From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 1 03:33:28 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 04:33:28 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE LURE OF CONVENIENCE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. THE LURE OF CONVENIENCE The Biblical account of the split of the kingdom of Israel is tragic. The godly leadership of David provided peace and the wise rule of Solomon resulted in prosperity, but with the death of Solomon, things quickly changed. Solomon's son, Rehob- oam, is convinced he will be the successor to the throne, yet God has very different plans. Due to Solomon's idolatrous com- promises, the Lord had delared He would tear the kingdom away and give it to one of Solomon's servants. Yet, for the sake of David, one tribe would remain under the rule of his descend- ent. (1 Kgs. 11:9-13). When the dust settles, Rehoboam rules only the southern kingdom of Judah, while Jeroboam governs ten tribes of the northern kingdom. Though his throne is established, Jeroboam still worries that one day the people will rebel and seek to reesta- blish their loyalty to David's lineage. His fear is compounded as he considers the regulations of Moses commanding the people to travel to Jerusalem, the capital of the rival kingdom, in order to celebrate the various feasts and to offer the required sacrific- es. God had promised through Ahijah the prophet to be with Jer- oboam and build him an enduring house similar to David's. However, the promise was conditional. He must heed God's commands, walk in His ways, and do what is right (1 Kgs. 11:38, 39). But rather than trust God's Word, Jeroboam looks to imple- ment his own plan. To prevent the people from making the requi- red pilgrimages to Jerusalem, he constructs a place of worship in both Dan (in the north) and Bethel (in the south), each with their own priesthood and golden calf. And how does he go about "selling" his sinful idea? By proclaiming it to be an equal, yet more convenient substitute for God's way of doing things. (1 Kgs. 12:28). There were far-reaching results of this religious "convenience." 1. Jeroboam Operated From Ulterior Motives: -- Outwardly, he verbalized his objective as simply a case of having "their inter- est at heart." In truth, he was motivated by an inward compuls- ion to merely retain his power. While the close proximity of Jero- boam's shrines to Israel's citizens was alleged to be a legitimate convenience, the practice actually created greater distance be- tween them and their God. His supposedly sincere innovation was in reality a subtle snare baited by a self-centered monarch. 2. Jeroboam's Efforts Led To Greater Disunity Operated From ulterior Motives: -- The shrines (golden calves) at Dan and Beth- el now divided a nation both physically and spiritually. Not only did he erect new places of worship, but also altered their religio- us calendar and priesthood (1 Kgs. 12:32). This wasn't a case of the same worship occurring in different places, but complete- ly different worship altogether! While their common connection to Jehovah might have eased the tensions between Israel and Judah, Jeroboam's plan only accelerated the growing hostility between them in the years ahead. 3. Jeroboam's "Convenient" Worship Diverted Israel's Affect- ions: -- Similar to Aaron's declaration during the exodus (Exo. 32:4), Jeroboam proclaims his idols to be the gods that "brought you up from the land of Egypt" (1 Kgs. 12:28). God had decreed in no uncertain terms He was not to be represented in any form (Exo. 20:1-6) and that the place of His choosing wou- ld be where they must offer their sacrifices and worship (Deut. 12:5-7); that location would be the temple in Jerusalem (1 Kgs. 9:3). Jeroboam's sinful plan actually kept the people from com- ing into God's presence and diverted worship from the true God who deserved it to the worthless idols who didn't. 4. Jeroboam's Plot Would Ultimately Result In Divine Judgment: - The seeds that appeared so innocently sown in the name of convenience, sprouted, thrived adn eventually produced bitter fruit. Jeroboam's descendents would be swept away and God would "give up" Israel (1 Kgs. 14:10,16). When conquered by the Assyrians, the inspired historian pointed the finger of accus- ation toward the widked Jeroboam (2 Kgs. 17:22,23). (Is the relig- ion you practice a matter of conviction or convenience? JWS). ---------- Terry Slack in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 3, March 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081101/da44b1b5/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 1 03:33:18 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 04:33:18 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: GOD HAS SPOKEN "Let brotherly love continue" (Heb. 13:1). "Put on the whole armor of God" (Eph. 6:11). "Fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12). "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3). "Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it nec- essary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain men have crept in unnoticed..." (Jude 3,4). "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God..." (Eph. 6:17). Children of God are engaged in the greatest conflict of all in consequence -- the battle against evil within ourselves, within the church of the Lord, and with evil in the world. Preparation for the conflict is necessary, for we must strive according to the rules (2 Tim. 2:4,5). Yes, there are rules which we must know, abide by, and teach to others if we would win this conflict. This great spiritual conflict sets us against evil from wherever it com- es. We will meet it, whether prepared or unprepared; and, if we hope to win the battle, we must be able to use the sword of the Spirit effectively. We will find ourselves in controversy, either with God (Hos. 4:1-6) or with opposers of truth (Titus 1:7-16). There is no accord between Christ and Belial (2 Cor. 6:14-16). The only question left concerning this warfare is, "Where will we stand?" ------------ Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081101/3b733c62/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Nov 1 08:43:31 2008 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 09:43:31 EDT Subject: [Biblemat] Hilliard Bulletin for November 2008 Message-ID: HILLIARD BULLETIN Published by the church of Christ Meeting at 4840 Cemetery Rd. ? P. O. Box 96 Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 976-4089 Preacher & Editor: Garreth L. Clair Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) ? _glclair at sbcglobal.net_ (mailto:glclair at sbcglobal.net) ====================================================================== Volume 10 ---------------------------- Number 11 -------------------------- November 2008 ====================================================================== WHY WE ACCEPT THE BIBLE As God?s Written Word 2 Corinthians 5:4-10, ?4 These earthly bodies make us groan and sigh, but we wouldn't like to think of dying and having no bodies at all. We want to slip into our new bodies so that these dying bodies will, as it were, be swallowed up by everlasting life. 5 This is what God has prepared for us, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit. 6 Now we look forward with confidence to our heavenly bodies, realizing that every moment we spend in these earthly bodies is time spent away from our eternal home in heaven with Jesus. 7 We know these things are true by believing, not by seeing. ?For we walk by faith and not by sight.? (KJV) 8 And we are not afraid but are quite content to die, for then we will be at home with the Lord. 9 So our aim is to please him always in everything we do, whether we are here in this body or away from this body and with him in heaven. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged and have our lives laid bare-before him. Each of us will receive whatever he deserves for the good or bad things he has done in his earthly body.? (The Living Bible (i.e. more a commentary than a translation) HOW WE VIEW THE BIBLE by Garreth L. Clair If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world are personally responsible for the way they respond to it. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, someday everyone in the world will be judged by its contents. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all people in the world should look at its contents and make life choices about how they will react to it. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, everyone will one day bow to Jesus Christ who is "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, all of humanity must follow whatever God has said about any subject named in it, unless there are exclusions contained within the instruction. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, every statement and every thing in it is absolutely true and cannot be contested by any man or group of men. John 8:32 tells me that it is the ?TRUTH? If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, the first two verses in the Book of Genesis are true. Therefore, mankind is composed of simply created beings whom God has blessed beyond expression. If the Bible is from God, as I believe it is, I will obey, live accordingly, love God, love my neighbor, and do as He instructs me. I will thank Him continually for my life; for my mind and body health; for Jesus Christ, His great gift for my sins; indeed, for everything. I will be a Christian because I believe in God, the Bible, and everything about God's Book: If the Bible is not from God, I will live out my life as a Christian not knowing it. I will eventually die and be buried somewhere, and my memory will finally subside so that one-thousand years from today, no one will ever know that I have lived. If the Bible is from God, because I made a personal choice in my life to believe and obey Him, someday all the promises He has made to me will become reality. I will gain victory, the thought of which encourages me to continue faithfully day by day seeking to do God?s will. ?For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.? (1 Corinthians 15:54-58) Building a Great life - READ: _Heb. 11:8-16_ (http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?language=english&passage=Hebrews+11:8-16) They desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; Hebrews 11:16, ?But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.? (KJV) For 41 years, New York?s Empire State Building enjoyed the distinction of being the world?s tallest building at 1,250 feet. Since then, others have passed it, including the 1,483-foot Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the 1,670-foot Taipei 101 building. The 2,657-foot Burj in Dubai to be completed in late 2008 will surpass those by far. >From ancient times, man has tried to distinguish himself through monuments of all kinds. It is still the dream of many today. The writer to the Hebrews presents a better way to achieve significance. He noted that heroes of the faith never lost sight of the fact that they ?were strangers and pilgrims on the earth? (Heb. 11:13). As a result, ?God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them? (v.16). It is a fact of life that every monumental work will likely be surpassed. Even man?s biggest ?successes? are fleeting. Our best efforts can bring only temporary honor, which all too soon will be eclipsed by the new and greater achievements of others. But those who invest their efforts in living to please God have a lasting city and an everlasting honor to look forward to. God is even now preparing these for them. Who is building your life; You or God? True greatness does not lie with those Who strive for worldly fame; It lies instead with those who choose To serve in Jesus? name. --- D. De Haan CONTROVERSY [Solving it in the Church] The reality of disputes among religious adherents is legend; there have always been disputes between honest people professing religion. The fact that there have been disputes and controversy over religious issues in no way justifies many such disputes; indeed, many religious disputes could be avoided if the individual who have such a dispute were clear about their convictions. Often disputes originate by a person who uses a straw man to bring up their disagreement. This is a tactic that often creates explosive confrontations because someone in the crowd takes an adverse position but will not acknowledge it openly, thus the straw man is presented and his position defended by the person who likes confrontation. Open controversy will cause many people to stop serving the Lord and turn to more peaceful assemblies somewhere else. These people that will vacate a church where there is constant wrangling over every subject may be justified by leaving but they ought to seek out a sound church for worship. No person ought to be so discouraged that they leave a church for an unsound church to worship because they are seeking an atmosphere free of controversy. The truth is, occasionally honest differences will arise between honest disputations, {Example: Paul?s companions in the work of God - _Philemon 24-25_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Phm+1:24-25) , ?24 (and so do) Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow-workers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.? ASV}. Of this number, John Mark did not travel with Paul on one of the journeys because of personal differences {i.e. _Acts 15:37-40_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Ac+15:37-40) , ?37 And Barnabas was minded to take with them John also, who was called _Mark. 38_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Mk+38) But Paul thought not good to take with them him who withdrew from them from Pamphylia, and went not with th em to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted asunder one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark with him, and sailed away unto Cyprus; 40 but Paul choose Silas, and went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.? ASV] Whenever this condition surfaces, the better judgment of the elder will stop this before it becomes an open schism. Also examine the next paragraph closely for more on this theme. One of the great problems exists when seemingly unsolvable disputes arise in a church where there are no elders. Many churches that are small and have no elders meet regularly to solve congregational matters in business meetings. These business meetings often become sessions of division and controversy. Since these adverse conditions are discouraging to some this matter may cause some to leave the church unannounced. There would normally be no controversy if only one person is involved as being difficult and advisable but often this person will have some influence over a few others in the congregation. Whenever a problem such as I have just described occurs, the church is divided in the business meeting as well as in the assembly. Whenever division of this nature occurs Paul?s statement to the church at Corinth over miraculous spiritual gifts and their creation of problems with members ought to be examined, cf. _1 Cor 14:37-40_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=1Co+14:37-40) , ? 37 If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not speak with tongues. 40 But let all things be done decently and in order.? ASV The most helpful quality that any Christian may contribute to ?the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? [i.e. the roadmap to peace and unity - _Ephesians 4:2-6_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Eph+4:2-6) ] - ?2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4(There is) one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. ?ASV] is to be careful that those words that are used are words that will not create an opportunity for rebuttal. Sound teaching will usually eliminate schism in a congregation if the members really want to submit to one another and promote peace and unity as the Word of God requires of Christians in a congregation ? cf. _Heb 13:17_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Heb+13:17) , ?Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit (to them): for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this (were) unprofitable for you.? ASV ? This instruction seems to work when the church has elders but is much more difficult to understand when everyone in a business meeting thinks himself to be elder material even though they are not qualified on scriptural grounds. In such a case where there are no elders problems seem to get worse whenever the problem is brought up in a business meeting. Dear brethren, pray that more men in the church will work at qualifying themselves for the eldership. Qualified elders are the best group of men in the congregation to solve serious differences and rebellious people in the church. Without elders many congregations will eventually self-destruct, they will last for a while and finally destruct from within. Pray for maturity {i.e. personal growth} cf. _2 Peter 3:18_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=2Pe+3:18) , ?But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him (be) the glory both now and for ever. Amen.? AS Pray for unity of the spirit in the bond of peace cf. _Eph 4:3-4_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Eph+4:3-4) , ?_3_ (http://www.crossbooks.com/verse.asp?ref=Eph+4:3) giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4(There is) one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling;? ASV ? For every male member of each congregation particularly on this behalf [i.e. that they will work at qualifying themselves for scriptural leadership roles] in the congregation. LOCAL HAPPENINGS The church here is in the process of adding power point capabilities to the teaching process in the auditorium at the building. The power point capabilities will aid in the visual teaching process. There will be a new process for recording the sermons and auditorium classes by this time next month. The brethren decided to go to the DVD recording process for the auditorium events here on Cemetery Road. The cassette taping program will continue to be an option for the auditorium also. If we make any changes pertaining to the development and assimilation to the members and others of our materials that teach the gospel we will inform you. Those involved in the work of setting up these good helps; are Rodney Estepp, Rob Blatt, Bill Kirke, and Randy and Cody Archer. Also the preacher finished a six part study of ?WHAT KIND OF BOOK IS THE BIBLE? ? A thirty page spiral bound study was prepared by the preacher and distributed to the members and visitors during the study. Thanks to Gary Brewer for assembling the books. Remember there are free Bible teaching tracts available to those who desire to use them for personal study or for personal working. THE Hilliard Bulletin is presented by the congregation on a monthly basis for the teaching and information of the membership and others that request it. If you do not receive the Hilliard Bulletin and desire to have it emailed to you contact us at _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) and we will add your name to our monthly mailing list. The next gospel meeting here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard will be a lecture type meeting with different speakers each day. Those participating in the meeting will be Lewis Willis, Ethan Longhenry, James Buchanan, Randy Blackaby, Steve Brewer and Jason Hardin. R **************Plan your next getaway with AOL Travel. Check out Today's Hot 5 Travel Deals! (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212416248x1200771803/aol?redir=http://travel.aol.com/discount-travel?ncid=emlcntustrav00000001) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081101/4e729ec6/attachment-0001.html From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Nov 1 14:37:50 2008 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 12:37:50 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> Giving More And More Message-ID: <000001c93c59$55290f80$ff7b2e80$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper November 2, 2008 Giving More And More Years ago, before I had decided I was going to become a full-time gospel preacher and evangelist, I had someone ask me if I would consider it. I at first ignored it until someone else asked me - and then someone else. During that time, I picked up a copy of J.D. Tant: Texas Preacher and read about Tant's interesting and busy life of service, and it made me think that, compared to him, I had done very little. I gained an appreciation for his work and dedication, as well as that of his wife who raised his children well, even without him being home a good deal of the time. Also at that time, I had a lot of people asking me if I knew of sound gospel preachers I could recommend for congregations who were needing one. All of these things together made me think seriously about what I was doing for the Lord's service and made me ask myself if I could do more than what I was doing. It wasn't that I was doing nothing, but I had to ask if I could do more. Almost every day, I ask myself that question: Can I do more for the Lord's work? I believe it is a good question to ask if we are genuinely concerned about doing the Lord's work - and I don't believe it should be limited to the men who have dedicated their lives in service to him [evangelists]; I believe all disciples should be willing to ask this question. When Paul wrote the Thessalonian brethren, he said, "Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more" (1st Thess. 4:1; NASV). Though they were apparently doing what Paul had taught them about pleasing God, Paul didn't want them to become complacent; he wanted them to keep doing more and do even better! When we consider Paul's admonition to them, do we then look at self and ask, "Can I excel still more in the way I live to please God?" Or are we happy with where we are? Later, he wrote, "Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; for indeed you do practice it toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to excel still more" (vv. 9, 10). Again, they were apparently doing a great job of demonstrating their love for the brethren and all those in the region, but Paul didn't want them to rest on their laurels; he wanted them to keep doing more and to do even better! He wanted them to "excel still more"! Do we then consider that, when it comes to the love of our brethren and all men, that we could do even better than what we have done? What about your financial giving? How much do you give to the financial support of the Lord's work or for the needs of others? [Don't answer out loud.] Can you give more? When you consider the Macedonians and how they gave, surely we can see that we haven't even begun to do what they did! Paul said, "they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will" (2nd Cor. 8:3). Paul said they begged him to allow them to take part in helping these needy brethren (v. 4) though they themselves were not a lot better (v. 2)! Have you ever given more than what you could really afford for the support of the Lord's work or for the needs of others? The Macedonians did! And how did they do it? Paul said, "they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us" (v. 5). Friends and brethren, when you give yourself fully to the Lord and then to the service of your fellow man, the rest of your giving becomes a lot easier, and it is likely that you will find a way to give more and more when others think you have nothing left to give! But there are many other ways we may give more and more in our service to the Lord. How about as teachers? I know James gave a serious warning about teachers (Jas. 3:1), but please do not let that scare you away from becoming a teacher. James was writing about those among the brethren who sought a higher status than being "just a disciple" and who sought some means of being over others. He was not saying that there should be few teachers, just that we do not need any more who seek ways to be seen of men. If everyone shied away from teaching because of its seriousness, who would do the teaching that needs to be done? Can you give more of your time and effort in that endeavor? Please understand that there is a time to be a babe in Christ and there is a time when you "ought to be teachers" (Heb. 5:12). And since all servants of the Lord must be "able to teach" (2nd Tim. 2:24), that means you who are disciples - at some point - must be able to teach. I am confident Paul did not mean we simply must be able to teach and then never teach; I am sure he meant we must then teach! If you are not yet at the point that you can teach, can you give more time and effort so you can? What about your attendance with the saints for worship and for Bible study? Are you giving all you can in that effort? I am aware that some things happen that prevent us from attending every assembly, but I also know there are quite a few who miss these assemblies purposefully and without any good reason other than they simply do not want to come. Why is that? I cannot answer for anyone but myself, but I must ask again: Can you give more? Can you do better? When I see a dropoff of almost 50% from Sunday morning to Wednesday evening, I have to wonder what it is that keeps so many from doing more than what they are doing. And let me ask you a blunt question: Would it be acceptable to you if the preacher only showed up on Sunday mornings? The elders? The Bible class teacher? When you answer those questions, ask yourself why you only come on Sunday mornings [if you do]. Can you do better? Can you give more of your time to the Lord and to your brethren? I believe we all should have the heart of the psalmist, who wrote, "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord!'" (Psa. 122:1). Is that how you feel? I urge you to take the time to look first at your own life and honestly see where you stand in the sight of God. If you are not where you could be, what will you do? I urge you to grow and strive more and more. Are you doing all you can do? If not, what will you do? I urge you to do more and more. Are you giving all you can for the Lord's kingdom and work? If not, what will you do? I urge you to give more and more. Whatever the case - even if you find you are doing well and are spiritually mature - I, like Paul, urge you to "excel still more" and find ways to do more than even what you might know or believe you can do. Far too often, we limit ourselves more than do outside forces. Don't sell yourself short and don't hesitate to step out of the boat to get closer to Jesus. If you have the right measure of faith, you might just surprise yourself and others. Many of us recognize, as did Paul, that we have not yet "become perfect" and that we have not yet reached our goal of eternal life in heaven (Phlp. 3:12, 13). Because of this, we - like Paul - "[forget] what lies behind and [reach] forward to what lies ahead, [and] press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (vv. 13, 14). When we recognize we have a long way to go, we do not simply resign ourselves to mediocrity, but strive ever more to be like Christ (cf. Eph. 4:13-15) - giving more, doing more, and being more than what we were in the past and even now. A disciple that does not grow will soon be called immature and he will then become weak in the faith and unable to withstand the enemy's attacks. Soon, the enemy will find him and devour him (1st Pet. 5:8) and another soul will be lost. Don't let that be you! -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081101/23d442c8/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat Nov 1 21:54:53 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sat, 1 Nov 2008 22:54:53 -0400 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume III, Number 44: November 02, 2008 Message-ID: Good News for Norwalk For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Volume III, Number 44: November 02, 2008 ------------------------------------------------- 1 John 1:8-10: Our Sin If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us (1 John 1:8-10). After John confirms the authenticity of his message, he puts forward His message that in God is light, and there is no darkness in Him (1 John 1:5). If we walk in that light, we have association with God and the blood of His Son cleanses us from sin (1 John 1:7). Yet we, as humans, are not perfect creatures. As Paul indicates in Romans 3:23, we have all sinned, and we all fall short of God's glory. John recognizes this, and thus after he establishes that we are to walk in the light, he addresses the difficulty of our sins in 1 John 1:8-10. Verses 8 and 10 speak directly regarding our sin. Unfortunately, these verses are often misunderstood or intentionally under-emphasized. In these verses, John confesses our previous and current sin; some would rather believe that John is just speaking of our past sin. Verse 10 is rendered in the perfect tense in Greek, indicating that we have sinned in the past; to deny this is to make God a liar, and proves that His Word is not in us. Verse 8 is rendered in the present tense, and therefore indicates that we still do continually and/or repeatedly sin. If we deny this, we are deceived, and God's truth is not in us! The issue of our present sin is a very thorny problem; after all, Jesus died so that we would be set free from sin, and Paul indicates that we should no longer be bound to sin (Romans 6). Yet even Paul recognizes our constant struggle: he uses the present tense when saying that we all "fall short of the glory of God" in Romans 3:23. We continually do not live up to our ideal. We still struggle against the will of the flesh, and we still fail at times (cf. Galatians 5:17-24). Some try to deny this, and attempt to emphasize passages that speak of becoming "perfect" (cf. Matthew 5:48; the word may be better translated as "mature"). They then think that we can somehow get to the point of not sinning. Yet John says that this is not the case, not even of himself. We must remember that the sum of God's Word is truth (Psalm 119:160). When John says that we deceive ourselves if we say that we have no sin, we must accept it. We must continue to strive to be like Christ, yet recognize that we will never live up to the ideal. Why, then, does John feel compelled to include these verses in his discussion? After all, if one fact is clear from the Scriptures, it is that mankind is sinful. In all likelihood, some of the Gnostic groups of the day denied the idea of sin and the idea that we have sinned. This is completely false, as John asserts, and to believe it is to be deceived, to fall into a lie, and a demonstration that God's Word is not in us. John affirms that there is such a thing as sin, and we have been guilty of it and are still guilty of it. Yet what is to be done regarding our sin? Sin represents darkness, and we are told that there is no darkness in God (1 John 1:5)! As John established in verse 7, the blood of Jesus, the Son of God, is able to cleanse us from all sin. John does not mention how our past sins are cleansed; Peter and Paul make it clear that baptism accomplishes this (Acts 2:38, Romans 6:3-7, 1 Peter 3:21). While baptism cleanses us from our past sins, what can cleanse us from our sins since baptism? John answers this question in verse 9: if we confess our sins, God will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. This verse is also rendered in the present tense: as we continually sin, we must continually confess our sin, and God is continually faithful to cleanse us continually. Confession is the Greek word homologeo, "to speak the same thing." Confession is not some generic statement declaring that we have sinned, but represents a sinner declaring his sinful deeds before God and requesting forgiveness from them. This can only be accomplished when there is repentance for those sins (cf. Luke 13:3), the attempt to overcome those sins. As Christians, we strive to walk in the light. Unfortunately, there are times when we stumble into the darkness. As opposed to denying this, or trying to justify it, we must instead freely admit it to God, and strive to do better at walking in that light. When we do so, we are cleansed of our sins, and maintain our association with God. Let us not be lost to the darkness, but instead walk in the light! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org ------------------------------------------------- The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies! Our location: 386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits) Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Our assemblies: Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm Our Bible studies: Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm ------------------------------------------------- For More Information If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist at norwalkchurch.org. Good News for Norwalk is a publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio, for the promotion of God's truth in our world. For more information about the church of Christ in Norwalk, please visit our website at norwalkchurch.org. Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From tssullivan at charter.net Sun Nov 2 07:50:51 2008 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2008 07:50:51 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 036 Message-ID: <9BDBFE087FE447B08EE560EFE8763F0C@sean1a4c1f786> T he Messenger 2008 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 731-627-3514 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 003::ISSUE 036:: November 02, 2008 ARTICLE ONE: Want to Please God? ARTICLE TWO: How is Your Giving? Article One: Want to Please God? We have an opportunity to effectively please our Creator. Pleasing God is a goal; all goals need to be planned to be achieved. Also, however, that plan must be followed to find true success. The true success is found in the plan that God has provided for us to be pleasing to Him. There are simply too many today who live under the impression that God accepts anything we offer-this is certainly not a true understanding (Matthew 7:21-23). How are we going to achieve this goal-not only as individuals but as a family: a group? Every member needs to better understand what our goal is. Every member is determined to fulfill their role in our goal. Every member actually does work to accomplish our goal. So let's look at the goal today: In order to bring every member to understanding. In order to encourage the determination of our individual roles. In order that we can actually accomplish our goal of pleasing God. Paul, through inspiration, establishes a plan for achieving our God in the twelfth chapter of Romans. Let's look at the plan. Serve God According To His Will (Romans 12:1-8) We must be determined to be conforming to God's will. All that we do is to be for God: God's way. We know God's way because He told us (Hebrews 1:1-2). We are able to search and know what God's will is (Acts 17:11). We are searching the word to know what it acceptable to the Lord (Ephesians 5:6-17). Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2 to take action in our service. Christianity cannot be passive it must be active: Determined to use my life for God's service I must be holy. I must be acceptable to God. I must actively serve. When we determine to actively serve we must find our role and fulfill it. We must serve with humility (verse 3), we must serve within our own abilities (verse 4), and we must serve for the betterment of all (verse 5). We must further qualify our service by willing serving to our fullest: If a servant: serve with your full measure of ability. If a teacher: teach with your full measure of ability. If an exhorter: exhort with your full measure of ability. If a giver: give much with your full measure of ability. If a leader: lead with your full measure of ability. Together as a congregation we are seeking to serve God: according to God's will and together we can succeed. Provide For One Another's Needs (Romans 12:9-16) We must work toward a relationship that nurtures a full commitment to God. There is nothing more discouraging or distracting from our service to God than when another leaves the faith. When they are caught in actions unbecoming a Christian such as the offer of hypocritical love. We are here in order to help and comfort our brethren as we travel together down the "narrow difficult way" (Matthew 7:13-14). When we fail to love we are failing to be what Christ commanded and we are out of the faith (John 13:34-35). We must be those who willingly desire good and refuse evil (verse 9). This is the same command as 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and it is accomplished by exercising our sense to determine which is which (Hebrews 5:12-14). We must be those who willingly serve one another as we serve the Lord (verses 10-11). We must be those who are willing to give each other the best of what we have (preference) lift them up and give them the opportunities--even if it means we may to be left out. This attitude is hard to fully comprehend but it is perfect if it comes to you and you use it. We must be those who willingly work together toward the goal (verses 12-16). Together we rejoice in our hope and looking forward to Heaven (John 14:1-6). Together we are patient in tribulation and enduring hardships (1 Peter 1:6-9). Together we seek each other's needs in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Together we see that each other's needs are distributed (met). These needs are some times met with money (Acts 4:34-37) and sometimes just being there for them-hospitality (1 Thessalonians 5:11). We uphold one another in times of good and times of sorrow. Also, in all of this there are going to be people who need your help: do not condescend toward them, be humble enough to know your ability to help comes from God. Reach Out With The Gospel (Romans 12:17-21) We have a mission to save souls from certain condemnation (Mark 16:15-16). Verse 17 says that we must act in such a way that others see us as "good" (Matthew 5:13-16). Verses 18-20 tell us to not cause undue conflicts since this will reflect poorly on the you and the church--If you are the biggest trouble maker in town, who will want to be like you, or be part of a church that calls you a member? Live in such a way as to show others the way to live according to God's will. Be an influential person in this world. Do not let the world overtake you (Romans 12:1-2). Help others come out of the world and into Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Let's determine to overcome evil around us with the light of truth-the gospel of Jesus Christ. Conclusion: We have a great goal: to serve God according to truth in all things; to help each other succeed in that service; to bring more souls out of the world; into Christ. This is our goal to please God. Now that we are aware of this: we must find our role in this plan. We must get to work in accomplishing this plan. There is much do, together we can do it. I am here to help you and you are here to help me. Together we will succeed. ~tss Article Two: Desire Change? As Christians we are representatives of change. Every member of this local church has been changed and we are living in those changes. We are also seeking other to offer change to them. There is a process to change. 1. Not knowing that change is needed 2. Seeing that change is available. 3. Denying that change is needed 4. Accepting that change is needed 5. Desiring change 6. Willingness to be changed 7. Restructuring your life to adapt to the changes 8. Seeing the resultant benefits of change. 9. Maintaining the resultant change. 10. Completely adapted to the change. This process actually includes many more defined steps but these ten give us the picture of what people go through when we are attempting to change them with the gospel. Change is not as simple as we sometimes feel that it should be for others. Today let's consider some basics of "offered change". Jesus is one whose ways offer us betterment through change. Jesus Can Change the Way You Think For the Better If you were to analyze the focus of the world's search, you would soon discover that they are striving for happiness. The most enduring happiness is wrapped up in a little word called joy. Joy is more than happiness: Joy is enduring happiness; no matter what you are facing there is a kernel of happiness that resides in your heart. Today, many search for joy in sorts of things from drugs to illicit immorality, from money to material possessions. True happiness (joy), is not found in sin (Romans 6:23). Joy is not found in heaping up possessions (Luke 12:15). The greatest source of joy is knowing that we are at peace with God. Paul describes that peace as surpassing understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). The fact that Paul knew that joy is more than apparent. Think about the situation both he and Silas faced in Acts 16. They were beaten and imprisoned and yet they prayed and sang hymns to God. Also, consider: Paul's statements from Romans 8:31, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" and Philippians 4:13, "I can do al things through Christ who strengthens me. As disciples of Christ, we should have lives free of many emotional hang-ups that the world suffers. Galatians 5:19-21 reveals that many sins are rooted in improper emotions. The works of the flesh are tied directly with emotions or are in themselves emotional reactions. Hatred, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, and envy are all emotional states. As Disciples of Christ we should rather have: love, joy peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We should have more emotional balance as Christians. Because what we know: That God is (Hebrews 11:6; Hebrew 1:1-2); that God is all powerful (Genesis 1, 2; Acts 17:24-27); His word is His will for me (Psalm 19:7-11; 119:97-105); that I have been made acceptable to Him through Christ (Ephesians 1:3-10). We also know that will have eternal life if we remain faithful (Revelation 2:10). Has Jesus changed the way that you think for the better? Tell someone. Jesus Can Change the Way We Live for the Better Throughout the scriptures sin is analogized by darkness and disparaging things: Proverbs 2:10-22 uses words like darkness, perversion, crooked, devious, immoral, forsaken, and death to describe the life of those who are self-willed and unwilling to serve God; walking the path of righteousness. Matthew, in his gospel, tells us we can be filled with the darkness of sin (Matthew 6:22-23). Paul warns that sin enslaves the sinner (Romans 6:16). When we think about these things and consider a passage like Romans 3:23, which says, "All have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God". We can clearly see why the world is looking for some hope. Many are looking of some light. I say some light because they are not specifically looking for, "The Light" (John 1:4). They are looking of the first source of relief from the sin and its darkness. We have what they need. They may or may not find us before they find something else to distract them for a time. Jesus can bring moral change. They can be freed from the darkness of sin: Consider what Jesus said in John 8:12, we, through Him, can have the light of life. They can take on a new righteous life (Ephesians 4:17-32). We can deny the works of the flesh and produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:19-25). Through Christ, we are giving a better way of life- one that is moral and upright. Has Jesus changed you morally? Tell someone. Jesus Can Change Our Spiritual Destiny for the Better This perhaps is the greatest of all changes. Before Jesus, we were lost in sin (Romans 3:23). The scriptures also describe, "lost" as "spiritually dead". Jesus changes us from spiritually dead to alive (Ephesians 2:1-6). This spiritual death is a separation from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). There is nothing in and of our selves able to reunite our souls with God, separate and apart from the Jesus Christ. Only the power of God to salvation, made available to us through the blood of Christ (Romans 1:16, Hebrews 9:22-28) can effect the spiritual change that we need. Has Jesus changed you spiritually? Tell someone. Conclusion: Jesus Christ can change your whole being [Mind (Emotionally), Body (Morally) and Soul (spiritually)]. Every change, Jesus effects, is for your betterment, and is good. We have better ways of looking at life, better ways of dealing with situations. We have a better hope. Jesus Christ will change your life. Are you ready for a change? ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081102/7ab45890/attachment-0001.gif From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Nov 2 17:33:24 2008 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2008 16:33:24 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (11/2/08) Message-ID: <20081102233559.9A906BC0E4@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) November 2, 2008 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com --- CONTENTS: "Forsaken the Right Way" (Richard Thetford) "What Is Indifference?" (W. R. Jones) "The Influence of the Home" (Kent E. Heaton Sr.) SENTENCE SERMONS --- FORSAKEN THE RIGHT WAY Richard Thetford We read in 2 Peter 2:15 "They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness." How sad it is to see those that once walked in the ways of the Lord to abandon His love and go the way of Satan. Yet there are many that have not forsaken the way of the Lord and remain steadfast in His service. These are the ones that understand that the right way, the way leading to eternal life has been dedicated by Jesus Christ. The Hebrew writer wrote: "Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh" (Hebrews 10:19-20). Our Duty to the Right Way The Christian's duty is not to forsake the right way of the Lord (2 Peter 2:15). Earlier in verse 15 we can learn where we are not to even speak evil of it, and in Acts 13:10, not to pervert the right way of the Lord. We have a responsibility in this life and that is to FIND the right way and then enter into it. Jesus said: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Failure on our part to find and enter the right way will cost us our very soul! Let us be determined to know the right way (Acts 18:26), teach it (Luke 20:21), and then walk in it (Isaiah 35:8-9). Don't forsake the right way. --- WHAT IS INDIFFERENCE? W. R. Jones 1. It is choosing to miss Bible Study on Sunday morning without an acceptable excuse and acting as though it is not really of any importance. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). 2. It is choosing to do what you want to do instead of assembling with the saints for worship on the Lord's Day. "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight" (Acts 20:7). "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). 3. It is choosing to miss the Wednesday Bible Study without an acceptable excuse and ignoring the effort of the church to provide edification for the members "Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things where-with one may edify another" (Romans 14:19). 4. It is spending your money to please "yourself" and having very little to give to the Lord which indicates you don't consider spreading the gospel a thing of great importance. "But this t say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). 5. It is an attitude which say this whole matter of the religion of Jesus is a "ho-hum, hum-drum" affair and I can "take it or leave it." Those of us who take the Lord's Cause lightly are in for a bitter end. Hear this warning; "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who bath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:29) --- THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOME Kent E. Heaton Sr. "One percent of the child's time is spent under the influence of the Sunday school; 7 percent under the influence of the public school; 92 percent under the influence of the home." (Albert S. Taylor) Consider the amount of time a child watches television and weigh the influence - in the home - in front of the television. The results are staggering no doubt. The kind of adults our children will be is greatly determined by the amount of influence they have in their growing years. The church cannot bring children to Christ with only four hours (or less in many cases) a week no more than someone going to medical school fours a week will make them a doctor. By the time they receive their degree in medicine, everything they have learned will be outdated. The time spent in Bible class is very important! Yet, too many parents believe that time spent in Bible class is all that is needed. We moan that we are losing our young people. People say, "But I brought him to church all his life and now he wants nothing to do with the Lord." Can it be that the only time the child saw the Lord in his life was in church? The influence of teaching children about God is not accomplished fully in church Bible classes. If a parent is not taking time and opportunity to share the gospel with their children on a daily basis then why question the disposition of the grown child who cares nothing for God? Parents must instill in their children every day the values established by God's word. Values of influence are established by the kind of movies we watch, shows we turn on, books we read and magazines we subscribe too. Parents show their children God by their words and deeds of kindness. Children learn about the gospel when parents emphasize spiritual matters in their lives. The influence of God mothers and fathers is found when children are taught to dress modestly. Mothers and fathers are the influence that is first seen by the children and forms the basis of their own lives. --- SENTENCE SERMONS Although a rumor has no legs it travels very fast. You can't win respect by demanding it. You cannot walk with God while you are running with the devil. A man can make money, but money can never make a man. Faithful cross-bearing ends up in crown-wearing. Nothing is religiously right which is normally wrong. If your religion does not make you a Christian, it is either wrong or not strong. We should believe the gospel and let it teach us how to behave. A word of wisdom: Make friends before you need them. --- SERMON The Rich Fool (with PowerPoint Charts) www.thetfordcountry.com --- 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study..........10:00 A.M. Worship......11:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study......6:30 P.M. Evangelist/Editor Richard Thetford Building: (970) 249-8116 Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081102/0b62f5e1/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9078 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081102/0b62f5e1/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 3 04:03:57 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 05:03:57 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) WE BELIEVE AND THEREFORE SPEAK Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: WE BELIEVE AND THEREFORE SPEAK The preaching of the apostles proceeded from hearts full of conviction. They had observed the miracales of Jesus: they had heard His teaching: three of them had been with Him in the Mount of Transfiguration, and had heard those worlds spoken from heaven, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleas- ed; hear ye HIm;" they had seen His composure as He was arrested in the Garden; they had carefully examined evidences of His resurrection, and had talked with Him, eaten with Him, felt of Him; they had watched as He ascended until a cloud received Him out of their sight. They believed! And so full were they of faith that their faith overflowed in words. They could not hold back that message which burned in their hearts. They preached it everywhere: in the synagogues and in the temple; in the streets and from house to house; in governor's mansions and in prisons; in market places and from Mars Hill; on ships and in chariots; in upper rooms and on river banks. They preached it to the rich and to the poor; to worshippers of God and to worshippers of idols; to the humble and to the proud; to the lowly and to the mighty; to the educated and to the uneducated; to the good and to the bad; to the moral and immor- al. They preached it to drunkards, to adulterers, to homosexua- ls, to idolators, to sorcerers, to kings, to governmental officials, to army officers, to jailors, to ship captains, to beggars. They preached it, and preached it, and preached it! Because they preached it they were imprisoned, beaten, scourged, stoned, mocked, ridiculed, threatened; they were victims of lies, deceit, conspiracy, uproars, mob violence, shipwreck; ambush; they lived in poverty, often hungering, and with "no certain dwelling place;" but nothing could stop them from preaching as long as they had breath. They believed, and their faith forced them to preach regardless of the consequences. They believed, and therefore spoke (2 Cor. 4:13). What did they preach? They preached that message reveal- ed to them by the Holy Spirit, God's divine message (1 Cor. 2:6- 13). They had no time for opinions, human philosophies, or poli- tics; nor was their faith centered upon such things. The messa- ge that burned in their hearts was a message concernint the Christ and salvation through Him. They believed in Christ, in the efficacy of His blood, and in the power of His gospel. They belie- ved, adn therefore they spoke that message, and that message only. Faith! In that one word may lie the most important element of effective evangelism. When we come to believe as did those apostles; when we become so full of faith that we can hardly re- strain ourselves; when the message of salvation burns within us as it did in them, we will be teaching others and we will be doing so effectively. Until then our words may contain an unmis- takable emptiness that will render them powerless in changing the hearts of men. ------ Bill Hall, via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 43, Oct. 26, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081103/8d2b12a0/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 3 04:04:11 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 05:04:11 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) "WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?" (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my ancient files. Use to the glory of God. "WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?" (1) "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your bret- hren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publi- cans so?" (Matt. 5:46,47). These pointed questions from the heart of the Son of God affirm a great truth about Christianity, and hurl a stimulating chal- lenge to every Christian. The truth asserted is that Christianity is vastly superior to the philosophy, wisdom and charity of the world. The challenge laid down is that the genuiness of our profession of faith must be demonstrated by our living and moving and having our very being on a higher level than that attained by the people of the world. "What do ye more than others?", Jesus demands of those who propose to follow Him. And this attention-arresting quest- ion brings out in sharp focus some basic truths about Christian- ity. A Religion Of Doing: -- 1. Christianity is a religion of doing. "What Do ye more than others?" is the question that Jesus asked. There are more strange notions concerning Christianity that are prevalent today. Many regard Christianity as a religion of feeling. In their minds the test of whether or not people are Christians is not what they have done or what they do, but that they have felt, and how they feel. But the question that Jesus asks is not, "What feel ye more than others?", but rather, "What do ye more than others?" A Personal Religion: -- 2. Christianity is a personal religion. "What do YE more than others?" Christ appeals directly to the hgeart of the individual. Let us, then, be willing to accept our responsibility as individ- ual Christians to act in concert with other Christians to discharge our obligations to God and to society. A Superior Religion: -- 3. Christianity is a religion of superior ex- cellence. "What do ye MORE than others?" Christianity is a re- ligion that goes farther, reaches deeper and accomplishes more than any human religion. All people have religion of some sort. The publicans, to whom Jesus referred in our text, had a religion. Theirs was a re- ligion of isolation. They loved those who loved them. Their blessings were heaped upon those who were willing to bless them. They reserved their salutations, smiles, and benedictions for those whom they called their brethren. The religion of the publicans, as delineated by Jesus here, was the religion of selfishness. There is much of that sort of religion in the world today. The issue is not always carefully joined as to whether one is on the side of right or wrong, but whether one is taking a stand that will benefit him from a mater- ial standpoint. Christianity is different. That is what Jesus is underscoring here. Christianity is different! And that means that real Christ- ians are different. It must mean that. It cannot mean less than that. Children of God must realize that their religion is different, that it is superior, that is must carry them to greater heights of love, service and sacrifice, than the vain religion that is of the earth and is therefore earthly (Matt. 5:43-48). Christianity is the plus religion! "What do ye MORE than others?" Christianity is morality plus righteousness. Christian- ity is righteousness plus -- righteousness plus zeal in the service of God and man. And undergirding the Christ-sanctified morality, righteousness and zeal of Christianity is a love so excellent -- so excelling all the vanity and selfishness of human religions -- that it wraps its arms around the heart of the whole human race (1 Thes. 3:12,13). Why Christians Should Do More Than Others: -- There is no doubt that God demands more of Christians than He does of other people. Why is this true? The Noblest Mission: -- 1. Christians have the noblest mission of any people on earth. Their mission is to save the world -- it is no less than that! There are many organizations that have splendid ideals and worthwhile ambitions. Some are devoted to improving the con- ditions of labor, others to protecting the interests of business, or of the home owner or of the land owner. Certain organizat- ions are dedicated to the elimination of injustice of various kinds. But the mission of the church is to save the world from sin. To whatever degree the church is successful in carrying out her mission, to that extent the problems of mankind are solved. The Grandest Ally: -- 2. Christians have the greatest and grand- est ally in carrying out their mission. "We are workers together with God" (2 Cor. 3:9). When we think of the tremendous implications of the fact that our mission is to save the world, it is a breath-taking realiz- ation -- until there dawns upon our consciousness the related fact that "we are workers together with God"! More is expected of Christians because they are able to do more. They have more light and knowledge than others, becau- se to them the Bible is not only an open book, but it is an open- ed book, and because the God of the universe is a God, not alone at hand, but the Ruler of their hearts. The Strongest Army: -- 3. Christians constitute the best equipp- ed army on earth. God has placed in their hands the only invinc- ible weapons that earth has ever seen. They are vastly superior to any carnal weapons that the mind and brawn of man has ever fashioned and made. The army of the Lord is the greatest moral force in the univer- se. The pen is mightier than the sword, moral force is superior to physical force. (2 Cor. 10:3-6; Eph. 6:10-17). The Greatest Challenge: -- 4. Christians face the greatest challen- ge of any people on earth. Because Christians are able to do more, because God is their ally, because God has placed in their hands all the weapons they need, and because theirs is the greatest mission on earth, more is expected of them. Human leaders require of their followers that they do a good job. Christ requires of His that they strive for perfection. The world expects more of us. Even though worldly people sometimes ridicule Christianity, yet they expect Christians to be better and to do more than other people. Our own consciences demand more of us because we have on our hearts the burden of the salvation of humanity. This question, "What do ye more than others?" is applicable to every Christian as an individual. Let us make it intimately personal by each of us applying it to himself. (More will be post- ed on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081103/7beffa43/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Nov 3 15:47:27 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 3 Nov 2008 16:47:27 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Deuteronomy Message-ID: Deuteronomy I. Introduction A. The Book of Deuteronomy 1. From the Greek deutero nomos, "second law" 2. Moses' final address to Israel B. A book of transitions 1. Moses dies; Joshua to lead the people 2. Israel about to cross the Jordan, possess the land, fulfill the promise 3. The end of the Pentateuch/Torah C. An enlightening book 1. The law put together with explanation 2. Helps us to understand God's intentions for Israel 3. Much for us as Christians to gain D. Let us consider Deuteronomy II. Deuteronomy: The Details A. Authorship 1. The speaker within Deuteronomy is Moses 2. Deuteronomy 31:24-26: Moses writes down the material of the book 3. Matthew 19:1-9, Deuteronomy 24:1-4: Jesus affirms that Moses spoke it 4. Editorial insertions, end of the book added by another author later B. Dating 1. From best textual evidence, Moses lives around 1450 BCE 2. Moses' address itself, writing of the book the last things he does before he dies 3. Deuteronomy itself covers no more than a week or two of time, possibly even one day 4. Final form of book perhaps in time of David, Solomon C. Audience 1. Original audience is Israel after the Wilderness 2. We can derive understanding and lessons from it D. Purpose 1. Another recounting of the Law for Israel to understand it 2. A recounting of history and explanation of God's intentions for Israel 3. Pointing the way to Christ and the new covenant III. Deuteronomy: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Israel from Sinai to Jordan (Deuteronomy 1-3) 2. General Exhortations (Deuteronomy 4-11) 3. Specific Legislation (Deuteronomy 12-26) 4. Blessings, Cursings, and the Covenant (Deuteronomy 27-30) 5. Moses' final blessings and death (Deuteronomy 31-34) B. Moses' Speech: Recounting the Wilderness (Deuteronomy 1-3) 1. Introduction (Deuteronomy 1:1-4) 2. Appointment of leaders at Sinai (Deuteronomy 1:5-18) 3. The spies and the results of Israel's rebellion (Deuteronomy 1:19-46) 4. Passing by Edom and Moab (Deuteronomy 2:1-23) 5. Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11) 6. Reuben, Gad, half of Manasseh receive land in the Transjordan; their obligations (Deuteronomy 3:12-20) 7. Moses' futile plea before God; his sentence (Deuteronomy 3:21-29) C. Serve God and Keep His Law (Deuteronomy 4) 1. Introduction, not to transgress boundaries of law (Deuteronomy 4:1-2) 2. Baal-peor was a warning for Israel (Deuteronomy 4:3-5) 3. Superiority of Israel's laws (Deuteronomy 4:6-8) 4. Need for Israel to remember the circumstance of hearing God on Sinai; as they did not see a form, they are not to make an image of God, or worship any created thing (Deuteronomy 4:9-20) 5. Moses' sentence (Deuteronomy 4:21-22) 6. Do not forget God; later generations not to make images (Deuteronomy 4:23-31) 7. Uniqueness of Israel's deliverance, communication with God; Exodus a demonstration that YHWH is God (Deuteronomy 4:32-40) 8. Moses establishes cities of refuge in the Transjordan; conclusion; description of land of Israel in the Transjordan (Deuteronomy 4:41-49) D. Revisiting the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5) 1. God made covenant with Israel; restatement of Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1-22) 2. People did not want to hear God's voice any longer; Moses intermediary between God and people (Deuteronomy 5:23-31) 3. Need to keep God's ways (Deuteronomy 5:32-33) E. What Israel Must Hear (Deuteronomy 6-8) 1. Israel to hear and follow God's instruction (Deuteronomy 6:1-3) 2. The shema; declaration of God's unity and the need to be devoted to Him (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) 3. Devotion to God's instruction: recitation, contemplation, instruction (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) 4. Do not forget God when in the land of Israel; condemnation of idolatry (Deuteronomy 6:10-15) 5. Do not test God; do what He says; dispossess nations (Deuteronomy 6:16-19) 6. Explanation to children regarding God's laws (Deuteronomy 6:20-25) 7. Destruction of Canaanites, not integration (Deuteronomy 7:1-6) 8. Israel chosen because of smallness, not greatness (Deuteronomy 7:7-8) 9. Do God's will; if Israel does so, they will be blessed (Deuteronomy 7:9-16) 10. No need to fear the nations; what God will do to them; their participation (Deuteronomy 7:17-26) 11. Forty years in the wilderness for discipline; God has provided for them (Deuteronomy 8:1-6) 12. The good land God is giving to Israel (Deuteronomy 8:7-10) 13. Warning to not forget God after being satisfied with the blessings of the land (Deuteronomy 8:11-20) F. Israel's Stubbornness (Deuteronomy 9) 1. God will accomplish the dispossession of nations (Deuteronomy 9:1-3) 2. Israel is gaining land not by their righteousness but because of Canaan's sinfulness and God's promises to the fathers (Deuteronomy 9:4-5) 3. Recounting of events surrounding the golden calf (Deuteronomy 9:6-21) 4. Later incidents of rebellion and stubbornness recounted (Deuteronomy 9:22-29) G. God's Statutes (Deuteronomy 10-11) 1. Recounting of recreation of tablets (Deuteronomy 10:1-5) 2. Parenthetical statement about the Ark and the Levites (Deuteronomy 10:6-9) 3. Charge to possess land recounted (Deuteronomy 10:10-11) 4. Summation of Israel's obligation to God (Deuteronomy 10:12-13) 5. Greatness of God; need to show love because of His love; Israel not to be stubborn (Deuteronomy 10:14-22) 6. Need to love God; Israel to consider what God did to Pharaoh, Dathan, and Abiram (Deuteronomy 11:1-7) 7. Keep the law to gain and keep land; description of land (Deuteronomy 11:8-12) 8. Blessings God will give if Israel is obedient (Deuteronomy 11:13-15) 9. Condemnation for idolatry (Deuteronomy 11:16-17) 10. Israel to keep law, meditate and speak upon it, teach it (Deuteronomy 11:18-21) 11. Israel gains land if they keep the law; its boundaries (Deuteronomy 11:22-25) 12. Blessings and cursings on mounts Ebal and Gerizim (Deuteronomy 11:26-32) H. A Holy and Separate Nation (Deuteronomy 12-15) 1. Destruction of pagan altars (Deuteronomy 12:1-4) 2. Sacrifices at the Tabernacle (Deuteronomy 12:5-7) 3. Israel to go to Tabernacle to bring offerings and sacrifices (Deuteronomy 12:8-12) 4. Sacrifices nowhere else; meat can be eaten elsewhere; blood cannot be eaten (Deuteronomy 12:13-16; 20-25) 5. Tithes, freewill offerings, etc. to be brought, enjoyed in Tabernacle; care for the Levite (Deuteronomy 12:17-19; 26-28) 6. Do not seek out information about Canaanite deities to serve YHWH in similar ways; do not depart from God's way to the right or left (Deuteronomy 12:26-32) 7. Prophets not to be heeded who say to serve other gods; such are tests for Israel; such a prophet to be stoned (Deuteronomy 13:1-5) 8. Family members or close associates who incite to idolatry to be stoned; Israel to fear, not do such things (Deuteronomy 13:6-11) 9. A city in which some incite to idolatry to be investigated; if true, city to be devoted to destruction; need to do God's will (Deuteronomy 13:12-18) 10. Israel chosen: no cutting or intentional balding (Deuteronomy 14:1-2) 11. Clean and unclean foods (Deuteronomy 14:3-21) 12. Tithe of produce (Deuteronomy 14:22-26) 13. Care for Levite; every third year's tithe for Levites and dispossessed (Deuteronomy 14:27-29) 14. The Sabbath year release (Deuteronomy 15:1-3) 15. Lack of poverty in land if people follow God (Deuteronomy 15:4-6) 16. Assisting fellow Israelites in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-11) 17. Care for Israelite debt slaves (Deuteronomy 15:12-18) 18. Dedication of the firstborn; eating it before God; must be unblemished; cannot eat its blood (Deuteronomy 15:19-23) I. Festivals (Deuteronomy 16) 1. Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (Deuteronomy 16:1-8) 2. Feast of Weeks (Deuteronomy 16:9-12) 3. Feast of Booths (Deuteronomy 16:13-15) 4. Presentation of males before YHWH thrice yearly (Deuteronomy 16:16-17) 5. Justice to be shown; no Asherahs (Deuteronomy 16:18-22) J. In the Land of Israel... (Deuteronomy 17-26) 1. Proper animals for sacrifice (Deuteronomy 17:1) 2. Stoning for idolaters (Deuteronomy 17:2-7) 3. Difficult homicide cases to be brought to Tabernacle for decision; decision rendered final (Deuteronomy 17:8-13) 4. Guidelines for a future king of Israel: limitations, should have a copy of the law, to remain humble (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) 5. The Levites and their portion (Deuteronomy 18:1-8) 6. Condemnation, destruction of abominations of Canaanites (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) 7. A prophet like Moses coming (Deuteronomy 18:15-19) 8. Validation of prophet: accomplishment of what he says (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) 9. Cities of refuge to be established in Israel; explanation of the manslayer, his situation, what is to be done (Deuteronomy 19:1-13) 10. Not to move landmark; not to allow only one witness (Deuteronomy 19:14-15) 11. False witness and its consequences (Deuteronomy 19:16-21) 12. Going out to war; who should and should not fight (Deuteronomy 20:1-9) 13. First offer peace; if refused, storm the city, kill all the men, take everything else (Deuteronomy 20:10-15) 14. Those in Canaan, however, to be entirely devoted to destruction so that Israel will not be tempted (Deuteronomy 20:16-18) 15. Trees for food not to be cut down in a siege (Deuteronomy 20:19-20) 16. Guidelines for handling a dead man found in a field (Deuteronomy 21:1-9) 17. Guidelines for taking a prisoner of war as wife (Deuteronomy 21:10-14) 18. Inheritance division for a bigamist (Deuteronomy 21:15-17) 19. Stoning for disobedient sons (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) 20. Provisions for people hung on trees for crimes (Deuteronomy 21:22-23) 21. Restoration of neighbor's property (Deuteronomy 22:1-4) 22. Women should not wear men's clothing, vice versa (Deuteronomy 22:5) 23. Do not eat mother and eggs of birds (Deuteronomy 22:6-7) 24. No intermixing of seeds, animals plowing, cloth types; tassels for garments (Deuteronomy 22:8-12) 25. Guidelines for a man questioning virginity of bride (Deuteronomy 22:13-21) 26. Condemnation, stoning of adulterers (Deuteronomy 22:22) 27. Guidelines for rape cases; no marriage to stepmother (Deuteronomy 22:23-30) 28. Those cut off from the assembly of YHWH (Deuteronomy 23:1-6) 29. Greater favor to Edom and Egypt (Deuteronomy 23:7-8) 30. Requirement of cleanliness of the camp (Deuteronomy 23:9-14) 31. Handling escaped slaves (Deuteronomy 23:15-16) 32. No cult prostitutes; no interest on loans to Israelites; charge interest to foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:17-20) 33. Fulfillment of vows (Deuteronomy 23:21-23) 34. Picking your neighbor's grapes or grain (Deuteronomy 23:24-25) 35. Legislation regarding remarrying an ex-wife (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) 36. Newly married guideline (Deuteronomy 24:5) 37. Death for kidnappers (Deuteronomy 24:6) 38. Guidelines for skin diseases (Deuteronomy 24:7-9) 39. Pledges; fairness with hired persons; showing justice; benevolence to the dispossessed (Deuteronomy 24:10-22) 40. Punishments for wrongdoing; not muzzling ox (Deuteronomy 25:1-4) 41. Levirate marriage (Deuteronomy 25:5-10) 42. Punishment for woman who puts hand on a man in an inappropriate place (Deuteronomy 25:11-12) 43. Fair balances (Deuteronomy 25:13-16) 44. Charge to exterminate Amalek (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) 45. Ritual guidelines for offering of firstfruits when Israel enters the land (Deuteronomy 26:1-11) 46. Ritual guidelines for tithe offering for dispossessed (Deuteronomy 26:12-15) 47. Israel should follow these rules; God has made them a treasured possession, a holy people (Deuteronomy 26:16-19) K. Blessings and Cursings (Deuteronomy 27-28) 1. Stones to be erected with the law written upon it (Deuteronomy 27:1-3) 2. Altar to be erected with offerings offered on it (Deuteronomy 27:4-8) 3. Dedication of Israel to God (Deuteronomy 27:9-10) 4. Blessings and cursings from mounts Gerizim and Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:11-14) 5. The cursings: call and response (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) 6. Blessings if Israel obeys God (Deuteronomy 28:1-14) 7. Cursings if Israel disobeys God (Deuteronomy 28:15-68) L. The Words of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 29-30) 1. Israel to remember what it saw, know YHWH is God; dispossession of Sihon and Og (Deuteronomy 29:1-9) 2. God making a covenant with Israel (Deuteronomy 29:10-15) 3. Egypt an example of idolatry, Israel not to follow after them; take care against idolaters present, lest the nation be condemned (Deuteronomy 29:16-21) 4. The desolation caused will be a testament to the nations (Deuteronomy 29:22-28) 5. Secret things are of God; Israel to do His law (Deuteronomy 29:29) 6. Later restoration of the people to God; God renews the covenant and will bless them (Deuteronomy 30:1-10) 7. Nearness and ability to follow the commands (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) 8. Life and death set before Israel; Israel should choose life and follow the commandments (Deuteronomy 30:15-20) M. Moses' Final Words and Blessings (Deuteronomy 31-33) 1. Declaration of Moses' end at 120; Joshua will lead the people into the land; God will defeat their enemies (Deuteronomy 31:1-8) 2. Moses writes the law, gave it to Levites and elders (Deuteronomy 31:9) 3. Law to be read to all the people on the Feast of Booths of the Sabbath year (Deuteronomy 31:10-13) 4. God intends to commission Joshua; prediction of Israel's faithlessness; song to be taught as a witness against Israel (Deuteronomy 31:14-23) 5. Moses writes book of law, gives command to Levites; declaration of Israel's faithlessness and stubbornness; Moses speaks words of the song before all Israel (Deuteronomy 31:24-30) 6. The song of Moses: God's greatness, Israel's idolatry and stubbornness, disaster overtakes Israel (Deuteronomy 32:1-44) 7. Moses to go up on Nebo to see the land before he dies (Deuteronomy 32:45-52) 8. Moses' blessings to each tribe of Israel (Deuteronomy 33) N. Moses' Death (Deuteronomy 34) 1. Moses goes up on Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah; sees all the land of Canaan (Deuteronomy 34:1-4) 2. Moses dies; buried by God in undisclosed location; strength of Moses; Israel mourns (Deuteronomy 34:5-8) 3. Joshua takes over; no prophet had been seen like Moses after him (Deuteronomy 34:9-12) IV. Deuteronomy: Important Passages A. Deuteronomy 4:2 1. Importance of following God according to His will 2. Not to go beyond either to the left or to the right! B. Deuteronomy 5:16 / Ephesians 6:1-3 C. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 1. Demonstration of unity of God 2. cf. Matthew 22:38-40 D. Deuteronomy 6:16 / Matthew 4:7 E. Deuteronomy 8:3 / Matthew 4:4 F. Deuteronomy 11:18-21 1. Devotion to the law 2. Something we should consider in regards to our covenant G. Deuteronomy 17:6 1. Principle of two or more witnesses 2. cf. Matthew 18:16 H. Deuteronomy 18:15-19: Moses predicts Jesus I. Deuteronomy 21:23 / Galatians 3:13-14 J. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 / Matthew 19:1-9 K. Deuteronomy 25:4 / 1 Corinthians 9:5-14, 1 Timothy 5:17-18 L. Deuteronomy 29:29 1. cf. Isaiah 55:9-10 2. Good to remember that we do not and cannot know everything! V. Conclusion A. Deuteronomy a very long and involved book B. God makes it clear that He desires Israel to follow His laws, to not get complacent and arrogant, and turn away from Him C. Such are good lessons for us also D. Let us strive to serve God in humility, always looking to Him! E. Invitation/songbook From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 4 04:54:12 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 05:54:12 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) TEN COMMANDMENTS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: TEN COMMANDMENTS Can you name the ten commandments? In proper order? With some understanding of their significance? Or have you relied upon the stock reply: "We are under the New Covenant," to excuse your ignorance. Many say, "They are all in the New Testament except the 7th Day Jewish Sabbath," and yet have made no serious effort to find and apply these NT regulations. We are under the system of Fatith, rather than any system of Law; but respect for God and Divine authority is not outmoded. The principles of respect for God and man (Matt. 22:35f) are very much needed today, and better understanding of the code given Israel, through Moses, is a very good beginning for every one (Gal. 3:24f). All ten commandments focus attention upon God, the Author of eternal morals; with the first four directly related to God. The One God -- "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." The Spirit Nature Of God -- "Thou shalt not make unto thee (to worship) any graven image." The Holiness Of God -- (allowing no secular consideration) "Thou shalt not take the name of God in vain." God In His Saving Capacity -- "Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy." God "set His hand" to redeem Israel from Egyptian bondage (Exo. 15) and gave them a "sign" for a constant reminder "throu- ghout your generations" (Exo. 31:12-17; Deut. 5:2,3,15). Isaiah promised (11:10f) that God would set His hand "the second time" in offering Jesus Christ (the root of Jesse) for the salvation of "the nations" as well as for the remnant of Israel. Our "rest" is neither a single day nor Canaan, but Heaven. (Heb. 4:1-11). The next five commandments focus attention upon man's relationship with man, but we should remember that these are more than social morals. They are "as to the Lord" -- a principle more fully developed in the NT. (see Col. 3:17-25). The first of this group demands Respect For The Center Of Life, The Home -- "Honor thy father and mother." Then Life Itself -- "Thou shalt not kill". The Sanctity Of the Marriage Relationship -- "Thou shalt not commit adultery". Respect For Another's Property -- "Thou shalt not steal". Respect For Name And Honor -- "Thou shalt not bear false witness". Then the last commandment is something like a preview of the deepter meaning Christ would one day place upon all of God's laws. It looks inwardly, calling upon mant to Respect Him- self -- "Thou shalt not covet". One may covet his neighbor's wife, yet never make a perverse move, one may covet his neigh- bor's property, and never steal a single object. Covetousness is intense desire, a longing for more, a feeling within, that will affect many facets of life. The covetous man sets up idols in his heart (Col. 3:5) and thus sins against himself, his fellow-man, and God. The ten commandments as given in Exo. 20:1-17; Deut. 5:1- 21, etc., are clearly the central fiber of a covenant which God made with Israel in a dispensation now past. But they are stamp- ed in principle throughout the New Testament, and are sorely needed in this generation. ----- Robert F. Turner from Plain Talk, Vol. 9, No. 8, pg. 5, Oct. 1972, via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 43, Oct. 26, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081104/38d51123/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 4 04:54:22 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 05:54:22 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) "WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?" (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second part of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. "WHAT DO YE MORE THAN OTHERS?" (2) Is Your Vision Greater? -- 1. Do you have more vision than others? Do you see more than others? Are you able to see fart- her than others? People who are dominated by the wisdom of the world are spiritually near-sighted. They are so wrapped up in their own petty problems, so immersed in their own lettle sche- mes and ambitions, that they hardly realize that anyone else is living. If they are aware of the existence of others, they are not at all concerned about their problems. The philosophy of the worldly-wise is "Every man for himself! Do the other fellow befo- re he does you! Take care of number one first!" Unfortunately, many nominal Christians have imbided freely of this Satanic spirit of unconcern for the welfare of others. And because of their lack of interest in others, they are blinded to the needs of their fellowman. They do not see because they do not want to see. Instead of seeking opportunities to do good, they try to find some excuse for failing to avail themselves of the opp- ortunities that are placed in their path. There are some church members who say: "Our responsibil- ity is at home, and until we get everything as it should be at home, our duty ends there." That is one of the biggest lies that Satan ever imposed upon the people of God. It denies the very heart of the gospel of Christ. Jesus said, "The field is the world" Our Lord taught that we are our brother's keeper, and that our neighbor is any man anywhere who has a need that we can satisfy. Is Your Faith Stronger? -- 2. Do you have more faith than others? Is your faith -- your confidence, your trust -- reposed in Jesus Christ, or is it in some system devised by human wisdom? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Where is the evidence of your faith in Christ as the Son of God? "Why, I am a member of the church!" That is fine. That means that you trust Christ to save you from your past sins. But there is more than that involved in the divinity of Jesus Christ. Do you believe in the ability of Christ to deliver you daily from the power of the tempter? Do you believe in His wisdom as your Counsellor, in His loyalty as your Friend, in His strength as your shield? Do you believe the doctrine of Christ? Many church memb- ers believe that the gospel is splendid as an instrument of salvat- ion form past sins, but do not believe that the same gospel will do to live by. Are you really trying to weave into the fabric of your life the doctrine of Christ? Do you believe that His teaching is practic- al? Do you ever seriously consider turning the other cheek? Do you believe that it really pays to be a Christian? Do you be- lieve that Christ was in dead earnest when He taught His discip- les to return good for evil? Do you believe tht, if you stand up for Christ, He will stand up for you? Are you willing to suffer wrong rather than retaliate when injuries are inflicted upon you? Will you go the extra mile in order to be loyal to the principles of your Master? Are you ready to forgive seventy times in keeping with the spirit of your Savior? Do you believe that the Lord's church is sufficient, adequate and capable of carrying out its heaven-appointed mission of ser- ving the world through the conversion of alien sinners, the build- ing up of Christians in the most holy faith, and the alleviation of human suffering? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Hope of the world, or do you believe that civilization's only hope for survival is the atomic bomb, the hydrogen bomb, the United Nations organizat- ion, or the United States Army? If the latter is true, then your faith is vested in the puny, finite reasoning of human wisdom, and in the weak, vacillating, and wavering strength of physical force, and not in the infinite wisdom and omnipotent power of the God of the universe! (1 Cor. 2:4,5). Is Your Zeal Greater? -- 3. Do you have more zeal than others? Is your faith actuated, demonstrated and vitalized by energetic activity in the vineyard of the Lord? Do you spend your energy working for the church, or do you exhaust yourself in sniping criticisms of those who are really trying to do something? In every congregation there are those who carry most of the burden. That is true because there are many who are not willing to assume any responsibility. They excuse themselves on vario- us grounds. They say that others are more capable or have more time, or are better suited for the work. The question is "Are you doing what you can?" Are you using the talents that God has given you? You are not respon- sible for the talents of others except as you can influence them to do all they can, but your are a steward of what God has given you, and will be held accountable for it. There are men who have a splendid knowledge of the Script- ures and whose talents could be used to the advantage of the Lord's church who refuse to accept any responsibility because they want to shy away from the problems that every congregat- ion faces. Suppose all the men felt that way about it? You would not have any leadership and you would not have any church. Is Your Giving More Liberal? -- 4. Are you more liberal than other s? With the world plunged in darkness for the need of the very thing that the Lord's church has to offer, with men and women all over the world desperately in need of and famishingly hungry for the gospel of Christ, the church is unable to supply all the needs because many members are not willing to give Scriptural- ly to the Lord's cause. Every congregation needs to do many times as much as it is doing. It cannot do many things that need to be done because of the selfishness of many members. Some congregations which have elders who are alert and active actually have to cur- tail their program because of the unwillingness of members of the church to sacrifice for the Lord's cause. Why do members of the church refuse to wholeheartedly support the program of the church? 1) Is it because we feel that we are trying to do too much? Have we burdened ourselves too heavily? Are we trying to move too rapidly? Have any of us suffered actual want because of what we give to the church? Is it conceivable that we could be doing too much when thousands and thousands of people are naked and hungry, when other thousands are spiritually nak- ed and hungry, when the world is in danger of being plunged into a universal conflict that only the gospel of Christ can stop? 2) Is it because we are satisfied with what we are doing? The sad truth is that most congregations are not doing a tenth of what they could do if they wanted to. Are You More Loving Than Others? -- Jesus taught that Christ- ian love does not stop with loving those who love us, but it ex- tends to all men, even our enemies. Our love is being put to a very severe test. Again, a ruthless dictator is trying to conquer the world. His misguided people are pawns in his hands. Of course we love those who love us, and love those who are on our side. But do we love the Russia- ns? And to put it more plainly, do we love the man who, in his egotism, ambition and ignorance has made himself the enemy of society -- do we love him? Do we love the souls of men in spite of the evil that is in them? Are we ready to pray for the Rus- sians and for their leaders? Are we preparing ourselves to send the gospel to them at the very moments that they are willing to hear it? Do we believe that love is stronger than the literal sword? Are we willing to give ourselves in love and devotion to the cause of Christ? ------- Bonds Stocks in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 8, June 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081104/7c9cbfb3/attachment-0001.html From tforrestsr at netzero.net Tue Nov 4 14:51:36 2008 From: tforrestsr at netzero.net (tforrestsr at netzero.net) Date: Tue, 4 Nov 2008 20:51:36 GMT Subject: [Biblemat] Survey Message-ID: <20081104.145136.12747.0@webmail03.vgs.untd.com> Brethren: Several days ago I conducted what I called an ?unofficial Survey ? asking the following two questions: 1. In order to go to heaven must one be baptized, immersed, for remission of his/her sins? 2. Is instrumental music in the worship services of the church a salvation issue? I sent I believe the questions to at least 32 people. I sent, as some of you know, the questions to Biblematters and I am not sure how many responded from that list. Twenty-eight responded to the questions, leaving a difference of 4. Does that mean they did not have time to answer, or think it was worth the time, or do they now believe that baptism is not necessary to go to heaven and that it is O.K. to use instrumental music. I hope they were so busy in the Lord?s work they just did not have time to answer. I do know that just because I asked the questions did not obligated them in any way. However, I do appreciate those who took the time to respond. Brother Bobby Graham took the time to send me an excellent article concerning Salvation Issues. Below are the results of what I received: Out of the 28 responders 27 answered yes to both questions. One answered yes to the first and basically yes to the second but with a disclaimer attached. (If I may call it as such). Let me share some comments by these brethren and then the ?disclaimer.? 1st. A friend in Tennessee, ?Is the sky high? Does a fat baby pass gas? Is a 5-pound parrot heavy? Yes and yes again.? 2nd. A friend in Arkansas, ? Absolutely!! I thought you already knew this or I would have taught you by now!? ?Dismissing the respect for AUTHORITY of God?s word is always a salvation issue and this is one of the ways to show a lack of respect for that authority.? 3rd. ?One cannot be saved out of Christ and baptism puts one into Christ. The answer to # 2 is yes, just ask Nadab and Abihu. God commanded us to sing, not play, and that makes it a salvation issue.? 4th. ?Yes to # 1 and #2 for some yes..And some no.? ?If someone refuses to study the question- it won?t be the instrument as much as it will be the attitude of heart that refuses to seek God?s will. If on the other hand- someone has prayerfully sought understanding of God?s will and has come to understand that it has God?s approval- then that one is living by faith Rom. 14:23. Christians walk by faith- not by perfect understanding 2 Cor. 5:7.? Brother Bobby Graham stated that he was not ashamed of his convictions and to that I agree. I have preached the gospel for over 40 plus years on a full-time and part-time basis. All of this time I have believed and preached the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins in order to go to heaven. I obeyed the gospel when 14 years of age and I am now 70+. I have taught that question # 2 was and is a salvation issue because it has to do with authority. I appreciate all of you for answering the questions and I found out that there still is a remnant of God?s people who continue to believe in the authority of the scriptures. To His Glory, Tom _____________________________________________________________ Get help now! Click to find the right drug rehab solution for you. http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2221/fc/Ioyw6i4t72e121glbaEPi7vjOiS7rVlwQ4DISOcRO3QcwluynOiQRt/?count=1234567890 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081104/4e770ae8/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 5 04:40:05 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 05:40:05 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE LEGACY OF JEROBOAM... Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: THE LEGACY OF JEROBAOM IN THE NORTHERN KINGDOM OF ISRAEL. ELAH: -- did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father (king Jeroboam) and in his sin which he made Israel to sin (1 Kgs. 15:26). BAASHA: -- did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of Jeroboam and his sin which he made Israel sin (1 Kgs. 15:34). ZIMRI: -- died...because of his sins which he sinned, doing evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Jeroboam and in his sins which he did, making Israel sin (1 Kgs. 16:18,19). OMRI: -- walked in all the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat and in his sins which he made Israel sin, provoking the Lord God of Israel with their idols (1 Kgs. 16:26). AHAB: -- It came about, as though it had been a trivial things for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that Ahab married Jezebel...went to serve Baal and worshiped him (1 Kgs. 16:31). AHAZ: -- did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin (1 Kgs. 22:52). JEHORAM: -- clung to the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin; he did not depart from them (2 Kgs. 3:3). JEHU: -- but Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel sin (2 Kgs. 10:31). JEHOASH: -- did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not turn away from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, with which he made Israel sin, but he walk- ed in them (2 Kgs. 13:11). UZZIAH: -- did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin (2 Kgs. 14:24). PEKAHIAH: -- did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin (2 Kgs. 15:24). PEKAH: -- did evil in the sight of the Lord; he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he made Israel sin (2 Kgs. 15:28). THE SONS OF ISRAEL: -- walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them until the Lord removed Israel from His sight (2 Kgs. 17:22,23) -------------- Terry Slack in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 3, March 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081105/449ae26c/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 5 04:40:16 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 05:40:16 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) HONESTY Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. HONESTY At the Military Academy at West Point, New York, there is a prayer repeated in chapel each Sunday called the "Cadet's Pray- er." A portion is a plea for honesty. "Make us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never be contented with half truth when whole truth can be won. Endow us with courage that is born of loyalty to all that is noble and worthy, that scorns to compromise with vice and injustice and knows no fear when right and truth are in jeop- ardy." In a world saturated with sin, honesty is still recognized as a virtue. Within the creed or motto of nearly every service organiz- ation is a call to honor and honesty. Our judicial system requir- es a witness to promise to "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth." The noble of our society has long recognized honesty as being "the best policy." Honesty, however, is more than a good social policy. It is required of Christians. Honesty Defined: -- The Greek word for honest (kalos) is defined by Vine as "good, admirable, becoming, and has also the ethical meaning of fair, right, honorable, of such conduct as deserves esteem" (p. 229). Our English word appears to be a transliterat- ion of the Latin (honestus) and emphasizes th ethical, thus: 1. Free from fraud or deception, legitimate, truthful. 2. Reput- able, respectable, good, worthy. (Webster's Collegiate Diction- ary, 11th ed. ). William Bennett in his Book of Virtues made this contrast be- tween honesty and dishonesty: "To be honest is to be real, genuine, authentic, and bona fide. To be dishonest is to be partly feigned, forged, fake, or factitious. Honesty expresses both self-respect and respect for others. Dis- honesty fully respects neither oneself nor others. Honesty imbues lives with openness, reliability, and candor; it expresses a disposition to live in the light. Dishonesty seeks shade, cover, or concealment. It is a disposition to live partly in the dark" (p. 599). Bennett notes that, "Every social activity, every human enter- prise requiring people to act in concert, is impeded when people aren't honest with one another" (p. 599). It's the same with Christians. Dishonesty can destroy the unity of a local church and create animosity for years. Agur reflected the feelings of most of us when he asked of the Lord, "Keep deception and lies far from me" (Prov. 30:8). Honesty Affirmed: -- Faithful men of God placed a premium upon the virtue of honesty. Urging the Corinthians to send relief to the poor Christians in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1,2; 2 Cor. 8,9). Paul sent Titus to Corinth, along with an unnamed but highly respect- ed brother, most likely to receive their gift and, then, travel with him and to be present as he administered this relief in Jerusalem Paul explained the reason for this precaution in 2 Cor. 8:20,21, "so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; for we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." Honor and honesty in the sight of God and men were important to Paul. Honesty and honorable actions should be an integral part of who we are, too. The Hebrew writer requested, "Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things" (Heb. 13:18). "In all things" means that, no matter what situation you are in, no matter with whom you are dealing, your desire ought to be honesty in everything. You have no right to say, "I'll deal honestly with them, if they'll deal honestly with me." The Bible places no conditions on your faith- fulness and dependability. Dishonesty Condemned: -- Perhaps the best remembered exam- ple of dishonesty is in Acts 5. People had filled Jerusalem from all over the Roman Empire for the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:9-11). They heard the gospel, believed, and thousands obeyed (Acts 2:41; 4:4). Because they remained in Jerusalem for an ex- tended period of time, the logistics of feeding such a mass of people created an unusual need. A spirit of love and sacrifice was present (4:34,35) as people sold personal property to feed their brothers and sisters in Christ. Ananias and Sapphira sold a piece of property but lied about the price (5:8). Peter rebuked them saying, "Satan has filled your heart to lie...You have not lied to man but to God" (5:3,4). Immediately Ananias fell dead and, three hours later, his wife off- ered the same lie and suffered the same fate. Achilles in Homer's Iliad said: "I hate that man like the very Gates of Death who says one thing but hides another in his heart" (Bennett, p. 599). Dishonest people may fool some, but they can never fool God. He considers dishonesty a serious matter. Honesty Rewarded: -- Perhaps no better examples of honor and honesty are found than in the lives of Daniel's three friends (Dan. 3). A decree went out that Nebuchadnezzars's golden image be worshipped. People were to bow as it passed and those who refused would face the furnace of death. What would you do? Make a pretense? Act like you were worshiping? If ever there was an excuse for dishonesty, this was it! Yet Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, true to them- selves and to God, refused to bow saying, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us" (Dan. 3:17). Remember the "Cadet's Prayer"? "Make us choose the harder right, instead of the easier worng." They went into the fire yet God never left them alone. When the king looked into the furnace he saw "four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm" (3:25). In Dan. 6, another decree was made, this time by the Persian king Darius. For thirty days Darius was to be the only god to whome petitions were made. Daniel was, "faithful, and no negli- gence or corruption was to be found in him" (6:4). Hearing of the decree and true to himself and God, "he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusal- em); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously" (6:10). What would you have done? It's one thing to pray and anot- her to pray with your windows open to your enemies. Remem- ber, "Make us choose the harder right, instead of the easier wrong." Later, Daniel explained his divine protection to Darius, "My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime" (6:22; 2 Cor. 8:21). Remember, honor and honesty have their rewards. For Dan- iel and his friends there was no furnace hot enough, no lions ferocious enought to separate them from the love and protect- ion of God. God never forgets those who walk before Him in honor. What about you? How do you conduct yourself toward God? How do you conduct yourself toward your fellowman... your family...your friends...your family...your enemies? Do you cheat on your taxes? Honesty is the best policy; it is the only policy because it is God's policy. And He demands it. --------- Jim Deason in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 3, March 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081105/af784d21/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Wed Nov 5 05:48:08 2008 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 06:48:08 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Welcome, Mr. President (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <7F012A0295C44F32A343AD8165B13847@D2381J91> Welcome, Mr. President (Kent Heaton) Election Day has passed and the nation has elected a new president. Every four years our country is subjected to the grueling process of selecting a candidate to fill the job of President. He now takes the reign of leadership for this country. A great deal of people will be disappointed in the selection; more will be pleased. Save the coming of the Lord the sun will rise upon a new day and life will go on. Life is funny that way. When the year 2000 herald the coming of a new millennium people thought the world was going to come to an end. During this political year many believed that with the election of the president the country would disintegrate into a whirlpool of chaos. Life goes on. After the flood the Lord proclaimed, "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22). The circle of life goes on regardless of the political, economic or social upheavals of our time. This election will change the country as much as any election. At the days end man still has the same needs. The view one has of the President, his view of himself and his view of God will determine what life will be like. Peter commanded through the Holy Spirit to "fear God and honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). Rome did not have elections like we do so the king under consideration (probably Nero) was not the most wholesome person to have in power. However because governmental authority is established by God (Romans 13) then we have an obligation to be subject to the king; or President as in our case. The wise man wrote, "Fear the Lord and the king" (Proverbs 24:21). Peter wrote in the context the manner of life of the Christian should be a model for others to follow. "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God" (1 Peter 2:11-16). Whether we like the one elected President or not we are to be subject to them. People of God do not revile and bring accusation against those in authority (2 Peter 2:10,11; Romans 13:1-7). "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor" (Romans 13:7). Jesus taught the same lesson in Matthew 22:21. The election of a President does not change our obligation to serve the true and living God. Peter proclaimed this truth in Acts 5:29 - "We ought to obey God rather than men." We are to offer up "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:1-3). This is what is important in life. Welcome, Mr. President. All our prayers are with you. God bless America. Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com NEW: AUDIO FILES www.northfloridabiblecamp.com If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. (Ronald Reagan) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081105/c77664ab/attachment.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Wed Nov 5 09:07:50 2008 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 08:07:50 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14, (No. 1)" Message-ID: <002b01c93f58$45a6a1b0$6401a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14, (No. 1)" By Don Martin An essential part of being a Christian and, moreover, a preacher is controversy and the challenge and exposure of error (Jude 3, Phili. 1: 7, 17). Such, however, is often a very sad experience, especially when brethren whom you have loved and respected embrace error. Nonetheless, love of truth and the salvation of others force one to persevere in presenting the truth, both offensively and defensively. In over forty years of full time preaching, I have observed views relative to Romans 14 to be very revealing as to doctrinal stances in general. During 2000, I had several written exchanges on various Internet lists pertaining to Romans 14. I challenged the view that Romans 14 offers sanction for doctrinal and moral deviation and demands that such deviation be protected. I have consistently insisted that Romans 14 while offering some relevant general principles, pertains to a special set of circumstances. From a young man, I have watched all manner of false teaching and immoral conduct be placed into the protective environs of Romans 14. One exchange during the year 2000 with two well known preachers in the church was especially interesting. I have published parts of this exchange to the Polemic Exchange section in www.bibletruths.net Allow me to share some excerpts to illustrate how far some have gone in their attempt to find justification in Romans 14 (I named two of the preachers "John and "Jim" in order to avoid a rallying around the preacher reaction). Don Martin to John Doe and the list: I asked John the following question relative to his (a number of brethren) view and application of Roman 14: 5. May the "weak brother" practice in private worship any or all of the following acts: religious Sabbath day observance; animal sacrifice; doing the rosary; speaking in tongues; performing mixed dancing (unmarried male and female); praying to Mary; the religious ceremonial drinking of blood; attempting to contact the dead; using mind altering drugs; and religiously committing fornication, as the pagans of the First Century? John answered: "If a brother is practicing something which they honestly believe is authorized by God, then Romans 14 teaches we cannot condemn them in that practice. If it is not based on faith in God, then it is sin (vs.22,23). I'm really not certain what more you want from me. The same answer applies to each of the specific actions that you asked me concerning." Don comments: I have given John time to think about his position. By extracting from John the consistent application of his views on Romans 14, I was hoping John would clearly see where his position has taken him. Rather than change his view, John affirmed that the weak brother may in faith offer animal sacrifice and even commit religious fornication (two of the ten acts John accepted, above question). Of course, John had to say this to hold to his position that Romans 14 allows and accepts matters of sin and false doctrine. Please be sure to watch for my, "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14, No. 2" to follow in a few days. These three views pretty well cover the gamut of possible aberrant positions on Romans 14 Cordially, Don Martin dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Check out our Web sites: http://www.bibletruths.net Ask and receive a Bible answer http://www.biblequestions.org Simply click on the URL to visit these sites. You may print out the material for teaching purposes, see the copyright provision on the home page of Bible Truths. From gharmon at idworld.net Wed Nov 5 09:11:22 2008 From: gharmon at idworld.net (Gary H. Harmon, Jr) Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 09:11:22 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Preacher Serving as an Elder Message-ID: <402D062146F54D61BA908853706727A9@garyh4i1k3x2lw> I was wondering what the group's thoughts are regarding the preacher serving as an elder. I know there is scripture backing for the process but what are the positive and negative side effects if any? Vr, Gary H. Harmon, Jr. / K5JWK San Antonio, TX 78239-1504 210.884.6926 gharmon at idworld.net "Being a grandparent is a marvelous thing!" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081105/c3855545/attachment.html From jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Wed Nov 5 11:51:08 2008 From: jwquinn at sbcglobal.net (Jon W. Quinn) Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 11:51:08 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Expository Files 15.11 (November 2008) Available Message-ID: In our 15th year of publication (1994-2008) Expository Files - November 2008 **Our 179th monthly issue** Expository Files is a monthly electronic journal dedicated to Biblical studies. It is edited by Warren E Berkley and Jon W. Quinn. This effort began with the January, 1994 issue and continues to this day. In addition to the four or so expository articles by different writers in each issue, there are special topical studies. In addition, each issue begins and ends with editorials by the editors. We have expository material from every book in the Bible, though there are still portions that are much more lightly covered than others. Thanks to our writers and our readers for making Expository Files such a success! ---------------------------------------------------------- Expository Files 15.11; November 2008 Co-edited by Warren E. Berkley and Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- This month's issue contains: We Are Christians First Front Page; Nov. 2008; 15:11 By Warren E. Berkley Belshazzar ? ?Weighed In The Balances And Found Wanting? (Daniel chapter five) By Warren E. Berkley ?The Temple Of God? ?Know ye not that ye are the temple of God ? 1 Corinthians 3:16 By Kyle Campbell ?I Don't See How It's Going to Work, But I'll Give It All I Got!? John 6:1-14 By Jon W. Quinn If You Abide In My Word John 8:31 By Jonathan L. Perz A Faith Strengthened by Doubt Topic Page By Gary Henry Plan of Salvation The Enemy Commander The Final Page; 15.11 By Jon W. Quinn ---------------------------------------------------------- EF can be found at the following places: http://www.bible.ca/ef/ Every issue - 1994 to present; every article; html; arranged by book; topic and/or issue; Search engine http://expositoryfiles.homestead.com/index.html 2004-2006 in html by issue; 1994-2003 in zipped self executable format for IBM http://www.geocities.com/w_berkley/ EF in PDF by issue; Sept 2003 to present ===== Jon W. Quinn jwquinn at sbcglobal.net Bradley Church of Christ From tedwards at onemain.com Wed Nov 5 12:02:21 2008 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:02:21 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 11/02/08 Message-ID: <49118B4D.6168.5900F9@localhost> ____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER ____________________________________________________ "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ November 2, 2008 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) More Than Conquerors (Dan King) 2) Still Standing After the Storm (Steve Klein) 3) Expendable (Robert F. Turner) ____________________________________________________ -1- More Than Conquerors by Dan King One can picture in his mind a victorious Roman general returning to his beloved capitol to present the symbols of his battlefield glories before his Emperor and his people. He rides atop a white stallion, followed by his armies, cheered by the crowds, adored by all who behold his approach. He is a Conqueror. This image provides the background for a key text in the book of Revelation. Thus John portrays the Christ in the Apocalypse (19:11-14): "And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure." At that moment in time it must have been most difficult for those suffering Christians of Asia Minor to have imagined their Christ marching in such grand royal splendor. All about them suggested otherwise. The church was considered an illegal entity. Christians were oppressed and persecuted. Their possessions were being confiscated, their careers ruined, their businesses wrecked. Some of them were even tried on unfair charges and put to death. Things looked pretty dismal. Yet John's book of prophecy suggested that this was only what things appeared to be on the surface. In reality things were quite different. For one to get this deeper perspective, the "heavens must be opened," as they were for the Apostle John when he received his Revelation from God. Through the eyes of divine disclosure, the church was viewed as a mighty army "upon white horses" being led on to ultimate victory by their Savior and King. Similarly, Paul puts even the severest of life's trials (". . . we are killed all the day long, we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter") in their proper perspective, that is, through heaven's eyes, and describes faithful Christians as "Conquerors": "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom. 8:37-39). 1. More Than Conquerors Not only are we conquerors, says Paul, we are "more than conquerors." Here the apostle uses the Greek term hupernikomen, translated by the Latin authors Tertullian and Cyprian as supervincimus. It means we are "supremely victorious" through him that loved us. This is a magnificent piece of spiritual eloquence! There is no victory like our victory. No one wins like we win. No earthly triumph can compare to our heavenly one. 2. No Power In Heaven Or Earth, Time Or Eternity, Can Separate Us From The Love Of God. What, or rather, who gives us this decisive victory? Paul answers, "Him that loved us." And there is no thing, anytime or anywhere, that can separate us from him who grants to us the victory. 3. The Love Of God Is In Christ Jesus Our Lord. So declares the apostle. But what does he mean when he says the love of God is "in Christ Jesus our Lord"? From the remainder of Scripture (and that is how we ought always to interpret Scripture, i.e. in the light of the fullness of its teachings), we discover at least three senses in which this is meant. First, the love of God is manifest toward us in that we are a part of the church, the spiritual body of Christ. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for it (Eph. 5:25). This is so because the church is that body of believers who have accepted him as Messiah and Lord both in word and deed: "... having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, which he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:5-6). Second, the love of God is shown in his providential care and spiritual guidance of those who are his children. No passage in the New Testament gives more consolation to a suffering Christian than the words of Romans 8:28-32: "And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be firstborn among many brethren: and whom he foreordained, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? if God is for us, who is against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?" Third, God's great love is extended to those who remain faithful in Christ's service. Jesus pointed this out in his private moments with the disciples: "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him. Judas (not Iscariot) saith unto him, Lord, what is come to pass that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, if a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (Jn. 14:21-23). God loves those who love him back. He also withdraws his love from those who pull away from him. But all of this -- and I cannot emphasize this strongly enough -- is regardless of circumstances. Outward appearances do not reveal the true spiritual situation. Early Christians were embraced in the bosom of God's love as they saw life as they knew it destroyed, as they gave up all their earthly possessions, and even as they were dying at the hands of Jewish or Roman persecutors. Even while they suffered they were "more than Conquerors." If we can only keep this in our hearts, we also can weather even the most difficult of life's challenges and maintain our faith to the very end. -- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 5, p. 1, March 4, 1993 ____________________________________________________ -2- Still Standing After the Storm by Steve Klein Hurricane Ike destroyed many homes along the Texas coast. In one section of the community of Gilchrist, over 200 homes were completely leveled. But one is still standing. Warren and Pam Adams lost a house to hurricane Rita in 2005. They didn't lose this one, because they built it to stand in a storm -- it is supported 14 feet off the ground by sturdy columns sitting on thick concrete. A life of faith is not a life without storms. There will be heartache and sadness, temptation and trial, illness and death, disappointment and doubt. The question is not whether or not there will be storms; the question is whether or not we are building our lives to withstand them. No matter how others may be building their lives, we must build ours to stand. A life built on God's word will stand, because God is stronger than the strongest storm surge. "The floods have lifted up, O LORD, The floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea" (Psalms 93:3-4). Jesus said that the wise man "built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock" (Matthew 7:24-25). Jesus' words are the rock to build our lives on. If we hear His words, but don't follow them, we won't stand the storms. That is like building a house on the sand. We look forward to the day when all of life's storms are over -- when we stand before the Lord in peace, "holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight." That can be your experience if "you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard" (Colossians 1:22-23). -- Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, September 21, 2008 ___________________________________________________ -3- Expendable by Robert F. Turner During WW II, when British troops were facing Dunkirk; when our boys were pushed from Bataan; someone applied the term "expendable" to forces left to cover the withdrawal. They were considered certainly lost -- given to the enemy -- their death or capture, the price paid for what was hoped to be some greater gain. There were examples of men accepting, even choosing this role, because they too believed in the greater end. One must believe in and greatly love his country to freely make such a sacrifice. How many soldiers of the Cross are willing to consider themselves (their pride, their comforts, not to mention their life) expendable in order that the greater purposes of His kingdom might be achieved? Do we dare consider that "giving ourselves" to Christ means just this? The Apostle Paul could ask others to pray that Christ be magnified, whether by his life or his death (Phil. 1:19-f.). He considered himself expendable. He had long ago "died with Christ" (Rom. 6:6-11), so that his own life, his earthly desires and appetites, were "hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:2-3). The greater end, service to his Master and the eternal reward, so dominated his thinking that no demands were too great. He was not his own (1 Cor. 6:19; 7:22-23), but was, and urged others to be "a living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1-f.). Had you rather suffer wrong than see Christ's cause suffer? Will you swallow your pride rather than see the greater work damaged? That's what it takes when one is expendable. But this is no easy role to accept. We find ourselves reasoning that others get by without making the sacrifice -- why me? "If any provide not for his own --" is always good for rejecting the financial pinch; and we "live to fight tomorrow" in the more important battles -- which somehow never come. To us "expendable" says "worthless" but to Christ it was the way to find one's life, (Matt. 10:39). He "died for the people, that the whole nation perish not" (Jn. 11:50-51; 12:32). Full service to Christ begins the day we see ourselves as "expendable." -- Via Plain Talk, February 1974 ____________________________________________________ CHURCH OF CHRIST 201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn) Denham Springs, LA 70726 Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 tedwards at onemain.com http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go DIRECTIONS: Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road, and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to the reception counter. ____________________________________________________ From Churchmousejd at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 5 14:10:58 2008 From: Churchmousejd at wmconnect.com (Churchmousejd at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2008 15:10:58 EST Subject: [Biblemat] "ILLUSTRATIONS & OBSERVATIONS>article Message-ID: OLD WALLS AND CHRISTIANS And old carpenter was hired to tear down a concrete wall so the owner might build something else in its place. The old man walked around the wall several times, stopping every now and then to inspect it. Finally the owner, growing impatient asked him what he was doing and why he didn't begin working on the wall. The old carpenter replied, "I've already started! You see, this wall is very solid and will require a lot of hard work. If I can find a weak spot to begin the destruction, it will make my job a lot easier; All it takes sometimes is just a small crack. Once I find that, the rest of the wall will come down easily." Jesus taught the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (matt.26:41). Satan when trying to lead us astray also knows this. So he looks for weak spots in our faith. And he will always find them because he is an expert at finding our most vulnerable place. And that's where he always attacks. David asked God to, "examine me, O Jehovah, and prove me; Try my heart and my mind." Psa.26:2 (Asv). David wanted all of his sins out in the open where he could deal with them. And so should we. We should study God's word daily (not just read it) and ask him to show us where these weaknesses are. Then, be busy shoring them up. J.D Williams -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081105/3e344776/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 6 04:59:09 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:59:09 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) AM I JUST A CHRISTIAN? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. AM I JUST A CHRISTIAN? An article appeared several months ago in Truth Magazine entitled "Is It Possible To Be Just A Christian?" I want to answer that question, but from a different standpoint. The author brings out the point that people of the world consider themselves and others as Christians because they affiliate themselves with a particular religious organization other than the church that we read about in the New Testament. A well written article by broth- er Heath Rogers dismisses that claim by correctly stating, "the preaching of the apostles did not produce Catholics, Baptists, Pre- sbyterians, Pentecostals, etc. It produced simply Christians." Using the same title, "Is It Possible To Be Just A Christian?", what does it mean to be a Christian," whether it be a Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, or even a member of the church of Christ? Just because we regularly go to a building with the name "church of Chirst" attached to it, that does not authomatically make us Christians. Sadly, there are those who think that being a Christian invol- ves nothing more than being immersed in some water and, after that, there is nothing else to do. Do we stop growing once we are baptized? If so, why do we have Scripture that tells us to grow? 2 Pet. 3:18 commands, "But grow in the grace and know- ledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and for ever, Amen." Do we understand everything about the Word of God and need not to know anymore? Do we think we have the answers to everything contained within God's Word? Is it possible to be "just a Christian?" Can we be idle in the work God has given us to do and be pleasing in God's sight? There are brethren who think just because they occupy a space on a pew each Sunday and Wednesday, such is all they have to do to be a Christian. I suggest to you that God requires more of us than warming a spot on a pew. What makes us think we can be idle in the king- dom of God? Are we going to do as the laborers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16) who waited until the end of the day to seek work? Are we going to be idle until the day of judgment and then procla- im that we did nothing in the name of the Lord? The judgment day will be too late. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10). God created us to do His work not to sit back and do little or nothing at all. We cannot sit back and watch the world pass us by. Our purpose upon this earth is to do God's work. What does God require of us? The passage of Scripture that comes to mind is found in Jas. 2:17,18 "Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I, by my works, will show thee my faith." Your faith may be strong and steadfast, but James is telling us that your faith alone is not enough. There is more than faith that is required of you. Verse 17 is what we quote most of the time and do not go beyond that one verse. However, verse 18 is showing us that we do not have the option to choose between faith or works; rather, it is telling us that faith and works belong together. We most definitely need to have faith, but we must prove our faith by our actions. If you think that your "actions" are attend- ing worship services, partaking of the Lord's supper, giving of your means, and the other acts of worship we perform when we assemble together, then you are sadly mistaken. Do you have the mind set that because you make your presence known at the assembly, you are a "good" Christian? Remember what Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Tim. 3:17: "That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." What do you think "furnished completely unto every good work" means? The first part of that verse says, "that the man of God may be complete." Other translations use the term "perfect" which means "complete." Are you "complete" or "per- fect" enough in your faith that you are willing to risk doing noth- ing? We have a responsibility to be active in the kingdom of God. "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col. 3:17). It is required and commanded of us to do all things tht we do in honor of our Lord. No matter what we do, we are to honor our Lord in everything, even if we are just eating "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). Give honor and glory to God in everything. We have a responsibility as Christians to be more than mere pew warmers. We have to preach the gospel to the whole creat- ion (Mk. 16:15). How can we preach to the whole creation if we are idle Christians? Jesus says in Matt. 25:32-46 that we will all be gathered together before the Lord on judgment day and we will have to give an account of all that we have done during the course of our lives here on the earth. Take time to read this passage. How are we going to answer Jesus on that great day? We are not using Christ as our example if we do not heed His Words and if we neglect our daily duties toward HIm. Take the example of Phoebe in Rom. 16. She was one who took care of other saints when in need. Paul says that she "was a helper of many, and of mine own self." Are we? There is much more that we can do than what is talked about here. Take a look and see if you are just a pew warmer or active in the Lord's work on a daily basis. Jesus says that we are to take up our cross DAILY and follow Him. Ask yourself a question: What MORE can I do to be an active member in the kingdom of God? You cannot afford to just sit back and think that you are "doing enough" to get to heaven. Your presence at worship services is not enough. So answer the question about yourself: Is it possible to be "just a Christian" in name only? Even though worship services every week are a required activity in serving our Lord, it is not all that we are responsible for. ----- Jonathan Chaffin in Truth Magazine Vol. 52, No. 4, April, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081106/2d95a9f8/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 6 04:58:59 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 05:58:59 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) SHINE AS LIGHTS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: SHINE AS LIGHTS It's easy to see that we live "in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation" (Phil. 2:15). We are frequently reminded that we live in a sinful world by observing daily life, by headlines in newspapers and by leading stories on TV, and by a society that is growing more and more accustomed to immorality, greed and corruption. Against a setting of darkness, followers of Jesus are told to be "lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15). Yet our conduct often reflec- ts a dim and hazy image of Him. That's why Paul warned us: "Do all things without complaining and disputing" (Phil. 2:14). He urges us to put salvation to work. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" (Phil. 2:12,13). We may wonder why the apostle didn't mention sins consid- ered more outrageous than complaining. Instead of talking of sins many would say are "really bad" he speaks of offenses that virtually everyone has been guilty of: pride, arrogance, and self- ishness, erupts into murmuring and quarreling. Yet thse "lesser" sins can be just as destructive. Paul knew that we need to be spiritually alert to evil and get rid of it. By heeding these exhortations we will "become blame- less and harmless, children of God without fault" (Phil. 2:15). Then we will be sure to shine as lights in this dark world. Is your light shining? ---------- Shane Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 9, No. 6, October, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081106/3c67daad/attachment.html From wcoc at bellsouth.net Thu Nov 6 13:47:32 2008 From: wcoc at bellsouth.net (westside) Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 13:47:32 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Q: Prayer Message-ID: <2D163816D173476B9B812058E884C429@westsidecoc> Hi folks, Recently I receive a question pertaining to prayer. I want to see what you folks think about it. "Is it OK to lead a prayer instead of your husband if its just you both?" I assume the woman is a Christian. When the couple is praying by themselves can the woman express her prayer along with her husband's? Let me know how you all would answer this. Dennis "If you make a mistake, learn from it. If you do something brilliant, get over it." D.T. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081106/32b33a57/attachment.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Thu Nov 6 22:02:11 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 23:02:11 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Rendering to Caesar and God Message-ID: Rendering to Caesar and God Base Text: Matthew 22:15-22 I. Introduction A. We live as citizens of two authorities: the USA and the Kingdom of God B. There are many times when these responsibilities may come together, and there are times when they are in tension C. Yet, as in all things, we must make our priority choice and go from there D. Matthew 6:33: God says to put the Kingdom first E. Therefore, what does God have to say about our responsibilities toward God and toward America? II. Matthew 22:15-22 A. Jesus Himself is confronted with a similar question about the Roman government B. A dicey question in first century Judea 1. The Jews despised Roman rule and constantly sought to undermine it 2. Many felt that their religion was compromised by Caesar's idolatry 3. Yet political insurrection would raise the ire of the Roman authorities 4. A perfect trap for Jesus-- which way would He go? 5. He would either irritate the people or get the Romans after Him! C. So how does He handle the question? D. He advocates a form of separation! 1. Caesar should get what belongs to him 2. God should get what belongs to Him E. Well, what does this mean? F. What are we to render to Caesar? What are we to render to God? G. Let us consider the Scriptures III. Rendering to Caesar A. The coin Jesus was holding (Matthew 22:15-22) 1. In a very concrete way, Jesus expects Caesar to get back his coinage in the form of taxes 2. Romans 13:7 3. Taxes are to be paid regardless of the government and the way it will use the money 4. After all, Paul is telling Christians to pay taxes to the very authority who will use them to persecute Christians! B. Respect, Honor, and Obedience 1. Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-17 2. God has established the existence of earthly authorities for the benefit of mankind 3. Yes, they often abuse their power, but we are better off with them than without 4. Christians are enjoined to render Caesar with their obedience-- violating the law is rarely justifiable! 5. We put the foolish talk of unbelievers to shame when we obey the authorities! 6. Likewise, Christians are to show proper respect to the authorities of the land 7. Acts 23:1-5: Paul recognized his error when it was revealed to him 8. We may not agree with the authority on many matters, yet we must still respect them 9. If first century Christians were to respect Nero, then we can certainly respect our rulers! C. Prayers and Supplications 1. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 2. Paul enjoins Christians to pray for all leaders so that we can lead tranquil and peaceful lives, to remain godly and dignified 3. Much can be accomplished by the prayers of the righteous (James 5:16) D. Such is all that God expects from Christians to the government E. What does God expect out of His servants for Him? IV. Rendering to God A. Making God the First Priority 1. Matthew 6:33 2. Everything we are and do should be based in our faith in God 3. cf. Ephesians 5:22-6:9 4. We are servants of God and citizens of His Kingdom first (Philippians 3:20) B. Complete Loyalty and Devotion 1. Matthew 10:37-39, Galatians 2:20, Romans 12:1-2 2. We are to put nothing between us and God in terms of importance 3. We must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him! 4. We must die to sin, be crucified with Christ, if we want to live 5. We must offer our lives as a sacrifice to God, being willing to be transformed by the renewing of our mind in His image C. All of our resources for His purposes 1. Romans 12:1-8, 2 Corinthians 8-9, 1 Timothy 6:17-19 2. Everything we enjoy is a gift from God, and we must be willing to use what is given for His purposes 3. We are to spend our money in ways that honor Him, accomplish His purposes 4. Build up the church, help the needy, provide for families 5. Our time and talents also should be used for His service D. See things His way 1. 1 Corinthians 2 2. Part of repentance is changing our minds so that we think like God thinks, and not the way the world thinks 3. We must develop spiritual mindsets that consider the Kingdom before any worldly cause E. If a conflict exists between God and Caesar, we go with God 1. Acts 5:29 2. The only time when civil disobedience is justified! 3. It must involve a clear violation-- the authorities are asking us to do something that is against what God has told us to do 4. Such rarely happens in America, but we must be prepared to do so and accept the consequences if it has to happen! F. Do not Fear 1. Matthew 10:28 2. Even though it is easy for us to worry about earthly things (cf. Matthew 6:25-34), God tells us to not fear 3. If we have complete trust in Him, nothing that happens on this earth should disturb us G. There are many other details that go into serving God, but these are the major aspects of that service V. Conclusion A. Indeed, we are to render to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's B. We are to pay our taxes, obey the earthly government, respect the rulers, and pray for them C. Nevertheless, our primary loyalty must be to God and His Kingdom, and we must put God's will first in our lives in every aspect D. Let us fully serve God and be good ambassadors of God's Kingdom! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 7 03:22:47 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 04:22:47 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) PRAYER AND PREACHING Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anci- ent files. Use to the glory of God. PRAYER AND PREACHING "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (Jas. 5:16), and "with great power gave the Apostles wit- ness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:33). How mighty are the combined forces God has let loose in the spiritual world! Try to comprehend the power of prayer, or the power of preaching. Yet how weak is the latter sometimes because fervent prayers have not been offered in its behalf. Reflect for a few moments on the power of prayer, then the power of preaching, then what prayerful preaching can accomplish. The Power Of Prayer: -- Since God declares, "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much," man's wisdom can not say HOW much. Only the Revelation God has made would contain the wisdom to say HOW much. Consider what prayer hath wrought in olden times. When the men left Abraham in Gen. 18:15, he "yet stood before the Lord," and interceded in behalf of a wicked city where dear ones lived. Herein is a marvel- ous thing, not only that the Sovereign Maker of this vast univer- se can be approached by mortal man, but also that the Scripture expressly declares God "communed" with Abraham (Gen. 18: 33). He who "commanded the morning," and "caused the day- spring to know his place" (Job 38:12), now is mindful of man, His wrath was ready to fall on Sodom and Gomorrah, "and the cities about them in like manner" (Jude 7), but He quickly agrees to the pleas of a creature in His image. The power of man avail- ing with God is seen in the fact God suspended the destiny of the exceedingly great cities on the words of Abraham, actually agreeing to conditions for which Abraham pled. The tremendous power of prayer to change the course of human history and avail with Him who directs that course is also seen in the days of Moses. As Moses related it in Deut. 9:13-29, "the Lord spake unto me saying, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Let Me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven; and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they." Imag- ine if you can how different the course of history would have been if God had carried out this intention. To have had a nation from the man, Moses, and to have lost the Jews forever from sight. It is beyond imagination to know what might have been. Yet notice what saved the Jews. Moses, who was, according to physical measurements, a mere speck of protoplasm sitting on a cog of a giganic cosmic machine, tells us, "Thus I fell down be- fore the Lord forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the Lord had said He would destroy you. I prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said, O Lord God, destroy not Thy people and Thine inheritance, which Thou has redeemed throu- gh Thy greatness...Yet they are Thy people and Thine inheritan- ce, which Thou broughtest out by Thy mighty power and by Thy stretched out arm." And the Lord hearkened unto Moses, spar- ed the nation, and held them in the hollow of His hand, and fought their battles for them till the seed came to whom the prom- ise had been made. The power of Moses' prayer! Another indication of the power of prayer is seen in Jos. 10, the record of the battle of the Amorite kings with the Lord's peo- ple. Joshua and his men were called into battle and needed time to complete the destruction of the Lord's enemies. "Then spake Joshua to the Lord," and the Lord of this universe took hold of the astonomical gear that governs the motions of the vast bodies that adorn the spacious firmament, and stayed all their movements till the inioquitous hosts were discomfited. The record is plain in its testimony to the power of prayer: "And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord heark- ened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel." Who can say what prayer can avail! A confirmatory incident occurred in the life of Hezekiah. As Isa. 38 and 2 Kgs. 20 record it, Hezekiah was sick unto death, but pled with the Lord for lengt- hened days. God again adjusted this cosmic machine to the needs of His creature; the key to it is in the words, "I have seen thy tears." Just think, the tears of a man can influence the entire universe! Examples could be multiplied with profit, but we simply observe here that the power of prayer is not limited to the days when God performed such miracles as these we have studied. But, says someone, if God does not intervene miraculously in the natural order today, how can we pray for things that involve natural laws and the entire universe? The answer to this profou- nd inquiry lies, to me, in God's present relation to the natural order. He is not afar off, but is nigh, because "in HIm we live and move adn have our being." He makes, ye, makes, the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends, yes sends, the rain on the just and the unjust. He clothes, not clothed, but clothes the grass of the field, and watches the sparrow that falls. He giveth, not gave, but giveth, to all life and breath and all things. These being true, since God controls the entire natural universe which is some six billions of light years (how far light can travel in six billion years at the rate of 186,000 miles a second) across, then He can and will control the natural order to answer the prayers of His children according to His own good will and in His own time and way. We can pray for the sick, and should, and should expect God to answer or prayers according to His Will, for there are billions of combinations of circumstances which men never regard as miraculous, yet which God can and will bring to bear to answer our prayers. There is power in prayer! The Power In Preaching: -- All who preach long to preach with power. Since God designed preaching "to save them that be- lieve," we earnestly desire ours to achieve God's purpose. This can be doen only if we observe the New Testament pattern of perfect preaching. Yet how great is the temptation to omit parts of the perfect pattern. Perhaps we follow the love of the pattern to an extent without following its firmness. Perhaps we have all the latter and practically none of the former. Or perhaps we omit the greatest power which New Testament preachers seemed to use, the power of prayer in our lives as preachers of the faith. Preaching transforms life, so does prayer. Preaching saves souls, so does prayer for the child of God. There is power in preaching the Gospel, because the Gospel is God's power to save. There is also power "in prayer, in believing prayer, when the Savior's name to the throne we bear." Oh that these two mighty forces will be combined to a greater degree than they have in many instances so that preaching will evidence a prayer- ful life and prayer will give power to our preaching, more power than we have let it give. Note the grand combination of these in New Testament days. Prayerful Preaching: -- When the Apostles were put in prison, the church lifted up their voice with one accord, and prayed, "And now, Lord behold thier threatenings, and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word." Little wonder that "the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the Word of God with boldness." Fervent pray- ing led to bold preaching. When some of the BOLD statements are made by us today, they evidence anything but the kind of praying which the early church did. Brother rises up against brother with motives impugned, character assualted and name slandered at the slightest provocation. Preaching even to breth- ren can be bold yet prayerful, strong yet loving, uncompromis- ing, yet forbearing, confident yet "in the spirit of meekness." The prayers that were made "without ceasing of the church unto God for" Peter when he was imprisoned can still work wonders even though miracles are not performed, for God still has the "reins and the hearts" of this universe. May our prayers be fer- vent, our lives righteous, our preaching powerful and all together we can by God's help "avail much" in this wicked world. ------ Pat Hardeman in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 9, July, 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081107/dd17da88/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 7 03:22:33 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 04:22:33 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) WAITING Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: WAITING I don't know of many people who like to be kept waiting. We don't like it when our time is wasted waiting on something or on someone else. But what about with waiting on God? Do our prayers seem to go unanswered? Do our problems seem to not be important to Him? Why does He sometimes make us wait? In Isa. 30:18 the Lord tells His people that He is going to wait before He is gracious to them. The verses leading up to this ex- plain 'why.' In verse 15 the Lord reminded Israel that if she had returned to Him for rest, she would have been saved from her enemies. If she had been quiet and confident, she would have found sufficient strength. "But you would not," the Lord lamented, "and you said, 'No...'"(vss. 15,16). Instead of returning to the Lord, Israel would flee from her enemies (vs. 17). "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you" (vs. 18). What was God waiting for? Israel was relying on herself and her understanding to get through the troubles. God was waiting for Israel to fail in her self-sufficient ways and to start depending on Him. Only then would He be gracious to her. God allows us to use our own wisdom and our own strength. We have the ability to make our own choices. He also allows us to fail. Only when we rely upon Him will we find true blessing and rest. Only in Him can we find salvation through Jesus Christ. "Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be grac- ious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him" (Isa. 30:18). ---- Shane Williams in The Lilbourn Light, Vol. 9, No. 6, October, 2008. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psa. 119:105). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081107/57a5ded6/attachment.html From robertwater at gmail.com Thu Nov 6 20:21:56 2008 From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters) Date: Thu, 6 Nov 2008 20:21:56 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] SOME THINGS A PREACHER IS NOT Message-ID: * SOME THINGS A PREACHER IS NOT* by John Waddy Observation demonstrates that many who aspire to preach God's Word do not clearly understand what their role entails. They are confused about the requirements and expectations of their job. The following thoughts have been learned from God's Word, by experience, and by study and observation over some 50 years. * Preachers are not mule-skinners. In the old days there were men who made their living as draymen, driving mules or horses that pulled heavily laden wagons. Mule skinners, as they oft were called, use the whip and drove the dumb beasts, making them do his will. Sadly some preachers seem to have this mentality. They would lead the church by driving them. Members are not allow to think for themselves or ask questions. They are expected to pull the load the preacher has laid upon them. When they balk he cracks the whip over them to enforce his will, his opinions and ideas. Such is foreign to God's intent for preachers. * We are not detectives. Some men have mistakenly come to the conclusion that their job is to function as a private investigator, slyly checking into the personal, private affairs of the members of their flocks...and even members of other congregations and especially fellow-preachers, to find some charge that might be brought against them. I have known of some who were investigating events of the distant past in hope of finding some failure that could be used to bring a fellow mortal before the court of public criticism. No where does God instruct his preachers to function as detectives. He does tell us not to be meddlers in other men's matters (I Pet.:4:15) and he reminds us that we all are servants who must answer to God who is our Master (Rom. 14:4). * We are not law-enforcement officers. We are teachers of God's Word (II Tim. 4:2). Elders are the shepherds who superintend God's flock (I Pet. 5:2). In Christ, God grants liberty to his children (Gal. 5:1). As children of the Father we have the freedom and responsibility to read, think and act for ourselves (I Cor. 11:28). * We are not prosecuting attorneys. While we must note those things that are displeasing to our Father, and warn sinners to repent of their sins and flee for mercy, we are more like lifesavers who task it is to save those who are in danger of perishing (Jude23). The great message of the gospel is that "God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son" (John 3:16). He is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Pet. 3:9). * We are not judges of men's souls. Paul rightly asks, "Who art thou that judgest the servant of another: to his own lord he standeth or falleth" (Rom. 14:4). Again, we teach, we warn we exhort and encourage, but God has appointed Christ to be the judge of humanity (Acts 17:30-31). He is thoroughly qualified and capable to do that task without our intervention. * We certainly are not executioners. In worldly kingdoms when men are found guilty of capital crimes, capital punishment is imposed upon them. That unpleasant task is delegated to a person who has the stomach for the task. In the reign of Christ, those who die impenitent of their sins and unwashed by the saving blood of Christ will suffered eternal death, as will the backslider (Rev. 20:15). God alone is able to impose such a penalty because he alone, knows all the facts and the heart of the person before him. In view of our human limitation, we must resist the temptation to consign poor souls to damnation. * We are not oracles of God. We are not inspired with infinite, infallible wisdom. People will come to us with a thousand questions. Some are simple and easily answered. Others are profound, complex and confusing. It is the better part of wisdom to say, "I do not know," or "I need time to research that," or "I am not sure, but here is my opinion." Only an inspired teacher could say, "I give charge, yea not I, but the Lord" (I Cor. 7:10) or "I think that I also have the Spirit of God" (I Cor. 7: 40). We are merely cups in which the wisdom of God is poured and dispensed to those who are willing to hear and receive it. Let's be content to do the job God has assigned to do. -John Waddey # # # If you have found this lesson to be helpful to you, please pass it on to others who teach God's people, be they young or old. Permission is given to duplicate or use this in teaching. Preaching to Preachers, by John Waddey, is a collection of 44 lessons on the life and work of the gospel preacher. To order your copy, send $11 to Church of Christ Foundation c/o John Waddey, 12630 W. Foxfire Dr. Sun City West, AZ 85375 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081106/1db17cbe/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Nov 7 09:09:19 2008 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 10:09:19 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Article - REACTION TO OPINIONS Message-ID: REACTION TO DIFFERENCES OF OPINION glclair at aol.com There are cases where the good that one accomplishes is overshadowed by the offense the good creates in the hearts of those that could benefit most. You see; the matter of specific doctrinal position held by a person may inflame some other people (i.e. preachers, elders, influential members) to such a degree that they attempt to isolate the source of the agitation. This is a common tactic in religious warfare; we have observed this in the actions of those with inferior knowledge of the doctrine of Christ or the results of the true interpretation thereof. The subject matter may be fellowship, the Lord?s Supper, the head covering, MDR or a number of other divisive subjects. Perhaps many hurt feelings could be resolved if one faces the real facts of the argument they espouse; you must consider the arguments of the source of your agitation because if one fails to deal with the subject matter under dispute nothing is accomplished ? fellowship is strained at the least and as we have suggested isolation of the person(s) involved in the dispute will increase. There are other situations where a person, a group or a congregation is ostracized (i.e. isolated by some in a given area that are spiritually sound and guilty of nothing but actions through evil surmising; this is sinful on the part of those that participate in such ungodly activities). Let us examine this subject with the teaching of the New Testament ? following: The New Testament is clear regarding this matter of disagreements relating to Holy Scripture interpretation. Before we can Biblically withdraw fellowship from anyone or any group we must follow Biblical directives ? cf. 1 Tim 6:3-5, 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 2 Thess 3:6, Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. (KJV) Rom 16:17, Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (KJV) Phil 3:17-19, 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. 18(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) (KJV) 1 Cor 5:4-5, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 John 3:18, My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (KJV) James 3:13-18, 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (KJV) Col 3:17, And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (KJV) Are we following God?s Written Word whenever we have a disagreement that does not relate to Biblical error that leads us to isolate a brother/sister because we hold a different opinion about a subject that has nothing to do with sound doctrine? We know this would be error fostered on our part not on the object of our isolation. Let us know (i.e. 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV) that we are the person(s) failing to follow God?s Written Word, far be it from me to slander, or involve myself in a attempt to isolate any brother/sister in Christ on the basis of an opinion such as the following; * Is the object of my isolation a brother/sister who associates with the Florida College crowd, the Truth Magazine crowd, the Texas crowd, the Preceptor crowd, no crowd, or do I just have a personal dislike for his/her style (i.e. whatever that is?). * Is the object of my attempts really in error when he/she decides to follow a different dress code than mine? * Is the object of my isolation a person that has less or more education than I have; so I do not want to associate with them? * Is the object of my association a person that I have heard brother/sister ?bear-a-tale? gossip to me of them ? do I believe something that has never been proven about brother/sister scorned? (See - James 4:11, 11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judges the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. (KJV) * Does the object of my isolation really act the way they have been portrait by those that peddle gossip? * Do I refuse to resolve my difficulty with a brother/sister or do I gossip and spread my opinion about their Christianity, their life, their family, their work, their income, their friends all with the intent to discredit their lives and cause others to isolate them? If I do I am a person such as DIOTREPHES --- [die OTT ruh fees] (nourished by Jupiter) - an unruly believer reprimanded by John (3 John 9,10). He appears to have been a strong personality or a prominent church leader who rejected both John and certain of his followers. Diotrephes stands in contrast to both Gaius (verse 3 John) and Demetrius (verse 1:12). (from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright ? 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers) * Am I personally making an attempt to know that person and examine their life and their work to determine if the accusations that have caused me to isolate him/her are really factual or just gossip? * Am I a part of a clique, a part of a self-serving minority or part of a majority clique that is really non-effective and probably possessed of an evil heart of surmising? (See 1 Peter 3:16, having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. (KJV) * Am I a person who seeks approval of my-self with only those that are just like me regardless of sound principles of truth? * Am I caught up in the soundness craze that suggest to me that only me and my children and their mother are ok ? everyone else is unworthy of my concern, regardless of their personal faithfulness that is apparent in their lifestyle? * Do I really love my brothers and sisters in Christ as I ought? See 1 John 4:16-21, 16 and we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also. CONCLUSION: I will end this short article with the following admonition from James and from John: James 4:11, Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. (KJV) 1 John 4:20-21, 20 If a man say, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also. (KJV) _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) November 7, 2008 **************AOL Search: Your one stop for directions, recipes and all other Holiday needs. Search Now. (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212792382x1200798498/aol?redir=http://searchblog.aol.com/2008/11/04/happy-holidays-from -aol-search/?ncid=emlcntussear00000001) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081107/49a255ad/attachment-0001.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Fri Nov 7 09:21:11 2008 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 08:21:11 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14, No. 2" Message-ID: <001901c940ec$783a0e60$6401a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14, No. 2" By Don Martin The below are excerpts from a second writen exchange that I had on Romans 14 during the year 2000. "Don Martin to Jim and the list: I asked John the following question relative to his (a number of brethren) view and application of Roman 14: 5. May the 'weak brother' practice in private worship any or all of the following acts: religious Sabbath day observance; animal sacrifice; doing the rosary; speaking in tongues; performing mixed dancing (unmarried male and female); praying to Mary; the religious ceremonial drinking of blood; attempting to contact the dead; using mind altering drugs; and religiously committing fornication, as the pagans of the First Century? John answered that if a brother really believed all ten of the above and practiced such, even religious fornication, one could not condemn him, but based on Romans 14, had to at least tolerate him in his beliefs and practices. 'Jim,' on the other hand, is not as consistent as John. 'Jim' wrote ('Jim' is another advocate of the same view as John, also a preacher in the church, dm): 'But I would also say the following about Rom 14: 2. It provides a basis for having fellowship with brethren who practice at least 'some' of the following: If a prospective member practices out of 'faith' (he believes God wants him do believe and practice certain acts) the specified ten acts of question five, he must be fellowshipped or 'received.' Notice the acts again: 1. Religious Sabbath day observance. 2. Animal sacrifice. 3. Doing the rosary. 4. Speaking in tongues. 5. Performing mixed dancing (unmarried male and female). 6. Praying to Mary. 7. The religious ceremonial drinking of blood. 8. Attempting to contact the dead. 9. Using mind altering drugs. 10.And religiously committing fornication, as the pagans of the First Century. I would say that #'s 7, 9, and 10 are absolutely outside the scope of Rom 14. If John is saying that one can be received in fellowship merely because they do these things out of (personal) 'faith' then I'd have to disagree with him. Personal 'faith' does come into play in what is acceptable to God under the principles of Roman 14, but it cannot be used to rationalize that which is clearly condemned or forbidden in scripture. Where I would end up disputing with Don, I suppose, is whether or not things like items #3, 4, 5, 6 and #8 are 'clearly condemned' in scripture. I'm sure Don's view is based on a 'law of silence' I would challenge. Maybe John accepts that 'law of silence' as well. Anyone who followed my recent discussion with Doug will see this as central to my view of what we can, and cannot do, with Rom 14. Item's 1 and 2 are certainly covered by Romans 14. Don comments: It is interesting that 'Jim' allows: 1. religious Sabbath day observance, 2. animal sacrifice, 3. doing the rosary, 4. speaking in tongues, 5. performing mixed dancing (unmarried male and female), 6. praying to Mary, and 8, attempting to contact the dead. In 'Jim's' picking and selecting, he excludes 7. The religious ceremonial drinking of blood, 9. using mind altering drugs, and 10, religiously committing fornication, as the pagans of the First Century. I have had two primary goals in this discussion on Romans 14: (1) Attempt to show John wherein he errs in his views and teaching on Romans 14; (2) and clearly show others who read this exchange the folly of allowing sin and damnable false doctrine, any sin and damnable false doctrine, I might insert, into the climate of Romans 14. As I stated, one simple way to illustrate the fallacy of a position is to show the inevitable consequences of the held position. The view that Romans 14 allows sin and false doctrine must consistently allow such matters as: 1. Religious Sabbath day observance. 2. Animal sacrifice. 3. Doing the rosary. 4. Speaking in tongues. 5. Performing mixed dancing (unmarried male and female). 6. Praying to Mary. 7. The religious ceremonial drinking of blood. 8. Attempting to contact the dead. 9. Using mind altering drugs. 10.And religiously committing fornication, as the pagans of the First Century." In our next installment of, "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14," we shall take a look at some excerpts from an exchange I had with a preacher whom many view as very sound. This exchange occurred during the fall of 2004. These three exchanges not only reveal error and inconsistency of application in the way Romans 14 is viewed, but also a gradation of deceit. "John" was consistent in accepting and introducing all error into Romans 14. "Jim" was inconsistent, wanting to allow only what he desired. In this third exchange, my disputant was the most inconsistent and deceitful of all. In his claim that doctrinal and/or moral deviation are not allowed, he seemed to the simple correct and sound. However, his twist was that a different application of the "same" accepted biblical principle must be placed into the protective cover of Romans 14, notwithstanding the error advocated in the different application. Hence, this preacher is the most deceitful of all with whom I have dealt. To top of this deceive, he even continues to this very day in saying that he and I hold the same view on Romans 14! Cordially, Don Martin From wsasser at tds.net Fri Nov 7 14:27:42 2008 From: wsasser at tds.net (Whit Sasser) Date: Fri, 7 Nov 2008 14:27:42 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Bible book summaries Message-ID: Hello listers, Does someone have a e-version of a brief list summarizing each of the books of the Bible? Thanks. Go well. Whit Whit Sasser 3601 E. Newberry St. Appleton, WI 54915 920.733.5009 wsasser at tds.net www.appletonchurchofchrist.org Join my free e-list: "Exhortations & Stuff" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081107/d98f0a0f/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 8 03:55:41 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 04:55:41 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: GOD HAS SPOKEN In the sermon on the mountain, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10). Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:1,2; 4:17). Later in His ministry Jesus told His hearers, "Assur- edly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power" (Mk. 9:1). Jesus promised power to His apostles when the Holy Spirit came upon them in the baptism of the Holy Spirit "not many days from now" (Acts 1:1-8). He gave to Peter the privil- ege of opening the doors of the kingdom (Matt. 16:19). To Peter and the rest of the Apostles Jesus gave authority to bind and loose as God had already bound in heaven (Matt. 16:19; 18:18 NASB). On Pentecost after Christ's ascension, the Holy Spirit came, and the keys of the kingdom were used for the first time. People were added to the church, given entrance into the king- dom (Acts 2:41,47). Christ is now sitting on His throne, ruling His kingdom, having been given all authority (Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:29-33). If these teachings are true, then the kingdom was not estab- lished in 1914, as taught by Charles Russell and others. Further- more, the doctrine of premillennialism, that the kingdom has not yet come is false, for Christians have been in the kingdom since Pentecost, A.D. 33 (Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 1:9). Christ, now reigning, must continue to reign until the last enemy, death, has been defeated in the resurrection of the just (1 Cor. 15:22-28). Herein is hope; herein is assurance. Are you, through proper obedience, been added by the Lord to His kingdom? Study Acts chapter two. ---------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081108/06c018c8/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 8 03:55:49 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 04:55:49 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) CRITIQUING THE CRITIC Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. CRITIQUING THE CRITIC I have been reading a collection of essays written by James Barr. Dr. Barr was a British Old Testament scholar and served as Regius Professor Of Hebrew at Oxford University in England. He made his reputation by criticizing widely accepted ideas and practices. His greatest contribution was in the field of philology where he brought to light some of the unfounded assumptions often made in lexical studies (The Semantics Of Biblical Langua- ge). Dr. Barr also commented on the use of the Bible in religious studies today, and some of those comments are insightful indeed. For example, in an essay entitled "The Bible as a Docu- ment of Believing Communities" he says: A major positive function of the Bible is to challenge the doctr- inal and theological systems which so quickly and so powerfully come to control people's thinking about God. He goes on to say that the Reformers rightfully used the Bible in this way to combat the body of tradition that had devel- oped and was considered authoritative within Roman Catholic- ism. On the other hand, he observes, Protestantism fares no better. It often imprisons the biblical message within rigid doctri- nal systems. He argues that a genuine attempt should be made to discover what the Scripture really means, not what we think it ought to mean. All of this is good. In fact, Barr's insights are so perceptive that one might be tempted to accept what he says in other areas without much examination. After all, someone with his insight, credentials, experience, and influence must be on the right track. But to do this would be a mistake. Dr. Barr is about as far from most who read this article on the theological spectrum as a person could be. He did not believe the Bible to be the inerrant Word of God and did not hesitate at all to criticize those who do. If we were to spend time critiquing this critic, his views on inspiration and other cardinal doctrines of the faith would become evident. Does this mean that we should reject all that he has to say? Of course not. But it does mean that we must be as critical of the critic as he is of the issues he examines. We should accept only those insights and criticisms that prove to be true under the test of such examination, and reject those that fail. This observation is not to be limited to James Barr. I chose him as an example because the point I make can be easily seen in his case. When reading the material of one who is far from truth on many basic issues, we naturally are on guard against error he might teach. But what happens when the critic stands closer to what we believe on must issues? Then the danger of failing to critique the critic is even greater, and we may be swept away, accepting not only the valid criticisms he makes but also the faulty positions he advances. This seems to be true especia- lly when the critic is charismatic and clever in his speaking and writing, when he has impressive credentials and a good reputat- ion. The danger is real. We must learn to be critical of the critics. Here Is A Case In Point: -- Within the last few years it has been suggested that most church problems would disappear if Christians would meet in someone's home instead of in a tradit- ional-style building built or provided by the church (F. LaGard Smith in Radical Restoration, Cotswald Publishing, 2001). Even the threat of instrumental music would vanish if we met in homes (as if no one ever played an instrument at home). Other suggestions are made, of course. The Lord's Supper should be a meal, preachers ought to focus more on evangelis- tic efforts, more attention should be given to those who are older in the local church, and so on. These suggestions are made because churches are perceived to have become sterile and formalistic, tradition-bound, performing perfunctory acts of worship void of emotion or zeal. The fact is, while some of the criticisms are valid, it would be a mistake to accept all that the critic has to say without critiquing his work. When the reader begins to raise questions, he discov- ers that the Bible says nothing about where a local church should meet (except "in Spirit and truth"), the size a local church should be (except at least "two or three"), or how much bread a Christian should eat or how much fruit of the vine he should drink in observing the Lord's Supper (except that they ought to help him remember the body and blood of Jesus and that the Memorial is not intended to satisfy one's physical hunger). Other weaknesses might be found with just a little critical exam- ination. (Was there ever a time when local churches had more problems than in the first century, when most of them, is is sugg- ested, men in someone's house?). To be sure, critics serve a useful purpose. We need them. However, all of us should learn to critique what we read and hear. Be critical of the critics. Or, in other words, "Prove all things; hold fast to what is good." ---- Bob Hutto in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 3, March 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081108/7bdeba03/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Nov 8 19:06:31 2008 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 19:06:31 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 037 Message-ID: T he Messenger 2008 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 731-627-3514 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 003::ISSUE 037:: November 09, 2008 ARTICLE ONE: How Well Do You Listen? ARTICLE TWO: Ancient Living: Modern Learning #001-Noah? Article One: How Well Do You Listen? Let's examine the record of a righteous man. A man who is the center of one of the first Bible lessons most children are taught. Let's look at the record of Noah. The mention of Noah's Ark is typically received by thoughts of that simple Bible story. We have for years used this lesson to get the children's attention: the facts in it are very exciting: the animals, the big boat, etc. There is, however, much more to this story then we may have considered. We cannot simply write off these facts as a child's story and forget that our own lives stand in need of the information that is found in Noah's example. There is much more to his story than a big boat and a bunch of animals. There are important lessons, to which we must open our eyes. There are things that we need to learn from Noah that will establish in us a stronger faith. Let's consider a few of those things. We Learn To Walk With God: God was displeased with man; sorry that He had created him (Genesis 6:5-8). He could no longer endure man's rebellion and decided to destroy all of mankind (vs. 7). It should not stretch our imaginations to think that at that moment God could have simply spoken the words and the world that His words created in the beginning would find its end. God however was willing to take notice of just one man and his family. Even though His anger was kindled against the whole earth God noticed one man who stood with Him (vs. 8). What was it that caused Noah to be recognized? Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah was just and perfect among his "generation". It further says that He walked with God. It is not hard to see that we live among generations of those who do not fear God. I am not about to tell you that we are living in times that are worse than ever before, but we are certainly surrounded by the things of the world-the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). One point I will concede, that is worse today, is the availability of temptation. We must determine to walk with God to be recognized, walking with the world and being one of them is not acceptable to God. We need to take a different path (Matthew 7:13-14). We need a change of direction and a change of mind (Romans 12:1-2). We live in the world but are not of the world. In order to be recognized and accepted by God we must evaluate everything that we do with this question: "Does this make me more like the world, or more like I need to be before God?" Noah stood with God when no one else would and he found favor with God. We Learn To Do What God Asks: God told Noah to do something extraordinary: build an Ark (Genesis 6: 13-16). God had laid out, in great detail, a plan; a plan that would enable Noah to save his life. This plan involved the building of an ark: 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet tall. This was certainly an ominous task to say the least. Noah was willing to do what God asked. It is interesting how God has asked so little of us and so many refuse to simply do what He asks. Matthew 19:16-22 the rich young ruler was told what to do and he refuse to obey. Acts 24:25, Felix was instructed by Paul and he would not obey. Acts 26:25-29, When offered the "words of truth and reason" Agrippa would not obey. What are we going to do? God has established a plan of salvation that we must obey (Mark 16:16). This plan is simple, clear and plain, we follow the examples set by the first century Christians, doing the same things and we too will be saved. We Learn To Look To God Not The World: There is always pressure to be "accepted" we, however, typically choose the wrong point of acceptance. Noah desired to be acceptable to God. This is made clear by the fact that he found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). This grace was found only because of Noah's determination not to seek the world's advice. Noah's life was a real example of Psalm 1:1-6. We know that Noah was capable of choosing wrong, He could have walked in the world's counsel which would have left him hopeless and condemned with them. We too need to listen to God more than the world. The things of the world lead one to sin and condemnation-not salvation (1 John 2:15-17). The wisdom of the world is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:20). This should be clear to us but we still give in too often. The things that get us most often are the one's that seem to be supported by the "majority" we must remember that Noah stood against the majority because he stood for the truth (Hebrews 11:7). With the truth we have God; with God we have all (Romans 8:31-39). Conclusion: Noah is one of the first Bible lessons that most children are taught. The mention of Noah's Ark typically directs ones thoughts to a simple Bible story. There is much more to be gathered from this story than perhaps we have gathered in the past. There is much more to his story than a big boat and a bunch of animals. Noah's example sets us up with important lessons that we must open our eyes to. There are things that we can learn from Noah that will establish in us a stronger faith. From Noah we learn to walk with God, always obey God, and continuously seek God. Our opportunity for salvation is provided by God. Changing your whole life may seem like an ominous task but you can do it. Are you ready to simply obey? ~tss Article Two: Ancient Living: Modern Learning #001--Noah Let's examine the record of a righteous man. A man who is the center of one of the first Bible lessons most children are taught. Let's look at the record of Noah. The mention of Noah's Ark is typically received by thoughts of that simple Bible story. We have for years used this lesson to get the children's attention: the facts in it are very exciting: the animals, the big boat, etc. There is, however, much more to this story then we may have considered. We cannot simply write off these facts as a child's story and forget that our own lives stand in need of the information that is found in Noah's example. There is much more to his story than a big boat and a bunch of animals. There are important lessons, to which we must open our eyes. There are things that we need to learn from Noah that will establish in us a stronger faith. Let's consider a few of those things. We Learn To Walk With God: God was displeased with man; sorry that He had created him (Genesis 6:5-8). He could no longer endure man's rebellion and decided to destroy all of mankind (vs. 7). It should not stretch our imaginations to think that at that moment God could have simply spoken the words and the world that His words created in the beginning would find its end. God however was willing to take notice of just one man and his family. Even though His anger was kindled against the whole earth God noticed one man who stood with Him (vs. 8). What was it that caused Noah to be recognized? Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah was just and perfect among his "generation". It further says that He walked with God. It is not hard to see that we live among generations of those who do not fear God. I am not about to tell you that we are living in times that are worse than ever before, but we are certainly surrounded by the things of the world-the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). One point I will concede, that is worse today, is the availability of temptation. We must determine to walk with God to be recognized, walking with the world and being one of them is not acceptable to God. We need to take a different path (Matthew 7:13-14). We need a change of direction and a change of mind (Romans 12:1-2). We live in the world but are not of the world. In order to be recognized and accepted by God we must evaluate everything that we do with this question: "Does this make me more like the world, or more like I need to be before God?" Noah stood with God when no one else would and he found favor with God. We Learn To Do What God Asks: God told Noah to do something extraordinary: build an Ark (Genesis 6: 13-16). God had laid out, in great detail, a plan; a plan that would enable Noah to save his life. This plan involved the building of an ark: 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet tall. This was certainly an ominous task to say the least. Noah was willing to do what God asked. It is interesting how God has asked so little of us and so many refuse to simply do what He asks. Matthew 19:16-22 the rich young ruler was told what to do and he refuse to obey. Acts 24:25, Felix was instructed by Paul and he would not obey. Acts 26:25-29, When offered the "words of truth and reason" Agrippa would not obey. What are we going to do? God has established a plan of salvation that we must obey (Mark 16:16). This plan is simple, clear and plain, we follow the examples set by the first century Christians, doing the same things and we too will be saved. We Learn To Look To God Not The World: There is always pressure to be "accepted" we, however, typically choose the wrong point of acceptance. Noah desired to be acceptable to God. This is made clear by the fact that he found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). This grace was found only because of Noah's determination not to seek the world's advice. Noah's life was a real example of Psalm 1:1-6. We know that Noah was capable of choosing wrong, He could have walked in the world's counsel which would have left him hopeless and condemned with them. We too need to listen to God more than the world. The things of the world lead one to sin and condemnation-not salvation (1 John 2:15-17). The wisdom of the world is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:20). This should be clear to us but we still give in too often. The things that get us most often are the one's that seem to be supported by the "majority" we must remember that Noah stood against the majority because he stood for the truth (Hebrews 11:7). With the truth we have God; with God we have all (Romans 8:31-39). Conclusion: Noah is one of the first Bible lessons that most children are taught. The mention of Noah's Ark typically directs ones thoughts to a simple Bible story. There is much more to be gathered from this story than perhaps we have gathered in the past. There is much more to his story than a big boat and a bunch of animals. Noah's example sets us up with important lessons that we must open our eyes to. There are things that we can learn from Noah that will establish in us a stronger faith. From Noah we learn to walk with God, always obey God, and continuously seek God. Our opportunity for salvation is provided by God. Changing your whole life may seem like an ominous task but you can do it. Are you ready to simply obey? ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081108/5ec586cc/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2886 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081108/5ec586cc/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081108/5ec586cc/attachment-0001.gif From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Nov 8 15:55:10 2008 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 14:55:10 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> When Jesus Looks At Me Message-ID: <000001c941ec$ac7d4d30$0577e790$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper November 9, 2008 When Jesus Looks At Me In the past, I preached a lesson entitled 'When We Look At Jesus,' with the intent of helping us to understand who Jesus is to us, as believers. That lesson got expanded into a series of studies by the same name that helped us to see Jesus in many ways, some of which we may not have considered before. For all disciples, I believe it is beneficial for us to see Jesus not only as our Savior [which He is], but as everything He is and in every way He was meant to be seen by us. The better we know Him, the closer to Him we should seek to be! But now it is time to do a little reversal of viewpoints and ask the question, 'When Jesus looks at me, what does He see?' Let's try to answer that in a short series of articles [2]. The question, again, is, 'When Jesus looks at me what does He see?' Does He see someone interested in hearing Him? (Luke 19:1-5) We all probably remember well the story of Zacch?us, the height-challenged tax-collector who climbed the sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed by. When Jesus passed by, He looked up and saw Zacch?us and said, ?Zacch?us, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today? (v. 5). And Zacch?us was not looking for Jesus just to be able to say he had seen Him; when he came down, he told Jesus, ?Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold? (v. 8). Zacch?us was not only interested in seeing who Jesus was, but also interested in hearing what He had to say and interested in being right in His sight. Could the same be said of me when Jesus looks at me? Am I one who is truly interested in knowing who Jesus is and genuinely interested in hearing what He has to say to me? I know many people claim to want to know Jesus and many more claim to be His followers, but I must look only to myself and honestly answer this question; am I interested in hearing Jesus? Am I interested in hearing Him when His words cut to my heart and expose my sin? [It is easy to listen to Him when He is speaking about someone else's sin!] Am I interested in listening to Him when His words point out my faults and my attitudes that are not in line with how I should be living and thinking? [It is easy to listen to Him when He is speaking about someone else's faults and bad attitudes!] Many people who claim to be followers of Jesus turn away at His hard sayings (cf. John 6:60-66) ? especially those that speak directly to our own lives. Many who are in adulterous marriages turn away and find preachers, willing to compromise the truth to increase their numbers, who tell them they are "okay"; many who are interested in laying up their treasures on earth rather than in heaven (Matt. 6:19-24) turn away when the preacher starts talking about the need to give more; and those whose interest in Jesus is merely superficial turn away when the preacher or one of the elders starts asking why they do not come on Sunday nights or Wednesday nights or any of the Bible classes. They turn away because the words of Jesus sting so sharply when He speaks about the greatest commandment being the need to love the Lord ?with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind? (Matt. 22:37). If I am doing the least for Him instead of giving Him my best, then what else should Jesus see in me but a weak faith? Will He be disappointed in what He sees in me? (Luke 22:61) We also probably remember the events surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus ? even the sad hours before He was taken away. It was prior to this that Jesus told the disciples, ?You will all fall away because of Me this night? (Matt. 26:31), but told Peter, in particular, ?I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know Me? (Luke 22:31-34). Though Peter vehemently denied he would do such a thing, Peter did deny the Lord, and when the Lord looked at Him, I am positive it was not a look of joy, but of disappointment [even though He knew it would be done]. Have I ever done anything that would cause the Lord to look at me with disappointment? Sadly, I must confess I have done many things that would disappoint my Lord! It would be foolish to say that I have not sinned ? and if I did say that, I know it would not be true (1st John 1:8, 10). The fact is, I still fall short of the glory of God even though I call Him my Lord. Far too many times [once is too many], I choose to go my own way or make choices based on fleshly desires, rather than His will, and I tarnish His holy name ? and disappoint Him. He is disappointed because He knows what I could have done, but sees that I chose foolishly instead. But I also know that even though I often disappoint Him, I may be forgiven of those times when I fail. Just as Peter repented and lived the rest of his life in service to the Lord, I, too, may change [repent] and start living as I should. I know that if we confess our sins to Him, He is ?faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness? (1st Cor. 1:9). Though I may disappoint Him, that disappointment doesn't have to be forever. Peter was welcomed back by the Lord and was among the first to ever speak the gospel message to the world (Acts 2); think about the good you can do for the Lord even though you are not perfect! If you disappoint Him, repent and move on. You do not have to wallow in your sins and the Lord has provided a way out, if you are willing. Will He see a reason to be compassionate to me? (John 5:5, 6) [Hopefully, you know the answer to that question before I even get started!] In this text, Jesus came to Jerusalem and saw a man lying next to the pool of Bethesda, waiting to be healed. When Jesus saw Him and knew his condition [he had this infirmity for 38 years and was unable to get to the pool in time to be healed], He, of course, showed great compassion towards this man and simply commanded, ?Get up, take up your bed, and walk? (v. 8). The man was immediately healed and his life was forever thereafter changed because of the Lord's compassion. On a much greater scale ? and long before time began ? God looked at the future of man and saw that he would sin. Seeing that need even before it existed, God established a plan for man's salvation that would be accomplished through the great sacrifice of His Son on the cross (2nd Tim. 1:8-10; 1st Pet. 1:18-20). Of course, Jesus knew this was the plan when He came to this earth, and He willingly gave up the glories of heaven and the glories of being God [not giving up being God, just the glory that it entailed] and came in the form of lowly man, dying a horrible death that we might live (Phlp. 2:5-8). By this most compassionate act, Jesus showed the greatest love that could be shown, dying not for His friends but for His enemies (cf. John 15:13; Rom. 5:8, 10). The great thing about this ? to me ? is that I am a recipient and beneficiary of this great demonstration of compassion. And so are you. Jesus died for all men (1st John 2:2)! No matter who I am, I know that when Jesus looks on me, I can be assured that He wants me to be saved from my sins (John 3:16); it matters not where I live, how much or how little education I have, or how poor I am ?I know that Jesus loves me and has shown compassion on me. Now, it is up to me to respond to His great love. What will I do? Will I now hear what He says to me that those in heaven may rejoice (cf. Luke 15:7), or will my response be a reason for Him to look on me in disappointment once again? Next week, we will consider three more things Jesus may see in me when He looks at me. ?? Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081108/5eedadbc/attachment-0001.html From robertwater at gmail.com Sat Nov 8 18:06:08 2008 From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters) Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 18:06:08 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Politics/Religion Message-ID: Beloved brother I do not think it is a wise thing to try to rewrite Greek grammar for the sake of a prejudice. Not saying your doing this but from my point of view you are grasping at straws. The imperative mood is the normal way of expressing a command in NT Greek. The standard Greek grammar is Daniel B Wallace's Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. In this work Wallace is exhaustive in his treatment of NT Greek. He notes the imperative "moves into the realm of volition, involving the imposition of one's will upon another" (p. 485). How is this done? "The imperative mood is most commonly used for commands" (ibid). Wallace makes a nuanced distinction between commands and "prohibitive imperatives. " These prohibitive imperatives are then simply defined at "negative command" (p. 487). In Ephesians 5 there is only one imperative (relative to our discussion) and that is "Be filled with the Spirit." This is a fact brother and neither you nor anyone else in history will change this fact. This command/imperative is followed by five modifying participles. These participles can further be nuanced as verbal or "result" participles. What does this mean? "The participle of result is used to indicate the actual outcome or result of the action of the main verb" (Wallace, p. 637). Interestingly enough Ephesians 5.19-21 are used specifically by Wallace as an example of participles of result (p. 639). He comments on the Greek of this passage, "the idea of result here would suggest that the way in which one measures his/her success in fulfilling the command of 5:18 is by the participles that follow" (ibid). The idea is the same as in Galatians 5.22-23 ... the Fruit listed are the results or flow from keeping in step with the Spirit. I think this is more than sufficient to demonstrate that your fundamental interpretation of Ephesians 5 as a command is simply wrong. I have not begged any questions I am merely keeping your feet grounded in reality. Do not make arguments that are demonstrably wrong. There are major flaws with CENI and you have just demonstrated one ... making a command that God did not make. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081108/e88b9c6e/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sun Nov 9 07:51:31 2008 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 07:51:31 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 037 (Corrected Missing Article) Message-ID: T he Messenger 2008 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 731-627-3514 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 003::ISSUE 037:: November 09, 2008 ARTICLE ONE: How Well Do You Listen? ARTICLE TWO: Ancient Living: Modern Learning #001-Noah? Article One: How Well Do You Listen? How significant is listening? Listening is the fullness of hearing. It is possible to hear someone talk and not listen. In order to hear and listen, one must be paying attention. My wife becomes very annoyed with me when she speaks and I do not listen. Perhaps I am distracted by some other noise or voice or whatever I am currently involved with; I can hear her talking, but I do not listen. The lesson I learn is that my wife is like most everyone else-she does not like to repeat herself after she has said it once. I should give her my attention and listen. Jesus would often end His teachings with the statement, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" We need to open our ears, and pay attention. We need to listen to some important things in this life. Many opportunities for "listening" come along only once in a lifetime. It is regretfully too late when we find ourselves saying, "I should have listened." Let's consider some of those things and why we need to open our ears to hear them. We Need To Listen To God: Our God is a communicator. He has seen fit to reveal His will to mankind in the form of words (James 1:17-25). We have His words preserved for us, even today-the Bible is the word of God. According to those "words" the section known as the New Testament is our source of God's teachings for today. We need to listen to the word of God as we have it here in this volume (the Bible), God will not send it again-He will not repeat Himself. Jude 3 tells us "the faith" was once delivered for all. Hebrews 1:1-2 states that "God has spoken. in these last days through His Son". The words for these last days-the words of Jesus Christ are exclusive to the New Testament (John 8:31-32; John 12:48-50; John 14:23-26). Why listen to God? The will of God (His word) is about you. The preparation and possibility of your salvation is plotted from Genesis 1:1 throughout the Old Testament and comes to life in the New Testament's examples, instructions, warnings and promises. The salvation of mankind is the theme of the Bible, from its beginning to its end. You, being part of mankind, are the focus of the Bible. You cannot succeed without God (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23). God has given you what you need to succeed (Psalm 19:7-11; James 1:21-25). True success in this life is searching for and finding your Creator (Acts 17:25-31). True success in this life is the salvation of your soul (Matthew 16:26). True success in this life is preparing for eternal life in Heaven (John 14:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6-9). God has spoken; He has delivered His will to you for your life, your salvation, and your eternal life in Heaven. Are you listening? We Need To Listen to Our Brethren: Now that we move our ears in a different focus we are not looking for further instructions; we are listening for something else. We are listening for their requests of help, comfort, or direction. We have already spoken of God's willingness to supply our needs. Among those needs is companionship or togetherness on the road of faith. God designed the church to meet those needs (Ephesians 1:4). The church was built by Christ (Matthew 16:18). The church is populated by the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16-17). The church is made up of brothers and sisters of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1-2). Any relationship is sustained by conversation; both speaking and listening. The church is a family of brothers and sisters working together for the cause of Christ (Philippians 1:27). We are to be unified in our relationship (Romans 15:1-6; 1 Corinthians 12:20-27). Why do we need to listen to our brethren? We need to be aware of their needs (Hebrews 10:24-25). Often, when speaking with our brethren, we offer "suggestions" of need without openly saying we need. We need to consider one another (pay close attention, listen carefully) in order that we do not miss some clues that indicate need. When listening we also need to pay close attention in order that we might come to the right conclusions. Because we can hear and not listen completely at the same time we need to guard ourselves from "conclusion jumping" (Evil suspicions) (1 Corinthians 13:5; 1Timothy 6:4). Listen carefully so as to not come to the wrong conclusions about your brethren. Always give them the benefit of any doubt and ask them personally to explain themselves if you for any reason do not understand. Your brethren need you to listen, so that together we can withstand the world and successfully inherit eternal life. Are you listening? We Need To Listen To Others: Again, with others, we are not looking for further instructions beyond, or differing from, God's revealed word. Whether they are currently aware, or not, the world is accountable to their Creator. They will stand in judgment for all that they have said and all that they have done (2 Corinthians 5:10-11). This is not a little problem, this is a big problem. The world is filled with souls who desperately need God, and the plan of salvation made available through His Son. Why listen to others? We have to listen for their cries for help. The world is lost and dying in their sins. They are not going to make it by following their own hearts (Romans 3:23; 1 Timothy 6:9). We have what they need-the hope of salvation and life everlasting-the gift of God (Romans 6:23). The world is in need of a Savior and there is only One (Acts 4:12). We must carry the gospel message out to the world (Matthew 28:18-20). We must hear those who are asking for help, we must listen to them and give them what they need (Romans 1:16). Yes, the world is in need and those who recognize their need are asking for help; you have the source of help. Are you listening? Conclusion: We have some listening to do. We must listen to God in order to be pleasing to God. We need to listen to our brethren, helping one another to be pleasing to God. We need to listen to others, to hear their cries for help and bring them to place in which they too will be pleasing to God. Are you listening to God, to your brethren, to others? If you are not a Christian today I want you turn this bulletin over to the last page. On that page there is a chart entitled "The Gospel Plan". Please listen carefully to that chart. The instructions there will lead you to pleasing to God by becoming a Christian. Will you listen? ~tss Article Two: Ancient Living: Modern Learning #001--Noah Let's examine the record of a righteous man. A man who is the center of one of the first Bible lessons most children are taught. Let's look at the record of Noah. The mention of Noah's Ark is typically received by thoughts of that simple Bible story. We have for years used this lesson to get the children's attention: the facts in it are very exciting: the animals, the big boat, etc. There is, however, much more to this story then we may have considered. We cannot simply write off these facts as a child's story and forget that our own lives stand in need of the information that is found in Noah's example. There is much more to his story than a big boat and a bunch of animals. There are important lessons, to which we must open our eyes. There are things that we need to learn from Noah that will establish in us a stronger faith. Let's consider a few of those things. We Learn To Walk With God: God was displeased with man; sorry that He had created him (Genesis 6:5-8). He could no longer endure man's rebellion and decided to destroy all of mankind (vs. 7). It should not stretch our imaginations to think that at that moment God could have simply spoken the words and the world that His words created in the beginning would find its end. God however was willing to take notice of just one man and his family. Even though His anger was kindled against the whole earth God noticed one man who stood with Him (vs. 8). What was it that caused Noah to be recognized? Genesis 6:9 tells us that Noah was just and perfect among his "generation". It further says that He walked with God. It is not hard to see that we live among generations of those who do not fear God. I am not about to tell you that we are living in times that are worse than ever before, but we are certainly surrounded by the things of the world-the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). One point I will concede, that is worse today, is the availability of temptation. We must determine to walk with God to be recognized, walking with the world and being one of them is not acceptable to God. We need to take a different path (Matthew 7:13-14). We need a change of direction and a change of mind (Romans 12:1-2). We live in the world but are not of the world. In order to be recognized and accepted by God we must evaluate everything that we do with this question: "Does this make me more like the world, or more like I need to be before God?" Noah stood with God when no one else would and he found favor with God. We Learn To Do What God Asks: God told Noah to do something extraordinary: build an Ark (Genesis 6: 13-16). God had laid out, in great detail, a plan; a plan that would enable Noah to save his life. This plan involved the building of an ark: 450 feet long, 75 feet wide and 45 feet tall. This was certainly an ominous task to say the least. Noah was willing to do what God asked. It is interesting how God has asked so little of us and so many refuse to simply do what He asks. Matthew 19:16-22 the rich young ruler was told what to do and he refuse to obey. Acts 24:25, Felix was instructed by Paul and he would not obey. Acts 26:25-29, When offered the "words of truth and reason" Agrippa would not obey. What are we going to do? God has established a plan of salvation that we must obey (Mark 16:16). This plan is simple, clear and plain, we follow the examples set by the first century Christians, doing the same things and we too will be saved. We Learn To Look To God Not The World: There is always pressure to be "accepted" we, however, typically choose the wrong point of acceptance. Noah desired to be acceptable to God. This is made clear by the fact that he found grace in the eyes of the Lord (Genesis 6:8). This grace was found only because of Noah's determination not to seek the world's advice. Noah's life was a real example of Psalm 1:1-6. We know that Noah was capable of choosing wrong, He could have walked in the world's counsel which would have left him hopeless and condemned with them. We too need to listen to God more than the world. The things of the world lead one to sin and condemnation-not salvation (1 John 2:15-17). The wisdom of the world is foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:20). This should be clear to us but we still give in too often. The things that get us most often are the one's that seem to be supported by the "majority" we must remember that Noah stood against the majority because he stood for the truth (Hebrews 11:7). With the truth we have God; with God we have all (Romans 8:31-39). Conclusion: Noah is one of the first Bible lessons that most children are taught. The mention of Noah's Ark typically directs ones thoughts to a simple Bible story. There is much more to be gathered from this story than perhaps we have gathered in the past. There is much more to his story than a big boat and a bunch of animals. Noah's example sets us up with important lessons that we must open our eyes to. There are things that we can learn from Noah that will establish in us a stronger faith. From Noah we learn to walk with God, always obey God, and continuously seek God. Our opportunity for salvation is provided by God. Changing your whole life may seem like an ominous task but you can do it. Are you ready to simply obey? ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081109/1f68a2e0/attachment-0001.gif From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Nov 9 19:42:42 2008 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 18:42:42 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (11/9/08) Message-ID: <20081110014520.D94ABBC069@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) November 9, 2008 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com --- CONTENTS: "What Do Others See In Us?" (Richard Thetford) "God Provides the Light for Each Step" (Selected) SENTENCE SERMONS --- WHAT DO OTHERS SEE IN US? Richard Thetford Several years ago I taught a teenage class and we studied the book entitled ""I Can Do It" by Willard Conchin. These lessons focused on our Christian life and how we can better serve God by determining to examine every area of our life, ensuring that we are doing our best for the Lord. One of these lessons showed us how we can be a good example before others. Everyone Is An Example Everyone of us is an example. The question is "what kind of example are we?" We can be a good example or a bad example and no matter where we are, or what we're doing we are confessing or denying Christ by our example (Matthew 10:32-33). Our greatest example is Jesus Christ. It is Jesus that we should imitate as we strive to serve Him each day. But there are many other Bible examples. Names such as Abraham, David, Solomon, Moses, Jonah, Lot's wife, Noah, and Jacob to name just a few are all examples. In each of their lives we can read the recorded accounts of the kind of example they were before God. What is it that others are writing about us? Can it be said of us that we are examples worthy to be imitated. The apostle Paul said: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). It would be so good if each one of us would be able to make that kind of statement and to prove it by the way we DO live our life. We Are Preaching Whether we want to be a preacher or not, the fact is that we ARE preaching a lesson to others every day that we live. Hopefully, the lesson we are preaching is one that will have a positive, godly influence upon others. Several years ago a dear sister in Christ, Ellen Kyle wrote the following poem: The Only Bible If your life was the only Bible others were able to read, How would you tell God's story to a world in desperate need? Could those who never opened God's book still learn of God's love and care, Would they see a Christ-like example, the one God tells us to wear? Would they see the same love that Christ had, for the lost souls on this earth? Would the way that you treat your brother reflect what a soul is worth? Would you be an example to others of gentleness, faith and love? For these are virtues that can only be gained by trusting in God above. Would you teach meekness and temperance in all that you say and do? Would others see peace, longsuffering and joy, as the fruits of God's spirit shine through? Would your life be such an example that souls to Christ you could lead, If your life was the only Bible they were ever able to read? It is good for us to always examine our life and make sure that all we do is truly pleasing to God. Paul said: "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Can it be said of us that we are Christians because one can tell by the manner of life that we live? If everyone did measure Christians by the life that we live, what would they really think about Christians? We should never be afraid to have others pattern their lives after ours because we should be living the Christian life every day. We should be as bold as Paul when he said: "Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you" (Philippians 4:9). --- GOD PROVIDES THE LIGHT FOR EACH STEP Selected Someone has observed, "He who carries a lantern on a dark night sees only one step ahead. With each step, the lamp moves forward and another step is made plain. He finally reaches his destination in safety without once walking in darkness. This is the method of God's guidance." When a person becomes a Christian, he knows his ultimate destination and is assured of his safe arrival. But the dark cloud of the unknown can veil the pilgrim pathway. Potential pitfalls, lurking dangers, and tragic missteps often upset the weary traveler and rob him of the peace and confidence the Lord intended for him to enjoy. But Christians refuse to worry about tomorrow and trust Him for today. They find by the light of God's Word the grace and guidance for every step. Even as a lantern illuminates each new step on a dark road at night, so the lamp of Scripture provides light on our pathway. It isn't necessary to see beyond what the Lord reveals. Following His leading, there's always enough light for each step of the way. --- SENTENCE SERMONS Faith is produced by hearing and is seen by action. To multiply joy you must share it. When you give in to God, God will give out to you. In order to keep the faith, you must properly use it. If your religion costs little, it is worth little. Unless sin is confessed, it will remain and fester. A man who fears the face of God need not be feared by man. A man isn't as worth while as an apple tree if he doesn't grow anything but older. It's kind of hard for a child to learn to live right if he's never seen it done. --- SERMON The Fire Burned (with PowerPoint Charts) www.thetfordcountry.com --- 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study..........10:00 A.M. Worship......11:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study......6:30 P.M. Evangelist/Editor Richard Thetford Building: (970) 249-8116 Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081109/c7a9b0dd/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9662 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081109/c7a9b0dd/attachment-0005.gif From gharmon at idworld.net Sun Nov 9 20:03:37 2008 From: gharmon at idworld.net (Gary H. Harmon, Jr) Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 20:03:37 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Sermon to Web Site Questions Message-ID: <92BCF69034F5426F8CCA768DB2864727@garyh4i1k3x2lw> Our congregation is starting to post John Evans' sermons to our website. I know others are probably doing the same thing and I 'd like to know what process you are using. What kind of digital recorder? Off load sermon data to CD and then FTP the file from home? Remotely access the sermon data from home and FTP to the web site? Other processes? Thanks in advance. Gary H. Harmon, Jr. / K5JWK San Antonio, TX 78239-1504 210.884.6926 gharmon at idworld.net "Being a grandparent is a marvelous thing!" -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081109/bc7dab23/attachment.html From robertwater at gmail.com Sun Nov 9 20:14:53 2008 From: robertwater at gmail.com (Robert Waters) Date: Sun, 9 Nov 2008 20:14:53 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Politics/Religion Message-ID: Greetings, Our country is seriously divided politically. Partisan politics is pathetic. No matter what one party is for the other is against it. People in both parties try to demonize people of the other. Some are self proclaimed "yellow dog _________s" This simply means they will vote for a yellow dog before they will vote for anyone other than their own party. They are going to vote for the one running for Presidentregardless of what he says or does and regardless of the fact that the man he votes against actually stands for the things he believes. I have some friends that WERE yellow dog Democrates and of a family of the same. I was pleased to hear one friend say "My party has left me." It is much the same in religion, isn' it? How many of us are honest enough to take a close look at what the people we are associated with actually are teaching and practicing? Are we willing to search for the truth and take a stand for it when we find it? Is there any wonder that God allowed a man to be elected President who has policies that will result in great suffering for our people? Perhaps God is going to adjust some attitudes. It would be a good idea to get a head start on Him and get with the program. Brotherly, Robert Waters -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081109/7d7f336b/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 10 02:42:41 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:42:41 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING? My life flows on in endless son; Above earth's lamentation I hear the sweet though off hymn That hails a new creation: Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul -- How can I keep from singing? What though my joys and comforts die? The Lord my Savior liveth; What though the darkness gather round! Songs in the night He giveth: No storm can shake my inmost calm While to that refuge clinging; Since Christ is Lord of Heav'n and earth, How can I keep from singing? I lift mine eyes; the cloud grows thin; I see the blue above it; And day by day this pathway smoothes Since first I learned to love it: The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springing: All things are mine since I am His -- How can I keep from singing? ------- Robert Lowry, 1860. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081110/51f2ab2a/attachment-0001.html From terrywbenton at bellsouth.net Mon Nov 10 08:16:51 2008 From: terrywbenton at bellsouth.net (Terry W. Benton) Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:16:51 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Reviewing A Gary Cavendish Cult Claim Message-ID: Reviewing A Gary Cavendish Cult Claim Article found at: http://www.jesus-is-the-bridge.org/Articles/Spiritual_warfare/what_are_the_marks_of_cults.htm What Are the Marks of Cults? Part 5 of Battling the Darkness: Spiritual Warfare Key Verses: 1 John 4:2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. To some, what constitutes a cult really is a matter of definition. For professing Christians whom we Fundmentalists would categorize as liberals, a cult is any group happen to disagree with, in terms of points of doctrine. I have seen some sites, for example, who label Creationism, along with Fundamentalism, as cults, not to mention those who believe that the King James Version is the only valid English translation of the Bible. I like this acronym I saw recently in an article about the Church of Christ, a group close to cult status: C. Claim to be The Only True Christians (TWB: There is one universal body of Christ. It contains only Christians, no false Christians, and there is no local church of Christ that claims to be the only true Christians. So, this does not apply to any churches of Christ that I know or belong to. The only questions is can "true Christians" maintain divisions, denominations, and remain true Christians in the one body? ) U. Unorthodox Extra-biblical Revelation (TWB: This definitely does not characterize any church of Christ that I have known or been a member of. So, this would disprove any assertion that churches of Christ are even close to "cult status". ) L. Lying Leaders (History/Doctrine) (TWB: This does not characterize anything I know about in churches of Christ. The Baptist Church has had it's share of lying leaders. So, if this applies to churches of Christ, it would apply to the Baptist Church in the same way.) T. THE Way (Salvation is found only in their organization) (TWB: The one body belongs to Christ. All who are saved are in Christ, in His one body or church. Their is no "organization" on earth, but salvation is found only in Christ, in His one body. There is no record book here for anyone to check. So, there is no way of us knowing who all is in that body. But, salvation is only in that body, and we can determine how one gets into that one body, find out from the person we are talking to whether they obeyed the Lord, and know from a person's obedience or disobedience whether they have entered Christ or remained in Christ. There is no organization larger than a local church, and no local church claims that salvation is only in that local church. So, unless the author does not believe that salvation is only in Christ, he has no point in claiming that churches of Christ have some larger organization than a local church but smaller than the universal church that holds this cultic claim). S. Salvation By Works (obedience to ordinances such as baptism) (TWB: This is a misrepresentation of even the early apostles. They claimed that baptism was indeed part of the conditions of faith that entered one into salvation in Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet.3:21; Col.2:11-12). Yet, it was not the equivalent of salvation by works, which is just salvation because one has merited the reward due to one's perfect record of law-keeping. Baptism is "for remission of sins" (which declares that one has NOT "worked" the Law, but failed under the law and needs forgiveness). If baptism is "salvation by works" then so is "faith" and "repentance". Those are things we do. But, neither of those things EARN anything. So, this is actually a perversion of what is a cult characteristic. It condemns the apostles as cultic on a false notion of what "works" involves, and a false notion about the place that baptism plays in the salvation process. We will have more to say about this issue later. Needless to say, the five points listed above are in no way properly connected to churches of Christ. There is obviously a lot of misunderstanding within the choice of items chosen to identify "cults". We will break down the flawed points of understanding more thoroughly as we go along.) (Is the Church of Christ a Cult, Freedom Quest Ministries, http://www.chocd.org/conclusions.html ) (TWB: While we examine this article, we will also question the scriptural right of the author's own BAPTIST Church and it's connection to another organization, the "Freedom Quest Ministries" to exist by scriptural right. In other words, is the author a part of something that the apostles were NOT members of? Religiously, does one have a right to be a part of something that separates one from and distinguishes one from what the early apostles were known to be a part of? In other words, since the early apostles were not a part of the Baptist Church, were not a part of Freedom Quest Ministries, were not a part of any denomination, then does the author, Gary W. Cavendish, have a scriptural right to be a part of something that is distinct and divided from the apostles? Can one abide in the apostles' doctrine, in the doctrine of Christ that does NOT teach one how to be a Baptist, how to start a Baptist Church, how to organize a Baptist Church, how to start a separate "Freedom Quest Ministries" organization, and still be a part of such unbiblical denominations? Is it scriptural to start and support religious organizations that are by nature separating believers into categories or denominations that did not get endorsement from Jesus and His apostles? ) Cults and heresies have been around since the beginning of the church. Paul had to deal with the cult of Jewish legalism, which insisted that a Christian must be circumcised and live up to all the other requirements of the Jewish law in order to be a Christian at all (see particularly the letter to the Galatians). There were also those who insisted on worshipping angels in addition to, or rather than, Jesus Christ (evident in Colossians and, by inference, in Hebrews). In the last days, Paul wrote to Timothy, men would depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1). Many Christians believe we are already in that time just before the Tribulation period, and there has certainly been a great proliferation of cults, while some of the older ones are growing rapidly in numbers and influence. The Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses particularly are expanding rapidly, around the world. (TWB: Let it also be noted that the Baptist cult was not around during the days of Paul, but had it existed then, it too would have been rebuked as a heresy, a division away from the pattern of churches that were started by Paul and the other disciples of Christ. Early disciples were called "Christians". There were no Baptist Christians. Just Christians. When a group starts to distinguish themselves from the apostles with new names, labels, and doctrines that distinguish them from the apostles, then they are a divisive faction (1 Cor.1:10-13; Gal.5:19-21). Those who cause division were marked and avoided (Rom.16:17). So, we caution the reader to make note that a man in an unscriptural church and organization really has a plank in his own eye and is not really able to help someone else with lesser problems). But, what makes a cult a cult? Simply because a group holds different beliefs than we do about matters of doctrine, does that make them a cult? Not necessarily; there are certain core beliefs that every church must adhere to, in order to be legitimately labeled "Christian", but beyond that there is a wide area of possible disagreement. In the broadest sense, a cult is a Satanic counterfeit of a church, but that still doesn't define what constitutes such a counterfeit. (TWB: The writer says that there are certain "core beliefs that every church must adhere to". I want the reader to be ready to call his hand on what the "core" belief's are, and how he arrived at the conclusion of what those "core" beliefs have to be from the scriptures. In other words, do the scriptures themselves tell us about these "core beliefs" and also tell us that these core beliefs are true and the test of false churches?). Few people would deny that Jesus was a real person, that he actually lived on this earth, though many in the Gnostic cult said he was nothing more than spirit, since all flesh is evil. That really is not what John is saying here, though. The key qualifier is the word "Christ", the Greek equivalent of the Jewish word "Messiah", the anointed one of God, the promised redeemer. To the church, this means Christ as the son of God, God come among us as human flesh. Any group that does not acknowledge the basic truth of the Gospel, that Christ was God come in the flesh to redeem sinful men, is a cult. Put another way, "What will you do with Jesus?" Mormons are a cult because they view Jesus as the earthly manifestation of a planetary ruler, who came to show his elect, the Mormons, how they might, at least the males, attain to the rule of their very own planet. Jehovah's Witnesses are a cult because the proclaim that Jesus was the earthly incarnation of the Archangel Michael, not the son of God. (TWB: What the author has done here is to correctly point out an established fact of the New Testament, that Jesus was deity come in human flesh, and that those who taught contrary to that factual teaching were false teachers then and false teachers now. Cavendish is correct that groups like Mormons and Jehovah's witnesses are false teachers on the foundational doctrine of the deity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. Churches of Christ are generally correct about this foundational doctrine.) By extension, any group that teaches there is a way of salvation by any means other than through the blood of Christ, the instrument of God's grace, is a cult. Even if they profess to believe in Jesus as the Son of God, if they teach that salvation can be attained through works of any kind, including baptism, their group is a cult. (TWB: Cavendish is here implicating the apostles by mixing things together haphazardly that do not need to be mixed together. Let us take up his mixture of things one by one and see what is wrong with what he has thrown together here. First, no church of Christ that I have ever heard of has ever said, taught, or implied that "there is a way of salvation by any means other than through the blood of Christ". We all recognize that without the blood of Christ there is no remission of sins or salvation from the condemnation of our sins. Jesus is the only way. So, right off the bat we see that Cavendish will be making a false argument if he says that churches of Christ teach that salvation has a "means" other than the blood of Christ by which to be saved. In fact, if he so labels churches of Christ without even trying to show that any have said that there is another "means" than by the blood of Christ, then Cavendish will have displayed that he possesses one of the marks of a true cultist, and that is the reckless handling of truth, and the tendency to distort truth and lie to one's own advantage. Secondly, he implicates himself again when he said: "if they teach that salvation can be attained through works of any kind, including baptism, their group is a cult.". Now remember, he said the blood of Jesus is the only "means" of salvation. We agree with him. Now, the question is, "How do we attain the means?" Cavendish is teaching here that we cannot attain the means of salvation by works of ANY kind. Thus, he teaches a false doctrine that we cannot attain the means of salvation. He is therefore teaching that we cannot be saved because we cannot attain the means (the blood of Christ) to be saved. He has eliminated attaining it "through works of ANY kind". So, there is no way of attaining it. You cannot attaining it through reasoning on the scriptures and coming through exercise of thought upon the evidence of Jesus' credentials and the story of His death and resurrection, because that would involve work of some kind, mental work, but work none-the-less. Coming to conviction of the truth of God's word takes much mental effort or work. But Cavendish says that you cannot attain salvation "through works of ANY kind". Therefore, he is including the process of coming to faith conviction. He is wrong about this matter as we can clearly see in many cases of conversion in the book of Acts. Peter reasoned with the Jews about the evidence of Jesus Christ in Acts 2:22-36. The exercise of their brain power and their honest examination of that evidence, their mental work at keeping a fair mind and work at absorbing and understanding the evidence Peter presented led to their conviction (Acts 2:37). It was through "hearing" (listening, mental effort engaged, mental work at handling the evidence presented) that they became convicted of the truth and the implications of that truth. Cavendish is wrong to say it takes no work of ANY kind. Thirdly, Cavendish is wrong to imply that there is nothing a person can do to attain salvation by means of Jesus' blood. When the Jews asked "What shall WE DO?", if Peter had believed like Cavendish, he would have answered, "there is NOTHING you can DO". Peter would have had to respond that way if Cavendish is correct. However, the fact that Peter answered that there is something they could do, proves that Cavendish is the real cultist in this matter. He would not answer the same way that Peter did answer the question. It is apparent that Peter did not believe Cavendish's false doctrine that there is nothing one can do, including baptism. Peter settled the question by divine inspiration and direction of the Holy Spirit. His answer is right. Those who do not answer the question in the same way that Peter did answer the question are false teachers and cultists. What did Peter says? Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". Please notice that Peter is not saying that there is another "means" of salvation other than the blood of Jesus, but that attaining the means of salvation in Jesus' blood requires a conviction willing to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins. Now, if Cavendish wants to implicate the apostles in his definition of a cultist, he is treading on ground that reveals to us his own major problems. We will have more to say about this later. Remember, Cavendish teaches that even the effort it takes to reason over evidence is WORK. He is wrong about "work of any kind". There is some effort involved (though it is not meritorious in nature) to attain salvation in the blood of Jesus Christ, and Peter correctly answered as to what was involved (Acts 2:37-38). If any man teaches differently that Peter and the apostles, "let him be accursed" (Gal.1:6-10).) GC: There is only one avenue of access to the Father, Jesus Christ, and by grace alone, not by grace plus anything else. He is our great High Priest, our only intercessor, and there is no intermediate chain of saints, or the Virgin Mary, or the local priest, standing between. We are bidden to come boldly to the throne of grace, not to the local confessional (Hebrews 4:16). Praying to anyone other than to the Father, in Jesus' name, is heresy. (TWB: Cavendish is correct here. It is by grace alone that God gives us a chance. He is not forced to by any merit on our part. However, let us be clear that grace alone gives us the means (Jesus' Blood) and the conditions (a faith involving repentance and baptism in Jesus' name) for remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit.) GC: Leaders of cults often take to themselves the role of God, in some cases explicitly assuming such an identity, and accepting the worship of their followers. No matter what substitute is used, a cult will always replace the true worship of God in Christ with something else, or someone else. Even if they do otherwise appear to adhere to Christian beliefs, adding requirements for salvation not found in scripture, such as baptism or membership in a particular denomination, means they are worshipping God in a wrong spirit. (TWB: Cavendish did well here until he said, "adding requirements for salvation not found in scripture, such as baptism ..." Here HE deleted from scripture what the apostles clearly included (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Here we see Cavendish in clear conflict with Peter. Peter had the Holy Spirit guiding him. Cavendish in speaking from his own misunderstanding. Thus, Cavendish is implicating himself as "worshipping God in a wrong spirit". Peter is correct, and we are correct if we tell people what to do using the same words Peter used in Acts 2:38. Cavendish will not tell people what Peter told the Jews on Pentecost. So, is he not claiming that Peter was a cultist? We have put his "core beliefs" to the test and found that his core beliefs do not match Peter's. Cavendish is therefore a cultist.) GC: Can a member of a cult be a Christian? Yes; it is far too common for born-again believers to desert their faith and join some cult or another, sometimes just for convenience or expediency. Going off into doctrinal error, no matter how serious, does not make you "lose your salvation", which is not based on what you do but who you are in Jesus Christ. The only unpardonable sin is the ultimate rejection of Christ. It is always possible, of course, that those who profess to be Christians then desert their faith were never saved at all; only God can make that judgment. For well over a thousand years, the Roman Catholic church was the only Christian church in western Europe; it is hard to believe that no one in all that time was saved simply because the larger church had fallen into serious error. I believe that God can reach anyone, and draw them to himself, no matter what religion they practice. If they choose, even then, to remain in their false religion, even though they are saved, that does not undo what God has done, and the decision they made. It simply means that their witness is destroyed, and all hope of reward beyond eternal life itself is lost. A cult is a substitute, an attempt to offer some other way to salvation than the only Way, Jesus Christ. (TWB: We will have more to say later about the false doctrine of "once-saved-always-saved", but right here Cavendish is saying that cults can be saved while still doing and teaching what they are saying and doing. One only loses "their witness". I guess that means that they are saved but do not count as a witness for Christ. That is a very strange position. A saved man is no longer a witness for His Savior even though he is still united with his Savior? That doctrine looks very suspect. But additionally Cavendish also expressed another strange doctrine that the saved cultist will lose something else: "all hope of reward beyond eternal life itself is lost". In other words he is saying that the cultist has eternal life but no rewards beyond that. Which means he will have to live in a shack in heaven while others will enjoy a mansion. However, there will be "no tears" in heaven, so I will not be crying, discontent, and unhappy even if I get to live in a shack in the presence of God forever. This strange doctrine of Cavendish is not biblical. It is associated with the false doctrine of once-saved-always-saved. We will have more to say about this doctrine in other articles. Right now we have established that churches of Christ today that say exactly what Peter said in answer to the question "What shall we DO?", are safe in answering that question exactly as Peter answered it, and that only the real cultists will answer it differently. Peter included repentance and baptism in the attaining of the blood that is the means of remission of sins. Cavendish does not include what Peter included. Cavendish, by implication is charging PETER with being a cultist. We see that Cavendish has some major problems in his concepts and definitions of a cult. He is showing us that he brought some arbitrary definitions to the table and thereby implicated himself as teaching contrary to the apostles. Thus, we conclude that Cavendish and his Baptist sect, are in conflict with Jesus (Mark 16:15,16) and with the inspired apostles (Acts 2:38; 22:16) regarding the salvation process of attaining the saving blood of Jesus Christ. Cavendish is the cultist in these matters.) - Terry W. Benton Copyright 2008 by Gary W. Cavendish. This article may be freely used so long as due credit is given. Terry W. Benton http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DebunkingTinroad6g-isms/message/74 Visit: www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com Dan Billingsly vs. Terry W. Benton Exchange on the Four Gospels at: http://www.pinelanechurchofchrist.com/SiteFiles/157/Benton%20Billingsly%20Debate.doc -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081110/5e47dcf4/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Nov 10 14:07:27 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:07:27 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> We Are the Ones for Whom We Have Been Waiting Message-ID: We Are the Ones for Whom We Have Been Waiting I. Introduction A. We are the ones for whom we have been waiting B. An excellent line from a political speech! 1. A summons to action 2. An awareness that if things must be done, someone must be willing to go out and do them! C. Every generation awaits for some type of savior figure 1. Someone is expected who will stand up and point the way 2. Yet that person rarely, if ever, seems to come around 3. Things do not change; they just remain the same 4. Then the next generation comes, waiting for the same savior! D. The sad irony is that the people who wait could very easily be the ones to accomplish what they seek-- if they would only stop waiting and start working! E. Yet salvation does not come through any political process 1. Romans 1:16 2. The Gospel is God's power for salvation 3. Any kind of political change is nebulous and unreliable! F. Yet the sentiment is also true in spiritual terms G. Let us consider it and what the Scriptures say II. For Whom Are We Waiting? A. For generations, Israel awaited the Messiah from God 1. Luke 2:25, 2:38 2. When Jesus came, few believed in Him, because He was not the Messiah for which they waited-- the person who would restore physical Israel's political fortunes 3. The Jews are still waiting for that individual, and they will be waiting a long time! B. When Jesus was on the cross, the Jews waited to see what would happen 1. Matthew 27:49 / Mark 15:36 2. They were waiting to see if Jesus would be redeemed in the way they expected 3. Yet He was not C. As Christians, we await a Savior from Heaven 1. 1 Corinthians 1:7, Philippians 3:20-21, Galatians 5:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 9:28 2. Romans 8:19-23: await release from corruption D. Yet for what else are Christians waiting? 1. Are they waiting for the preacher to do the work of bringing souls to the church, as they depend on him show them the way? 2. Are they waiting for the elders to tell them what they are supposed to do in their lives? 3. Do they feel inadequate to do the work themselves, and look toward whom they consider "more mature" Christians to do the work instead? E. Perhaps, instead, Christians should recognize that it is they themselves for whom they have been waiting! III. Growth in Christ A. While the preacher can encourage brethren and show them the way, and elders should shepherd and direct the flock (2 Timothy 4:1-2, 1 Peter 5:1-4), each Christian has the obligation to grow for him or herself! B. Each Christian, despite his or her spiritual age, is to work in the Kingdom! 1. Galatians 3:27-28: we have all put on Christ 2. We are all to then grow to maturity (cf. Romans 6:3-7, 1 Peter 2:1, Hebrews 5:12-6:4) C. How do Christians mature? 1. Hebrews 5:14-- by constant practice! 2. Christianity cannot just be learned-it must be lived to be understood! 3. While you can gain some understanding from hearing the Word and observing the examples of others, if you will not practice it yourself, you will never grow! 4. Hence, the need for imitation: 1 Corinthians 11:1, 1 John 2:6 D. In the end, we are the ones for whom we have been waiting! 1. Consider the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 2. Who will say that their faith in God is stronger than theirs? 3. And yet, Hebrews 11:39-40 4. Thus, Hebrews 12:1-2 5. The mantle has fallen upon us: it is our duty to take it on and go forward! E. What are we to do? IV. Being the Ones for Whom We've Been Waiting A. What do we do when we see that the church building could be fuller? 1. Are we to wait and see what will happen? 2. Or should we ourselves go out and encourage the struggling and erring (Hebrews 10:24, Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:19-20)? 3. Should we go forth and preach the Gospel in word and deed (Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 1:16)? B. Interlude: "The World's Bible" (#512 in Sacred Selections) C. After all, if we are not the ones for whom we have been waiting, who is? 1. If people are not going to learn of God from us, from who will they? 2. If we are not the salt of the earth, or the light of the earth, how will people see the light? From where will the salt come (cf. Matthew 5:13-16)? 3. Indeed, we are the ones for whom we and others have been waiting! D. What do we do when we feel weak? 1. Do we wait for someone to make us feel better, or accomplish the work for us? 2. Or should we recognize that we are growing in Christ, and keep on striving for the prize (Philippians 3:13-14)? E. What do we do when we consider the future? 1. Do we find some version of the knight in shining armor that comes in and makes everything better? 2. Or should we realize that today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), and while we have breath on this earth before the Lord returns, that we are the ones who will have to advance God's Kingdom among our fellow men (Matthew 25)? F. Will we recognize that our waiting will be in vain if we do not get busy in the Kingdom? V. Conclusion A. Matthew 24:45-51, 25:1-31 B. Our Master has departed, and we await His return C. We are the servants, the virgins D. We are entrusted with the house, the talents E. Will we wait for instruction or will we recognize that we are the ones for whom we have been waiting to accomplish God's purposes right now? F. The consequences of inaction are dire! G. Let us rise up and take on the mantle of faith! H. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 11 04:35:36 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:35:36 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an artic- le from my files: MEMBERS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST Are you a member of some organization? What responsibili- ties do you have for that group? For some associations all you need to do is pay your dues and yoeu receive certain benefits that are offered for joining. Other groups involve volunteering and working with no dues required. Some organizations require both dues and active participation. We understand what is required when we join and usually sign some kind of contract of commitment when we become a member of that association. Whether or not we understand everything that is involved in joining that group -- we become a member with all good intentions of doing what is required to be a part of the organization. Brethren -- when we dedicate our life to Christ by believing, repenting, confessing Jesus as Lord and being baptized into Him -- each one of us has been added to His church (Acts 2:36- 41,47). Each one of us is now a member of Christ's body (1 Cor. 12:12-14). Some Christians may think that all they need to do is give their money. Others may think all the need to do is give their time and ability. Even some may think all they need to do is join, and nothing is really required of them. What are some things we learn from the New Testament about being members of the body of Christ? Christians made an effort to be a part of a local assembly of believers. Saul, later called the apostle Paul, tried to join with the disciples in Jerusal- em right after he became a Christian (Acts 9:26,27). Barnabas helped him to accomplish this task. Most of the New Testament is a compilation of letters that Peter, John, James, Jude and Paul wrote to local churches of Christ. Christians gathered with each other in a certain locality and appointed bishops and deacons to serve among them (Acts 14:23; Phil. 1:1; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9). Children of God gathered to worship God through prayer, singing, teaching and reading the word and partaking of the Lord's supper together (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17-34; 14:23- 40). They assembled to encourage one another to love and good works (Heb. 10:24,25). (They also laid by in store upon the first day of each week as they had prospered, 1 Cor. 16:1,2, JWS). Christians united together to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. The church at Antioch sent men forth to preach the Word in other places (Acts 13:1-3). The church in Philippi supp- orted Paul in his preaching (Phil. 1:5; 4:15-20). Churches also gathered funds to help needy saints (Acts 2:44,45; 4:32-35; 11:27-30; 1 Cor. 16:1,2). May God bless each one of us to be active, giving members of the body of Christ which we have joined in our community! -------------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081111/f364e3e3/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 11 04:35:44 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:35:44 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION IN TYPE (8) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is another study on the series under this heading. Use to the glory of God. THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION IN TYPE (8) Israel As A Church: -- In Acts 7 Stephen delivered a great sermon which was substantially a historical resume of God's dealings with men through the previous centuries. It was climax- ed by his being stoned to death for the severe, but just, castigat- ion of them for their unfaithfulness to God. In this sermon he re- hearsed the events of time identified with Israel, and referred to them as "the church in the wilderness." From this it is apparent they did properly constitute a church. They were such by reason of having been "called out," and the question of whose church they were turns on the point of who called them out. They were called out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and into the wilderness, hence, styled the church "in the wilderness." Presumably, if they had acted on their own initiative and effected this change they would have been their own church. And, for instance, if they had responded to the self- appointed leadership of Moses forty years before, and had been thus lead out they could have been well regarded as the church of Moses. Likewise today the determination of whose church any particular religious body may be can be clearly ascertained by learning whose call was responded to in becoming a church. Many of the prominent religious bodies of our time are identified by the name of those who were initially responsible for their ex- istence, and such an identification is altogether proper. Even so should the church of Christ be so regarded, because, along with a number of considerations, is the fact that He called those who are its members out of the province of darkness and constituted them His "called out," and called to be saints. As the church in the wilderness these people sustained a re- lation to their surroundings as pilgrims and strangers. They were sustained by those resources from above, and independ- ent of the wilderness land in which they sojourned. The manna from heaven and the abundance of quail provid- entially made available, as well as the enduring and sustained wearing of their clothes and shoes for forty years evidenced most clearly their dependence on God and independence of that which immediately surrounded them. It does seem to me that we should be able profitably to reflect on these matters as they suggest a striking correspondence between their situation physically and ours spiritually. Today we need to realize with be- coming appreciation that the Lord has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The great need of our hour is a strong and dauntless faith that inspires and supports as confid- ence fully reposed in the Lord and His wisdom. We are those who are to worship God in the spirit and have no confidence in the flesh. Having been called out of the world, though physical- ly yet it it, we are strangers and pilgrims; and as such we are to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081111/cf1339b4/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Tue Nov 11 07:55:38 2008 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:55:38 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Faith, Life And Prayer (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: Faith, Life And Prayer (Kent Heaton) Men and women of faith have always been characterized by a devoted prayer life. From Abraham to the apostle Paul, spending time with God was a vital part of the lives of those who sought a higher walk of faith. Abraham lived by faith and through his constant need of communing with God was a friend of God. David wrote his prayers down in psalms to declare the intimate peace he shared with the Father. Daniel failed not in his daily prayers even in the face of death. Jesus spent many hours in deep confidence with His Father and died with a prayer on His lips. The early disciples knew the power of prayer in their daily lives as testified by Luke in the Acts of the Apostles. Life needs prayer. Prayer needs faith. Sometimes life seems harsh and unanswered questions challenge our faith and cause doubts to rise in prayer. We know the power of prayer. "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much" (James 5:16). Jesus taught His disciples to "pray and not to lose heart" (Luke 18:1). The early church was admonished to be devoted to prayer (Romans 12:12). Paul writes, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6). Prayer must be constant (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus promised in the sermon on the mountain that when the disciples ask they would receive; when they sought after a blessing from God it would be found; and when one knocks upon the door of promise that it would be opened (Matthew 7:7-11). Yet life sometimes does not find the answers we are seeking. With our faith and trembling prayers we seek God's blessing in our lives. We may seek the concern of a loved one who is failing in health and though we earnestly pray for their recovery find loss. Our desire for a blessing in life may be pleaded before the throne of God daily and still find lacking in the answer we seek. Is it because of a lack of faith that blessings do not come? Are we being punished because we do not have faith enough to bring about the desired result through the pleading of the promises of God? In our health and wealth religion of prosperity the idea is left that if you pray for something and it is not received then your faith is lacking. If you pray for God to bless you with children and yet you remain barren is it because of your lack of faith in God? When a loved one falls ill to a disease and prayers are constantly offered for their recovery and yet dies do we say our faith was not great enough in prayer? The great chapter of faith in Hebrews 11 is not only about those who found victory in this life through their faith and their prayers but also the stories of those who prayed just as hard and had as much faith if not more and were not delivered (Hebrews 11:35-38). Faith is the love of God working through our love in prayer expressing our deepest needs to a Father who loves us. He hears our prayers. He knows our needs. He answers every prayer. Our faith is not diminished when he says, "No." There is nothing God cannot do but God will not do everything we ask. His answer should build our character of faith to trust Him more and more - regardless of the answer He gives. Faith is not based upon the answer but upon the request. Our trust in God is to rely upon His will in our lives. When life brings challenges we show our faith by praying to the Father. Our faith then brings the challenge to light when the answer is received from the Father. Jesus left us an example to follow in Matthew 26:42. "Your will be done." Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com NEW: AUDIO FILES www.northfloridabiblecamp.com If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. (Ronald Reagan) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081111/9e88f347/attachment.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Nov 11 09:23:24 2008 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 08:23:24 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14, No. 3" Message-ID: <009301c94411$70fecf50$6401a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> "Some Revealing Exchanges on Romans 14, No. 3" By Don Martin I have had many other exchanges or debates, if you prefer, on Romans 14 that have illustrated some brethren's inconsistent positions. Inconsistency is often the result of wanting to take both sides of an issue; thus, they end up appearing foolish. On one hand, they want to be known for saying that they do not believe doctrinal or moral matters belong in Romans 14; yet, when it comes to application and party loyalty, they end up placing doctrinal and moral matters in Romans 14 or, at least, defending those who teach blatant error by claiming that their doctrinal error must not be placed in Romans 14, but that we must tolerate the men's application of doctrinal error, placing this in Romans 14. I know and agree, such mumbo jumbo does not make any sense, but this is too often the way it is. Case in point: An exchange on Romans 14 during the fall of 2004. In one circumstance, when I was exposing the doctrinal error of one known preacher's teaching relative to multiple causes for divorce instead of the one cause, fornication, that Jesus provided (Matt. 5: 32, 19: 9), one insisted that we must allow for different applications of Matthew 5: 32 and 19: 9. This was during the time that Ron Halbrook and others were heard saying, "We believe the same truth, but we must allow for different applications of that same truth." Contradiction often characterize these preachers. Notice the following excerpt taken from this debate: "Romans 14 does not sanction unity in doctrinal and moral diversity (2 Jno. 9-11; Gal. 1:6-10; 1 Cor. 4:6, 17 and other verses expose this error). It is wrong to conclude that all areas of application fall into the realm of judgment." My disputant went on to say, again, having my agreement: "At the same time, there are some areas in the application of truth that the Lord has left to personal judgment." Going more to the point, he then added: "The past several years has seen interest heightened to the point of debate and division over the subject of divorce and remarriage. Brethren are once again challenged to distinguish the difference between binding truth and allowable differences (cf. Phil. 1:9-11)." Still becoming more revealing, he states: "Is it possible to be united in the truth of the gospel on marriage, divorce and remarriage, and yet differ over some specific points of application? Yes, just as surely as it was for the meat-eater and the herb-eater to differ in their application of food consumption while not having fellowship with the idol." Further laying ground work: "Still, it must be acknowledged that brethren who are united on the aforementioned principle of truth (one man and one woman for life with one exception) conscientiously differ on some of the applications of that God-given pattern. Differences in application that do not violate the God-given pattern for marriage, divorce and remarriage should not be made tests of fellowship. That is the 'forgotten side' of Romans 14. Will we have the abundant 'love', 'knowledge and all discernment' necessary to 'approve the things that are excellent' and to remain 'sincere and without offense till the day of Christ' as we address this subject (Phil. 1:9-10)? Or, will we disrupt unity with the stumbling block of binding personal conscience upon others? Romans 14 still has application today." My disputant introduces another preacher, quoting his material and listing particularly two interesting items: "Brother (name withheld, dm) reminded us of some applications of the Bible's teaching on MDR over which brethren disagree even while they maintain agreement on the divine pattern of one man and one woman for life, with one exception (Matt. 19:4-6, 9). Two of the multiple positions in the list of the differences in application he noted were: "...3. Can an adulterous mate execute a civil divorce against a faithful mate, and the faithful mate be prohibited from remarrying because he/she is the 'put-away' mate? 7. Can a Christian put away his mate for the 'kingdom's sake' and remain unmarried or be reconciled?" After mentioning the above as illustrative of his point of allowing "different applications" of the "same truth," he immediately follows with: "When conscience compels a brother or sister to hold fast to one application over another, and truth is not violated by doing so, we are to respect their conscience and not press our different (though equally sound) application to the point of division. That is the 'side' of Romans 14 we must not forget. We must remember to receive one another when there is dispute over 'doubtful things' instead of pressing personal scruples to the point of forcing the violation of conscience and rupturing unity in the body of Christ." I challenged this brother's article and statements and an exchange between him and me resulted. To this day, though, he claims he has been misrepresented. He asserts that after all he said he did not believe doctrinal and/or moral deviation can be placed in Romans 14. Knowing the background is of some help in trying to figure out this obvious contradiction. This brother accepted a staff writer position for Truth Magazine and I called him, asking him how he could be a part of such an arrangement, involving the editor who advocates multiple causes for divorce. Hence, his article titled, "The 'Forgotten Side' of Romans 14." This preacher never refuted or presented as doctrinal error multiple causes for putting away; yet, borrowed it from another as an example of different applications, all the whole pleading for tolerance and allowance based on Romans 14. I have repeatedly asked him very simply (after his claim of misrepresentation): "Do you believe the doctrine of multiple causes for divorce, 'divorce for the Kingdom's sake,' can be placed in Romans 14 and fellowship extended to those who preach multiple causes?" He has refused to answer this simple question, but continues to say that I have misrepresented him. Such is going to be the recurrent result of men among us who align themselves with unscriptural arrangements that place them in a unity-in-diversity fellowship circumstance and then forces them to look to Romans 14 for help to appear to be justified in their actions. These mentioned exchanges on Romans 14 as well as many others can be visited in the Polemic Exchange section of www.bibletruths.net When on the home page, scroll down and enter through the door and click on "Polemic Exchanges" in the directory on the Site Map page. Also of interest is the article titled, "Romans 14, An Overview." When on the home page of Bible Truths, click on the Archives button and then click on "R" on the Archives page. From bobbylgraham at pclnet.net Tue Nov 11 16:04:02 2008 From: bobbylgraham at pclnet.net (Bobby Graham) Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:04:02 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] Belizean Briefs X Message-ID: <17BF2E26-9EDD-4D70-82C2-6063D4536CBC@pclnet.net> Brethren: I have just returned from my tenth trip to Belize and here am sending you my record, impressions,and conclusions of that trip. Belizean Briefs X is included in this message. Bobby Graham bobbylgraham at pclnet.net 24978 Bubba Trail Athens, AL 35613 (256) 233-3509 BELIZEAN BRIEFS X The Trip: For the tenth time since April 1999 I was privileged to be able to travel to help my dear brethren in the Lord?s work in the country of Belize in Central America. This trip differed little from most of the others, though there are small and almost imperceptible differences on each trip. A later section will deal with changes observed over the two-year period. My friend and brother Joe Greer, preacher form the Elkton, Tennessee, congregation, traveled with me from October 30 to November 7, 2008. We went from Huntsville, Alabama, to Houston, Texas, and then on to Belize City, Belize. The entire trip takes only four hours of flying time, but the layover in Houston is a long one for both going and returning from four to five hours). Joe has traveled to Michigan, Western Canada, South Africa, and Zimbabwe on earlier preaching trips. Some might wonder why I return to Belize yearly; but when the brethren ask me to come back and I read that Paul and Barnabas revisited their brethren on the Second Missionary Journey, I also see that the same need sometimes exists to ?see how they are doing? in both Orange Walk and San Narciso. Support for the Trip: The good brethren in the Butler, Alabama, church again supplied my travel expenses and some incidental necessities for the trip, as they have done for several years. The church on Spring Avenue in Decatur, Alabama, sent some funds for tracts and books which we took to the Christians and others in Belize and for shipping costs involved in the trip. The church in Sudbury, Ontario, upon learning of my plans to make this trip, also joined in sending money to help with the trip. Individuals at Old Moulton Road in Decatur, Alabama, and Eastside in Athens, Alabama, gave money for needs arising in Belize. Any who have traveled recently know how much expenses for flying, luggage, food, and gasoline/diesel have increased. Individual funds are used for meeting medical and other needs of Christians and a few non-Christians in the country. The liberality of churches/individuals has never failed in my experience of making these trips. Joe Greer: Joe married the former Sandra Richter of Athens, Alabama, a former student of mine. His in-laws, Fred (an elder) and Magdalene Richter, work with Eastside in Athens, which supports Dana Whisler at Orange Walk Town in Belize. He and Sandra moved from Michigan to Lewisburg, Tennessee, for his work with General Motors about twenty years ago, For many years he did some preaching in Michigan and Tennessee, but he began full-time work with the church in Elkton, Tennessee, a few years ago after retirement from GM. Joe?s work is of a high caliber because he is conscientious, sound in faith, and talented in song leading and preaching. Improved Health: The Whisler family has suffered repeatedly and sometimes greatly because of health problems. If memory serves me correctly, Luke has remained healthy. All of them seem to be much improved; and it is clear that young Caleb and his mother Carol, who have had the most puzzling problems, are doing much better. Many were concerned about them and prayed for them. We thank our Father and theirs for their improvement! Orange Walk Meeting: We spoke here Thursday night through Sunday morning, and again on our last Thursday night. Joe taught thrice and I spoke four times. My lessons dealt with Humbling Ourselves, Temptation?s Progress, Aids for Remembering in the Lord?s Supper, and Not Worth Doing Wrong For. Attendance here ranged from 17 to 26, but it was mostly in the 20?s. There were some neighborhood visitors present. Efforts were made to spread the word by means of radio and door-to-door work. San Narciso Meeting: We taught for this group Sunday afternoon through Wednesday night. Joe spoke twice and I spoke thrice. My lessons covered two of the same topics as Orange Walk with one added (Marks of a Humble Person). Attendance here ranged from 50 to 65. Some problems in recent years have diminished the number, but the troublers have left. The members seem to be enjoying peace and love for each other. Ben Junkin: Readers of Belizean Briefs for the last few years will recall that Alton Bailey of Cullman, Alabama, went to Belize with me a couple of times before he and his wife Diana went on their own earlier this year. Their daughter Melissa, who is married to Colby Junkin, gave birth to their firstborn named Ben, while I was in Belize on this trip. Colby turned from Baptist doctrine and practice about three years ago, and most of his family have done the same in recent years. He now preaches Christ. I mention this item of special interest, because Alton tried to reach me by cell phone at the Houston airport before we left there for Belize and then sent an email with Ben?s picture attached to me in Belize. That was one proud grandfather wanting me to know and to see that new grandson. Because I was unable to open the attachment, I did not see Ben?s picture until tonight at home in Alabama. This all made me to think about the wonderful news of salvation in Christ which the gospel declares to the world. How many of us try to get the message out to any who will hear it (Mt. 28:19-20)? Daily Studies: Each year I arrange to spend daily time with Greg and Dana (Acts 17:11), American brethren in Belize, because they are the most mature ones in the two congregations and often teach others, they rarely are able to spend time studying with others doing the teaching. The Book of Ecclesiastes was the study this year with Greg, but we also spent much time discussing problems and concerns Involved in their work. Our studies with Dana dealt with the Bible?s teaching on wealth, particularly as a hindrance to the gospel of Christ. Yard Yelling: In our country we call it door knocking; but in Belize the custom is to approach the door or possibly stand before the steps or at the gate of the yard, calling out ?Buenos Dias? or ?Good Morning? until someone comes to the door or no one appears to care enough to answer. Door knocking has become much more difficult in many places because few people are at home much of the time, but Belizean society still has not changed as much as American society has. Less developed countries make this practice somewhat productive, where someone is usually at home. Paul?s familiarity with this or a similar way of teaching from house to house is mentioned in Acts 20:20. Even in Belize, mixed reactions take place at the door, ranging from not showing up, cordial invitations to come in to talk, or being busy with something else. In parts of our country I have had several say, ?I am Catholic,? or ?I?m not interested,? and a few slam the door. Conspicuously Absent: When I was boy at home, I remember Brother Vernon Freeman?s prayers frequently saying, ?We are thankful, Lord, for the faithful few upon whom we can depend.? It sometimes becomes obvious that some of those faithful few are not present for good cause??sickness, death, injury, vehicle problem, weather, flooding, etc. In this instance, a brother and sister living in Blue Creek were unable to be present at any time during our visit to Belize. They were likewise unable to make it to Orange Walk Town for their weekly class with a sister whom they taught and converted to the Lord. Rains over the last month had caused flooding, so that seven to ten feet of water covered the road leading out of Blue Creek. These diligent workers (the Tostis), who live at their own expense, are a boost to the American workers in Belize. Luke Whisler: Eleven-year old Luke is one of the three children composing Dana and Carol?s ?second family,? with their two older children (who accompanied them on their move to Belize) being back in the Keystone State of Pennsylvania. I highlight Luke here because of his outstanding ?footprint? for his young age. Like Hannah and Caleb, he is well-behaved, courteous, and helpful. Now that he is a Christian, he leads prayer, reads the Scriptures (as he did for me during my preaching), leads singing in both English and Spanish, helps with the Lord?s table and contribution, goes regularly with Dana on studies one day a week, as he went with me to do yard yelling and studies. He also enjoys riding his horse and playing with others near his age like John, another young and impressive Christian. Luke helps with daily chores and ?manages? Dana?s (and ours, while in Belize) computer problems. He came to San Narciso each night Dana came. Joe Greer spent some time helping Luke on song leading. Dana uses all such times to teach Luke, as Deuteronomy 6 instructed Israelite fathers to teach their young ones. Luke Whisler is quite a boy for eleven years old! Local-Church Problems: Like local churches anywhere else in the world, congregations in Belize sometimes have problems because people constitute them. The church as designed by God is perfect, needing no correction; but the church as composed by humans is far from perfect, needing constant correction. The divine and human aspects of a local church differ greatly, just as they differed in the writings of the New Testament letters. One has but to compare the existing problems in those first-century churches with the divine model used to bring about correction to those problems to learn the difference between the divine and human sides of local churches. Churches in Belize have had problems involving lack of faithful devotion, immorality, gossip, and pride. Perhaps the greatest problems in all congregations result from pride, as reflected in the desire for preeminence and the unwillingness to see and admit one?s faults. The involvement of pride worsens and prolongs any church problem, as well as hindering its solution (Prov. 6:17; 16:18). Sometimes the attempts of many to help one are thwarted by that one?s proud refusal of the help, because of the refusal to concede sin and the need for help. Incommunicado: Sunday-morning phone calls failed to reach me from my wife Karen, because the line was busy at the Whislers and then there seemed to be a problem with the phone at home. Email is out of the question with Karen. A daughter Mary Katherine later sent an email message explaining the situation. Moving on to Greg Whipples that afternoon placed us where there was no internet service at the house. I was unable to read the message from our daughter until Monday at the internet shop. News of the Presidential election at home did not arrive till the next morning by means of a telephone worker, who came to the Whipple house to put their telephone in working order. All of this points out the need for dependable and trustworthy communication. Technology often fails, as do humans. Humans ought to be more careful about what they say, to ensure its accuracy. As indicated in Paul?s reference to ?faithful/trustworthy sayings? in his letters to Timothy and Titus, God?s message is ever trustworthy. Aren?t you thankful that it is? Early Morning: Having been an early riser from youth on a small farm, it is nothing new for me now to rise close to 5:30-6:00 to begin the day?s activities. A long walk usually begins my day, and Joe joined in. Time is then available to discuss activities of that day or previous days, talk about needs, and plan and coordinate lessons, while working out stiffness from sleeping on an air mattress and getting valuable exercise. Walking by the way was one time mentioned by the Lord in Deuteronomy 6 for talking to one?s children about the Lord?s word, and it was while walking possibly 50 miles to Mt. Moriah that Abraham surely taught Isaac by word and example (Gen. 22). May all parents take time to teach their children, and may all of us ?take time to be holy.? Strengthening American Families: American families dedicated enough make necessary sacrifices to go to distant lands for the Lord?s sake are already among the strongest; but their years away from families, friends, and brethren take their toll in some ways. The need for spiritual companionship with mature Christians is an area that often suffers, making visits by others especially meaningful. Such time spent in mutual edIfication by visiting and residing brethren can be just as beneficial as their time used in teaching the lost, because it keeps the saved strong for the needed work (2 Tim. 2:2). One of our major efforts this year was to study with the two evangelists (wealth and its hindrance to the gospel with Dana; Ecclesiastes with Greg) and to talk about matters that would encourage them. Some yard yelling and home studies did take place, but we used more time with the families this time. Barnabas was an encourager/exhorter who needed the help of Saul in Antioch for a year (Acts 11:22-23). Changes over Ten Years: God?s desire to see all saved and man?s need for Christ have not changed! What has changed since I first went to Belize? Some people both in the church and in the world have grown richer, diminishing their sense of dependence upon God. Some brethren have grown unfaithful, just as in your congregation. Once newly established churches have begun experiencing some of the same problems which the rest of us have long had--strained/broken relationships among brethren, love and zeal growing cold, less actIvity toward teaching the lost by some, gossip by some ?Christians,? and proven lack of dependability by some thought to be stalwarts. The years have also brought some new faces, newly found faith, fresh supplies of ardor for the Lord?s work, maturing faith and readiness for service by some growing brethren, understanding the need for peace and ways of keeping it in the local church, and a steady stream of visitors to the services, making teaching the lost a continuing definite possibility. Such positive changes far outweigh the negative ones cited. Assured that our ?labor is not in vain in the Lord,? we thus persevere in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58)! Bobby L. Graham bobbylgraham at pclnet.net -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081111/5fdaada5/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 12 05:27:18 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:27:18 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE TRUTH SOMETIMES HURTS Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, JIm Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: THE TRUTH SOMETIMES HURTS How much do you appreciate the truth? The truth is easy to hear when it is flattering, encouraging and uplifting. However, the truth can sometimes hurt. Do you always desire the truth from those around you, regardless of whether it is favorable or not? Do you always demand the truth from those who preach and teach the gospel of Christ? The truth pleased the rich young ruler until Jesus told him the one thing he lacked (Mk. 10:17-22). Some would call such a declaration of truth unloving, but the Spirit called it love (note vs. 21). How do we feel when someone courageously and honestly points out our shortcomings (Prov. 27:6)? Most of the Jews who heard Peter on Pentecost appreciated the truth, though it indicted them. They chose repentance and baptism (Acts 2:36-40). Whereas, those Jews who heard Stephen speak that same truth hated what was spoken. They responded by stoning Stephen to death (Acts 7:54-60). How do we respond to the truth? The Galatians loved the apostle Paul -- so much that at one point they were willing to pluck out their own eyes and give them to Paul. However, in the very next verse, Paul was com- pelled to ask if he had become their enemy because he told them the truth (Gal. 4:14-16). Do we despise those who tell us what we need to hear? A few reminders should help us to realize the value of truth: 1) Jesus is the truth -- (Jno. 14:6). 2) God's Word is truth -- (Jno. 17:17). 3) Knowing and abiding in the truth can set us free -- (Jno. 8: 31,32). 4) Those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness will face the wrath of God -- (Rom. 1:18). 5) We must always speak the truth in love -- (Eph. 4:15). 6) We should always speak the truth with our neighbors -- (Eph. 4:25). 7) Love rejoices in truth -- (1 Cor. 13:6). Simply stated, unless we have a love of the truth, we will never appreciate the truths that hurt (2 Thes. 2:10-12). Unless we are willing to accept painful truths, we cannot know the sanc- tifying power of truth (Jno. 17:17). Unless we obey the truth, we will be condemned (Rom. 2:8). How much do you appreciate truth? The answer is painfully obvious when we are confronted with agonizing truths that re- quire change in our lives. Change hurts, but the truth saves. How will you respond the next time you are confronted with the truth? --------- Jonathan Perz via Gospel Power, Vol. 15, No. 44, Nov. 2, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081112/bc273d92/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 12 05:27:29 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:27:29 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S)THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION IN TYPE (9) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is another part of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. THE SCHEME OF REDEMPTION IN TYPE (9) The Possibility Of Apostasy: -- There is not portrayed any lesson in the history of the children of Israel possessing a greater signi- ficance than that which teaches the possibility of apostasy. Gra- phically portrayed and tragically delineated is the story of the bleached bones scattered on the wilderness sands, the scene of their wanderings. Under a divine commission Moses led them to the Red Sea where they were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Jehovah tht day, and by this means, saved Israel from the pursuing Egyptians who, assaying to foll- ow, were drowned in the sea as the waters came together to en- gulf them. Hence the salvation from the bondage to which they had been subjected was ended at the Red Sea, and their securi- ty from the enemy was effectually gained. Notwithstanding this they failed to enter the promised land. This failure was not, and could not, be attributed to a lack of reality with respect to this de- liverance. The oft-heard alibi that should one professing to be a Christian fall away, such would be conclusive evidence he was never saved finds no support of correspondence in this typical situation. These Israelites in the wilderness fell under condemn- ation after they were saved from the Egyptians because of their sins subsequent to being saved. This condemnation found ex- pression in being unable because of unbelief to enter into the promised land. They wandered forty years in the wilderness and died there -- they murmured and complained that they had been brought out there to die, and such actually occurred. But this was not the design of God in delivering them, for He had promised them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. They were to possess houses they never built, wells they had not digged and vineyards they had not planted. To the Hebrews who were saints it was written "So then we see they entered not in becau- se of unbelief, " and were warned lest there should arise among them an evil heart of unbelief in turning away from the living God. Now we read that "by faith they (Israelites) passed through the Red Sea as by dry land" (Heb. 11:29). Therefore they were saved by faith and later lost because of an absence of faith. Equally true is it today that we can, and must, be saved by faith; and equally true may we after thus saved cease to have and exercise that faith that will preserve our souls. When saved by the blood of Christ from our sins we can never again be lost by virtue of those particular sins, since sins forgiven cease to be as though they never were. To reason therefrom, however, that when this freed we may never fall and be lost because of other sins subsequently done is to reason falsely. Just as in the insta- nce of the Israelites they were never in bondage to those destroyed by the waters of the Red Sea, so are we never cond- emned by those sins which are washed away in baptism, (But we can be and will be lost by sins subsequently committed after baptism and not repented of, JWS). Also when they passed through the sea they were not in the promised land, and likewise we are not in possession of eternal life from the moment we are saved from our past sins. They had the land in promise only and never possessed it in actuality be- cause they fell in the wilderness; and we have eternal life now in promise only. In 1 Jno. 5:11 we read that God gave unto us eter- nal life and in verse 13 we read that John has written what he did that "ye may know that ye have eternal life." But in the same letter chapter 2, and verse 25 we read "And this is the promise which He promised us even the life eternal." There is a gross incongruity of expression in speaking of people in time actually being invested with eternal life; we cannot compress eternity within the confines of time. Eternal is not definitive of kind but only denotes duration, and the life we now enjoy in Christ if nur- tured and preserved shall become eternal when time ceases and eternity shall be. Paul in 1 Cor. 10 devotes substantial attention to the examp- le of Israel in the wilderness as being a worthy warning against an overweening confidence of security. With many of them, we are told, God was not well pleased and they were overthrown in the wilderness. In lusting after evil things, committing fornicat- ion, longing for the flesh pots of Egypt, murmuring against God and committing idolatry they rendered it impossible for God to be well pleased with them. All their outward acts of disloyalty and disobedience sprang from an evil heart of unbelief; a lack of confidence in and reverence for the Almighty Who had so recent- ly intervened to save them. It does look like they would have been so effected by His Beneficience, holding in grateful memo- ry their signal recovery, that they would have restrained those evil impulses which they gave rein to. From where we view their history we are appalled at their behavior, but it is to be feared we do little, if any, better in the midst of our blessings. Of frightful proportions is the number of those who return to the weak and beggarly elements of the world. Their last state is worse than the condition of condemnation from which they had been deliv- ered, and they are likened to the dog returning to its vomit and the sow, freshly washed, returned to wallowing in the mire. The promise land which God had provided them and assur- ed them concerning was recognized as a goodly land and alto- gether desirable. Ten of the twelve spies acknowledged if such to be, but were lacking of that faith in God to go up and take it. Today many, so many, feel that the heavenly Canaan is much to be desired but the journey from here to there is too long and the road too hare to travel. They say they cannot live the life, main- tain the character and perform the service required to reach it. Delusive is the hope of reaching it by the course of least resist-ance, and in the spirit of indifference that fills the hearts of many Christians today. On the other hand, however, God does not re- quire the impossible of us, nor doe He permit us to be tempted above that we are able to overcome or escape from. We must look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the Majesty in the heavens. ------ Bryan Vinson in The Preceptor, Vol. 1, No. 9, July 1952. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081112/c89e4645/attachment-0001.html From tedwards at onemain.com Wed Nov 12 10:04:13 2008 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:04:13 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 11/9/08 Message-ID: <491AAA1D.18579.5D84EB@localhost> ____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER ____________________________________________________ "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ November 9, 2008 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified (Dan King) 2) The Last Fight (Robert F. Turner) 3) A Matter of Life and Death (Bill Crews) 4) News & Notes ____________________________________________________ -1- Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified by Dan King All of us have felt inadequate before some great task in our lives. The first time we had to speak in front of a group of people was such an experience for most of us. Those of us who were not particularly good in some phase of mathematics, like Algebra, Geometry or Calculus, felt frustrated and weak before these profound disciplines of math. Some have known total frustration on their first day at a new job, learning and having to keep up with those who have been "at it" for some time already. It is certainly a very human emotion, natural to a variety of circumstances and situations. We have surely known, then, something of how Paul must have felt when he came to the great metropolis of Corinth, capital of Achaia. Trained as a Jewish rabbi, converted to Christianity and empowered by Christ, he still knew the feeling of inadequacy in the face of so grand a work as this among so intelligent and sophisticated a people as these highly cultured Greeks. John Pollock captured this historic moment with the following description: "Corinth was the biggest city Paul had yet encountered, a brash new commercial metropolis founded in its current form less than a hundred years earlier after a century in ruins It squeezed nearly a quarter million people into a comparatively small area, a large proportion being slaves engaged in unending movement of goods. Slaves or free, Corinthians were rootless, cut off from their country background, drawn from races and districts all over the empire and, except for the Jewish community, without natural groupings: a curiously close parallel to the population of a twentieth-century "inner-city," the over crowded materialistic heart of any great urban concentration, with the superficial difference that Corinthians masked their materialism, sexual appetites and superstitions behind a cloak of religiousness. . . If the love of Christ Jesus could take root in Corinth, the most populated, wealthy, commercial-minded and sex-obsessed city of eastern Europe, it must prove powerful anywhere" (The Apostle: A Life of Paul 121). His own strength was meaningless, his own wisdom pitiful, as he saw it. He did not know this then, but it is just at such a time as this that we are truly strong, for then is God's strength capable of being exercised (2 Cor. 12:9). God's power is made perfect in our weakness, for then we will move out of the way (so to speak) and, in faith, permit God to do his part. It was under such circumstances, and in the context of the Corinthian work, that Paul came fully to comprehend the power of God which had been poured into earthen vessels: "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (2 Cor. 4:7). Thus, he made the following observations about his preaching, which ought to have tremendous power in consoling us over our own feelings of inadequacy about living the Christian life and facing its many trials and challenges: 1. Paul came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom (1 Cor. 2:1). Human wisdom was already in great abundance in Corinth, as it is present in our cities and towns today. But the world is not looking to us for either of these, at least that portion that would be saved. The world needs the saving word of the Gospel, the message of truth and hope. Of course, there is a natural appetite that the world has for the appealing things of this carnal realm, but we cannot give it what it wants, but rather what it needs: "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power" (1 Cor. 2:4). That is just what Paul did. He delivered them a dose of what was needed, whether it was wanted or not. The result was a bountiful harvest of souls at Corinth: "and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized" (Acts 18:8). This was not always the case, for Athens was relatively negative toward the Gospel (Acts 17:32-34). 2. Paul was with them in weakness (1 Cor. 2:3). The natural impulse of the male of our species is to show no weakness, but rather to appear strong in the face of all odds. Apparently Paul overcame this impulse, for he really was dwarfed by the immensity of his opposition at Corinth. This city was the home of a great temple of Aphrodite, a cult dedicated to the glorification of sex. One thousand girls were kept consecrated to the goddess, and their processions, rituals and individual solicitude so aroused male devotees and set the tone of the city that the ancient world described habitual fornicators as "Living like Corinthians." Here was also the temple of Apollo, which also glorified sex as well as music, song and poetry, for Apollo was the ideal of male beauty. The temple's inner recesses held nude statues and friezes of Apollo intended to fire his male worshippers to physical displays of devotion with the god's beautiful boys. Apollo's temple encouraged homosexuality and pedophilia. Before such magisterial evil, Paul stood in abject fear: "And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling" (1 Cor. 2:3). But he knew, even as John did that "greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4:4). 3. Paul determined to know only Christ crucified (1 Cor. 2:2). Paul was a well-educated man: no doubt he knew a lot of things, many facts and figures, names and dates, etc. But he came to these people knowing only the message of Jesus and the cross. Yet, the wonder of it is that this is all he needed, for it turned the city upside down. A fine congregation of saints was borne out of his proclamation of the crucified Christ at Corinth. 4. Paul established their faith in the power of God (1 Cor. 2:5). By refusing to promote human wisdom, he turned the people's attention away from himself and man's wisdom, firmly planting the Corinthian church on the solid foundation of Christ. Paul could not save anyone, not even himself. Only the power of God and the blood of Christ could accomplish sin's remission. But Paul could only establish their faith in Christ when his was first centered upon him. This was the order then, and it is the order now. In our own struggle toward the goal of the high calling of God, let us remember that a feeling of utter inadequacy is not only normal but even healthy. It is our own opportunity to reach out to the only source of true spiritual enlightenment and strength. When we come to know only "Jesus Christ, and him crucified," that is, realize our own weakness and inadequacy, and fall back upon the wisdom and power of God. Then and only then, will we be able to accomplish any important thing in his service. -- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 4, p. 20-21, February 18, 1993 ____________________________________________________ -2- The Last Fight by Robert F. Turner On the ruins of a theater in Ephesus there is a memorial to an athlete of the 2nd century A.D. which reads: "He fought three fights, and twice was crowned." Watch out for that last step! You see, those "athletes" fought to the death. A man's last fight was always fatal. So, the crown meant only that one changed opponents; and sooner or later the last would slay him. What a difference in this crown, and that of the apostle Paul: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day..." (2 Tim. 4:7,8). Paul did more than fight "unto death" -- he fought unto life, eternal. If his fight of faith cost him his earthly life, it only meant he was now free to claim the crown that counted most (Rev. 2:10, 2 Cor. 5:6-f.). How different from those who die without hope. Paul sought an enduring victory -- one that could not be taken from him. He exhorted Timothy, "Lay hold on eternal life..." (1 Tim. 6:12). This called for training, perseverance, and above all, self control (1 Cor. 9:24-27). The athlete trained his body only to prolong the day when it would fail him; but Paul trained his that it might the better serve the Lord, and thus serve his eternal purposes. We are all engaged in some sort of battle, and in a very real sense it is "unto death." The fatalist, the fool, resigns himself to shortchange. Though he fights 3,000 times, he can expect but 2,999 temporal crowns, not one of which he can take with him beyond that last fight. The futility of it all is enough to make a man throw in the towel. The Faith gives purpose to life. The Christian fights, hard and often. But he has submitted himself to God's will, "strives lawfully" (2 Tim. 2:5), and his fight is never in vain. Jesus Christ has provided for him a crown, and not for him only, "but unto all them also that love his appearing." -- Via Plain Talk, January 1971 ____________________________________________________ -3- A Matter of Life and Death by Bill Crews We've all heard the statement, "It's a matter of life and death." It expresses a sense of urgency, and it's designed to get attention and solicit immediate response. It may be used in a phone call to the police, the paramedics, or the firemen, or in hospital situations. It is physical life and physical death we're talking about, and when it's a life or death situation involving us or our loved ones, we think anyone would agree that it is an urgent matter indeed. But for some strange reason, when it becomes a matter of spiritual life or spiritual death, when it involves the salvation of a soul or the eternal destiny of a soul, our own, that of a loved one, that of a friend or neighbor or fellow-worker, the urgency is gone, and the matter can wait. With all too many this is not a priority that should receive immediate attention, and it is put off until it is too late -- forever! How do we really feel about the life or death, about the eternal destiny of a soul -- yours or some else's? I really believe that if I were lost and knew it, I could not rest, could not sleep -- could not have any peace -- until I took care of that matter once and for all. What about you? -- The Beacon, November 4, 2008 ____________________________________________________ -4- News & Notes We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Philip Robertson (Ken's brother) who passed away November 9. Let those of us who are Christians be praying for the loved ones, who can have comfort in knowing that Philip had been a Christian. ____________________________________________________ CHURCH OF CHRIST 201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn) Denham Springs, LA 70726 Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 tedwards at onemain.com http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go DIRECTIONS: Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road, and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to the reception counter. ____________________________________________________ From kerux at bellsouth.net Wed Nov 12 13:16:52 2008 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:16:52 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>What is a grandmother Message-ID: <6F7B16FF60534558A6B1CF136D098CD0@D2381J91> What is a grandmother? A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own. She likes other peoples little girls and boys. A grandfather is a man grandmother. He goes for walks with the boys and they talk about fishing and stuff like that. Grandmothers don't have to do anything except to be there. They are old so they shouldn't play hard or run. It is enough if they drive us to the market where the pretend horse is and to have lots of dimes ready. Or if they take us for walks, they should slow down pass things like pretty leaves and caterpillars and they should never say, "Hurry up." Usually grandmothers are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear glasses and funny underwear. They can take their teeth and gums off. Grandmothers don't have to be smart, only answer questions like, "Why isn't God married and how come dogs chase cats?" Everybody should try to have a grandmother, especially if you don't have television. Because, they are the only grownups who have time. [Read by Dr. James Dobson in a video taped series on the home from a nine-year-old girl who had written about grandmothers] Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com NEW: AUDIO FILES www.northfloridabiblecamp.com If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. (Ronald Reagan) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081112/71d8db40/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 13 04:32:05 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:32:05 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) WITH GOD Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here are some thoughts penned by a fifteen year old girl, Kelsey Harris: WITH GOD I like to be by myself, but I can't stand being alone. I love the dark, but I hate not being able to see. I enjoy meeting new people, but I hate being with strangers. I want my voice to be heard, but I despise talking out loud. I want to be in a hall of fame, but I don't like being the center of attention. I want to have my most complicated problems solved, but I don't want complicated answers. I want to always be healthy, but not have to take medicine. The answer is...God! With God, I can be away from the world, by myself, but not alone, for He is with me. With God, I can be in the dark, be blind, but see more than peo- ple of this world can see. With God, my voice can be heard even when I whisper. With God, I can enter His hall of fame, but not deatl with the pres- sure of earthly fame. With God, I can have even my most complicated problems solved with a simple answer. With God, I can have incurable disease, yet be healthy in what matters most. Without God, I will be with the world, and be totally alone. Without God, I will walk around with my eyes wide open, but not see as much as the Christian blind man sees. Without God, I will meet all the people of the world, but they will always be strangers. Without God, I will have to raise my voice as loud as I can to be heard, but still not be heard when it matters most. Without God, I will work extremely hard to get into a worldly hall of fame, but not get into the highest one of all. Without God, my most complicated problems can't be solved, and the attempts will be so complicated that I won't understand them. Without God, I will have to take pill after pill, but will always be in- curably sick. With God I can achieve anything. Without God, I achieve nothing. What's your choice? -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081113/fc01fac1/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 13 04:32:15 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:32:15 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) "DO NOT BE AFRAID!" Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my files. Use to the glory of God. "DO NOT BE AFRAID!" Fear can be a crippling emotion. It can keep us from doing the right thing at the time when it is most needed. We can get down on ourselves because we are fearful, and thing we lack the courage to do what is right. Sometimes we think that the most courageous person is the one who lacks fear. Some of the greats of the Bible were at times afraid to act -- yet they over- came fear and did what was right. The disciples of the Lord were often afraid. Sometimes this fear was crippling to them. And several times Jesus stopped and said, "Do not be afraid." Do Not Be Afraid To Tell Others That Jesus Has Risen: -- as Mary Magdalene clutched the feet of her risen Lord He gave her a special mission -- "Do not be afraid" He said, "Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me" (Matt. 28: 10). In a sense, this is our mission today. Go and tell others that Jesus has risen and that they will see Him again. Fear, however can keep us from sharing the good news. One of the biggest fears that hinder us is that many don't know what to say. Jesus makes the message simple, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you" (Mk. 5:19). "Do not be afraid to go and tell" the wonderful news of Jesus Christ to friends and family. With the Lord by your side, there is not need to fear. Do Not Be Afraid During The Storms Of Life: -- In Matt. 14, Jesus made His disciples cross the Sea of Galilee to wait for Him on the other side. A fierce storm, however, overtakes them and the waves beat against the boat. The storm was such that the disciples feared for their lives. When Jesus comes, He tells them, "Do not be afraid" (14:27). The same comforting words of Jesus still calm the storms of our lives today. When storms rage and the contrary winds blow agains your life, remember, there is One that will come to your aid saying, "it is I; do not be afraid." Do Not Be Afraid When Death Comes: -- Jairus desperately sought out the healing powers of Jesus for his ailing daughter. When he received the news that his little girl had died, his heart must have been crushed. Jesus recognized the loss of his hope and the fear that came into his heart, and said to him, "Do not be afraid; only believe." (Mk. 5:36). The apostle Paul did not fear death, instead he welcomed it bey recognizing that on the other sid of death's door lay a "far better" place (Phil. 1:23). When death stands at the door of our lives or that of a loved one, the words of Jesus still ring true: "Do not be afraid; only be- lieve." Believe! Believe that those who die in the Lord will be blessed and have rest from their labors (Rev. 14:13). Do Not Be Afraid To Speak Out Against Sin: -- Corinth was a city given to debauchery. A quick scan of the sins listed in 1 Cor. 6: 9,10 should make anyone blush. It is in this atmosphere that Paul preaches the saving grace of God. When he first arrives, he stands in "weakness, in fear, and in much trembling" (2:3). But the Lord comforts him: "Do not be afraid...for I have many people in this city" (Acts 18:9,10). When it seems like the world is given over to sin and you want to throw up your hands and say, "Forget it! No one will listen!" -- Jesus comes and says, "Do not be afraid, but speak." And who knows, the next person to whom you speak may be numbered among "the many" who belong to Him. Fear can keep us from doing what needs to be done in servi- ce to the kingdom -- but only if we let it. Jesus says, "Do not be afraid" but press on to the goal, accomplish the work. Let us not be people who yield to fear, but instead, let us turn to the Master and allow Him to help us...master our fears. ---- Clay Gentry in Biblical Insights, Vol. 8, No. 3, March 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081113/5bd3f176/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 14 05:52:29 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:52:29 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) WORKING TOGETHER Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Friday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an artic- le from my files: WORKING TOGETHER The family of God works together. To be a stong and grow- ing church it takes all the members doing their part for the grow- th of the body. We all need to be involved in our family where we assemble and worship our heavenly Father. Paul wrote about the church: "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him Who is the Head -- Christ -- from Whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint suppli-es, according to the effective working by whcih every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:15,16). Please notice that each Christian in thsi text is described as a "joint" or a "part." Then consider, "effective working by which every part does its share" as a description of each Christian doing his/her work. There is plenty to do in the kingdom of Christ. Children of God are called upon to serve, teach, visit, show hospitality, encourage one another, help each other in time of need, support the preaching of the gospel the world over, and do good unto all men. A Biblical study of the "one another" passages of Scripture would reveal many of the works that Christians do together and for each other. Also notice in Ephesians chapter four how each Christian speaks and works through love. The love of God that is mani- fested through Jesus Christ unto the world empowers every be- liever to love and work with every other believer. Before a Christ- ian says anything he considers the love he has for his fellow brother and sister. Fellowship that brethren have with each other works through love. Every action, every word, everything that occurs in Christ is founded and done through God's love! Yes, even discipline and correction comes from love, because love would not allow anyone to keep quiet while a fellow child of God is sinning. Finally, look at the result for the church: "grow up in all things to Him Who is Head - Christ - the whole body, joined and knit together...causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself!" Surely we can all see how important it is for each one of us to be actively involved in a church of Jesus Christ that is in the community where we live. -------- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081114/ba66b0ff/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Fri Nov 14 05:52:39 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:52:39 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE CHURCH THAT JESUS BUILT (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the first part of a study that recently came my way. Use to the glory of God. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS BUILT (1) Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:38-47 Selina Huntingdon Campbell, the widow of Alexander Camp- bell, was suddenly jolted on a November day eight years after the passing of her famous husband. The puzzled lady was con- founded by something she read in a recent copy of The Memphis Appeal. Now living with Dessie, at her daughter's Ingleside Plantat- ion in Lawrence County, Ala. , Selina studied a report on a Christ- ian convention being then conducted in this Mississippi River city. She was not baffled with the description of the convention but by the editor's statement that "the sect was inaugurated in 1810, Alexander Campbell being its first exponent." Her immediate instinct told her that this journalist needed to be put straight, so the offended widow promptly proceeded to do so. "Now, I desire simply to say," she jotted down, "that Mr. Campbell never intended to inaugrrate a sect, and that he never did inaugurate a sect. His grand and sole object was to enlight- en his fellowmen upon the teachings of the Savior and His apost- les, and to bring them back to the simplicity of the original gosp- el (Lk. 24:47) in order to achieve the union of all Christians upon the one foundation, and thus annihilate sects, sectarianism and schism in the church of God. I respectfully submit this is not the work of a sect-maker." Whether her remarks were ever observed by the Memphis newspaper cannot be determined, but the Southern Christian Weekly printed them four months later with a significant enlarge- ment of her sentiments. "His great desire," she added, "was to bring men to the ackn- owledgement of the truths taught in the Bible, and to warn them against the teachings and usurpations of uninspired men. He has abundantly shown that all party names have been introduc- ed by the wisdom of men, and not by the wisdom which cometh down from heaven. Distinctive party names have been adopted, not one of which can be found in the last will and testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...I could wish, therefore, that the Christian Church should never be called Mr. Campbell's Church, or that it should be spoken of as only forty years old, as is sometimes done by thoughtless and uninformed persons." These timeless truths would often be repeated in modern times in onr form or another by W.B. West Jr., whose passing March 9 has left a vacuum in the lives of hundreds who have been influenced by the viewpoints of this stimulating teacher. West wanted nothing else but to make the kingdom of God first and foremost in his life. Though his educational course took him to the University of Chicago, where liberal theology abounded, and to the University of Southern California, where he did his doctoral work, this founder of the Harding University Graduate School of Religion remained opposed to "even the slightest departure from the plain teaching of the Word of God." This phrase is borrowed from Elder Samuel Rogers who used it when he saw the Restoration Movement in his day being absorbed by liberal Disciple leadership. Referring to the earlier times, Rogers had reminisced, "In those days we were emphatic- ally a Bible people. The Scriptures were our daily sutdy; we att- empted to do nothing eithr as a church or as individuals without the divine warrant." West would have completely concurred with this confident determination to move forward only be the guidance of the Bible. An Apparent Enigma: -- As contradictory as it may appear, human experiences often have demonstrated that the only way to go forward is to go backward. For instance, the president of Latvia, saw this three years ago in the confusing European scene. When Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania beame independent Baltic states Sept. 6, 1991, Anatolijs Gorbunovs, Latvia's presid- ent, said on a Russian TV newscast, "Historic justice has been restored and the people of Latvia are getting back what they had before. World War II is over as of this morning." This small coun- try was making progress by going back to where it was before. West was equally aware of this way of making progress. He undrstood that modern American culture is not the voice of God, but in many respects, a departure from the disclosures of divine revelation. it is in the content of this biblical message that the New Testament church pushes to the forefront as the supreme institution for God's redemptive processes to work even in the modern world. (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081114/8d2059b7/attachment.html From GLClair at aol.com Fri Nov 14 08:02:13 2008 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:02:13 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Article - A HARD TIME REACHING THE LOST Message-ID: A HARD TIME REACHING THE LOST (The Corruption of Mankind) FACT: The great work of interesting sinners in Jesus Christ and the gospel is more difficult today than at any time in my lifetime. I have been preaching the gospel for 50 years and have experienced several difficult areas in which to interest the masses in the gospel; yet, I believe from all that experience today is the most difficult time to reach the sinner with the gospel. I am not sure I know why; but there are some glaring issues that we will all acknowledge relating to the lack of interest in Divine Things today. Some of the hindrances that are evident today that have influenced and in many cases caused the negative attitude of the masses toward the God of the Bible and the church Jesus built. These are the issues I want us to consider herein. Since World War II ended there have been a consistent ?deadening-of-the-senses? of the general population in America. These following moral and ethical downward methods have been used by the mass electronic media (i.e. Movies, T.V., recorded music, and the internet, etc) to present never before concepts and taboos as normal fare in the lives of normal family programming. To this assault on morals and ethics that had existed from the agrarian period in America came the assault about the same time of the printed media (i.e. porn-magazines), anti-God assaults by the ACLU and the general destruction by those with actions and passions like Madelyn Murray O'Hair (i.e. the Anti-God atheist). These named actions along with a very liberal U.S. Supreme Court which approved the killing of literally millions of unborn and partially born children have left our world population with corrupt and evil minds with no guidelines to assist in their survival in this world. I suggest no moral and ethical guidelines simply because the Creator (i.e. GOD) has spoken through the Ancient Prophet, Jeremiah long ago and defined man? s situation without guidance ? Jeremiah 10:23, ?O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.? (KJV) Indeed, man is without guidance when he rejects the only source of correct human orientation (i.e. the Written Word of God ? the BIBLE). Mankind (i.e. both male and female) are adrift without Divine Guidance; if you doubt this look at the proliferation and encouragement of homosexual conduct in much of American culture. It is surely time in the life of God-fearing-people on this planet to turn back to the perfect guide and follow it in all areas of human interaction today ? that is, back to the Written Word of God. _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) November 14, 2008 **************Get movies delivered to your mailbox. One month free from blockbuster.com (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212639737x1200784900/aol?redir=https://www.blockbuster.com/signup/y/reg/p.26978/r.email_footer) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081114/64be8a5f/attachment-0001.html From kerux at bellsouth.net Fri Nov 14 08:11:03 2008 From: kerux at bellsouth.net (Kent Heaton) Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:11:03 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A>Though The Fig Tree May Not Blossom (Kent Heaton) Message-ID: <0AE452C9714042C0AF855C405AC694B9@D2381J91> Though The Fig Tree May Not Blossom (Kent Heaton) There is no doubt our country is moving through a dense forest of worry and trepidation as the financial markets continue to tremble upon their foundations. Jobs are being lost, mortgages defaulting by owners, savings liquidated, hopes and dreams of a better tomorrow diminishing in a cloud of doom. These are tough times and these tough times may get worse. People are having to reevaluate what is important in life and what is true worth in a world of transparent reality. As in generations past who walked this same vale of fear there are two kinds of people today - those who trust in God and those who do not! Those who trust in God experience the same concerns as those who do not but with an eye to understand the grand picture of life. They see God as their hope; not their possessions. For those who do not trust in God their hope is in the temporary things of this life. The treasures of their hearts are buried in the belief that life is about this world. The Hebrew writer describes a horrific time in the lives of the saints in Hebrews 10:32-39. He describes the suffering of these early Christians and how they had endured "a great struggle with suffering" (v32); being made a "spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations" (v33). His plea is for them to not cast away their confidence and to endure to the end (v35). He then adds this statement: "Now the just shall live by faith" (v38). What diligence this would produce, what vehement desire this would instill and how better to help the Hebrew brethren to maintain their faith. These words of faith were of great significance to a Hebrew. Repeated by Paul in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11, "the just shall live by faith" resonated in the hearts of every Jew. These words came from the prophet Habakkuk and were a call to victory in a time of great calamity. Where does trust come from when the clouds are dark? To whom can men go when the future looks troubled? "Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). The proud are those who trust in this world and its blessings. What happens when the things of this world fail? "Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls-Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength" (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Faith will endure forever. Homer Hailey writes, "The growth of faith from perplexity and doubt to the height of absolute trust is one of the beautiful aspects of the book. Its lesson is for all time." Paul asks, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?" (Romans 8:35). The answer is that doubt and fear should not destroy us (Romans 8:36-39). Trusting in the riches of this world will only bring about grief. Living by faith is putting our treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21); not in the things of this life (Luke 12:15-21). Shrouds have no pockets but faith in God will last. We must "rejoice in the Lord" and have "joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:18). "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5). The fig tree may not blossom here but the tree of life will never cease to yield fruit (Revelation 22:1-3). In that land there is no sorrow or worry (Revelation 21:4). Trust God! Kent Heaton 207 NE Fourth Avenue Trenton, Florida 32693 (H) 352-463-6916 (O) 3793 (C) 352-283-3889 www.trentonchurchofchrist.com NEW: AUDIO FILES www.northfloridabiblecamp.com If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. (Ronald Reagan) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081114/d4e7273a/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Fri Nov 14 11:25:55 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:25:55 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] A New Devotional: Spiritual Manna Message-ID: Greetings, everyone! Below is the first entry in a new biweekly devotional, Spiritual Manna. In order to reach the widest possible audience, we have three means by which you can read or subscribe to Spiritual Manna: Website: http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/manna Yahoo! Group E-mail List: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SpiritualManna Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=38855511045 If you have any questions, please let me know! Thanks! Friday, November 14, 2008 Spiritual Manna And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by everything that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live (Deuteronomy 8:3). Welcome to Spiritual Manna. It is my hope and prayer that this devotional will encourage you in your faith, and be of value in your life. Why "spiritual manna"? While Israel lived in the Wilderness, God fed them with manna (cf. Exodus 16). It fell like dew from the heavens, and it could be gathered up, cooked, and eaten as bread. Israel had no idea what it was, and thus called it "manna" ("what is it?"). Without it, Israel could not have survived the Wilderness. As Moses reveals to Israel in Deuteronomy 8:5, God so fed them to teach them to rely upon Him. God provided the manna so that Israel would learn that man does not live by the bread that he gains by his toil alone (cf. Genesis 3:17-19): they can only survive by trusting in the LORD and His blessings. So it was with the physical manna with which God fed Israel. Yet, as Jesus indicates in John 6:49, all of those who ate that manna died. He came to provide a better bread, as He explains in John 6:47-51: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth hath eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which cometh down out of heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down out of heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: yea and the bread which I will give is my flesh, for the life of the world." The manna that Israel ate is the physical copy of the spiritual reality in Jesus Christ. It came down from Heaven, as did Jesus. Israel ate of it and lived; we must spiritually partake of Jesus to live. God intended the physical manna to direct Israel to the mouth of God; we must subsist upon the Word of God, the Bread of Life, if we desire to live eternally. Therefore, as recipients of the promise and inheritors of the Kingdom, we must partake of the "spiritual manna." We must "digest" the Word of God, who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1, 14), that is, Jesus and His instruction. We must learn of Him and trust in Him as Israel was to trust God in the Wilderness. This is the reason for "spiritual manna." We hope, in this devotional, to help you better understand God's will, especially the instructions of Jesus, and how to apply them to our lives. We hope to encourage you to greater trust and faithfulness to God, wholly leaning on Him. As we persevere in the wilderness of our lives on earth, heading toward the Promised Land of rest that is set before us (cf. Hebrews 4:1-11; 12:1-2, 1 Peter 1:3-9), let us take strength by feasting on the Word of God, that we may never lose hold of life indeed! Ethan R. Longhenry __._,_.___ Spiritual Manna A biweekly devotion for your life -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081114/e47d16f3/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 30581 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081114/e47d16f3/attachment-0001.jpe From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 15 03:57:04 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:57:04 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) GOD HAS SPOKEN Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Saturday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my recent files: GOD HAS SPOKEN Baptism is an act of faith (Mk. 16:16), putting one INTO Christ (Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:27). If we were baptized INTO Christ, it should be clear that before our baptism we were OUTSIDE of Christ. If se were baptized INTO one body, it should be clear that before our baptism we were OUTSIDE that body (1 Cor. 12: 13). If we were baptized INTO the death of Christ (Rom. 6:3), then before our baptism we were OUTSIDE His death and thus apart from it. How is it, then, that many teach that people are saved before baptism, without baptism? Can a person be saved outside of Christ, outside of His death, and outside of His body of saved people? Why did Jesus make both faith and baptism requisites of salvation (Mk. 16:15,16) if both are not requisites? All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3). The choosing (election) is in Him (Eph. 1:4); redemption is in Him (Eph. 1:7); the eternal inheritance is in Him (Eph. 1:11); the newness of life is in Him (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4). Can one obtain these things apart from the obedience of faith which includes baptism? Are the requirements given by Christ really requirements? What do the Scriptures say (Matt. 28:18,19; 7:21; Rev. 22:14; 2 Thes. 1:7- 10)? ------------------- Gilbert Alexander. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/cce6ef33/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Sat Nov 15 03:57:14 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:57:14 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE CHURCH THAT JESUS BUILT (2) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is the second part of this particular study. Use to the glory of God. THE CHURCH THAT JESUS BUILT Matt. 1618; Acts 2:38-47 West had his work cut out for him. Although this beloved Christian accented the last book of the New Testament, giving more sermons and lectures on this wondrous book than any other, his preaching career dwelt on the basic fundamentals of New Testament Christianity. No Scripture was more meaningful to West than Jesus' pronouncement, "I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church" (Matt. 16:18 ASV). The church that Jesus built -- its nature, purpose, founding and identity -- were recurring themes in his preaching program. The Early Church, A Model: -- Matt. 16:13-18 was not only one of T.B. Larimore's favorite passages for preaching, but this Script- ure also enjoyed the same prominence with West. He often pondered the circumstance in his Savior's somber career. Deliv- ered by Jesus in a mountainous terrain 1,700 feet up, in a region 25 miles north of the Sea of Galilee, Christ hurled shafts at pagan idolatry. A short distance away, Herod the Great had built a temple to the god Pan in honor of Augustus Caesar. Instead of shooting His arrows directly at this pagan monument to man's depravity, the Savior chose to accent a beautiful eternal truth to His chosen disciples. The mighty Roman Empire, seemingly at the moment so impr- egnable, would in time cease, but on the magnificent truth Peter had just uttered -- that Jesus would build His church and this impressive institution would endure after nations and empires would fall. Moreover, it would survive long after the monstrous arrogance of imbecile men would sink into the shadows of time. Christ ould build His church out of living stones, each of which had been cleansed by the blood of a dying Savior (1 Pet. 1:18; 2:5; 1 Cor. 6:11). In later years a bold apostle would caut- ion the elders at Ephesus, "Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). Through coming ages, frail men would treat badly this church that Jesus brought into existence by the shedding of His blood. Still, it is one of the most remarkable of all eternal truths that wicked men have died, but that on the other hand, the body of Christ still lives. Regarded from the viewpoint of its native constituency, the realization grows of the high honor that was attached to memb- ership in the New Testament church. Only sinners cleansed by the blood of Christ were added as living stones to its framework. How disenchanting it is to realize that churches formed by men on platforms of human theology are often mere social clubs to which those with social prestige or wealth may be invited to membership. West possessed a high regard for apostolic Christianity and its divine principles. He was a persuasive encourager of Christ- ians to be forceful members of the church of the Lord. Moreover, West was aware that the primitive church was an element of God's eternal order of things. The words of Paul were always a weighty reminder that "now unto the pricipalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:10,11). This great concept is well fortified in Scripture. Who can for- get the enduring words of Christ in His intercessory prayer? "Father, I desire that they also whom Thou has given Me be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me: for Thou lovedst Me before the foundation of the world" (Jno. 17:24). So, then, the church's role in human redemption is as eternal as the love of God for His Son. Finally, the Harding dean realized that the church Jesus built would be escorted on its course by its divine supervisor, Jesus Christ. God put all things "in subjection under His feet and gave Him to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22,23). The church, like the world at large, strains under puzzling handicaps when God is discarded as the rightful Master. The church at large owes more to its dedicated preachers than it ever realizes. Let those like W.B. West Jr. be a perpetual memorial of those who have surrendered so much to advance the church that Jesus built. (Earl West is a professor and well-known author and lecturer on Restoration History. He may be contacted at 1754 Triton Cove, Germantown, TN.). ---- Earl West, in Gospel Advocate, Sept. 1994, reprinted in The Sower, Vol. 53, No. 6, Nov/Dec, 2008. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/0d1d9eef/attachment-0001.html From wswalker310 at juno.com Fri Nov 14 17:14:09 2008 From: wswalker310 at juno.com (Wayne S Walker) Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:14:09 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] hymn study, "Little Is Much When God Is in It" Message-ID: <20081115.082834.3660.2.wswalker310@juno.com> Wayne Walker here with another weekly hymn study. "LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT" "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes; but what are they among so many?" (Jn. 6:9) INTRO.: A hymn which encourages us to use what we have in the Lord's service like the lad with the five barley loaves and two small fishes is "Little Is Much When God Is In It." The text was written and the tune (Little Is Much or Stewardship) was composed both by Kittie Louise Jennett (Mrs. Frederick W.) Suffield, who was born on Sept. 16, 1884, in New York City, NY. A talented musician and singer, she travelled with her husband, Fred Suffield, an evangelist, and they sometimes worked with George Beverly Shea, the song director for the Billy Graham crusades. Cyberhymnal credits her with five texts, the other four being "Give Me More of This Love," "God Is Still on the Throne," "The King is Coming in Glory," and "We Are Well Able," and the tune for a song "Don't Lose the Vision." "Little Is Much When God Is In It" is her most famous hymn and is dated 1924. Her death occurred on Oct. 23, 1972, at Los Angeles, CA, and her body is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park at Glendale, CA. Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord's church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, the song may be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church edited by Alton H. Howard in an arrangement with four stanzas by the editor; and the 1977 Special Sacred Selections edited by Ellis J. Crum in an arrangement (with only two stanzas and "ooh"'s) by Henry Slaughter and copyrighted in 1967 by M. Lynwood Smith Publications; as well as the 2007 Sacred Songs of the Church edited by William D. Jeffcoat with three stanzas. Other books where I have seen the song include the the 1972 Soul Stirring Songs and Hymns edited by John R. Rice for Sword of the Lord Publishers, the 1976 Hymns for the Family of God edited by Fred Bock for Brentwood-Benson Music, the 1979 Praise! edited by Norman Johnson for Singspiration Music, the 1987 Worship His Majesty edited by Fred Bock for Gaither Music, the 1989 Worship the Lord edited by Arlo F. Newell for Warner Press, the 1993 Sing to the Lord edited by Ken Bible for Lillenas Publishing, the 1995 Rejoice Hymnal edited by Vernon M. Whaley for Tempo Music Publications, the 1997 Celebration Hymnal edited by Tom Fettke for Word Music/Integrity Music the 1999 Songs and Hymns of Revival edited by Jack Trieber for North Valley Publications, and the 2006 Christian Life Hymnal edited by Eric Wyse for Hendrickson Publishers. The song emphasizes the need for all Christians to be doing what they can for the Lord. I. Stanza 1 tells us to labor in the harvest "In the harvest field now ripened There's a work for all to do; Hark! the voice of God is calling, To the harvest calling you." A. Jesus said that the harvest is ripe: Jn. 4:35 B. There is a work for all of us to do: Matt. 21:28 C. Therefore, Jesus calls us to labor in His harvest: Matt. 9:37-38 II. Stanza 2 tells us to share God's love and mercy "In the mad rush of the broad way, In the hurry and the strife, Tell of Jesus' love and mercy, Give to them the Word of Life." A. Many are hurrying down the mad rush of the broad way: Matt. 7:13-14 B. They need to be told of Jesus's love and mercy: 1 Jn. 3:16 C. We can do this by giving to them the Word of Life in preaching the gospel: Mk. 16:15, Acts 8:4 III. Stanza 3 tells us to continue working even in obscurity "Does the place you're called to labor Seem so small and little known? It is great if God is in it, And He'll not forget His own." A. All of us are called to labor for the Lord in some way or another: 1 Cor. 15:58 B. Sometimes we may labor in a place that is small and little known, but even there Christ has promised to be with us: Matt. 28:18-20 C. And God is not unrighteous to forget our labor, wherever it may be: Heb. 6:10 IV. Stanza 4 tells us to pray even when we cannot do anything else "Are you laid aside from service, Body worn from toil and care? You can still be in the battle, In the sacred place of prayer." A. Sometimes we are laid aside from service because our bodies are worn from toil and care as we grow older: Eccl. 12:1-5 B. However, we must not forget that there is still a battle raging in the spiritual realm: Eph. 6:12 C. And if we cannot do anything else, we can stand in the sacred place of prayer: Eph. 6:18-20 V. Stanza 5 tells us to be looking forward to the reward for our labor "When the conflict here is ended, And our race on earth is run, He will say, if we are faithful, 'Welcome home, my child--well done.'" A. Someday for each of us our conflict here will be ended in death, when our race has been run: Heb. 9:27, 12:2 B. We need to be faithful in our labor and service to the Lord: Rev. 2:10 C. If we are, He will say, "Welcome home, my child, well done": Matt. 25:21 CONCL.: The chorus reminds us of God's blessings on those who serve Him faithfully, whether with little or much. "Little is much when God is in it! Labor not for wealth or fame. There's a crown, and you can win it, If you go in Jesus' name." Obviously, the greater the talents and opportunities that a person has, the more God expects of him. However, even if we have few talents and opportunities, the Lord still expects us to use what we have and promises that "Little Is Much if God Is in It." Brotherly, Wayne S. Walker 9024 Amona Dr. Affton, MO 63123 home phone: (314) 638-4710 e-mail: wswalker310 at juno.com website: www.defenderoftruth.com Notes: Other hymn studies are available at the Defender of Truth website. Also, some of my previous hymn studies are now included in book that I have written entitled Songs of Zion. It can be ordered from the publisher by calling 1-800-423-2484 or going to www.faith-facts.com . And I have a Hymn Studies blog at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/hymnstudies/ . In addition, since this has been called to my attention, I now feel it necessary to include this disclaimer with each message. As owner of this list, I have nothing to do with the ads and links that Yahoogroups sends out with the Hymn of the Day posts nor do I have any control over them. I do not necessarily approve of them and I do not always endorse those who have placed them with Yahoogroups. ____________________________________________________________ Click for online loan, fast & no lender fee, approval today http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/PnY6rw2P5scK9hsbiokj1qSN9Eyanev6FyAYoNFHuFaShQXO3zXfu/ From crxtra at gmail.com Sat Nov 15 11:52:45 2008 From: crxtra at gmail.com (Steven C. Harper) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 10:52:45 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] A> When Jesus Looks At Me (2) Message-ID: <000001c9474a$f7c1e040$e745a0c0$@com> From: TRUTH & REASON, a bulletin of the Glendale church of Christ, Glendale, AZ. Editor: Steven Harper November 16, 2008 When Jesus Looks At Me (2) Last week, we considered a few things that Jesus might see when He looks at me, with the goal of making sure we are the disciples we need to be and that Jesus sees what He should see in us, and that He not be disappointed. This week, we continue that look at some things He may see in me and let us again examine ourselves to see if these are the things He may see in us. Does He see someone who loves material things more than Him? (Luke 18:18-25) We are probably familiar with the story of the rich, young ruler who came to Jesus, asking, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" We may remember that Jesus told him he needed to keep the commandments but, after the young man said he had kept those since his youth, then got down to the real issue and said, "One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." Upon hearing this, the young man "became very sad, for he was extremely rich," and left Jesus. It was at this that Jesus became sorrowful as He watched the young man turn his back on salvation for his earthly riches. Could the same be said of me when Jesus looks at me? Am I one who is more interested in being right in the sight of God than making or having material wealth? While I may not consider myself 'rich', do I place a higher priority on obtaining and preserving my material wealth than I do on obtaining and maintaining my soul's salvation? And as I look at myself, do I do so honestly, or am I already trying to make excuses for my materialism? Many people - in this country, in particular - are wealthier than they would like to admit and even more spend more time in the pursuit of material gain than they would like to admit, too. When we lack the trust in God to provide our basic needs (cf. Matt. 6:33), we may choose to work those extra hours that take us away from serving and/or worshipping our Lord and then try to justify ourselves by saying we 'need' it. Do I really seek God first and do I really trust what Jesus said - that "all these things will be added" to me by God if I truly seek first His kingdom and His righteousness? I must take an honest look at my life and my heart to see what is my priority, and it will be most evident in the amount of time I spend on anything. If I find that I give the Lord only one hour out of 168 each week, I am only fooling myself if I try to say He is my highest priority when I give 40-80 hours each week to my job. If I find I spend more money on my personal pleasure [entertainment, vacations, etc.] than what I give to His work or to others, then I cannot honestly say that He is my highest priority. [I am not including true necessities.] If I find that I have a hard time letting that dollar drop in the collection basket but think nothing of swiping that credit card to buy that new 42" wide-screen, 1080p HDTV, then I will have a hard time saying He is my highest priority. When Jesus looks at me, will He also be sorrowful because I have allowed materialism to be my master (Matt. 6:24)? But He may be sorrowful when He looks at me because He sees that I have simply refused to obey, though the evidence is sufficient (cf. Luke 19:41-44), and knows the certain fate that awaits me. When I consider that Jesus left all the glories of heaven and came and died a cruel death for me (Phlp. 2:5-8), that He became poor that I might be rich (2nd Cor. 8:9), and that He loved me so much that He willingly laid down His life for me though I was an ungodly sinner (Rom. 5:6-8), should I be surprised He would be sorrowful when I turn my back on all this? Will He see someone to forgive? (John 8:1-11) [Again, I hope we know the answer before I begin!] Another familiar story is that of the adulterous woman who was brought before Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. They brought her not because they actually wanted her punished according to the Law [or they would have already done so, according to the Law's demands, Deut. 17:6, 7]; they came to test Jesus. But the fact remained that they were willing to put this woman's life on the line as some sort of verification their own self-righteousness; they were quick to condemn this guilty woman while simultaneously quick to overlook their own sins! But when questioned by these men, Jesus at first ignored them and, when pressed, simply said, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." This statement cut to the heart of the accusers and they all went away, one by one, from the oldest to the youngest. Eventually, Jesus looked up and saw no one but the woman. And what did He see when He saw the woman? He saw someone who needed forgiveness! He told her, "Go, and from now on sin no more." Though she was - by the letter of the Law - worthy of death, He forgave. That demonstrates the greatness of God's forgiveness - the fact that none of us is actually 'worthy' of forgiveness, yet He is still willing to forgive! None of us can honestly claim we are 'worthy' [because we are all sinners, Rom. 3:23] so God's forgiveness is all about His grace and mercy and not my 'worthiness' to be forgiven. And lest we think that Jesus did not see these men 'worthy' of forgiveness, let us not forget these were the same men who put Jesus on the cross, yet even as He hung there in agony, He asked the Father, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). At the same time, I must know that God will not forgive just anyone. Those who are unwilling to forgive, He will not forgive (cf. Matt. 6:15); those who refuse to repent will perish (Luke 13:3); and those who have shown no mercy will receive no mercy (Jas. 2:13). When Jesus looks at me, will He see one 'worthy' of His forgiveness? Will He see a reason to be displeased or angry? (Mark 10:13, 14; 3:1-6) Once, when Jesus was teaching the disciples, some people brought the little children to Him that He might touch them, but "the disciples rebuked them." When Jesus saw this, "He was greatly displeased" and called the children to Him, saying to the disciples, "Let the children come to Me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." In this text, Jesus was greatly displeased because the disciples were not thinking as they should; these children demonstrated the very nature of those who would be a part of His kingdom, and should have been heartily welcomed! How often do I displease the Lord, though, by turning my heart away from the very ones whose lives demonstrate the character of those who would make up the Lord's kingdom? While I may tend to look for people 'just like me', I should be turning no one away, welcoming any and all who are seeking the Lord, the lowly, and the poor, lest the Lord be displeased with me, too. Am I turning others away from the Lord because I don't see them as worthy of His time, or do I welcome all who come to Him? Would the Lord be pleased with me? And, worse yet, would the Lord look on me in anger because of the hardness of my heart? Of the few times we see the Lord angry, this is one to which we should pay close attention, for many are guilty of hardening their hearts to the Lord and His commandments. When Jesus looked around at the crowd who had come to see whether or not He would heal on the Sabbath, He saw those so hardened against Him they would rather the man continue to suffer! When Jesus looks at me, does He see someone whose heart is merciful, or will He be angry with me? -- Steven Harper -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/c1a241f8/attachment-0001.html From jeffs.smith at me.com Sat Nov 15 13:19:02 2008 From: jeffs.smith at me.com (Jeff S. Smith) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:19:02 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] S>First, Thanksgiving Message-ID: <106B7FE3-E79F-421A-AC6F-2C4ED521AF16@me.com> First, Thanksgiving a gospel sermon by Jeff S. Smith Introduction Our nation will pause this week for what once was a national day of thanksgiving, but what has become an annual exercise in gluttony, pro football and lining up outside the Wal-Mart for tomorrow?s door- busters. Sad, but even sadder would be reducing our giving of thanks to God to an annual affair anyway. We have enough to be grateful for that thanksgiving should be a daily endeavor, if not even more frequent. Discussion I. Thanksgiving A. The Origin of Thanksgiving Day 1. the concept of a day of Thanksgiving derives from the practice of many cultures in celebrating the end of harvest season with a feast and festival 2. although the story of the first American Thanksgiving is somewhat apocryphal, the pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation are generally credited with starting the custom by inviting their Indian neighbors to join them in their celebration in 1621, having survived many hardships along the way 3. ?The Pilgrims did not hold a true Thanksgiving until 1623, when it followed a drought, prayers for rain, and a subsequent rain shower. Irregular Thanksgivings continued after favorable events and days of fasting after unfavorable ones. In the Plymouth tradition, a thanksgiving day was a church observance, rather than a feast day. Gradually, an annual Thanksgiving after the harvest developed in the mid-17th century. This did not occur on any set day or necessarily on the same day in different colonies in America? (Wikipedia). 4. the first national proclamation of Thanksgiving was issued by the Continental Congress in 1777, and God was its object rather than the commissioner of the NFL 5. it was not until the Civil War, however, that Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday, paving the way for door-busters a short century later a. Lincoln wrote, ?Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. b. ?Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.? B. What It Has Become 1. along with the rest of our society?s customs, Thanksgiving has been largely stripped of its religious aspects now; the giving of thanks is frequently nothing more than an expression of gratitude for good luck and material prosperity, with God?s name infrequently invoked at all, especially in the media and public 2. Thanksgiving is too often defined by gluttony and sloth, for too few of us have had anything all to do with growing or gathering food, save for the weekly and uneventful trip to Kroger 3. to many, Thanksgiving is a head start on the holiday shopping season; some door-busters cannot even wait for Friday morning, but begin on Thursday afternoon C. The Shame 1. where Christmas and Easter interfere with God?s will by becoming rivals to the Lord?s Day and Supper, the only problem with Thanksgiving is the possible implication that an annual expression of gratitude is sufficient 2. it is a shame that our people cannot pause even once a year now to thank God, but must ignore his name and spend the day mapping out Friday?s mercantile battlegrounds 4. ideally, the American custom of a national day of Thanksgiving is immaterial to the Lord, but the wholesome practice of thanking God every day and for every gift is essential to faith and salvation II. Give Thanks A. The First Thanksgiving 1. the story of the first Thanksgiving might even go back further than Plymouth Plantation to the day in which Israel?s King David celebrated the return of the ark of the covenant 2. although he was talking about a box we cannot find in an era very foreign to our modern ears, one can find in his celebration reasons to honor God today (First Chronicles 16:1-36) 3. beyond the harvest and other material necessities and luxuries for which we are grateful, Jehovah is still a God of salvation and deliverer, and that merits constant gratitude, lest we begin to take it for granted with the same complacency that ruins marriages and friendships (Hebrews 2:1-3) B. For Grace Through Christ 1. in addition to plentiful, re-engineered turkeys, we are thankful for the gift of grace through God?s son, Jesus the Christ 2. most of us didn?t have to wait 84 years to be introduced to our redeemer, and few of us are as grateful as the one who did (Luke 2:21-22, 36-38) 3. we have God to thank for every good and perfect gift available to us, for in him, ?there is no variation or shadow due to change? (James 1:17; see also Ephesians 1:3) 4. we have him to thank for confirmation and blamelessness, which we could never achieve on our own (First Corinthians 1:4-9; see also Revelation 4:9, 11:17) C. Thankfulness Polishes Discipleship 1. we have God to thank for sending his son to die upon a cross in our place, saving us the eternal indignity of the wages of our indiscretions and inviting us to share with him in heavenly glory rather than hellfire and brimstone 2. a constant sense of gratitude and hopeful anticipation serve to polish our discipleship ? to enhance our motivation for choosing good and eschewing evil (First Thessalonians 5:16-24) 3. contentment and gratitude stand on one side of the great emotional conflict many experience ? on the other side is lust, envy, disappointment and materialism 4. giving voice to gratitude and chasing away discontentment is the secret to happiness that only the Christian can comprehend (Philippians 4:4-7) D. Ingratitude 1. as God stands and watches us, listening to our moaning and complaining, he must surely be disappointed that we can be so ungrateful at times 2. if you allowed your child to die for a neighbor and then that neighbor constantly talked about how you never do anything for him anymore, how would you feel? 3. while the world at large is guilty of this, it is just a little uglier when it occurs among believers (Romans 1:20-21) 4. truly grateful people who bask in redemption will return thanks to Christ ? every day and every Lord?s Day, without complaint or regret (Luke 17:11-19) Conclusion The faith of the grateful will render them obedient and make them well. Jeff S. Smith Jeff Smith is the preacher for the Woodmont church of Christ and publisher of ElectronicGospel and its weekly podcast. Jeff is also the Program Director and Head Coach of Burleson Youth Association Buddy Ball. The contents of this email are personal and private. Please do not forward this communication, in whole or in part, to anyone without my express consent. Follow me on Twitter and watch Woodmont Live Sundays at 9:30 and 5:00. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/4078df35/attachment-0001.html From GLClair at aol.com Sat Nov 15 15:45:05 2008 From: GLClair at aol.com (GLClair at aol.com) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:45:05 EST Subject: [Biblemat] Article - A HARD TIME REACHING THE LOST (2) Message-ID: A HARD TIME REACHING THE LOST (2) (The Corruption of Mankind) FACT 2: I cannot define the current state of the American attitudes toward the Bible and the church Jesus Built without also giving credit to the phony, misguided religions and religious leaders of the past 60 years. The proliferation and media spread of false religious conduct and false religious leaders and their hypocrite actions have also deadened the senses of many people. The claims of Oral Roberts of seeing a hundred foot Jesus; Robert?s so called vision where he was told if he did not raise a certain amount of money that he (i.e. Oral) would be called home, etc; Jim Jones and his insanity in the name of God where 900 followers and Jones committed suicide in Guinea; The case of Heaven's Gate was an American UFO Religious sect based in _San Diego, California_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego) and led by _Marshall Applewhite_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Applewhite) (1931-1997) and _Bonnie Nettles_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_Nettles) (1927-1985). The group's end coincided with the appearance of _Comet Hale-Bopp_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comet_Hale-Bopp) in 1997 ? All committed suicide. From 1972-until 1989 Jim and Tammy Fay Baker built a religious empire that was called PTL ? This TV program, hotel, and amusement park in Charlotte, South Carolina was run by what one reporter stated --- Robert Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University, said Jim and Tammy Faye's legacy will be of two charismatic charlatans. Among the Roman Catholic leaders some have been convicted of child molestation and other of illegal sex acts with under age children. Whenever we examine these events and honesty look at the exposure given them by the mass media; these events too, have had a disastrous impact on the hearts of many people regarding true religion. I suggest no moral and ethical guidelines simply because the Creator (i.e. GOD) has spoken through the ancient Prophet, Jeremiah long ago and defined man? s situation without guidance ? Jeremiah 10:23, ?O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. ? ----- MAN NEEDS GOD TO TELL HIM HOW TO LIVE ----- Indeed, man is without guidance when he rejects the only source of correct human orientation (i.e. the Written Word of God ? the BIBLE). Mankind (i.e. both male and female) are adrift without Divine Guidance; if you doubt this look at the proliferation and encouragement of homosexual conduct in much of American culture See Romans 1:18ff). It is surely time in the life of God-fearing-people on this planet to turn back to the perfect guide and follow it in all areas of human interaction today ? that is, back to the Written Word of God. _glclair at aol.com_ (mailto:glclair at aol.com) November 15, 2008 **************You Rock! One month of free movies delivered by mail from blockbuster.com (http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212639737x1200784900/aol?redir=https://www.blockbuster.com/signup/y/reg/p.26978/r.email_footer) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/03eefab7/attachment-0001.html From tssullivan at charter.net Sat Nov 15 18:49:26 2008 From: tssullivan at charter.net (T. Sean Sullivan) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 18:49:26 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] The Messenger Vol 003 Iss 038 Message-ID: <124EAE2328F544D9B48BCD765ACA7751@sean1a4c1f786> T he Messenger 2008 Published Weekly by Main Street Church of Christ 306 West Main Street, Newbern, TN 38059 731-627-3514 Bulletin Editor: T. Sean Sullivan VOLUME 003::ISSUE 038:: November 16, 2008 ARTICLE ONE: Have you tried Godliness? ARTICLE TWO: Ancient Living: Modern Learning #002-Paul? Article One: Have you tried Godliness? Introduction: Are you a "godly" person? Would you like to know what "godly" means before you apply it to yourself? Do your actions, activities, words, and thoughts reflect a respect for God? To respect God is to take Him at His word. There are several mentions of "godliness" in the New Testament from which we learn that it is an essential ingredient in the life of every Christian. We are told to pray for godliness (1 Timothy 2:2). We are e to exercise toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). We are to pursue godliness (1 Timothy 6:11). Godliness is a needed ingredient in our success and we need to know it better, seek it better, and live it better. Let's take the time to study the word "godliness": so we might know what the term actual means; see it as a better way of life; and we might take on that better life. What Is Godliness? Godliness is.living with the proper respect and adoration for God and His word. It is a way of describing righteousness or piety. Godliness is a life altering profession. Godliness directs us toward morality, modesty, uprightness, and goodness. Our lives must reflect our "professing of godliness" (1 Timothy 2:10). Godliness described by example, the purest description of Godliness would be seen and heard in the life of Christ. At different times in His life we are shown godliness by His statements. John 4:34 "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me". Even to the point of obedience leading to death Jesus proclaims. "Not as I will, but as You will" Matthew 26:39. If you know what Jesus meant by those words then you know what godliness means-an unconditional desire to serve and please God. Where Is Godliness From? Godliness is what I want where can I get some? You can't buy godliness. Godliness must be learned. We are taught to respect for God's word throughout the Scriptures. The fence posts Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18. Do not add to or take away from "My word." The warnings are clear. We can learn godliness the hard way. The prodigal son is a good example of the hard way (Luke 15:11-32). We can charge out on our own, it is our own decision we can do what we want. Again, however, the warnings are clear. There is a way that seems right to a man it is the way of death (Proverbs 14:12). It is not within man to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23). He who does the will of the Father in heaven [will go to Heaven] (Matthew 7:21-23). Godliness can be learned the easier way. Accepting God on all points and seeing the benefits. Psalm 119:100-105 tells us the we will benefit with guarded feet, righteous ways, knowledge and wisdom. Simply submitting to His revealed will. God has provided direction for all of us in every situation we may find ourselves in. His word is the perfect gift (James 1:17-18). His advice is for real-life (2 Peter 1:3). His direction is clear (John 8:31-32). His offered hope is freedom (Romans 6:16-18). His pathway is better (Proverbs 14:12; Galatians 5:22-25). Godliness at Work Noah's example of godliness: Genesis 6:13-21 God instruct Noah to build an ark and gathered animals and food. Noah's godliness is clearly made known in verse 22. "Thus Noah did". Genesis 7:5 "Noah did all that the Lord commanded Him." Paul's example of Godliness: Paul respected God above all else. Always had (Acts 23:1; Philippians 3:5-6 "Hebrew of Hebrews"). When he followed the Old Covenant he did so with his fullest ability. When Paul was told that a new covenant with God had been established. He followed it with the fullest of his ability. No matter the cost. We know the things that Paul suffered for the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:22-28). He understood that it was God's will and he would not shy away from paying any cost to do it. Conclusion: Are you a "godly" person? Would you like to know what "godly" means before you apply it to yourself? Do your actions, activities, words, and thoughts reflect a respect for God? To respect God is to take Him at His word. There are several mentions of "godliness" in the New Testament from which we learn that it is an essential ingredient in the life of every Christian. We are told to pray for godliness (1 Timothy 2:2). We are e to exercise toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). We are to pursue godliness (1 Timothy 6:11). Godliness is a needed ingredient in our success and we need to know it better, seek it better, and live it better. Success is salvation: Respect for God leads one to obey His directions: God has asked that you believe (Hebrews 11:6), repent (Acts 17:30), confess His Son (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38). Have you done that? Are you showing a respect for God in your life? ~tss Article Two: Ancient Living: Modern Learning #002--Paul As Paul writes to the brethren in Philippi. He is in a house in Rome (House arrest Acts 28:30-31). He is reminiscing of the times he spent with the brethren in Philippi. Paul is writing to: Rejoice in his remembrance of them (1:3); to encourage their good works (1:9); to warn them against division and selfish ambition (2:1-14). As we begin to consider the lessons in this letter, let's look into Philippians 1:19-25. It is here that we will read about Paul's own attitudes toward life, death, and faith. These three things characterize our existence here in this life. Our understanding of these three things will prepare us for each one. Paul's abilities to be straight forward concerning these subjects brings us to a good understanding and proper attitude if: we will hear and do what he demonstrates-through a study of Paul's words, his perspectives, and his example. Let's learn a proper attitude toward: Life, Death, and Faith. Paul's Perspective toward Life Paul's statement in verse 1:21, "to live is Christ". To Paul, every day was another opportunity to serve God to his fullest. We learned that Paul possessed this character trait in our introduction to him from the book of Acts. Acts 8:1-3 speaks of Paul pursuing the destruction of the Lord's church. He being unsatisfied with driving the Christians out of Jerusalem continued his destructive pursuit to Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). Paul's fervent dedication to service continued after he became a Christian. His tireless work among the brethren is well noted (Philippians 1:22, 24-26). He traveled over three thousand miles to establish and encourage the Lord's church (Acts 13:2-5; Acts 15:40-41). He was more concerned for the brethren than himself (2 Corinthians 11:28). His dedication to the Lord is clearly made known by his statement in Galatians 2:20. In this mind he continued all the days of his life (2 Timothy 4:6-8). To Paul, life was a time for serving God and not self (Colossians 3:1-4). Have you been living with this attitude and effort? We must understand that this life is temporary (James 4:14). We have to prove ourselves as faithful in this life: to please God (Hebrews 11:6) and to prepare for the judgment to come (Hebrews 9:27). Life is opportunity; death is the use of that opportunity realized. IN life we have the opportunity to serve God; make our life right with Him and prepare to meet Him in judgment (2 Corinthians 5:10). Paul's Perspective toward Death Paul's statement in Philippians 1:21 is, "to die is gain". How can someone come to such an understanding? Paul knew that there was something beyond this life (Ephesians 1:3). Paul knew that there was great reward in death. Paul was aware of the great rewards reserved in Heaven for the faithful-Jesus reveals our reward in John 14:1-6. The Hebrew writer also speaks of our reward as "great" (Hebrews 10:35-39). A variety of words describe our goal: treasure (Matthew 6:19-21); mansion (John 14:1-6); prize (Philippians 3:13); reward (Matthew 5:12). Paul pressed toward the goal (Philippians 3:13-14). The faithful of God should see death as merely the entrance to eternal life. We, like Paul, must look ahead to the goal. We long to receive the promised rest (Revelation 14:12-13) in our place prepared (John 14:1-6). Ultimately we look forward to our dwelling in the place in which the glory of God is the light of the never-ending day (Revelation 21:22-27). Paul's Perspective toward Faith To Paul, faith was the rule of life. In all ways his conduct was directed by His faith. He faithfully trusted in God to: save the souls of the obedient (Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:21-26) and to reward him in the end (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Paul's faith helped him through all the trials of his life. No matter what he suffered he did not waiver from God (Acts 16:25). If we open our eyes to see Paul's faith we will learn: that God can help us through all situations (Romans 8:31-39; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28) and that confidence has great reward (Titus 1:7). Paul's perspective on faith is that faith abolishes fear (2 Timothy 1:7 "not a spirit of fear."). Faith is essential to pleasing God (Romans 5:1-2). Faith leads to life eternal (1 Timothy 6:12-16). Conclusion: Paul declares, "To live is Christ, to die is gain." This was Paul's perspective, is it yours? We have the same knowledge that Paul had (The word of God Romans 10:17). The knowledge from the word of God provides us with an understanding of what life is-a time of preparation (Hebrew 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10). It also provides an understanding of what death is-our entrance into our reward (2 Timothy 4:7-8). An understanding of what faith is: essential to all that we do and all we will ever have (Hebrews 11:6). Paul was content no matter what he faced because he was a Christian. Are you a Christian? All of the hope of God is waiting are you ready? There is a chart of the back of this bulletin that will direct you to a study of scriptural steps involved in your salvation. What will your perspective be toward God's plan? ~tss If you are enjoying The Messenger and you know someone else who would like to receive it. Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I will add it to the list. Sean -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/7aa86ccb/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 2886 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/7aa86ccb/attachment-0001.jpe -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 9535 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081115/7aa86ccb/attachment-0001.gif From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Sat Nov 15 18:58:49 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 19:58:49 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] Good News for Norwalk: Volume III, Number 46: November 16, 2008 Message-ID: Good News for Norwalk For I am not ashamed of the good news, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) A publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Volume III, Number 46: November 16, 2008 ---------------------------------------------------- Husbands, Authority, and Responsibility One of the more controversial and misunderstood aspects of the faith revealed in the New Testament involves husbands and their authority and responsibility in the marriage relationship. As it is written: For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the church, being himself the saviour of the body (Ephesians 5:23). The New Testament clearly lays out that the husband represents the head of the household. Such a view today is not politically correct, to say the least; modern feminism has worked mightily to change people's perceptions and to advocate other means by which houses may be run. This is not limited only to the world: plenty within "Christian" denominations have decided to render irrelevant the Bible's teaching on this subject, and even among those who accept what the Bible teaches, what is said and what is actually done in the home are often quite different. If we believe that Jesus is Lord and the New Testament represents the revealed Word of God (Acts 2:36, 2 Timothy 3:16-17), we must understand and uphold His teachings on the role of the husband in the family. Let us try to clear up misunderstandings and return to God's intentions for the family. The fundamental error in the understanding of many is the belief that male headship means power and domination. Such is the way that feminists have attacked what the Bible teaches. Yet, when understood spiritually and according to God's intentions (cf. 1 Corinthians 2), the authority of the husband has nothing to do with "power" and domination. Many know about what Ephesians 5:23 teaches; yet the message of Ephesians 5:25 seems lost on too many: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it (Ephesians 5:25). The husband is to be the head of the household-- and in the New Testament, that means responsibility more than power. The husband must look at his relationship with his wife in the same way as the relationship between Christ and the church, for such is the analogy that God makes here in Ephesians 5. While we hear plenty of invective against the idea of the husband being the head of the household, who dares to hurl such invective against the relationship between Christ and His Church? It seems perfectly understandable why Christ would be the Head of the Church: He loves it, died for it, and God has made Him its Head (Ephesians 5:22-33). Yet God has also installed the husband as the head of the household, and for many of the same reasons! The husband is to love his wife and family (Ephesians 5:25). The husband should be willing to sacrifice himself for his family-- and part of the male code of honor is to die for a worthy cause (cf. 1 John 3:15). It is only natural, therefore, to see why it is that the husband is made the head of the household-- he shoulders the burden of the responsibility of the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of the family. When we consider what God says about the role of husbands, we must consider it in light of His Kingdom. In God's Kingdom, the one who humbles himself will be exalted (Matthew 23:11-12). In God's Kingdom, the one who serves is the greatest (Matthew 20:26-28). In God's Kingdom, Christians are motivated by the needs of others before their own needs (Philippians 2:1-4). In this perspective, then, the husband has a difficult task indeed: he is to put his wife and her needs first, he must serve his family (cf. Ephesians 5:21), and he must act in all lowliness of heart. Difficulties abound. Some men abuse their God-given authority and abuse their wives and family in various ways. Such is abhorrent; Paul encourages men to love their wives as their own flesh (Ephesians 5:28-29), and Peter commands men to treat their wives with honor, lest their prayers be hindered (1 Peter 3:7). Many other men, for various reasons, do not take on their responsibilities in the family. Such is just as unjustified as abusing the authority. Men, if you are "man enough" to become a husband, then be "man enough" to take on the responsibilities of that obligation! Unfortunately, many times wives attempt, in various ways, to obtain or maintain power. Such was predicted from the very beginning: Unto the woman he said, "I will greatly multiply thy pain and thy conception; in pain thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee" (Genesis 3:16). "Thy desire" here is less sexual and more involving power: after all, Eve's disobedience involved going around the directive of God and Adam. Eve was deceived; Adam knew what he was doing. Lest chaos reign in the home, God established that the husband would have the authority-- and therefore the responsibility. Wives, God has established that it is not your place to run the relationship. On the day of judgment, the husband will be the one called into account for the family and its decisions, not you. The husband will be called into account for how the children were raised and whether it was in the Lord's instruction (cf. Ephesians 6:4). You will be called into account for how you subjected yourself to him (cf. Ephesians 5:22, 24). It is easy to understand how the church is to submit to Christ; even though your husband is not perfect, God wills for you to likewise submit to him. Will God see that you helped or hindered your husband from taking on his responsibilities in the relationship? This is not to say that the wife is to have no input into the governance of the family and its decisions; foolish is the husband who never takes int o account the wisdom found in his wife. Yet, as with Christ and the church, so with the husband and the wife: the authority falls upon the one who has the responsibility, the head (Ephesians 5:22-33). Men, it is high time that we take on the authority and responsibility with which God has charged us. This is not a cloak for evil, to abuse and dictate at whim; it is a solemn and difficult obligation to maintain. We must think less of ourselves and our needs. We must focus on the needs of our wives and our children. We must make decisions that provide the best spiritual and physical benefits to them. We must be willing to follow Christ in our relationship, and to abide by His principles. We must lead by serving. We must exercise authority through sacrifice. If it must be that we receive verbal abuse, we must endure it. God is faithful, and if we bear our burden, we will obtain the reward (Matthew 10:22). Wives, it is within your power to encourage your husband and to submit to him. While it may not always be easy, strive to be a cheerful helpmeet to him, and not an undue burden (cf. Genesis 2:18). Do not take on the authority for him or against him. Be willing to let him make some mistakes and learn from them. Remember, as Peter says, that husbands are more easily won by behavior without a word (1 Peter 3:1). Be his blessing, not his burden. This instruction is not politically correct, yet may it be judged by God's standards, not man's. Let us live according to God's Word! Ethan R. Longhenry evangelist at norwalkchurch.org ---------------------------------------------------- The church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio Thank you for reading the electronic version of our bulletin, Good News for Norwalk. If you live in Norwalk or happen to be traveling in the Norwalk area, we would certainly love to have you visit one of our assemblies! Our location: 386 North Edgewood Drive (just off US 250 just north of Norwalk's city limits) Norwalk, Ohio 44857 Our assemblies: Sunday morning assembly: 10:30am Sunday evening assembly: 6:00pm Our Bible studies: Sunday morning Bible study: 9:30am Wednesday evening Bible study: 7:00pm ---------------------------------------------------- For More Information If you have any questions or comments about anything you have read here, or desire more information, please contact our evangelist, Ethan Longhenry, at evangelist at norwalkchurch.org. Good News for Norwalk is a publication of the church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio, for the promotion of God's truth in our world. For more information about the church of Christ in Norwalk, please visit our website at norwalkchurch.org. Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com Sun Nov 16 18:02:13 2008 From: richard at thetford.dot5hosting.com (Richard Thetford) Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:02:13 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] Walking in the Light (11/16/08) Message-ID: <20081117000452.F0F5DBC069@dumbledore.whizardries.com> Walking in the Light "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105) November 16, 2008 www.thetfordcountry.com --- INFORMATION: Walking in the Light is published each week by Richard Thetford. You are encouraged to visit the web site at www.thetfordcountry.com and then click on "Richard's Home Page" to view numerous sermons, articles, radio program scripts, class material and other information. If you know of someone who would like to subscribe to "Walking in the Light," please send their name and e-mail address to richard at thetfordcountry.com --- CONTENTS: "The Truth Shall Make You Free" (Richard Thetford) "Does Your Child See the Lord in You?" (David Posey) SENTENCE SERMONS --- THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE Richard Thetford Freedom stirs the heart of every individual. There is nothing like "being free." We strive daily to be free of physical, political, and moral problems. In addition we should strive to be free spiritually. Our spiritual and moral condition is the most important and therefore we should always strive to be better people, wanting forgiveness for evil things that we have done in the past. Jesus said: "...If you abide in My word you are My disciples indeed And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). How do we gain freedom from the truth of God's Word? It comes first of all by acknowledging that the Word of God is truth, accepting it FULLY, and then putting it to work in our lives. If we do not abide in the Word of the Lord, then we'll never be free of the anguish and guilt of sin. When we gain confidence in the Word of God, which only comes through study (2 Timothy 2:15), then we will be determined to STOP doing wrong and will continually strive to do only those things in which God will approve of. Knowing Right From Wrong Many today, even Christians, are still wrestling with sin. Why? Because they have not allowed God's Word to free them from that awful bondage of sin. John 17:17 says: "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth" We will never learn truly what is right or wrong until we first go and find the truth concerning how we are to live, and what is acceptable to God. This can only be done through study of the message that God has delivered unto us, the Bible! Truth can only be learned by God, not from human wisdom. God has told us what is good through His inspired Word, therefore, we do not need to learn this from the fruit of the world around us. Sanctified Through the Word of God We can only be sanctified through the Word of God. What does it mean to be sanctified? It means "to make holy; to make free from sin; purify; to set apart as holy; to make sacred; to be dedicated" (Webster's New World Dictionary). There is no way possible to be sanctified (set apart) for the Lord than through studying the Word of God. It can't come through osmosis or any other way. If you are feeling trapped in sin, if you are not experiencing the freedom of being in the Lord, then you NEED to read and study the Bible! We can only be sanctified through applying the Word of God in our lives. If we do not know what the Word says, then how can we be sanctified? The difference between being disciples and just calling ourselves disciples is in our obedience to the Words of Jesus that can only be learned from reading and study. We'll Know the Truth When we strive to live in the Word of the Lord then we will learn more and more about the truth of God's holy Word. Years after becoming a Christian, I continue to learn more about Jesus and how l am supposed to conduct my life in service to God. Notice what I said, I said how I'm supposed to conduct my life in service to God, not man! This is an important point. When we learn the truth then we must be determined to let the truth of Jesus live in us. We become a leader, not a follower. A newborn cannot immediately walk, but the baby is expected to walk when he gets older. A newborn Christian cannot possibly know all things in which he must do immediately after baptism. But if he continues in Jesus' Word, he will learn. Dedication to the Word of the Lord implies that we do what we know is right, and we continue to learn more and more about what is right. Freedom Comes ONLY In Abiding In The Truth We can only be free of sin when we are determined to walk in the truth of the Word. We'll be free from sin (John 8:36), free from our overburdened consciences (Hebrews 9:9), and free to walk as new creatures (Romans 6) in a new life that is not bound to the old dead ways! But you know what? The truth will only make us free if we admit it, accept it, and let it change our lives. Repentance is a change of heart that results in changed attitudes and actions. Repentance is not just being sorry for past wrongs, nor is it merely deciding to give up some vice. Unless we are determined to reach out and say "Lord, save me," we will drown in a turbulent sea. When we admit that we are wrong, that we need help, and search the scriptures and let God truly instruct our lives, then we can be sanctified, finding freedom in the truth of the Lord. The truth shall make you free. --- DOES YOUR CHILD SEE THE LORD IN YOU? David Posey What kind of father is it who brings his child up in the nurture and admonition of the world? If we are more interested in our boys batting average or our daughters grade point average, just who's training manual are we using? Paul told fathers to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). If I'm reading it right this means I must bring the authority, direction and priorities of the Lord into my interaction with my children. I must train them as the Lord would train them, warn them as He would warn them. The child should see the Lord in action when I'm training them. He should also see the example of the Lord at work in me. This is a priority thing, a time thing. We may say we are seeking the kingdom first (Matthew 6:33), but the clock betrays us. Ninety percent or more of our time is spent earning money and entertaining ourselves. Children get their sense of priorities from the priorities of their folks! --- SENTENCE SERMONS The intensity of our desire for the truth will determine our eternal destiny. Without money, a person is broke, but without love, he is broken. It is better to ask twice than to go the wrong way. Although examples are powerful, one receives faith by hearing the word of God. It is better to be an old maid (or bachelor) than to wish you were one. If you are not prepared to live, you are not prepared t die. We should "wait on the Lord" and "Be of good courage." To be truly great, one must be humble and kind and must serve others. Christians should not only be receptacles, but also channels. --- SERMON Learning From the Ephesians (with PowerPoint Charts) www.thetfordcountry.com --- 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 626-5558 www.sanjuanchurchofchrist.org MEETING TIMES Sunday Bible Study..........10:00 A.M. Worship......11:00 A.M. Wednesday Bible Study......6:30 P.M. Evangelist/Editor Richard Thetford Building: (970) 249-8116 Home: (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com --- RICHARD THETFORD 1491 Canyon Drive Ridgway, CO 81432 (970) 626-5558 E-Mail: richard at thetfordcountry.com Web Site: www.thetfordcountry.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081116/d6062103/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... 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Name: not available Type: image/gif Size: 7674 bytes Desc: not available Url : http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081116/d6062103/attachment-0005.gif From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 17 09:34:53 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:34:53 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) TRIALS PRODUCE PATIENCE Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Monday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my files: TRIALS PRODUCE PATIENCE The trials of life and the testing of our faith don't seem to be circumstances we would want to happen to us very often. Yet, the apostle James wrote: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance or perseverance). But let patien- ce have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete lacking nothing" (Jas. 1:2-4). One of the weapons of Satan is the discouragement that copmes when we go through trials and testing. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, faced many struggles during His live here on earth. He understands what we go through and how we feel when the burdens of life befall us. Jesus made this promise: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Another fiery dart used by the devil is the lack of wisdom (Jas. 1:5). Day to day choices involve processing why things are happening the way that they do. The ability to understand circumstances; learn from them, and then react with spiritual discernment requires wisdom (Heb. 5:14). James tells us to pray for wisdom from above! Satan also uses doubt and weakness of faith to cause instab- ility in our lives (Jas. 1:6-8). God wants us to believe that He can do what we ask of Him. He desires that we ask Him in faith with- out wavering. The Father in heaven is the Almighty God who is above all. He will provide for His children what they need. We are given the assurance from God: "I will never leave you nor for- sake you" (Heb. 13:5). Remember the Psalmist of old sang: "The Lord is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (Psa. 118:6; Heb. 13:6). So, count it joy, praise God, worship God and fellowship with brethren during the trials and testing that you face in life. Remember while you are struggling patiently, that God is perfect- ing and completing you so that discouragement, lack of wisdom, and doubting can not harm you. ----- Ron Drumm. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081117/ba0fd530/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Mon Nov 17 09:35:14 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:35:14 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) THE UNIQUE RELIGION OF CHRIST Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anc- ient files. Use to the glory of God. THE UNIQUE RELIGION OF CHRIST There are many religions in the wold, but Christianity is uni- que! It stands alone. Whereas our coins bear the inscription: "E Pluribus Unum," to signify "one among many," it is surely not true in regard to Christianity. It is a unigue religion. That word, "unique," allows only one of a kind. Uniqueness is a dom- inant -- factor -- in Christianity. It is best set forth by the apostle Paul: "There is one body, and one Spirit; even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:4-6). Each facet is unique. A recognition of the truths presented in the above passage would utterly destroy sectarianism and denominationalism in the world today. False teachers have sought to introduce the many, but God's Word has declared ONE. This is God's platform for religious unity. It Is Uniquie: -- "There Is One Body." -- God's inspired Word de- clares there is ONE body. It also clearly defines that one body. Paul asserts that God raised Jesus Christ from the dead, "And gave Him to be the Head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22,23). Thus, the body is the church, and Christ is the Head of it. "He is Head of the body, the church" (Col. 1:18). There is ONE body and ONE Head. If there were several bodies, there would have to be several heads over them! But Christ is God's "only begott- en Son" (Jno. 3:16), and God gave Him to be Head over His church. Paul wrote of the afflictions he endured, "For His body's sake, which is the church" (Col. 1:24). The Lord adds the saved to that one spiritual body, His church (Acts 2:41,47), when He saves them. He never added a member to any body other than that "one body" over which He is the Head. "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews of Gen- tiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit...Now ye are the body of Christ, and memb- ers in particular...So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and severally members one of another" (1 Cor. 12:12,13,27; Rom. 12:5). One body -- one church! False teachers point to hundreds of churches and implore men to "join the church of your choice." But God never set forth that concept. Nor is Christ the Head of churches which false doctrines have established. Rather, He said, "Every plant, which My heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up" (Matt. 15:13). Thus Jesus gave warning against denominations, and He prayed diligently against every one of them (Jno. 17:20- 23). There is one church which He approves: "Christ also loved the church...and He is the Savior of the body" (Eph. 5:23,25). That church is unique; who will guarantee to save the other churches? It Is Unique: -- "There Is One Spirit": -- As there is but one body, so there is but ONE Spirit. That one Spirit gives life to the one body (2 Cor. 3:6). "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (1 Cor. 12:13). God promised that penitent believers would receive the Holy Spirit when they were baptized (Acts 2:38). As Paul wrote later, "Because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6). These same saints were then exhorted to be led by the Spirit (Gal. 5). The Holy Spirit was to be shared by all: "If any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His...The Spirit Himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of god" (Rom. 8:9,16). This "one Spirit," though shared by all the believers, gave infallible inspiration to the apostles to enable them to reveal God's Will to mankind (Heb. 2:2-4; 1 Pet. 1: 10-12; 1 Cor. 2:10-13). To offset the work of false teachers, it is shown that Spirit is singular! "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit .. but all these worketh that one and selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will" (1 Cor. 12:4,11). False teachers have many in number, and thus have repudiated the ONE Spirit which brought God's revelation to man. John had to warn again- st them: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 Jno. 4:1). God again warns, "The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1). Please notice that both "spirits" and "doctri- nes" are plural, whereas the Spirit of God is one -- unique. It Is Unique: -- "There Is One Hope": -- Paul speaks of the "Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope" (1 Tim. 1:1). And again to the saints he speaks of the "mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). God's people must always be "looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13). For we are "made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:7). Here is the great motivation given to all "who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil" (Heb. 6:18, 19). Ours is a "better hope...by which we draw nigh unto God" (Heb. 7:19). Gentiles were "without hope and without God in the world," so Jesus Christ died to reconcile them to God, giv- ing them hope (Eph. 2:12-16). Jesus is not just A hope, but THE hope of the world! Our hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ, for "in Christ" are "all spiritual blessings" (Eph. 1:3), including salvation (2 Tim. 2:10). There is no hope outside of Jesus Christ. Therefore, there is no hope outside of Jesus Christ. This means also that there is no hope outside of His body, the church, for Christ and His church are one (Eph. 5:22-32). The hope of Christ is unique. But who offers hope outside of Christ and His body? It Is Unique: -- "There Is One Lord": -- Even before Paul set forth that there is "one Lord," Peter had declared, "He is Lord of all" (Acts 10:36). Paul speaks of "our Lord Jesus Christ, which in His times He shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Tim. 6:14,15). Jesus Christ is ONE Lord over all who embrace the truth. And that will be recognized by saint and sinner at the judgment where "every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:11). Jesus taught this truth very pointed- ly, "Ye call Me Master and Lord, and ye say well; for so I am" (Jno. 13:13). As He is the one Lord, it is then necessary that all people render obedience to Him as Lord! The religious world has long accepted many lords, rather that accepting Jesus Christ as the ONE Lord. To all such He still asks, "Why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" (Lk. 6:26). Accepting Jesus Christ as the one Lord of life means far more than merely crying out to Him. "Not everyone tht saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the king- dom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). When Jesus is accepted as the one Lord, then religious leaders will not be followed into sectarian churches and denominational practices! It Is Unique: -- "There Is One Faith": -- The one faith is repeatedly referred to in the Scriptures. "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly con- tend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). The ONE faith was once for all time delivered to the saints, and God has never authorized another. "What is your faith?" is just as absurd as "Which Lord do you serve?" or "Which God do you worship?" Paul exhorts the saints to "con- tinue in the faith" (Acts 14:22), churches were "established in the faith" (Acts 16:5), and "Felix heard Paul concerning the faith" (Acts 24:24). The Holy Spirit warned, "Some shall depart from the faith" (1 Tim. 4:1). Different "faiths" have been promoted by religious teachers until the "one faith" is almost completely ignored! But, since "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17), it naturally will follow that only one faith is found where all of God's Word is accepted as authority and the source of faith, and all else is refused. It Is Unique: -- "There Is One Baptism": -- When Paul said there is one baptism, the baptism of John had long before served its purpose and passed away (Acts 19:1-7). The baptism of the Holy Spirit had been visited upon the apostles (Jews, Acts 2) and the house of Cornelius (Gentiles, Acts 10 & 11:15). Christ's baptism of suffering had been accomplished at Calvary. The baptism of fire (Matt. 3:11,12) was far in the future. The "one bap- tism" is that which Jesus Christ set forth in the commission: "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creat- ure. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mk. 16:15,16). This baptism was preached by Peter in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2:38-41), was presented to Saul (Acts 22:16), was baptism in water (Acts 8:36-39; 10:47,48) for the forgiveness of sins. The "one baptism" puts one "into Christ" (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6: 3; 1 Cor. 12:13). It is to save people from their sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21). God never authorized a saved person to be baptized, nor did He authorize any baptism into a denominat- ion. Thereis ONE baptism, authorized by God, binding on men today. That one baptism is the one you find being recorded re- peatedlyh in the book of Acts. It Is Unique: -- "There Is One God": -- Jesus Christ set forth this truth in bold relief in saying "The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord" (Mk. 12:29). So it should not arouse controversy to introduce Paul's words, "There is none other God but one" (1 Cor. 8:4). Again he wrote, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5). Paul's entire discourse on Mar's Hill was to convince the Athenians that there is only one God (Acts 17:22-31). One God sits above the whole of the univer- se He had made. But you say there is one God? Let's see what must follow such an admission! All men out of Christ's body are "without hope, and without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12). To become a child of God, it is necessary to "be baptized into Christ" (Gal. 3: 26,27). It is then that we can look to God as Father, being in His house (the church, 1 Tim. 3:15). Now notice particularly the line- age of one who is IN Christ: "But I would have you know, that the Head of every man is Christ...and the Head of Christ is God" (1 Cor. 11:3). One who has not come into Christ does not have Christ as the Head, and has no affiliation with God as his Father! And if this seems harsh, then listen to His Word: "Whosoever goeth onward, and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God, he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son" (2 Jno. 9ff ASV). If you accept this one God, you must abide in Christ's teaching. Yes, Christianity is UNIQUE. You must be willing to accept the one body (church), one hope one Spirit , one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God. Don't accuse me of being too strait- laced. That is God's decree! ------- Dillard Thurman in Gospel Minutes, 1972, republished in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 45, No. 16, April 19, 1996. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081117/b9443588/attachment-0001.html From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Mon Nov 17 19:26:47 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:26:47 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Joshua Message-ID: Joshua I. Introduction A. The book of Joshua 1. Known for its conflicts 2. War! B. A book of ideals and fulfillments 1. A generation faithful to God 2. Israel obtains its land 3. Aspects of God's promises meet their fulfillment C. There is much to learn from Joshua; let us consider it now II. Joshua: The Details A. Authorship 1. The author is unknown 2. Narrator shows consistency with Deuteronomy, Judges 3. Acts 7:45, Hebrews 4: authenticity of the events described validated 4. Author is inspired, whoever he may be B. Dating 1. Joshua brings Israel into Canaan ca. 1400 BCE 2. The book takes place over 30-40 years 3. The book is written probably just before the time of David (cf. Joshua 15:63) C. Audience 1. Original audience is Israel after the conquest of the land 2. We can derive understanding and lessons from it D. Purpose 1. To relate Israel's conquering of the land of Israel 2. To recount God's work for Israel 3. Points to Jesus Christ III. Joshua: The Story A. Main Sections 1. Crossing the Jordan and conquering Jericho and Ai (Joshua 1-8) 2. Southern and northern conflicts (Joshua 9-11) 3. The Land and Allotments (Joshua 12-19) 4. Joshua's Final Preparations and Exhortations (Joshua 20-24) B. Preparations to Cross the Jordan (Joshua 1-3) 1. God speaks with Joshua, encourages him (Joshua 1:1-9) 2. Joshua readies the people, especially the men of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (Joshua 1:10-15) 3. They respond eagerly (Joshua 1:16-18) 4. Joshua sends spies to Jericho; they come to Rahab's inn (Joshua 2:1) 5. Rahab hides the spies, covers for them (Joshua 2:2-7) 6. Rahab indicates her recognition that God is with Israel, pleads for mercy (Joshua 2:8-13) 7. Rahab and spies make agreement, its stipulations; spies led out another way, return to Joshua (Joshua 2:14-24) 8. Final preparations and instructions made; follow the Ark (Joshua 3:1-6) 9. Declaration of the event to take place: God will part the Jordan as He parted the Red Sea (Joshua 3:7-13) 10. When priests carrying Ark in the riverbank, waters recede (Joshua 3:14-17) C. Israel in Canaan (Joshua 4-5) 1. 12 stones gathered, set in the Jordan as a memorial of Israel's crossing; men of war of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh cross over; priests come forth, waters return to their banks; instruction for children (Joshua 4) 2. Men of Israel circumcised (Joshua 5:1-9) 3. Passover observed; manna ceases (Joshua 5:10-12) 4. Joshua sees commander of the LORD's host (Joshua 5:13-15) D. Jericho (Joshua 6) 1. Jericho shut up; God instructs Joshua about marching around it (Joshua 6:1-5) 2. Marching around for six days (Joshua 6:6-14) 3. The seventh day: seven times around the city; horns blow, walls fall down (Joshua 6:15-20) 4. Jericho as firstfruits for God, placed under the ban: all things devoted for destruction, save Rahab's family, metal objects (Joshua 6:21-25) 5. Joshua curses the one who would rebuild Jericho (Joshua 6:26-27) E. Achan and Ai (Joshua 7-8) 1. Anger of God because of Achan (Joshua 7:1) 2. Spies sent to Ai; small army sent, beaten back (Joshua 7:2-5) 3. Joshua and elders mourn; God indicates that one has taken of the devoted things (Joshua 7:6-12) 4. Israel presented before God; lot eventually falls before Achan (Joshua 7:13-18) 5. Achan's confession (Joshua 7:19-23) 6. Achan, family, and property stoned, burned; thus the Valley of Achor (Joshua 7:24-26) 7. God will now give Ai into Israel's hand; ambush to be developed (Joshua 8:1-2) 8. Joshua sends out the ambush squad (Joshua 8:3-9) 9. Joshua takes army out, flees before Ai; all of the men of Ai pursue (Joshua 8:10-17) 10. Signal given; city taken; men of Ai see it, flee; 12000 of Ai die (Joshua 8:18-25) 11. Everything taken; city made a heap of ruins (Joshua 8:26-29) 12. Joshua builds altar on Ebal, reads blessings and cursings on Gerizim and Ebal as Moses directed (Joshua 8:30-35) F. Gibeon's Treachery (Joshua 9) 1. Preparations for war against Israel (Joshua 9:1-2) 2. Gibeonites devise treachery; pretend as if they are distant travelers, seek to make covenant with Israel (Joshua 9:3-13) 3. Israel does not consult God (Joshua 9:14) 4. Covenant made; treachery discovered; Israel feels compelled to honor covenant; Gibeonites as servants (Joshua 9:15-27) G. The Southern War (Joshua 10) 1. King of Jerusalem disturbed at recent events, makes coalition, wages war with Gibeon (Joshua 10:1-5) 2. Gibeonites appeal to Joshua; march made in one evening; coalition put to rout (Joshua 10:6-10) 3. God fought for Israel with hail; Joshua prays for the sun to remain in its place; wish granted (Joshua 10:11-15) 4. Five kings hide in Makkedah; Joshua brings them out, executes them (Joshua 10:16-27) 5. Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, Eglon, Hebron, Debir attacked, conquered; Joshua and Israel in control of the southern part of Canaan (Joshua 10:28-43) H. The Northern War (Joshua 11) 1. King of Hazor develops coalition to fight Israel (Joshua 11:1-5) 2. God delivers them into Joshua's hand; Hazor burned, other cities captured but not destroyed (Joshua 11:6-15) 3. Land conquered; Joshua did what he was charged to do; end of Anakim; rest for the land (Joshua 11:16-23) I. Recounting of kings killed by Moses and Joshua (Joshua 12) J. Land to Take, Previous Grants (Joshua 13) 1. Land left to be captured; charge to allot land to tribes (Joshua 13:1-7) 2. Transjordan land allotted (Joshua 13:8-13) 3. No land to Levites (Joshua 13:14, 33) 4. Reuben's allotment (Joshua 13:15-23) 5. Gad's allotment (Joshua 13:24-28) 6. Half of Manasseh's allotment (Joshua 13:29-32) L. Allotments (Joshua 14-19) 1. Inheritances to be given out by lot (Joshua 14:1-5) 2. Caleb receives Hebron as special inheritance from Moses' promise (Joshua 14:6-15) 3. Judah's allotment (Joshua 15:1-12) 4. Caleb attacks, conquers Hebron (Joshua 15:13-15) 5. Attack on Debir; Othniel takes Debir and thus Achsah, Caleb's daughter, as wife; gift of springs (Joshua 15:16-19) 6. Cities of Judah (Joshua 15:20-63) 7. 2 tribes of Joseph's allotments (Joshua 16) 8. Manasseh's allotment; lack of contentment with it (Joshua 17) 9. Seven portions of rest of land cut out, rest of tribes to get portion each by lot (Joshua 18:1-10) 10. Benjamin's allotment and cities (Joshua 18:11-28) 11. Simeon's cities and allotment (Joshua 19:1-9) 12. Zebulun's allotment and cities (Joshua 19:10-16) 13. Issachar's allotment and cities (Joshua 19:17-23) 14. Asher's allotment and cities (Joshua 19:24-31) 15. Naphtali's allotment and cities (Joshua 19:32-39) 16. Dan's original allotment and cities; later conquering of Dan (Joshua 19:40-47) 17. Joshua given his allotment (Joshua 19:48-51) M. Cities of refuge explained, appointed (Joshua 20) N. Cities and pasturelands given to Levites throughout Israel (Joshua 21) O. The Altar of Witness (Joshua 22) 1. Joshua blesses the men of Reuben, Gad, Manasseh; they return home (Joshua 22:1-9) 2. They build a large altar; all Israel gathered for war; Phinehas and delegation sent to three tribes to ascertain situation (Joshua 22:10-20) 3. Tribes explain their purpose- not to offer sacrifices, but as a witness of their share in the LORD (Joshua 22:21-29) 4. Phinehas, others satisfied; war averted (Joshua 22:30-34) P. Joshua summons Israel, presents message of encouragement; warning to observe God's statutes (Joshua 23) Q. Joshua's Final Speech (Joshua 24) 1. History lesson: God's design from Nahor to their own day (Joshua 24:1-13) 2. Declaration of need to decide whom Israel will serve (Joshua 24:14-15) 3. Israel chooses the LORD (Joshua 24:16-18) 4. Joshua brings witness against the people that they have chosen the LORD (Joshua 24:19-24) 5. Covenant with God renewed; Joshua again writes the Law of God; Israel sent to their tribal holdings (Joshua 24:25-28) 6. Joshua's death at 110; his burial; faithfulness of his generation (Joshua 24:29-31) 7. Interment of Joseph's remains (Joshua 24:32) 8. Eleazar the High Priest dies; Phinehas takes his place (Joshua 24:33) IV. Joshua: Important Passages A. Joshua 2:9-11 1. God successful in His purposes: the nations know what He does for Israel and they fear 2. Rahab's belief in God 3. cf. Matthew 1:5 B. Achan (Joshua 7) 1. A good warning about trifling with that which belongs to God 2. Consider how much was lost for his sin! C. Joshua 9:14 1. Rash decisions by Israel lead to difficulty 2. Demonstration of value of consulting God! D. Joshua 22: need to communicate before acting! E. Joshua 24:15 V. Conclusion A. Joshua: faithfulness to God 1. People conquer the land 2. Their hearts inclined toward God 3. The best Israel would get B. Seeds of problems sown 1. Acceptance of some Canaanites in the land 2. Not all the land conquered C. As Joshua led Israel to conquest, so Jesus will lead us to victory! D. Let us be faithful to God and have the victory in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:55-58)! E. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry / disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio [norwalkchurch.org] Homepage: deusvitae.com AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ: 28317056 Y! IM: discipuliiesus Sign up for Good News for Norwalk! goodnewsfornorwalk-subscribe at norwalkchurch.org From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 18 05:43:50 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:43:50 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) GOD'S PICTURE OF THE CHURCH Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anci- ent files. Use to the glory of God. GOD'S PICTURE OF THE CHURCH The Church In The Book Of Ephesians: Chapter One: The Body of Christ. Chapter Two: Place Of Reconcilliation. Chapter Three: In God's Eternal Purpose. Chapter Four: There Is One Church. Chapter Five: The Bride Of Christ. Chapter Six: The Army Of The Lord. The book of Romans has "justification by faith" as its theme. The theme of Hebrews is "the superiority of the New Testament over the Old Testament." Galatians shows "Christ is the fulfillme- nt of the law." But if we read to choose a theme for the book of Ephesians it would have to be "the church." More than any other book, in the Bible, Ephesians reveals the church which Jesus built and for which He died on the cross. Chapter by chapter, great truths about that church are revealed. Chapter One: The Church Is The Body Of Christ: -- The last two verses of Eph. 1 reveals this truth, when the apostle states that God "hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him (Christ) to be Head over all things to the church, which is HIs body, the ful- ness of Him that filleth all in all." The same apostle writes of Jesus Christ, "He is the Head of the body, the church, Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18). What is the relation- ship of Christ and the church? It is His body! That He is the Head of the body emphasizes His authority, and the submission of those who come to Him: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the church: and He is the Sav- ior of the body" (Eph. 5:23). Before His departure from the apost- les, He told them, "All authority hath been given unto Me, both in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28:18). His is the rule, the power, the Headship. The apostle Paul writes at length, in 1 Cor. 12, of the church as the body of Christ: "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body...The body is not one member, but many...The memb- ers whould have the same care one for another...Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (1 Cor. 12:13,14,25,27 In the same letter, he asked, "Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?" (1 Cor. 6:15). To be a member of the body (church) is to be a member of Christ. But that also means that members sustain a special relationship to each other: "So we, being many, are one body in Christ and every one members one of another" (Rom. 12:5). Chapter Two: Reconciled To God In The Church: -- Because of sin, we become separated from God. This was true with Adam and Eve; God drove them from His presence when they sinned. We later read, "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear" (Isa. 59:1, 2). What was true with those sinners is also true with all: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). Being thus alienated from God, our great need is "reconcilat- ion," the process of being brought back into His favor and fellowship. The apostle describes the state of sinful Gentiles, "Ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12). But God "commend- eth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son; much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Rom. 5:8-10). In spite of our sins, God loved us and sent His Son to the cross that we might be "reconciled by the death of His Son." Paul writes of this in Eph. 2: "But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For He is our peace, who hath made both one... Taht He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross having slain the enmity thereby" (vss. 13-16). Christ died that we all might be reconciled to God "in one body" which is the church (Eph. 1:22,23). The cross is the means of our reconciliat- ion; the chruch is the place of our reconciliation, where we have fellowship with God. Chapter Three: The Church In God's Eternal Purpose: -- When man sinned, a plan for his salvation began to be revealed: "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; He shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt burise His heel" (Gen. 3:15). That this was a promise of Christ is evid- ent from Gal. 4:4, and many other passages. Again, the apostle writes of this: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him (Christ) before the foundation of the world...In Whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Eph. 1:3-7). God's plan for our salvation, in Christ, was from "before the foundation of the world." Jesus made promise, "I will build My church" (Matt. 16:18). Paul declared that the church was "purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). In a time when so many religious people see little value in the church, we need to see God's value of it! God purposed our salvation "before the foundation of the world" and He purposed that salvation was to be in the church! Note: "The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved...Christ is the Head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body" (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23). Thus, when God purposed and planned our salvation, He purposed and planned the church. Note, "To the intent tht now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:10,11). God purposed to send Christ, He purposed our salvation in Christ, He purposed the church to be composed of those who are saved in Christ. Chapter Four: Jesus Christ Has Only One Church: -- The fourth chapter begins with the theme of unity: "Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (vs. 3). And then, "For there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all" (vss. 4-6). Nearly all will agree tht there is "one God" and "one Lord." But many contend there are "many bodies," "many faiths" and "at least two baptisms" (water and Holy Spirit). But, friend, "one" means "one," whether speaking of "God" or "body." The Lord has already pointed out the church is the body (Eph. 1:22,23; Col. 1:18 etc.). Now, "There is one body." That is not difficult to understand. For to many it is difficult to believe! But it is not easily misunderstood. There is "one body" which is the church! It makes as much sense to preach "the God of your choice" as it does to preach "the church of your choice." The one Lord, Jesus, built only one church (Matt. 16: 18); He purchased only one church with His blood (Acts 20:28); He is Head of only one church (Col. 1:18). Before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for all believers: "That they may all be one, as Thou Father, art in Me, and I in Thee: that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me" (Jno. 17:21). Religious division makes a mockery of that prayer. When division occurred, it was condem- ned: "I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divi- sions among you...Is Christ divided?" (1 Cor. 1:10-13). The Lord died that we might be reconciled to God "in one body by the cross" (Eph. 2:16). To promote (or even condone) denominat- ionalism, it to deny the very purpose for which Christ died! Chapter Five: The Church Is The Bride Of Christ: -- To show that we are no longer under Old Testament law, God states, "Ye are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to Him who is reaised from the dead" (Rom. 7:4). Married to Christ! But every person who is saved by Him is married to Him. As part of God's exhortation to godly living, Paul wrote, "I am jealous over you with godly jealousy; for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (2 Cor. 11:2). The relat- ionship of Christ and His church is explained in Eph. 5: "The husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the Head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body...Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it...For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh Thsi is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (vss. 23-25, 31,32). To be in the church is to be married to Christ, and He has only the one bride! The importance of the bride of Christ is shown by the Lord: "Christ is the Head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body" (Eph. 5:23). Because Christ is the Savior (the only Savior, Acts 4:12), the church is "the saved." Thus, "The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). When the Lord saves people, He adds them to His bride: the church which He saves. And note Eph. 5:26,27, "That He might sanctify and cleanse it (church) with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church." The bride of Christ is sanctified, set apart for a holy purpose to Him. Chapter Six: The Church Is The Army Of The Lord: -- The young preacher was exhorted, "Fight the good fight of faith...Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 2:3). The battle song of Eph. 6 is, "Onward, Christian Soldiers." We are told, "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might" (vs. 10). And only when we rely on Him can we truly be strong. Our battle is plainly defined for us: "Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand agains the wiles of the devil For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principal-ities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:11-13). Our battle is never against people, but against the devil and his influence. If we oppose the actions of people, it must be only because we love the people themselves -- as God does -- and seek to save them. This battle cannot be fought with guns or bombs. It is a spiritual battle, ideas are the means of victory and God's Word has to be our only source for those ideas. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4,5). As "good soldiers of Jesus Christ" (2 tim. 2:3), we must always be using "the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Eph. 6:17). The church for which Jesus died deserves your study, your consideration, your devotion, your loyalty, your life. Why not become a member of it, today? ---- Clem Thurman in Gospel Minutes, Vol. 30, No. 26, June 26, 1981. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081118/9916cacd/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Tue Nov 18 05:43:33 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:43:33 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Tuesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an artic- le from my ancient files: WHY I AM A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST People have offered a variety of reasons for their religious connections. I am here presenting my reasons for being a mem- ber of the church of Christ; but, first, some negative thoughts: 1) Not because of wealth. The Roman Catholic Church is probably the wealthiest (in material worth) religious organization in the world. The Mormon Church ranks high in wealth among American churches. If I were interested in the material value of a religious body, I would not be a member of the church of Christ. 2) Not because of popularity. The Southern Baptist Denom- ination boasts of the largest membership of any Protestant body in the United States. If I wanted to be lined up with something big and popular, I would not be a member of the church of Christ 3) Not because of social prestige. Most of the people in the church of Christ are just plain, ordinary folks socially. 4) Not because of convenience. At times it would be much more convenient to belong to some denominational organizat- ion. One could remain in good standing with little effort, and could be considerably more lax in his living without anyone atte- mpting to correct him. 5) Not because of family connection. No one ever tried to get me into the church of Christ in order to maintain a family trad- ition. If he had done so, and I suppose such things may some- times occur, he would have been using the wrong motive. The Best Reason I Can Offer: -- The reason why I am a member of the church of Christ is quite simple. I heard the gospel of Christ, I believed it, and was baptized for the remission of my sins. The people who taught me the gospel were content to stop where the gospel stops. They did not ask me to affiliate with any denomination. I have never done so. Hence, I became a Christian and a Christian only, was added by the Lord to His church (Acts 2:47) and have since worked and worshipped with the people who did the same. You might say that I am a member of the church of Christ for the same reason that I am a Christian; obedience to the gospel of Christ never makes one anything else. The same Lord who saves people (making them Christians) adds them to His church (the church He built). If the Lord added to the Methodist Church such as shoud be saved, I would be a Methodist. If he added to the Lutheran Chur- ch such as should be saved, I would be a Lutheran. If He added to the Presbyterian Church such as should be saved, I would be a Presbyterian. But since He adds to His own church, that is where He put me and that is where I am to stay. --- Irvin Himmel in The Voice Of West End, Vol. 5, No. 23, Feb. 16, 1964. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081118/fe5e0735/attachment.html From thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Tue Nov 18 08:43:28 2008 From: thornhill1 at frontiernet.net (thomas thornhill) Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:43:28 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] the buckhorn teacher 11-16-08 Message-ID: <5D2E4D734A694AFCA4734E1295DD0408@your4dacd0ea75> THE BUCKHORN TEACHER "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." 2.Tim.4:2 Buckhorn church of Christ - Thomas Thornhill - editor. 13675 Hwy 341, Randolph MS 38864-9117. Tel. 662-568-2960. Cell 662-419-5378. E-mail thornhill1 at frontiernet.net Vol.7 November 16, 2008 No.13 The following article was written by a fellow gospel preacher a day or so after this year's presidential election. The words he has written are very timely and are surely worthy of a wide circulation. Please read the article carefully and prayerfully. - t.t. - Welcome, Mr. President (Kent Heaton) Election Day has passed and the nation has elected a new president. Every four years our country is subjected to the grueling process of selecting a candidate to fill the job of President. He now takes the reign of leadership for this country. A great deal of people will be disappointed in the selection; more will be pleased. Save the coming of the Lord the sun will rise upon a new day and life will go on. Life is funny that way. When the year 2000 herald the coming of a new millennium people thought the world was going to come to an end. During this political year many believed that with the election of the president the country would disintegrate into a whirlpool of chaos. Life goes on. After the flood the Lord proclaimed, "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22). The circle of life goes on regardless of the political, economic or social upheavals of our time. This election will change the country as much as any election. At the days end man still has the same needs. The view one has of the President, his view of himself and his view of God will determine what life will be like. Peter commanded through the Holy Spirit to "fear God and honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). Rome did not have elections like we do so the king under consideration (probably Nero) was not the most wholesome person to have in power. However because governmental authority is established by God (Romans 13) then we have an obligation to be subject to the king; or President as in our case. The wise man wrote, "Fear the Lord and the king" (Proverbs 24:21). Peter wrote in the context the manner of life of the Christian should be a model for others to follow. "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God" (1 Peter 2:11-16). Whether we like the one elected President or not we are to be subject to them. People of God do not revile and bring accusation against those in authority (2 Peter 2:10,11; Romans 13:1-7). "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor" (Romans 13:7). Jesus taught the same lesson in Matthew 22:21. The election of a President does not change our obligation to serve the true and living God. Peter proclaimed this truth in Acts 5:29 - "We ought to obey God rather than men." We are to offer up "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:1-3). This is what is important in life. Welcome, Mr. President. All our prayers are with you. God bless America. - Kent Heaton, 207 N E Fourth Ave, Trenton FL 32693 - www.trentonchurchofchrist.com If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. (Ronald Reagan) ___________________ SERVING CAESAR AND GOD Christians are citizens of two different countries. One is earthly, and the other is heavenly Rom.13:1-7; Phil.3:20-21, and Christians need to recognize that God has assigned them responsibilities in both realms. Most of the time a Christian can fulfill his responsibilities to each without conflict. But there are times when submission to the earthly becomes distasteful because it benefits the wicked at the expense of the Christian. The Christian is then placed in a dilemma, knowing that obedience to earthly authorities will not make it easy to serve God. What should a Christian do in such circumstances? I believe Jesus gives us the answer in Matt.22:15-22. The Jews bitterly detested the fact they are under the domination of Rome and had to submit to their rule. They didn't like it, but felt powerless to resist. So, they posed a question to Jesus whom they despised even more than Rome. "Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" v.17. They felt that either way Jesus answered it He would be in trouble. He will either seem to be an insurrectionist against Rome or will be seen by the oppressed Jews to be a Roman sympathizer. Jesus took a coin with Caesar's inscription and pointed out to the people that while they were subject to Rome they were also subject to God. So, they were to render the taxes that were due Rome regardless of how they used the money. Paul, later in Rom.13:1-7, teaches Christians (then and now) they must respect and be obedient to whatever government they are under, and pay taxes even if it is used to persecute them. In fact he later tells Timothy (and us also) to pray for those in position of leadership regardless of who they are, or how they act 1.Tim.2:1-2. Even if we don't agree with how the government acts we show our respect for God by being good citizens in our earthly country. We conduct ourselves as Christians on earth so we can show ourselves to also be good citizens of the heavenly kingdom. Remember, we are Christians whether the people around us are or not. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081118/2bfbf252/attachment-0001.html From dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Tue Nov 18 09:15:07 2008 From: dmartinbtbq at comcast.net (Don Martin) Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:15:07 -0700 Subject: [Biblemat] "Marriage, Divorcement, Who Defines?" Message-ID: <014a01c94990$71584ba0$6401a8c0@533034B8A6DF4D9> "Marriage, Divorcement, Who Defines?" By Don Martin It is interesting, albeit sad, to watch all the efforts to refuse any responsibility when it comes to defining the act of marriage and divorcement, both from the civil and "church" considerations. For years now, some brethren have virtually said that marriage and divorcement are not capable of being defined, they are nebulous acts. About nine years ago I debated a well known preacher in the non-institutional churches of Christ who maintained that he and the elders where he preached had no business talking to a couple who placed membership with them who were "...living together outside the confines of civil law." When I pressed him, he tried to appeal to the civil common law statue, but I pointed out that in his state the required time period for living together without a marriage license that would constitute a common law marriage had not been satisfied. He then blatantly defended shacking up and, once again, emphatically affirmed that this couple had to be fellowshipped without any question as to their shacking up arrangement. I have seen the shacking up movement, even among brethren, spread since then. The shocking thing is that some preachers in the church are the defenders of shacking up and are telling brethren that it must be a "hands off" situation. Others, often the same, are telling us that divorcement is just as elusive when it comes to definition and time establishment as marriage. "When a couple has an argument," they explain, "and one tells the other in the heat of the moment, 'I am out of here,' the marriage has ended and the divorcement has occurred." I was working with a female member of the church in another location a few years ago who established that her husband was guilty of fornication and she wanted to divorce him (Matt. 5: 32, 19: 9). I instructed her to do all possible, have acceptable proof of his infidelity, which she did, make her intentions fully known to him and the elders where she was a member, involving them in the matter, and then do all to comply and work with applicable civil procedure. All seemed to be going well until about two months later she mentioned to me that dating was helping her go through all of the process. I, at first, thought I had misunderstood her and asked her to repeat what she just said. "I stated dating other men about a month ago," she expanded on her statement. I again asked about the required waiting time for divorcement in her state and she repeated to me that it was six months. She explained, "You are not the only preacher with whom I have been consulting, a number of well known preachers in the church have told me to go ahead and date, because when I ordered him out of the house, the divorcement was begun and completed and I am free to date." I understand that there are several components involved in both marriage and the converse, divorcement. For instance, there is mental resolve, declaration of intent, and then the implementation of the intent and declaration that involves others and germane civil protocol. Anytime we try to select just one of these components to the exclusion of the others, we are wrong (there are many articles in www.bibletruths.net that deal in detail with these matters. Click on the Archives button on the home page and then click on the letters "M" and "D," respectively for marriage and divorcement). I find the current happenings involving various states that are undergoing battles over pressures to civilly recognize "gay marriage" pertinent. "There should be no implicit or explicit civil connection and involvement relative to the establishment of a marriage union, other than simply and only civil considerations involving the determination of material goods, children, etc.," we are being told by some politicians. A number of brethren have said that "the church" is in no way involved in deciding marriage status matters and now the civil has nothing to do with it; hence, marriage is a nebulous circumstance concerning which we know nothing as to its beginning, reality, or cessation. (See the addendum.) The simple truth of the matter is God has always had some criteria in place for the recognizing of both marriage and its counter-part, divorcement. Regarding both, there is intent and the declaration of this intent. Man is to leave mother and father and "cleave" to his wife (Gen. 2: 24ff.). One paramount difference between a shack up arrangement and marriage is intent. Instead of a state of fornication, two people come together to honor one another in the state of marriage, a declared state. They both want to fully establish their intent; hence, they willingly comply with all applicable state protocol and record keeping that records them as "Mr. and Mrs. ...." I recall a case of a couple coming to me and asking me, "Brother Martin, we plan on obtaining our marriage license next week in plenty of time for the marriage ceremony that you will perform for us, but we just cannot wait to engage in the conjugal act, would this be wrong?" I suppose the "well known preachers" among us who instructed the woman to "Go ahead and date" before she had completed her "civil protocol" would have said, "It is O.K., go ahead the license and ceremony are just none binding tradition, anyway." It is sad to me that so many are now refusing to even begin to be able to comment on what is marriage/divorce, when they begin, when they exist, and when marriage is terminated and divorcement is realized. Too many elders and preachers are looking the other way as new members are accepted who are either just shacking up, in unscriptural marriages, or do not know what is their status. I even continue to learn of more preachers who are in their second and even third marriages who themselves view marriage and/or divorcement as vague acts that cannot be defined. What does such suggest regarding their own marriage status? I knew of one church seeking to secure a preacher that had the requirement, "He must be divorced and remarried." I inquired why they had this prerequisite and they said, "We want a preacher who has himself experienced marriage and divorcement because we have a large number of members who have been married, divorced, and remarried." In view of the movement, both civil and in the church, I wonder how these elders, knew these members had been married, divorced, and remarried or how they could determine if their new preacher had actually been married, divorced, and remarried or was perhaps currently just shacking up with another? Addendum: I understand that there is legitimately both civil and spiritual aspects to marriage. In one debate that I heard, the political disputant who opposed states civilly recognizing "gay marriage" said: "If we grant homosexual couples civil marriage status, such will make the spiritual statement to our citizenry, especially our young people through-out the land that homosexuality is 'sanctioned.'" Some brethren, though, have attempted to isolate and render irrelevant the civil connection, both pertaining to marriage and divorcement. Herein lies much of the issue and trouble among brethren and churches. Perhaps we should have titled this article, "Marriage, Divorcement, Who Cares?" Cordially, Don Martin dmartinbtbq at comcast.net Check out our Web sites: http://www.bibletruths.net Ask and receive a Bible answer http://www.biblequestions.org Simply click on the URL to visit these sites. You may print out the material for teaching purposes, see the copyright provision on the home page of Bible Truths. From ZekeFlores1 at cs.com Tue Nov 18 14:28:10 2008 From: ZekeFlores1 at cs.com (ZekeFlores1 at cs.com) Date: Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:28:10 EST Subject: [Biblemat] W> Website Update Message-ID: We've added new lessons to our website: www.angletonchristians.com You can download outlines in rtf and pdf formats or audio files in wav format. There are some new audio sermons as well as an excellent one presented by Paul Krenek, one of our deacons, titled "Avoiding Responsibilities." Just look for the "NEW" in big red letters. Also, see our featured article this week by clicking on the "Featured Article" tab. As always, please let me know of any non-working links. Thanks, Zeke Flores Kiber Street church of Christ Angleton, TX www.angletonchristians.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081118/9b344017/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 19 05:00:50 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:00:50 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) THE LAST AND HIGHEST FUNCTION OF REASON Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Wednesday morning to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my ancient files: THE LAST AND HIGHEST FUNCTION OF REASON The last and perhaps I might say, the higest function of Reas- on in matters pertaining to Divine Revelation, is to cordially and fully acquiesce in the fitness, the wisdom, and the correctness of whatever God has clearly revealed. His authority is supreme. >From it, there is no appeal. And hence to refule to submit to it in any case, and under any circumstances, is most irrational and absurd. If Reason is not fully satisfied with the entire chain of eviden- ce, she may re-examine it. She may, if she pleases, again consid- er each of the questions. Whether the Bible is the Word of God: whether it is the pure and inspired Word of God: whether the Principles of interpretation are all founded in truth: and finally, she may examine and see with the most rigid and scrutinizing exactness, whether the Rules and Principles have all been corr- ectly and judiciously applied in the course of the exegesis. But all of these points having been found correct, and having been conceded, then indeed REASON HAS NO ALTERNATIVE LEFT BUT TO CORDIALLY AND FULLY ACQUIESCE IN THE TRUTH-FULNESS AND PARAMOUNT AUTHORITY OF EVERY ORACLE THAT BEARS THE SEAL AND STAMP OF GOD'S INSPIRATION. We have no right to reject it on the ground that we can not comprehend it: or that we can not reconcile it with our precon- ceived notions and opinions. No sane man so reasons in any other department of knowledge, science, and literature. On the contrary, we all receive as factsm in other branches of learning, many things that we do not and that we can not comprehend. We believe, for instance, that the sun holds the earth in its orbit, and regulates its motions: but does any living astronomer profe- ss to comprehend fully the philosophy of these phenomena? We believe that food received into the stomach is converted into all the various cells and tissues of the body; but does any physi-ologist, however learned, presume to understand fully and per- fectly these mysterious processes? We feel perfectly sure that the soul dwells within the body as its clay tabernacle: that it pre- serves it; moves it; gives tone, energy, beauty, and vitality to it: but has any metaphysician ever pretended to explain how it acc- omplishes all these results? These and ten thousand other phenomena equally mysterious are now received as facts by every man of ordinary intelligence: not because we fully under- stand them; but simply because no one can any longer reason- ably doubt the evidence of their reality. And just so it is with respect to many things contained in the Holy Bible. No philosopher can explain them: but even the child may, on the evidence submitted, believe and receive them as the real and veritable oracles of that Spirit which searches all things, yea even the deep counsels and purposes of Jehovah. ---------- R. Milligan in Reason and Revelation. Gleaned from The Voice of West End, Vol. 5, No. 23, Feb. 16, 1964. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081119/55a0f7eb/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Wed Nov 19 05:00:59 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:00:59 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my anci- ent files. Use to the glory of God. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? An instrument of music was introduced into the worship at Midway, Kentucky, about 1858. This innovation moved slowly among churches in the North and finally came to the South about 1900. Of course, the church support of the missionary society and other central collecting and disbursing organizat- ions came with the instrument. The intra-church organizations also came along about the same time, as well as church spon- sored entertainment and fraternization with the Protestant deno- minations who taught that one is saved at the point of faith before obedience. If a stranger had come to some little town in the early part of the century and had inquired as to the location of the meeting place of the church, some local man might have asked, "Which one?" The stranger migth then have asked, "What is the differ- enve?" He would have been told that one used intruments of music and the other did not. division usually came when the instrument was added. Actually, the social and the church supp-ort of man-made institutions also marked the difference, but these facts were not so conspicuous to the neighbors at first. Even the churches themselves gave almost nothing but lip ser- vice to the societies with an occasional small token gift of money. The greatest difference of all was not seen or generally real- ized. The real difference was in the attitude toward the Bible. Those who brought in the innovations would say that the Bible does not say that we should not have these things. To them the silence of the Scriptures meant liberty to add samples of human wisdom. Those who did not approve of the instrument and the societies pointed out that these things were without New Testa- ment authority. They were not commanded, implied, or taught by approved example. To them it was a sin to go beyond that which was written (2 Jno. 9; Rev. 22:18,19; 1 Pet. 4:11; 2 Pet. 1: 3). Those who approved the changes thought of themselves as progressives. They were bringing in the things that were similar to the practices of the neighboring religious bodies so they would not be so "narrow" (different). In their sight, those who opposed the innovations were non-progressives. Then, as al- ways, the church division was accompanied by bitterness. One group thought that the othrs were fanatics, hairsplitters, moss- backs, anti's, and non-progressives even though they were teaching and practicing what their fathers and grandfathers and the Bible taught. The "progressives" carried most of the members in this movement which was more popular with the religious organizat- ions about them. It was a move in their direction. The "progress- ives" wanted to be more acceptable to their neighbors. They were tired of the word "narrow" even though our Lord spoke of the way that leads to life as being narrow, (Matt. 7:13,14). Finer buildings were erected, kitchens were added, and plans were made to have more fun and "fellowship." There was less empha- sis on the fellowship often mentioned in the New Testament. That fellowship was with God and with fellow soldiers in earnest- ly contending for the faith. The battle with denominational errors in faith and practice gradually came to a halt where the instrument and other innovations came into favor. The progress of the "progressives" was not in winning the fight against error in the good warfare. (1 Tim. 1:18; 2 Tim. 4:7; Eph. 6:10-20). Emotionalism and sensationalism came with the "progress- ive" movement. The interest came to be in numbers, prominent members, good buildings, and social recognition in the commun- ity. These ideas and practices did not come to every member to the same degree. There was a package of things to be accept- ed, and some would offer resistance at times; but the machine was moving rapidly by the time the instrument was added. Big changes in attitude had already come or it would never have been added. Changes continued to such an extent that those who first added the instrument would be shocked by the "Discip- les" today if they could come back to life and walk in among their descendants in religion. It would be hard for them to belie-ve that they were more than distant cousins. Typical arguments for the instruments of music were: (1) David used them; (2) Othes use them; (3) We life them; (4) The Bible does not say that we cannot have them. These arguments are as strong as they could make; they are not indications of their desire to please God in the church that is according to His eternal purpose. They had recognized the church until they could speak of "our church, our money, and our business." Their diesire was the final and highest law. To speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where is is silent was too narrow for them. The only choice the "non-progressives" had was to go along with the innovations or get out and worship with the few kindred spirits they could find. they might meet in someone's living room, a store building, a courtroom, or a schoolhouse. In several years, they would reach a point where they could build a meeting house of their own on some little inexpensive lot. These "anti's" were almost always the members with less money and with less social prestige. there was a sense of respo- nsibility (offten too weak) that caused them to start one little church after another in communities all around the good build- ings where the "progressives" met and continued to become more and more progressive. By the late thirties, this growth of the more conservative people became rather amazing. In the more rapid growth of the forties many came to these conservative churches from the religious groups about them. Some of them were not fully converted, and teaching was inad- equate in many places. they were not grounded sufficiently in the basic teachings of the one body and the importance of doing all things acording to the pattern. the progressive, social gospel, and institutional spirit started among them. In the last thirty or so years, history has been repeating itself in a very vivid way. It is easy to see that attitude, arguments, bitterness, and the back-to-denominationalism movement are the same as they were a few decades earlier. ---- Irven Lee in The Graphic Evange- list, Vol. 21, No. 8, April 19, 1981. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081119/3e3d70c4/attachment-0001.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 20 05:10:42 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:10:42 EST Subject: [Biblemat] A) ON BEING NOBLE-MINDED Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. A very good Thursday morn- ing to each and everyone. May God bless you and yours. Here is an article from my ancient files: ON BEING NOBLE-MINDED It is affirmed of the Jews in Berea that they "were more noble minded than those in Thessalonica, in that tehy received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scripture daily, whether those things were so." (Acts 17:11). Admit it or not, the fact is that the proclamation of truth can be rendered ine- ffective by improper disposition of heart on the part of one's aud- itors to ward the Word preached. Since success in nay endeav- or is dependent to a great extent upon one's attitude toward that endeavor, it follows that there is nothing, either in man's quest for truth or his efforts to serve Jehovah, more important than the development and cultivation of proper attitudes toward God, His Word, and the preaching of the same. In the passage before us Luke speaks of a nobility of heart (literally, noble-minded). While the Jews in Thessalonica were void of such nobility, those in Berea were commended for enjoy- ing the possession of it. But of what did this nobility consist? The text provides the answer to our question. Freedom From Prejudice: -- The first characteristic of this noble- mindedness which is mentioned is freedom from prejudice! These men received that which was taught "with all readiness of mind." The New American Standard Version translates the pass- age: "Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessa- lonica, for they received the Word with great eagerness, examin- ing the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so." Each of us needs a readiness of mind to understand and an eag- erness of heart to receive the truth. This should be the disposit- ion of every individual -- but it isn't! Many, especially in religious matters, suffer from the dreaded disease of prejudice. Webster defines the term under consideration as "preconcei- ved judgment or opinion." Also, "an opinion...adverse to any- thing without grounds..." Derived as it is from the Latin words prae (before) and judicium (judgment), prejudice may be adequat- ely defined as being a judgment rendered either (1) before con- sideration of the facts or (2) in disregard to known facts. It is the lazy and/or dishonest man's method of reaching a conclusion. A factor in spiritual retardation, so long as it dwells within the hearts of men it will stand firmly as a mental barrier to learning, understanding, development, and unity. With hearts full of prej- udice it is no wonder that many hearers refuse to accept the truth which is revealed in the pages of God's Book as that truth as proclaimed by faithful preachers of today. Like the Thessalo- nians of old, they refuse to grant either time or consideration to anything with which they are not already in agreement. To exam- ine candidly another's arguments, to discuss calmly with others their differences or to make needed changes in their own hearts and lives they will not do. Though the power of God unto salvat- ion (Rom. 1:16), the gospel will not affect their salvation because their prejudice will not allow it to do so. Yes, noble-mindedness demands freedom from prejudice! Freedom From Gullibility: -- The second characteristic of this noble-mindedness is freedom from gullibility! A gullible man is one who is easily duped. He is the individual who accepts as truth that which is taught -- without personal investigation. Now, while the Bereans were not prejudiced (they listened with an open mind), neither were they willing to accept what was taught without personal investigation (they studied their Bibles). I must emphasize again that in order to possess nobility of heart man must be free from both prejudice and gullibility. While the prejud- iced man boasts of his "freedom from gullibility," the gullible one delights in his "open-mindedness." But it is ust as ignoble and soul-condemning (because of their consequences) to be gullible as it is to be prejudiced and vice versa. No teacher has the right to teach anything in religion by his own authority! If what is taught is not authorized by the Lord in the New Testament, it is not even an item in the religion of the Master and must be rejected. Never has God permitted man to devise his own religion (with God's approval). He doesn't today! And, I repeat, no instructor has the right to teach anything that is not authorized by God in His Word (Gal. 1:6-9; 2 Jno. 9-11). Furthermore, we must never attempt to hinder one's quest for truth, nor deny any man the right to question the truthfulness of any of our beliefs and practices. Beware the religious leader who fears and/or refuses to permit investigation of his doctrine! Make a personal investigation. Do not be gullible! Do not be duped into embracing error! The disastrous consequences of such are eternal. Be a Berean! ------ Roger M. Hendricks in The Graphic Evangelist, Vol. 21, No. 8, April 19, 1981. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081120/15c62c29/attachment.html From J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com Thu Nov 20 05:10:53 2008 From: J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com (J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com) Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008 06:10:53 EST Subject: [Biblemat] S) CHARACTER COUNTS (1) Message-ID: Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here. Here is a study from my ancie- nt files. Use to the glory of God. CHARACTER COUNTS (1) Intro: I. Definitions: Our character is what we are at the very root level of our being. A. It is not who we are thought to be. This is REPUTATION. B. It is not who we think we are. This is SELF-IMAGE. C. But it is is who we REALLY are at the foundation of our souls. D. Our character is made up of those beliefs and principles which are rooted so strongly within us that they govern every action we take. 1) This is why righteous character matters or counts. 2) Our character defines how we live before God and how we treat one another. 3) Things like faithfulness, honesty, purity, justice, peace, longsuffering, patience, kindness, joy and Godliness are vital to a godly character and a fruitful life. I. FAITHFULNESS IS AN ESSENTIAL TRAIT OF RICHTEOUS CHARACTER. A. Faithfulness means, "Adhering strictly to the person, cause or idea to which one is bound; dutifully and loyally. Worthy of trust or credence; consistently reliable." B. Faithfulness is a characteristic of God (1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Thes. 3:3; Heb. 13:5,6; 1 Pet. 1:15,16). C. Faithfulness is a characteristic of the Word of God (Psa. 119:86; 2 Tim. 3:16,17). 1. One problem we often face in life is that of not relying upon God's Word. When God speaks upon any sub- ject His Word is always right (Isa. 8:20; Jno. 17:17). D. Faithfulness is a characteristic of those who have been blessed by God (Psa. 31:23; Matt. 25:21-23; 1 Cor. 4:2; Rev. 2:10). 1. God expects His people to be dependable, reliable, and consistent in their service to Him. II. SOME APPLICATIONS OF FAITHFULNESS: A. God expects us to be faithful in the way we serve Him. 1. Sometimes we sing a song that asks, "Can He Depend On You?" (1 Cor. 15:58). B. God expects us to be faithful in the way we treat His Word. (1 Pet. 4:11). C. God expects us to be faithful in our service to one another (Col. 4:7). D. God expects us to be faithful to our marriage partners (1 Cor. 7:2,3; 6:18). (More will be posted on this subject tomorrow, the Lord willing, JWS). -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://www.biblematters.net/pipermail/biblemat/attachments/20081120/3bf927f1/attachment.html From tedwards at onemain.com Thu Nov 20 09:38:08 2008 From: tedwards at onemain.com (tedwards at onemain.com) Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:38:08 -0600 Subject: [Biblemat] B> Gospel Observer 11/16/08 Message-ID: <49253000.26538.53F7F8@localhost> ____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER ____________________________________________________ "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ November 16, 2008 ____________________________________________________ Contents: 1) The Value of Righteous Living (Johnie Paul Edwards) 2) What the Experts Say (Steve Klein) ____________________________________________________ -1- The Value of Righteous Living by Johnie Paul Edwards Solomon, to whom God gave wisdom, said, "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34). Solomon learned the value of righteous living. He came to recognize that only in God can a man find real significance and lasting satisfaction. This is the legacy that Solomon wished to leave behind to subsequent generations who earnestly search for life's highest good. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon's conclusion was, "Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 12:13). What Is Righteousness? The word "righteousness" is translated from dikaiosune and is defined as "the character or quality of being right or just; it was formerly spelled `rightwiseness,' which clearly expresses the meaning. Righteousness embraces the idea of the right knowledge in the mind, leading to the right action in life" (W. F. Vine). Hence, righteousness is doing right and refers to the state of one who is such as he ought to be before God and man. We can know what is right, know what we ought to be and do, only as God reveals in his inspired Word. Paul taught that God's plan for making a man righteous is revealed in the Gospel (Rom. 1:16-17). Peter taught that "in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:35). The Psalmist revealed that God's "commandments are righteousness" (Psa. 119:12). The Value of Righteous Living to Noah Noah was "a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God" (Gen. 6:9). Noah's righteous conduct, amidst wickedness (Gen. 6:5), caused him to find "grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Gen. 6:8). Noah's righteousness is demonstrated in the fact that he did "all that God commanded him" (Gen. 6:22). While every living substance was destroyed upon the face of the ground, righteous Noah and his family were saved (1 Pet. 3:20). The Value of Righteous Living to Abraham The Scripture says, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God" (Jas. 2:23). Abraham was justified by his works and by works his faith was made perfect (Jas. 2:21-22). Abraham's supreme test of righteousness came during his mature life in his willingness to offer up Isaac, his only son, whom he loved passionately and in whom all his expectations centered (Gen. 22:1-10; Heb. 11:17-18). Righteousness is seldom easy, but through Abraham's faith and righteousness he became the friend of God and the one through whom Jesus, the Savior, came (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:16). The Value of Righteous Living to the City of Sodom The value of righteous living can be seen when you consider that ten righteous souls would have delivered the ancient city of Sodom (Gen. 18:23-32). Since less than ten righteous people could be counted, two angels went to Sodom to visit and warn Lot of the impending destruction (Gen. 19:lff). "The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire . . . and he overthrew those cities" (Gen. 19:24-28). Sodom's wickedness and moral depravity even became proverbial (Rom. 9:29; Rev. 11:8). Righteous living would have spared the now "lost" city of Sodom! The Value of Righteous Living To Israel of Old Righteousness had the power to strengthen and exalt the nation of Israel. As long as Israel was righteous, no power could overthrow them, and other nations would say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people" (Deut. 4:6). God watched over Israel (Deut. 32:10) and assured those living righteously of his blessing (Deut. 11:26-28). Righteousness was the basis of God's dealing with other nations (Jer. 18:1-10). Where are the ancient nations? Where are the great empires of Assyria, Babylon and Persia? Their sin and unrighteousness worked their ruin! The Value of Righteous Living Today As demonstrated in the past, righteous living is still of great value. The value of righteousness today is seen in the fact that: 1. Righteousness gives us access to God. When we do right, or live according to the Gospel of Christ, God's eyes are over us; his ears are open to our prayers (1 Pet. 3:12; Prov. 15:9). 2. Righteousness bears good fruit (Prov. 11:30). Righteous living is not only profitable to you, but to others. You can win others to Christ through righteous living. Jesus taught that his disciples are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matt. 5:13-14). Further, the work of the righteous is peace (Isa. 32:17). No money on earth can buy true peace. True peace comes only to the righteous! 3. Righteousness will be crowned. Since Paul "kept the faith" there was laid up for him a "crown of righteousness" (2 Tim. 4:8). The righteous can "...look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Pet. 3:13). In the way of righteousness is life, and in the pathway thereof there is no death" (Prov. 12:28). Are you numbered among God's righteous? Righteous living, amidst wickedness, is the only thing that will mean anything eternally! You will either die the death of the righteous or the death of the wicked (Num. 23:10; Ezek. 33:11). The choice is yours. Please, for your sake and the sake of all future generations, do what the Bible says and be what it makes you, living righteously! -- Via Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 9, p. 10-11, May 6, 1993 ____________________________________________________ -2- What the Experts Say by Steve Klein In every area of life, the experts are sometimes mistaken. While it is admirable to respect the knowledge of those who have applied themselves to learning in a given field, it is unwise to trust everything they say completely. Whether the topic is medicine, technology, entertainment or academics, those who are supposed to be in the know often aren't. The following quotes illustrate the point: * "The radio craze will soon die out." -- Thomas Edison * "You ain't goin' nowhere, son. You ought to go back to drivin' a truck." -- Jim Denny, Manager of "Grand Ole Opry", to Elvis Presley, 1954 * "I'm sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don't know how to use the English language." -- Editor of the San Francisco Examiner, to Rudyard Kipling, 1889 * "I don't need bodyguards." -- Jimmy Hoffa * "If excessive smoking actually plays a role in the production of lung cancer, it seems to be a minor one." -- Dr. W. C. Heuper, National Cancer Institute, 1954 * "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." - Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943. The above examples of experts who were badly mistaken could be multiplied by the thousands. Most of us have learned to take the opinions of experts with a grain of salt. That same care and more should be applied in spiritual matters as well. Sometimes the self-proclaimed Bible experts just don't know what they are talking about. Paul described those who "desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm" (1 Timothy 1:7, ASV). We've often heard televangelists explaining things like the end times and the second coming of Christ while ignoring many plain passages on the subject. They confidently twist and misuse more difficult passages "to their own destruction" (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). Sometimes the experts don't want you to learn the truth. Their reason may be that if you learn it you will discover that they are wrong, and then you won't trust and follow them anymore. In Luke 11:52, Jesus warned the experts of the law with these words: "Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered." We can certainly learn from others who are more knowledgeable than ourselves. The writers of Bible commentaries and other respected Bible scholars may help us understand God's truth. But it is a mistake to keep our minds so open to the teaching of experts that our brains fall out. Jesus instructs us to "take heed how you hear" (Luke 8:18). We should learn to listen critically -- to think, question and study for ourselves. "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). -- Via The Bulletin of the Church of Christ at New Georgia, October 5, 2008 ____________________________________________________ CHURCH OF CHRIST 201 Rushing Road (at the Hampton Inn) Denham Springs, LA 70726 Sunday: 9:15 AM, 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (225) 667-4520 tedwards at onemain.com http://home.onemain.com/~tedwards/go DIRECTIONS: Take the Denham Springs exit (exit 10) off of I-12. At the end of the exit ramp, turn north. Go about a stone's throw to Rushing Road. (You'll see a Starbucks, Circle K, and two other gas stations; with each on each corner.) Turn left on Rushing Road, and go less then 0.3 of a mile. Hampton Inn will be on the right. We assemble in its meeting room, which is very close to the reception counter. ____________________________________________________ From disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com Thu Nov 20 15:29:45 2008 From: disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com (Ethan R. Longhenry) Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:29:45 -0500 Subject: [Biblemat] S:> Teaching Children Diligently Message-ID: Teaching Children Diligently I. Introduction A. Ephesians 6:4 1. The most solemn obligation of the Christian parent! 2. Recognition of great importance of raising a child in God's teaching and admonition B. How do we go about raising our children this way? 1. Many ways to approach the subject from the Bible 2. Much goes into raising a child! C. One way is to consider the example of Israel 1. Romans 15:4, 2 Timothy 3:15-17 2. We gain much from considering how God worked with His chosen people of old D. What can Israel teach us about teaching children diligently? II. The Command to Instruct A. To raise children in the Lord, one must teach them about the Lord and His ways B. Such is a charge God makes to Israel frequently 1. Deuteronomy 31:12-13 2. Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 11:18-21 3. Deuteronomy 4:9-10 4. Deuteronomy 32:46 C. There is no escaping it: God expected Israel to teach their children of God and His will! D. Israel was to assemble to hear God's law (Deuteronomy 31:12-13) 1. The Law was to be read so that Israel would hear it 2. Then Israel could teach the Law to their children 3. Remember: poor literacy-- most people would only learn of God and His law through someone reading the Law or telling stories of God 4. Thus, the importance of coming together to hear God's Word so that it can be believed and communicated to children is clear! 5. If you never assemble to hear God's word, how will you know it and teach it to your children (cf. Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42)? E. To Teach is to Know (Deuteronomy 4:9-10) 1. One of the great truths of teaching is that in teaching you better understand and master that which is being taught! 2. If Israel were to teach its children, they would have to know the Law themselves! 3. They would have to tell their children what they experienced and what God said, and therefore better understand it themselves 4. Does God not know or understand this about teaching? Of course not! 5. But how can you teach if you do not know? 6. This is why it is so important for you to know God's Word! F. Israel was to be constantly immersed in the Law (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 11:18-21) 1. It is not enough to hear the Law; it had to be remembered 2. How can the Law be remembered if it is never considered? 3. Thus God commanded Israel to constantly meditate on the Law, discuss it amongst themselves, and teach it to children! 4. To think about it would make it easier to do it, and to talk about it would serve to confirm it 5. Philippians 4:8 6. The more we think about God's Word and discuss God's Word, the better we will know it, and the better able we will be to teach our children! G. Parents to Teach Children (Deuteronomy 32:46) 1. God is clear in both covenants as to whom He wants to teach children: their parents! 2. Fathers are given the charge in Ephesians 6:4; throughout the Law, God speaks in terms of parents teaching their own children what God has said and done 3. Does this mean that there is no place for children's Bible classes and the like? Far from it! 4. But the primary source of instruction about God is to come from parents! 5. God set it up this way for a reason-- children trust their parents for knowledge! 6. The real meaning of Proverbs 22:6 a. Often taken as (and argued regarding) an absolute statement of truth b. Such is not Solomon's point! c. Solomon indicates that children are most malleable at a young age, and thus the values that their parents instill in them in their tender times will guide them throughout life d. Who in here today cannot say that their values were in part or in majority shaped by the values of their parents? e. Who cannot think of some nugget of instruction gained while very young? 7. Children look up to parents-- parents, this is why what you teach your children is so important! 8. Thus, you cannot expect the Bible class teachers to provide spiritual instruction that will be sufficient for your child-- even if they could, children are formed more by their parents than by anyone else! H. We can see from God's instruction to Israel how important it is for parents to train their children in God's Word! III. Opportunities to Teach A. Yet when will we have opportunities to teach? B. Time set aside for Bible study is good C. God also provides Israel with understanding regarding teaching opportunities! D. Exodus 12:25-27, Deuteronomy 6:20-25 1. Part of God's instructions regarding the Passover and the Law involved the teaching of children 2. The main role of the passages are to teach Israel what they should teach their children 3. Nevertheless, we gain other truths from these passages E. Giving Opportunity to Question-- Practicing the Faith 1. We see in the passages that the children will have an opportunity to ask questions about the Passover when they see their parents and others observing it 2. Children are naturally inquisitive! 3. When children want to know or learn of something, they will ask questions! 4. Again, does God somehow not know or recognize this about children? Of course not! 5. When Israel was observing the Passover, it was the classic "teachable moment" about God's act of deliverance of Israel! 6. Yet all of this presupposes that the parents are actually observing the Passover! 7. If they do not observe it, what opportunity will the children have to ask about it? 8. If it is unimportant to the parents, how will it be important to the children? 9. The parallel in our covenant is the Lord's Supper-- the memorial of God's great act of salvation for all mankind (John 3:16, Romans 5:4-11, 1 Corinthians 11:17ff) 10. There is wisdom in God's commemorations! 11. How will you get the opportunity to teach your children about Jesus' death if they never see you remember it in the Lord's Supper? 12. How will your children learn about what it takes to be a Christian if they do not see you practicing Christianity, living God's law? 13. Children learn more by example than by training-- more by what you do than what you say! 14. What are your children learning from you? F. Answering the Questions 1. It is fundamentally important that if and when these questions are asked, that you provide answers for them! 2. Is the answer unknowable? Explain that you don't know, but that God does know (Deuteronomy 29:29) 3. Is there an answer that can be known, but you do not know it? Explain that, and investigate the answer with your child from the Scriptures! 4. Do you know the answer? Then provide it-- but make sure that the child understands where you obtained the information-- the Scriptures! 5. If you refuse to answer the questions, and push the child aside, you may never have another opportunity, and you may harden them! 6. Questions are not challenges-- they are the best opportunities for showing what God would have your child to know! 7. He made them that way, and charged you with taking advantage of the opportunity! G. We are to take every opportunity to teach our children, and should not lead them to despair! IV. Conclusion: The Consequences of Failure A. What happens if we fail to teach our children the ways of God? B. It will be for them as it was with Israel! C. Judges 2:10-13 1. A generation arose in Israel who did not know God 2. How was that possible? 3. They knew that YHWH was the God of Israel, but were not taught to serve Him only 4. They learned from the customs of the nations around them, and followed after those influences! D. What are you really teaching your children? What else are they learning? 1. Let none be deceived: there is no such thing as "value-neutral" education 2. Through schools, television, magazines, the Internet, and especially peer groups, all children learn of the customs of the nations around them! 3. If there is little instruction and practice of Christianity, then why should there be surprise when children go out, forsake God, and serve the idols of America? 4. They will get their values somewhere! E. A sober warning for us! F. As parents, we must teach our children in word or deed the way of God 1. Instruction from God's Word 2. Practicing Christianity in our own lives 3. Demonstrating where our priorities lay G. If we fail, guess what happens? 1. If we provide no instruction, they will be just like everyone around them! 2. If we say one thing and do another, they will likely follow our deeds! 3. If we make poor priority decisions, they will make similar poor priority decisions! H. Therefore, we have a solemn charge as parents, grandparents, and fellow brethren! I. Let us teach our children diligently of God and His ways lest they turn aside and follow other gods! J. Invitation/songbook Ethan R. Longhenry/ disciple_of_iesus at