tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41397802866617411682024-03-26T23:37:36.577-07:00BulletinGold BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.comBlogger2471125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-67086514260986326402024-03-23T15:31:00.000-07:002024-03-23T15:31:17.874-07:00The Inability To Situationalize Truth (Part 1)<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Wes Garland</b></p><p><b><br />I don’t know how many times I have encountered people thinking that their situation, or another’s situation, changes the parameters of what truth really is. They think that the situation that they present is the ONE exception that God allows. But what is truth? Does truth change depending on certain parameters or does it stay constant? TRUTH, by nature, is ABSOLUTE. It declares the simple statement of what is reality and what is real and true. When God states a truth, NOTHING can alter the reality of that statement. Let’s discuss 3 areas in which people try to situationalize truth.<br /> First, obeying the Gospel. I have encountered many people, even some in the church, that believe that “I know that is what the Bible says, but…” and then they will proceed into thinking that their specific situation MIGHT CHANGE the situation for them. People think that if they have the “right heart” God will somehow change the result for them because they think that their heart justifies their refusal of obedience. The fact is this. If the person has a “right heart” then they will proceed to do what God wants them to do. One of the aspects of obedience is that you are APPEALING TO GOD’S AUTHORITY through the actions of doing exactly what He wants us to do (Rom. 10:13). It is the answer of a GOOD CONSCIENCE (mind or heart) towards God (1 Pet. 3:21). You can never bend the rules of salvation to what we WANT to believe, but have to stand on the TRUTH itself. What does truth say? UNLESS a person obeys the Gospel, the vengeance of God will be upon them (2 Thess. 1:8-9). Unless a person repents from their sins, they will perish (Lk. 13:3,5). Unless a person believes and is baptized, they will not be saved (Mark 16:16). These are not our words or our impressions, but the SIMPLE WORD OF GOD. We just need to have enough faith to believe in what it says.<br /></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>John 12:48</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b> Will we accept and obey or will we reject and be lost? Our choice.</b></b></div><p></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal">- Wesley Garland preaches for Warners Chapel church of Christ in
Clemmons, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: <a href="http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/</span></a><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-14978654009998124842024-03-23T15:29:00.000-07:002024-03-23T15:29:25.810-07:00The Inability To Situationalize Truth (Part 2)<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Wes Garland</b></p><p><b><br /> In our last article, we discussed how some believe that Truth can be changed if specific, special circumstances are met. These specific, special circumstances usually are the exact situation that they are in. We looked at how Truth is OBJECTIVE and means that it is a FACT that CANNOT be altered, NO MATTER WHAT circumstance you may want to create. Today, we are going to look at another circumstance in which people try to situationalize Truth, and that is in Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage.<br /> God’s law for marriage is very simple: one man, one woman for life (Rom. 7:2-3). The only way of getting out of that marriage is either by the death of the spouse (Rom. 7:3) or through ONE EXCEPTION, fornication on the part of the other spouse (Mat. 19:9). THEN, the one who DID NOT commit fornication would have the right to remarry someone ELIGIBLE to be married or remarried (1 Cor. 7:39). But as some try to do, they look at these simple laws and they see that their situation doesn’t meet up with these laws. Instead of making their situation in harmony with God’s law, they try to situationalize themselves against God’s law. In their minds they think, “I don’t think that God would hold me accountable” or “I think that God will allow this to happen” or “God is loving and would not want me to live celibate the rest of my life.” In each of these statements, the people do not want to accept nor deal with the consequences of their actions of disobedience. In each of these statements, God has to be seen in a light that is not the way He is seen in scripture. For these statements to be true, it would give man the ability to create God in a fashion that is best suited for themselves. May we remember that God made us and not we made God. God’s law is firm and true (corresponds to reality).<br /></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>Will we listen and be honest with ourselves and make the changes to be right</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>in the sight of God or will we remain in disobedience?</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>We choose.</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>John 12:48</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—</b></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><b>the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.</b></b></div><p></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal">- Wesley Garland preaches for Warners Chapel church of Christ in
Clemmons, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: <a href="http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/</span></a><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-18189078298633544342024-03-23T15:27:00.000-07:002024-03-23T15:27:26.536-07:00The Inability To Situationalize Truth (Part 3)<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>By Wes Garland</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><b><div style="text-align: left;"><b> In the last 2 parts of this series of articles, we have discussed how people sometimes think that they can situationalize certain things with Truth. We have talked about how people have tried to situationalize the truth in obeying the gospel and also in dealing with marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Today, we will look at how people will try to situationalize their responsibility in faithfulness.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> I have come across a lot of people who used to be very strong in the faith but aren’t now or have obeyed the gospel and you see them never really getting to their full potential, spiritually speaking. When confronting these individuals, I have heard numerous statements like “I have just gotten really busy”, “Things have just come up”, “My child has practice or games” etc. Now with these individuals, a lot of times, I never hear statements like “We are going to quit these sports teams because they are taking us away from God” or “I am going to make changes in my scheduling to make sure that God comes first” or “I am going to empty my plate so that I can put God first”. Why is this? They think that because these situations have occurred, a lot of the times because they, themselves, have allowed it, will somehow excuse them in the realm of faithfulness. But, what has happened, is that they have replaced God with all of these other things that, in their heart, God can become second. We need to realize that God is to ALWAYS TAKE PRECEDENCE in our lives (Col. 1:18) and that the things of this world, the sports teams, the scheduling, our jobs, etc. are only to get us through this life. If we only focus on the physical, it will only lead us to the end of the physical, death and ultimately the second death (Rev. 21:8). God expects His people to look beyond the physical and look on to the eternal (Tit. 2:13). God expects His people to not become in love with this world (1 John 2:15-17), but to love Him (Jn. 14:15). God expects His people to continue staying faithful and not deserting the things involving Him (Heb. 2:1-4).</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>NO SITUATION can arise to excuse us of faithfulness!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>May we do what we must to have what God wants us to receive!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>It will NOT happen if we don’t MAKE it happen!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Matthew 6:33</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>added to you.</b></div></b><p></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal">- Wesley Garland preaches for Warners Chapel church of Christ in
Clemmons, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: <a href="http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/</span></a><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-54207793467116020262024-03-23T15:24:00.000-07:002024-03-23T15:24:38.346-07:00If We Never Meet Again<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By David A. Sargent</b></p><p><b><br /> The distance was almost 2,800 miles and the trip, due to the pandemic, was three-years in the making, but the two sisters were finally able to reunite.<br /> Barbara Carolan (age 94) had not been able to see her little sister, Shirley (age 90), since 2020. Considering their advanced ages, Barbara really wanted to see her sister again. Barbara’s granddaughter, Stephanie Atkinson Shively, enabled the reunion. She took her grandmother from her home in Seabrook, New Hampshire to the home of her great aunt in Laughlin, Nevada – a distance of 2,766 miles.<br /> Shively captured a conversation that the two elderly sisters shared in a video that she posted on social media. The video has gone viral.<br /> “If we don't see each other on this Earth, we'll see you in heaven,” the younger sister said in the video shared by Shively.<br /> “You betcha, you betcha,” the 94-year-old sister replied. *<br /> Their conversation reflects the meaning of a song written by Albert R. Brumley in 1945 entitled, “If We Never Meet Again This Side of Heaven”:<br /></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><b>“Soon we'll come to the end of life's journey,<br /></b><b>and perhaps we'll never meet anymore,<br /></b><b>till we gather in heaven's bright city,<br /></b><b>far away on that beautiful shore.”</b></div></blockquote><p><b> The sisters’ conversation and the words of the song reflect the hope of those who are in Christ.<br /> Without Christ, each of us is lost – separated from God due to our sin (Isaiah 59:1-2). But God loves us so much that He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). Through Jesus and His atoning sacrifice, we can be saved from our sins, reconciled to God, and recipients of the gift of eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In order to receive these glorious spiritual blessings, we must accept His offer of salvation and eternal life through our trusting obedience.<br /> God will save and give eternal life to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).<br /> Those who accept His offer can rejoice in the expectant hope of a great reunion when Jesus returns. Read and relish the words of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.<br /> Christians can sing with assurance the chorus of Brumley’s song:<br /></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><b>“If we never meet again this side of heaven,<br /></b><b>as we struggle through this world and its strife,<br /></b><b>there's another meeting place somewhere in heaven,<br /></b><b>by the side of the river of life,<br /></b><b>where the charming roses bloom forever,<br /></b><b>and where separations come no more,<br /></b><b>if we never meet again this side of heaven,<br /></b><b>I will meet you on that beautiful shore.”</b></div></blockquote><p><b> In Jesus we have this living hope (1 Peter 1:3-4).<br /> You can share in this hope if you will trust and obey Jesus. If you do and if we never meet this side of heaven, I’ll see you on that beautiful, eternal shore.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal">- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood
in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled
"<i>Living Water</i>." To learn more about this excellent resource
contact David via their website: <a href="http://www.creekwoodcc.org/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.creekwoodcc.org</span></a><br />
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“94-year-old woman travels across US to see 90-year-old sister one last time”
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-85968110944537018362024-03-23T14:55:00.000-07:002024-03-23T15:13:39.102-07:00The Name of Jesus<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Dan Bailey</b></p><p><b><br /> Jesus is the Son of God. His name is above every name. As we read in Philippians 2:8-11: "8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Those who do not recognize and honor Christ will someday bow at His judgment seat. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad"(2 Corinthians 5:10). "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:11-12). The name of Jesus is powerful and authoritative.<br /> Peter healed a man who was lame from his mother's womb. "1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength" (Acts 3:1-7). Peter did not do this by his own power or authority. He did it "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" (Acts 3:6). Then later Peter boldly preached to the Jewish rulers and elders. "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:11-12).<br /> My dear Reader, do you respect, honor, and revere the name of Jesus? Did you know that you are to be baptized in His name or by His authority? "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). If you are lost and living in sin, submit yourself to the name of Jesus; and then when the judgment day comes, you will be ready.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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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 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home"><span style="background: white; color: #993300; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home</span></a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-49731944142203099992024-03-17T11:22:00.001-07:002024-03-17T11:22:29.605-07:00Discipline<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<h4>By Andrew Beasley</h4><h4> To this day I can still remember the anxiety and the fear that would overcome me when my mother instructed me to go and “pick a switch.” Being on the end of the wrath of an authority figure because of our wrongdoing is not a pleasant feeling. Yet, at the same time, when people break the law or cause us offense, we desire retribution, justice and vengeance. As Christians, we can be certain that our God will avenge the wrongs we are subjected to by Satan and his forces. The book of Revelation, in part, is a reminder that God will avenge His people.</h4><h4> However, we should remember what the wrath of God unleashed upon man looks like. One might think of the flood, or the Amalekite people, or perhaps even the people of Nineveh (Nah. 1:2) who were spared for a time by the preaching of Jonah. Paul describes the wrath of God as being terrible (2 Cor. 5:11) and points to it as a reason we persuade others to follow Jesus. Yes, God is an avenger and yes He will avenge His people. But that does not mean we should hope for this. Instead, we should desire that everyone we meet in our lives avoids our avenging God.</h4><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Andrew Beasley serves as
a minister with the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be
contacted through the congregation's website: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/">https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/</a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-64308444391110362122024-03-17T11:22:00.000-07:002024-03-17T11:22:18.538-07:00You Lift Me Up<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Edd Sterchi</b></p><p><b><br /> There are several instances of Jesus (or one of His inspired followers through His power) lifting people from one situation to another:<br /></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p><b>* Peter’s mother(Mark 1:29-31)- “So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her” (v.31). She was lifted from sickness to health.</b></p><p><b>* A boy with a demon inside him (Mark 9:15-29) - “But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose” (v.27). He was lifted from internal turmoil to complete peace.</b></p><p><b>* The lame man (Acts 3:1-10) - “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength” (v.7). He was lifted from brokenness to wholeness.</b></p><p><b>* Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42) - “Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive” (v.41). She was lifted from death to life.</b></p></blockquote><p><b>Jesus still has the power to do this to us today. Whatever helpless situation we find ourselves in, know that Jesus can lift us up from where we are to where we need to be. So turn it all over to Him and let Him lift you up higher than you’ve ever been before!</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church
of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: <a href="http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-6430757231787652962024-03-17T11:21:00.001-07:002024-03-17T11:21:37.758-07:00A Church Worthy of Our Imitation<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Brian Mitchell</b></p><p><b><br /> We live in a world that is in desperate need of good role models. People need good role models to look up to because they help us to see what is good and they help us to strive to attain that which is good. Good role models are important because: they show us what can be done and how it can be done, they inspire us to follow their example and they encourage us to be steadfast in achieving our goals. Given these truths it is easy to see why I say that we have such a great need for good role models. Because bad role models also show us what can be done and how it can be done and they also often, to our own peril, inspire us to follow their example.<br /> So the question for us to ask ourselves, both individually and congregationally, is who are we looking up to. Who is it that we are allowing to let us see what can be done, what should be done, and how it can be done. Thankfully as Christians we have many good role models to look up to, both individually and congregationally. Individually, we have people like Abraham, David, Job, Daniel, Paul and a long list in Hebrews 11 (God’s Hall of Faith).<br /> Congregationally, we have the church at Smyrna (I know your works, tribulation and poverty, but you are rich). We have the church at Philadelphia (I know your works for you have kept my word and not denied my name, thus I will also keep you). And we have the church at Thessalonica (and you became followers of us and the Lord, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia).<br /> What made the church at Thessalonica a church that was worthy of the emulation of others? They were a church that other congregations could look up to and follow; a role model for congregations.<br /> What characteristics did they possess that allowed them to be a congregation worthy of imitating. Of course we will obviously engage, in this study, to determine what things we as a congregation can and should be doing. So that in the end it could be said of us, that we are serving as an example of what God wants a congregation to be and what God wants a congregation to be doing.<br /> Paul’s commendation of the church at Thessalonica is found in 1 Thess.1:6-8. Paul mentions a number of things that made them an exemplary church. Could he say the same things of us? For what did Paul commend the church? Do we have a similar evangelistic focus? Are known for sounding forth the Word of God? Are we looking for and taking advantage of opportunities to evangelize our friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers. Are we looking for and taking advantage of opportunities to spread the gospel beyond our home area.<br /> The need for churches to sound forth the word of God is as great now as it has ever been. Will we answer the call of the Lord—Rom.10:14-17.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">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 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net/">https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net</a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-12061849475595981202024-03-17T11:21:00.000-07:002024-03-17T11:21:21.470-07:00Every Christian is Either an Evangelist or a Hypocrite<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Gerald Cowan</b></p><p><b><br /> Charles H. Spurgeon is reported to have said, Every Christian is either an evangelist or a hypocrite." Would you agree with him or debate against the idea? With this lesson we are undertaking a brief series on the concept, obligations, and methods of evangelism. I hope you will take it to be as serious a matter as God’s word makes it. The basic premise of the lessons is: HOW AND WHY TO TALK ABOUT RELIGION. </b></p><p><b> Missionary John M. McCaleb’s song asserting The Gospel Is For All should be (unexplainably is not) in every hymnal. Maybe it is missing because we do not feel personally responsible for getting God’s message of salvation out to every person in every place in all the world in all times. I was involved in a series of meetings on the importance and the “how to do it” of world evangelism several years ago in a nation foreign to most of us and I recall that we sang at each assembly these words:<br /> Oh Lord, prepare me to be a missionary,<br /> Pure and holy, tried and true.<br /> And with thanksgiving, I’ll be a living<br /> Missionary for You. <br />I also remember the words of a visiting missionary (I have forgotten his name but not his words): “Nobody deserves to hear the gospel twice until everybody everywhere has heard it once.” It may be an overstatement, but I can’t find the courage or reason to argue with it.<br /> I believe being and evangelistic missionary is not only an honorable and worthy mission, but is a commandment of the Lord, an obligation incumbent on all who call themselves Christian. I intend to justify my statements from God’s word by citing those very words from God’s Holy Book, the Bible, from both Old and New Testaments and Covenants. Since today we live under a new covenant and law we will emphasize the word of Christ and the Holy Spirit-guided apostles and prophets preserved for us in the New and forever unchanging Covenant (Jeremiah31:31-34; see also Hebrews 8:6-13 and 10:15-17). Jesus himself stated that all things written prophetically about Him (Luke 24:44-53). He commissioned His apostles and us too: preach to everybody in all the world what He had commanded (Matthew 28:15-28, Mark 16:15-16). To paraphrase it, He said: You are to be obedient preachers of all I have commanded you and make obedient preachers of all who hear it from you, that they should also become obedient preachers and make obedient preachers of those who hear it from them – and from us.<br /> We sing (occasionally but seldom enthusiastically) Will Houghton’s chorus: “Lead me to some soul today; O teach me Lord just what to say ... to those who cannot find their way. Melt my heart and fill my life; give me one soul today.” If that is not your genuine prayer as a would-be evangelist, stop singing it. If it is not serious and genuine it is hypocrisy to sing or pray it.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Gerald Cowan, a longtime
preacher and missionary, is retired from full-time pulpit preaching. Gerald
publishes an e-mail newsletter entitled GERALD COWAN’S PERSONAL PERIODICAL
WRITINGS. He is available for Gospel Meetings and he may be contacted at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="mailto:Geraldcowan1931@aol.com"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Geraldcowan1931@aol.com</span></a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-304404485550644292024-03-17T11:19:00.000-07:002024-03-17T11:19:16.182-07:00What was the Attitude of Christ Toward the Scriptures?<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Bob Prichard</b></p><p><b><br /> The attitude of Christ toward the scriptures was one of complete trust, knowing that He relied on His heavenly father completely. He said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me” (John 7:16). He astonished the people because He spoke with authority, by appealing to the scriptures (Matthew 7:28-29). He warned that it was by his words that all will be judged: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).<br /> Christ’s teaching was filled with quotations of and allusions to scripture. He spoke of the creation, the institution of marriage, Noah, Sodom, Abraham, Elijah, Zechariah, and a host of other Bible characters and events. He spoke of these people and events as being historical. Modern “scholars” frequently deny that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, but Jesus upholds Mosaic authorship (John 7:19). When Satan came to test Him at the beginning of His ministry, He answered each challenge by quoting scripture: “It is written … it is written … it is said” (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). Even in death, He quoted scripture. When He cried out, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was quoting from Psalm 22:1, and thus calling attention to the fact that He was fulfilling many prophecies in that very psalm. Even as He made His way to the cross, He submitted to the scripture, knowing that all must be fulfilled. “For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end” (Luke 22:37).<br /> The very basis of Christ’s teaching was the written word. “The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:3-6). Not only did Jesus appeal to the scriptures for authority, but He counted them as the final authority in debate. When the Pharisees sought to entrap Him concerning marriage, Jesus asked, “Have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). God spoke in words that could be read, and Jesus counted them as the final authority.<br /> Jesus came to fulfill scripture, upholding its authority to the smallest detail. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18). We can do no less than to uphold and defend the authority of the written Word.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- 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.</span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-77918915404369953052024-03-10T14:19:00.000-07:002024-03-10T14:19:55.289-07:00When Fleece Starts Flying<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By David A. Sargent</b></p><p><b><br /> In 2005, townspeople in Gevas, Turkey, watched in horror as one sheep jumped to its death, and then 1,500 others followed over the same cliff.<br /> When the villagers, whose livelihoods depended on the flock, reached the bottom of the mountain, they found a billowy white pile of death. Some 450 sheep were lost, but amazingly 1,000 survived. As the pile grew, the dead bodies cushioned the fall of other sheep.<br /> How did this happen? The shepherds responsible for protecting the flock had left the sheep on the mountain to eat breakfast, and then the fleeces started to fly. *<br /> We are a lot like sheep.<br /> We tend to be followers. So, we must be very careful as to whom we follow. “If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch” (Matthew 15:14). We need to ask ourselves: “What is the destination of the person or people that I am following?” Consider Matthew 7:13-14 as you consider this question.<br /> We make bad decisions. Our selfish search for “greener pastures” can lead to trouble and even death.<br /> We need a shepherd. We need a caring shepherd to guide us, to lead us in the right direction.<br /> Jesus looked at a crowd of people. Notice what He observed: “But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).<br /> Here’s the Good News: God loves sheep. God loves people. Even though we make such foolish, fatal decisions, He still loves us and desires to save us.<br /> Some 700 years before Jesus came into this world, Isaiah made a prophecy about what He would do for us: “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).<br /> This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus died on the cross for our sins so that we can be saved and receive eternal life (1 Peter 2:24). Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, gave His life for us so that we might live (John 10:11).<br /> God will save and add to His eternal fold those “sheep” (people) who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). He will continue to cleanse from sin those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).<br /> Before “the fleece starts flying,” look to the Good Shepherd. Listen to Him and follow Him. He will lead you to safe, green, eternal pastures. The Good Shepherd says, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal">- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of
Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic
devotional entitled "<i>Living Water</i>." To learn more about this
excellent resource contact David via their website: <a href="http://www.creekwoodcc.org/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.creekwoodcc.org</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">* From “Shepherds” as cited
in www.sermonillustrations.co.uk which also references “450 Turkish Sheep Leap
to Their Deaths” by the Associated Press in www.foxnews.com.</span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-32480030098765304892024-03-10T14:17:00.000-07:002024-03-10T14:17:50.015-07:00As Daniel Purposed in His Heart<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Dale Babinsky</b></p><p><b><br /> Do you remember what it was like to be a teenager, and to have to face the constant peer pressure of those who were around you? Just imagine what it would be like to have to spend those years in a foreign country, where you might have very little say over what you could or could not do. Imagine how difficult that would be in our youthful years.<br /> This was the case with Daniel and his friends, who were taken captive by the Babylonians in<br />606 – 605 BC, when they were likely only about 14 or 15 years old. Yet, even in a foreign land as a captive, Daniel had a resolve to not defile himself. Notice what is recorded about him, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8). In this verse, Daniel resolves not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine.<br /> Daniel’s decision to abstain from the king’s food and wine was not just a matter of personal preference. It was a matter of faith. Daniel was committed to following the Mosaic Law, which prohibited the eating of certain food (Leviticus 11). This could not have been an easy decision, but Daniel purposed in his heart ahead of time, before the temptations would have come, to do the Lord’s will. Daniel was in a foreign land surrounded by others who did not share his beliefs. The peer pressure would have been great to go along to get along. However, Daniel remained faithful, and God rewarded him for it.<br /> Daniel’s resolve is a great example for us to remember to stand up for what God wants even when it may be difficult – even when surrounded by non-believers. When we purpose in our hearts to do what is right, we will be less likely to compromise godly values and beliefs. Remember, it is more important to be Christlike than to be popular.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal">- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great
Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted
through the congregation's website - <a href="https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/"><span style="background: white;">https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-3691781119992126362024-03-10T14:15:00.000-07:002024-03-10T14:15:58.756-07:00Why Wouldn’t We Want Guidance For Our Home?<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Wes Garland</b></p><p><b><br /> When you look into many families, you see that a lot of them think that what they are doing, concerning their family, is working. They think that as long as it is working for them, then it is ok. I've even seen parents when being addressed by others in giving advice, get really upset and have hard feelings towards the ones trying to help. NOW UNDERSTAND THIS, I’m speaking about someone giving honest, good advice, and not forcing their opinion or just casting judgment based on their own thoughts. We do not have the right to force on others the opinion of ourselves (Romans 14). But when it comes to an honest observation, or a sense of help from someone who sees something that is truly apparent to them, or they have personally experienced whether it is professionally or personal, we always need to be open to being better. To be open, one has to be willing to receive information and to acknowledge that they do not know everything themselves. This comes through humility, honesty, and a desire to be better than we are now.<br /> Ask yourself these questions:<br />•Do we desire to be better as a spouse, parent, or child?<br />•Do we desire to have our homes to be the fullest that it can be?<br />•Do we desire to lead our family to God and be the best we can be?<br />•Do we desire to be pleasing in the sight of God as a family?<br />•Do we desire to hear those words, “Well done?”<br /> If we answered yes to these questions, then this will only come through guidance and help from God and others. We have to realize that we need help and that we cannot reach these results in a manner that is pleasing to God without guidance. This is why we have older people to teach the younger (Titus 2), those who have personal experience to help those who are in the same situations (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and most importantly God, who has given us everything to guide our way (2 Tim. 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3).<br /> If we want true success as a family, we must have guidance!<br /> Do you want guidance?</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal">- Wesley Garland preaches for Warners Chapel
church of Christ in Clemmons, NC. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: <a href="http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/</span></a><u><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-49676825747728641682024-03-10T14:13:00.000-07:002024-03-10T14:13:53.618-07:00Faith and Feelings<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Dan C Bailey</b></p><p><b><br /> The scripture teaches us that we must "... walk by faith, not by sight "(II Corinthians 5:7). To walk by faith is to believe with all of one's heart what God has said. God has told us about immortality and heaven. We've yet to receive our immortal body to house our immortal soul, but we firmly believe that it will be so. "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Corinthians 15:53).<br /> It is sad and tragic that so many people trust their feelings more than the word of God. There is no doubt, but that false teaching on the Holy Spirit has led to much error along this line. People even pray that the Holy Spirit has led to much error along this line. People even pray that the Holy Spirit will directly guide them in their daily affairs. They wait to be moved by feelings which are supposedly from the Holy Spirit.<br /> It is interesting that Jesus said, "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God" (Luke 8:11).He also said, "When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side"(Mathew 13:19).<br /> It is clear that the Spirit of God operates on the heart of man through His word. Thus we read, "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). By obedience to the word of God, we enter into the kingdom of Christ. In like manner, by obedience to the word as Christians, we will someday be saved eternally, and will enter into glory. James said, "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21). And the apostle Paul told the brethren, "...I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32).<br /> There is one more important thing to consider. Those who walk by faith have the very feelings with which God is pleased. They manifest love, compassion, mercy, peace, joy, comfort, and zeal, all as a result of the powerful word of the living God. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).<br /> Let us stay with the truth. Let us never drift into the false feeling movement. Our direction comes from God by means of His word. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).</b></p><div><br /></div>
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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 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home"><span style="background: white; color: #993300; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home</span></a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-14567368756755273712024-03-10T14:11:00.000-07:002024-03-10T14:11:58.224-07:00Follow Me<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Clifton Angel</b></p><p><b><br /> In the recorded words of Jesus, the phrase "follow me" can be found 18 times in the text of the KJV New Testament. In recent years, however, with the development of internet forums and social media, the concept of following someone has taken on a very different meaning. I don't know that they coined the idea, but Twitter (now rebranded “X”) has certainly made it famous. It is used in internet forums. It is used by Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, et. al. You can actually "follow" a number of celebrities on social media and be able to read their personal thoughts as they share them from time to time. “Following," in the internet world, is the idea of showing interest in a person's life, subscribing to an organization's services, or even just being curious about a business' product.<br /> In the realm of internet following, there is not a great deal of commitment involved. If you realize you do not agree with a celebrity after following them, you can stop. If you realize a company's product is too expensive after following them, you can stop. If following a particular person or group is taking up too much of your time, you can stop following them. If your priorities and desires change at some point, which puts you in conflict with someone or some organization you are following, you can stop. You can even stop following someone and start again later if you choose to do so.<br /> Unfortunately, far too many treat their discipleship of Jesus the same way they treat their online networking. Once they read something Jesus has said that they don't agree with, they stop following Him. Once they realize the cost of following Jesus is too great, they stop following Him. Once they realize they don't want to put in the time required for following Jesus, they stop following Him. Once they realize their priorities and desires have changed from when they first started following Jesus, they stop following Him. Sometimes they go through a cycle of wanting to follow Him, not wanting to follow Him, wanting to follow Him, and not wanting to follow Him.<br /> When Jesus said, "Follow me," He made it clear that: <br /><span> </span><span> </span>It will require every fiber of your being; <br /><span> </span><span> </span>It will require every second of your day; <br /><span> </span><span> </span>It will require every ounce of your will. <br />He said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). When we do this, our hearts are better, our thoughts are better, our lives are better, and, most importantly, our eternity is better.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Clifton Angel preaches
for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted
through that congregation's website: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://www.coldwatercofc.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.coldwatercofc.com/</span></a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-1394108141744434152024-03-03T15:49:00.000-08:002024-03-03T15:49:09.876-08:00Focus<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Andrew Beasley</b></p><p><b><br /> Leaving the past behind frequently is among the greatest challenges a Christian may face. I imagine for the Apostle Paul, leaving the memories of his former life behind were a challenge as well. Think, for a moment, of what Saul of Tarsus was guilty of. He is the authority figure responsible for the murder of Stephen (Acts 8:1) as well as for the persecution of countless other Christians (Acts 8:3). It would be no surprise if his past actions weighed heavily on his soul. Yet as a Christian he recognized the significance of leaving that all in the past.<br /> In the same way, we cannot dwell on the former things either. Sometimes Christians are guilty of romanticizing the life that they used to live. Others are guilty of allowing the disappointments of their past to become stumbling blocks for their future. Paul seems to recognize the significance in leaving the glorification of our past, or the wallowing in sorrow over our past, behind and instead focusing on what matters: Christ, and the prize that accompanies following Him. Just a few verses earlier Paul said he desired to know Christ, the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering that he might attain the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:10-11).<br /> One thing Paul did, and one thing we must do, is focus on what lies ahead. Focus on the goal of going home to heaven. In order to do so, we must leave the past in the past.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Andrew Beasley serves as
a minister with the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be
contacted through the congregation's website: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/">https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/</a></span></div>
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</table><p></p>BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-5903135864373823142024-03-03T15:47:00.000-08:002024-03-03T15:47:42.394-08:00We Can Overcome<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Jared Green</b></p><p><b><br /> Claustrophobia, the fear of enclosed spaces, is one of the most well known phobias in the world. Those who deal with claustrophobia report physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, ringing in ears, and confusion when in a small, enclosed space. While only a small part of the human population deal with claustrophobia, most of us know the feeling of the metaphorical walls closing in. When a school deadline is approaching and there is still work to be done on the big paper, it may feel as though the walls are closing in. When a person is under financial stress and his car breaks down, it may feel as though the walls are closing in. For Christians, that feeling often comes as the result of temptation. <br /> We feel this because, frankly, temptation is difficult to overcome. On the one hand, temptation is difficult because it is fun to sin! That sentence may seem surprising, but James tells us, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15). Temptation is also difficult because it is all around us. John sums up temptation this way: “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world” (1 John 2:16). From social media, to television, to the actions of people around us, we encounter temptation daily. Temptation is difficult to overcome!<br /> Scripture teaches us, however, that Christians do not have to suffer from spiritual claustrophobia. John teaches us that we can overcome the world. As difficult as it may seem to overcome the “world” (John’s word to describe temptation in 1 John 2:16), it is possible through our faith in Jesus. John says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4). <br /> Our faith in Jesus means that we believe he is our Savior, we submit ourselves to him in obedience, and we daily trust in him for the strength to overcome. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “…let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” Faith in Jesus brings us the victory to overcome the world! God loves you, and so do I.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal">- Jared Green preaches the Calvert City Church
of Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: <a href="http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>
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</table><p></p>BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-46695774650279190042024-03-03T15:45:00.000-08:002024-03-03T15:45:13.922-08:00A New Day Dawns Everyday<p> </p><table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<p><b>By Edd Sterchi</b></p><p><b><br /> Beginning in Job 38, God poses some questions to Job to try to get him to understand that God is all knowledgeable, all powerful, and in complete control. He begins by mentioning the creation of the earth and how the natural elements operate. In this section, God asks Job, “Have you commanded the morning since your days began, And caused the dawn to know its place...?” (v.12). The implication is that everything, even the dawn of each new day, is regulated by God.<br /> I have always enjoyed watching the sunrise. Oftentimes I will get up early, drive out to the lake, and watch the day dawn. It is always inspiring. To see the colors awaken as the sun makes its appearance always brings hope and joy to my heart. It never fails to brighten my life as the landscape brightens before me. And the wonder of it is that God has made it so that each dawn is unique. I have never seen any two that are exactly alike.<br /> Knowing that a new day dawns everyday helps to remind us that God is still a wonderful God and He is still in control. We, like the Psalmist, can proclaim, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psa. 118:24).<br /> With each new day God makes it so that we have a fresh start at life. New blessings and opportunities await. With the knowledge of that, why shouldn’t we always be looking on the brighter side? “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:16)<br /> As a concluding thought, I am including the following poem that I wrote several years ago:<br /> Sunny Side Up<br /></b><b> </b><b>A sunrise is God’s way of telling us...<br /></b><b> </b><b>...to lighten up,<br /></b><b> </b><b>...and brighten up,<br /></b><b> </b><b>and start each day anew<br /></b><b> </b><b>...to heighten up,<br /></b><b> </b><b>...enlighten up,<br /></b><b> </b><b>and take the sunny view.</b></p><div><b><br /></b></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Edd Sterchi preaches for
the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted
through the congregation's website: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/</span></a></span></div>
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<p><b>By Dale J. Babinsky </b></p><p><b><br /> Christmas morning! I remember as a child, my brother and I could hardly sleep the night before in anticipation of the gifts that we would find under the tree. Invariably, there was always one “big” gift each year, which we would open last. To build the anticipation, my dad would keep egging us on by saying, “I wonder what’s in that big box.” As a child, I definitely enjoyed receiving gifts on Christmas.<br /> As I grew older, I came to realize that there was more joy in giving than in receiving. To witness the merriment in someone else’s face as they open the gift that you have selected for them was a good feeling that far surpassed whatever I might receive. Paul understood this to be true as well, when he quoted the words of Jesus that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).<br /> As we search the stores and websites in our modern age, from Black Friday to Christmas Eve, we are looking for just the right gift, the perfect gift, the greatest gift that we can give our loved ones. As we live here on earth, we should realize that God has given us that perfect gift. He has given us the greatest gift. He has given us His Son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV). God has given us a gift to pay our debt of sin; a debt that we could never repay. By the blood of Jesus, we can have redemption.<br /> As we gather with our families and friends on this holiday, we should remember the God who gave us that greatest gift. Indeed we should always remember the God who loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for us on the cross of Cavalry. It is by Jesus’ blood that we can have the hope of eternal life with Him in heaven. You won’t find a better gift than that under anybody’s tree tomorrow morning!</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal">- Dale Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky
Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through
the congregation's website - <a href="https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/"><span style="background: white;">https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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<p><b>By Bill Brandstatter</b></p><p><b><br /> As you are shopping this Christmas season, you might be looking for the greatest gift. That gift cannot be bought in a store. The greatest gift was given a long time ago. It was given by the greatest giver. It was given to the greatest group of people. It will last for the greatest amount of time.<br /> John records for us in John 3:16 about this gift. He records the words of our Lord who stated, “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” God didn’t just like the world. He didn’t mildly love it. The text says he “so loved” the world. God, the greatest giver, loves with a capacity and an ability that is foreign to this world. He wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4)<br /> The greatest gift was God’s Son. He was not an ordinary son, however. He was God’s “only begotten son.” This means he was conceived uniquely. The angel announced to Joseph, “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 1:20) No one before or since came to earth in this manner. He became God’ s Son after He was born to Mary (Luke 1:35).<br /> God gave the gift to the greatest group of people—the world. The entire world can have the gift of eternal life through Jesus if they humbly obey Him (Heb. 5:9). The disciples were commissioned by our Lord to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature...” (Mark 16:15) God sent His son for the salvation of the world. Every person can become a child of God. (Gal. 3:26-28).<br /> The gift will last the greatest amount of time. The end of John 3:16 states, “...but have everlasting life.” In our age of calendars, appointments, schedules, and deadlines, it is hard for us to fathom the thought of something being “everlasting.” Life beyond this life will go on forever. Jesus alludes to this when He mentioned those who would have “eternal life.” (Mt. 25:46) Jesus has the words of eternal life. (John 6:68) The greatest gift given to us, the only begotten son of God, also can give us the greatest gift of salvation. (Eph. 2:8) If we do what the Savior wants us to do, we can have the eternal life that is found only in Him.</b></p><div><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church
of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's
website: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://marionchurchofchrist.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://marionchurchofchrist.com/</span></a></span></div>
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</table><p></p>BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-49073704725747251772024-02-25T17:56:00.000-08:002024-02-25T17:56:52.782-08:00Unlawful Attitudes<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<h4></h4><h4 style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"> By Dan C. Bailey<br /> <br /> Last week I stopped at a
three-way stop at about the same time as two other cars. I waited for them to go and before I could
enter the intersection, two other cars ran the two stop signs. This was new to me. On many occasions, people have run a stop
sign at this particular intersection, but never, until last week, did two
people run through the intersection unlawfully at the same time. It made me think about our society. Evidently this type of unlawful activity is
becoming popular. May I suggest some
reasons why this is probably the case?<br />1.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->People have a lack of respect for the law and for authority. Their motto seems to be: "If I'm not caught then who
cares." Of course such an attitude
toward unlawful activity is a violation of the word of God. Peter said, "Submit yourselves to every
ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or
unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of
evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well" (I Peter 2:13-14).<br />2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->People have a lack of respect for their fellowman. Jesus taught,
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12).
These same rude and inconsiderate people would get upset if someone did the
same thing to them. Or even more likely, they might have a wreck in the
intersection and possibly hurt someone.<br />3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Many people are so selfish that they simply do whatever pleases
them. They are the standard and whatever benefits them is best! This is the
opposite attitude of a Christian. Paul said, "Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the
things of others" (Phil. 2:3-4).<br />4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Many people simply do not fear God. They are not concerned about
pleasing Him, and they have no desire to obey His commandments. How sad that
people are so selfish, so disrespectful, and so rebellious toward God and
toward authority, and toward their fellowman. May we always remember the
admonition of Solomon. "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God
shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be
good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).<br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Let us
always respect the law, respect our fellowman, and especially respect and
reverence the Almighty God. "And when Abram was ninety years old and nine,
the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk
before me, and be thou perfect" (Gen.17:1).</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
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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 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home"><span style="background: white; color: #993300; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt;">https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home</span></a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-62223997249493210582024-02-25T17:54:00.000-08:002024-02-25T17:54:40.811-08:00Your Worst Sin<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<h4></h4><h4>By Edd Sterchi<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p> In no way would I
ever claim to be a prophet, psychic, or prognosticator. But I can tell you what
your worst sin is. Now, I know you’re wondering how I know. Has someone told me
that they saw you doing it? No. Have I been looking in your windows at night or
following you with notebook in hand recording all that you do? Of course not.
And yet I still know the very worst sin you have in your life at this very
moment.<br /> Your worst sin is
the one you will not repent of. Our worst sins can become our worst enemy in
that they will keep us out of heaven (cf. Luke 13:3). John mentions that there
is a sin that leads to death (1 John 5:16). This is any sin that one is living
in that one is not willing to give up for Christ. By living unrepentantly in
known sin, we crucify Christ all over again and, in that state, it is
impossible for us to be saved (Heb. 6:6; 10:26-27).<br /> But God wants us
to come to repentance and be saved (2 Pet 3:9). He wants us to be sorrowful
over our sins and to truly repent (have a change of heart) concerning them (2
Cor. 7:10). For in repenting and being baptized, all past sins are washed away
(Acts 2:38; 22:16). Then, in faithfully walking the Christian life, and
continually living a repentant lifestyle, Jesus’ blood continues to cleanse us
(Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7-9).<br /> Even though washed
in the blood of the Lamb and even though having some noble qualities as
followers of Christ, the Christians at the church at Ephesus still needed to
repent. Jesus sent word to them “Remember therefore from where you have fallen;
repent and do the first works...” (Rev. 2:5). The message rings true for us
today: repent and do the first works.<br /> Here’s another
important thing to note: Your best friend can take care of your worst sin.
Jesus is your best friend (cf. Pro. 18:24;John 15:13), and He is the only one
who can remove all your sins (Eph. 1:7; 1 John 1:9). Take a turn for the better
by turning away from sin and turning your life over to Him, and He will turn
your worst sin into something that is harmless and unreachable (1 John 3:5;
Micah 7:19).<br /><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">“Repent
therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of
refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord”</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> (Acts 3:19).</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal">- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in
Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's
website: <a href="http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/</span></a><o:p></o:p></p></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-49189795869140554892024-02-25T17:52:00.000-08:002024-02-25T17:59:23.462-08:00Priscilla and Aquila and Apollos<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<h4></h4><h4>By
David R. Ferguson<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p> There is a very interesting passage from
the Book of Acts I would like to share with you: "Now a certain Jew named
Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was
mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord;
and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning
Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John: and he began to speak boldly in the synagogue.
But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him unto them, and expounded
unto him the way of God more accurately." (Acts 18:24-26)<br /> This passage is a wonderful example of
demonstrating proper behavior towards one another on the part of brothers and
sisters in Christ. As part of our growing in the fruit of the Spirit, we are
commanded to be patient with our fellow Christians, and especially those who
are babes in Christ: "I...beseech you to walk worthily of the calling
wherewith you were called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering,
forbearing one another in love; giving diligence to keep the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3) What if Priscilla and
Aquila had behaved differently when they first encountered Apollos? What if
they had immediately criticized him in front of everyone in the synagogue? How
do you think Apollos would have felt and reacted if these two individuals, without
confronting him first in private, had talked about him behind his back, and
called him a "false teacher" and circulated letters among the
brethren disparaging his character and motives? Would not great harm have come
to the church, the church which Jesus loved so much that He purchased it with
His own blood (1 Peter 1:18-19)? I dare say it would have! Too many times people
wish to brand their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ with appellations
such as "false teacher" or "apostates" when an honest
examination of the facts does not warrant these labels being attached. Many
times, these individuals may only be mistaken, as was the case with Apollos, or
maybe they simply hold a difference of opinion on a matter that falls within
the parameters of Christian liberty, as Paul wrote in Romans 14. It’s true that
we must "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 3), but let’s make
certain we are not being contentious for the faith instead. Let’s follow after
the example of Priscilla and Aquila, so that we can achieve the same result as
they did with Apollos:<br /><i>"And
when he was minded to pass over into Achaia, the brethren encouraged him, and </i><i>wrote
to the disciples to receive him: and when he was come, he helped them much that
had believed through grace; for he powerfully confuted the Jews, and that
publicly, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ."</i> (Acts 18:27-28)<br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> May the Lord
bless you!</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- David R. Ferguson
preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH. He may be
contacted through the congregation's website: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> or </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="mailto:davidferguson61@yahoo.com"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">davidferguson61@yahoo.com</span></a></span></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-4672543297852488902024-02-25T17:51:00.000-08:002024-02-25T17:51:19.143-08:00Abide With Me<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<h4></h4><h4>By Clifton Angel<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p>“Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide,<br />The darkness deepens, Lord, with me abide!<br />When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,<br />Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me!”<br /> In 1847, Henry F. Lyte's
poetic words were published in this beautiful song. Singers of these words
plead with God to abide in their presence every day and in every way. What if
God wrote a song to us, pleading us to abide with Him? What would He say? He
did, essentially, at the test of Psalm 15. David asked, "Lord, who shall
abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?" (Psalm 15:1).
By God’s divine revelation, David penned these characteristics:<br />1. One who walks uprightly (2a).<br />2. One who works righteousness (2b).<br />3. One who speaks truthfully (2c).<br />4. One who does not waste the reputation of another behind his
back (3a).<br />5. One who does not do evil to his neighbor (3b).<br />6. One who has no reason to be ashamed in the presence of a
neighbor (3c).<br />7. One who despises the evil actions of men (4a).<br />8. One who honors God-fearing men (4b).<br />9. One who keeps his word, even if it hurts (4c).<br />10.One who does not exact interest on gifts/loans (5a).<br />11.One who does not take a bribe against the innocent (5b).<br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> What a
list! In essence, God pleads with us, "Abide with Me," by showing us
the type of person who can abide with Him through His Word. Truthfully, none of
us are worthy to abide in God's presence; however, His Son Jesus has made it
possible for us to change (Acts 2:38; 17:30; 2 Corinthians 7:10), obey (Hebrews
5:8–9; Acts 2:38; 8:36–38; 22:16), be changed (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3–4;
Acts 2:47), and abide (Romans 6:4; Galatians 6:9–10; 1 John 1:7). Will you
abide with Him?</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Clifton Angel preaches
for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted
through that congregation's website: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://www.coldwatercofc.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">http://www.coldwatercofc.com/</span></a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNyBWNu1YVtiSDQr0gVqO5Uxa_nYqhluBeapn6QrgGEsgvPkr1yfrXChdf1cq341aYyZ76RjKONUgJOKii2dCRmkxYMbZnosHNZY8-PvrpjZyK0PABbUAsQKmxxKUBl7iZWENnneIKgCZ/s1600/bg+gold+bar.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="96" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNyBWNu1YVtiSDQr0gVqO5Uxa_nYqhluBeapn6QrgGEsgvPkr1yfrXChdf1cq341aYyZ76RjKONUgJOKii2dCRmkxYMbZnosHNZY8-PvrpjZyK0PABbUAsQKmxxKUBl7iZWENnneIKgCZ/s1600/bg+gold+bar.gif" width="82" /></a></b></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4139780286661741168.post-9829609197562972452024-02-25T17:48:00.000-08:002024-02-25T17:58:05.021-08:00A Clean House<table border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2">
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<h4></h4><h4>By
Ron Thomas<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p><i>The
unclean spirit when he is gone out of the man, passeth through waterless
places,<br /></i><i>seeking
rest, and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house whence I came
out. And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he, and
taketh to him seven other spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and
dwell there: and the last state of that man becometh worse than the first</i> (Luke 11:24-26, ASV).<br /><o:p> <br /></o:p> “A clean house needs to be occupied.” Satan
says. As he looks over his prospect, he sees
there is an opening, so he slithers to a perching place, hides, then slips
right in. As the now occupied house looks over the horizon, not aware of a dual
occupant, he thinks his life is where it needs to be. Then he hears this
constant reminder, And it came to pass, as he said these things, a certain
woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the
womb that bare thee, and the breasts which thou didst suck. But he said, Yea
rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it (11:27-28). As
he hears he replies, “I’m not going very far, I just want to see what is around
the corner.” As he looks, an interest catches his attention, then he follows
it. Before long, he has followed long past the “around the corner.” He has
wandered far enough away from his starting point he knows not where he’s at; he
recognizes nothing. He flounders here for a while, that “for a while” turns
into then a good while. The floundering didn’t seem so bad, but then it turns
bad, even worse than bad. What he thought were friendly circumstances he
learned had vipers perching behind a façade. He slumps down, then recalls the
words of Jesus. And when the multitudes were gathering together unto him, he
began to say, This generation is an evil generation: it seeketh after a sign;
and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah. For even as Jonah
became a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this
generation. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men
of this generation and shall condemn them: for she came from the ends of the
earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation and
shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a
greater than Jonah is here (11:29-32).<br /> “Am I looking for a sign,” he asks himself.
If so, what is the sign I’m looking for? How many signs have I seen that I just
moved on past?” Then he remembers earlier when he started out, how he thought
his life was solid, straightened out, looking good. But as he thought this, he saw
something that moved around the corner and he just had to see what that was, so
he followed it. “Why did I look?” he angrily says to himself – then he
remembered: the lamp of the body is the eye. No man, when he hath lighted a
lamp, putteth it in a cellar, neither under the bushel, but on the stand, that
they which enter in may see the light. The lamp of thy body is thine eye: when
thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when it is evil,
thy body also is full of darkness. Look therefore whether the light that is in
thee be not darkness. If therefore thy whole body be full of light, having no
part dark, it shall be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright
shining doth give thee light (11:33-36).<br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> An
“innocent” look turns a clean house into a dirty one.</span></h4><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">- Ron Thomas preaches </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH.
He may be contacted at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="mailto:etsop95@gmail.com">etsop95@gmail.com</a></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNyBWNu1YVtiSDQr0gVqO5Uxa_nYqhluBeapn6QrgGEsgvPkr1yfrXChdf1cq341aYyZ76RjKONUgJOKii2dCRmkxYMbZnosHNZY8-PvrpjZyK0PABbUAsQKmxxKUBl7iZWENnneIKgCZ/s1600/bg+gold+bar.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="66" data-original-width="96" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkNyBWNu1YVtiSDQr0gVqO5Uxa_nYqhluBeapn6QrgGEsgvPkr1yfrXChdf1cq341aYyZ76RjKONUgJOKii2dCRmkxYMbZnosHNZY8-PvrpjZyK0PABbUAsQKmxxKUBl7iZWENnneIKgCZ/s1600/bg+gold+bar.gif" width="82" /></a></b></div>
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BulletinGoldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15134988200197983226noreply@blogger.com0