Does the Bible Offer Hope for Depression?

By Bob Prichard     Depression is perhaps the most common emotional problem that we face today. Experts suggest as many as one out of five Americans experience severe depression some time during their lives, and depression may be the most common health problem for women. Symptoms of depression include apathy, insomnia, difficulty in concentrating, and a general loss of interest in life. Severely depressed people may become suicidal, violent, or completely withdrawn. Depression has always been a problem for mankind. Bible characters such as King Saul, Elijah the prophet, Job, and others experienced depression.       Sources of depression may be physical, psychological, or spiritual. Fatigue, chemical imbalances, and other physical problems may cause depression. After his defeat of the prophets of Baal and Asherah on Mount Carmel, Elijah was physically exhausted. When Jezebel threatened his life, he fled into the wilderness and was ready to die. The angel of the Lord comforted him and strengthened him with food, telling him, “Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee” (1 Kings 19:7). He still felt overwhelmed and alone, however. He said, “I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10). He repeated,  “I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:14). The Lord encouraged him by letting him know that there were still seven thousand faithful, and by sending Elisha to help him.     Loss is a common psychological cause of depression. Job lost his possessions, his family, his health, and even his reputation. He cried, “the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me. I was not in safety, neither had I rest, neither was I quiet; yet trouble came” (Job 3:25-26). Later he learned that God continued to control the universe, saying “I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee” (Job 42:2). Unfulfilled hopes and dreams, and feelings of worthlessness or helplessness brought on by stress also cause depression. These feelings often come because a person has lost the proper perspective. Disappointments may be opportunities in disguise, however. They may be times to rearrange priorities, making our life priorities more in line with God’s will. It is helpful to remember when overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness and worthlessness to remember that God is still in control. He demonstrated His love in the cross. “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).     Sin must have its spiritual consequences, which very often includes depression. Obedience to the Lord is the key. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10). God does not intend for us to be depressed, and is eager to forgive and comfort. His love demonstrates this. A wise counselor points the depressed person to God.

- 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.

How are the Church and the Kingdom Related?

By Bob Prichard     The burning question in the hearts of the early Jews was the question of when the Messiah would establish His kingdom on earth and reign upon David’s throne. Most misunderstood the issue, and even the disciples were caught up in misconceptions of the nature of the Lord’s kingdom. Just before His ascension, they asked Jesus, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They just did not understand the true nature or identity of the kingdom of God.     The word “kingdom,” as used in the New Testament, means “royal power, kingship, the territory subject to a king, the reign of the Messiah,” with primary reference to the rule, reign, and authority of God. New Testament writers used it in several senses. Paul spoke of the eternity of the kingdom: “And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Jesus used kingdom in another sense when He told the Pharisees, “behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), meaning that the kingdom, or rule of God was in their midst through His ministry as the Son of God. The primary use of the term “kingdom,” however, is in reference to the church.     After Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus blessed Peter, saying, “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” (Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus here used the phrases “my church” and “kingdom of heaven” interchangeably. Writing later, Paul rejoiced with the Colossian Christians that God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Just a few verses later he identified the kingdom as “the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18).     John the Baptizer, Jesus, and the apostles all preached that the kingdom was “at hand,” or near. “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). “Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).      The New Testament church surely fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of the kingdom. Daniel declared that “in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44). The “kings” referred to the Roman Empire, the fourth kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream image, the kings who controlled first century Judaea when the church was established.      Jesus Himself predicted that the kingdom would be established within the lifetime of the apostles. “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1). The kingdom surely came with power on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).     People become citizens of the kingdom of God, the church, by the new birth, being born of the water and the spirit. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

- 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.

I Will Build My Church

By Bob Prichard     “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 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” (Matthew 16:13-19).     When Jesus asked, “Who do men say that I am?” the answers of men were wrong! Only Peter had the right answer, and it makes a difference Who we believe Jesus is. Can anyone be saved by believing He was John? Of course not!     Jesus said, “Upon this rock” not to emphasize the rock, but the One upon whom the belief is placed. Jesus was not promising to build his church on Peter, but on faith that He is the Messiah. But what did Jesus have in mind when He made this promise? WHEN WOULD HE BUILD HIS CHURCH?     We know clearly that it was not built by John. “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). John was never in His kingdom, the church.     Daniel prophesied the beginning of the church: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).  A church built any other time would not be His church.     Jesus told the apostles, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).     This was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel” (Acts 2:14-16). At the conclusion of his sermon, as he invited all to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), “they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Act 2:41). “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b). HOW MANY CHURCHES DID HE SAY HE WOULD HE BUILD?     Did Jesus envision thousands of denominational divisions? Did He envision a time when men would say “Join the church of your choice”?     John 17 records the prayer of Jesus as he prepared for the cross, praying first for his disciples, and then He added, “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: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:20-23).     He did not say “I will build my churches.” He envisioned one church, not many denominations. Among the great unities of Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul said “There is one body,” meaning there is one church. WHAT WOULD HE CALL HIS CHURCH?     Names are important, and He would want His church associated with Him. The church at Corinth was divided, and Paul asked them to be united, speaking the same thing, and wearing the name of Christ. “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:11-13).     There are no exclusive names, but descriptive names given for the church in scripture, It is called “the church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2), “the church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23), “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16), “body of Christ” (Colossians 1:24), “bride” (Revelation 21:2), and “the house of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). These are not different churches, but the one church He established. WHAT WOULD GUIDE HIS CHURCH?     God has always given His people a pattern (Exodus 25:40 Hebrews 8:5). In the parable of the soils, Jesus explained, “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God” (Luke 8:11). If the seed, the word of God is properly planted and cultivated, the seed will produce the church. Church history is marked by men deviating from the Bible pattern to make the denominations what they desire. You could never find the churches or their doctrines in the Bible alone. But if you have the seed, you can produce the church of the New Testament. If you wanted Georgia watermelons in Texas, you wouldn’t need to run a vine from Georgia to Texas. You would just need the seed. HOW WOULD PEOPLE ENTER HIS CHURCH?     The pattern established on Pentecost. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 2:36-38).     The same pattern was followed as Phillip taught the Ethiopian eunuch. “And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:34-38).     You can be a member of the same church as those on Pentecost, the eunuch, Peter and Paul, if you will obey the gospel as they did.

- 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.

Does Matthew 24-25 Tell Us of the Signs to Watch for Concerning the Second Coming of Christ?

By Bob Prichard     One of the most popular areas of speculation in our religious world today is in the area of setting the date for the second coming of Christ. Many point to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the arrival of the computer age, or even the introduction of the social security number, to say that the “signs” show Jesus is coming “soon.” The scriptures are very clear, however, that there will be no special signs of His second coming. Time after time men and women have set dates for the Lord’s second coming, only to be proved wrong. No particular date can be set!     At the beginning of Matthew 24, Jesus showed the temple to the disciples, and said, “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down”  (Matthew 24:2). In response, they asked, “When shall these things be?” and “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (vs. 3). Notice that the disciples asked about two separate events: the destruction of the temple, and the Lord’s second coming. Jesus first answered concerning the signs before the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, and then He spoke of His second coming at the end of the world.    Beginning in verse four, Jesus described a number of signs to the disciples, including the coming of false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes, apostles being killed, and the preaching of the gospel to the whole world. He warned them that men would have to flee to the mountains (vs. 16). He warned the disciples, “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (vs. 33). These signs were fulfilled in the events leading up to and including the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in the year a.d. 70 by the Roman army. Verses 29-31 describe the upheaval of the Jewish world with the end of Jewish worship in the Jerusalem temple. History records that many Christians understood the signs, and fled Jerusalem. They could flee the Roman armies, but no one will be able to flee when the Lord returns.     Jesus said in verse 34, the key verse, “This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.” In other words, Jesus said that the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple would occur before the generation hearing His words passed away. (A generation is thirty to forty years.) Then, speaking of His second coming, Jesus said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (vs. 36). No man knows the day or hour!  Jesus emphasized the contrast between the destruction of Jerusalem in 70, and His second coming.     The signs before the destruction of Jerusalem were evident, but as for His second coming, “be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (vs. 44). The disciples asked for a sign of his coming, but the Lord gave none. If people could know the exact date of His coming, they would wait until the last minute to be prepared. We should be ready always. Be prepared today, because there will be no signs!

- 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.

Good Soil in America

By Bob Prichard     The world out of which the American Restoration movement grew was truly a world of “good soil” (Luke 8:8). The new nation was a nation that did not have allegiance to any particular religious denomination. Many were searching for truth in the early decades of the nineteenth century. It was fertile soil for people to question what they had always believed.     The result was a variety of religious movements. Joseph Smith offered his mythical Book of Mormon, as he suggested that all of the churches of the day were corrupt, and it was necessary to restore the church in those “latter days.” The “United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing,” better known as the Shakers, spread west to Kentucky and Indiana from their base at New Lebanon, NY, attracting thousands to communal living.     And then there was the Restoration Movement. From diverse beginnings, many began to question the religious division and denominational loyalties of their world. A trickle of searchers departing from those loyalties became a roaring river of people seeking to restore the ancient order of things. James O’Kelly left the Methodists. Elias Smith and Abner Jones left the Baptists. Barton W. Stone, Thomas Campbell and Alexander Campbell left the Presbyterians. Although these had some differences in doctrine, they united in understanding that the need was a return to the church of the New Testament, following only the Bible as a guide. As heirs of the Restoration Movement, we can be thankful that the religious climate of the nineteenth century provided the fertile soil of truth seekers.     We must seek good soil in our nation today. The moral climate of our world can’t help but convince truth seekers that there is a better way. “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16a).

- 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.

The Hidden Gospel (Part 1)

By Clifton Angel   "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent" (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21). These are the words of Jesus, uttered in public prayer, on at least two occasions. At the heart of the contexts of both occasions was the good news that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God—the world's only Savior. Luke says He "rejoiced in spirit" (Luke 10:21) as He praised God in prayer. Why would Jesus be joyful and thankful that the Father restricted the gospel from some?    The Father's hiding of the gospel should not be understood as He kept some from the opportunity to hear it. I submit that the "wise and prudent" of Jesus' day not only audibly heard the gospel, but they visually saw it. Yes, the scribes, Pharisees, and scholars in the Mosaic law audibly heard the good news of Jesus, but the majority of them did not receive what was said. They visually saw Jesus in the flesh, they saw the miracles He performed, and the miracles of His disciples, but they did not recognize what was right in front of their eyes. Sellers S. Crain, Jr. wrote, "The contrast between the wise and intelligent and infants is not really that of intelligence, but of attitude; it is the difference between those who rely on themselves and those who rely on God" (Truth For Today Commentary: Matthew 1–13, pp. 385–386). They were deafened and blinded by their own pride. In another place, Jesus said of these types of people, "They seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand" (Matthew 13:13).    The scribes, Pharisees, and Mosaic law scholars were very intelligent. Many of them had tremendous knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, but when it came to applica-tion and teaching, pride intervened. What many call "The Sermon on the Mount"—Matthew 5:1–7:29—was not some new teaching in contrast to the Old Testament. Rather, it was the correct teachings and applications of principles in the old law (which principles are now a part of the New Testament because of Jesus' teaching of them) because religious leaders in Jesus' day had misused and misapplied them (see Matthew 5:17–20).    If space would allow, we could consider the "wise and prudent" of Paul's day, such as those he encountered in Athens (Acts 17:16–33), or those he had to deal with in Corinth (see 1 & 2 Corinthians), or those he had to refute in the region of Colossae (see Colossians). Who are the "wise and prudent" of our day? We could spend time naming prominent faiths which misuse and misapply the gospel. We could spend time naming popular false teachers who misuse and misapply the gospel. But for the sake of space, let's each ask ourselves, "Have I allowed my 'wisdom' and 'intelligence' to get in the way of truly hearing the gospel?"

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Hidden Gospel (Part 2)

By Clifton Angel     "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" (Matt 11:25; Luke 10:21). Again, this is a public prayer of Jesus on at least two occasions. At the heart of these contexts was the good news that Jesus was the Messiah—the world's only Savior. Last week, we noted how God’s message was hidden from some who were blinded by their own pride. Now, let us consider those to whom it was revealed.     “Thou...hast revealed them unto babes.” Those who received God's revelation were not literal infants. Rather, they were lower on the "totem pole" of society in Jesus' day. Who were these "babes" who were recipients of the revelation of the gospel?     Peter, Andrew, James, and John were commercial fishermen. Such a tasking position made them "infants" in the eyes of the Jewish elite. Example: Peter and John were "perceived" to be "unlearned and ignorant men" by the Jewish rulers, elders, scribes, and priests (Acts 4:1–13).     Matthew, also bearing the name Levi, was a tax collector. In the United States, we know tax collectors as the IRS. While tax collection has always caused animosity from many of those being taxed, Matthew's position brought far greater hostility. In the eyes of the Jews, he was a traitor and a sinner. He was taking money from God’s people and giving it to an ungodly tyranny. Tax collectors were often grouped with prostitutes, indicating their moral destitution in the eyes of the Jews. Luke tells us that when Matthew began to follow Jesus, he made a great feast for Jesus, his disciples, and other tax collectors. The scribes and Pharisees "murmured" at Jesus' disciples, asking, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" (Luke 5:27–30).     As we previously cited, "The contrast between the wise and intelligent and infants is not really that of intelligence, but of attitude; it is the difference between those who rely on themselves and those who rely on God" (Truth For Today Commentary: Matthew 1–13, pp. 385–386). Disciples like Luke and Paul are testimonies to this fact. They were highly educated and intelligent. Luke was a physician (Col 4:14). Paul’s education has been likened to multiple doctorates in theology (Acts 22:3; Phil 3:4–7). However, their humility led to their reception of God's glorious gospel message.     Maybe you are thinking you could never be good enough to be a recipient of the saving gospel. Maybe you are thinking you have committed too many sins to be saved. Maybe you are thinking you are not smart enough to teach others God's saving message. You are precisely the person Jesus wants to save and to whom He has revealed the gospel. Will you allow us to help you follow Jesus?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Hidden Gospel (Part 3)

By Clifton Angel   From Matthew 11:25–30 and Luke 10:21–24, we've noted how that God’s good news is hidden from those who are not willing to hear and receive it, and it is revealed to those are humble enough to hear and received it. Continuing a little further into the same text of Scripture, let us consider some fundamental principles of God’s good news revealed to man. Jesus said, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22).   First, God's revelation can only originate with God. Jesus said, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father” (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22). The revelation that Jesus was the Christ—the Savior of the world—and that His disciples' teachings were confirmed by miracles all originated from God. Yet, many claim to have revelation and power that God has not given them.   Second, Jesus is Deity. "And no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son." Jesus was reiterating the fact that He is the Son of God—God in the flesh (see also-John 1:1–3, 14). This is absolutely fundamental to the gospel, as it is the foundation of the gospel being good news.   Third, we can only know God if we know Jesus. "Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him” (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22).   Fourth, we can only know Jesus if we know His Word. "Come unto me, all ye that labour 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 ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt 11:28–30). The "yoke" mentioned here is teaching. Therefore, we must look to Jesus' teachings so that we may "learn of" Him and know Him.   What a blessing to have God's revelation written down for us to read! As we consider these fundamental principles of the good news of Jesus Christ, let us answer the questions of the refrain of a hymn co-authored by Vep Ellis and W.F. Lakey: "Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my friend? Have you heard, He loves you, and that He will abide 'til the end?” What is your response to these questions?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

The Rapture

By Clifton Angel     If you are reading this, you missed the rapturing that Joshua Mhlakela predicted to happen last week. “Rapture” comes from the Latin rapio meaning “to be carried away.” The word can have the meaning of “a feeling of intense pleasure or joy,” indicating an extremely heightened emotion. This is still connected to the original meaning, as one who is “singing the rapturous chorus” may be “carried away” in emotion. Is there a rapture found in Scripture? If so, does it agree with the modern world’s teaching called “the rapture”?     Paul wrote, “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:17). For “caught up,” the Latin Bible has the root rapio, from which we get our English word “rapture.” In this sense, there will be a rapturing of the Lord’s people.     However, the context of 1 Thessalonians 4:13–17 (cf. 1 Cor 15:51–54) connected with the sum of Scripture concerning Jesus’ Kingdom and His Coming, directly contradicts “the rapture” of denominational doctrine. Many teach this rapturing is a secret—yet predicted—event, in which Jesus will invisibly and quietly carry away His faithful, and leave behind the lost. To them, this is not the end. Rather, there will be a period of tribulation, then Jesus will return to the earth with His raptured saints to set up His earthy kingdom in Jerusalem, save Israel, and grant another opportunity for the lost to be saved (Note: there is variation in the content and timeline of the events they teach).     First, the Bible teaches Jesus’ kingdom has already been established and it is not an earthly kingdom (cf. Isa 2:2–3; Dan 2:31–45; Joel 2:28–32; Acts 2:1–47; Dan 7:13–14; Matt 4:17; Matt 16:18–19; Mark 9:1; Acts 1:6–10; John 18:36; Col 1:13; Rev 1:9; 1 Cor 15:24). Jesus’ kingdom is His church, and if we are not in His kingdom before He returns, we will never be in it. Second, the Bible teaches that Jesus’ final return cannot be predicted (cf. Matt 24:35–36; 1 Thess 5:1–11; 2 Pet 3:9–10). Also, there is no indication that Jesus will ever set foot on earth again. Finally, the Bible teaches that the Lord’s rapturing is not a secret, nor silent event. Rather, “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thess 4:16–17).     The truth is that no one on earth, and not even the angels in heaven, knows the time of the Lord’s return. He may return tonight; He may not return for another 2,000 years. The importance is that we be ready at all times. Are you ready?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Eternity

By Clifton Angel   If he were still on earth, last Sunday would have been my dad’s 45th anniversary married to my mom. While the physical event of his death almost 12 years ago was and is a nightmare that I try not to think about, I believe spiritually it was a dream come true. My father died a Christian.!    Everyday, there's something that reminds me of him when he was here. My son is his namesake. His favorite truck was given me by my mom and sisters. Genetically, he passed his rheumatoid arthritis down to me. On and on I could go, but the fact is, he's not here. He's in eternity. Therefore, I've tried to spend some time thinking about him there and not just his time here. It has me wondering: What would this world be like if everyone's heart was set on eternity?    First, hearts set on eternity would solve our problems of unity. I plead with you, do not fall into the media's trap of divisiveness. Perhaps, more than ever, in a world where social media exists, we need to: "Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" (James 1:19). True unity can only be had by those who truly follow the Spirit's teachings (Ephesians 4:1ff).! Paul said, "I … beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1–3). If our hearts were set on eternity, this would be more readily accomplished.    Furthermore, hearts set on eternity would solve our problems of immunity. We would still get sick. We would still have disease. We would still suffer death. However, none of these things would hinder us because of our immunity from sin and its condemnation. Paul wrote, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Romans 8:1). This does not mean we will never sin as a Christian. This does not mean we are "once saved, always saved." However, if we truly keep our hearts set on eternity as Jesus has prescribed, we will always be saved.    Finally, hearts set on eternity would solve ALL the problems of humanity. If no one else needed saving, the Lord could return now. "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). The fact that Jesus has not returned should remind us of His long-suffering and His desire to save as many as possible.! We do not know when He will return (2 Peter 3:10), but may He find our hearts set on eternity when He does!

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/

Christ in Genesis—The Creation of Man

By Ron Bartanen        The creation of man originated in the mind of God.  It would begin with the creation of “the heavens and the earth, and the preparation of a paradise for man’s habitation, a bountiful garden, the garden of Eden, to be available for man’s food supply.  It would not be accomplished through thousands of years of  unimaginable evolution, but through six evenings and mornings, each, followed by a “day of rest”, thus establishing a period of time we know of as a week, as described in Gen. 1:1 to 2:25.   The pre-flood diet for humanity was vegetarian, consisting of the fruit of the garden (1;29-30).  Everything was in readiness then for humanity.      With the garden in readiness for human occupation, Adam was physically formed from the “dust of the earth” (2:7)”.  However, man was unique from the animals. And said to be “in the image of God” (1:26).  God “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.”  Unlike the life of the animal-creation, man’s life is sacred in origin—the breath of the Creator.  It is thus described to Noah following the great flood: “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man” (9:6).  The penalty established by God for murder is rightly the murderer’s surrender of his own life.       The sacredness of human life should also be recognized in the taking of a human infant’s life in the process of abortion, and be perceived as willful murder.  From the moment of conception in a mother’s womb, a human baby is a human baby, made “in the image of God.”     The account of the creation of man requires the recognition of Adam’s wife, Eve, the “mother of all living.”  “Male and female created He them” (1:27b; 2:18-24).  As is often noted, Adam’s wife was a part of himself—not of his head that she would rule over him, nor of his feet that he should walk over her, but from his side, nearest to his heart, that he might love her—a covenant of marital unity and loyalty.  The apostle Paul compared the love and unity of husband and wife to the love and unity designed in our relationship with Christ in Ephesians 5:22-35.       The attachment of Eve to Adam is seen in the fact that she was not taken from the “dust of the ground” as was Adam, but from what the King James version calls his rib (1:21),  I read that the word translated rib is “tzela”, which in Exodus 25:12-14 and 26:20 is translated as “side,” not “rib”.  Adam’s side was opened in the process of providing for him a wife.  It is interesting that this would fit this as a prophetic picture of the opening of the side of Jesus, whose side was pierced (John 19:24) to purchase His church “with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).       As Adam in Genesis is seen as the head of the human race, Jesus is portrayed by Paul as the head of the church—the “body of Christ” (Ephesians 5:23).  In 1st Corinthians 15 he goes into more detail, likening Christ to Adam in the context of describing our resurrection.  He refers to Christ as the second Adam, declaring, “The first man, Adam, was made a living soul: the last Adam was made a quickening spirit…. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven” (vs. 15, 17),  He expresses our hope in Christ to be raised from the dead, wherein our corruptible bodies will “put on incorruption and this mortal shall put on immortality” (v. 23).  In verse 22 he adds, “As in Adam all die, even so, in Christ shall all be made alive.”      We can see Gen. 2:23-25 as the first marriage as so-defined by God as the marriage of one man (male) and one woman (female—the “one flesh” in the bond of marriage.  That’s God’s definition.       Man is the crown of God’s creation, but this is especially seen in Christ, the “Son of man” as well as the “Son of God.”   I’d suggest the reading of Hebrews 2, but especially verses 6 to 9, where Christ is portrayed as being made at His first coming “a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, (yet) crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God should taste death for every man” (v. 9).

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

Life’s Three Most Important Questions

By Ron Bartanen     I can think of no question more important than these three: Who am I? Why am I here? And ... Where am I going? The escalating number of suicides, especially among youth, may be largely attributed to persons not knowing the answers to these questions.  One may pursue wealth, pleasure and fame, only to find that becomes little more than a dead-end-street.      Jesus, more than any other, gives purpose to life.  He demonstrated it in His own life, His life’s purpose was to know the will of the Father, and to do it.  He said, “I must work the works of Him who sent me” (John 9:4); and again, “My meat is to do the will of Him who sent me” (John 4:34).     Being here because God wants us here, and realizing that He desires to grant us eternal life, we find purpose in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, “I am come that you more abundantly” (John 10:10).       The successful life is not necessarily one of wealth and fame, but finding the will of God and doing it.  God calls us to serve.  With a purpose found in serving God, you will know who you are and why you are here.  Serving God in Christ, you will know also where you are going.

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

The Road into Love and Patience

By Ronald Bartanen “The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5)     Have you ever found yourself in unfamiliar territory, unsure of what road to turn on to get to your desired destination? If so, join the crowd.  While it is disturbing to be in such a predicament, it is tragic to be spiritually confused, uncertain of what lies ahead.  This can be the plight even of Christians who have begun the journey on the Christian Way, as indicated by Paul in writing to the believers in Thessalonica whom he has commended for their “faith and patience” while enduring persecution (1:4).       While Paul is obviously not denying their love for God, or their patient endurance, yet he saw the need to desire for them divine direction into both.  Were they not already in the love of God and patience? Yes, and no.  To illustrate, a man may take a plane from London to New York City, and may phone his family, informing them that he is now in the United States.  However, as a Midwesterner I would say he needs to leave NYC, and go on into the United States because there’s a lot more to see than what NYC can offer.  When we come in to the love of God, we do not stop our journey.  It’s then just begun.     How extensive is the love of God? One of our songs expresses it in these words: “The love of God is greater far,/Than tongue or pen can ever tell:/It goes beyond the highest star,/And reaches to the lowest hell.:”  In the storms of life, God would direct us into the sanctuary of His love.     Likewise, the “patient waiting for Christ” does not end when one rises from the waters of baptism.  We do not sit down, gazing into the clouds as we await His return for us.  Jesus warns His followers to not be found sleeping at His coming (Matt. 24:36), but faithful in watching and praying, even as tribulation in the world worsens, saying, “Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man” (Luke 21:36).      The road into the love of God and the patient waiting for Christ will not end until that day we stand in His presence.  Are you letting Him lead you into His love and steadfast patience?

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

None Other Name

By Ron Bartanen     “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name Under heaven whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).     “The name” referred to, by which we are to be saved, is “the name which is above every name,” even the name before which “every knee shall bow” (Philippians 2:9-10)—the name of Jesus Christ.  Jesus commissioned His apostles to preach “repentance and remission of sins…in His name” (Luke 24:47).  The power to become sons of God is given “to them that believe on His name” (John 1:12).  The convicted multitude at Pentecost were commanded to “repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).  Christians are admonished, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).  Faith, repentance, baptism and Christian worship and service are all in the name of Jesus Christ.      When a thing is done in the name of another, it is by the authority of that person.  Every check you sign with your name gives authority to the bearer of that check to draw money from your account.  It is not so much the repetition of the name “Jesus Christ” as it is the recognition that we seek and honor His authority.      Denominational names imply a loyalty to the authority of that denomination.  Paul corrected those who declared, “I am of Paul,” saying, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Cor. 1:13).  Human, denominational names give honor to others than to Christ and divide those who claim faith in Him.  May we honor Him alone in our faith and obedience.

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

The Creed of Atheism

By Ronald Bartanen       Atheism’s faith or creed is that there is no God, hence no creation. The cornerstone of that creed is evolution, the only possible (though implausible) explanation for the existence of all things. This cultic dogma is repeatedly drilled into the minds of youth in our tax-supported schools. Was it overwhelming scientific evidence that forced some to accept such a dogma? Not at all. Let Sir Julian Huxley, late president of UNESCO, and grandson of Darwin’s colleague, Thomas Huxley explained The real reason: “I suppose the reason we leaped at the origin of species was because the idea of God interfered with our sexual mores.” Nobel Prize winner and professor emeritus of biology Dr. George Wild, is quoted in Scientific American: “I do not want to believe in God. I choose to believe in that which I know is scientifically impossible, spontaneous generation arising to evolution.” This is why the debate over “Intelligent Design” is so heated in scientific circles. While evidence for creation mounts, and the impossibility of an orderly creation without a Creator becomes ever more apparent, some insist on still clinging to the hope that there is no Creator to whom they must give answer in eternity. As loyal cultists, they must defend their cult’s creed.     I believe this no-Creator creed of atheism is the foundation stone for the increasing disregard of Bible truth within our society today. If we, as humans, are simply the end result of millions upon millions of years of mindless evolution, life has little purpose. Our one rule of life, then, becomes, Let us “eat, drink and be merry,” with no thought of eternal consequences. Every person is left to be his own moral compass, unbound by any “thou shalt” or “thou shalt not” of Scripture. Schooled early in life to adhere to this simple creed, it becomes an easy step into sexual immorality, the killing of unwanted babies in the womb, thievery, drugs, transgenderizm, and anything else that satisfies our appetites. Is it unimaginable that the transition from “peaceful demonstrations” to rioting, looting, arson, and even murder becomes the new norm? Indoctrinated by the Prince of Darkness, the goal is to create for ourselves a utopia of self-gratification that would be totally godless. Any surviving religion or faith would be required to assimilate to the new standards. It is conceivable that verbal opposition to such standards would be considered “hate speech,” and the offender would be subject to penalty. After all, Biblical standards would no longer prevail, while humanistic, politically correct standards would be the obligation of all.   Am I exaggerating on this? Hear the apostle Paul: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears: and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:3).

- Ronald Bartanen is a retired minister who for many years served the Lord's church in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee. After the passing of his beloved wife, Doris, Ron has relocated from Illinois to Florida where he is near family. He may be contacted at: ron33dor@yahoo.com

God Has Heard Me

By David Bragg

    Loneliness, especially among the elderly, can lead to becoming victims of online scammers. Recently, an 80-year-old woman in Japan was targeted by an online "astronaut." He claimed to be a Russian cosmonaut under attack while orbiting Earth. In this intense battle he was running out of oxygen and needed to purchase more. She ultimately transferred nearly $7,000 (U.S.) into an online account in his desperate measure to save his life (http://www.msn.com); 9-18-25).

    According to the article, victims in cases like this often feel marginalized by society. They feel alone, forgotten, unseen, and unheard. Perhaps Hannah wrestled with similar anxiety as years and years passed with her prayers for a child seemingly unheard by God (1 Samuel 1:19-20).

    Pouring out her heart before Eli the priest, Hannah finally received a favorable answer to years of praying. Tellingly, she named her firstborn son Samuel, meaning “Heard by God,” saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.” 

    Her story reminds us of the desperation of the world to be heard and recognized, and the blessing we enjoy as Christians with God we are heard. He listens to our prayers, and through Jesus (1 John 5:14) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26), we are assured that He hears us

 

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/ If you are in the Greensboro, NC area, please join us for worship: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

Whose Team Are You On?

By David Bragg
    Last summer the Associated Press reported on a very unusual baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the New York Yankees. What made this game so special was the participation of Jose Caballero. The Rays player seemed to have had a regular game through the sixth inning. It was during the seventh inning stretch that Caballero was traded … to the Yankees (AP, 7/31/2025).    If you think about it, how we grow as servants is so important because it is one of the major ways that we display to others which team WE ARE ON! Peter says that each of us have “received a gift” (1 Peter 4:10). He is not talking about a miraculous gift because of the examples he offers: to “minister” and being “good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” We are each set by God in the body “just as He pleased” (1 Corinthians 12:18). How am I using my God appointed gift?    Like Jose Caballero, each of us, as Christians, switched teams, as it were. We must be careful to avoiding switching back. It is up to us individually to decide what to do with the gifts that grow out of our maturing faith. Will we bury our gifts, or use them in service to others, and God?

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/ If you are in the Greensboro, NC area, please join us for worship: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

Luck and Salvation

By David Bragg
    Do you feel lucky? Arthur Priest was. Arthur worked below deck throwing coal into a steam boiler of steam-powered ships. Consider these benchmarks of his career:• In 1908 he survived the wreck of the Asturias. • In 1911 he survived the collision of the Olympic with the HMS Hawk. • In 1912 he survived the Titanic.• In 1916, during WWI, he survived sinking of the Alcantra and the Brittanic.• In 1917 he survived the torpedoing of the HMHS Donegal. His name was so closely tied to these “lucky” escapes that ship owners didn’t want to hire him, workers didn’t want to work with the “lucky” Arthur Priest (https://afrinik.com/).    As David penned the 68th psalm, he sings that God’s name is exclusively tied to salvation. Look closely to verse 20: “Our God is the God of salvation.” We see that same God working out a salvation of which David could only dream: “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).     Salvation is not based on chance. It is not luck, such as Arthur Priest. Salvation is Jesus Christ. He alone can guide us through the unavoidable valley of death.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/ If you are in the Greensboro, NC area, please join us for worship: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

A Soldiers' Spear

By David Bragg     Fantasy? Legend? The apocryphal “Gospel of Nicodemus,” written hundreds of years after the New Testament closed, sought to “fill in” the gaps in the inspired Gospels to satisfy people’s insatiable curiosity. It is there that we first encounter Dismas and Gestas, the two thieves crucified with Jesus, and Longinus, the Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side. Even there, no names are assigned to the soldiers who hammered the nails into Jesus’ hands and feet.     The problem is that all this unwarranted speculation serves as a distraction to what is REALLY important. It is not the names of these criminals and soldiers that matters; else the inspired writers would have “filled in the gaps” for us. What is crucial is the fact that David prophesied that Jesus would be pierced 10 centuries before Christ was born (Psalm 22:16), and that John witnessed them as they were being fulfilled. And the REAL key, that Jesus indeed died on the cross, for the very ones who nailed Him there!     Why did Jesus die on the cross? For the sins of the world. Who nailed Him there? We did!

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/ If you are in the Greensboro, NC area, please join us for worship: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

Willing Spirit, Weak Flesh

By David Bragg
    In the late 1800’s, the race to reach the North Pole was intense. Explorers experimented with every available means of transportation in this quest. S. A. Andrée, a Swedish engineer, made his attempt in 1897, choosing to travel on a massive hydrogen balloon. Confident of success, Andrée even packed a tuxedo, fully expecting to attend numerous victory celebrations held in his honor.    Andrée never made it to the North Pole. After his departure his body was not discovered until 1930—33 years later. The anticipated celebrations never happened. His tuxedo, never worn, ended up preserved in a museum, a somber reminder of the expedition’s tragic outcome and unrealized dreams.    You remember that night as Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, struggling with the menacing challenge looming before Him. You can hear His plea to the Father, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38). Don’t you rejoice this morning that the weakness of His flesh did not overcome the will of His spirit? Unlike Andrée’s celebration that never came, we have eternity to share in Jesus’ victory.

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/ If you are in the Greensboro, NC area, please join us for worship: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about

“Unity – No Matter What”

By Jim Faughn     That’s what the message was on a sign at a church building in our community. I’ve been thinking about that message ever since I saw it.      I cannot truly be loyal to Jesus if I’m not concerned about, praying for, and working toward unity. At the same time, I’m thinking that I cannot do all of those things no matter what.     Allow me to try to explain what I mean by that after I share with you a portion of the words that Jesus prayed to His Father very shortly before He went to the cross. As His thoughts transitioned from His apostles to “…them that believe on me through their word…,” He prayed:     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. (John 17:20-21)     To be sure, unity was on the mind of Jesus as He prayed. It is also clear that He viewed a lack of unity as a hindrance to belief in Him. While those things are true, we don’t need to overlook the connection between unity and the inspired message with which the apostles would be entrusted.     It might be helpful to remember that, not long after Jesus prayed the prayer recorded in John 17, He was on the cross. There was a strange and unusual combination of hatred, division, and unity that played a vital role in putting Him there.      One example of that has to do with two Jewish sects of that day. Pharisees and Saddducees were in opposition on a number of doctrines, but were united in their opposition to – and hatred of –  Jesus. That “unity” was a factor in putting Jesus on the cross. Whatever else that could be said, it should be acknowledged that this arrangement was both temporary and artificial.     Another example can be found with regard to two officials of the government. As we read about the trials which led to the crucifixion of the Savior, we find these interesting and telling words: And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves (Luke 23:12). This is yet another example of a temporary and artificial unity that played a role in the death of the Lord.     We now live in a world in which the most ungodly lifestyles, philosophies, beliefs, religions, practices, etc. are accepted and promoted. Not only are they accepted and promoted, we are now being told that people who do not celebrate what the Bible condemns are unloving and even unChristian.      How did we get here? How did so many who claim to be following the One who prayed for unity become so divided and divisive? Why has it gotten to the point where people who preach and talk about love actually practice hate? What makes people who promote tolerance become so intolerant with those who disagree with them?     For that matter, why would people whose stated intention is to follow Jesus produce creed books, catechisms, manuals, etc. that have the effect of dividing people? Why would any individual allow his or her opinions, preferences, or “comfort zones” to be of equal or greater importance than scripture?     I suppose that multiple volumes could be written to address questions like that, but I will suggest just one thing. It may not be all that profound, but I am hoping that you will give it some consideration.      It seems to me that the closer we get to Jesus and His Word, the closer we get to one another. That seems to me to be the answer to His prayer for true unity. A corollary to that might be that things which He condemns cannot be endorsed or practiced by those who are truly His followers.     Genuine unity includes a genuine connection to God’s Word, submission to the will of Jesus, and true fellowship with His followers. People can form temporary unions, but unity is eternal.     So – count me in for “unity,” but count me out for “no matter what.”

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

One Man’s Idea about the Message of the Bible

By Jim Faughn     During my lifetime, I have had some conversations which are difficult to forget. There are some which I would like to forget, but have difficulty in accomplishing that. At other times, there are conversations which I hope I never forget.     There are at least a couple of reasons why a conversation can find its way into that second and much more positive category. The reason could be that the person with whom the conversation took place is one of those unforgettable people in my life. At other times, it was just the fact that something was said which made a major impact on me and/or caused me to do some real thinking.      On some occasions, both of those factors play a role in making a conversation very memorable and important to me. Both the person saying something and what was said had an impact on me that lasts long after the conversation is over (and maybe long after the person is no long alive).     I often think of one of those kinds of conversations that took place a few years ago. The man with whom I was having that conversation was one of the most interesting men I have ever met. He was unique in so many ways. Although he is no longer living, one comment he made still lives in my memory. I have every reason to believe that it will continue to do as long as I have a memory.     My friend and I were talking about the Bible and, during that conversation, he made an observation that, in my mind, is one of the (if not the) best succinct statements about God’s Word that I have ever heard. “I’ve read the Bible. Its message is that I need a Savior and I’m not Him.”     I thought about suggesting some ramifications and applications implied in that statement, but I decided against that for a couple of reasons. First, I’m afraid that the number of those ramifications and applications is almost endless. I truly believe that it could take volumes to try to explore each way in which that statement is true.     The second reason that I decided to just let his statement “stand for itself” is that I did not want to influence your thinking. I prefer to let you do what I have done. I would like for you to remember that statement and continue to think about it for years to come.     Maybe, like me, you will have difficulty in getting one short statement out of your mind and, at the same time, trying to think of all of the ways it applies to you. Maybe, like me, you need a regular reminder of the fact that…     I need a Savior and I’m not Him.

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

A Candidate for the World’s Most Clueless Husband (and a Rebuttal)

By Jim Faughn     As Mothers Day approaches, I am reminded of a conversation I had with a lady during which she mentioned her late father-in-law. Somehow the subject of retirement came up. During that part of the conversation, she related to me something he had told his wife when he retired. The following may not be a word-for-word quote, but it is pretty close: Now, I’ll get to do what you’ve been doing all these years I’ve been working – absolutely nothing.     My first reaction (which I think I might have actually said aloud) was that surely no man could be that clueless. Actually “clueless” might be the polite version of what I said. The actual word could very well have been “stupid.”     Surely there would only be a very, very small minority of husbands who would think so little of their wives that they would belittle them in the way this man did. At least I sincerely hope that would be the case whether the wife has chosen a career outside the home or has chosen to stay at home.     I thought that, since the “stay-at-home wife” was the subject of the discussion I had, I would offer the following as a rebuttal to this man’s thinking.     I found the following on salary.com. They did a study during the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020, but the figures were not much different from what they had reported prior to the pandemic.      According to that website, they “…surveyed more than 19,000 moms since the start of the pandemic and have estimated the value of a mother’s work by tracking real-time market prices of all the jobs that moms perform.”     What follows is their list of positions/responsibilities that wives/mothers have: Chief Financial Officer Chief Operating Officer Logistics Analyst I Housekeeper Laundry Manager Van Driver Public School Teacher Facilities Manager Meeting/Event Planner I Kitchen Manager Assistant Athletics Director Staff Nurse – RN I Bookkeeper Physical Therapy Supervisor Nutrition Director Consumer Loan Officer I Fast Food Cook Server Conflicts Manager Interior Designer I Fundraising Coordinator The website’s estimate of the grand total of the salary was (without any additional benefits) — $184,820 I’m one of those people who is inclined to think that the truth is often somewhere in the middle of two extremes. I’m aware that this figure could (or could not) be exaggerated somewhat. At the same time, I’m very certain that the value of a wife/mother is nowhere near zero.      You may have read the following about the woman described in Proverbs 31 by terms such as “a virtuous woman/wife,” “a wife of noble character,” “an excellent wife,” and other similar phrases depending on the translation of the Bible you happen to be using. The wise man who was inspired to pen those words “calculated her worth” as being “far above rubies,” “more precious than jewels,” etc.     I think that I will go with that assessment rather than the one of “Mr. Clueless.”

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

Property Poor Church Members

By Jim Faughn     I recently came across an article in a religious periodical published in 1918. The title of that article was the same as the title for this post.     The article mentions a man who served as an elder in a local congregation who owned a great deal of property. According to a statement he made, the value of his property was $160,000. His weekly contribution to the local congregation of which he was a member was seventy-five cents!      When this man was encouraged to increase his contribution, he said that he could not do that because he was “property poor.” He even claimed that his financial “stress” made it necessary for him to borrow money at times.     With a little research and my elementary skills in mathematics, I discovered that $160,000 in 1918 would be the equivalent of almost $3,400,000 today. That “sacrificial” seventy-five cents would be the equivalent of a little less than $16.00 today. When numbers like this are discussed, it is not unusual to hear or read the term “adjusted for inflation.”      I’m thinking that another adjustment might need to be considered. In both 1918 and 2026, there might need to be an adjustment in the attitudes and priorities of some people.     I’ve never known and have never wanted to know how much monetary support is given to the work of the Lord by people with whom I worship. I’m wondering though if some haven’t gone from being property poor to also being automobile poor, boat poor, hobby poor, entertainment poor, fashion poor, travel poor, etc. In other words, I’m wondering if people have “obligated” themselves to so many other things that there is not much left for the Lord and His work.     Maybe we need to revisit a parable that Jesus taught. He spoke of a man whose mindset was totally on material things. You may remember that he was so prosperous that the only solution he could think of was to build bigger places where he could store his “stuff.” (Have you noticed the proliferation of “storage facilities” in most communities today?)     This man heard these words from God: Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (Luke 12:20, KJV) You may remember how Jesus ended that parable. It should serve as a reminder and challenge to all of us: So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. (Luke 12:21 KJV)

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith

A Tradition Unlike Any Other

By Jim Faughn     I have a lot of friends who enjoy the game of golf. I am happy for them, but I am not a big fan. I discovered a long time ago that I could get frustrated without spending time and money trying to do something that could not even remotely be described as playing golf.      I do know enough about the sport, though, to recognize that there is a tournament that takes place at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia each spring during the first full week of April. The Masters Tournament has a long history and is considered to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. As you may know, those who promote The Masters use the following slogan: “A Tradition Unlike Any Other.”     As I understand it, there are even what could be called traditions within the tradition. Even a person like me who knows very little about golf knows that the winner of that tournament receives a green jacket. I also know that the course is known for its beauty and that a certain part of the course is known as “Amen Corner.” (I’m not sure what that means, but I’ve heard the phrase.)      Shortly after this year’s tournament was completed and Rory Mcllroy was awarded the green jacket, I was reading about a unique (and apparently fairly recent) tradition. There are no cell phones allowed on the course.     After I learned about that policy, I started reading some reports about it and even watched a television news report online about it. According to what I read and watched, there are “phone banks” available for people who feel that they really need to make a call, but the phones in these “banks” are what some refer to now as “landlines.”      I thought that the television report about these phone banks was particularly interesting because one seven-year-old boy described the experience of using one of the phones. It almost seemed as though he was describing something from ancient history when he said that the phone had a long cord and that you couldn’t see the person with whom you were talking. He said that what he was using was “not at all like a normal phone.” (just one of many reminders I keep getting about how old I am)     What I found most interesting was a common thread that ran through the reports I read or saw. Various sources reported that there was a real similarity between both the purpose of the prohibition of cell phones and the result of that prohibition. That similarity was that the entire experience of this prestigious tournament was enhanced. The positive results which were reported included things like more personal interaction, a greater appreciation of the natural surroundings, and a general sense of making the entire experience more meaningful.     The barber who cuts my hair is, unlike me, a huge fan of golf and loves to play the game himself. When I mentioned what I had learned about the “no cell phone policy” to him, he told me that the officials are very serious about its enforcement. According to him, if a cell phone “goes off’ or is found on an individual, that person is immediately escorted to the gate.      Have you figured out yet where I am going with this? If not, let me help you out a little.     Golf courses are not the only places where people assemble who at least claim to share a common interest. On a regular basis, assemblies take place in facilities which are designed to assist people in their worship of God.      Sadly, in some of those assemblies, there will be those who will be checking their emails, texts, the latest posts on social media, and/or just playing some sort of mindless game on a cell phone or tablet. All of this (and more) could and does happen when people are doing what these people must consider to be such “trivial things” as addressing God in prayer, hearing His word proclaimed, and singing songs like “Jesus is All the World to Me.”     Is it just me, or is there something wrong here? Why would people willingly give up their cell phones to watch a golf tournament, but balk at any suggestion about not having them “in hand” and using them during a worship assembly?     Before somebody “goes there,” I understand that some people use their phones as their Bibles. At the same time, I am not so naive as to believe that everybody who has a cell phone out during a worship service is using it for that purpose. If you think that is the case, I would invite you to talk to the guys in “the crow’s nest” where I worship and let them tell you about some of the things they have told me that they see from their vantage point or you could just ask me what I’ve seen from the pulpit while I was trying to preach.     Some traditions may have a very small beginning. The “seventh inning stretch” in baseball, for example, began when one person was tired of sitting and decided to stand and stretch between the top half and bottom half of the seventh inning at one baseball game. Admittedly, that one person happened to be the president of our nation at the time, but he was still only one person. His action influenced others to also stand as a demonstration of respect. As the saying goes, the rest is history. The “seventh inning stretch” is now almost as much a part of the game as the game itself.     Let me suggest something that you might be able to start all by yourself or join with others in implementing where you worship. Maybe you and some others could set the example of separating yourselves from your phones long enough to truly worship.        Maybe your congregation would be known as a people with… A TRADITION UNLIKE ANY OTHER.

- Jim Faughn serves as and elder for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. Be sure to visit the following for more great articles: Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith