The Most Important Job

 

By David Bragg         Michael "Barney" Chandler recently started his new job. He serves under King Charles III as a Yeoman Warder Ravenmaster. It is his responsibility to protect the seven ravens that reside in the Tower of London. Why is this important? If those ravens ever leave the famed Tower, it will collapse into dust and the Kingdom of England will fall. At least that is the legend that led King Charles II (1630-1685) to was dedicated to protecting the ravens (and by extension Great Britian). Based on this legend, Jill Lawless refers to Barney Chandler as holding “the most important job in England” (Jill Lawless, Associated Press, March 1, 2024).     From my clearly “unroyal” point of view, it seems like a lot of fuss and financial expenditure for a job that fails to hold value. It is hard to think of spending our lives in a pointless occupation. In contrast, Jesus came into this world to tackle the truly most important job: Savior of the world (Luke 2:11; 9:23).     Everywhere Jesus went the common people seemed to recognize His importance. He taught them. He healed them. He valued them. He showed them God.     So, while the English monarchym may want a Ravenmaster, what they (and all people) NEED is the real Master: Jesus Christ. May we live in such a way that they might see Jesus living in us (Acts 4:13)

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Written All Over

 

By David Bragg       Tara Berry of Topeka, Kansas, LOVES the pop singer Madonna. There is no mistaking her devotion. It is literally written all over her. Announced in May of this year, the superfan was recognized by Guinness World Records for setting a new world record for “the most tattoos of the same musician on the body” (www.guinnessworldrecords.com). Madonna is inked into her skin with various portrayals of the singer 18 times (beating out the previous record holder by three), the first in 2016 and expending almost $10,000 over nine years. She has stated, “I’ve wanted this so bad and did whatever it took to get it.”     In the early days of the church, as Christians endured targeted persecution and deadly threats, the Jewish Sanhedrin debated how to address the peril they posed their political status. Those arrogant leaders looked down on Peter and John, denigrating their lack of education. But they had no answer for their courage! To them, one thing was evident: “they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).     This makes me wonder. When outside observers, especially nonbelievers, look at my life, is it evident that I love Jesus? Is it debatable that I have “been with Jesus”? Do I love the Lord to such an extent that it is “written all over me,” by what I say, by what I do, by where I go?   I LOVE Jesus! He has not called me to spend my time, money, or to endure pain in a tattooist’s chair to prove my love for Him. He simply asks obedience. He wants our lights to shine for Him.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

A Mistake With Deadly Consequences

 

By David Bragg       On June 29, 2024, BBC News reported a tragic incident involving four Sri Lankan fishermen who died after consuming liquid from unlabeled bottles they found floating in the ocean (Aleks Phillips, BBC News). Their fishing boat, the Devon, was operating over 300 miles off the coast of Sri Lanka when they discovered the bottles. Mistaking the contents for alcohol, they drank the liquid and shared it with other fishing crews in the area. As of the reporting time, in addition to the four deaths, two other fishermen were critically ill from the unidentified liquid. This tragic mistake had deadly consequences.     This story, while heartbreaking, serves as a powerful metaphor for the false and misleading information about the New Testament’s teachings on salvation that circulates in the religious world. Just as the fishermen were unaware of the danger in the bottles, many people are unaware of the spiritual dangers in the various doctrines presented by different denominations. How can one discern which teachings are safe to follow?     The answer lies in adhering to and teaching the plan of salvation that has Jesus’ “seal of approval.” When scriptures are “properly divided” (2 Tim. 2:15), it becomes clear that New Testament baptism (immersion) is the act through which one’s sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Salvation today is only found by joining in Jesus’ death (Rom. 6:1-3; 1 Pet. 3:21). To consume any other gospel is to make a mistake of eternal consequences (Gal. 1:8-9).

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Lending A Hand

 

By David Bragg       Residents in a Californian neighborhood had been raising loud protests over a dangerous bone-rattling pothole. The giant menace shook and shuddered cars and bicycles alike. Then, on the morning of April 11, 2023, an unusual and hopeful sign of progress. But there were no barricades. No city workers or trucks. No men or women holding slow/stop flags. Just two men, shovels, and a bag of cement. What made this incident particularly newsworthy was the identity of one of the workers: former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (Associated Press, 4/12/2023).     Sometimes, for progress to occur, we have to roll up our sleeves and get to work. This is not a new idea. In fact, it is one of the biblical principles necessary for a healthy, growing local church. Writing to Ephesus, the Apostle Paul observed: “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16). The key to church growth is not to be found in gimmicks or compromising the truth by teaching only the things that people want to hear. The key is in each member being willing to lend a hand, or as Paul put it: “every part (i.e. member) does its share.” With this in mind, I ought to be prayerfully considering what I can do to help His church grow.

David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Do Not Read This Article

By David Bragg       The HOP Shops Food Marts and Truck Plazas in northern Kentucky is a popular destination for visitors. Specifically, their restrooms! Select locations feature a button on the bathroom wall with a "Do Not Push This Button" sign. Those who push it are bathed in bright colorful lights reflected in a mirror ball with upbeat disco music playing over the PA system. The “Home of the Famous Disco Bathrooms,” HOP Shops boast online of their status as “America’s Cleanest Restrooms” (hopshops.com). Their attraction is built on the proven strategy that the best way to get some people to do something is to order them NOT to do something.     It is significant that the New Testament closes with a dire warning to not twist and transfigure God’s inspired word (Rev. 22:18-19). It is a huge “Do Not Push This Button” sign that is ignored by many professing Christians in a multi-denominated religious world.     Biblical Christianity is under siege in a modern world that rejects God’s truth for human desires. This is the very thing Paul warned about in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires … they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth.” Jude recognized our need to possess, proclaim and preserve the one, only and forever “common salvation” (Jude 3) presented in God’s inspired word. That is the truth God wants us to preach and practice.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

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Whom Will You Follow

By Brian Mitchell     The Epistle to the Philippians is one of Paul’s most personal NT epistles and has been called by some “a window into Paul’s very heart.” The main theme found throughout the letter to the church at Philippi is that of JOY. In total the words joy, rejoice, and rejoicing are found 17 times in these 4 short chapters. Thus, many have labeled Philippians as “Paul’s Hymn of Joy.” It is a look into Paul’s journey in Finding Peace of Mind.     Many search for peace and serenity in this life, but few ever find it. The realities of life can, at times, be harsh and thus many seek through various means for a way of escape, only to find that in the end they have done more harm than good. What does this have to do with Paul’s epistle to the Philippians? Philippians was written by a man (Paul) who had found true peace of mind in life.     Even though he was in prison at the time of this writing. Even though he was awaiting a trial that could very well result in his death. Paul had found the joy which produces peace of mind and he wanted to share that with his readers. Philippians is thus of great value to the Christian because: it reveals the nature of true peace and joy in life. It reveals the example of a man who demonstrates what produces peace and joy in one’s life. It reveals the Christ who is the true source of our peace and joy.     As we consider a small part of the message from Paul’s epistle to the Philippians, let us remember that Paul wants us to understand where joy and peace come from so that we might have them in our life. This is an especially important consideration in light of our text for this sermon—Ph.3:17-21. As we consider this passage, we shall notice that Paul is here discussing the fact that there are 2 ways that we can walk (or live) in this life. We can walk as a citizen of heaven. Or we can walk as an enemy of the cross.     Which we choose shall determine if we find the peace and joy that Paul so desperately wants us to enjoy. Whom will you follow? Which choice have you made? Not which choice do you want everyone to think you have made but which choice have you actually made? How are you walking in this life? Are you walking in righteousness, as a citizen of heaven, or in unrighteousness as an enemy of the cross.     The answer may well depend upon where you have set your mind. If your mind is set on earthly things, you will be an enemy of the cross. Because you will: make your belly your God, glory in that which is shameful and you will bring on your own destruction. If it is set on heavenly things you will be a citizen of heaven. Because you will: live as a citizen of heaven, eagerly await Christ’s coming and live in preparation for the transformation of this body. Have you become a citizen of the kingdom? If so, are you acting like it?

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

The Necessity of Relationships

By Brian Mitchell     Let me start by asking you a few questions. Where do you go when you have a problem? Whom do you turn to when you need help or advice on some important issue in your life? Are you more likely to turn to someone you know or to a complete stranger? How do you feel when a stranger comes to your door or calls you on the telephone and tries to talk with you about political issues, replacement windows or religion? How much attention do you pay to all the junk mail that is addressed “To the Current Occupant” that crowds your mailbox every day?      Now please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not going to deny that God can sometimes use these techniques to touch people’s lives with the truth. Regardless of the approach, there will always be stories to prove that these efforts have some success in leading people to the Lord. HOWEVER—I believe that people are becoming more and more immune to impersonal approaches to evangelism. The fact is that all of us experience discomfort when someone outside our circle of family and friends tries to influence us about personal and spiritually significant matters.       The real honest truth is that we are not all that comfortable having people we know confront us about such matters and so we definitely don’t want strangers trying to do so. If we are going to listen to anyone though we all naturally gravitate toward people we already know and trust. Friends listen to friends. Friends confide in friends. Friends are influenced by friends. Therefore, if we’re going to impact our world for Christ, then one of the most effective approaches will be through our building of strong relationships with those God places in our lives.       We are called upon to be the Salt and Light of the world. Thus far we have been primarily talking about our influence as related to being salt as we have discussed: Authenticity, Compassion and Sacrifice. Today we want to address the need for close proximity or contact with those whom we seek to influence.  The most potent salt in the world has no impact when left in the shaker. The most powerful light will have no positive effect on the darkness if it isn’t allowed to shine. The most authentic, compassionate and sacrificial Christians on the planet will not influence anyone until they have contact with them. Thus, in today’s lesson we will explore the necessity of building of relationships with those we hope to reach.      And we don’t have to look very far in our Bibles before we find examples of this approach to reaching people for the Lord. We can’t be contagious Christians without getting close enough to other people for them to catch what we have got. Later on, we are going to talk about ways to effectively communicate the content of our faith, but it’s important to realize that the ability to communicate doesn’t do any good if we have no one to communicate with.       So be a friend to as many as possible. And what’s truly exciting is that when we are a part of reaching out to unbelievers, we see our own faith deepening and our reliance on God growing, and the mission becomes more fulfilling! What are you doing with the relationships in your life?

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

The Life of Sacrifice

By Brian Mitchell       Self-sacrifice is a word that we, as a society, don’t seem to be familiar with anymore. Most people live by the words of the Sinatra song, “I did it my way.” Consider the following ads which promote selfishness and me-first thinking in our culture. L'Oreal Paris ad "Because you're worth it." Or the famous Burger King slogan “Have It Your Way.” This is the day and age where we are constantly told to get all you get and do what makes you feel happy without even the slightest thought of others.     The world says: "You have needs -- satisfy them. You have as much right as the rich and the mighty. Don't hesitate to satisfy your needs; indeed, expand your needs and demand more." This is the worldly doctrine of today. And they believe that this is freedom. The result for the rich is isolation and suicide, for the poor, envy and murder.” Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov.     What is Sacrifice? Certainly, we understand the meaning of self-sacrifice. It is not too hard to define—it is the willingness to personally give up something for someone else or for some greater benefit. Frankly, I think the very concept is a bit frightening to most. We understand what it means but it is much harder to embrace and embody in our own personal lives. And yet when we witness self-sacrifice, we are drawn to it. We are amazed by it. Because true sacrifice touches people’s emotions and opens their hearts in ways that few other things can.     How many of you remember the story of Pat Tillman? It is one of those truly genuine and a remarkable story of self-sacrifice: Star athlete walks away from the game in his prime, leaving millions in cash on the table, to put his life at risk in service to his country. And then in May of 2002, just 8 months after the September 11 attacks, Tillman walked away from a $3.6 million contract to join the military.     He enlisted along with his brother, Kevin, who himself gave up the chance of a career in baseball. The two brothers then completed training for the elite Army Ranger school late in 2002 and were then both to the Middle East as part of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Pat was subsequently redeployed to Afghanistan, where, on April 22, 2004, he was killed in action by friendly fire while on patrol.     What People had to Say. The Arizona Cardinals vice president Michael Bidwill said of Tillman, “In sports we have a tendency to overuse terms like courage and bravery and heroes, and then someone like Pat Tillman comes along and reminds us what those terms really mean.” Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said, “Pat Tillman personified all the best values of his country and the NFL. He was an achiever and leader on many levels who always put his team, his community, and his country ahead of his personal interests.”     As I’ve already said, “Sacrifice moves people.” It causes them to stop in their tracks and ask; “Why? Why would someone do something like that?” “What would cause a person to go out of their way for me?” Because sacrificial acts are so rare and powerful, they are rarely forgotten. Sacrifices, of whatever variety, have the ability to impact people for a lifetime. Thus, we through sacrifice, have the ability to influence and impact people in a major way.     What are you doing to attract others to Christ? The Bible says that those of us who follow Christ should live lives that draw those outside of Christ to us. We should live in ways that makes our faith attractive to those outside of the family of God. As both Jesus and Paul say, we should live our lives as shining lights in a world of darkness. So How are We Doing?

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

The Power of Authenticity

By Brian Mitchell
    There’s a story told of a woman who pulled up to a red light behind another car. The driver of the car in front of her was talking on his cell phone, and shuffling through some papers on the seat beside him. The light turned green, but the man didn’t notice. The woman began pounding on her steering wheel, honking her horn and yelling at the man to move. The man still didn’t move. The light turned yellow. The woman blew the car’s horn repeatedly, as she yelled and screamed at the man.    The man finally noticed the commotion. He looked up, saw the yellow light, and accelerated through the intersection just as the light turned red. The woman was beside herself, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant she heard a tap on her window and looked into the face of a very serious looking policeman.    The policeman told her to shut off her engine and step out of the car. The red-faced woman obeyed, speechless at what was happening. The policeman took the woman to the police station where she was placed in a cell. After a couple of hours of sitting in the cell, the woman was brought out to the front of the station where the original officer was, waiting with her personal effects.    The policeman handed her the bag containing her things, and said, "I’m really sorry for this mistake. But you see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn and screaming and cursing. Then I noticed the *Choose Life* license plate holder, the *Follow Me to Sunday School* bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. So, naturally I assumed that you had stolen the car. But I was wrong, have a blessed day!"    For years, popular television advertising has told us that: “IMAGE IS EVERYTHING.” In other words, it’s not what you are that matters, it’s what you appear to be that does. The problem, spiritually speaking, is that many have bought into this kind of thinking. Believing that if they merely put on a good show, that such will be sufficient enough, to influence people for good. The problem is that for most sincere truth seekers “Image is NOT Everything; Substance Is.” Most people in the world do not care who you profess yourself to be, they care about who you show yourself to be.    If asked what qualities we see in others that bother us the most, toping many of our lists would be dishonesty and/or hypocrisy—the lack of authenticity. Most of us are repelled by people who say one thing and then do another. On the other hand, we are attracted to people who are honest and genuine—people who actually are who they claim to be. We like and trust people who are real and sincere. Why? Primarily because the world is full of people who are pretending to be someone or something that they are not.    There’s a lot of deception in this world. Pretense abounds. But none of this belongs in the church. If we examine the text from Romans 12:9-16 that is our Scripture reading today, one thing that should stand out to us is the need to be real; to be sincere; to be authentic. To enable us to live lives that attract seekers and point their heads toward heaven. That’s what I want to do; what about you.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Making The Message Clear

By Brian Mitchell     When the Apostle Paul, was concluding his letter to the Colossians, he asked them to pray for two things. First, He asked them to pray that God would open doors for the message. Second, He asked them to pray that he might proclaim the message clearly.     Those are very good things to be praying for, and as we seek to get back to our mission today, let us pray for open doors and a clear message. Because Here’s the Truth: I don’t care who you are or what talents you feel you do or do not have, every one of us Christians have some good news to share with others. The only question; do we have a desire to share it?     I like the story told of the little boy who greatly concerned his parents. The boy’s parents could not get him to utter a single word. So they took him to a specialist, and after a thorough evaluation, it was determined that the boy had nothing wrong with him physiologically that was keeping him from talking. So the doctor grasped him firmly by the shoulders and gave him a sound shaking, saying, “Why don’t you say something?” The little boy defiantly replied, “Cause I ain’t got nothing to say!”     What about Us? Hopefully, after the last 3 months, that’s not the way we feel about our faith any more. In truth, I know that everyone of us has some great news to tell others about and I choose to believe that we want to tell others about it. Sometimes, however, we are still afraid that we can’t or we shouldn’t. It’s like the story of the preacher who loved to golf.     Unfortunately, it had rained every weekend for a month and the preacher was dying to play a round of golf. So the first sunny day in weeks ended up being a Sunday. So he called some of the leaders of his congregation and told them that he had been called away to an emergency and that they would have to cancel services that Sunday. Realizing that he could not play on a local golf course, he drove two counties away and teed up on a course that sunny Sunday morning.     Meanwhile, God was watching all this from heaven above. So He called an angel and said, “I’ve got a preacher down there who canceled church to play golf. I need you to go and administer an appropriate punishment.” So, the angel went down and as the preacher teed off on a par 3, the angel caused the preacher to hit the best shot of his life and the ball went right in for a hole-in-one. God said to the angel, “You gave him a hole-in-one? What kind of punishment is that?” The angel replied, “Yes, I gave him a hole-in-one. But think about it, who can he tell?”     Sometimes we are just like that preacher in the sense that we’ve got something that we want to share so badly with someone, anyone, but feel at the same time that we can’t tell anyone. Or at least don’t know how to. We have some great news to share—in word and in deed—and there is no reason for us to keep it to ourselves; we have nothing to hide and no reason to be afraid. In fact, there is no reason that we can keep it to ourselves.     What do we need? The same 2 things Paul asked the Colossians to pray for: we need open doors and opportunity for sharing—and again, a lot of those doors will be opened by the lives we lead. Secondly, we need the ability to clearly communicate the good news. In the end, no matter what we do, we have to share the message and we have to do so in a way that people can clearly understand what we are trying to communicate.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Undenominational Christianity

By Dan C. Bailey

Most people do not understand that the church of Christ, the body of Christ, or the church that we read about in the New Testament is not a denomination. As a Christian and Bible believer, I am against division in the body of Christ. In theory, denominationalism says that it is acceptable to God to worship in the various denominations which treat different doctrines from each other, and therefore, different doctrines than those in the Bible.     It cannot be the case that the Bible teaches contradictory doctrines. The very concept of denominationalism justifies and supports the teaching of error. Any organization, group, or theory that justifies error and contradicts the Word of God is an organization, group, or theory that a Christian should have nothing to do with. As Christians, we are not in fellowship with any denomination, neither do we intend to be.     Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." One must realize that true Christianity is undenominational and be ready to defend that fact.     In the Bible, God teaches us that there is only one church, body, family or kingdom over which Christ is the head or ruler. This church or kingdom takes its orders or commands from Jesus Christ by means of the words of the New Covenant or New Testament. Christ is not the author of error or doctrines that contradict the Work of God.     Jesus promised to build His church in Matthew 16:13-20. We read in verses 18 & 19: "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." The Lord said "my church." He didn't say churches or denominations that would contradict one another. Christ is the builder of the only one church and it belongs to him. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).     When a man is saved in obedience to the gospel of Christ, he is immediately added to the church of Christ, body of Christ, or kingdom of Christ. We read in Acts 2:38-41: "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." And in verse 47 of the same chapter: "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."     The church is the body of Christ, and since there is only one body, there is only one church in the Bible. I do not expect you to take my word for this, but the scriptures teach us in Ephesians 1:17-23. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."     And we read in Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."     Christ is the one head of the one church or the one body. "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body" (Ephesians 5:23). "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).     Let us never be ashamed to teach what the Bible teaches about the church or any other subject.   - Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Unity of The Church

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By Dan C. Bailey    Certainly, one of the most important subjects in the Bible is the unity of the Lord's church. The church is the body of Christ and the body of Christ is the church. Paul said, "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). And again he said, "And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). We read in I Cor 12:20, "But now are they many members, yet but one body." And again in I Cor. 12:27, "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." Jesus promised to build His church. He said, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). The Lord did build or establish his church on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two. Does Jesus desire that his church be divided? David said, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). If unity is good and pleasant, wouldn't it be God's will for his church to be united or to be one?      In John 17:1-26, we have the longest prayer in the New Testament. The Lord prayed this prayer just before he went out to the garden of Gethsemane. In verses twenty through twenty six, Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples or his church. Surely it was a sincere prayer. Surely it was a prayer within the realm of possibility. We know that Jesus meant what he prayed and prayed what he meant. Here is what he prayed: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one" (John 17:20-23).      Jesus not only prayed for unity, he gave the plan for unity. God would not expect his people to be united without a plan. Jesus said, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word" (John 17:20). His church is to be united through the word of the apostles. Was it really obtainable? After all, many say that we cannot understand the Bible alike?      My friends, if we really understand the word of God, we will understand it alike! Luke tells us in Acts 2:42, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." In Acts 4:32-33 we read, "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." The apostles preached the gospel by the Holy Spirit who guided them into all truth. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:13).      The teachings of the apostles of Christ were understood and followed in the early church. Peter exhorted, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour" (II Peter 3:1-2). And Paul informs us in I Cor. 14:37, "If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord." Jesus gave us the plan for unity. Now we are expected to follow the plan.      There is only one God and God has only one plan for unity! Division in the Lord's church is sinful. Paul commanded the brethren in Corinth, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (I Cor. 1:10). In chapter 3:1-3 we read, "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" Envy, strife, and division are carnal. They are fleshly, worldly, sinful!      It is not a light matter to divide the Lord's church. Paul wrote to the Philippians and said, "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Phil. 1:27). How can anyone study these verses and the prayer of Jesus and then affirm that there is nothing wrong with division in the body of Christ? Let us be one in Christ, just as our Savior prayed. ******************************** United As One The church is commanded to be of one mind, To labor together -- a God given sign. United in love, one body indeed, Helping the helpless, and all those in need.   The church of the Lord is to be of one soul, Cleansed by the blood, redeemed and made whole. Led by the words of the Bible each day, United as one, let us walk in the way.   One body, one Spirit, one Savior Divine, One Lord and one Faith, delivered one time. So let us take heed to the prayer of God's Son. Like Him and the Father, we all should be one. Dan C. Bailey / November 30, 2009   "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one."                               John 17:20-22

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

Does It Make Any Difference

By Dan C. Bailey       In some ways, this is a strange question to one who studies the Bible carefully. The scriptures clearly teach that it makes a difference what we believe. Jesus said of the scribes and Pharisees, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men "(Matthew 15:9). Those who believed the teachings of the Pharisees were just as wrong as those who taught errors. The Lord said, "Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch"(Matthew 15:14).     Many seem to forget that Jesus warned us about false teachers. The Lord said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves"(Matthew 7:15). It is very commonly taught that the plan of salvation is simply to believe repent, and call upon the name of the Lord by praying, "the sinner's prayer." The problem with this is that it isn't God's plan of salvation. Must one have faith? Absolutely! Must one repent? Absolutely! Does the Bible teach us that we are saved from our past sins by saying a prayer? The answer is absolutely NOT! It is true that after one becomes a Christian, he is to pray to God for forgiveness. This is found in Acts 8:22: "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee." However, there are no examples of alien sinners being saved by saying "the sinner's prayer" in the Christian dispensation under the great commission.     When Jesus gave the great commission to His apostles, he said: "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.  "(Matthew 28:18-20).     In Mark 16:15-16, He said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. "     And in Luke 24:46-47, Jesus said, "... Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. "     Jesus died for us on the cross and shed His previous and innocent blood for the remission of our sins. "For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28). Just as the blood is required for the remission of sins, so repentance and baptism are required for the remission of sins. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost"(Acts 2:38). "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ"(1 Peter 3:21). "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord"(Acts 22:16).     My Friend, will you not confess the dear name of Jesus (Romans 10:9-10), and upon that confession be baptized into Jesus Christ? "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ"(Galatians 3:26-27). It does make a difference what we believe!

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

Keeping God's Commandments

By Dan Bailey Keeping the commandments of God is either essential or not essential to salvation. If the keeping of the will of God is essential, then we certainly ought to preach a great deal about doing the will of God. If the keeping of the commandments of God is not essential, then why bother teaching anything about keeping God's commandments?    There are many in the church and in the world today who laugh and scorn the very idea of commandment keeping. They usually say out of one side of their mouth, "Oh yes, I believe that we should keep God's word." But out of the other side of their mouth they say, "Man cannot go to heaven by commandment keeping." It is a practice of false teachers to affirm contradictory propositions. If anyone ever questions them, then they can just quote a verse on the keeping of God's law and continue to teach that man is saved apart from commandment keeping.    Multitudes fail to see the contradiction. Let us open our eyes to the truth! God's law is not contradictory! A true teacher of God's doctrine does not contradict himself! When God's law is preached and followed, there is perfect harmony. "Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good" (Lamentations 3:38).    Let us make some clear statements and support them by the word of God:    One cannot go to heaven who does not do the will of God. We read in Matthew 7:21-23 "21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."    Jesus affirmed that love and commandment keeping go together. "15 If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). And in John 14:21 we read, "21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. "    Jesus taught that those who do not love Him would fail to do His commandments. "23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me" (John 14:23,24).    Jesus taught that His friends were those who did His commandments. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14).    Jesus taught that love itself was a commandment. "These things I command you, that ye love one another" (John  15:17).    The inspired apostle John taught that a man was a liar who said that he knew Christ but failed to keep His commandments.  "3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him" (1 John 2:3-5).    God further taught that those who did His commandments would enter into the holy city. "14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city" (Revelation 22:14).    It is tragic that men pervert and corrupt the word of God. Even some in the church today are teaching that man cannot be saved by commandment keeping. They separate the gospel from the grace of God. It is true that we are saved by God's grace, but that grace is found in and through the gospel of Christ. That pure gospel teaches us that we must obey God in order to be saved. "8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:8,9).    All of God's commandments are important. It is our responsibility as Christians to obey those things that our Father has commanded. If we want to be pleasing to God, we cannot pick and choose just the ones that we want to obey. Which commandments will you choose to obey?  "58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58)   - Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Law of Salvation of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus

By Dan C. Bailey It is always sad when people fail to study, believe, and obey the word of God. We read the following in Romans 8:1-2: "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."     This is a comforting and beautiful passage of scripture. There are those who have obeyed the gospel. • Romans 10:16 -- "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" • 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 -- "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." • 1 Peter 4:17 -- "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" Therefore, they are cleansed by the blood and have no condemnation. Revelation 1:5 -- "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood." That is, any child of God who is walking in the light is in a saved condition. • 1 John 1:7 -- "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." • In Acts 2:38, we read, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." When people obey the gospel, they are baptized into Christ and they are added to the Lord's church (~Acts 2:47~; ~Matthew 16:18-19~).     After becoming Christians, they are exhorted to "walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit" (~Romans 8:4~). To walk after the Spirit is to walk after the teachings of the Spirit. If a Christian refuses to be led by the Spirit of God, then that Christian has departed from the living God. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14). A Christian must walk in "the way of the righteousness " (~2 Peter 2:21~). A Christian must walk in the "right way" (~2 Peter 2:15~). The only "right way" or "righteous way" is to walk in the truth (2 John 4; 2 John 6; 3 John 3).  The truth of God's word has been, and always will be, God's law for mankind. "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth (Psalm 119:142).     To walk after the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus is to be walking on the way that leads to heaven. The word of the Spirit, the truth, sets us free from sin. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).     Let us follow this law of the Spirit. Let us heed the "law of Christ" (~Galatians 6:2~). And let us never decline from the law of faith (~Romans 3:27~). Surely, James has told us so clearly, "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 1:25).     There are many both inside and outside the church who teach that Christians are not under any law today. In essence, this is just the doctrine that man is justified by grace alone.

Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

The Road Less Traveled

By Bob Prichard     Robert Frost’s 1916 poem, “The Road Not Taken,” is one of the most often quoted poems of all time. The poet speaks of two roads, each “just as fair,” but the traveler chose one, concluding “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Frost indicated that most have misunderstood the poem. The choice was actually random—the traveler didn’t know which was best. The difference wasn’t from a wise choice, but a random choice.     In life, we often have to choose between two roads that seem equally good or bad. We don’t know which road is better, because we cannot see the end of the road with either choice. We just have to choose. But what we must always remember is that when we choose the beginning of the road, we also choose the end of the road. That is why it is so important that we not only choose the right road in life, but that we periodically evaluate the road we are now on, to see if we should change roads.     Saul of Tarsus was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians. He entered the city as a blind man, and exited as a follower of the Christ he persecuted. The Lord told Ananias, “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16). As Ananias taught him, Saul counted the cost (Luke 14:28) of starting on the road of service to Jesus Christ, and immediately obeyed when Ananias commanded him to be baptized (Acts 22:16).     Jesus warned that there are two ways—the broad way of the world and the narrow way of following Him. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). The narrow way is definitely “the road less traveled.” But it makes all the difference—not only in this life, but in the world to come. Are you on the right road today? Is it time for a change?

Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Second Only To The Bible

By Bob Prichard     It was required reading in Jr. High School. I can still remember trying to slog through it, and not appreciating it at the time. It is the story of a fifty-year-old man setting off on a quest to do great deeds and right all wrongs. Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes was quite innovative when first published (part one in 1605, and part two in 1615). The exploits of this man of La Mancha have inspired many, whether he is a tragic hero, a non-conformist, or simply a buffoon. According to The Intellectual Devotional (2006), “of all the books published throughout history, Don Quixote is second only to the Bible in terms of total number of copies printed.”     With time, I have come to have more appreciation for Don Quixote—appreciation that I lacked when I was in Jr. High. With maturity, I have learned to appreciate many things that I saw little reason for at 13. Consider the accolade for Don Quixote, “second only to the Bible in terms of number of copies printed.” Have you noticed how often comparisons are made to the Bible? With all of the great and not so great books published every year, the Bible is the perennial best-seller. Perhaps it does not generate the same media frenzy as a new Harry Potter book, but the Bible continues to outsell every other book.     We know why this is so. It is because there is no other book like the Bible. Although other books make similar claims, it is the only book that is truly inspired—“God breathed.” No other book can offer what it offers.     We should join with the psalmist in praising the Bible, which is second to no other book. “For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances: For all are thy servants. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction” (Psalm 119:89–9

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Plato's Cave Allegory

By Bob Prichard     Greek philosopher and teacher Plato used his real life teacher Socrates to share his philosophical views. In The Republic, he records a scene of Socrates describing a cave where a group of men are tied down so that all they can see are the shadows reflected on the wall as objects are held up before a fire behind them. They see the shadow of a book, and think they see the real thing. When a man escapes from the cave, he is at first blinded by the bright sunlight, but soon realizes he is seeing the real thing for the first time. When he tries to tell the others, they reject him and hold to their own shadow reality.     Paul encouraged the Colossians against the Judaizing teachers, telling them that as Christ gave his life for us, he was “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, nailing it to his cross” (Colossians 2:14). Since they were no longer under the Law of Moses, Paul said, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).     The Jews thought that their holy days, new moons and Sabbath days were the real thing—but they were in fact only shadows of the greater reality of the New Covenant and the heavenly kingdom. “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers there unto perfect” (Hebrews 10:1). How privileged we are to live under the new covenant of Christ, and to look forward to being in the heavenly kingdom! We have not the shadow, but the real thing

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Wrinkle's Headstone

By Bob Prichard     She never really cared that much for the piece of carved stone that her deceased husband had found in an old quarry, but Ruth Beeston thought it would serve well to mark the burial place of her dead cat, Wrinkle. She decided to put it up for auction, however, when a local art historian discovered that it was a thousand year old carving of the apostle Peter. Wrinkle’s former headstone brought $383,000 when it was offered at auction (World, December 25, 2004).     This sort of thing seems to happen often (at least to other people). Someone finds some old thing that everyone thinks is worthless, and then it is discovered to be a priceless antique. Just because something is old, it is not necessarily valuable. Some things are true antiques, and some are just “junque.” Some old things are incredibly valuable.      Consider how the Bible, a truly ancient book is treated. It is old─the newest parts being over 1900 years old, and some parts even much older. Many think that because of its age, it can’t really be worth much. And yet, to those with the proper discernment, it is the most valuable book ever written.     Paul told Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God [is literally ‘God breathed’], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Not only does it give us all that we need, but it is profitable and relevant. It is just as relevant today as when it was written hundreds of years ago.     Ruth Beeston required an art historian to tell her that she unknowingly had something of real value. Surely we understand today how valuable the Bible is, that it is profitable to us for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Unfortunately, many just use that family Bible as a place to store dried flowers, recipes, and the family tree. Wrinkle’s headstone was so much more than Ruth thought. What about the Bible? Have you realized the hidden treasures within?

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Cogito, Ergo Sum

By Bob Prichard     “Cogito, ergo sum”—“I think, therefore I am” is perhaps the most famous philosophical statement ever made. Scientist and philosopher René Descates wrote these words in his Discourse on Method (1637). He reasoned logically that since he was able to think, he knew he existed. He continued to reason from this point that God exists.     Louis XIV had a different philosophy: “l’etat, c’est moi”—“I am the state.” It is not surprising that he would come to this conclusion in view of the fact that he reigned as king over France for seventy-two years. His absolute monarchy set a pattern followed in several other European countries. No doubt his style of tyrannical behavior contributed to the bloody French revolution of 1789.     Anna B. Warner penned a philosophy for all of us, however, with her words, “Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so.” In her 1860 hymn we find words of comfort and strength! This hymn is a favorite with children, but all of us can benefit from the words written for her Bible class of West Point cadets.     Even if you missed every other doctrinal point in the New Testament, surely you could not miss this one. “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6–8).     “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30–31).     “Jesus loves me! He who died, Heaven’s gate to open wide; He will wash away my sin, Let his little child come in. Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me; Yes, Jesus loves me, The Bible tells me so.”

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Be Grateful For Godly Dads

 

By Adam Faughn

    In the culture in which we find ourselves, being a godly dad is not easy. Certainly, it is never easy to be faithful to the Lord, but we are living in times in which the values and actions that it takes to be a faithful, godly dad are completely undermined by our society.

    As such, we should be very thankful for those men who step up and seek to be what God would have them to be and not what society tells them is good or right.

    For example, we should be grateful for those dads who discipline their children, helping to mold them into people who respect authority and boundaries. Our society tells us that parents just need to let their children find themselves and that discipline is cruel and restrictive. Scripture makes it clear, though, that discipline—when done in love and by God's standard -- is a sign of true godliness. Instead of making a dad feel bad for disciplining his children, how about you thank him for doing his best?

    Additionally, we should be grateful for those dads who put worship and the activities of the church first in their homes. Society will tell dads to make sure they raise their children to be "well rounded," so missing some worship services is fine, so long as the kids get all sorts of experiences. A godly dad, though, will show his children that nothing comes before worshiping the Almighty, and that might mean saying "no" to some things that would have been neat experiences. Thank those dads for showing their children what it means to have priorities in the right order.

   Also, we should be grateful for dads who work hard for their families. A lot of dads get accolades (maybe they are "likes" on social media) for all the fun stuff they do or that their kids get to do. Those things are fine, but we should also be thanking the dad who may not make as much money for all the fun things, but who works so hard so that his family has what they need, including a fine example of masculinity.

    And one more, we should be grateful for dads who show humility and admit their faults. Many in our society believe it is a sign of weakness to ever admit fault and ask forgiveness. A godly man, however, knows he is not perfect--though he is striving to be like Jesus--and is humble enough to seek to be better, even in his family. When you see a dad admitting wrong, do not gloss over it, but give that dad a word of thanks for his humility and example.

    There are many other areas which stand out from the culture if one is striving to be a godly dad, but these are enough to remind each of us of how difficult it is. If and when you see any of our dads at Central excelling in the ways that God would have him do, take a moment and thank him for being what God calls him to be and not what society is trying to make him be. Thank the Lord for godly dads!

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Thank You For________

 

By Adam Faughn     I have been around a number of people (and I have done this myself at times) who have the practice of thanking military veterans. They learn that someone has served in the past, so they say a simple word of thanks. Maybe it is as simple as "Thank you for your service." While a simple statement, it is typically quite obvious that the veteran is grateful and honored by the sentiment of gratitude that is being offered.     This weekend, our nation celebrates a holiday that has a different tone. Memorial Day is a day on which we show a level of gratitude, but it is different because we cannot talk to the ones for whom we are grateful. They have, to use the common phrase, "paid the ultimate sacrifice," and we remember how they gave their lives to serve the country and protect us. We might be able to have any number of ceremonies to remember or to honor their sacrifice, but it is impossible to personally thank any of them.     It is quite common on this weekend to hear some connection made between Memorial Day and the cross, especially in thinking about the Lord's Supper. I have preached sermons along those lines in the past, and I know many others do each year. Comments made before the Lord's Supper quite often draw that comparison, and those thoughts can be both timely and helpful as we center our minds on the sacrifice of Jesus.     There is, though, one huge difference. While there is the very obvious comparison of sacrificing one's life for the benefit of another, there is also one massive contrast. It is this: we can personally thank Jesus for His sacrifice because He overcame death.     While the Lord's Supper is clearly a remembrance of what He did on the cross, Paul commands us to do this until Jesus returns. How can that be? Death could not hold our Lord! The tomb is empty. Death has been defeated.     We often sing a spiritual song that begins with the lyrics, "I serve a risen Savior." Those are very simple words, but few things we ever sing could be more profound. He did die. He made the ultimate sacrifice. But three days later, to quote another spiritual song, "The tomb was found empty." Even if we were absolutely certain of its location, it would do no good to visit the tomb because Jesus's body is not there. The angel, in very simple words, said it best, "He is risen!"     On Memorial Day, I hope each of us will take at least a moment to be grateful for those who have paid with their lives for our freedoms. It is a good and honorable thing to do. Whether you take part in some formal ceremony or not, it is always good to pause and remember what others have done to make this possible.     Regularly, whether you express it in words or not, I hope you will live with gratitude in your heart for those who are remembered on another holiday, Veteran's Day. They may not have given their life's blood, but they served, and we are thankful for their service.     But every moment of every day, I hope that we, as God's people, will be grateful that our Lord and Savior is the only One to Whom we can express both. We should thank Him that He was the ultimate servant, and we should thank Him for His ultimate sacrifice. Because He lives, we can express both to Him. May we realize how amazing what He has done for us truly is

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith