A Religious Equation

 

By Jim Faughn I discuss this, I will be reproducing the question and a portion of Dr. Mohler’s response from the transcript of the podcast. That transcript can be found at albertmohler.com.     The question as it is found in the transcript is… “And since the Bible doesn’t mention the denominations we presently have, how can any Christian identify with the denomination? The denomination of Christ seems the only appropriate label to me. Your thoughts?” My first thought is that my high school English teachers and university English professors would not be pleased with starting a sentence with a coordinating conjunction, but that is not what is important for this discussion. What I believe is important for this discussion is the following portion of Dr. Mohler’s response:     In the United States, as the late historian Sidney Mead said, “Denominationalism is the shape of Christianity in America.” And he helped to explain it in a way that I think is just extremely helpful. He said, “To understand why denominations exist in the United States, you just need to understand a matter of basic math.” And I have found this helpful ever since I first heard it when I was just a very young seminary student.     Sidney Mead said, “The math is this: Religious conviction plus religious liberty equals denomination,” If you’re in a situation in which there is no religious liberty, you can be told that the only acceptable form of Christianity is one that, for instance, believes is baptizing babies. And that’s exactly the situation that helped precipitate the American experiment in religious liberty.     What I find fascinating is that material is the “mathematical formula” suggested by Sidney Mead. I suppose that I had never before seen or heard a theological position expressed as an equation. At least I do not remember that ever being the case.     With that in mind, I respectfully suggest another “equation”: An open Bible plus an open mind equals unity in Christ. I may never have either the educational credentials or the notoriety of either of the men mentioned above. I do, however, remember what Jesus prayed shortly before going to the cross. Instead of accepting or maybe even promoting denominationalism or any sort of religious division, Jesus prayed this for all of His followers: that they all may be one… (John 17:21) I’m thinking that the one who asked Dr. Mohler the question was on to something. Don’t you?     I realize that some who read this may not be familiar with the name, Dr. Albert Mohler. Dr. Mohler is, among other things, the president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Among those “other things” is hosting a podcast to which I listen on a fairly regular basis. The podcast deals with news items, various societal trends, etc. from his perspective as a religious leader. While some of the rest of this post may be enough evidence to suggest that I do not agree with some of his theology, I still find his “take” on things to be interesting.     One of the features of his podcast is that he will answer questions from those who contact him. On the podcast of April 19, 2024, Dr. Mohler received what I thought was an interesting question.

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

Talking Season, The Hot Stove League, and The Person in the Mirror

 

By Jim Faughn
    Now that the college basketball season is over, I heard somebody describe this time of year as Talking Season. There are a variety of things going on about which most of us know very little or anything. Some of those things may make the news. The casual sports fan may know something about coaching changes, recruiting news, etc., but even a very ardent fan probably has no real idea about all that is going on behind the scenes. About all that most college basketball fans can do for the next few months is talk.     A part of the vocabulary of Major League Baseball is the term Hot Stove League. As I understand it, that term can refer to the time during the winter months when baseball executives meet, make trades, etc.     Another meaning of that term, though, is similar to basketball’s Talking Season. The Hot Stove League can refer to the winter months during which there are no baseball games and during which all that fans can do is talk. As I understand it, the term was used because, in earlier years, much of this was done while sitting by a hot wood or coal stove.    While the sports are different and the times of the year are different, there is at least one similarity between Talking Season and The Hot Stove League. Athletes are not using their talents to actually compete. They may be (and probably are) doing things that will help them when the season starts, but they are not actually fulfilling their missions as players.    I’m wondering if some of us who wear the name “Christian” see a reflection in the mirror of a person who acts as if he or she is in The Hot Stove League and/or that we are perpetually in Talking Season. I wonder if that person only “talks a good game,” but never finds time to actually serve the One whose name he or she wears.     As I look into my mirror and/or examine my heart, I need to remember that our Lord was very critical of some religious people (leaders in fact) who, according to Him … say and do not do. (Matt. 23:3, NKJV)    As I type the following words, I can assure you that I am in no way trying to be flippant with the language of the Bible as I use a verse that has the word “season” in it. I really hope that you will recognize that I am only trying to make a point when I remind all of us about Paul’s inspired instruction to a younger preacher. It seems to me that it would be good for all of us (not just preachers) to remember to……be ready in season and out of season… (2 Tim. 4:2, ESV)    As I look at that reflection in the mirror, I need to remember that there is no Talking Season or Hot Stove League for a true disciple of Jesus.

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

The Lack of Evangelism

By Brian Mitchell
    “In so little time the harvest will be over and our reaping will be done, we reapers will stand before the Lord of the harvest and hope He says well done. How many times should I have strongly pleaded, how often did I fail to strictly warn; Oh had I only pled for Jesus, but now the grain has gone, too many lost ones never to be reborn.    Despite the heat, the toil and hardship, the broken hearts over those we cannot win; misunderstood because we are peculiar still no regrets save for our sins. A day of pleasure, a feast of friendship; a house, or car or some small fame; will all be trash when souls are brought to heaven there to face the slackers blame.    The harvest white, with reapers few is wasting and many souls will die and sadly never know; the love of Christ, the joy of forgiveness; oh let us weep, and love, and pray, and go. Today we reap, or miss our golden harvest; today is given us lost souls to win. Oh let us go to save some dear soul from dying, today let us go to bring some sinner in.”    The Apostle Peter exhorted the Lord’s followers to “Sanctify the Lord your God in your hearts, and always be willing to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” If we are honest, we will all have to admit that most individuals, and thus most congregations composed of those individuals are woefully lacking in the area of Personal Evangelism.    “It has been estimated that 95% of church members have never led someone to Christ.” “In places, the shortage of personal evangelism is so critical that it threatens the very existence of the local church.” Now don’t get me wrong! I am well aware that there are a number of good congregations that are actively involved in evangelistic efforts—one I heard about had baptized more than 50 people a year for more than a decade.    There are also other congregations where a handful of members are genuinely motivated and quite active in trying to reach the lost. While this in itself is good, the problem is it tends to make us think as congregations, that we are doing better than we are. There is an aura of excitement that is produced when some members of the church are actively involved in bringing souls to Christ. But this also makes it more difficult for us to admit our collective shortcomings.    The problem with the lack of evangelism is a specific problem in itself, but is also Satan’s greatest tool when it comes to hindering the effectiveness of the church. It is the one way our enemy is hurting us the most and our lack of evangelism is directly tied to every other problem we have discussed over the last 2 months. We often do not evangelize because we are too busy making and spending money, or we are too busy entertaining ourselves or filling our schedules with anything but personal work for the Lord.    So let each of us get personally involved with personal evangelism. God will not hold us accountable for those who do not obey, but He will hold us responsible if we never tell them.

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

;

A Just Balance

 

By Clifton Angel     In the midst of a painful grief that I cannot fathom, Job proclaimed to his accusing friends, "Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity" (Job 31:6). Many of us have seen the balances, or scales, of old that were used in many areas of industry, medicine, and commerce. On one side of the scale is the product to be weighed or measured. On the other side of the scale are the proper standard weights to be placed. It was sometimes possible for dishonest merchants to produce or obtain weights which were actually less than their labeled amount. This would mean the customer would get much less product for his money, and the seller would have a dishonest profit.     The illustration of such a balance was often used in judging the character or heart of an individual. For example Solomon wrote, "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight" (Proverbs 11:1). Furthermore, he wrote, "Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good" (Proverbs 20:23), and "A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work" (Proverbs 16:11).     As I ponder the justice, righteousness, and holiness of God, I am reminded of my imperfection and past sins. I tremble at the thought of confidently saying the same words that Job said, "Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity" (Job 31:6), because I know in a just balance, I will never measure up. But then, I am reminded of the precious blood of Jesus: the one thing that can take away my sins; the one thing that can make me whole again; the one thing that makes it possible for me to stand confidently in the "even balance" of God, that He may know my (Jesus') integrity.     Why would I not want to be in contact with that blood? Why would I not do whatever it takes to follow Him with all my heart and obey His every command (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; Hebrews 5:9)? Are you in contact with Jesus' blood (Revelation 1:5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3–4;1 John 1:7–9)?

- 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

A Strong Faith

 By Dan C Bailey

    We read in Mark 9:14-32 about an incident in which the disciples were unable to cast out an evil or a "dumb and deaf spirit." A father had brought his son to be healed, but to no avail. When Jesus arrived at the scene the scribes were apparently questioning the disciples about their failure. Jesus stated, "... O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me" (Mark 9:19).

    They brought the son unto Jesus, and when Jesus saw him, "..., straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming" (Mark 9:20). The father pleaded for compassion from the Lord, and Jesus answered him. "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9:23-24). Here was a man who wanted to believe and to some extent did believe, but his faith was weak and needed to be strengthened.

    Sometimes Christians are very much like this father. We believe in God. We believe in Christ and the Spirit of God. We believe that angels exist, and we believe in a heavenly world, but sometimes our faith seems to weaken. When this happens we need to do several things.

    We need to read and to study the Bible more often. God's word will produce a strong faith if we will let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord' (Colossians 3:16).

    We need to pray more frequently and more fervently. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16). The child of God who prays often to the Father will have a much stronger faith than one who seldom bows the knee in prayer. "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice" (Psalm 55:17). Every prayer should spring forth from a heart having faith in God and in His providence. "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime" (Daniel 6:10). If we fail to pray, what does that say about our faith?

    A strong faith is the result of a determined effort to please God. Truly, without faith we can not please our heavenly Father. "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

    We need to purpose or determine in our hearts that we want to have a stronger faith in God. When our determinations  is coupled with frequent and fervent prayer, along with diligent Bible study, the inevitable result will be a stronger faith.

    But there is still another avenue for having a stronger faith in the Lord. We need to spend time with established faithful Christians who have endured the hardships of life. We can be strengthened in faith by their teaching and example. The success of others is an encouragement to our faith.

    Brethren let us seriously strive to have a stronger faith. The Devil is powerful and deceitful. He is seeking to devour us at all times. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (I Peter 5:8). A strong faith can be our shield in the battle against Satan. "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" (Ephesians 6:16). A strong faith puts us on the winning side. "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). If we have a strong faith we shall be victorious, but a weak faith is sure to fail.

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

What Does It Profit A Man?

 

By David R. Ferguson     I know of a man who as a child was stunned while he was watching a television show involving a man making a deal with the Devil. In this program, a down and out man traded his eternal soul for a million dollars. This man I know just couldn’t believe as a child that anyone would do such a thing willingly. The Devil Went Down to Georgia was a huge hit for the Charlie Daniels Band back in 1979, and it tells the tale of the Devil going down to Georgia to look for a soul to steal. He enters into an agreement with a boy named Johnny over which one of the two of them is the best fiddle player, and if Johnny wins, he gets to keep the golden fiddle the Devil plays. But if the Devil wins, he gets to keep his golden fiddle...AND Johnny’s soul. In the end, Johnny wins the contest, and he gets to keep his soul. He also gets to keep the shiny fiddle made of gold.     One of my favorite short stories I read as a youth was The Devil and Daniel Webster authored by Stephen Vincent Benét. This story, published in 1937, is a retelling of the tale of Faust, as was the TV show I watched as a child as well as The Devil Went Down to Georgia. According to German legend, Faust was a scholar who was highly successful, yet very dissatisfied with his life. His dissatisfaction put him on a pathway to the Devil whom he meets, and they entered into a pact whereby Faust exchanges his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.     Benet's version of the story centers on a New Hampshire farmer by the name of Jabez Stone who, plagued with unending bad luck, is approached by the Devil under the name of Mr. Scratch. Under the guise of Mr. Scratch, the Devil offers Jabez Stone seven years of prosperity in exchange for his soul. At the end of the seven-year agreement, Mr. Scratch returns to claim the soul of Jabez Stone. However, Jabez had secured the help of Daniel Webster, a fictional version of the famous lawyer and orator and early American statesman, who defended Jabez Stone in front of a judge and jury of the damned, and his case was won and Stone kept his soul.     All of these remind me of a passage of Scripture found in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus Christ asks in Mark 8:36-37, 36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”     In these three examples, it was a million dollars, a golden fiddle, and good luck and prosperity. Since then, I have witnessed all kinds of people forfeiting their souls for a lot less, usually trying to achieve their fifteen minutes of fame. The basic principle of being a disciple of Jesus is that of self-denial, and forfeiting our Earthly, carnal pleasures of life. When we focus on Jesus and the eternal things He has to offer, it will help us forfeit anything that will keep us from enjoying those eternal blessings. May God bless 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

Lessons from the Tornado

 

By Bill Brandstatter
    Last weekend (May 2024) was a devastating one weather wise for our area. Several tornados were reported. One meteorologist indicated the National Weather Service had issued 97 tornado warnings recently. That number is significant; but there are some things that were seen from these tornados that should benefit us.    It is easier and quicker to destroy than to build up. It was obvious that a lot of destruction came in a short amount of time. The emphasis for many now will be to build after the debris is cleared. The Bible uses a variety of words to mean “build up.” Two of the most common are “edify” and “exhort.” Paul wrote that we should “edify one another.” (1 Th. 5:11) This applies in all areas of life. We should seek to edify our spouses and our children. We should constantly look at ways to build up each other, not tear down. In all things regarding buildings or life, it is easier to destroy rather than build; but we need to build each other up because eventually trouble will come.    A proper foundation is important. We have seen pictures on the news of foundations still intact, but the buildings are gone. The foundation will still stand long after the structure is blown away. When it comes to our spiritual lives, the foundation is also important. (1 Cor. 3:11) The church was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20). It will stand forever (Dan. 2:44).    Cooperation is a must with everyone working toward a common goal. People help others to be safe. Political differences have been set aside and cooperation is evident. Cooperation helps to sustain us in weakness. (Ex. 17:12) Cooperation helps to provide courage for a conflict. (1 Sam. 14:7) The Bible says “Two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9).    Life should matter more to us than anything else. Even after homes were destroyed, what matters most to the people is the lives that were saved. One man in Arkansas saved around 50 people by hollering for everyone to take cover in a bathroom in a truck stop. Destruction was all around and the truck stop destroyed, but because of what he said people were saved. Life matters to all of us. Jesus came to improve our lives (John 10:10). To Him, life matters. He wept when Lazarus died (John 11:35). He came to save people from their sins (Mt. 21; Luke 19:10. He promised life beyond the grave to those who believe in Him (John 11:25, 26).    Prayer is important. There is a time and a place for prayer. Most people recognize this during an emergency. People were praying for others because they knew God is powerful. They acknowledged the power of God. In the midst of storms, God is still in control. When the disciples were in the boat with Jesus, a great storm arose and the waves beat on the boat and the boat was filling up with water. Jesus was sleeping in the stern of the boat. He arose and rebuked the wind and said, “Peace be still!” (Mark 4:35-39) Jesus didn’t stop the storm from coming; rather He showed His power during the storm. During our recent storm, God was where He has always been. He is in heaven willing and ready to help when needed. Luke records that men always ought to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). Paul indicated we should pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). Let us continue to pray and seek the help of God. He is a very present help in time of trouble (Psa. 46:1).    Let us thank God for all He does for us and realize we are just passing through this life. Life is short (James 4:14). God should be at the center or our lives (Prov. 3:5,6; Eccl. 12:13,14). Let us obey Him and live faithfully and we will receive a crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

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