By R. W. McAlister
Proverbs 20:6 asks a very sobering question...“But a faithful man -
who can find?” If ever there was a day when our world needed faithful
men, today is the day!
Listen, men - our world needs us today more than ever. Our world
needs us to be Godly men. Your wife needs you to be a Godly man. Your
children need you to be a Godly man. The church needs you to be a Godly
man. Your business needs you to be a Godly man. Your community and your
nation need you to be a Godly man. The whole world needs more men
behaving Godly!
If families are going to survive in the 21st century, men will have
to stop behaving badly and start behaving Godly. We’ve heard it said,
and rightly so, “As the family goes, so goes society.” Take that back
one step further, “As men go, so goes the family.”
Psalm 112 tells us exactly where the whole process has to begin.
Verse 1, “Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD,
that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” This gets right to the
root of the problem for most men. Too many men don’t have a healthy fear
of God. Too many men don’t find great delight in His commands. The
happy man is he that fears the Lord. He’s the kind who takes pleasure in
his duty. He that fears the Lord, as a Father, with the disposition of a
child, not of a slave, delights greatly in his commandments, is well
pleased with them and with the equity and goodness of them.
Men, do you realize God has given you the responsibility of
spiritual leadership in your family and in the church (Eph. 5:23; I Tim.
2:12)? Do you realize someday you’re going to give an account back to
God of how you lived your life, and how you led your family spiritually
(Romans 14:12)? Men, we have to assume our family responsibilities.
We’ve got to be men of God and behave Godly because our souls and the
souls of others precious to us depend on it so much!
- 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/
By Robert E. Guinn
Faith and belief are constantly used to justify one's religious
practice and/or conduct. Yet that justification makes no sense if that
faith is not a personal faith. So, what does it mean for faith to be
personal?
For faith to be personal it must be more than a mere acceptance or
acknowledgement of supposed facts. It is deeper than simply having an
answer for a Bible question. Personally developed, faith can properly
answer the question, "Why do you believe?" Not just supplying reasons
to believe, but answering the question, "What truly persuades you to be a
Christian?" or "Why are you convinced?" This answer should go deeper
than the "I feel" responses and be more confident than "I think"
statements. So, why do I believe? I am glad you asked.
I believe there is a God. When I consider Newton's Third Law, the
Law of Bio- genesis, and the First Law of Thermodynamics, I find the
Big Bang and Evolutionary theories contradicting fundamental laws of
science and the natural world. I believe that the universe was created
by a supernatural being known as God. I see design, engineering, and
craftsmanship in our natural world. We look at a motorized vehicle and
know that due to its complexity it was designed, engineered, and crafted
by someone or something. In like manner, a small leaf from one tree is
more complex than that automobile. I believe in a super-natural,
all-powerful Creator.
I believe in the Bible. The most reliable documents from
antiquity, based on manuscript evidence, are the Sacred Scriptures we
call the New Testament documents. In a span of over two thousand years
both the Old and New Testaments were penned. At least forty different
humans, from various walks of life, were involved in its recording.
Though supposed contradictions exist, I have yet to see one that cannot
be adequately explained. Though its origin is found in antiquity, the
Bible itself is not antiquated. The Bible has proven to be timeless and
relevant to our present age with proper study and application. The
Bible possesses the fingerprints of Divine origin. I believe that the
Bible is the inspired inerrant Word of God.
I believe in Christ. The Bible is not the only ancient document
that mentions Jesus as a real historical figure. Still, the New
Testament, being the most reliable ancient document from manuscript
evidence, clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is the son of God (Matthew
3:17, 17:5). He willingly allowed himself to be murdered by crucifixion
(Luke 22-23), as a sinless sacrifice (Hebrews 4:15), for the sins of
those willing to submit to His will (John 3:16, 36; Hebrews 5:9).
Being raised to life again, he proved there is hope for life after this
one (1 Corinthians 15; Romans 8). I believe in the risen, crucified
Savior of my soul.
If I truly believe in these three faith statements, then my life should
be in a constant state of transformation (Romans 12). No longer living
for self but living for Christ (Romans 3). My belief should compel me to
action, being grateful for God's salvation (James 1-2).
Do you believe? Why do you believe?
- Robert Guinn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY.
He may be contacted through the congregation's website:
http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org
By Ron Thomas
If from the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaks, and one can be known by the quality of the
fruit produced, then it is reasonable to conclude
that both the words spoken and the deeds done are
indicative of the person’s heart. People
are able to see this and judge. People
of maturity can understand this, but people full of
sin (or self) are quick to point out that
one—especially one guilty of sinful behavior. It
is interesting that these are the same people who
look upon the Lord and faithfully proclaim they
would NEVER deny Him, but their lives have denial
written all over them. The
deeds we do, the words we speak, and the thoughts we
think reflect correctly on (or against) the Lord’s
influence on our lives.
- Ron Thomas serves as preacher and an
elder for the Highway Church of Christ, Sullivan,
IL He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: http://www.highwaycofc.com
By Wendell Winkler
Will
priorities be established in your children when…
• You
are early for their ballgame, but late for worship?
• You
check on their homework regularly, but never check on
their Bible class lessons?
• You
won’t let them miss school even though they don’t want
to go, but let them miss church worship services?
• You
won’t let them stay up late on school nights, but let
them stay up late on Saturday night.
• You
will serve as room mother at their school or volunteer
at school, but will not help with classes, activities,
programs which involve spiritual matters?
• You
attend open house at their school, but do not visit
their class room of Bible school, or even know where
their class meets?
• You
support, attend, or even participate in their sports
activities (baseball, softball, basketball,
volleyball, etc.) but regularly miss activities
involving the church?
• You
never (almost never) miss meeting with the civic or
social club of which you are a member, but frequently
miss worship services?
• You
go to work even though you do not feel like it, but
stay home on Sunday in the same condition?
- via The Contender,
the weekly bulletin published by the Walnut Grove Church
of Christ in Benton, KY. Kevin Williams preaches
for the congregation. He may be contacted through
the church's website:
http://walnutgrovechurchofchrist.org/
By Steve Higginbotham
Have you heard the story about a very militant,
atheistic professor who made it a point in his class to
belittle the faith of those who believed in God.
After spending nearly a semester of ridiculing
Christianity, he felt rather confident to sarcastically
ask, "Are there any believers in God in this
class?" He didn't expect anyone to respond, but
one young man did. He said, "Yes, I'm a believer
in God."
The professor reveled in the thought of making a fool of
this young man, so he stood before the class, looked up
toward the ceiling with outstretched arms and said, "If
there's an all powerful God out there, I challenge you
to strike me dead right now!" A hush fell over the
classroom for a moment, then the professor arrogantly
smirked and said, "See, if your God exists why am I
still standing here? This is proof that your God
doesn't exist."
Very calmly, the young man said, "No professor, this
isn't proof that my God doesn't exist. However it
is proof of something. It's proof that the God I
serve is a merciful God."
"The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God...'"
(Psalm 14:1).
- Steve Higginbotham preaches for the Karns Church of
Christ in Knoxville, TN. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website at http://www.karnschurch.org
By Robert H. Martin
* Do
good to all people no matter what they do to you
(Galatians 6:10). Christ is our example of doing good
(Acts 10:38). We must follow in His steps (1
Peter 2:21).
* Bless
and love your enemies (Matthew 5:44). Christ was
hated, mocked, spat upon, beaten...yet He prayed,
"Father, forgive them" (Luke 23:34). When we do
this, we have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5).
* Feed
the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick (Matthew
25:34-36). Christ went about helping the downhearted
(Matthew 9:35). By us doing this (especially to
the brethren), it is the same as us doing it to Christ
(Matthew 25:40).
* Count
others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3).
This is truly being Christ-like. When we do
this, we are serving as Christ did selflessly (John
13:4-5).
* Put
the kingdom (church) first in all things (Matthew
6:33). Jesus died for the church (Acts 20:28); we need
to live for it. Put Christ's body above all
earthy things.
This is
Christianity. Do these things with all your
might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). Be steadfast, always
abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians
15:58).
-
Robert H. Martin (adapted); - via the weekly
bulletin of the Broadway Church of Christ in
Campbellsville, KY. Edd Sterchi preaches for the
congregation and he may be contacted at eddsterchi@comcast.net
By Austin Johnson
Have
you ever felt the need to be Superman? I am
not talking about a weird desire to dress up in a blue
and red spandex suit (although I would
understand). I am talking about feeling the need
to do everything yourself. You see a need and
are too scared to ask others to do it. You are
incredibly busy but you do not think anyone else
should have to sacrifice so you add the responsibility
to your list. You know what I am talking
about. Let’s call it the Superman
Syndrome. I believe this feeling is very real
and sometimes very detrimental to our physical and
spiritual health. There are three comments about
the Superman Syndrome I would like to share:
#1 If
you deal with Superman Syndrome, it is time to relax
and trust others. I have dealt with this
syndrome many times before. Acts 2:44 says “And
all who believed were together…” Let’s restore
that principle of being together and helping one
another out.
#2 Many
people are struggling with Superman Syndrome, so be
proactive and help them out. 1 Corinthians 1:10
says “be united in the same mind and the same
judgment.” We all need to focus on the mission
of the church— seeking and saving the lost. We
live every day among people who are lost in sin and
destined for eternal destruction. We MUST seek
them out and plant seeds of truth, righteousness, and
love in their hearts. So be proactive and seek
opportunities to help others; i.e. Neighborhood Kids
Ministry, leading in worship at the nursing home on
Sunday mornings, learning to run the A/V equipment,
mow lawns, play cards with the Golden Agers on
Tuesdays, teach a Bible class, mentor a child, or
invite a friend to worship to name a few.
#3 It
requires a church. Christ created his church to
exist in community. That principle is clearly
seen through 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For just as the
body is one and has many members, and all the members
of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with
Christ.” Our job, being Christ’s church,
requires more than one individual or even a group of
small individuals. It requires a church.
So ask yourself today, what am I doing for Christ’s
body? Be active. Be involved. And in
all things, bring glory to
God.
- Austin Johnson serves as youth minister for the
Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.
He may be contacted through the congregation's website:
http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
By Lance Cordle
I
recently received a letter in the mail that promised
me a large sum of money. It was sent by air mail. It
was written on official-looking stationery and bore an
official-looking stamp. It bore the logo and name of
an attorney. It said that I had been appointed
trustee, executor and beneficiary of a woman’s estate.
It said that I could use the money for my personal
needs as well as for my ministry. It also said that
all I had to begin this process was to respond via
email and give them my phone number.
Before
going any farther, I have a question: Do you think I
am going to respond to this letter? If you
do, you must think I am very gullible. I will not
respond because of the following.:
•
Though I have not received a hard-copy letter quite
like this, I have seen letters like it sent via
email.
• It is
from a foreign country, from some “law firm” about
which I have no knowledge.
• It is
about a person, with which I have had no relationship.
• The
stamp is not an official, “raised-letter” stamp, but a
copy, with very unofficial language on it.
• There
is the very impersonal address: “Attention
Beneficiary.”
• It
proposes an exorbitant amount of money ($5,000, 000)
to me and my ministry.
As you
might have guessed this is almost certainly an attempt
to retrieve personal information
from me in order to steal my identity. I think most
people would agree with me and would not take
the chance and respond.
However,
some of the people who might not respond to such a
“phishing” attempt, might follow a religious teacher
who does some of the same types of things. That
teacher may use the Bible to teach a false doctrine.
That teacher may propose something as appealing as
$5,000,000—eternal life (or at least, great happiness
in this life). That teacher may “package” his
false message in persuasive words and a well-spoken
presentation. That teacher may “prove” his points by
emotional appeal and popular opinion. That teacher may
give you permission to live or worship in a way you
believe to be wrong. (Read Galatians 1:6-9.)
That teacher may tell you that your previous teachers
were old-fashioned and unenlightened.
The way
to avoid such deception is to test the message and the
sender. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see
whether they come from God, for many false
prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1,
ESV). There is an old saying: “If something
sounds too good to be true, it usually
is.”
- 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
