.S. sent great players; the opposition sent great teams.” The U.S. had superstars; but they could not compete with a super-team!”
     Ego management is a big concern for every supervisor, teacher or leader. Some individuals have over-inflated egos. They think too highly of themselves. Others have under-inflated egos. They have low self-esteem. The antidote for too much ego or too little ego is the team concept. Teaching is usually required in the area of team spirit. Some people have been encouraged to be rugged individualists. They are independent in thought and action. Their natural inclination is to watch out for self. Personal glory is more important than team success. And, of course, there are times in life when one must stand alone. But, there is also the matter of community.
     There is value in being a part of a learning organization (job, church, school, family, etc.). I was reared in Oxford, Alabama, near the Talladega Speedway. The influence of NASCAR was certainly felt in my community. The big-named drivers, of course, got most of the publicity and attention. But, a big-named driver can’t do it all by himself. One, in a sense, isolated individual, must pour gas into the tank of the race car. Another person is responsible for removing and replacing lug nuts. One person removes the worn tire. Yet another person puts on the new tire. One person stands by with a fire extinguisher in case a problem arises. All of these individuals realize they are team members. The family, in a very real sense, is a team. Successful families have a team or family spirit. Parents are responsible for teaching family members about team work. Such teaching will strengthen the family and prepare family members for participation in other groups.

- Mike Haynes received his training at Freed-Hardeman University, Southern Christian University, Auburn University, and Nova Southeastern University. He supervises a number of forensic programs for the Alabama Department of Corrections. [This article originally appeared in the Spring/Summer issue of Our Families Magazine]; via The Family Friend, a monthly newsletter published by the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. It is an excellent resource for articles relating to the family. To learn more consult the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

God Knows and Meets Our Greatest Needs

2011-12-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

[Hebrews 9:11-14, 10:1-4 and 11-14]

By Gerald Cowan

It can be said in this way: If our greatest need had been for information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been for technology, God would have sent us a scientist, a technician, or an engineer. If our greatest need had been money and material wealth, God would have sent us a financial adviser, an investment broker. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. If our greatest need had been to be served, God would have sent us a servant. If our greatest need had been for freedom, God would have sent us a deliverer.

We do have a need for information – about God, about our world, and about ourselves. So God sent men inspired by His Spirit to tell us about himself and the world and how to relate to properly to Him and the world. He endowed us with intelligence and rationality; He made us able to investigate and learn how to develop and use the resources at hand. Of course we got sidetracked by the desire to possess more and more of the things that became available to us and God-sent teachers could never convince some of us of the futility and transience of earthly treasures, though they often stressed the point. The search for entertainment is mostly man-made, and God does not supply it. But the need for information about how to relate to God has never gone away, so God’s inspired persons prepared us for life in His kingdom, life in the called-out church of His Son. He revealed through them all we will ever need to know to function properly in the Kingdom/Church of the Lord, to please Him and secure a place in His heaven (1 Peter 1:1-9, 2 Peter 1:3-4).

Jesus was called The Teacher, and was surely the greatest teacher ever in things pertaining to God and the spirits of men. He knew the mind of God and was able to put God’s will into understandable words for us, to give us a perfectly understandable and applicable object lesson in how to live and please God. In him we could see God and hear God – we could know and experience God for ourselves by following his words and example (John 14:9, 15:1-8). He did not come to entertain us or make us feel good. But he did tell us how to be blessed and how to be a blessing, how to enjoy life – abundant life – how to be truly happy, satisfied, and always rejoicing in God (Mt. 5:1-6, Phil. 4:4). He supplies all our real and abiding needs through His Son, Jesus Christ (Phil. 4:13, 19).

God knew that our greatest need was not to be free from all others, or to be served by others. We can be submissive to masters, rulers, and other authorities under whom we are placed – that kind of adjustment is required for happiness and satisfaction (Rom. 13:1-7, Eph. 5:21-6:9). Our greatest needs are spiritual. God knew our greatest need would be for the forgiveness of sins, errors and mistakes – whether deliberate and willful or inadvertent and accidental – our weaknesses, failures, shortcomings, and doubts. Our greatest need was for salvation. So God sent us a Savior, a Redeemer and Deliverer for our spirits. He sent a Sacrifice who was able to remove all our sins and give us the peace of mind that can only come from a clean and clear conscience (Heb. 9:26-28, Phil. 4:6-9). In giving himself Jesus became the servant of all, serving and ministering to our greatest needs. His service can be rejected and his gift not received, but if that is the case, nobody else can make up for the loss (John 13:6-17).

In the process of providing for our salvation God made it possible for us to live in peace with Him and with each other. He also made it possible for us to be at peace within ourselves, with untroubled hearts looking forward to the consummation of all things in heaven (John 14:1-9) where neither He nor we shall ever fade away (1 Peter 1:3-4).

- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola, IL. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

Can You Count the Apples in a Seed?

2011-12-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

By Mark Adams
     In 1877, James A. Harding (for whom Harding University is named) went to Clark County, Kentucky, where he held a gospel meeting. When asked how the meeting went, one of the elders at the congregation responded, “It was not much of a meeting.
     Oh, brother Harding did his usual powerful preaching, the attendance was fair, but the results were negligible. Only little Jimmy Shepherd was baptized.”
     God doesn’t always perceive things the way that we do. When we work hard to serve people in the name of Christ and few respond to our message, it is easy to think, “The results of my work are negligible.”
    But we must never underestimate the power of one seed that really takes root. In the case of little Jimmy Shepherd, the sole response to Harding’s preaching in that guospel meeting, he stayed dedicated to the cause of Christ all of his life. He is better known to some as James W. Shepherd. While he was in college, he began preaching. In 1883, he helped to establish the Berea Church of Christ in Madison County. In 1888, he left with his family to do mission work in New Zealand for several years, preaching all around the country, as well as in Australia.
    Upon returning to the states, he worked from 1905 to 1912 as the office editor of the Gospel Advocate, where he both wrote and edited some works that have been treasured for decades.
     In Luke 8:8, Jesus is teaching a parable about a sower. Though much seed might never take root or grow, the seed which does take root can produce “one hundred times” what has been sown. Every seed you plant matters, because only God knows just how much good can be done when a person plants a seed through a single act of Christian conviction.

- Mark Adams; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

“AND DEAR GOD, PLEASE HELP ME TO GROW...”

2011-12-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

By Lynn Parker

Those words, often uttered in prayer, make up a proper request. We all should desire to be stronger spiritually (II Pet. 3:18). We should indeed long for growth (I Pet. 2:1ff). Let us examine this prayer request, as well as our attitude and efforts toward spiritual growth.

What would you think of a man who prayed, “God, please help me not to lose my job,” and then that same man slept in and was late to work every day? I have heard both men and women who say they want to be stronger spiritually. I have heard some say they want to know the Bible better. I have heard some folks piously sing, “More, More About Jesus.” And then I have seen the very same souls skip Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday. Any wonder why there is no growth????

When ones attendance at worship assemblies is “hit and miss,” then that person will exhibit spiritual stagnation. When a tree in the orchard does not grow, we give it extra attention. When a Christian does not grow, we try to give some extra attention as concerned brethren. After all, we have an obligation to build up each other. “So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another” (Rom. 14:19).

Your brethren cannot help you grow if you do not engage in really challenging, serious Bible study. Some brothers and sisters have been in the church for 10 years or more and never yet made 10 pages of study notes. Folks, casual reading of the Bible is not Bible study. We cannot edify you if you are not in the assembly of the saints on a regular basis. If students at public school attended like some of my brethren attend the worship assembly, they would be charged with truancy!

We cannot help you grow if you persist in saying, “This is not a convenient time” or employing similar excuses. Everyone is busy. Everyone has more to do than week to get it done. Still, if heaven is really important to you, you will make time to sit down and study. We have the teachers. We have a strong desire to see you grow. We can come to your house and spend an hour a week in diligent study with you. We are ready. Still, we cannot help you grow if you never make an effort or lift a finger. We will make the time—will you?

- Lynn Parker, New Braunfels, TX; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

The Importance of Reputation

2011-12-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

By Jonathan B. Jones II
     A recent Wall Street Journal interview with Google CEO Eric Schmidt revealed some disturbing realities about privacy and reputations in the digital age.
    The Google CEO says you may have to change your name to escape your past.
    The Internet-search-engine-giant's CEO stated, "I don't believe society understands
what happens when everything is available, knowable, and recorded by
everyone all the time." Because records are kept of all of your internet activity including internet searches, websites visited, and social networking posts, the indiscretions within the cyber world will scar your reputation and follow you throughout life. It is well known that many employers today will check social networking sites (such as twitter, Facebook, and MySpace) to evaluate the character of a prospect before serious consideration for hire. Google's CEO stated that the only way to "escape" such a wounded reputation in the future will be to legally change your name!
     Rather than trying to do “reputation damage control” after the fact, it would be far better to guard your reputation from being ruined in the first place. Scripture teaches us the importance of having a good reputation. The writer of Proverbs gives the true life-principle, "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold” (Proverbs 22:1).
    The Preacher of the book of Ecclesiastes seconds this advice, "A good name is better than precious ointment" (Ecclesiastes 7:1). As Christians we must care about our reputations. We should put a high priority upon the value of our reputations.
     We all make mistakes in the days of our youthfulness that we regret. David prayed to God, "Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions…" (Psalm 25:7). However, there is no excuse for "sowing wild oats" because we are young. God does not excuse the indiscretions of youth.
     Accountable young people must realize there are consequences to their choices--even choices made on-line. The young man Joseph is elevated in Scripture as a young man who continued to seek God when in a foreign land (Genesis 39:9).
    Likewise the young men Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego realized that they were accountable to God even when not around their parents (Daniel 1:8).
    Actions have consequences. We reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). We are to "sow for yourselves righteousness" (Hosea 10:12). If you sow to the wind, you can expect to reap a whirlwind (Hosea 8:7). May we all, both young and old, realize the importance of our reputations.

- Jonathan B. Jones II; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Riches Within Reach

2011-12-05T08:19:00.001-08:00

By Dan Chambers

     One day last week, Andrea called my attention to a news story that appeared on the homepage of “Yahoo.” The story told how in England back in 1945 a grandfather gave his seven-year-old grandson, John Webber, a mug to play with. It was a golden-colored cup about 5 ½ inches tall, and was decorated with the heads of two women facing in opposite directions, their foreheads garlanded with two knotted snakes.
     Among other things, seven-year-old John used the cup for target practice with his air gun, but it survived intact, and eventually was stashed away and largely forgotten. Sixty-three years later that mug was still languishing in a shoebox under seventy-year-old John’s bed. When John moved last year, he decided to get the bronze cup valued. As an English scrap metal dealer he believed he had a “good eye” for antiques.
     It turned out that the bronze mug wasn’t bronze at all. It was actually a rare piece of ancient Persian treasure, beaten out of a single sheet of gold hundreds of years before thebirth of Christ. Experts said the method of manufacture and composition of the gold was “consistent with Archaemenid gold and gold smithing” dating back to the third or fourth century B.C. The Archaemenid empire, the first of the Persian empires to rule over significant portions of greater Iran, was wiped out by Alexander the Great in 330 B.C.. The cup will go up for auction in England in June 5, and is estimated to fetch around 500,000 pounds, which is about $1,000,000.
     Imagine that—for over six decades there was a treasure within John’s reach that would make him rich beyond his wildest dreams, and he didn’t even know it. John’s story reminded me that every person in this world has within his or her reach a treasure that will make him or her rich beyond their wildest dreams and most don’t even know it, or they don’t do anything about it.
     Of course I’m talking about the treasure of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In Romans 10:12-13 Paul says, “For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for, Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Notice that, through the Holy Spirit, Paul uses the word “riches” to describe the salvation that the Lord offers everyone.
     If you’re a Christian, do you realize how rich you are, and do you thank God every day for making you so rich? And, if you’ve not obeyed the gospel, I hope you’ll realize the treasure that’s at your fingertips and do something about it today.

–Dan Chambers, via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

Things The Church Is Not To Do

2011-12-05T08:17:00.001-08:00

By James W. Boyd
    It is not God’s intention that the church direct the affairs of civil government. While we have legitimate interest and concern about civil affairs as citizens of our country, we should not involve the church in these matters that are purely political, economic, and government policies regarding trade, foreign affairs, police work, elections, road building, etc. But in matters of morality, ethics, truth, though often thrown by some into the political arena, the church should and must be involved because that involves the business of righteousness. For example, the issues of abortion, alcoholic beverages, gambling, same sex marriages, the teaching of evolution, intrusions against the moral standards of God, these are the concern of the church.
    The church is not intended to provide for the social life of its members – furnishing entertainments, sports, gymnasiums, playgrounds, camps, recreational facilities, etc. To those who think so, we simply ask for the Scripture that authorizes such things. The craze to have the church to entertain has, in some digressive churches, turned the worship services into near revelry, show, "a holy wow," and a religious Hee Haw.
    While places for assembly and facilities to do the work are necessary, it is not the work of the church to simply build buildings, temples, sanctuaries, etc. For too long many have depended upon glamorous buildings to be the attraction of the church. Disproportionate amounts of money have been spent building and maintaining elaborate buildings. But the church grew more rapidly, physically and spiritually, when our buildings were more “on the other side of the tracks.”
    The church is not in the money making or money saving business. Some churches hold huge savings accounts, drawing interest, hoarding funds, while people all over the world are dying lost without the Gospel. Good stewardship of funds is one thing. Greedy and grasping brethren who just hold on to money while the work languishes is something else. I would fear to be an elder of a church presiding over large savings while the Gospel is not being preached.
    It is not the work of the church to provide secular education. Secular schools are businesses and do not belong in the church budget. For many years school people have dug into the treasuries of churches for their school work. Christ did not die to provide chemistry labs, tennis courts, computers, or make “scholars.” Schools can be helpful or harmful to the cause of Christ. At present, 1997, most of the colleges established by brethren, have become enemies of the cause of Christ rather than friends because they have led the way into digression and apostasy. Brethren have for too long bought the false teaching that whatever an individual can do, the church can do.
    The church is not simply to make people feel good, draw crowds, build self esteem, get numbers and funds, be accepted by the community, etc. The church should seek to please God, not men. You will never please all men anyhow. It's like the man and boy and the donkey. They started out with the man riding the donkey and the boy walking. Some criticized, thinking the man should let the boy ride. So they changed places. Then some criticized because the boy should have had more respect for the man than to ride while the man walked. So both got atop the donkey. Again, some criticized because they thought both of them on the donkey was too heavy for the donkey. So they both walked. Then they were accused of being fools for having a beast of burden but not using him. You cannot please everybody. Why try?
    Some have befuddled the work of the church by seeking to do something without authority, but then asking, "What's wrong with it?" If it is without authority, it is wrong. We must have authority for the work of the church as we must have it for the worship, the plan of salvation, organization, and terms of entrance.

- James W. Boyd, McMinnville, TN; - via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

Whether Yes or No or More or Less – Give Thanks to God

2011-12-05T08:15:00.001-08:00

     There is much that each person can do for himself and much that one can get only from others. And when he gets something from others he should certainly acknowledge it and be grateful.
In Luke 17:10-19 Jesus told a story in which nine out of ten did not even say thanks for a great gift of healing – from leprosy. All ten had the same problem, all asked for and received mercy and help, all were healed and cleansed. All received the same charge. All should have made the same acknowledgment of gratitude. Nine failed.
     Humans do not seem to be “naturally” grateful. Not to parents. Not to each other. Not even to God.
     For what should a Christian thank God? For every good thing, for every YES answer to a prayer. Can one be thankful for burdens and troubles, hardships? Perhaps not for the thing itself, but certainly for the lessons learned, and more than that, for the strength God supplies so one can keep the faith even in difficult times. If nothing else, trouble can open one’s eyes to his need for God.
     Here are a few things you may not have thought of, for which you owe God thanks.
– If you have more health than illness, thank God. Millions of people will not survive this week.
– Hundreds of millions have endured
battle, imprisonment, and the pangs of starvation this year. Thank God if you are not one of them.
– If you can meet in the name of God for worship without fear of harassment, persecution, loss of possessions or loss of life, you are more blessed than three billion others in the world. Thank God.
– If you have enough food, a safe shelter, a little money in the bank, and do not have to worry about whether you will have those things tomorrow, you are better off than 92% of the people in the world.
– No matter what you age, if your parents are still alive and married to each other, you are in a very select minority.
– If you hold up your head and smile and are truly thankful, whether you have little or much, you are a true blessing. Almost everybody can, but most do not.

- via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Dongola church of Christ, Dongola, IL. Gerald Cowan serves the congregation as minister. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

If You Can

2011-12-05T08:14:00.001-08:00

If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful,
     ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and
     boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every
     day and still be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your
     loved ones are too busy to give
     you any time or attention,
If you can take criticism and
     blame without resentment,
If you can conquer tension without
     medical help,
If you can relax without liquor or
     sedatives
If you can sleep without the aid
     of drugs...
Then you are probably the family dog.

- Author Unknown; via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

A “Can Do” Attitude

2011-12-05T08:12:00.001-08:00

By Jason Hart

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). Allow me to create what I call a “step study.” A “step study” may seem a bit tedious but it can greatly help in the application of a passage.
    “I” - Because of the first person pronoun “I,” the reader automatically becomes a part of the verse.
    “I Can” - Saying “I can” leaves out any “I think,” “I might,” “I could,” or “I should.”
    “I Can Do” - When we say, “I can do,” what we mean to suggest is that we can put our lives into action with confidence. I’s not just a passing thought.
    “I Can Do All Things” - Everything within righteous reason is possible with the right attitude.
    “I Can Do All Things Through” - There is a powerful source through which we can accomplish much. It is not beside of, over, or under - it is through.
    “I Can Do All Things Through Christ” - Christ is the central force through whom all righteous things can be accomplished.
    “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens” - It is Christ, who, as our Savior, Redeemer, Mediator, High Priest, and King, provides insurmountable strength to those who love Him.
    “I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me” - Last but not least, the reader is not only encouraged by the strength that Christ provides, but by the strength He provides on an individual basis.

- Jason Hart (adapted); via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL.

Giving Thanks

2011-12-05T08:10:00.001-08:00

By David A. Sargent

    On Friday evenings about sunset, on a lonely stretch along the eastern Florida seacoast, one could regularly see an old man walking -- white-haired, bushy eye-browed, slightly bent. Each and every Friday night, until his death in 1973, he would return carrying a large bucket of shrimp. The sea gulls would flock to him, and he would feed them from his bucket. And he would thank them when doing so.
    To the casual observer, his actions would be met with some mixture of bemusement, ridicule and pity. But those who had insight and understanding saw something far different.
    The old man was Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, the most decorated American ace pilot of World War I. Many years before, in October, 1942, Captain Rickenbacker was on a mission in a B-17 to deliver an important message to General Douglas MacArthur in New Guinea. But then the unexpected occurred…
Somewhere over the South Pacific, his plane -- the Flying Fortress -- became lost beyond the reach of radio. Fuel ran dangerously low, so Rickenbacker and his passengers ditched their plane in the ocean. For nearly a month Captain Eddie and his companions would fight the water, the weather, the scorching sun, and their most formidable foe: STARVATION. Eight days out, their rations were long gone or destroyed by the salt water. Their situation looked very bleak.
    At one point, Captain Rickenbacker was dozing with his hat pulled down over his eyes when something remarkable happened: ”Something landed on my head. I knew that it was a sea gull. … Everyone else knew, too. No one said a word, but peering out from under my hat brim without moving my head, I could see the expression on their faces. They were staring at that gull. The gull meant FOOD … if I could catch it.”
Captain Eddie caught the gull. Its flesh was eaten. Its intestines were used for bait to catch fish. The survivors were sustained and their hopes renewed because a lone sea gull, uncharacteristically hundreds of miles from land, seemingly offered itself as a sacrifice.
    And… Rickenbacker never forgot to remember that one which, on a day long past, gave itself without a struggle, a sacrifice that meant salvation to him and others. *
Every Sunday, there are people in various parts of the world that pause
to reflect on the ULTIMATE Sacrifice that has been made for mankind.
The memorial is the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Corinthians 11:23-30) and the participants are Christians. They are commemorating the death of Jesus, God’s Son, who died on the cross to pay the redemption price for the sins of the world (Eph 1:7; 1 John 2:2).
    YOU can also receive the benefits of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice if you will:
place your faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Him before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed)
in His name for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then, as Christians, we continue to follow Him and look forward to an ETERNAL home in heaven (Revelation 22).
    Won’t YOU gratefully accept His offer of salvation on His terms?

- David A. Sargent, minister for the church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

[* Adapted from “The Old Man and the Gulls” from Paul Harvey’s The Rest of the Storyby Paul Aurandt, 1977, quoted in Heaven Bound Living, Knofel Stanton, Standard, 1989, pp. 79-80 as qtd. in “Sermon Illustrations,” www.Bible.org]

REMEMBERING THE JOY

2011-11-28T09:22:00.001-08:00

“These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival” (Psa. 42:4).
David spent a lot of time in exile away from Jerusalem , and he wasn’t able to be at the temple worshiping God. He really missed it. His soul was thirsting for God, like a deer pants for water (Psa. 42:1), and he was longing to be in worship again. He remembered how great it was to be in worship and rejoiced when he could get back. When we make our lives around worshiping the Lord, the loss of worship time will leave a big hole in our lives. Let’s not fill that hole with something else. Let’s get back to God before it is too late.

- Grace for Your Spirit ,via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

Lean On Me

2011-11-28T09:21:00.001-08:00

As the road ahead seems rugged
and the path is getting steep,
I feel that I can't make it
so my heart begins to weep.

Then I turn to see who's coming
to join me on my way.
I see it is my Lord
and He slowly turns to say,

"Lean on me.....
when you have no strength to stand.
When you feel you're going under,
hold tighter to my hand.

Lean on me......
when your heart begins to bleed.
When you know I'm all you have,
then you'll find I'm all you need."

Then when I felt that no one cared
if I lived or died,
and no one bothered asking why
I'd go alone to cry.

When the burden got so heavy
I could barely face the day,
I felt His arms around me
as I gently heard Him say,

"Lean on me......
when you have no strength to stand.
When you feel you're going under,
hold tighter to my hand.

Lean on me......
when your heart begins to bleed.
When you come to know I'm all you have,
then you'll find I'm all you need."

- Author Unknown

Oh, Taste and See

2011-11-28T09:19:00.001-08:00

By Mike Baker
    The leaves are falling, the days are shorter and time is nearing to gather with family and loved ones to have a period of thanksgiving. All school children learn the story of our American Thanksgiving, complete with the Indians, Pilgrims, and bountiful harvest of food. We also soon learn to associate Thanksgiving with many other things‑turkey, football, parades, visits to grandparents, time off from work, etc.
    Having been so blessed to live in such a country, we sometimes overlook or fail to fully appreciate all that we have. Having a time of the year when everyone pauses to be thankful is a good thing. But the commercialism of this time of year also seems to overshadow the basic concept of the holiday. That is, of course, to thank God.
    David wrote in Ps. 34:1‑2, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad."
    For the faithful child of God, thanksgiving is always on his lips as he praises God. Knowing that we have been forgiven from our sins, we learn to humble ourselves and thank God frequently each day.
    Later in the same Psalm, David writes, "Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Oh fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing." Ps. 34:8‑10.
    Let us resolve to be thankful to God each and every day for all that we have‑our health, our families, our friends, our employment, our relationship with God through Jesus, etc.   Let us also resolve to encourage others around us to do so as well.
    Paul writes in 2 Cor. 9:10‑11, "now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God."
    "Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." Ps. 34:3. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Cor. 9:15.

‑ Mike Baker, Lewisburg, TN; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

THE ART OF THANKSGIVING IS THANKS-LIVING

2011-11-28T09:18:00.001-08:00

By Gerald Cowan

     Thanksgiving is gratitude in action. In return for your own good fortune, give something to others that will give them cause for joy and will lead them to thank God too. Here are a few ways to do it.
     THANK GOD for the gift of life by living it triumphantly, as a channel of blessings from God to others.
     THANK GOD for your abilities and talents by accepting them as obligations to be invested for the common good.
     THANK GOD for opportunities by accepting them as challenges to achieve.
     THANK GOD for your health and strength by care and respect for your body.
     THANK GOD for inspiration and encouragement by giving encouragement to others.
     THANK GOD for comforts received by calming and comforting others in their times of trouble and stress.
     THANK GOD for your happiness by trying to make others happy.
     THANK GOD for contributions made by others by adding your own creative contributions to the stream of human progress.
     THANK GOD for your humanity by practicing true brotherhood, without prejudice or malice against those who are not of "your kind."
     THANK GOD for friendship by being friendly, being a friend.
     THANK GOD for love by loving - by unselfish giving of yourself and by unselfish receiving from others who give to you.
     THANK GOD for each new day by living it to the fullest.
     THANK GOD! Thank Him by giving hands, arms, legs, and voice to your thankful spirit. Thank Him by adding you your prayers of thanksgiving some works, some acts of thanks-living. Thank Him for all your yesterdays. Thank Him for today. Thank Him for tomorrow - as long as there is a tomorrow -“ and then thank Him in eternity.

- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola, IL. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

Turkey Poem

2011-11-28T09:17:00.001-08:00

   When I was a young turkey, new to the coop,
   My big brother Tom took me out on the stoop,
   Then he sat me down, and he spoke real slow,
   And he told me there was something that I just had to know.
   His look and his tone I will always remember,
   When he told me of the horrors of, well...... Black November!
   Come about August, now listen to me,
   Each day you'll get six meals instead of your three.
   And soon you'll be thick, where once you were thin,
   and you'll grow a big rubbery thing under your chin;
   And then one morning, when you're warm in your bed,
   In comes the farmer's wife, to hack off your head;
   Then she'll pluck out all your feathers until you're bald 'n pink,
   And scoop out your insides and leave you in the sink;
   And then comes the worst part he said not bluffing,
   She'll spread your hind quarters and pack your bottom with stuffing!
   Well, the rest of his words were too grim to repeat,
   I sat on the stoop like a winged piece of meat,
   And decided on the spot that to avoid being cooked,
   I'd have to lay low to remain overlooked.
   I began a new diet of nuts and granola,
   High roughage salads, juice and diet cola;
   And as they ate pastries, chocolates and crepes,
   I stayed in my room doing Jane Fonda tapes.
   I maintained my weight of two pounds and a half,
   And tried not to notice when the bigger birds laughed;
   But it was I who was laughing, under my breath,
   As they chomped and they chewed, ever closer to death.
   And sure enough when Black November rolled around,
   I was the last turkey left in the Turkey compound;
   So now I'm a pet in the farmer's wife's lap;
   I haven't a worry, so I eat and I nap.
   She held me today, while sewing and humming,
   And smiled at me and said "Christmas is coming."

THE NIGHT OF THANKSGIVING

2011-11-28T09:16:00.001-08:00

‘Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn’t sleep.
I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.
The leftovers beckoned—the dark meat and white,
But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation,
The thought of a snack became infatuation.
I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door
And gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes,
Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.
I felt myself swelling so plump and so round,
‘Til all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky
With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.
But I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...
Happy eating to all – Pass the cranberries, please.
May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes ‘n gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious, may your pies take the prize.
May your thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed!!

- via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

Thanksgiving: the Gratitude Attitude Should be Present Every Day

2011-11-28T09:14:00.001-08:00

A Sermon Outlione by Gerald Cowan

1. Thanksgiving Day is not in the same class as some other religious and pseudo-religious holidays. But surely nobody thinks being grateful on one day is enough.

2. A true gratitude attitude is enhanced by knowledge of our own history and heritage.

+ Israel learned how to be grateful to God by remembering their history.

+ We may learn something about gratitude from the pilgrims. Perhaps we should fast rather than feast, to enter into their spirit.

3. We can improve the experience and expression of gratitude.

+ Avoid materialism as the basis for gratitude.

+ Do not assume material well-being is evidence of God’s approval.

+ Focusing on the giver and not just the gift will help us evaluate the gift properly and receive it properly.

+ What it meant to the giver is more important than benefit to receivers.

4. Results of focusing on both the giver and the gift.

+ A sense of obligation – a debt of gratitude – a desire to reciprocate.

+ The supreme gift of all time was from God. "For God so loved...that He gave His only begotten Son."

+ Though Jesus was and is a gift, the one who agrees to receive him is placed under a great obligation.

5. Everyone of us is a debtor.

+ ...To those who prepared the way and secured for us the freedoms and blessings we now enjoy.

+ ...To those who work with us now and are giving to us now.

+ ...To God for His blessings and gifts, especially for Jesus.

Only when we are grateful and show it do we have the right to ask for the good things to continue.

- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola, IL. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

Are You a Saint?

2011-11-21T08:53:00.001-08:00

By Winford Claiborne

    Have you ever heard someone say, “Well, I am not a sinner and I am not a saint.” Is there some position between a sinner and a saint? Did you know that the words “holy,” “saint,” and “sanctified” all come from the same Greek word? If you are not a sinner, then you are a saint. There is no third category. But are Christians saints? If you mean by the word “saint” someone who is without flaw, then obviously, no one belongs in that category. But that is not the meaning of the Greek word hagios. You know that is true if you have carefully read 1 Corinthians. Paul referred to the Corinthians as “saints.” You know how many sins are outlined in this great letter. The Corinthians were not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
    Peter explains what it means to be obedient children. We are not to fashion ourselves according to the former lusts of our ignorance (1 Peter 1:14). Then he adds: “But as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all manner of conversation” (1:15). God is the one who has called us into His service. His character is the standard of holiness. Since God is holy, He wants us to be holy. In fact, if we are not holy, that is, set apart for His service - set apart from the world - we cannot be His faithful followers. Fortunately, He has given us the means by which we can become holy, that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we obey the gospel of Christ, our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16) and we become holy in God’s sight.
We are urged to be “holy in all manner of conversation.” One who has not studied the Bible carefully may think Peter was speaking about our tongue—keeping our speech clean and pure. Holiness certainly includes that, but it is much more than that. The word, “conversation,” means manner of life. James asks, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).
    Every day—and not just on Sunday, we are to keep our hearts and our lives pure. Jesus said, Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

- Winford Claiborne (From the chapter with the above title, in his book, Divine Relationships, 155 Five-Minute Sermons on First Peter); via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Thanksgiving Outlook

2011-11-21T08:51:00.001-08:00

By Alan Smith
     With Thanksgiving approaching in a couple of weeks, I thought you would enjoy this excerpt from a book entitled, "Weather Prognosticators and the Media: Fallacies, Facts, and Fun in Forecasting" by Norm MacDonald:
    "Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190 F. The kitchen will turn hot and humid, and if you bother the cook, be ready for a severe squall or cold shoulder.
     "During the late afternoon and evening, the cold front of a knife will slice through the turkey, causing an accumulation of one to two inches on plates. Mashed potatoes will drift across one side while cranberry sauce creates slippery spots on the other. Please pass the gravy.
     "A weight watch and indigestion warning have been issued for the entire area, with increased stuffiness around the beltway. During the evening, the turkey will diminish and taper off to leftovers, dropping to a low of 34 F in the refrigerator.
     "Looking ahead to Friday and Saturday, high pressure to eat sandwiches will be established. Flurries of leftovers can be expected both days with a 50 percent chance of scattered soup late in the day. We expect a warming trend where soup develops. By early next week, eating pressure will be low as the only wish left will be the bone."
     While many of us in the United States will be enjoying a delicious feast in a couple of weeks, may our outlook truly be one of thanksgiving. May we be reminded once again of the source of our bountiful blessings. I love the cartoon that shows a bewildered-looking fellow sitting at a Thanksgiving table loaded down with turkey, dressing, hot rolls, and all the trimmings. The caption reads: "Alvin the atheist realized he was at his lowest point, for he felt grateful but had no one to thank."
     We do have someone to thank. May we do it not only on Thanksgiving but every day with hearts overflowing with gratitude.
     "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." (James 1:17)
     "Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving..." (Psalm 95:2)
     Have a great day!

- Alan Smith, author of the popular "Thought For Today," and minister for the Helen Street church of Christ in Fayetteville, NC, may be contacted at alansmith.servant@gmail.com

What Gratitude Can Do

2011-11-21T08:50:00.001-08:00

By Bill McFarland
     Some form of the word "thanks" appears in the English Bible 140 times. Obviously, God's people are to be known for their thankful hearts. Have you ever thought about why it is so necessary that we give thanks to God? It's certainly not because God needs it! The Scriptures teach that we need to give thanks because of what gratitude will do for our own lives.
     Gratitude can give us the desire to serve God. Those who genuinely appreciate what the Lord has done for them gladly obey His will. The apostle Paul, for example, was so thankful for the Lord's grace and mercy that he was willing to do anything for the Lord's cause (1 Tim. 1:12). Thankfulness destroys lukewarmness.
     Gratitude can give us peace of mind. Someone said, "it is not the happy people who are thankful. It is the thankful people who are happy." Thanksgiving helps us to fix our eyes on the brighter side and erase the anxiety which stands in the way of peace (Phil. 4:6-7). The peace of God can rule in hearts which are thankful (Col. 3:15).
     Gratitude can contribute to spiritual strength. It is not easy to face the temptations and trials which come our way in life. The inner strength required to be patient and longsuffering is inevitably linked to the giving of thanks (Col. 1:11-12). People who are strong in the faith will be found "abounding in thanksgiving" (Col. 2:6-7).
     Gratitude can increase harmony among brethren. Thankful people are not as likely to struggle with envy and hurt feelings. Those who are "giving thanks in all things," have no trouble submitting themselves to one another (Eph. 5:20-21). A grateful spirit opens the heart to others.
     Gratitude can keep us from the path of sin. For example, the 1st chapter of Romans shows how people sink through uncleanness to vileness and finally reach the level of a reprobate. Paul says that this tragic process begins when people are unthankful (Rom. 1:21). A thankful heart can prevent this sad fall.
     No wonder the Scriptures so often call for the giving of thanks! A sincere spirit of gratitude is a giant step toward a better life.

- Bill McFarland; via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL.

THANK GOD FOR THE INCREASE

2011-11-21T08:48:00.001-08:00

By Gerald Cowan
     The preacher is too often given credit, or takes it for himself, whenever a person makes a positive response to the gospel, either to become a Christian or to correct and improve his relationship to the Lord, or grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. It is not likely that such credit is ever deserved. Many factors combine to produce the response, and it is inappropriate to single out any factor or person as being “the one” to which credit is due. We should learn to attribute all positive responses to the work of God (1 Cor. 3:6).
     This lesson is drawn out clearly in 1 Cor. 3:5-9. Paul was the first to proclaim the gospel of Christ to the Corinthians. He planted (compare 1 Cor. 2:1-5). Apollos watered (1 Cor. 3:6). He exhorted, encouraged, and otherwise built upon the foundation Paul laid (1 Cor. 3:10). There are often a great number who do the watering. Not only by teaching and exhortation, but also by praying for each other (1 Tim. 4:12, 1 Cor. 11:1, Mt. 5:16, 1 Peter 2:12). But the planting and the watering will accomplish very little without God who gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6-7). The one who plants and those who water are one, one in purpose and desire (1 Cor. 3:8), and are workers together with God. The final product, building, fruit, etc. is the result of God’s work. God is at work in and through those who preach and teach, and those who admonish and exhort (Rom. 10:15, 2 Cor. 5:20, 1 Cor. 3:9), and so God is to be thanked for the increase.
     Some may claim to be “self-made” Christians. They see their conversion to Christ and their growth in Christ as the result of their own study and application of God’s word, and their own obedience to it. But they should not forget the debt they owe to those human instruments inspired by God to record and preserve the gospel in written form. Nor should they discount the evidence of faith in others which reinforces their own desire to find the Lord. All of us should heed the admonition to “work out your own salvation,” but do not forget that “it is God who works in you both will and do of his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:12-13).
     Let us not discount any of the contribution factors to conversion and growth in Christian faith. We should certainly be grateful for all who have a part, however small. But do not forget that it is God the Father who is above all, through all, and in all (Eph. 4:6). He is ultimately responsible for the increase and He is to be thanked for it.

- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola, IL. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

Finding Thankfulness

2011-11-14T08:08:00.001-08:00

By Rick Woodall

   Traveling down through the South over Thanksgiving made reality set in. Hundreds of trucks pulling FEMA trailers were on the road for destinations of the homeless. We had the opportunity to listen to reports on the continued work to provide needed supplies and housing to the thousands who were misplaced after the hurricanes. It truly set in motion a different attitude toward the cheerful season. The sermons and talks that I heard did not hide the sadness that exists through the loss of lives, homes and personal belongings. Yet, people were not left hung out to dry.
   The main focus of the season was in the message that one can be thankful through hard times. My gift reminds me we can experience great revival in troubled times through hearts filled with thanksgiving.
   “I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. Let the oppressed see it and be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive. For the LORD hears the needy, and does not despise his own that are in bonds. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.” –Psalm 69:30 34
   In the emptiness of all the stories of tragedy there is a detailed description of people who are starting over. Total strangers came to the rescue of many of the misplaced. This companionship directed new beginnings.
   So at church services in the heart of all this turmoil the Lord was praised by thankful hearts filled with renewal. When God’s people pull together something good is going to always prevail.
   So, thanksgiving was celebrated in a different light this year. Grieving, troubled, injured and depressed people found hope in hearts filled with thanks.
   For all those surrounded by good friends, relatives and prosperity, survey your piece of good fortune. Many this Thanksgiving must find another way to be thankful.
   Have a great week.

- Rick Woodall is the minister for the Yorktown Road church of Christ in Logansport Indiana. His weekly devotional message, Life Thoughts, can be found through this address: http://mysite.verizon.net/yorktownroadchurchofchrist/

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-14T08:01:00.001-08:00

By Johnny Hester

    On the fourth Thursday of November each year, most families all across the United States gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving. For some, it is a day for naps, parades, turkey, maps, kinsfolk, naps, fanfare and football. (Did I mention naps?) I stand convicted, but recently have come to blame the turkey. This bird, so I'm told, has an extremely high concentration of tryptophan - a chemical known to make people (especially the male of the species) feel sleepy. While I have seen no actual scientific data, I suspect that the additional mounds of mashed potatoes, homemade noodles, cornbread dressing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie might tend to enhance the effects of the culprit, tryptophan. Would you like to volunteer for an experiment? Never mind, I'll be the guinea pig myself.
    On a more earnest note, while we enjoy our bountiful blessings, Thanksgiving should be a time of true reflection and introspection. It should be a day of heartfelt appreciation for the blessings received over the past year; and an occasion to acknowledge and give thanks to the origin of every blessing, our Father in Heaven. Should you need a Bible verse to use as a springboard for your devotions, allow me to suggest James 1:17. Note the following information: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." So, as we count our blessings let's remember our Heavenly Father who is the Giver of those blessings!
    Of all the "good and perfect" gifts that God has given, which is the best - the greatest? It is Jesus Christ, God's Son. Only in Him can one find unlimited access to every spiritual gift that God has provided. Paul declared in Ephesians 1:3, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."
    Closing questions: (1) As you enjoy your feast this Thanksgiving, were you to discover that the family next door is destitute and hungry, would you share? I know your answer. Of course you would. Beloved, we all have friends and relatives who are starving spiritually because they have not yet partaken of the "bread of life" (John 6:30-59). (2) Will you share Him with others that they too might "live forever" (verse 51)?
    Have a blessed Thanksgiving. And may we all become a blessing to many others as we share our bounty with them.
    I am thankful for you - my spiritual family. I love you in Christ and look forward to being with you in worship this Sunday.

- Johnny Hester preaches for the Shady Acres church of Christ, in Sikeston, MO. He may be contacted through the church's website at http://www.shadyacreschurch.com

IT IS DISTURBING THAT EVEN WITH SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR, SOME CHRISTIANS ARE NOT REALLY GRATEFUL

2011-11-14T07:58:00.001-08:00

By Gerald Cowan

     People in this country have more to be thankful for than any others on earth. Not only in material possessions and opportunities for advancement. Not only in the quality and quantity of food. Not only in social freedom. Not only in spiritual freedom to worship God as one sees fit – or not to worship Him at all, if that is one’s choice. There’s all of that and much, much more. So what do we do about it? Maybe not you, and not me. But generally, as a nation of people, we complain because some of our neighbors still have more that we do. We complain that others want to limit our freedom, maybe even take away some liberties we have had in the past.
     We spend a lot of time in the complaint department. Mike Yates tells the following story. Upon entering a department store a certain lady was startled when a band began to play and a dignified executive pinned an orchid on her lapel and handed her a check for a thousand dollars. She was the store’s one millionth customer. A television camera was focused on her and a reporter wanted to interview her. “Tell us,” he asked, “What did you come in the store for today?” She hesitated for a minute, then said: “I’m on my way to the Complaint Department.”
     Aren’t we just like that? Rather than be thankful we can express our preference by voting, we complain because the wrong person got elected. Rather than be thankful that we have the best medical facilities, best medicines, and best medical practitioners in the world, we complain about how long we have to wait at the doctor’s office, and how expensive the medicine is that the doctor prescribes for us. Rather than be thankful to have a job, we complain about having to work at all when what we really want is a free ride to prosperity – a guaranteed income whether we work or not. There seems to be no end to our ingratitude.
     And when it comes to religion we aren’t much better. Rather than thank God that He cared enough to sacrifice His Son for our salvation we complain about how hard it is live the Christian life. Rather than thank God that we have freedom of religion, we complain. People complain that the sermons are too long or too complex or too shallow or too dull. The songs are too slow, too fast, too sad, too dreary, too frivolous and too emotional. There isn’t enough excitement, things are not serious enough, worship is not entertaining enough, everything is too dull. Beside that, the church makes too many rules. There ought to be more freedom of mind and less legalism, less interference in one’s personal life. Is there no end to our ingratitude?
     Maybe, just for a little while – we wouldn’t want it to last very long – but maybe if we had to do absolutely everything for ourselves, couldn’t do anything for others or have anything done for us by others, and only got exactly what we really deserved for whatever we had done, maybe then we might learn to be grateful.
     If you can’t be grateful for what you have received, be grateful for what you have escaped. If you can’t be grateful because you haven’t received some good things you think you deserve, be grateful that you haven’t received many of the bad things that have come to others, whether deserved or not.

- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola, IL. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

Thanks-Giving

2011-11-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

By Joe Chesser

    Thanksgiving is a great holiday.  It’s a time when families can get together to do things families should be doing: eating together, laughing and telling stories you’ve heard a hundred times, watching the Lions and Cowboys lose, playing games, and then eating some more.  You cook and clean and travel.  You get too full, too tired and extend yourself too much, but it’s all worth it. It’s Thanksgiving.  That’s what people do at Thanksgiving.  At least it’s a part of it.
    But let’s back up for just a moment.  Let’s not forget that the reason we have so much food and fun on Thanksgiving is because we have been so richly blessed by God. We have been blessed to live in a nation that allows us the religious freedom to have a holiday called Thanksgiving.  We have been blessed with the financial resources to travel and to feast.  We have been blessed with people in our past who have taught us about God and how He loves to give to us.  We have been blessed with people, both past and present, who take seriously the need to protect our freedoms.
    So, perhaps this Thanksgiving we can take advantage of time off from work and time with family and friends to set aside a special time to truly give thanks to God for the countless ways He has blessed us.  Our God is a God who gives.  Giving is a part of what makes Him God.  Everything we have has come from God because He owns it all. “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father …” (James 1:17).  If you have turkey and dressing for Thanksgiving dinner it’s because God has given you the turkey and dressing.  If you spend time with friends and family on Thanksgiving it’s because God has given you the time, the people, and the means to get together.  If you get some great bargains at the stores next week, thank God for those bargains.  When it comes to thanking God, nothing is too trivial, even the peas and carrots.  It has all come from Him, and we all need to give thanks to Him for it.  When we do, we are blessed even more.
    When it comes to thanksgiving, there are two parts.  The first is to recognize that it is God who has given us what we have.  Our hearts respond with gratitude because our heads know the source of our blessings.  We know the love that gave them, and we appreciate what He has done for us.  But thanksgiving involves more than just knowing and appreciating, it requires a tangible response.  We give to God praise and thanks for what He has given us.  We can speak it, sing it or pray it alone or with others.  Certainly we are to live a life of thanksgiving.  But there’s no thanksgiving without the giving.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good” (Ps. 118:1).

- Joe Chesser preaches for the Fruitland church of Christ, Fruitland, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.cofcfruitland.com/

I’m Thankful For…

2011-11-07T08:17:00.000-08:00

By Jim Faughn
     The first chapter of the book of Romans describes a disgusting and disastrous descent of mankind into some sins/lifestyles that would almost defy our imagination. That is, the descriptions of some of the sins would have defied our imaginations a few generations ago. Unfortunately, when one reads this chapter now, it is almost as though we are opening up the morning paper or turning on the evening news.
     Among the sad things that can be said about this passage is that it begins by describing people who, at one time, “…knew God…” (Rom. 1:21). The first steps on their downhill slide are found in that same verse: “For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him” (Rom. 1:21, ESV).
     Thanksgiving, to a true child of God, is much more than a national holiday. As much as many of us like to gather with family and friends on a special day, thanksgiving (or gratitude) is more of a mindset or disposition than it is a day on a calendar. Each one of us should be able to produce our own individual lists of things for which we are thankful. Some of them may have to do with our health, our financial situation, the relationship we have with our family members, the privilege of living in this country, and many other things.
     While there would be some differences in our individual lists, there would also be some things in common on some of the lists. It is my opinion that each of us who is a Christian ought to have the same thing at the very top of each of our lists. It might be worded a little differently as each of us expresses it in our own way, but the message would be essentially the same.
     Here’s one version of what I have in mind. See if it’s not close to what you’d put at the top of your list:

“I am thankful for the fact that the God of heaven loved me enough to
send His son to die for my sins, allow me to be a part of His family on earth,
and to live with Him for all eternity.”

Can you think of anything better than that?

- Jim Faughn serves as an elder and preacher for the Central church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Central church of Christ

A Time For Thanksgiving

2011-11-07T08:15:00.000-08:00

By Gerald Cowan

Col. 3:15, Eph. 3:20, Phil. 4:4-7

AN IMPROPER THANKSGIVING PRAYER

An Orthodox Jew reportedly prayed, "God I thank you that you did not make me a Gentile, a slave, a woman, or an animal." This is wrong on all counts! First, God does not "make" anybody in that creative, directive, or manipulative sense. Species is determined by parents, each after its own kind (Gen. 1:21). Gender is determined by the male of the species. Jew and Gentile are determined by the birth parents, and so is nationality. Social distinctions are determined by society, or by the person himself.

THERE ARE MANY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE ACTION

OF GOD IN HUMAN AFFAIRS.

It is not uncommon for some to claim that God chooses and rules in certain governments of men. It has probably been said of many presidents in our own country by someone at the time or later that it was the will of God that he be president at that time. If asked if that meant God chose the particular man to be president, to be consistent one would have to say yes. But it may be difficult to convince some that God actually chose leaders who turned out to be inept or, worse than that, immoral and corrupt. The United States of America is not the only nation in the world, and certainly not the only nation for whom the claim has been made that it is blessed by God and is established by God’s grace. If God chooses national leaders – kings, presidents, or dictators – please explain why He wanted the past or current rulers in any of the hundreds of trouble spots and oppressive regimes in the world. The whole concept is wrong on several counts. God does not choose individuals (although He once did He does not now) as rulers, political or spiritual leaders. Governments are necessary, and God’s intention is that they serve Him and His purpose, actually function as administrators of His will (Rom. 13:1-4, 1 Peter 2:17-19). Probably none has ever done so, at least not perfectly. God has not chosen or preferred a certain form of government – He does not prefer the "American way of democracy" over other forms and He does not tell us we should Americanize the world. God does not choose nations. He certainly has not chosen and does not rule the USA. The founders of the nation may have had their eyes and hearts on God, as they understood Him, and may have tried to implement what they thought was His will. But the fact is, they were uninspired and so their concepts and their efforts were imperfect. Succeeding officials have not perfected the will of God in their efforts either, and it is unlikely that anyone ever will. The point: God has not chosen us or any other nation to be His nation; God does not rule the nation; it does not exist by the will and grace of God . Do not blame God for anything that is wrong with it, or with us, or with yourself.

DO NOT EXPECT GOD TO CONTROL EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE

A certain Christian woman of advanced years had been diagnosed with cancer. She went through a period of blaming God for her condition. "I have been a faithful Christian for many years and have served you to the best of my ability in many ways. I’ve been a faithful wife and always tried to be a good mother. I have tried to be kind and helpful to others. I can’t think of anything I’ve done to deserve cancer. God, why did you do this to me?" This is also wrong on several counts. God does not inflict diseases and death upon individuals (although He once did, He does not do so now). Disease and death from "natural causes" are the common lot of mankind. Nobody is exempt or immune. God does not grant good health, wealth, or other rewards, benefits and blessings on earth for faithfulness or service rendered in His kingdom. He promises spiritual strength and grace so that His people need not give up or be destroyed spiritually by what society or the natural world may do to them (1 Cor. 10:13, Phil. 4:13 and 19).

A LESSON IN THANKFULNESS

1. Be thankful to be alive, to have strength, presence of mind and ability not only to serve God but to keep faith with Him through Jesus Christ.

2. Be thankful that no matter how difficult life in this world may be, we have hope of a better life in a place infinitely better than this world can provide.

3. We can learn lessons from circumstances and events – good and bad – that improve life for ourselves and others.

4. We can learn to thank God no matter what our condition may be, no matter what our nation or who our rulers may be, no matter what our health, wealth, or social station may be.

5. We can teach others by our attitudes and actions, and by our interpersonal relationships that being faithful people of God is worth the struggle, both now and forevermore.

- Gerald Cowan preaches for the Dongola church of Christ in Dongola, IL. He may be contacted at Geraldcowan1931@aol.com

What Are You Willing To Commit?

2011-11-07T08:13:00.001-08:00

By Alan Smith

   The story is told of a man in a fancy restaurant who started to choke on a bone. A doctor rushed over, identified himself as a doctor, and reassured the man that he was going to be all right. He performed the Heimlich maneuver and the bone popped out.
   As the man's breath and voice returned he said, "I'm ever so grateful, doctor, how can I ever repay you?"
   The doctor smiled and said, "I'll settle for one-tenth of what you were willing to pay while you were choking."
   It's true, isn't it, that when you're facing a crisis (especially a life-threatening crisis), you would give everything you have to get through it. Money is no object!
   We do the same thing on a spiritual level. How many times have you faced hardship and prayed, "Lord, if you'll just see me through this, I'll serve you faithfully the rest of my life!" or something similar? But what happens when the crisis passes? Those feelings of urgency about serving God pass as well. If we could commit ourselves to doing one-tenth of what we're willing to do in those moments, most of us would ascend to a new level of commitment.
   Paul wrote, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)
   Father, there are moments in my life when I am reminded of how much I need you and how urgent it is that I commit my life to you. All too often, though, those feelings disappear, and I quickly revert back to a less-than-satisfactory level of commitment. Please forgive me and strengthen me in my resolve to reach the point where I can say with the apostle Paul, "To me, to live is Christ." In Jesus' name, amen.
     Have a great day!

- Alan Smith, author of the popular "Thought For Today," and minister for the Fayetteville church of Christ in Fayetteville, NC, may be contacted at alansmith.servant@gmail.com

Autumn For Life

2011-10-31T07:08:00.000-07:00

By Rick Woodall
    The fall colors will soon be filling our landscape with the beautiful reminder of what a great God we serve. Here in Michigan make no mistake about it. We are a four season State. There may be no mountain’s or deep valley’s but color is in. What a wonderful place to come visit in October. There are many festivities and cider mills that make your visit one you will remember.
    I love the fall of the year. The coolness in the air, the deep blue October sky and the touch of frost that calls an end to that which once was to bring on the new.
    My gift reminds me “before there can be a Spring, first must come Autumn.” Before all things can appear fresh and new the old must die. Before new life the old life must end.
    Our spiritual life takes on new meaning when we understand the objective of Autumn. In our lives we must be willing to experience a spiritual autumn. The old person must die to take on the new person. This is made possible through the plan of God found in the scriptures.
    “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” ‑ Romans 6:3‑6
    It is my prayer that you will come to that special moment in your life when the soul might experience a colorful Autumn and a refreshing Spring.
    “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” ‑ Rom 6:5‑6
    Before real life there is beauty in final moments that lead to rebirth.
    Have a great week.

- Rick Woodall is the minister for the Yorktown Road church of Christ in Logansport Indiana. His weekly devotional message, Life Thoughts, can be found through this address: http://mysite.verizon.net/yorktownroadchurchofchrist/

WANTS vs. NEEDS (Adapted)

2011-10-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

* I may want to accumulate all the physical things I possibly can -- I need to realize that my life does not consist of the amount of the things that I own (Luke 12:15).
* I may want to appear “sophisticated and wise” in my religious beliefs and practices -- I need to hear “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2), and to take my own cross (Matt. 16:24).
* I may want to spend all my time in leisure, “free from responsibility,” -- I need to work and provide for my family (Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 5:8).
* I may want to hear all “positive preaching” -- I need to be reproved, rebuked, and exhorted (2 Tim. 4:2).
* I may want to treat my children as “small adults” and be their “best friend” -- I need to be their parent and properly discipline and train them before God (Eph. 6:4).
* I may want to keep my total independence even though married -- I need to remember the mutual dependence of husband and wife (1 Cor. 7:3; Col. 3:18).
* I may become so accustomed to, and so enamored with this world that I want to live here forever -- I need to remember that my citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20).
* I may want to live a solitary Christian life -- I need the church (1 Cor. 12:27).
* I may want to assert my rights and privileges and live the way I want to -- I need to remember that no man lives to himself and that one day every one of us will give an account of himself to God (Rom. 14:8, 12).
* I may want to live my life without God -- I need God (Psa. 46:1).
* I may want to go to heaven under my terms -- I need to follow God’s ways to get there (Matt. 7:13-14, 21-23).
* I may want to give up when the going gets tough -- I need to be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10).
* I may want to please people -- I need to please God (Gal. 1:10).

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City church of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

As Society Sows…

2011-10-31T07:05:00.000-07:00

By Ron Bartanen

   “Be not deceived. God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Gal. 6:7, 8).
   Life has consequences. As we sow, we reap. It is an unavoidable “law of nature,” and it holds true not only for individuals but for society as a whole.
   Will Durant wrote, “A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself within. The essential causes of Rome’s decline lay in her people, her morals, her class struggle, her failing trade, her bureaucratic despotism, her stifling taxes, her consuming wars” (Caesar and Christ: A History of Roman Civilization and of Beginnings to A.D. 325, p. 655). On page 668 he attributes Rome’s downward fall to a serious decline of the native population and a rise in an alien population, infanticide (abortion), sexual emasculation (homosexuality), pestilence, revolutions, wars, epidemics, the welfare dole, moral decay, excessive expenditures on public works and amusements. How many of these would fit America?
   With the erosion of spiritual and moral values in our country, can we any longer affirm, “In God we trust”? “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34). Our nation was founded, and has long endured, upon a foundation of godly principles, but as we have slept an enemy has sowed tares among the wheat. Secular Humanism, occultism, nihilism and atheism are now being sown in our children’s hearts. But remember: As society sows, society reaps!

- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

The Real Test

2011-10-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

By Philip Mullins

    It is always easier to walk with the crowd, to agree when everyone else is agreeing, to go with the flow. However, it is how we stand when we have to stand in opposition that is often the real test of our faith in God.
    "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). To be a true Christian means to oppose evil. To stand with Christ often means to stand against people and ideas that are set against Him. While a Christian is to be patient and loving, he or she is not to be passive. A Christian is a soldier in a war.
    Christ displayed such a character. While He was meek and gentle, He could also be aggressive and bold:
“I tell you, no: but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
“For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men...” (Mark 7:8).
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” (Matthew 23:15).
It was not that Jesus was trying to be offensive, but in standing for what was right it was necessary for Him to oppose certain beliefs, teachings, and even people. It was necessary to tell people what they needed to hear rather than what they wanted to hear.
    Some religious people who claim to follow Christ are not willing to oppose anything or anybody. They believe the way of Christ dictates a totally positive approach where one never challenges any belief or practice, even if it is in clear opposition to the way of Christ.
    How much do you believe in God? How much do you trust the Bible as God's word? How convinced are you that Jesus is God's Son? How committed are you to the Bible's standard of righteousness? If you are truly faithful to God and firm in your devotion to His will, then you must stand against whatever opposes these things.
    It is easy to speak up for Christ when others are doing the same. The real test, though, comes when we must speak for Him when others are speaking against Him or His word. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (II Timothy 1:7).

- Philip Mullins; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: Belvedere Church of Christ

"A Pack of Seeds"

2011-10-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

By Charles G. Ramsey

I bought myself a pack of seeds,
To grace my garden fair,
And stuck them in my pocket.
For months they waited there.

And when the time had come to see
The flower's lovely face,
I thought it strange that only weeds
Were growing in their place.

How foolish then, oh Christian man,
God's Word, you have indeed.
You carry it or hide it
But do not plant the seed.

No fruit there grows in garden fair,
Unless the seed you sow.
For you the Word of God must plant,
Then God will make it grow.

The Safest Place

2011-10-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

By David Pharr

     How to stay safe in the world today.
1.. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else, avoid hospitals.
     BUT, ... You will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church!
     And....Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
     So,...for SAFETY'S sake - Attend church, and read your Bible. IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

-David Pharr, via The Lantern, Highway church of Christ, Sullivan, IL Visit their website as http://www.highwaycofc.com

The Universal Power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Changes Lives:

2011-10-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

From ……	……To
Old Man to	New Man
Darkness to	Light
Deadness to	Abundant Living
Bondage to	Redemption
Unrighteous to	Righteous
Lost to	Saved
Alienated to	Reconciliation
Guilty to	Justification
Rebelliousness to	Obedience
Faithlessness to	Faithfulness
Ungratefulness to	Thankfulness
Hateful to	Loving
Hater of God to	God-fearing
Idolatrous to	Worship of the Creator
Enmity with God to	Friend of God
Unholy to	Sanctification
Defiled to	Washed
Ignorance to	Understanding
Entertaining Fleshly Lusts to	Purity of Heart
Evil Works to	Good Works
Non-bearing to	Fruitful
Pleasure Seeker to	God Seeker
Shamefulness to	Glory
Stranger of the Covenant to	a Party of the Covenant
Foreigner to	a Fellow Citizen of the kingdom
Drunkenness to	Filled with the Holy Spirit
Vulnerability to	Strength in the Lord
Selfishness to	Selflessness
Pride to	Humility of Spirit
Without Hope to	Fullness of Assurance

- Tim Childs preaches for the Hillcrest church of Christ in Baldwyn, MS. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.thelordsway.com/hillcrestms

What Do You Lack?

2011-10-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

By Tom Moore

     In ancient Greece it was customary for peddlers who walked the streets with their wares to cry out, "What do you lack?" The idea was to let people know they were in the vicinity, and also rouse the curiosity of the people.
    Coming out of their houses they would want to know what the peddler was selling. It might be something they lacked and needed, or simply something they desired.
     What do you lack? We may have sight and hearing, but what do we lack? Take an honest inventory of yourself. Have you found contentment? Are you close enough to God to receive guidance and strength through His word? Have you secured peace of heart and peace of mind, invaluable assets in life?
     Deciding what we lack is the first step in securing it. Christ can fulfill the deepest needs of our heart, mind, and soul.
     The man in Mark 7 lacked the physical ability to hear. But many of us lack the spiritual ability to hear. We suffer a kind of a spiritual deafness. The affliction of not listening to God, or, to put it another way, the affliction of physically listening to God (through study of His word), yet failing to comprehend, to understand, and come to grips with what He is saying, is a great plague upon the Church. For, you see, it is possible to listen to God's instructions as written in the Bible, yet fail to really hear.
     Seriously consider these words of James, "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed" (James 1:19-25).

-Tom Moore; via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

The Suffering of Christ

2011-10-17T07:42:00.000-07:00

By David Pharr
    A story is told of a man whose wife had deserted him for another man.
    She had succeeded in taking away their children. The estranged husband had given in to depression and lost his business. Brokenhearted and ruined, he became obsessed with the enormity of his troubles and refused every offer of encouragement and hope. The day came when he heard a great sermon on Christ having been “in all points tempted like as we are,” but rather than being comforted he resented the sermon and told the preacher, “Yes, Jesus suffered many things, but he never had a wife and family stolen from him. He was never married, never had children, so that’s suffering He never knew.”
    The preacher wisely responded, “You have seen an accomplished violinist play a great variety of music. There are only four strings on his violin, but they can produce both dances and dirges. The same four strings can cover the whole range. No, Jesus did not experience your trials in the same details, but He endured the broad range of disappointment, desertion, grief, pain and even dying, so that the strings of His heart can vibrate with all the sad songs of life’s bitterest experiences.”

-David Pharr, via The Lantern, Highway church of Christ, Sullivan, IL Visit their website as http://www.highwaycofc.com

Encourage Your Family!

2011-10-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

    Part of your role as a family member is to be a fan of those with whom you live. God created you to be a cheerleader for your spouse and children.
     E-N-C-O-U-R-A-G-E-M-E-N-T is perhaps the best cheer you can learn!
E is for enthusiasm and energy in supporting causes important to your family members.
N is saying, “Next time, you’ll succeed”
C is for compassion.
O is for open lines of communication.
U is for understanding.
R is for rooting on the team.
A is for arranging your schedule to make time for others in your family.
G is for going the second mile.
E is for entertaining your children’s friends.
M is for modeling a positive attitude.
E is for empowering your child with God’s Word.
N is for never giving up.
T is for time out for hugs and praise.
     “E-N-C-O-U-R-A-G-E” your family today and let them know you “M-E-N-T” it!

- via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

When Sin Traps You

2011-10-17T07:37:00.000-07:00

By John Telgren

    A few years ago, we had a garden in the back yard that served as some little critter's personal buffet. He couldn't just take one whole tomato or ear of corn or some other vegetable or fruit for himself and leave the rest alone. No, he had to take a bite out of everything. In frustration, we went down and got a trap and left it in the garden. We discovered that it was partners in crime had done the deed. Over the next couple days, we caught both a groundhog and a possum. The traps were humane traps that were impossible for them to get out of. There was no hope. Once they went into the trap and the door closed, they were stuck. Their only hope was for someone to free them. We took them across the river away from town and freed them there. Stacey wanted to make sure it was at a place where they could live comfortably.
    This is how it is with sin. Once we sin, there is no way humanly possible to escape it. It is like a trap. Once it has you, you are trapped. Notice what Jesus said.
"Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin' " (Jn 8:34).
    Sin is like a trap. Once it has you, you become a sinner and there is nothing you can do about it. You cannot "un-sin." You become tainted, trapped, enslaved. It simply is not humanly possible yourself from slavery to sin. However, it is divinely possible for you to be freed from sin. Notice what Jesus also says, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (Jn 8:36).
    The only way to be free indeed, or truly free, is for Jesus himself to free you. Jesus died on the cross for your sins offering forgiveness (Eph 1:7). In dying on the cross, he opened the door so that you can escape and be free from sin.
    How do you go through the open door to be free? Keeping in mind that Jesus is the door (Jn 10:9), here is what we do. We accept and confess our faith in Jesus as our risen Lord (Rom 10:9), and we repent and are baptized for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). When we are baptized into the water, we are baptized into the death of Christ and have been raised with him to walk in newness of life (Rom 6:3-5). The Bible says that when this happens, "our old self was crucified with Him in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin" (Rom 6:6).
    So, when we submit ourselves to Christ as our Lord and master, we go through the door he opened for us at the cross. We become free from sin and now belong to him
    "But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life" (Rom 6:22).

- John Telgren preachers for the Leavenworth church of Christ in Leavenworth, KS. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at http://www.lcofc.org

Watching Her Breathe

2011-10-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

By Jim Faughn

    She was (and is) the one with whom I hope to spend the rest of my life. From those earlier times when it was a new experience until now when it never grows old, watching her breathe means, among other things, commitment. It means that home is wherever the two of us happen to be.
    She was our firstborn. We had prayed for her to be healthy and God had graciously granted us a positive answer to that prayer. He also did that later when her brother was born. Watching her (and her brother) breathe and sleep was such a joy. It meant that these two precious souls felt contentment. It meant that our family had grown and that, at least to them, home was wherever mommy and daddy were.
    She is our last remaining parent. Both of my parents and Donna’s father have preceded her in death. As I write this, Donna and I are sitting in her mother’s room and watching her breathe. That’s all she’s been able to do for quite a while now. It probably won’t be long until she breathes for the last time.
    While I cannot say that this experience is as pleasant as the others, there is still something very positive about it. For years, she has been a faithful member of God’s family. Because of that, the members of her earthly family know that she has an eternal home waiting for her. We have no doubt about that fact that, in His own time, her Father will welcome her home. Her sleep is a sleep of security.
    Three special people --- three types of sleep --- one earnest prayer… May God help the one who is writing these words and those who may read them be committed to Him and His Word; content with the blessings He has bestowed; and secure in their relationship with Him and in their hope of heaven. If, with His help, we can do that, a wonderful lady who never had much to say will have preached a great sermon with her life. If we are able to put her sermon into practice in our lives, she will not be the only one to hear the words, “Well done.”

- Jim Faughn serves as an elder and preacher for the Central church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website:Central church of Christ

“The Preaching of the Word”

2011-10-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

By Jay Lockhart

     In the forward for R. Albert Mohler, Jr’s book He Is Not Silent, John MacArthur observed that “Every significant phase of authentic revival, reformation, missionary expansion, or robust church growth has also been an era of biblical preaching.” Mohler quoted John A. Broadus as saying, “Preaching is characteristic of Christianity. No other religion has made the regular and frequent assembly of groups of people, to hear religious instruction and exhortation, an integral part of divine worship.”
     The major thrust of Mohler’s book is that people, including preachers, have lost their confidence in the importance of preaching and the need for restoring biblical preaching to the place God has always intended for it to occupy. God’s charge to Timothy through Paul was “Preach the Word!” (2 Tim. 4:2). There are a number of things that will help us with this.
     First, we must believe that biblical preaching is the proclamation of the very word of God to men. Biblical preaching is not primarily about “getting it over with” or PowerPoint or entertainment or handouts. It is about hearing a word from God.
     Second, we must understand that biblical preaching is to confront people with God’s will for their lives including salvation, worship, service, and godly living. It is designed to confront, encourage, exhort, teach, comfort, challenge, and give hope. In short preaching is to lead to transformation.
     Third, we must understand that biblical preaching is “proclamation through personality,” but proclamation is more important than personality because it allows one to hear what God says.
     Fourth, we must recognize that biblical preaching is a part of divinely authorized worship and it is that part of worship in which we “hear His voice” (Heb 4:7).      Fifth, we must acknowledge that biblical preaching makes a demand: we must teach, hear, believe, love and obey God’s word.
     Sixth, we must know that a congregation of God’s people will never rise above its respect for and acceptance of the proclamation of the word of the Lord. May we all be involved in restoring the preached word to the rightful place God intended. Then, and only then, can we expect restoration, renewal, and revival.

- Jay Lockhart; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

The Catholic Church is not part of THE Christian FAITH

2011-10-10T07:46:00.000-07:00

By David Ray Fanning I

The Catholic Church claims it is the only true church when in fact it is not even part of the one true church of the New Testament. Consider the following passages which prophesy about/provide descriptions of the early stages of the Catholic Church: (1) some to DEPART FROM THE FAITH and bind the teachings of celibacy and abstinence from foods, I Timothy 4:1-5 [priests/nuns must be celibate and Catholics must observe Lent, etc.]. (2) the MAN OF SIN, II Thessalonians 2:1-10: (a) the day of Jesus’ coming will not occur unless the falling away comes first [the first full-fledged falling away/denomination was the Catholic Church]; (b) the man of sin/lawless one will exalt himself above all that is called God [the papacy eventually produced the first universal pope/father/head in A.D. 606, namely, Boniface III, violating Matthew 23:9 and Ephesians 1:15-23; furthermore, Catholic Tradition is exalted above the Bible; compare (3) the LITTLE HORN of Daniel 7:15-25 which also refers to the early stages of Catholicism which “change times and law”]; (c) he will sit as God in the temple [“church”, Ephesians 2:21; the papacy claims it can personally remove sins, violating Mark 2:7-10]; (d) he was fully revealed some time after the restraining power of the Roman Empire was removed in A.D. 476 (popes transformed Catholicism into a political power in the 700s); (e) he comes with all power, signs and lying wonders (papacy claims miraculous ability); (f) he deceives (over one billion people follow the pope today). (4) Finally, read about Catholicism as the EARTH BEAST of Revelation 13:11-17. I plead with Catholics to drop Catholicism and become Christians only and added members of the body/church of Christ (Matthew 16:18-19). You will not be able to obtain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” until you reject all Traditions/Churches of men (Romans 16:16; Ephesians 4:1-6)!

- David Fanning preaches for the Petersburg church of Christ in Petersburg, TN and, along with Kevin Pendergrass edit the website Defending the Faith, at http://www.defendingthedoctrine.com/index.htm. David may be contacted at davidfanning1@gmail.com

The Lord's Time...

2011-10-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

    There was a story in a Rochester, Texas church bulletin about a young man who was working in a large department store, being told by his employer that he would be required to work on Sunday. It so happened that the hours assigned to him would have prevented his attending any of the worship services to which he had been accustomed to attending since childhood.
    The young man informed his employer that he would not be able to continue his work under these conditions, and his employer told him he would have to go.
    A few days later, the young man answered an ad in the paper from a bank which had advertised a vacancy for a teller. In checking the young man’s previous employers, the bank president contacted the department store head and inquired as to the boy’s record and whether he could recommend him. The store manager replied, “Why yes, I will be glad to recommend him. He will make you a good man. I just fired him a few days ago.”
    “Fired him?” the bank president exclaimed. “Why would you recommend a man whom you just recently dismissed from your service?” The store manager explained the circumstances under which the boy was released, and remarked, “I know he will make you a good man for your bank, because if he will not steal the Lord’s time, he will not steal your money.”

- Author Unknown; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

Check Your Ears

2011-10-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

By Joe Chesser

    Henry David Thoreau wrote, “It takes two to speak the truth – one to speak, and another to hear.” In a similar vein of thought, Walt Whitman said, “To have great poets, there must be great audiences.”
Most preachers and teachers take their job of sharing the truth of God’s word very seriously. They work hard at selecting and preparing the lessons they present. And that’s what we should expect from them. We should want preachers who are trained and well grounded. We want preachers and teachers to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2) and to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Yet, what we often hear in the pulpits and class rooms across the nation and around the world has little to do with the word of God. In its place are instructive and entertaining presentations on politics, economics, psychology, and current events. Audiences love it, but God is not in it.
    Who’s at fault – the preachers or the audiences? Actually, both are. Preachers need to “preach the word” whether the audiences want to hear it or not. Or, as Paul put it, “in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). The purpose of preaching and teaching is to help the audience confront God and His expectations of them as the scriptures reveal. This involves correcting, rebuking and encouraging (2 Timothy 4:2). Audiences may not want it, but they certainly need it.
   As a general rule, audiences prefer things that “tickle their ears” (2 Timothy 4:3). Because of that, audiences share the blame for preaching and teaching that satisfies, but doesn’t nourish, feels good, but doesn’t help them draw closer to God. Audiences will demand that they hear what they want to hear. And if they don’t, the speaker will be presented with the ultimatum, “Tell us what we want to hear, or we will find someone who will!”
    But, even if the preacher or teacher is presenting sound doctrine, as Thoreau expressed, the truth has to be heard. Great audiences not only demand that truth be taught, they also understand that they have the responsibility to actually listen to it. While audiences should expect lessons to be well prepared and presented, the preachers and teachers should expect their audiences to be well prepared to hear the word of God. No matter how good the lessons are, if people don’t have “ears to hear,” it does little good. Jesus spoke of people whose hearts were calloused as people who “hardly hear with their ears,” as people who won’t allow God to heal them (Matthew 13:14-16). Audiences need to let God speak to them through preachers and teachers no matter what style of teacher he may be. Great audiences, great listeners come prepared to learn. If you are not “getting anything out of the classes and sermons,” you might want to check your ears.

- Joe Chesser preaches for the Fruitland church of Christ, Fruitland, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.cofcfruitland.com/

Be Kind to One Another

2011-10-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

By Patrick Hogan

     On an internet message board I frequent, one of the members includes the following comment in his signature: "Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." Every time I read this statement it makes me think about how true it is. Some people hide their struggles more effectively than others, so it is sometimes very easy to forget that everyone we meet is fighting his or her own battle.
     To one who is struggling, a kind word or a kind deed can make a tremendous difference. Many of us have been there. We have faced discouraging situations and didn't quite know what to do. At just the right moment someone either sent us a note of encouragement or performed some other kind gesture that lifted our spirits and enabled us to continue with renewed determination. Jesus' admonition, "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them" (Matthew 7:12) can find real application in our daily lives. It can make a real difference in the lives of others when we put it into practice.
     Something else that comes to mind when I think about the statement "Be kinder than necessary ..." is the fact that I shouldn't limit myself to looking for people who are struggling in order to show kindness. I should make it my goal to be kind to everyone I meet. After all, they are struggling with some battle and my kindness toward them can make a difference.
     As we go about our daily lives, coping with our own battles, let's remember that others may be facing difficulties that we cannot really comprehend. they may never tell anyone and they may never show any indication that they are struggling. However, if we are kinder than necessary, we can affect their lives in a positive way.

- Patrick Hogan serves as a minister and elder of the Shady Acres church of Christ, in Sikeston, MO. He may be contacted through the church's website at http://www.shadyacreschurch.com

John 16:13-14 & The Spirit

2011-10-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

By Ty Nicol
     It's important to bear in mind that this passage is particularly about the Holy Spirit and not about Jesus or the Father, so it becomes almost a job description. The passage has nothing to say about his person hood and nature (though there are implications here), but about how he will go about his business, which, in this text, is to develop the meaning and further the purposes of Jesus Christ.
     Those who would urge us to "go back to the simple teachings of Jesus" should pay attention to this text. The apostolic witness and the development of the truth about Jesus Christ should not be ignored-especially in light of such a passage. Jesus does not think that what the Spirit will do in them was a step backward. To ignore the Gospels would be tragic in every way that something can be tragic, but to dismiss the NT epistles would be no less catastrophic. The Gospels are more than "simple" historical records of slices of Jesus' life, but the epistles teach us the meaning of much that we read in the Gospels.
     These verses should give warning to preachers/teachers that ceaselessly talk to believers about the believers. The central responsibility of the church is to proclaim the glory of God in Jesus Christ. Its business is not to look ceaselessly at its own image. The business of its leaders and ministers of the Word is to take of Christ's and give it to the church for the world, to the glory of God.
     Ministers of the word are to feed the church of God with the word of the Spirit of God in keeping with God's eternal purposes. It's not in looking within that we'll find courage and strength and joy and purpose and outreach. If we gain these and more we'll gain them in being astonished by his grace and power and faithfulness and joy-filled holiness.

- Ty Nicol; via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

Abusing the Lord's Supper

2011-10-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

By Bill Jackson

    In looking into 1 Corinthians 11, we have these words from the apostle to help us see Corinth’s condition as regards to worship:
1. Coming together for the worse (v. 17).
2. Coming together in a divided state (v. 18).
3. Coming together with an allegiance to men (v. 19).
4. Coming together with no thought as to the significance of the supper (v. 20).
5. Coming together in mixing their common meal items in with worship (vv. 21-22).
6. Coming together with no discernment of the body of the Lord, and thus their participation was in an unworthy manner (vv. 27-29).
    The apostle indicates a great spiritual sickness in their midst, with some of them actually “in death” (v.30). The wonderful privilege of worship was being abused, perverted and mishandled. We must continually examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5), in this and in every way, that we insure that our worship will be in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
    But we want to speak of the abuse of the Lord’s Supper in our own time, and in some particular ways wherein we should now stop and examine ourselves with a determination to improve. We make mention of these points regarding the abuse just noted:
1. We abuse the Lord’s Supper when there is no anticipation of worship. The Christian is a worshiper, and worship is to be a great and continual part of his life. Yes, “exhort one another” (Heb. 10:25). The Supper is mentioned as a rallying cause of the saints on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). If the Supper is meaningless to us as we think of it, and as we approach the observance of it, it will be meaningless as we partake as well.
2. We abuse the Supper if we have the view that “this is all that matters.” There are five avenues of worship, and if five are necessary, then all five are important. There has been too much of an attitude that says, “Just so I get the Lord’s Supper!” For all its importance, it is not ALL IMPORTANT! It is fruitless to be half-hearted in all other worship, and then to try to be of a spiritual mind when it is time to observe the Supper.
3. We abuse the Supper if we think that observance somehow makes up for the time misspent in sin, indifference and carelessness. Not one word is said in the New Testament about the Lord’s Supper affecting “cleansing” for the disobedient child of God! If he is unfaithful to God, he is in no better position to partake of the Lord’s Supper than he is to sing or pray. Without making proper correction in life, he only adds sin to sin in going through the motions of Lord’s Supper observance.
4. We abuse the Supper if we so spend the week or weekend in fun and games, perhaps on vacation, and just barely squeeze in time to make a service, arriving late and nearly to the point of exhaustion, and we do manage to “get the Supper.” Body and mind in such shape for worship is needed to worship “in spirit” — with spirit and understanding (I Cor. 14:15). It is an abuse of all worship, and not just the Supper, when I can BARELY find an hour to give to God!
5. Finally, one of the most flagrant abuses is on the part of those who willfully absent themselves on Sunday mornings, and then will rise to partake on Sunday evenings as if some matter beyond their control blocked them that morning. We know that sicknesses and emergencies arise, but we are thinking of the willful absence, and then the Sunday evening partaking, as if God would subsidize the negligence. This is an abuse of the purpose and intent of the Lord’s Supper — a memorial with significance for Spiritual people!
     May we examine ourselves in this avenue of worship, and in all others, that we will truly worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and that our coming together be for The Better! (I Cor. 11:17).

- Bill Jackson (Deceased); via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org [Brother Chumbley made this appropriate note: "These words from the late brother Jackson should be kept in mind as regards to the Lord’s Supper that we partake in a worthy manner (I Corinthians 11:27)]

The Christian Ethic

2011-09-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

By Thomas B. Warren

1. The Christian ethic is a revealed — not a speculative ethic.
2. The Christian ethic is a unified —not a self-contradictory one.
3. The Christian ethic is a metaphysical one.
4. The Christian ethic is an absolute ethic.
5. The Christian ethic is an ethic which recognizes the roles of (1) intrinsic and instrumental good (2) intrinsic and instrumental evil.
6. The Christian ethic is a religious ethic.
7. The Christian ethic is one which involves the thoughts of the mind (“heart”) as well as the deeds of the body.
8. The Christian ethic is one which involves the conscience of each individual person.
9. The Christian ethic is one of self-denial and self-sacrifice.
10. The Christian ethic is one vitally connected with the free will of man and with the responsibility which accompanies such freedom.
11. The Christian ethic is an ethic of social consciousness.
12. The Christian ethic is one of striving for perfection.
13. The Christian ethic is one of grace.
14. The Christian ethic is one of helpfulness (in the living of the Christian life) on the part of God.
15. The Christian ethic is one which involves love in both directions (from God to man and from man to God).
16. The Christian ethic is one of continued growth throughout life.
17. The Christian ethic is one of showing mercy and kindness to one’s fellowman.

- Thomas B. Warren (Deceased); Adapted & Abbreviated; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

Whose Preacher Are You?

2011-09-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

    Last week we were blessed to visit with many dear family members and friends. One of the friends was Garrett, age 7. We have known Garrett since he was a baby. Ever since he started talking, Garrett has been known for his forthright way with words.
    Garrett goes to school with a friend named Zach. Zach has been to Bible class and worship with Garrett, but he generally finds other things on Sunday mornings a lot more fun. One Monday morning Garrett and Zach were riding to school together. Zach had gone hunting with his dad Sunday morning while Garrett and his family gathered with the church. Garrett informed Zach: “We’re supposed to want to go to heaven, and we learn about going to heaven in Bible class. I’m supposed to tell you about it. So there—I told you!”
    Why was it so important for Garrett to tell Zach and for you and me to tell others? “I’m Zach’s preacher,” Garrett told his parents one day. “What do you mean?” they asked. “Zach doesn’t go to church and have a preacher, so I’m his preacher.” Whose preacher are you?

Risen from the dead, Jesus charged disciples: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (mark 16:15-16).
Be someone’s preacher!

- via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com (adapted)

Can We Interpret the Bible Differently?

2011-09-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

By Tyler Boyd
     The existence of so many denominations and sects of those who claim to be “Christian” has led to a belief that the Bible can be interpreted differently. Is this a true statement? Can the Bible be interpreted differently?
     First we must understand that it is a truth that the Bible must be interpreted. But what does it mean to interpret the meaning? Does “interpret” mean to assign the meaning, or to learn the meaning? God has given us His word, and His word has a meaning. There is only one meaning to God’s word. There is “one faith” (Ephesians 4:5). Man does not have the authority to assign his own meaning to what God has said.
     It is impossible to interpret the Bible differently. It is possible for someone to interpret the Bible, and for someone else to “misinterpret” the Bible. But because God’s word has one true meaning, if two people disagree on the meaning, both cannot be correct. For example, it is a fact that the Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl in 2007. If you were to say “the Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl in 2007,” but I said, “the Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl in 2007” we could not both be correct. I would not be interpreting the game differently, but rather I would be misinterpreting the game.
     John 8:32 reads “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” From this verse we learn two facts. The word “truth” is singular; therefore there is only one truth. We also learn that the truth is something we can know. From the preceding verse we learn we can know the truth by abiding in His word. When we encounter difficult passages, we cannot simply assign our own meaning, but rather we study to understand the true meaning. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

- Tyler Boyd; via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL. You may visit their website at http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org

The Value of Work

2011-09-26T18:06:00.000-07:00

By Jerrie Barber
    Working is a part of God’s plan for man’s fulfillment and happiness. After creating the world and making man of the dust, “the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Gen. 2:15). Paradise was not then nor is now a place of constant leisure and no responsibilities.
    Whether we are thinking of work by which we provide a living for our family or a task we do in the Lord’s service, there are some biblical principles that will help us.
1. Find a work suited for you. Because of background, natural ability, education, experience, and interest, we do some things better than others. “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” (Rom. 12:4-5).
2. Do your best. Whether we are doing “church work” or whether we are on the job, we are working for the Lord. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24).
3. Schedule times of rest. God set the example by resting on the seventh day after creating the world in six. When the apostles had completed some work and reported to Jesus the results, Jesus said, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).
4. Be training others to do your work. It is no compliment to anyone’s effectiveness and leadership for any work to show a decline after he or she moves, is promoted, or retires. Paul gave the principle to Timothy when he wrote, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim 2:2).
5. Prepare for work in the future that will call for growth. The challenging task of an elder is being addressed when Paul wrote to Timothy, “If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1).
    Work is designed by the Lord to be a blessing - not a curse. How do you plan to be blessed in your work?
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).

- Jerrie Barber; via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL. You may visit their website at http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org

How to Convince the World that We are the People of God

2011-09-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

By Franklin Camp

    Since the dawn of the Restoration, we have been trying to get the world to recognize us as the people of God. We have reminded them that “We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent.” This is a good slogan and is true to the scriptures.
    But what does the Bible say about convincing people that we are the disciples of Christ? Let Christ answer; “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35). Could this not be the main reason that we have not been able to convince the world that we are the people of God?
    Look at the situation in John 13. Christ is standing in the shadow of the cross. The disciples have been full of resentment toward one another. At times they had fought and quarreled about who would be the greatest, and were still doing so (see Luke 22:24). Such action might be expected from people of the world, but surely not from the Lord’s disciples. Christ knew that the difference in temperament and the jealousies which He had witnessed would alienate them from one another unless some powerful cohesive force was found to hold these in check. This mutual love would be a badge of discipleship and a foundation for unity. The disciples were ready to fight for a throne but not for a towel.
    The point here is clear and is of great value for us today, also. A lack of love for one another has caused too many in the church to fight for positions of recognition rather than places of service.
    Another thing to note in John 13 is that purity of faith by itself will not bring unity. The men to whom Christ gave this example and command would be infallible in their instructions, as they would be guided by the Holy Spirit and would not be subject to error in their teaching (cf. John 14:26; 16:13). Christ realized that infallible men in teaching, if lacking in love, would not be able to save or to convince the world that they were His disciples.
    So, another point for us to glean today is the reminder that if such as the disciples who were with Christ needed love for one another to insure unity, how much more do we today need it? Let us always endeavor to teach the truth, but also to practice brotherly love, for only this will convince the world that we truly are people of a loving God. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (1 Cor. 13:1).

- Franklin Camp (adapted by Edd Sterchi); via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL. You may visit their website at http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org

God Answers Prayer

2011-09-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

Someone once said that God answers our prayers one of four ways:
- If the request is wrong, God says, “No.”
- If the timing is wrong, God says, “Slow.”
- If your maturity is at the wrong level, God says, “Grow.”
- But if the request is right, the timing is right, and you are right, God says, “Go!”

- via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg church of Christ in Harrisburg, IL. You may visit their website at http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org

Standing for Our Faith

2011-09-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

By Ancil Jenkins

     During World War II, as allied armies marched into Germany on their way to Berlin, retreating German soldiers often switched road signs and destroyed landmarks in an effort to confuse their enemy. And, to an extent, it worked, for many a GI followed a false marker only to end up in the wrong place. Also, today, those giving spiritual wrong directions are abundant. There is a need for godly people to challenge and oppose those giving incorrect directions.
     The book of Jude is one of the more obscure epistles to many. Though only one chapter, it contains powerful truths. Jude is a letter, written in response to teachers, who came along within the church and set up false markers, leading people astray by distorting the Christian faith. The result was that many were influenced to accept false doctrines and were led away from God.
     Jesus spoke of blind guides leading others into spiritual destruction (Mt. 23:14; 23:24). Sometimes it is ignorant teachers who lead others in the wrong way. Far more tragic are false teachers who know better and still lead some along the broad way.
     How are we to react to those who give wrong spiritual directions? Jude calls for us to “contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints”.
     To earnestly contend means to strive for, to struggle for the faith. Albert Barnes wrote, “The reference here, of course is only to contention by argument, by reasoning, by holding fast the principles of religion, and maintaining them against all opposers.” The tense of this participle in the Greek indicates we are to take a stand and to continue firmly against all opposition.
     All members of the Lord’s church should be able and willing to defend the truth of God. Situations often present themselves as opportunities to take a position consistent with God’s truth. We must defend the teaching of the Bible, not only on doctrine but also morality.
- Ancil Jenkins; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Emotional Residue

2011-09-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

By Norman Bales

    The human mind is a strange thing. Recently, a thought popped into my mind while I was in the car. I have no idea what stimulated the thought, but I vividly recalled a childhood incident, one in which I was ashamed of my actions. The incident occurred more than fifty years ago, but I replayed the scene in my memory as vividly as if it took place yesterday. Some time later I ran across the phrase "emotional residue" in my reading. I thought that was a pretty good label to place on my not so pleasant trip down memory lane.
    Are your thoughts ever interrupted by emotional residue from the past? Most of us don't talk about it much, but it seems to be a common problem. Emotional residue is like a stain on your carpet. It's hard to get out. In my case, I learned that it still lurks somewhere in the recesses of my brain after a half century. It's not in the forefront of my consciousness everyday, but I'm amazed at how vivid a negative mental picture can be after the passage of a long period of time. Emotional residue is a potential happiness robber, a prospective relationship destroyer, and a latent family killer. While emotional residue may lie dormant for many years, if you stir it up, it can create havoc. When you start digging up the past, you bring a lot of baggage along with the event - feelings of guilt, inadequacy, failure, blame, projection and who knows what else.
    So what can you do about it?
    Deal with it. Stop trying to cover it up and pretend its not there. It's not going to leave if you ignore it. It's like the distant unemployed relative who shows up on your doorstep and eats your groceries while never contributing a dime to the food budget and then refuses to leave. You need to recognize the fact that those unwanted memories are messing up your mind and could damage. If it involves sin, you need to admit it and repent of it if you haven't already done so. The statute of limitations doesn't run out on sin. Time doesn't erase our sins, but God does. The Bible says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8).
    Accept God's Forgiveness. Unfortunately, emotional residue crops up in the lives of people who have indeed repented and whose sins are covered by the blood of Christ. The problem lies in our unwillingness or inability to feel God's forgiveness. If he has forgiven you, why do you keep beating yourself over the head with it? Again John proclaims, "He is faithful and just and will forgive our sins" (1 John 1:9). And here's a word of encouragement to those who have never been able to totally feel forgiven. It is not necessary to feel forgiven in order to be forgiven. In 1 John 3:19-20, the apostle wrote, "This is how we know we belong to the truth, and how our hearts are set at rest in his presence, whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts and he knows everything." That was a tremendous encouragement to me when I was suddenly attacked by emotional residue.
    Get on with your life. Work on building healthy relationships. Work on developing wholesome character traits. Work on deepening your relationship with God. You are still a valued and worthwhile member of your family. Your family needs you. It's not a time to evade family responsibility. That emotional residue is probably a message from Satan designed to interfere with your family relationships. The event that produced the emotional residue must not be allowed to hinder your growth. It must not be allowed to drive a wedge between you and your spouse or between you and your children. You have worth in God's sight. Let him make something better out of you. None of us are sinless, but we are making progress toward a better time. Again John helps us out, "Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2).

- Norman Bales; via The Family Friend, a monthly newsletter published by the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. It is an excellent resource for articles relating to the family. To learn more consult the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Five Ways To get Rid of Your Preacher!

2011-09-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

By Chris Gallager

What does your congregations need to know about ways to get rid of their minister? Perhaps this list will help, help us to know how to really appreciate one another.

1.     Sit up front and smile. Say “Amen” every time he says something good. He will preach himself to death.
2.     Encourage him and tell him what a great job he is doing. He will work himself to death.
3.     Increase your attendance, giving, and participation. He will suffer from shock.
4.     Tell him that you want some names of people to go visit and help win souls to Christ. He will die of a heart attack.
5.     Have the whole congregation vow to pray for him. He will become so effective that a larger congregation
will take him off your hands.

- Larry Miles lives in Louisville, KY and publishes "Larry's Lines" several times a week. Copyright 2009. Visit his website: http://larryslines.com/ (adapted)

Accepting Christ is Accepting the Word of Christ

2011-09-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

By G. K. Wallace

    Only those who accepted the teachings of Christ while he was here in person accepted Christ. Likewise, all who come to Christ today must do so by the teachings and instructions by Him given. Christ draws all men through teaching (Jn. 6:44-45). When the apostles went out to preach the great commission they were thereby preaching Christ. This was the burden of all their discourses. The prophet said, “They shall all be taught of God” (Isa. 54:13). Therefore all who have been properly taught through the living oracles concerning Jesus of Nazareth, and have obeyed those words have come to Him.
    Christianity has never changed. Its laws and ordinances are still the same as they were in the first century. It is ridiculous, absurd and sectarian to talk to people about coming to Christ, and leave the impression that they can do so without doing what Jesus taught. To deny that baptism is a part of the grace of God is to deny the Bible. If baptism does not belong to the grace of God, it belongs to the grace of the devil. If you have been baptized, your baptism is either of the grace of God or the grace of the devil.
    Suppose you are sick and nigh unto death. Your beloved doctor diagnoses your case and tells you that he is positive he can be of assistance and affect a cure. You rejoice at hearing his words and then he picks up his pen and begins to write. You turn to him and ask, “What is that you're doing doctor?” The physician replies, “I am writing a prescription suited to your case which you should carefully take according to my instructions.”
    Then suppose you say, “Doctor, I can have nothing to do with your pills and powders. I believe in you! I want you personally, but your pills and powders can have no place in my life and cannot be a part nor a means of healing. My confidence is in you.”
    The physician would likely reply, “He that rejects my remedy, rejects me, and he that has no confidence in what I prescribe as a means of healing, has no confidence in me.” (cf. Jn. 12:48). The book of Acts was written to illustrate the laws of the kingdom of God and particularly those that relate to primary obedience. Such examples as the conversion of Saul and of the eunuch (Acts 22:16; 8:35-39) make the way of obedience so plain that no one but the most prejudiced can fail to understand what to do to be saved.
    It should be our custom today to preach with the same vigour and force that was characteristic of pioneer preachers of previous generations. Human nature has not changed and it will ever remain the same. The needs of man are the same and the answer to those needs were revealed in the word of God 2,000 years ago.
     As it did for the eunuch and Paul, the blood of Christ still cleanses men today who believe in Christ, (Jn. 8:24), repent of their sins, (Lk. 13:3), confess that faith, (Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:10), and are baptized into Christ for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38).

- G. K. Wallace (deceased); via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

An Assured Heart

2011-09-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

By Hugo McCord

Some commentators think the apostle John was extremely aged, about 85, when he wrote the five chapters of first John. But his heart was young and his confidence strong: “We know we are of the truth, and shall assure our heart before him.” (1 John 3:19.) This writer, at 73, has visited with brother John (in his epistle) and has learned of at least five reasons why John’s heart was assured.

I. Death Into Life
“We know that we have passed out of death into life.” (1 John 3:14.) A thrilling thought is the fact that, though we at one time were dead spiritually through “trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1), when we obeyed the gospel God “made us alive” in Christ Jesus. Since that happy day each Christian rejoices to say, “Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

II. We are in Him.
“We know that we are in him” (1 John 2:5.) Since being without Christ is to have no promise, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12), what a glorious assurance it is to know we are “in Christ” in whom “every spiritual blessing” is placed. (Ephesians 1:3.) We rejoice also that the information is plain about the transition from without to within Christ, namely: “Baptized into Christ.” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27.)

The Christian feels comfortable and assured in being so close to the Lord: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: In the covert of his tabernacle will he hide me…” (Psalm 27:5.)

Confidence is enhanced when one reads that a Christian’s life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3, and that a blessing is pronounced on those who “die in the Lord.” (Revelation 14:13.)

III. He Abideth in Us.
“We know that he abideth in us.” (1 John 3:24.) Here is a thrilling turnabout! Great is the mystery of godliness! John not only affirmed that we are in the Lord, but now he has asserted that God is in us! This exalted thought no human is able to comprehend. At one and the same time God is in us and we are in him. How honored we are, and what a feeling of protection is ours!

It gives a Christian an assured heart to be able to say, “Jehovah is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?” (Psalm 118:6)

“What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31.) Imperfect and sinful though all of us are, how a pure and holy God could descend to dwell in us we do not know, but that he does lifts our courage and spirit.

IV. He Heareth Us.
“We know that he heareth us.” (1 John 5:15.) Not only are we unworthy to be in the Lord, and unworthy that he should live in us, but now we discover he is willing to listen! Moreover, he does not want us to approach him in fear: “this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us.” (I John 5:14.) No Matter if millions talk to him at the same time, there is a private line for each one. Nobody ever gets the busy signal. Furthermore, he is on a 24-hour shift: “he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3.)

V. Eternal Life.
“These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13.) All normal people have “eternity in their heart by divine implantation (Ecclesiastes 3:11.) Normal people do not want to become extinct, for life is sweet. They yearn for immortality. Divine assurance of an unending life in a better world than this gives us “strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: which we have as an anchor for the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.” (Hebrews 6:18, 19.) “This is the promise which he promised us, even eternal life,” and we rejoice that “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise.” (1 John 2:25; 2 Peter 3:9.)

Conclusion.
The strong assurances lifting the heart of the aged John were, wrote John, conditional. They can only be enjoyed “if we keep his commandments.” (1 John 2:3.) “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1 John 2:4.) However, he who does what a loving God asks (his commandments are not grievous,” 1 John 5:3) has nothing but a happy hope for the future life. John’s assurances make him bold and fearless, readying him for the “day of judgment.” (1 John 4:18.) “Fear hath punishment.” (1 John 4:18.) He who is scared is not keeping God’s commandments.

- Hugo McCord (Reprinted from Gospel Advocate, January 3, 1985); via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Two Facets of An Elder’s Work

2011-09-05T08:47:00.000-07:00

By Jim Bill McInteer

“The elders are the undershepherds to watch over and feed the flock. In accepting the work the elders bring themselves under the most solemn and sacred obligations possible to men to guard and maintain the honor of God, to keep his teaching and his service pure from all innovations of men.

As shepherds and teachers of the flock, they assume the most sacred and solemn obligations to the flock to feed the flock with the pure milk of the word of God, that by this they may grow; to guard against all teachings and practices that rest on human authority as vitiating the service of God and defiling the spiritual nature of the taught, and cutting them off from the blessings of God, which come to men only through the appointments of God unmixed with human inventions and traditions. A sadder perversion of a sacred trust is never seen than when elders and teachers forget the sanctity of their obligations both to God and his church, and, as his trusted servants and chosen teachers, encourage the introduction into his service of practices not authorized of God, so destroying his authority as lawgiver, and, as a consequence, hurtful and poisonous to the spiritual nature of men.” (David Lipscomb, Commentary on 1 Timothy, p. 309, and cited by William Woodson)

******

Across this land I pray with my brethren in public assembly. One petition I notice repetitiously—and it’s not “choose our changes,” “guide, guard, and direct us,” “if we have been found faithful, save us without the loss of one,” “help us to partake of this loaf/cup in a manner well-pleasing in thy sight,” “give him a ready recollection,” nor is it “bless all those for whom it is our duty to pray.” It is this: “Lord, bless our elders and help them make wise decisions!”

What does that say to you? Are the elders a formulating board? Is their duty almost exclusively as an assembled body?

Somehow it leaves me cold… “Help them make decisions.” “Let them say yes to the right letter.” “Let them decide best about the size of the directory.” Is that their job? I want an elder, not a board. I want a godly, praying, thoughtful, sensitive man. I want one to come to me when I’m weak, sick, strong, successful, bewildered. I want a leader in the church who will share his strength with me.

“Help them make the right decisions.” Really? I want a brother who helps make me right in the holy sight of God. That’s my prayer!

- Jim Bill McInteer; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Soft-Pedal Journalism

2011-09-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

By Foy E. Wallace, Jr.

Personalities in journalism, which means naming teachers of error along with systems of error, are not any violation of “courageous, dignified religious journalism.” Naming the men who teach error and practice deception in religion, even in the church, “can be done in a courteous and Christian manner,” but it should be done.

To talk and write of courageous, dignified, courteous methods of religious journalism is to deal only in broad generalities. For some of our old landmarks as gospel papers to recede from former drastic policies and retreat behind the verbiage of carefully worked resolutions of editorial committees to restrain the power of pens, is a keen disappointment to many of us who have looked to these papers to take the lead in a major fight, without generalities, relentless offensives against false movements and the men who promote them.

Whether some “temptation or scheme of intimidation” has “seduced” and “provoked” the editors and publishers to modify policies we cannot say, but it is obvious that something has caused them to seek retrenchment. Our only point here is that it is no time to be saying pretty platitudes and dealing in generalities. We are in a fight for the truth and the cannon fire cannot cease until the enemies of the church stack arms.

Calling names of false teachers and their aides and sympathizer is neither undignified nor discourteous, because Paul did it, and he was courteous, dignified and educated. He said. Demas forsook me having loved this: present world.” It was hard on Demas for Paul to say that publicly. He should have taken that up with, Demas privately' Again he said that Hymenaeus and Philetus had shipwrecked their faith and were overthrowing the faith of -others by their theory of the resurrection and he wrote it down in the New Testament (a rather dignified book) that he had turned those brethren of his over to Satan. He clashed with Barnabas upon one occasion and withstood Peter to his face and rebuked him publicly. Neither incident mined the church, nor marred the dignity of the New Testament. He further said that Alexander the coppersmith did him much evil and declared that the Lord would reward him for what he did. Paul did not seem to covet the kind of reward he intimated Alexander would get. He told a perverter of the truth one time that he was full of guile and villainy, called him a son of the devil, and asked him if he ever intended to quit perverting the way of the Lord. When a paper develops better manners than the New Testament and a preacher becomes more dignified than the apostles, neither is worth anything to the defense of the truth nor to the cause of Christ.

- Foy E. Wallace, Jr. (deceased); via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

Psalm 118:8

2011-08-30T08:05:00.001-07:00

By David P. Brown

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Trust is from the Hebrew word chasah, meaning “to take refuge.” Refuge is defined to be “shelter or protection from danger or distress; a place that provides shelter or protection; a means of resort for help in difficulty” (Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary).

One of the terrible weaknesses of fleshly Israel was their seeking shelter or protection in human helpers. Spiritual Israel, the church, shares the same weakness. The psalmist instructs the spiritually minded to seek “shelter or protection from danger or distress” “in the Lord.”

Too often we allow this admonition to go unheeded. We make friends too quickly with those whom we presume to be dedicated to New Testament Christianity. Later we sadly find that such walk in the commandments and doctrines of men. Council is sought from those we have too hastily trusted in. We learn too late that they are betrayers. We are deceived by the great swelling words of vain men into thinking that they are the stalwarts of the faith. Too late we find their true nature to be like sepulchres that are outwardly white, but inwardly are filled with corruption. One of the first things a babe in Christ should learn is to be exceedingly slow in trusting men.

Take advice from men only as it corresponds with God’s Word. Never be surprised or hindered when those who give sound advice do not follow it when they are under fire from Satan. They too are subject to fleshly frailties. Always remember that no matter how dedicated men seem to be, many of them will selfishly commit or omit anything in order to save themselves. Satan described many people when he answered God concerning the faithfulness of Job, saying, “Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life” (Job. 2:4).

Paul admonished, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise” and “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure” (Eph. 5:15; 1 Tim. 5:22). We close with the words of a Gospel song that echoes the sentiment of Psalm 118:8.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you,
Ye dare not trust your own
Put on the gospel armor, and
Watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls or danger,
Be never wanting there.

- David P. Brown, Spring, TX; via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website: http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org

Salvation! Things Taught?

2011-08-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

By Paul L. McElroy

Jesus taught: (1) Come to Me– "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" Matt. 11:28.

There is no load as heavy as unforgiven sin! (2) Repent– "I tell you no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3). (3) Confess Me before men– "Therefore, whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven." (Matt. 10:32).

Basic facts of the Gospel– " .. That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." (1 Cor. 15:3-4). Without the death, burial, and raising of Christ there could be no salvation from sins.

And this is what the apostle Peter preached on the day the church had its beginning. Those who believed asked "What shall we do"– The answer– "Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). "And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (Acts 2:47).

Since those things (Coming to Christ, repentance, and public confession of Jesus) and (Faith, repentance, and baptism) brought salvation from sin and The Lord adding the saved to His church) it will also do the same for obedient people today. What more should we want?

However, some teach different things today. (1)

Belief only brings salvation (with church membership received by baptism.) (2) Baptism (actually sprinkling) brings salvation (with faith to come later). (3) Jesus, a good man (but not divine), Jehovah will choose only 144,000 to go to heaven. (4) A man claimed to have found some "golden plates" with rules for a different church in America.

Let us remember that the apostles were guided directly by the Holy Spirit (King James version says Holy Ghost). Notice what Jesus said to His apostles about the Holy Spirit

– "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth: for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you of things to come." (John 16:13). Obey the Holy Spirit,

- Paul L. McElroy preaches for the Columbia Church of Christ in Columbia, MS. He may be contacted at cc0c@bellsouth.net