[Biblemat] B>A Christian's Voice 9-11-2005

Thu Sep 8 10:10:44 CDT 2005

A Christian's Voice From Van Buren: Man uses his voice and pen to convey
thoughts. Paul mentions using words that by his voice he might "teach
others" (1 Cor. 14:19). John says, "And the Spirit and the bride say,
Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst
come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." (Rev.
22:17). My aim is to challenge, inform, and invite - us all to Listen to
the VOICE of God. Editor Bill Sexton. 802 Adeline Lane, Van Buren, AR
72956-3530. Phone 479-474-2617. Car phone: 479-650-8399>>> I Have Voice
Mail, call me and I can pick it up 
                                          Volume 7, September 11, 2005
Number 43

This Week’s Challenges 
We are practicing: Memory, Meditation, and Application
1. Memorize (Jer. 23:21-22)
2. Meditation: Notice what men had done/was doing, and what they could
have accomplished!
3. Application: How sad it is to see people speak their message claiming
it to be God’s and then the people following. What could have been
accomplished IF they had spoke Gods word!

 Gospel Meetings and Views of

            I begin a gospel meeting today with the congregation meeting
at 7th and Bell in Beatrice Nebraska. I’m a bit saddened today as I see
fewer and fewer congregations having gospel meeting and if they do they
are short. Often people seem to think they are no longer needed or are
effective in bringing people to Christ. Gospel meeting can be an
effective tool, I believe in introducing people to the message of
salvation.

            We ought to come together with the attitude that Peter found
when he arrives at the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:33): “We are all here
before God to hear all things” commanded of God! We need, also, to have
the view that Peters expressed: “ Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and
worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” (Acts 10:34-35). How
wonderful: Available to all, everywhere!

            A gospel meeting provides an opportunity to invite our
neighbors and friends who may attend denominational churches or are doing
something else on the regular times we have services.  We ought to be
interested in helping others come to the knowledge of the truth, and live
for God more perfectly, as they learn the truth that makes men and women
free (Jn. 8:32). Yes, I know that times are different today than they
were fifty years ago, when I obeyed the Gospel. However, man’s need is
the same. The gospel is still God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16-17). People
have to hear it to have faith that will move them to obey. (Rom. 10:17.
Obedience to the gospel is essential for one to be saved (2 Thess.
1:7-10; Rom. 6:16-18). However, one MUST continue to walk in the light,(
1 Jn. 1:5-7),  abide in the word of Christ or be cast froth as a branch
wilted to be gathered and burned ((Jn. 15:5-6).

            Beloved, what is your view of gospel meetings? Is your view
in harmony with that of the Lord?                            –William C.
“Bill” Sexton

Impressed with the outpouring generosity to HELP!

            I have been truly impressed with the effort of so many people
offering their goods, time, and homes to assist the evacuees from the
storm in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many truly have suffered
most of what they own, in property. Many lost their lives. But across the
nations it appears that many have wanted to help in whatever way they can
.The problem has been more the manner in which the assistance could be
delivered, than a lack of people willing to give.
            We have been interested in how we can assist brethren in
these places, and it seems that, there will be more assistance needed as
time passed and the losses are accessed. Let us be ready to help in
whatever way we can, as the need it seen. It will be easy to lose the
enthusiasm to assist as time elapse. Keep this in mind, please.

     Today’s Schedule for Yours Truly: A.M. Bible class at 7th and Bell
in Beatrice NE, Lifting up your Eyes (Jn. 4:35); Morning sermon-Family As
God designed it   (Matt. 19:4-9) Evening Sermon: Three Aspects of the
Gospel (1 Cor. 15:1ff; 2 Thess. 1:7-10). If you are in the area, come and
be with us.

WHERE THE SOUL OF MAN NEVER DIES!

Introduction: We have a song we sing, Where the Soul Never dies (#432).
That is a thought that impressed on my mind this last week, as we have
seen so many lives lost and property damages in the storm Katrina. Some
young and old have died in the storm, while thousands of others have lost
about all their worldly possession.
     1. In addition to this scene, we have all had relative, friends, and
neighbors to pass, and we each can look forward to death, in just a
matter of time.
     2. Thanks be to God, we can look forward to a place where the soul
of man never dies, if we are in Christ, having responded to the gospel
--message of Good news.
     3, Yet, if we believe the Bible, which I do and advise all to read,
understand and obey, IF we miss that place where the soul never dies,
there is a  place where the second death occurs-- eternal torment.
4. So, let us look at this idea of where the soul of man never dies

SONG:
     To Canaan’s land I’m on my way, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
Darkest night will turn to day, Where the soul (of man) never dies
     A rose is blooming there for me, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
And I will spend eternity, Where the soul (of man) never died
     A love-light beams across the foam, Where the soul (of man) never
dies. It shines to light the shores of home, Where the soul (of man)
never died.
     My life will end in deathless sleep, Where the soul (of man) never
dies. And everlasting joys I’ll reap, Where the soul (of man) never dies.

    I’m on my way to that fair land, Where the soul (of man) never dies.
Where there will be no parting hand, And the soul (of man) never dies.

Chorus;
            Dear friend, there’ll be no sad fare-wells, There’ll be no
tear-dimmed eyes, Where all is peace and joy and love, and the soul of
man never dies

Comment and Observations

            What a beautiful and bright future to face IF we are where
the Lord wants us to be -- In Christ Jesus.
     Let us notice that all spiritual blessing are in Christ (Eph. 1:3). 
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

So the question is HOW, according to the scriptures do we get there and
remain there?. The New Testament tells us plainly. Paul writing to the
Roman saints, says “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into
Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with
him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the
dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness
of life.” (Rom. 6:3-4).    

      However before we can be baptized INTO CHRIST. We have to believe
on him, Jn. 8:21-21-24: “Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way,
and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot
come. Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither
I go, ye cannot come. And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am
from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said
therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not
that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” Then one has to repent (Acts
17:30-31), and confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus, which is UNTO
salvation (Rom. 10:9-10).
            Having reached that saved condition in Christ, one needs to
abide in His word: “If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a
branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the
fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you,
ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my
Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
(Jn. 15:6-8)
Conclusion: Beloved, isn’t it wonderful to be able to look forward to
that place where the soul of man never dies, and all the things we
experience here that are so stressful, sad, troublesome, will be no more.
Then the beauty and joy we desire will be ever present?
     1. Is it not worth being SURE we are in the right place, safe in
Jesus?
     2. If we aren’t there, what should be our goal --to get into that
save relationship, right? 
William C. “Bill” Sexton, 

PREPARATION For the storms of Life!

At this time of the year we hear of various storms out over the Oceans,
and heading for certain land/populated areas, and thus the need to be
prepared by evacuation or boarding up business, houses, securing
properties, heading for a safe place.
A week ago the storm Katrina came ashore and did more damage to property
than we have ever seen here in the United States, and the death number is
not known yet. No doubt it will be in the thousands, I understand that
many brethren lost property in the three states affected. Much help is
need, and much being supplied. Many people have lost all they own, and
have had no place to go. Many have been bussed to other states, including
twenty thousands in my state of Arkansas. I feel for these people. I’m
impressed with the amount of help that is being offered, I trust  this
will cause many to see the need to be prepared to leave this world, to
meet the Maker: Spiritual needs.
There are different kinds of storms: in addition to the hurricanes, there
are tornados, wind storms, etc. Floods occur, and various damages can be
done by each of these and others. These appear at different times of the
year, of course, and more prominent in some places than in others.
There are other kinds of storms, also, that affect many (all in fact) of
us, in even more hurtful, damaging ways than the physical destruction of
materials that can be done to the properties we possess.
1. There are storms in families between husbands and wives, parents and
children. Where the winds of change take place: one of the mates may feel
deserted and want to move to higher ground, so to speak, to satisfy
certain needs, possibly joining with another person. How sad when that
occurs!  God’s plan is for a man and a woman to be joined in marriage for
life, and work out any problems that appear. There will be some stormy
times, I believe, in most marriages, but any two people who will
determine to obey the Lord can and will work out any difficulties that
come along, when they are prepared to weather the storm, as God directs.
However, it takes two to do it; one can’t succeed by him/herself. What
God joins together let man not put asunder.” Mt.19:9.
There are storms that appear between parents and children, and at certain
times in the development process they are more likely to face
difficulties than at others. Again, however, if parents have been willing
to apply God laws of discipline, consistently, bring them up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4), and they have lived a
Christian life before the children as examples any problems can be worked
out! (Cf. Prov. 22:6)
However, much damage is done in this respect because people have NOT been
in charge and understanding God’s rules of discipline of children. God
knows that children need discipline in order to learn how to make
progress and be productive in this life (CF. Prov. 29:15; Heb. 12:9). If
one will notice the context, he/she’ll see that LOVE and UNDERSTANDING
requires “chastening.” I heard an excellent sermon some time back by a 
brother Scott Smelser at Old Wire Road in Fayetteville on “Effective
Parenting.” I wish  every parent presently raising children could have
heard that lesson.
2. Storms occur between or among brethren. At times, disagreement,
difficulties, arise and more damage is experienced at times than need be,
due to a lack of preparation! At times that is a difference in judgment
(Cf. Acts 15:37-41) and each goes on serving in his capacity. At other
times there is a doctrinal differences (Acts 15:1ff) and people need to
get together and determine God’s will, as revealed in the Bible, and then
determine to abide by the teachings. In a local congregation, the remedy
to keep down division is for each to speak the same thing (1 Cor.
1:10ff). Each needs to be SURE an allow Christ to be Lord and not follow
men; even good men!
3. Other types of storms (difficulties) in life have to be faced that
can’t be avoided. They may be financial or health — due to no fault of
our own, but we have to deal with them. God is there, and we can be SAFE
from the storm in His love and care. We need to have faith in Him,
surrender to His authority and will, and be determined to DO what we can
according to His word! --William C. Sexton

BOOK OF 1 TIMOTHY – Chapter 3.

Introduction: In the third chapter of this book, Paul begins by setting
forth the qualification of men who can and should serve as “bishops.”
Also he deals with the qualifications of deacons.. Thirdly, the apostle
expressed his desire to be with Timothy, but knowing the uncertainty of
that, he write so Timothy (and all of us) can know how to conduct
ourselves as part of God’s family.
The qualification of “bishops,” elders, pastors, overseers in a
congregation of the Lord people are extremely important and each of us
need to pay careful attention, accept the true and teach and practice the
same. It is very important that we look carefully at the qualifications
set fort by the inspired apostle, relative to this aspect of  organizing 
God’s family the church. I say this is extremely important, due to the
fact that in the religious world today there is so much distortion.
People pay so little attention and create offices God has not authorized,
position people who are NOT what the Lord requires, etc. We need to know
the truth on this, and accept it and practice and STAND up for God’s
order of things! Notice that the bishop is to desire, be blameless,
married, vigilant, sober, good behavior, hospitable, able to teach, NOT a
wine drinker, striker, or greedy. He is to be patient, not quarrelsome or
covetous, ruling his children well. He can’t be a new convert.  He needs
to have a “good report.” (1 Tim. 3:1-7)

Deacons are people serving as special servants under the oversight of
bishops/elders/ pastors. They, too, have to meet qualifications, which
are a bit less strict than the bishop/elder/pastor. The deacon must be
grave or serious minded, not double-tongued, rather be straightforward in
his speech and communication. In the negative category are: wine
drinking, greed. He needs to hold the mystery of faith in a pure
conscience. One must be approved before he takes the position. (1 Tim.
3:8-13).

We all need to be aware of the nature and mission of the church, which is
God’s family, and functions to accomplish the greatest work of any entity
in existence. Each needs to know how to conduct himself in this wonderful
relationship of the family of God, the church of the living God. The
mission of this family, called out group, set aside for the service of
God is to stand under and support the truth. It is the pillar and ground
of the message that calls man from a world of sin and fits him for an
eternal home in heaven  Involved here is a mystery that is great:–How
Deity was manifested in the flesh, justified in spirit, witnessed by
angles, preached to every creature under heaven, received into glory (1
Tim. 3:14-16).
 QUESTIONS:
1. What is said to be a “true saying” (1 Tim. 3:1)?

2. What is the first qualification mentioned about a “good work” (1 Tim.
3:1)?

3. What is required relative to being a family man (1 Tim. 3:2, 5, 7)?

4. What is said about experience and reputation ( 1 Tim 3:2-7)

5.  What is said about disposition and dealing with others (1 Tim.
3:2,3)?

6. How is the deacon to be like the bishop (1 Tim. 3:8-12)?

7. What does the deacon who serves well “purchase” (1 Tim. 3:13)?

 8. Why did Paul write to Timothy telling how to behave himself (1 Tim.
3:14-15)?

9. What is another designation for the house of God and its mission (1
Tim. 3:15)?

10. What is without “controversy (1 Tim. 3:16))?
_________________________________________
Waveland Church of Christ
Corner of Highways 10 and 309
Waveland, AR 72842
William C. Sexton, 802 Adeline Lane, Van Buren, AR 72956-3530
(479)474-2617 or 479-650-8399
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