By Ken Jones
Jesus said, “I am the bread of
life: whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever
believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
You’re sitting at a table in your
favorite restaurant, looking over the menu, thinking, “Im
hungry, but I don’t know what I want.” If it’s an
unfamiliar place, you may even ask the server, “What’s
especially good here?” You look to the next table to see
what they have. Then you order a large platter of rich
fried food, and when you get done you are stuffed and
wonder, “Why in the world did I order that?” You know
there’s a big difference between being stuffed and being
satisfied.
I think this is a picture of
life. We’re handed a menu filled with options that
promise satisfaction. And we look at others’ lives and
what they’ve ordered and we think, “Well, if I just had what
they have, I think I’d be satisfied…if I had their marriage,
their kids, their job, car or house I’d really be
satisfied.” For many of us, our souls are starving and
we don’t even realize it because we’ve stuffed ourselves
with cheap substitutes. And we are
undernourished. We have tried to satisfy our deepest
needs with the things of this world and don’t even know that
it is a spiritual hunger that is really crying out for food.
And the reason we don’t feel hungry
for God and the things of God is that we are so stuffed with
all this other stuff that we don’t even think we’re even
hungry. Perhaps you’re reading this and you aren’t
very hungry for the Bread of life. Maybe you went to a
church as a child and you weren’t really into it. You
fled as soon as you could and haven’t had a taste of the
Bread of life or a sip of the Water of life in a long, long
time. It’s been so long that you don’t even feel
hungry for it anymore.
I learned recently about starving
children in third world countries. With no food to
eat, they literally use up all their body fat and muscles
until all that’s left is just skin and bones. Their
stomachs have bloated and their black hair turns a shade of
reddish blonde. The skin dries out. They’re
malnourished and starving to death. And I learned that
there’s another thing that happens to these children that I
didn’t know, and it is that they lose their appetite.
They’re starving, but not hungry. When you offer them
a piece of bread they will push it away and turn their head
in another direction. They don’t want it.
And I think this is a good picture
of what happens to people at the spiritual level.
They’re starving but not hungry. Their soul is
completely undernourished but they don’t want a bite to
eat. Then I kept reading about those little
kids. And what the missionaries do is they’ll take a
piece of bread, or some food, and force the kids to open
their mouths and force them to swallow. And if they
can just get them to swallow a few bites their appetite is
rekindled, and they get hungry again. They eat and
live.
I don’t know how you take someone
who isn’t spiritually hungry and make them eat. I wish
I did know. Because there are some people dear to me
that I would do just about anything to see them eat just a
few bites again. I think they’d find that that is what
they wanted and longed for and needed all along.
- 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
By Roger D. Campbell
Do you suppose there is a civil government anywhere in the world
that has the exact structural arrangement and policies that the Roman
Empire had in the days of Jesus and the first-century disciples? There
may be some aspects of present-day governments that resemble those of
the ancient Roman Empire that was in power in the Middle East when the
New Testament was written, but the odds are extremely high that no
modern-day arrangement is a one-hundred-per-cent carbon copy of the
Roman setup.
If that be the case, why should a child of God living in the 21st
century even be concerned about what the New Testament teaches about
Christians’ responsibility to their civil government? The specifics may
not be exactly the same, but the New Testament principles still apply
because they are a part of the teaching of the Christ that endures and
lives forever (1 Peter 1:23-25), being in force until the end of the
age/world (Matt. 28:20).
What does the New Testament teach about my obligation to the
government under which I live? This general instruction is found in
Titus 3:1: “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers,
to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work.” That statement,
coupled with more extensive teaching recorded in 1 Peter 2:13-17 and
Romans 13:1-7, as well as other New Testament principles, leads us to
make the following conclusions about our responsibility to the civil
government.
1) A Christian is to obey civil authorities. First, the message of Titus
3:1 is, “...obey magistrates.” Second, the opening instruction of
Romans 13:1 is, “Let every soul be subject to the higher powers.” Third,
Christians are further charged, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance
of man” (1 Peter 2:13). The context of this last passage clearly shows
that the expression “ordinance of man” is not a reference to some
man-made religious regulation, but rather to the decree of civil
authorities, “the king” and “governors” are noted (1 Peter 2:13,14).
When the Holy Spirit’s instruction is to “obey,” “be subject to,” and
“submit to” the laws of the land, that is a pretty plain message, would
you not agree?
2) A Christian is to obey the civil government “for the Lord’s sake” (1
Peter 2:13). Because “the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom.
13:1), resisting such authorities is equal to resisting God’s ordained
authority and arrangement (13:2). Obeying civil authorities is part of
obeying the Lord, “For so is the will of God” (1 Peter 2:15).
3) A Christian is to obey every aspect of civil law. Going back to 1
Peter 2:13, we read, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for
the Lord’s sake....” “Every ordinance” would include what the civil
authorities decree about building codes, littering highways, tax
obligations, the size of passport photos, how far a church building must
sit away from a street/road, and you name it. We may be tempted to
label certain laws as “unreasonable,” “ridiculous,” or even “insane,”
but the law is the law. If I have the right to disregard a law that I
count as inconvenient, excessively costly, etc., then why would another
person not have the right to disregard a different law? What is it that
ensues when people decide to use their own gut feelings to determine
with which government ordinances they will comply, and which they will
disregard? The word is “chaos” or “lawlessness.”
4) A Christian is to obey civil authorities at all levels. Peter’s
Spirit-guided instruction to submit to civil ordinances was, “...whether
it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are
sent by him for the punishment of evil doers...” (I Peter 2:13,14).
Kings, governors, and delegated authority are mentioned, indicating that
all branches and levels of civil government fall under the category of
“the powers that be” to whom we are to submit ourselves. In our country
that would include national, state, district, county, and city laws.
5) A Christian is to obey civil authorities, regardless of the type of
government under which he lives. This principle is tough for some to
accept willingly, but it is true. In the U.S., we are blessed to live in
a republic in which we are privileged to vote and elect government
officials who are supposed to represent us and our best interests. Those
to whom the apostles wrote inspired messages in the first century about
obeying governmental powers were not living in a republic or anything
akin to such. They lived in a day when kings, often ruthless,
self-serving men, reigned. Still, the message of God was to submit to
them. If the U.S. or some other nation should some day, either by choice
or by force, adopt a form of government that has little or no concern
for the common people, God’s charge to “obey magistrates” would still be
in force.
6) While Christians are obligated to obey civil authorities, if there
are governmental regulations that are not in harmony with God’s law,
Christians must choose to obey what God says. Because God’s people are
to act “as obedient children” at all times (1 Peter 1:14), if man’s laws
are at odds with the teaching of the Bible, God’s children are to obey
the Bible. Yes, in every situation, “we ought to obey God rather than
men” (Acts 5:29). Remember, we are not at liberty to not submit to a
government law simply because we do not like it. A saint’s decision to
not submit to a civil law must be based on a “thus saith the Lord” and
not on his own personal likes or preferences.
These half-dozen principles we have noted are not based on culture.
Rather, they are biblical truths that apply in every society in every
generation.
- via the Nile Street Notes, the weekly bulletin of the Anna Church of
Christ in Anna, IL; R. W. McAlister preaches for the congregation and
may be contacted through the congregation's website:
http://www.annachurchofchrist.com/
By Tim Childs
In unison, we join with the psalmist when he
declared his desire to praise our majestic Creator as we
acknowledge we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm
139:14). God made us so as to have emotions and then,
through non-verbal communication, express these through a
variety of facial expressions which are created by
involuntary muscle movements, or muscle positions in the
skin. At times we communicate positive messages;
sometimes quite the opposite. A smile, for instance,
can show approval; it also can indicate a sense of
well-being and inner joy. It is easily distinguished from an
angry look...a snarl or scowl. A number of emotional
expressions enable us to “talk” to a foreign citizen without
speaking a word.
When God commissioned
Jeremiah and prepared him for his prophetic office, He
anticipated the difficult challenges Jeremiah would face in
discharging his responsibility to faithfully declare God’s
message to a wayward people. God comforted the young man
when He said, “Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with
thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 1:8).
God knew beforehand what Jeremiah would be up against
sometimes while preaching. Hard looks. Consternation.
Hatred.
Just as verbal communication
proceeds from the heart (Matthew 15:18-19), so does the
non-verbal. Facial expressions convey so much to others.
What is the nature of the messages we are sending to others
within the body of Christ during the week, and during times
of meeting in the assembly? Do we convey that we are happy
to be here, and that really there is no place we’d rather
be? Do we express a heart of warmth and good-will toward all
who have assembled together before God? May we keep our
hearts and minds in check before Him.
- Tim Childs preaches for the Hillcrest Church of Christ in
Baldwyn, MS. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website:
http://www.thelordsway.com/hillcrestms
By Williard Collins
A newsletter published by the National
Education Program, Oklahoma City, OK, contained an item
titles For Your Information. Here is the item, as I noticed
it:
"In the 1940's a survey listed the top seven discipline
problems in public schools as talking; chewing gum; making
noise; running in the halls; not staying in line; wearing
improper clothing; not putting paper in wastebaskets. A
1980's survey listed these top seven problems: drug abuse;
alcohol abuse; pregnancy; suicide; rape; robbery; and
assault."
Isn’t this just a sign of what happens in
a nation when education becomes separated from Christianity
– removing the presence and influence of God in the schools?
Teaching the facts of mathematics or any other subject
without teaching a value system is not enough. For example,
sex education without a value system is insufficient. To
show how to be safe in practicing fornication by using
artificial means to prevent pregnancy is not enough.
Somebody must teach that fornication itself is sinful,
condemned in the gospel, and wrong for everybody in every
form. To show how to keep from getting AIDS in regard to
homosexuality is not enough. Somewhere along the line
somebody must teach a value system that shows homosexuality
itself is not approved by God, and is therefore wrong for
everybody, always.
The time to wake up arrived a long time
ago. We had better combine education with a system of moral
values and with the fact that One True God exists, and this
God cannot be mocked. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked:
for whatsoever a man [or church, community, or nation] sows,
that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7, KJV).
- via The Encourager,
the weekly bulletin for the Dongola Church of Christ,
Dongola, IL. Gerald Cowan serves the congregation as
minister. He may be contacted at
Geraldcowan1931@aol.com
By Mark Moseley
Fear paralyzes. Fear of
failure. Fear of retribution. Fear of
persecution. Fear of being ostracized. Fear of being
ridiculed. Fear of negative consequences. Fear
of embarrassment. Fear of losing friendships.
Fear of losing status. Fear of losing
possessions. Perhaps even fear of losing our lives.
We stand amazed at the courage of the
apostles. They stood before rulers and kings with
unflinching determination. “We cannot stop speaking
what we’ve seen and heard” was their mantra and “Jesus is
the risen Lord” their battle cry.
Theirs truly is a remarkable
transformation. Reading the gospel narratives hardly
gives us confidence that these men can be trusted to turn
the world upside down. One would hardly describe these
men as “courageous.”
But something happened to the cowardly
little group who fled the Garden of Gethsemane. They
saw a risen Lord! They watched Him ascend into heaven
to be seated at the right hand of God. But that was
only part of the reason for their courage. They had
something more. They had a promise, “And lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age.” They had the
promise they were not and never would be alone.
Sometimes we worry because we know there
is fear in our hearts. We cannot deny it. The
apprehension is there. And because it is there, we
wonder if we will be able to hold fast in the face of the
enemy. We worry that we will shrink back in midst of
battle. Sometimes we become discouraged because we
have not quenched every self-doubt. We think our faith
has failed. Not so!
Ideally, we will stand brave and tall
without any doubt or fear. That’s where we are
heading. But until that day, all we need is just a
little more courage than fear. Just a little more
faith than doubt. Just a little more strength than
weakness.
So what if we step forward with trembling
legs into battle - as long as we stepped forward! So
what if we struggled mightily with temptation before we
overcame - as long as we overcame! So what if our
voice was a little timid when we spoke out - as long as we
spoke out!
Ah, friend, let us ever be reminded that
we too have the promise! If we are hesitating, if we
are weakening, if we are fearful, stop and become aware of
His Presence. The Lord is near. Listen for His
voice, “I am with you always.” So, do not fear - forge
ahead!
- via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg Church of Christ
in Harrisburg, IL. You may visit their website at
http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org
By Paul Vaughn
Solomon by inspiration wrote: “A good man
leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the
wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just”(Pro. 13:22). A
good man is one whose heart is filled with kindness and
love. He loves God and his family and never allows anything
to come between him and those he loves. He leaves an example
that will bless his children and grandchildren. They are
rich not because of posterity, because success in worldly
pursuits is very uncertain. The paradigm of righteousness
from their father and grandfather can bring spiritual riches
for the soul.
There are more lasting impressions on
life that are formed in the home than anywhere else. Those
who direct and govern the home should feel their deep
obligation and privilege. The influence they leave on the
mind of a child will in large measure determine that child’s
earthly course and eternal destiny.
What type of impressions are children
seeing in American homes today? Do they see a loving father
and mother daily living for God? Do they see their parents
living honestly before all men? Do they see their mother and
father setting a good moral example? In many homes today,
parents leave their children to the television or nursery
school to raise them. Childcare takes the commitment of both
parents! Parents must have the courage and accept the
responsibility to care for their children.
Abraham Lincoln once said: "A child is a
person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is
going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone,
attend those things which you think are important." Every
parent should take inventory of their life to see what type
of legacy they are leaving their children. Is God important
to you? Is attending Bible study and worship services
important to you? If they are, they will be important to
your children.
In teaching his children, Solomon said,
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto
thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths” (Pro. 3:4-6). What does it
mean to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart?” One should
have God and His Son, Christ Jesus, first in their heart and
life. Trust in His Word as the guide through all of life.
To leave a legacy of the Christian life,
parents must have the courage to say “no” to their children.
No, to the passing pleasures of the world. Never let
anything come between them and God, because children need
spiritual nourishment if they are to live a successful life
that will lead them to Heaven. Children need parents who
will take the leadership in taking action against the sale
of alcohol and drugs, help stop the sale of pornographic
material, and stand firm against the filth on television
(those in charge of television programs are working hard to
corrupt the minds of young people), and the music they hear.
Everyone must have the courage to care for young people. We
must never tolerate the destruction of our children.
- via the Belvedere
Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere Church
of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for
this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website:
http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org
By Kevin Rayner
A team of Maryland medical researchers
found that people with heart disease were 40 percent less
likely to laugh in humorous situations than those with
healthy hearts.
"The old saying that laughter is the best
medicine definitely appears to be true when it comes to
protecting your heart," said Michael Miller, director of the
Center for Preventative Cardiology at the University of
Maryland Medical Center.
It is uncertain, however, whether humor
helps prevent heart problems or if people with heart
problems tend to lose their senses of humor.
"That question would be more interesting,
but it would also be much harder to answer," said Dr. Rose
Marie Robertson, a Vanderbilt University cardiologist and
president of the American Heart Association.
The research was to be presented
Wednesday at a heart association conference in New Orleans.
The study of 300 people -- one-half of
whom had histories of heart problems -- used questionnaires
to gauge how healthy people and those with heart disease
differed in their responses to situations where humor was
expected.
The people with heart disease were much
less likely to even recognize humor. They also laughed less,
even in positive situations, and generally displayed more
anger and hostility than people with healthy hearts.
"The ability to laugh -- either naturally
or as learned behavior -- may have important implications in
societies such as the U.S., where heart disease remains the
No. 1 killer," Miller said.
Robertson said the Maryland research fits
into an area of growing interest among cardiologists: the
psychological side of heart disease. Most of that research,
however, has examined the effects of mental stress on the
human heart or the tendency of heart patients to develop
depression after surgery.
Very few studies have pondered the
reverse question: whether humor, or a pronounced absence of
stress, can reduce a person's risk of heart disease.
Robertson called the Maryland
researchers' line of questioning "a very interesting"
approach.
"I think what this suggests is that we
have to take our patients' psychological states more
seriously," she said.
- Kevin Rayner preaches for the Highland Church of Christ,
Tecumseh, OK. He may be contacted through the
congregation’s website: http://hcoct.org/
