Exercise Wisdom with Benevolence

By David R. Ferguson "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith" (Galatians 6:10).     The topic of benevolence is a difficult one that brings up many questions. Does opportunity equal obligation? Is benevolence something we do when convenient? When does encouraging through benevolence become enabling? Are there times when it is proper to say, "No"?     There are limits of benevolence, regardless of whom one feels is an eligible candidate. When Galatians 6:10 tells us that we should help "all men," this doesn’t include those who are called the "idle" in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."     And just as wisdom is to be applied to the phrase "all men," so, too, is wisdom to be applied when we are told to "Give to him that asks of you" in Matthew 5:42. This doesn’t mean that we "Take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs" (Matthew 15:26). In other words, we don’t give to others if our giving is going to be depriving our own dependents of what they need. We don’t want to be too narrow in our benevolence, but neither should we be too broad in whom we decide to help.     We have no authority to extend benevolence that would help immoral living, such as would be the case of fornication, drug abuse, or giving money to a woman to have an abortion performed. We should never be guilty of enabling sin or sinful practices and lifestyles. As Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, Christianity prescribes starvation for those who refuse and shirk work. The purpose is that their hunger, hopefully, will drive them to seek and find work for themselves.     We also must consider what is our ability to perform benevolence, both at the personal as well as the congregational level. As stated previously, one should never deprive one’s own to help another. As the old proverb states, charity begins at home. So just as we should try to teach the gospel to as many people as possible, we should also assist in benevolence as many people as we possibly can, as God has prospered and blessed us. Wisdom is required, and God has promised to grant wisdom generously to those who seek it (James 1:5).     May the Lord bless and prosper you!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

"True Wisdom: Beyond Age and Anger"

By Jeff Arnette      Consider Elihu—a younger man who has been silently observing the heated exchanges between Job and his three friends. Elihu, in his respect for their age, initially refrains from speaking, as he believes it’s fitting to allow his elders the first opportunity to offer their wisdom. His restraint demonstrates a principle deeply embedded in the culture of the time and echoed throughout Scripture: respect for elders and an openness to their experience. However, Elihu’s respect does not imply blind acceptance of everything the elders say. This brings up a crucial balance between honoring those older than us and exercising discernment in what we accept from them.     Respect for elders remains an essential value. In 1 Peter 5:5, we are reminded to show deference to those who are older, as their experiences can offer valuable lessons. Yet Elihu’s approach highlights that age does not inherently confer wisdom or righteousness. In this case, Job’s three friends, despite their years, have failed to bring truth or insight, as they accuse Job without any concrete evidence. Their accusations lack depth and compassion, proving that wisdom is not solely the result of age but also of character and a heart aligned with God’s truth.     Elihu’s response to both Job and his friends is also fueled by righteous anger. He is frustrated with Job’s insistence on absolute innocence and equally disturbed by the baseless accusations of Job’s friends. While anger is often viewed as sinful, Scripture provides a nuanced view. In Ephesians 4:26, Paul advises that we can “be angry and not sin,” indicating that anger can be righteous when it arises from a desire for justice and truth. However, this anger must be controlled, ensuring it does not lead us into sin.     Finally, Elihu’s words remind us that while age can be a source of wisdom, it’s not an infallible guide. True wisdom comes from God, who grants it to all who are open and willing to learn, regardless of their age. As John 14:26 emphasizes, God teaches and guides us through His Spirit, leading us into truth. By remaining humble and teachable, we position ourselves to receive God’s wisdom and guidance, allowing His word to shape us throughout every stage of life.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

Walking Wisely

By Jeff Arnette     The Bible is very clear that believers are not to turn to unbelievers for advice or form binding relationships with them, such as in personal or business partnerships. This principle is outlined in 2 Corinthians 6:14, which says, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Psalm 1:1 reinforces this point: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”     However, this does not mean that we are to completely avoid unbelievers. We are called to reach out to them and show love and compassion just as Jesus did. Matthew 9:10-13 shows us Jesus spending time with those who did not believe, setting a powerful example for us: “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’”     Unfortunately, many people use Psalm 1:1 and similar passages to argue that we should entirely avoid non-believers but doing so would contradict Jesus’ teachings. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands us: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'” Similarly, Mark 16:16 says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”     Psalm 1:1 and similar scriptures say is that we are not to seek advice from unbelievers, form close personal relationships, or marry them. Why would we seek guidance from someone who isn’t walking the same spiritual path? Unbelievers do not prioritize what God says, which can lead to conflicting values. Even in marriage, being with an unbeliever can lead to significant problems because the very foundation of love for Jesus is missing on their part. By adhering to the word of God, we can save ourselves from many heartaches and struggles.

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/

“A Fool Who Was a Poorly Dressed and Homeless Preacher”

By Bill Brandstatter     In an age where looks matter, the above title probably will catch some attention. In an age when academics and education are significant, the word “fool” engenders negative feelings. In a time when homeless people may be looked upon as “panhandlers,” we should notice for a moment this fool who was poorly dressed and homeless. Let me also add that this man was a preacher. His preaching wasn’t for show. His message wasn’t one of culture relativity. He didn’t preach for profit. Show and entertainment were not in his vocabulary. He preached Christ. This man was the apostle Paul. He uses the above description of himself in 1 Cor. 4:10-13.     What is a fool? The Bible says a “fool” is one who denies the existence of God. (Psa. 14:1) The worldly person would consider the preaching of the cross as foolishness. (1 Cor. 1:18) The preaching of the cross means change has to come. The preaching of the cross requires accountability and responsibility. In this sense, Paul was a “fool” in the eyes of those in his day. (1 Cor. 4:10) The wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. Perhaps we ought to ask the question: “What kind of fool am I?”     Foolishness in our world is evident in our society today. Many people are circumstance-oriented. The thinking of a few is just change the circumstance or situation and all will be well. The wisdom of the world is not the wisdom of God. Paul makes that abundantly clear in 1Cor.1:18-25. Much of what the world classifies as “smart”, “wise”, “updated” or “in” may be classified as foolishness in the sight of God. Sometimes we are told to “get with the program.” The wisdom of the world says that truth is relative. Everybody is entitled to his or he own belief. There is no exclusive truth. If I give in to this philosophy of the world, I am a fool. The world can lure us through emotions and feelings. Some would say, “How can it be so wrong when it feels so right?” Yet, God’s way tells us to “beware of philosophy of the world.” (Col. 2:8)     Foolishness of God is better than man’s wisdom. Paul wrote: “The foolishness of God is wiser than men.” (1 Cor.11:25) The world tries to reason away the ways of God. God has been taken out of our schools. In many homes, God has been eliminated. Our government tries to take God out of the picture with a false notion of “separation of church and state.” Paul states that God has made foolish the wisdom of the world. (1 Cor. 1:20) God’s way is always right. Without God, man’s way will lead to foolishness and problems. (Prov. 14:12)     Do we go along with the world’s way of thinking? Are we trying to be politically correct or Biblically correct? Are we seeking to please God or man? (Gal. 1:10) Let us be fools for Christ. (1 Cor. 4:10) The world may reject us, but God will accept us.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

Finding Wisdom

By Donna Wittlif “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man that gets understanding” (Proverbs 4:13).     Proverbs often depicts wisdom as a gracious woman. God possessed her before creation (Proverbs 8:22). Proverbs 9:1-6 personifies her as one who invites mankind to her feast. She will bring honor, grace, and beauty to the one who loves her and does not forsake her (Proverbs 4:6).     How do you get wisdom? Is it by learning everything you are taught in school? Is it by listening to documentaries? Do you have to read books and listen to lectures? Should you read how everyone solves problems on Facebook? While all these may teach you some things that will help you in your walk, you will still not have the wisdom you need to help you live a godly life.     Here are some things to do to get wisdom:     Ask God for it. He has promised that if we lack wisdom, we should ask Him for it, and we will receive it (James 1:5). Trust God to give you what you need to know when you study His word. Commit to studying the Bible every day. It will enlighten you and help you grow spiritually.     Watch out for the Tempter. He has a way of making what is evil seem right. Flee from him if your path starts to turn from God’s path. Lean on God for strength and guidance.     Be mindful of your seeking God’s wisdom. Pause daily to examine your actions to see if you are growing spiritually and showing the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control). Let God’s word lead you as you strive to live for Him.

- Donna Wittlif, the founder and first editor of BulletinGold, lives in Ft. Worth, TX. Donna is a writer of Christian fiction and non-fiction. Her nonfiction books, God's Desires for You: A Biblical Guide to Salvation and Our Stronghold in Prayer: A Women's Class Book and Prayer Journal, are available at Amazon.com: Donna R. Wittlif: books, biography, latest update  Donna lives in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Do We See the Value of Wisdom?

By Wes Garland       Wisdom is defined as the capacity of the mind that involves both knowledge and the ability to direct the mind toward a full understanding of human life and toward its moral fulfillment (Baker Encyclopedia). If you consider this, it is something that would be a valuable thing to have to live this life. However, not everyone sees the true value of this  and wants to live their lives the way they want to live it. As a result, people make bad choices, go down paths they should avoid, and end up living a life full of misery, stress, and anxiety. But what does God say concerning the wisdom that comes from Him?   Proverbs 3:13-18 13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; 14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her   18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.       My friends, the way that we look at wisdom will determine the life that we will have. Do we long to have it? Do we long to live a happier, more fulfilled life? One that is profitable and not full of foolish decisions and mistakes? It all begins with how we view wisdom from God and the desire to do what we have to do to obtain it. God us because He made us. Don't you think He would EXACTLY what we need and the direction we need to go to have the best life possible?

- Wesley Garland preaches for Warners Chapel church of Christ in Clemmons, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/

The Foolishness of God

By Brian Mitchell       Students in a psychology class at San Diego State College were asked to name their most valuable personal asset. 2 wrote down intelligence, both of them misspelled it. Winston Lord, former assistant Secretary of State and ambassador to China, told of a time when he and his wife were driving outside of Beijing. They came across a Buddhist temple and the head monk came out to greet him. His eyes lit up when he learned that Lord was an ambassador and that his wife Betty was a famous author. The monk then asked Lord if he would do this temple a great honor which would benefit future visitors, to guide and instruct them.     He then asked him to write something in English. Obviously, the ambassador and his wife were quite honored and the monk then handed them two wooden plaques and said, “Would you write in English on the plaque the word Ladies and on this plaque the word Gentlemen?” Many people like them think of themselves as being quite intelligent (and they are usually quite annoying to the few of us who are).     Many perceive themselves as quite intelligent and are often quite embarrassed to find out they either did not know as much as they thought they knew or that their perceived intelligence was not as important to others as it was to them. One of the greatest advantages of my studies is the fact that the more I learn the more I realize I have to learn.     The church at Corinth was undergoing a similar realization and they were having a difficult time coming to grips with this new reality. They, like many living in metropolitan areas of the 1st Century, prided themselves on their knowledge and felt as though they had everything figured out. Yet, here comes God in their lives and He is doing things in ways they just cannot comprehend. To them the ways of God are foolish because He was acting in ways that were contrary to what they believed to be the best of human wisdom.    Paul in this text demonstrates to them and us that there is nothing wrong with the wisdom of God, for it is infinite in nature. The problem is with man’s wisdom. Man and God think differently—Is.55:8-9. Thus, if man and God see things differently, the problem does not lie in the wisdom of doing things God’s way, it lies in our ability to understand the wisdom of doing things God’s way.     Paul concludes this passage by putting man in his proper place. How? By stating that even the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of man and that the weakness of God is stronger than the strength of man. It does not matter how wise we become—God is wiser. It does not matter what man achieves in his own power—God is more powerful.     There is a day coming when those who have refused the wisdom of God will say, I should have chosen His way and not mine. I should have trusted His wisdom and not mine. The only question will be; what will you say?

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

Searching for Truth?

By Ronald Bartanen       The wise man Solomon advised, “Buy the truth and sell it not” (Prov. 23:23).  In the marketplace of ideas one must be careful to distinguish the true from the counterfeit. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).  How will we know the truth when we see it?    Some seek truth in their own hearts, though the Bible warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9).   How much religious error do we subject ourselves to when we follow the path of simply doing what “seems right”, or “what I’ve always believed.”     Some seek truth from preachers and church councils, accepting what they are told without question, though Paul warned, “Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things” (Acts 20:30).  Men are fallible, subject to error.  Preachers and religious-leaders may be ever so sincere in their beliefs, and still be misled.   We who endeavor to preach the truth of God should do so with fear and trembling.  We dare not seek what is regarded as popular in our religious circles.  While this may seem to be the way to go, it opens the door to error.     Ultimate truth is found in Jesus, who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No man cometh to the Father but by me” (John 14:6).  Truth is found in His word, the Scriptures, of which Paul wrote, “All scripture is inspired of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  How many supposed “truths” do we defend even when we have accepted such “truths” on their popularity.  We should follow the example of the noble Bereans who, upon hearing the apostle Paul’s proclamation of the gospel, “searched the scriptures (to see) whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).     The search for truth doesn’t end when one becomes a Christiaan.  Actually, that was just the beginning of the search.  The apostle Paul, addressing those who had earlier been converted to Christ, and had also been milk-fed with basic truths by him, but had grown lax in maturity sufficient to move on to the meat of the word of God, saying, “The Bible is God’s gift of a textbook for guidance.  “All scripture is inspired of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God should be complete, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Within its sacred pages we have revealed to us the account of God’s dealing with mankind, past, present and future, none of which should be casually ignored.  Will we understand everything revealed therein? Assuredly not.  I confess that I still have much to learn, and don’t expect a full enlightenment until I’m with the Lord, and He can explain some things to me! But that doesn’t excuse me from seeking a better understanding of what God wants me to know.  God wants us to be well-fed, and we do not do well in spurning what He sets before us.   We do not have to await the coming of another new year before we make a resolution to spend more time in reading the Bible and prayerfully seeking a better understanding of God’s truths.

- 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 Mind of Christ

By David R. Ferguson
 
     Stephen Hawking, a great physicist, died yesterday on the anniversary of the birth of Albert Einstein, another great physicist from the past century. I have always admired those individuals who demonstrate great intellect. Wouldn’t it be fascinating to understand the complexities of the cosmos, from the tiniest quark, to the furthest and remotest quasar, in the same manner as Albert Einstein or Stephen Hawking? Or would you not have liked to witness in person Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton as they debated the role the Federal government should have in the lives of the People? Or how intriguing would it have been to sit at the feet of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, giving ear to the philosophical discussions taking place in ancient Athens! As interesting as all these men seem to be, there is One Whose wisdom and intellect puts all others to shame, and that is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
    Regardless of the circumstances He faced, whether it was from one of the groups seeking to trip Him up such as the Pharisees and the Sadducees, or even when He was being confronted and tempted by the Great Adversary, Satan himself, Jesus was always able to face them all by leaning upon the word of God and saying, "It is written."
    We, too, can gain in wisdom as Christians by following the precepts of Christ, even to the point of having the mind of Christ: "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16) We have the mind of Christ by engaging in a study of His word. Not only will we have the mind of Christ, we will have eternal life: "Truly, truly, I say unto you, if a man keep My word, he shall never see death" (John 8:51). Paul also wrote to Timothy, saying, "Give diligence to present yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
    By spending time in the word of God, and focusing on His Son and "…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things," (Philippians 4:8), we will be able to then "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God" (Colossians 3:16).

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com

Fearing God is Obeying God

By Rob Albright

    Proverbs 1:7 reads, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” A wise person will simply take the teachings (doctrine) that come from the Bible and make them a part of his or her life.
    Unfortunately, some choose to reject or ignore the teachings of Jesus. He is the Savior and Lord and is the perfect example of right living (John 8:24; Luke 6:46-49; Acts 4:12). Jesus is the only one who can bring us into a right relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). It is a sad situation when people reject the only hope they have. Some feel His teachings are too restrictive so they shop around for a church that fits the way they feel about things. You hear them say things like, “This is my life and I can live it any way I choose.” Choosing our own way instead of following the way of God and His Son brings tragic consequences (Mark 7:9; Luke 10:16; 1 John 2:17b).
     Jesus came to save us from sin (Acts 4:10-12) and bring those saved into His church (Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 12:13) where we become “the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). It’s all because of Jesus that we can become right in the sight of God. We have the Word of God where we can come to know about Jesus, learn to love Him, obey His words and follow His example. He is the perfect pattern for our life.

- Rob Albright serves as one of the ministers at the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.nwchurchofchrist.com/

Are You Wise?

By Ronald Bartanen

    Are you wise? Some may reply to this question by informing us of their high IQs, or their high grade-point average in a prestigious university. However, one’s scholastic achievements, while they may say something regarding your intelligence, may not actually reveal the measure of your wisdom. Wisdom is not synonymous with knowledge. One may fill his brain with knowledge of facts and figures that would enable the person to acquire a bundle of cash on the Jeopardy TV program, but still lack the wisdom in applying that knowledge. One who lacks wisdom is sometimes referred to as one lacking “horse-sense.” There have been, throughout history, a host of fools highly esteemed for their knowledge. While the accumulation of knowledge on a number of topics may be admirable in any person, let’s not be overly complimentary until we know how he or she commits that knowledge to commendable purposes.
    In the Bible, James speaks of a wisdom he describes as being “earthly, sensual, devilish” (James 3:15), because its fruit is  “envying and strife…confusion and every evil work” (v. 16). This wisdom is “not from above,” but is in contrast with “the wisdom that is from above,” which is defined as “pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (vs. 17-18). It is for this latter wisdom that James admonishes us to pray: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God….” (1:5a). It is the wisdom to use the knowledge and abilities that we have, whether few or many, to live a life that is in honor of God and His word. The utmost lack of wisdom is to disregard, and even to deny, the existence of God. The psalmist David declared, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no god” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). In contrast, Job, in reference to God, said, “And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). 
    In the conclusion of Jesus’ “Sermon On the Mount” (Matthew 5-7), Jesus spoke the parable of the wise and foolish builders, saying that the wise man not only hears Christ’s teachings, but also obeys Him, while the foolish may hear His word, but will ignore it, being disobedient (Matthew 7:24-27). As the foolish builder’s house, built upon unstable sand, could not withstand the harsh weather, and would collapse, and the wise builder’s house, built upon the solid foundation of stone would endure all of nature’s tests, and continue to survive, even so, those who would build their lives on material things, ignoring Jesus’ teachings, are doomed for destruction, while those who build upon the solid foundation of Christ’s word will endure. The apostle Paul summarized the endurance of the Christ-honoring life when he wrote, “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). It is folly, not wisdom, to seek any other.
    What is your attitude toward Christ and His word? Would God count you as among the wise?

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

Only a Fool!

By Ron Thomas

     We live in a land of abundance. As each year passes one can’t help but notice not only the abundance of wealth in our country, but also the deprivations that others experience because of varied reasons. In Luke 12:13-21, the Lord addresses the  vanity of one who possessed much, but failed to see things that were even of greater importance. The man who owned much in the way of material things only desired to expand his holdings (12:18), and he did this for his own retirement’s sake. The Lord looked upon his actions and his heart as that of a “Nabal” (cf. 1 Samuel 25:25), only as a foolish one.
     Some of us are more fortunate than others in this country. Since we are in the position we are as a result of the Lord, since we are educated (at whatever level), since we have an internal drive to accomplish much on the way of good, what have we done with what is ours? Rather than build a large place to live, why not be satisfied with a “cottage below” in this world? Do we really need something that is considered large even by our own standards?
     Not long ago I was speaking with a man who built a house in our area; it is a large house (to me), but I learned that it was much larger than I imagined. He and his wife have been fortunate in life. She is on staff at the University of Illinois and he has his own business. They were able to give themselves that which they wanted, and the square footage of their house was around 6, 500 feet. A husband and wife (with children gone) with a house that large struck me as something similar to that which is read in Luke 12:13-21.
     Let me be careful in these remarks. As far as I am aware, there is (and was) no sin involved in this couple’s home or even in that which they were able to mass. Nevertheless, there is a home in Bowling Green, Kentucky and Valparaiso, Indiana were the staff is making appeal after appeal for Christians to help in provisions as they (the Children’s Home) give children a structured life and love.
     We are fortunate because the Lord gave us life in the United States, a location wherein many opportunities abound. Are we building barns, or are we helping in the building of lives (Luke 12:34)?

- Ron Thomas preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH. He may be contacted through the congregation's website. http://sunrushchurchofchrist.com/

What Kind of Fool Am I?

By Bill Brandstatter

    Sunday April 1, 2018 was April Fool’s Day. But, Sunday April 1, 2018 was also Easter Sunday. I read a statistic that noted that this was only the fourth time since 1900 that Easter and April Fool’s Day fell on the same day. April Fool’s Day caused me to think the way the Bible uses the word “fool.” The tile of this article comes from the statement of the apostle Paul in 1 Cor. 4:10: “We are fools for Christ’s sake.” So, let us ask ourselves, “What kind of fool am I?
     The first kind is the one who says there is no God. The Psalmist stated, “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” (Ps. 14:1) This is the individual that would look for situations to disprove the existence of God. This may be the person who states, “If God is benevolent and kind, why is there so much evil in the world?” This person may be a Christian who has forsaken God for love of the present world. Are you this kind of fool?
     The second kind of fool is the one who professes to be wise but is not. Paul wrote to the church of Christ at Rome, “Professing to be wise, they became fools.” (Rom. 1:22) There may be many today who are wise in their own eyes. They don’t think they need God. They don’t do anything really bad. They live a good moral life. They oppose some of the same things Christians oppose but they have never become Christians. These folks are fools. Are you this kind of fool?
     The third kind of fool is the one who doesn’t handle time correctly. Here Paul writes, “Walk circumspectly, not as fools.” (Eph. 5:15) How many have learned the simple lesson that flying by the seat of your pants simply does not work. Many today are into spontaneity. It is the name of the game, morally, socially, and sometimes religiously. Whatever hits the person at any particular moment is all that matters. Yet the Bible tells us to watch and be careful in life. Caution is the mode of operation for all the Christian does in life. Are you this kind of fool?
     Finally, we come to 1 Cor. 4:10 where Paul writes, “We are fools for Christ’s sake.” Another way to put this would be to say that Christians look foolish in the sight of the world, yet they did it for Christ’s sake. This is the type of fool we all should be. Peter stated, “If any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Pet. 4:16) The challenge to us today is to look like fools in the sight of the world in order to be pleasing to God. Are you this kind of fool?
     What kind of fool are you? Obviously, we should be none of the first three; but if we love the Lord and want Him to be master of our lives, we will deliberately become fools in the sight of the world. May God grant us the knowledge, strength and ability to do this.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

The Carnal Spirit

By Ron Thomas

    God’s wisdom far exceeds the wisdom of man (1:18-25). The wisdom of man, at best, can only be generated by his experiences in this world.  Yet, his experiences in this world are only of this world, and by the very nature of the case, his wisdom can’t take one from this world into the next. What can a person do then? He must listen to the Lord in all that He says. From that, he must understand then obey (Eph. 5:17). If he chooses to not understand (for he can understand; cf. Acts 13:46), the consequences are not positive (2 Thess. 1:7-9).  
    As God’s wisdom far exceed the wisdom of man, so the apostles speak God’s wisdom to their fellowman. How can one know the difference? Two ways: first, the ways of the Lord far excel the ways of man and people can hear the difference; second, this wisdom that came from God was in demonstration (2:1-4). God’s wisdom, while not of this world (origin), it is related to Him that is above this world for those of this world. You Corinthians, on the  other hand, have chosen a way of this world and it brought to you much that is mundane and ordinary. 
    The Corinthians have not accepted the wisdom of God and the consequences have been nothing but problems; the carnal spirit resides deeply within the hearts of many(3:1-6). They thought of themselves as wise, but look at the problems they faced! They didn’t have the Spirit of God that called upon them to live holy lives; instead, they chose to have the carnal (worldly) spirit that puts emphasis on one’s own way of thinking. 
    God’s wisdom starts and ends with the foundation of Jesus (3:10-15). If only  people would start, then finish with the wisdom of God in the life and teachings of Jesus, the carnal spirit that exists among people would die with conversion. 
    “You, Corinthians, need to apply the principle of not going beyond what is written” (4:6).  
    Here is what your wisdom has generated: you are divided (1:10), you allow a brother guilty of sexual immorality to be in good standing in your midst (5:1-8), you judge those outside the church, but fail to properly judge/discriminate those within (5:9-13), your wisdom has generated a litigious spirit (6:1-8)! This litigious approach has congregated you with those spiritually destructive behaviors you came from (6:9-11), your wisdom has not only generated division in the church (3:16-17), but it also is destroying God’s gift within you (6:19-20).

- Ron Thomas preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH. He may be contacted through the congregation's website. http://sunrushchurchofchrist.com/

Quality of Life

By Tom Moore
    “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14).
    If we are serious about improving our “quality of life,” we need to work harder at improving our thinking. As we reach forward to better things, both in this life and the one to come, we need to spend less time on our circumstances and more time on our wisdom. Better thinking is what our progress usually depends on. It is a valuable key that opens a great many doors.
    Often, the thing that holds us back in life is some wrong idea that is lodged in our minds. Wise people work every day to remove as many falsehoods as they can from their thinking. Like a farmer patiently removing the rocks from his fields, we need to be getting rid of the untruths that hinder our productiveness and our progress toward God.
    Sometimes it is not an untruth that hinders us but simply a failure to see enough of the truth. Many of the most frustrating things in life are frustrating because we are so bogged down in them we cannot see what else is true. We should get in the habit of “going to the balcony” and looking down on our difficulties from a vantage point that offers a more complete view.
    To God, our ill-informed efforts at self-improvement must appear quite silly. We continue to hammer away at problems with thoughts and attitudes that have proven over and over again to be the wrong tools for the job. Wouldn’t it be smart to get better tools? “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them” (Albert Einstein). Without better thinking, we will stay stuck in our ruts.
    Ultimately, of course, the path to better thinking always takes us into the Scriptures. Nothing can remove falsehoods and widen our perspective more helpfully than God’s own mind, and we are at our problem-solving best when we are honestly searching the Scriptures. In the long run, neither our thinking nor our doing will get better if the Psalmist’s prayer is not our own: “Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psa. 119:18).
    Because there is no limit to how much you can improve the quality of your thinking, there is no real limit to how much you can improve your life. 

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

Perfectly Confused

By Ron Thomas

On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense. The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near (Proverbs 10:13-14)

A man of understanding is not a man who seeks to be wise in the ways of the world. That is not the man in view here. A man of understanding is one who seeks to be wise in the ways of God. This man, consequently, will be very wise to the ways of the world and its utter foolishness. This kind of man will try to instill in others what he has. He is loyal to God, obeys His holy will, and has become wise to the ways of righteousness. The fool, on the other hand, has no wisdom in the ways of righteousness and with his morass of darkness he walks in this life “perfectly” confused.

- Ron Thomas serves as preacher and an elder for the Highway church of Christ, Sullivan, IL He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.highwaycofc.com